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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 6, 2000 .0 o o CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -APRIL 6, 2000 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lindahl on April 6, 2000, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners absent: Also present: Paul Anderson, Tom Anderson, Al Grabowski, Valerie Holthus, and Jim Lindahl. David O'Toole and Jeff Kieffer Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Zoning Administrator, Jeff Johnson Commissioners present: RESIDENTS FORUM . There were no residents who requested to address the commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES o Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Holthus, to approve the March 16, 2000 regular Park Commission meeting minutes as written. Motion carried on a 5 - ayes, 0 - nays, 2 - absent (Kieffer and O'Toole), and 0 - present vote. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Mr. Haas presented the park maintenance update and advised of activities currently underway as well as scheduled work. He then reviewed the Parks Department "Hit List" of activities anticipated for completion the week of April 3, 2000. Chairperson Lindahl mentioned that if the staffis not available, the City wi11lose to the on- going vandalism. Commissioner Holthus questioned if it would be possible to do some demographic studies on tot lots around the City. Commissioner Grabowski stated that with the turnover so high in neighborhoods, that it would be difficult to have an accurate study. Mr. Haas questioned the area by Kelsey Park, and what the intention the commission has in o mind for the land. Commissioner Grabowski requested a plan from Kevin be presented before the commission. o o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 6, 2000 Page 2 Mr. Haas mentioned that they have been working with the four wheeler problem that has recently been an issue. WOODLAND WOODS SKETCH PLAN Mr. Haas stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review the proposed sketch plan of Woodland Woods. He noted that when Chesterton Commons North was being developed, there was interest in having a tot lot park located somewhere in this area between Hanson Boulevard and the railroad track and south of 161 st Avenue. Byron Westlund, a representative from Woodland Development Company, presented a sketch plan of the development. He briefly explained the number oflots projected, lot size, in addition to explaining that preserving the wetlands in the area is of utmost concern. Commissioner Grabowski questioned ifthere has ever been any discussion to connect the Woodland Woods Development to the Chesterton Commons North. Mr. Westlund explained that it has been raised as an option to discuss. (J Mr. Haas mentioned that there has been interest to create a tot lot park located somewhere in the development. Commissioner Grabowski stated that there are a couple of options of a possible location for the tot lot. He pointed out several different areas. Mr. Haas asked the commission to recommend a site to the developer; therefore he can include the tot lot in his sketch plan. Mr. Haas stated that the City Council will need to determine when the property adjacent to Chesterton Commons North would be developed in the next five years. Mr. Haas pointed out a specific area on the map that is pretty open for development at this time. He also pointed out a lot adjacent to some wetlands, which could be ideal. Commissioner Tom Anderson recommended waiting until further discussion has taken place. Chairperson Lindahl stated that further discussion will be postponed until more information is available. BROOKE CROSSING SKETCH PLAN r--"'" J Mr. Haas stated that the Park and Recreation Commission was requested to review the proposed sketch plan of Brooke Crossing as being presented by Laurent Companies. o o o o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 6, 2000 Page 3 Tim Forebord, the developer, presented a brief overview of the sketch plan. He explained that they are recommending the development consist of a Homeowners Association, and a tot lot. Mr. Forebord stated that the Homeowners Association would own and therefore maintain the tot lot in addition to trails. Commissioner Grabowski questioned what part of the plan is considered a PUD. Mr. Forebord explained that the whole development will be designated as a PUD. Mr. Haas stated that the development would not be affected by any park dedication fees. Mr. Haas recommended that the trails be paved which will eliminate any future problems with any handicapped individuals. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the land would be considered an outlot. Mr. Haas explained that it could be an outlot, however the association would be the owner of that outlot. Mr. Forebord explained that the purpose of the Homeowners Association is not only to maintain the appearance, but also it will assist in controlling the ongoing four wheeling. Commissioner Grabowski questioned ifthere will be a limit to the amount of mowing the homeowners will be allowed to do in order to preserve the wetlands. Mr. Forebord explained that there will be signs posted designating the wetlands, which will help to preserve them. Chairperson Lindahl stated that the commission doesn't have any other issues since the size of lots are smaller, arid therefore would recommend approval. DISCUSS CELLULAR TOWERS IN CITY PARKS Mr. Johnson explained the City has a one-year moratorium on the construction of telecommunication towers. He reviewed Ordinance No. 113 and explained that the purpose of tonight's discussion is to decide whether or not they should be allowed in City parks, and if so what the specifics will be for criteria Commissioner Grabowski questioned if it is possible