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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 18, 1999 C) o o CITY of ANDOVER "ARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - MARCH 18,1999 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Dave Blackstad on March 18, 1999,7:37 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Also present: Brian Barringer, Dave Blackstad, Al Grabowski, Jim Lindahl Tom Anderson, Jeff Kieffer, Dave O'Toole Park Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM No one was present to address the Residents Forum. APPROVAL OF MINUTES , -~\ \......J March 4, 1999 o Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Lindahl, to approve the Minutes as written. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVE 1999 SOCCER SCHEDULE Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to approve the 1999 spring-summer soccer schedule which was prepared by the Andover Invader Soccer Club and North Metro Soccer Association (the Anoka Jr. Soccer Association is not included in the field schedule). Zeke Zdenek. Andover Invaders stated that the Andover Invaders, North Metro Soccer Association and the Anoka Junior Soccer Association met and are planning to resolve the schedule issue amongst the three teams. Mr. Zdenek stated that the Anoka Invaders and the North Metro Soccer Association will work out field arrangements with the Anoka Junior Soccer Association on an as needed basis. Mr. Zdenek noted that a schedule was presented to Mr. Haas on the fields dates and times. Commissioner Lindahl questioned what the future need is going to be for additional fields for soccer tournaments. Mr. Zdenek stated that there is already such a shortage of soccer fields. He stated that soccer clubs are growing so rapidly that there are just not enough fields available. ~- \ / / -; / ,- , ( 1 U Regular Andover Park an~decreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 18. 1999 Page 2 '\ '. ) Commissioner Lindahl questioned what is the estimated growth rate for soccer teams. Mr. Zdenek stated that he will put a report together and bring it back to a future Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Mr. Zdenek questioned if there is a possibility of getting more soccer fields. The Commission noted that they are looking into some possibilities one of them being Fox Meadows. Mr. Zdenek stated that he has been out to Fox Meadows and that there were no nets or lines painted on the fields and it looked as if someone had driven over the fields. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he is aware that there are a lot of problems at Fox Meadows, but he feels that the more the fields are used the less the problems would be. Mr. Zdenek stated that they don't complain about field conditions because they are afraid that if they do they will not get use of the field. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the baseball maintenance is good but he is not sure if they get enough information from the leagues regarding the maintenance of the fields. Commissioner Grabowski suggested that when the leagues know that their season will be ending they should notify maintenance as to what needs to be done to the fields. Chairperson Blackstad stated that maintenance would prefer to know if there is a problem with maintaining the fields because they have outside contracts for many of the fields and would prefer to make sure the work is getting done. \ \. / Chairperson Blackstad stated that once the schedule is worked out amongst the teams, the Commission would like a copy of the schedule. Mr. Zdenek stated that he doesn't think it will be a problem working out a schedule and they won't know what fields the Anoka Junior Soccer Association will need until later. Steve Sexton. Anoka Junior Soccer Association, requested that if any complaints are received from Anoka residents regarding the field schedules to send them back to Anoka to discuss their complaints. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if there is a big problem with golf balls at the fields. Mr. Zdenek stated that they have had problems with golf balls in the past and are going to be giving a hand out to all of their coaches to remind golfers. Commissioner Grabowski suggested calling the sheriffs office if they see golf balls being hit at the parks because it is illegal. Chairperson Blackstad reminded the Associations that there are no pets allowed and asked them to remind the parents. Commissioner Grabowski reminded the Associations that if they have a fall league they need to turn in an application to the Commission by the third Thursday of July. , " j Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the schedules as written with the possibilities of changes. Motion carried unanimously. () l) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 18. 