HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 1, 1999
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CITY of ANDOVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - APRIL 1, 1999
MINUTES
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to
order by Chairperson Dave Blackstad on April I, 1999, 7:37 p.m., at the Andover City Hall,
1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners present:
Commissioners absent:
Also present:
Tom Anderson, Dave Blackstad, AI Grabowski, Jeff Kieffer
Jim Lindahl, Dave O'Toole
Park Coordinator, Todd Haas
RESIDENTS FORUM
No one was present to address the Residents Forum.
C) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 18,1999
Chairperson Blackstad noted that the minutes should be changed on page three to AI Grabowski
representing Rum River Valley League instead of Andover Athletic Association.
Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Blackstad, to approve the Minutes as corrected. Motion
carried on 3 - ayes, 0 - nays, and 1 - present (Kieffer) vote.
PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE
Mr. Haas explained the Public Works Update that was submitted by Kevin Starr. Public Works
Supervisor of Parks. He noted that Kevin Starr was not able to attend the meeting.
Commissioner Grabowski questioned if Mr. Starr was referring to the kick-out bases in his
memo when he mentioned soft bases. Mr. Haas responded that he was not sure.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that purchasing kick-out bases would not be a good idea because he
feels they would be stolen.
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Commissioner Grabowski stated that he understood that it is more difficult for maintenance to
work around the peg bases, but feels th~y would be the best option.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - April 1. 1999
Page 2
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Commissioner Kieffer noted that Mr. Starr was implying that if the Associations wanted the soft
bases that they would have to pay for them.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that he preferred the peg bases over the kick-out bases.
Commissioner Grabowski stated that the cost of replacing the kick-out bases every time they
were stolen would end up costing too much.
Chairperson Blackstad stated if there are not enough peg bases available, Mr. Starr needs to let
the Park and Recreation Commission know.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that double first bases would not be needed at outlying fields
because they are mostly used for softball.
APPROVE QUOTES/GARBAGE CANS/CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX NUMBER
TWO/SUNSHINE PARK
Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to recommend
approval of the quotes subject to the tax and freight costs to be included with quotes for the
purchase of large outdoor trash cans.
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Mr. Haas reviewed the estimated costs and the locations the trash cans would be installed. He
noted that it is recommended that Park Dedication funds be used to purchase the trash cans.
Commissioner Grabowski suggested that in the future the Commission should be given a picture
of the item they are recommending to help make their decision.
Commissioner Grabowski questioned if there are Park Dedication funds available. Mr. Haas
replied that the fInancials will come out next week, but noted the City received approximately
$100,000 in Park Dedications fees from the current developments.
Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Kieffer, to approve the quotes subject to the tax and freight
costs to be included with quotes for the purchase of large outdoor trash cans not to exceed
$7,700. Motion carried on a 4 - ayes, 0 - nays, 0 - present vote.
REVIEW SKETCH PLAN/SUNSET RIDGE
Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review the sketch
plan of Sunset Ridge as being proposed by D.H. Land Company.
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Mr. Haas stated that the proposed development will be affected by new Ordinance 10
amendments approved by the City Council at their March 16, 1999 meeting.
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Regular Andover Park ana Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - April 1, 1999
Page 3
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Mr. Haas noted that the Andover Review Committee has reviewed the sketch plan and they are
recommending to consider a trail link from 135th Avenue Northwest to Commercial Boulevard
Northwest between a couple of the lots in the vicinity of Jay Street Northwest or one lot to the
west. He stated that this would give the neighborhood an opportunity to walk or ride their bikes
to the restaurant or movie theatre or the ability to have easier access to the regional trail along
Bunker Lake Boulevard Northwest.
Mr. Haas noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the sketch plan and is
recommending to keep the trail system intact.
Mr. Haas noted that he had invited the developer to the Park and Recreation Commission
meeting, but the developer was not present.
Chairperson Blackstad recommends cash in lieu ofland since there will be no land available for a
park.
Mr. Haas noted that this will be discussed at the next City Council meeting.
Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Blackstad, to bring item number three Approval of Minutes
back to the quorum. Motion carried on a 4 - ayes, 0 - nays, 0 - present vote.
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Chairperson Blackstad noted that City Council approved Park Dedication fees of $1,100 for
Single Family homes instead of$I,OOO as reflected in the minutes under the Issues List.
Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Blackstad, to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion
carried on a 2 - ayes, 0 - nays, 2 - present (Anderson, Kieffer) vote.
