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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 7, 1999 o o /"') \.J CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JANUARY 7,1999 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting ofthe Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Al Grabowski on January 7,1999,7:38 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Also present: Tom Anderson, Brian Barringer, Dave B1ackstad, Jim Lindahl Jeff Kieffer, Dave O'Toole Parks, Kevin Starr Park Coordinator, Todd Others APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 17, 1998: Page 2, last paragraph, second sentence, change to the January 19, 1999, 8 meeting of the City Council. Motion by Lindahl, Seconded by B1ackstad, to approve the Minutes for December 17. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Kieffer, O'Toole) vote. FOX HOLLOW PRELIMINARY PLAT/PARK DEDICATION Mr. Haas reviewed the bikeway/walkway accesses within the plat. Staff recommendation had been to place an access to the school between Lots 6 and 7 of Block 2 where it would be more centrally located for individuals from the neighborhood of Fox Hollow. The developer is showing an entrance to the school at the southern edge of the plat along Lot 1, Block 2. The Staff also recommended an access to the Grey Oaks development to the north between Lots 11 and 12 of Block 5 to allow individuals living in the westerly portion of Grey Oaks to have access down through Fox Hollow along Linnet Street and then access the school. The school district did not like the idea of an access further east on 155th Avenue NW between Linnet Street and Hummingbird Street, as it would be in direct conflict with the school's storm drainage pond. The access proposed at the east end of 155th Avenue to Hanson Boulevard NW and along Hummingbird is acceptable to the Staff and the developer. The Commission discussed the trails. They agreed with the one on the east end of 155th Avenue to Hanson Boulevard, along Hanson Boulevard and along Hummingbird Street. They also preferred o u u ., ) Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January7, 1999 Page 2 (Fox Hol/ow Preliminary Plat/Park Dedication, Continued) the access to the school between Lots 6 and 7 of Block 2 because it would be a more centrally located access than the one proposed by the developer on Lot 1, Block 2. It was suggested the southern access be eliminated, as it is too isolated and too inconvenient from most of the plat. There was some discussion about moving that access to between Lots 7 and 8, Block 2, to avoid having a trail at the end of 153rd Lane. Mr. Haas stated there has never been a problem with trails offthe end ofa T-street. Those trails will be clearly marked. It was then agreed to leave the trail between Lots 6 and 7. The Commission noted they had discussed the widening of the 154th, Martin and 155th Avenue corridor to allow for a bikeway/trailway along both sides of the road. That would provide a continuous trail coming up Nightingale, along the road within the plat, eventually leading to the proposed convenience center abutting this plat in the northeast comer. Mike Quigley, Bunker, LLC, stated they have made provisions to widen the streets along that corridor. Mr. Haas stated in a similar situation in Woodland Estates, the road was made 35 feet wide and the bike route was designated on both sides. / The Commission discussed the proposed trail between Lots 11 and 12 of Block 5. The consensus was to eliminate that access. It was felt that those in the Grey Oaks development could easily go east along the trail or road system in that development to Hummingbird and then south to the school. There is also the issue of the location of a proposed townhome in the Grey Oaks addition which would conflict with the location of this trail. Motion by B1ackstad, Seconded by Lindahl for a trail between Lots 6 and 7, Block 2; no trail between Lots 11 and 12, Block 5. No trail on the bottom of Block 2, Lot 1. Rest ofthe trails as shown, plus the widening of the road. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Kieffer, O'Toole) vote. Motion by B1ackstad, Seconded by Anderson, to accept cash in lieu of land for park dedication in this plat. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Kieffer, O'Toole) vote. ED FIELDS & SONS/SECTION i5/SKETCH PLAN Mr. Haas explained the sketch plan of Ed Fields & Sons in Section 15. Chairperson Grabowski noted there is no park land in that area, but he was more concerned with the proposal of Outlot A. Mr. Haas explained that area is being farmed. He thought this will be developed as a PUD with smaller lots and green areas set aside that would never be developed. He would have to get a clarification from the Planning Department as to whether an association would have to be created '. J . ) 1.