to know the specific areas where the towers would be necessary. Commissioner Holthus questioned what kind of money the park commission would receive if the towers were allowed. Mr. Johnson explained that it could range between $500 to $1000 per month. o () Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 6, 2000 o Page 4 Mr. Holthus questioned the park map handed out. She stated that a park doesn't exist at this point. Mr. Johnson explained that it is just a preliminary process, they would like more input from the task force. He stated that they are not sure that the parks are the best location for the towers. Commissioner Holthus stated that she didn't know if it was a great idea to put it among the actual parks, however mentioned that maybe there is land available that is not designated as a public park. She questioned if power lines would affect the telecommunication lines. Chairperson Lindahl stated that Mr. Johnson is requesting a commission member to attend the upcoming task force meetings to assist in discussing the issue further. Chairperson Lindahl questioned what the time frame is that staff is expecting. Mr. Johnson explained that there is no time frame set in stone at this time. Commissioner Paul Anderson stated that he would be willing to represent the park commission at the task force meetings. o Chairperson Lindahl stated that the commission is defmitely interested, however it will be necessary to examine the parks and sites available to see if it is a good solution. Commissioner Holthus questioned what the current Ordinance stated. Mr. Johnson explained that the current Ordinance stated that an individual could have one on personal property if they own 20 acres or more. APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES / ANDOVER JAYCESS Mr. Haas stated the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to approve the application for scheduled use of recreational facilities as requested by the Andover Jaycees. He presented the most current approved field schedule for use through the summer. Sushi Shermer, representing the Andover Jaycees, requested two fields to be used for the Major League Diamond Skills program held on April 29 and 30 of2000. She handed out a brochure explaining the rules and regulations of the competition. Commissioner Grabowski stated that he would support the activity and could see that there would be fields available. He stated that the activities will be on fields 7 and 8 at Sunshine Park Ballfields. o Ms. Shermer explained that it is not city limited, therefore anyone is welcome to participate. She stated that no metal spikes will be allowed on site. n v o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 6, 2000 C~) Page 5 Motion by Tom Anderson, seconded by Paul Anderson, to approve the application for scheduled use of recreational facilities as requested by the Andover Jaycees. Motion carried on as - ayes, 0 - nays, 2 - absent (Kieffer and O'Toole), and 0 - present vote. UPDATE OF SUNSHINE PARK MAINTENANCE, CONT. Mr. Haas stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to consider a contract for Sunshine Park maintenance. He presented the memorandum dated March 29, 2000, from Public Works Superintendent Stone indicating that C & H Distributing has agreed to the cleaning of the Sunshine Park building from April 15 to September 15,2000, for a cost of $90.00 per week. The memorandum also noted duties, which are to be met as part of this contract. DISCUSS SECURITY OF BUILDING/SUNSHINE PARK Mr. Haas explained that staff has discussed security issues for Sunshine Park with Public Works Superintendent Stone and has decided to place a sign on the door going upstairs that states "Authorized Personnel Only." Staff will also talk with the Community Service Officer about checking the upstairs occasionally to ensure that only the appropriate individuals are there. U Commissioner Grabowski questioned when the new cleaning crew would begin the contract. .-- '" Mr. Haas stated the contract begins on April 15, 2000. Chairperson Lindahl stated that other concerns are to realize the problems that exist, and in the end see to that the problems are solved. Mr. Haas stated that there are new keys for the facilities, which should eliminate any break in problems. UPDATE OF WDE REDEVELOPMENT Mr. Haas advised that Leonard-Parker, the architect, is revising the site plan for the property south of the WDE landfill.. Once completed, stafIwill forward that information to the Commission for their review. Commissioner Grabowski mentioned that since the fields are baseball fields, let's make sure those involved with the baseball program are included. REVIEW ISSUES LIST n Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. '-J Commissioner Grabowski questioned if there is a school update. / , . \ \..../ ( ) '- Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 6, 2000 C...~ Page 6 Chairperson Lindahl stated that it was accepted at the Council meeting, however he stated that there doesn't seem to be a fIrm identifIcation of concessions out there right now. Commissioner Grabowski requested that the commission be informed of any meetings between the school and the City to offer any park related concerns. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Chairperson Lindahl requested to look at some 40 acres surrounding the new developments in advance. This would allow for some additional thought before deciding in one night on a location for a tot lot. Mr. Haas stated that technically that should be part of the comprehensive plan. Mr. Haas mentioned that property owners on 2.5 acre lots are typically not the ones requiring a tot lot since they have the space to create their own. ADJOURNMENT ." 'J '-J Motion by Tom Anderson, seconded by Holthus, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. ,-., \.)