DISCUSS ORDINANCE TEN, SECTION9.07/PARK DEDICATION REQUIRMENTS
Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss the new
Ordinance 10, Section 9.07 amendments and fee schedule that was approved by the City Council
on March 16, 1999.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that he still feels that City Council is low on the approved Park
Dedication requirements. He noted that the City has two and half million dollars of equipment
and from eight to twelve million dollars in land. He noted that if you divide that by each
household the current residents have paid $1,480 per household for the existing park systems.
He questioned the fairness of charging future residents less than current residents have already
paid.
Commissioner Kieffer questioned how Chairperson Blackstad came up with these numbers.
\ Chairperson Blackstad stated that he received the information from the Parks Department.
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Regular Andover Park ana -j(ecreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - April 1 , 1999
Page 4
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Chairperson Blackstad stated that he figured the land value by separating MUSA land from Non
MUSA land. He figured 280 acres of Non MUSA land at $7,000 per acre value and MUSA land
at $20,000 per acre and added them together to get ten to fifteen million dollars in land and
equipment value of the system right now.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that people are moving to Andover because of what the City has to
offer.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that the $2,750 commercial fee approved by the City Council is not
adequate. He suggested a Park Dedication fee of ten percent of the value on commercial and
industrial property.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that Jeff Johnson, Zoning Administrator, put together numbers of
Park Dedication fees that have been received from urban lots in comparison to rural lots and
found that urban lots have paid in less than rural. Chairperson Blackstad questioned if the urban
area impacts the park system more why are rural areas being charged more when they use it less.
Commissioner Grabowski stated that the Commission needs to encourage the City Council to
increase the Park Dedication fees.
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Commissioner Kieffer suggested using the percentage based on the appraised value of the
property as was used previously.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that it is difficult to make a determination for the commercial
property because they have nothing to set their basis on. He expressed concern that using ten
percent based on the appraised value of the property will be a problem on whose appraisal the fee
will be determined by.
The Commission discussed Park Dedication fees of surrounding cities that they felt are similar to
the City of Andover.
Commissioner Kieffer stated that they don't want to send commercial out of the area because of
high Park Dedication fees. Chairperson Blackstad stated that it has not kept commercial
development out of Ramsey because ofthe higher fees.
Commissioner Kieffer suggested setting the Park Dedication fee at $3,500 for commercial and
industrial property and review it on a yearly basis, since there are no previous numbers to
compare to, and set residential at $1,300. Commissioner Grabowski agreed with Commissioner
Kieffer's suggestion stating that those rates are not unreasonable.
Motion by Kieffer, seconded by Anderson, to recommend Park Dedication fees of $1,300 for
\ Single Family, and $3,500 for Commercial and Industrial property. Motion carried on a 4 - ayes,
\,.J 0 - nays, 0 - present vote.
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Regular Andover Park ana Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - April 1. 1999
Page 5
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DISCUSS TRAIL FEE, CONTINUED
Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to consider and make
a recommendation to the City Council to reconsider reintroducing the trail fee requirements to
new developments.
Mr. Haas reminded the Commission the Staff contacted the City of Eagan as to why trail fees
were still being collected and they indicated that the trail fee was not part of the original lawsuit,
so Eagan collects the trail fee. He noted that Staff would encourage the Commission to
recommend the trail fee be based on the amount of trails that need to be built.
Mr. Haas explained that based on the Park Comprehensive Plan approximately 40.1 miles of off-
street trails still need to be constructed.
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40.1 miles x 5280 feet x $15 = 3,175,920
mile feet x 1.2 (Contingency)
3,811,104
x 1.3 (Eng, Admin, Overhead)
4,954,435
800.000 (4 future under-overpasses)
$5,754,435 TOTAL
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Mr. Haas noted that the Planning Department is anticipating approximately another 7040 total
units (rural and urban) yet to be built making the trail fee approximately $817. He reminded the
Commission that the original trail fee that was eliminated was $250.
Commissioner Anderson stated that it is important to forward this number on to City Council so
they know the costs involved in building the trail and to justify the trail fee
Chairperson Blackstad stated that after reviewing the numbers the $250 trail fee will not cover
the expenses of continuing the trail system. He felt that the trail system is one of the best things
done for the City and it should be kept up.
Commissioner Kieffer stated that the City of Ramsey Park Dedication fee is lower because they
charge a trail fee and he is concerned that the Commission is recommending an increase in
Andover Park Dedication fees and adding a trail fee.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that Andover has done the research to determine the funds that will
be needed for future projects. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the City of Ramsey does not
have the funds to build their trail system.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - April 1. 1999
Page 6
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Commissioner Grabowski stated that some cities don't have the land available to build trails, but
noted that Andover has the Comprehensive Plan because there is a lot of land to develop. He
suggested giving the number to City Council and let them decide on a trail fee after they
understand what the trails are going to cost.