-.... () Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting , / Minutes - January7, 1999 Page 3 (Ed Fields & Sons/Section 15/Sketch Plan, Continued) for that outlot. The reason the outlot is included is because the developer owns it, and all contiguous property must be included. The developer wants to continue farming it. The developer probably should be looking at the adjacent area to determine whether or not roads need to be extended to those parcels. Because this is a rural area and is a small plat with no substantial effect on the park system, the Park and Recreation Commission generally agreed to accept cash in lieu of land for park dedication. UPDATE OF FINANCIAL REPORT/FINANCE The Commission agreed to table the item to the next meeting per the request of the Staff. DISCUSS ORDINANCE 10, SECTION 9.07/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Chairperson Grabowski stated he and Commissioner Blackstad have been working on an amendment ) to the ordinance, but he did not have completed copies for the Commission this evening. Commissioner Blackstad stated the thought is if land is taken, it would amount to up to 10 percent ofthe plat. If cash is to be taken in lieu ofland, the amount would be based on the number of units within the parcel. A few other cities base park dedication on density per acre. The rural plats are based on 10 percent, and the percentage increases the more dense the development because there is a greater impact on the park system. Some charge so much per acre in commercial areas. The average is about $2,000 per acre for park dedication. Others base it on market value of$2 per square foot. Chairperson Grabowski was in favor of taking cash in lieu of land based on the number of units being proposed. Some of the rural plats may actually have to pay less than under the current policy, but the urban area would go up significantly. He felt that is needed because of the greater impact on the park system. Mr. Haas explained the intent is to present the proposed amendment to the City Council at their January 19 meeting for their input. He will also advertise the public hearing to be held by the Planning Commission at their January 26 meeting. He asked that he receive copies of the proposed amendment next week. Chairperson Grabowski agreed to have it to him by next Friday. , / '~J (j , , I Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January7, 1999 Page 4 PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Mr. Starr stated Commissioner Blackstad had asked about building benches for ball fields for youth associations from other cities. The materials will cost $70 and the Public Works Superintendent has said the labor charge will be three hours at the top union scale. That is for four 8- foot or two 16- foot painted pine benches. He estimated it would cost $150 per field. The best time for their Department to build those benches would be in March and April. Mr. Starr reported right now they are keeping the hockey rinks flooded. He provided a list of parks and the dates the playground equipment was installed. He was concerned with the safety standards of those that were installed in the early 1970s. Unsafe equipment will be pulled out of the parks, even ifit cannot be replaced at this time. Two ofthe worst parks are the tot lot on 138th and Pine Hills. Terrace park should also be updated. Chairperson Grabowski asked that he keep track of the equipment that is removed and costs of replacement so the Park Board can start budgeting those funds. With all of the vandalism at the tot lot park on 138th, he questioned whether that equipment should be replaced. The Commission discussed the problems with the tot lot on 138th. The initial funding for that park was from the HRA. They asked Mr. Haas to check on what additional responsibility they have toward that park because of that funding. , / Mr. Starr stated the fence was replaced at that park last year. He also provided an inspection sheet that is used to inspect the parks which is kept on record. They started keeping those records in 1991 and 1992. He suggested equipment for a different age group be added at Pine Hills. Ideally that equipment should be moved to the woods closer to the ball field. They do not put in the ice skating rink there any more. Langseth is not in service this year either. They are operating 15 skating rinks this year, and all are in good shape now. Chairperson Grabowski stated they would like to redesign Wild Iris park to move the equipment and expand the parking lot. He felt that park is one of the priorities. Mr. Starr stated there is no where to go, though the back stop could be moved back. Mr. Haas suggested a smaller field be constructed there. Commissioner Blackstad stated that would not be a problem because it is a 12 and under baseball field. The Commission asked