1999 Page 3 , ) APPROVE 1999 SOFTBALLlBASEBALL SCHEDULE Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to approve the 1999 softballlbaseball schedule. The Commission will need to discuss the applications from the Andover Summer Community School and the Area Youth Softball-Church League. Al Grabowski. Andover Athletic Association stated that the Andover Baseball Association won't need City Hall fields one and three. Beth Tobiason. reoresenting area churches, responded that she was told that Oak View is not available for this summer. She also stated that they used the field last year and there were no bathrooms, no garbage cans, and the fields were not maintained. She noted that Sunshine Park and the City Hall fields were never being used on Sunday nights. Ms. Tobiason stated that eighty percent of the kids that play for the church leagues come from Andover and that is why they feel they should be allowed to use Andover fields for their leagues. She stated that the church league would need at least four fields. They would like six but will accept four. -' Ms. Tobiason stated that if there is a problem with the fields when a tournament is being held they would be willing to move to another field. She stated that their league doesn't start until late June. . -, Mr. Lindahl questioned how many churches will be involved. Ms. Tobiason stated that there will be fourteen to sixteen teams with an average of eight to twelve churches involved. She noted that they don't have registration until May. Mr. Grabowski stated that Andover Athletics games won't go past the first week of June, but his concern is conflicts might arise during tournaments. Commissioner Lindahl questioned how many fields are used during the tournaments. Mr. Grabowski responded that it is hard to say because there are different circumstances that can affect the fields they need. Mr. Haas noted that they do have lights at two of the City Hall fields. Chairperson Blackstad questioned Ms. Tobiason concerning the reason Oak View wasn't available. Ms. Tobiason responded that there was no reason given. Ms. Tobiason stated that the Church League usually has a tournament in the middle of August on a Sunday, but they have not scheduled a date for the tournament until they fmd out what fields would be available. \ \ _J The Commission agreed to allow the Church League to use the City Hall fields all day August 15th for their tournament and use of the City Hall fields on Sundays after June 19th from 4:00 o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 18,1999 Page 4 l) ,. "; ,j p.m. to dusk. Chairperson Blackstad suggested to Ms. Tobiason to let the teams know that they might have to move their games if the field is needed for a tournament. Dale Lang. Andover Baseball Association, requested use of fields nine and ten on Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to dusk and Pine Hills fields on Saturdays all day and Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to dusk. Chairperson Blackstad noted that the neighborhood at Pine Hills gets together to play on Sunday nights. Mr. Lang responded that he will work something out with the neighbors if they run into a problem. Mr. Grabowski suggested making a list of what fields need maintenance, what needs to be done, and submit it to the maintenance department. Motion by Barringer, seconded by Lindahl, to approve the Andover Summer Softball/Baseball Schedule with changes. Motion carried on a 3-ayes, O-nays, I-present (Grabowski) vote. REVIEW PLANS & SPECS/96-1/KELSEY-ROUND LAKE PARK ; \ '.j Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review the plans and specs and recommend approval to the City Council for Kelsey-Round Lake Park (phase II), Project 96-1. Mr. Haas reviewed the site plans. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if any wetlands have to be filled in Mr. Haas responded yes, there are wetlands to be filled and they already have the permits to do so. !vIr. Haas stated the estimated cost will be approximately $120,000 which he is hoping will end up closer to the $105,000-$115,000 range. Mr. Haa'i noted that h~ is pushing for a completion date for the end of July. Commissioner Lindahl noted if the project gets a start date before June 1 sl it shouldn't be a problem. Commissioner Lindahl questioned how thick is the black top they are going to be using. Mr. Haas responded that it will be 2 1/2 inches ofblaclctop and 4 inches of gravel. Commissioner Grabowski questioned where the funds are coming from. Mr. Haas noted that 1/2 of the $100,000 is coming from money that was included in the 1999 Park Capital Improvement Budget and anything spent over $100,000 will have to come from Park Dedication funds. Otherwise, $50,000 is grant money from the MNDNR. / "\ '. ) REVIEW PLANS AND SPECS/99-1/SUNSHINE PARK TRAIL EXTENSION AND TOWER DRIVE .:-j -../ () Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 18. 1999 Page 5 " ) Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review the plans and specs and recommend approval for Sunshine Park Trail Extension and Tower Drive, Project 99-1 and also for bleacher pads for soccer and ball fields at Sunshine Park, Project 97-52. Mr. Haas noted that the completion date is set for July 11 tho He reviewed the plans noting one contractor is going to do all the work Commissioner Grabowski stated his concern about having one contractor doing both the tar and the concrete. He questioned if it wouldn't be better to have different contractors instead of having a contractor subcontract the work. Mr. Haas noted that most contractors have paving and concrete companies working for them. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the price would be better by using only one contractor. Mr. Haas stated that he doesn't feel using only one contractor will be a problem. Commissioner Grabowski questioned if the soccer leagues have been notified that some of the soccer fields will not be available on July ih and the 8th due to the Fun Fest. Mr. Haas stated that he will notify the appropriate teams. RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF QUOTES/4 SETS OF SWINGS / \ J Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to recommend . approval of the quotes to purchase 3 sets of swings at various locations. Commissioner Grabowski stated that when he looked at the previous bid to buy four swing sets he noted that if you buy four swing sets now you would get the fourth swing set at halfprice. Chairperson Blackstad suggest buying all four swing sets now and decide in the next few weeks where the fourth swing set will go. Mr. Haas stated that he will get a new quote for four swing sets. ilfotion by Grabowski, seconded by Barringer, to request a quote for four swing sets in addition to the quotes for the three swing sets that they already have and approve the quote if the swing sets will cost less then $1,600 per unit. Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSS 5 YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss a 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan. Mr. Haas noted that this needs to be taken to Council because it needs to be included in the Comprehensive Plan. '\, '-_/ DISCUSS 5 YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT REPLACEMENT PLAN () u Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 18, 1999 Page 6 ,- '\ , '-___1 Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss a 5 Year Capital Improvement Replacement Plan. Commissioner Grabowski questioned how bad is the tennis court at City HaIl Complex one. Mr. Haas responded that it is in real bad condition. Commissioner Grabowski stated that it is a highly used facility and the court should be taken care of. Commissioner Lindahl suggested putting pads on the poles to protect people form injury if the nets are removed. Mr. Haas suggested bringing this to the City Council. DISCUSS POLICY ON MAINTENANCE OF PARKSn'HE PUBLIC Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission had requested information regarding maintenance of parks and liability coverage if they are insured. He stated that he discussed this with Vicki V olk, City Clerk, and she is recommending that if the Commission has any questions to refer to the League of Minnesota Cities memo. If the Commission has any specific questions they should contact Peter Tritz at (651 )281-1265. \ Chairperson Blackstad stated that he feels the Commission's question still has not been answered. He noted that he did talk to Peter Tritz. Commissioner Grabowski recommended that they not aIlow anyone to use power equipment on public property without coming to the Commission and presenting a plan first. / Commissioner Grabowski suggested sending out a letter to everyone participating in the Adopt A Park Program to let them know that they must address the Commission once a year. Chairperson Blackstad stated that after talking to Peter Tritz he was concerned about Outlot issues because Mr. Tritz stated the volunteers would be working to improve the Outlot to benefit the neighborhood not to benefit the City. Commissioner Grabowski stated t.~at he didn't feel that discussing Outlot issues was the responsibility of the Park and Recreation Commission that it should be dealt with by the City Council. Commissioner Grabowski suggested having Peter Tritz review the current Adopt A Park information. Mr. Haas stated that he would have Peter Tritz review the information. UPDATE OF CONCESSIONS AT SUNSHINE PARK Mr. Haas explained that the City Council discussed this at their March 16, 1999 meeting. '. / Chairperson Blackstad stated that the City Council renewed the contract with C & H for one year. He stated that they were not renewed for two years because the Finance Department stated they needed more numbers as there were some discrepancies from last year. () (~ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission l'vfeeting Minutes - March 18, 1999 Page 7 Commissioner Grabowski stated that the Finance Department should have taken care of the discrepancies while they were still under contract. He feels that the Commission should see what the numbers are since the Park and Recreation makes the recommendations on who to hire. Mr. Haas stated that the Finance Dept. will be sending the information out tomorrow. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the Commission needs to know if Staff has a problem with an issue that involves the Park and Recreation Commission. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Chairperson Blackstad noted that the City Council approved Park Dedication fees of$I,OOO for Single Family Homes, $1,000 for Townhouse and $2,750 for commercial properties. Chairperson Blackstad made a recommendation to use a unit cost when figuring Park Dedication fees on residential property and use the 10% on commercial and industrial properties based on their appraised value. \ / Commissioner Grabowski stated that the $2,750 fee approved by City Council is too low. He noted that Woodland offered $275 a square foot for the land which would have brought in $12,000 in Park Dedication fees in comparison to the $2,750. Mr. Haas noted that the Commission would have to bring their recommendation back to City Council. Chairperson Blackstad stated that the approval by City Council was temporary and will be coming back for reconsideration Consensus was reached to remove Coon Creek Corridor from the Issues List. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT There was no other business to come before the Andover Park and Recreation Commission. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Grabowski, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submi~~ed, N (\X\~\. Ov~b()( Nanci Libor, Recording Secretary TimeSaver OjJSite Secretarial. Inc. " _/