Motion by Kieffer, seconded by Grabowski, to forward the information to City Council and let
them make a decision on a trail fee of $817 and if they do not want to approve a trail fee, to
decide where the funds will come from to continue the trail system. Motion carried on a 4 - ayes,
o - nays, and 0 - present vote.
DISCUSS COON CREEK CORRIDOR TRAIL EXTENSION
Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss the
possibility of extending the Coon Creek Corridor Trail between Hanson Boulevard Northwest
along the north side of Coon Creek over the existing trunk sanitary sewer system.
Mr. Haas reminded the Commission that at a joint meeting with the City Council in February,
1999 it was suggested that the best location for the trail may be along the north side of Coon
Creek. Staff agreed because the maintenance vehicle access exists, it appears that no wetlands
would be impacted, and vel"! minimal trees would be impacted.
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Chairperson Blackstad agreed that it is important for the trail to come across the creek but he
feels that the City Council needs to talk to the people who have property that will be affected
Commissioner Grabowski stated that all it takes is one person saying "no" to cause a lot of
problems. Chairperson Blackstad stated that it is important to keep the people happy.
Mr. Haas stated that the process needs to start now.
Commissioner Grabowski stated that monetary compensation would help negotiations with the
residents. Mr. Haas stated that the City does plan on compensating the residents.
Mr. Haas stated that City Council is very interested with moving on this. Chairperson Blackstad
requests that both City Council and the Park and Recreation Commission meet with the
residents.
Commissioner Grabowski suggested movmg forward with the Coon Creek Corridor trail
extension.
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Motion by Anderson, seconded by Kieffer, to recommend to City Council to set a joint meeting
with the residents in regard to Coon Creek Corridor trail extension. Motion carried on a 4 - ayes,
o - nays, 0 - present vote.
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Regular Andover Park an~tlecreation Commission Meeting
Minutes -April 1. 1999
Page 7
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ANDOVER BASEBALL SCHEDULEIMAY 8TH
Mr. Haas stated that an application has been submitted for use of all fields at Sunshine Park for a
8th
tournament on May .
Chairperson B1ackstad suggested reserving all fields at City Hall also.
Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Anderson, to reserve fields one through ten on May 8th for a
tournament. Motion carried on a 4 - ayes, 0 - nays, 0 - present vote.
REVIEW ISSUES LIST
Mr. Haas stated that Hawkridge Park Well will be presented to City Council with the approach
that is up to the City to decide irrelevant to what Oak Grove wants and once a decision is made
they can discuss funds with Oak Grove.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that at the minimum, the well would improve the regional park.
Chairperson Blackstad questioned if Kevin Starr ever determined what cost was involved with
running the trucks back and forth for water.
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Commissioner Blackstad suggested adding Soccer Association Schedules to the Issues List. He
stated that he would like to see a specific schedule of what an average week or month use of the
soccer fields is.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Commissioner Kieffer stated that he had met with Kevin Star at the Sunshine Park building and
was disturbed at what the building looked like. He noted that the baseball equipment is being
stored in the basement and the carpet is ruined Chairperson B1ackstad responded that the
building should never have been carpeted.
Chairperson Blackstad stated that it is the baseball equipment stored in the basement. He noted
that the Baseball Association was given a room at City Hall and just recently have been given
access to the room and are in the process of moving stuff over. He noted that at one time it was
discussed to give them a room that had outside access, but now they have a room in the back of
City Hall with no outside access so they have to haul all of the dirty equipment through City
Hall. He stated that he does not feel it is an adequate storage area.
Commissioner Kieffer stated that he looked at the room given to them at City Hall and agreed
that it is not an adequate storage room.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - April 1. 1999
Page 8
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Commissioner Kieffer stated that finding adequate storage space where equipment can be
adequately dispersed by coaches need to be added to the Issues List.
Mr. Haas noted that the locks are going to be replaced because doors are being left unlocked.
Commissioner Blackstad stated that the Commission needs to be made aware of any lock issues
to fmd out where the problem is stemming from.
Commissioner Kieffer stated that there should be a record of who has access to the building.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Kieffer, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The
meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully s~Rmitted,
NCln U C1'v,,)6 eft(
Nanci Libor, Recording Secretary
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial. Inc.
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