Mr. Starr to layout a plan for Wild Iris park. Commissioner Blackstad stated they are making application for additional CDBG funds, and the intent would be to upgrade Wild Iris and Rose Parks. He also plans to ask the Lions Club for additional donations. He'd like to see a site plan for Wild Iris, possibly running the parking lot north-south and moving the field back. Possibly a soccer field would fit by the water tower. Additional playground equipment and a basketball court have been requested by the neighborhood. Mr. Starr stated the playground equipment is for 5 - 12 year olds. They may want some for the younger children. Mr. Haas stated they will draw up a concept plan. . ) ~) u , I J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January7, 1999 Page 5 (Public Works Update, Continued) Chairperson Grabowski realized Mr. Haas had suggested the funds to match the Kelsey-Round Lake park grant come from the Park Dedication Funds. It was his opinion, however, that the funds should come from the capital budget because there is no certainty that sufficient park dedication funds will be received this year. He did not want to jeopardize that grant. As park dedication funds do come in, they could be applied to capital improvements projects. The Commission generally agreed. The Commission clarified that site plans and cost estimates be done for Rose Park, Wild Iris, the tot lot on 138th and for Terrace. In discussing the improvements needed at Sunshine Park, Mr. Starr stated the intent would be that all six of the back fields will get bleacher pads. The Commission also suggested the trails connect to the fields in the back. Money should also be set aside for the soccer fields. \ .I Chairperson Grabowski reported the City Council reversed their decision on the Community School Funds. That line item will remain in the Parks budget under a separate category, along with summer school and the Fun Fest allocations. His concern is with where the increase in salaries is in the Park's budget. He would like an explanation of the numbers. Mr. Haas stated he will check with the Finance Director. Chairperson Grabowski stated the Commission made a motion to take the assessments out of the Parks budget per the recommendation of the Finance Department. He noticed that line item is still in the budget. Mr. Haas stated he will check on it. It is an assessment policy, so a change is needed in the Assessment Manual. He will update the Commission at the next meeting on the status ofthat . . . reVlSlOn. DISCUSS 1999 CDBG BUDGET/PROJECTS Motion by B1ackstad, Seconded by Anderson, that we use the $8,000 CDBG money to extend the trails within Sunshine Park andlor the City Hall Complex #1 as needed. DISCUSSION: Mr. Starr stated in the future they hope to get a trail along Tower Drive and to Field 2 on the north side ofthe soccer field. The Commission suggested the trails at the City Hall Complex should be along Tower Drive and an east-west trail connecting the fields just north of the soccer field. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Kieffer, O'Toole) vote. \ ) u (J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting ) Minutes - January7, 1999 Page 6 UPDATE OF CDBG FUNDINGIPLANNING DEPARTMENT Chairperson Grabowski stated he talked with the parks person in Coon Rapids who explained how they received the extra CDBG funds for parks. The City applied based on the economic level of the neighborhoods plus other factors. These were funds above the normal CDBG allocation to the City. It is too late for the additional funding for this year, but he stated the City should make that type of application for next year. REVIEW CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW TRAIL REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAM Mr. Haas stated in the City of Mounds View, as a part of the development contract, the developer is required to pay the entire amount of the trail along the major corridors. The Commission stated the major corridors in Andover would be along the county roads and state aid streets. Those would be considered transportation routes and should be designated in the Comprehensive Plan. Then language similar to that of Mounds View should be put into the developer's agreements. They suggested this be implemented as soon as possible. Mr. Haas thought that most of those routes have already been designated and are shown in the Comprehensive Plan. , / Motion by B1ackstad, Seconded by Anderson, to request the City consider amending the developer contract that they are responsible for 100 percent of the cost of the trails as shown on the Comprehensive Plan as transportation routes. Motion carried on a 5- Yes, 2-Absent (Kieffer, O'Toole) vote. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Coon Creek Corridor Trail - Mr. Haas stated four items were not completed by the contract when the City wrote the bonding company. Since then, three of those items have been done. The remaining item is the wrong type of trees were planted. Staff is continuing to work with the bonding company. Hawk Ridge Park wel/- Mr. Haas stated he met with the Fire Chief this moming. The representative from Oak Grove did not show up. He is meeting with the well drilling company tomorrow for ail estimate. Mr. Starr stated about 95 percent of the materials are on hand already. The Commission suggested another effort be made to talk to Oak Grove. They would benefit greatly by that well and should be willing to contribute toward the cost. Mr. Haas stated he will have an estimated cost by the next meeting. " " / u u Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting ) Minutes - January7, 1999 Page 7 (Review Issues List, Continued) Schedule joint meeting with City Council - The Commission asked that Mr. Haas ask the Council when they would like to meet with the Park Board. Sliding hill - Mr. Haas stated nothing has gone forward at this point regarding the construction of a sliding hill. The Commission asked to see plans before anything is done, as they had some concerns. Trail corridor - The Commission asked that including the trail corridor in the Comprehensive Plan and amending the developers' agreement be added to the Issues List. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT \ Lions Club - Commissioner B1ackstad read a statement regarding statements made at Tuesday's Council meeting about the relationship between the Park Board and the Andover Lions Club. There has never really been a conflict between this Park Commission and the Andover Lions Club, and they were surprised at the comments made. The Park Board is very appreciative of the past donations by the Lions Club. Regarding the issue with the Hills of Bunker Lake Park East, the Park Board did recommend and approve a railroad theme. They assumed the decision not to carry it through was made by the City Councilor Staff. The Park Board has no issue with renaming the park to Lions Park. On the issue of the ball tournament, they would have no problem waiving the fees if the Lions Club wanted to host a tournament for a non-profit association. However, fees for profit tournaments should not be waived. The Lions Club cannot sponsor or host state tournaments because they are not a sanctioned state association. They would be willing to meet with the Mayor or a representative from Pov's. -' Commission Anderson felt the Commission has showed no partiality with regard to Pov's. They did not receive special treatment, nor were they penalized. Chairperson Grabowski asked what happened to the railroad theme that was approved by the Commission. Mr. Haas stated they could not get enough equipment for the money, and choices using the railroad theme were very limited. They tried to provide more equipment for the donation by going with the standard equipment. He noted, however, that it is the Commission's decision on the name of the park. The Commission didn't realize that was the case, and supported the change to name the Hills of Bunker Lake East park to Lions Park. They also wanted a sign along the road indicating the Lions donated the funding for the park. Mr. Starr felt a very nice sign could be made which includes the Lions' railroad theme. . / ( " \J u \ ) Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January7, 1999 Page 8 (Chairman's Report, Continued) Motion by Blackstad, Seconded by Anderson, to change the name of the Hills of Bunker Lake East park to Andover Lions park and direct the City Staff to erect a sign. Ask for input from the Lions Club. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Kieffer, O'Toole) vote. Motion by Blackstad, Seconded by Anderson, the funds for the sign to come from park dedication. DISCUSSION: The Commission asked for an attractive sign but did not state a maximurn dollar amount at this time. Mr. Starr felt it could be done for several hundred dollars. Motion carried on a 5- Yes, 2-Absent (Kieffer, O'Toole) vote. Maintenance of fields - Chairperson Grabowski stated he is putting together a chart of what other cities do regarding the maintenance of the ball fields for tournaments. He summarized his findings to date. The City may need to look at implementing a maintenance fee if the associations want the fields groomed five days a week. Mr. Haas stated Staff is meeting with the director of softball of the Andover Athletic Association to talk about maintenance of the fields this summer. He will bring that information back to the Commission. , , Motion by Anderson, Seconded by Blackstad, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 5- Yes, 2-Absent (Kieffer, O'Toole) vote.. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, \'\Y\~~L , Marcd1a A. Peach Recording Secretary