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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 18, 1999 o o () o o CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 · (612) 755-5100 AND RECREATlONCOMMISSION MEETING - NOVEMBER 18, 1999 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Dave Blackstad on November 18, 1999,7:33 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Dave Blackstad, Al Grabowski, Jeff Kieffer, Jim Lindahl, and Dave O'Toole Valerie Holthus Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Commissioners absent: Also present: RESIDENTS FORUM None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 4, 1999 Motion by Anderson, seconded by Grabowski, to approve the Minutes as written. Motion carried on 5- ayes, 0 - nays, 1- absent (Holthus), and 1- present (Anderson) vote. RECOMMEND PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS/WOODLAND ESTATES I'D ADDITION Mr. Haas stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review and recommend the park dedication for the proposed development of Woodland Estates 2nd Addition by Woodland Development. During the sketch plan review the Commission considered cash in lieu of land plus the trail fee. Uplander Street, 151 5t Avenue, Thrush ~treet and 1515t Lane are proposed to be wider to accommodate for a bike route. Bvron Westlund. Woodland Development, stated that the plan has not changed and is requesting cash in lieu of land for park dedication. Chairperson Blackstad questioned if the trail will end with the third addition. Byron Westlund replied that he currently does not own the adjacent property. Commissioner Grabowski stated that making Thrush Street wide enough for a bike route does not make a lot of sense when it ends in a cul-de-sac. / .' o .:J o . Regular Andover Park Q Recreation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - November 18. 1999 Page 2 Chairperson Blackstad inquired if 151 51 Avenue east of Thrush Street be wide enough to accommodate a bike route. Mr. Haas replied that the road can be widened. Commissioner Grabowski stated that there is a need for a trail to the west. Byron Westlund replied that he would widen 15151 Lane east of Thrush Street to accommodate a bike route to the west. Chairperson B1ackstad replied that it would for a potential out if the adjacent land is developed. Mr. Haas questioned the Commission as to who is responsible for the cost of widening the streets. Commissioner Grabowski suggested that the developer work with Staff and come back with a proposal. Commissioner O'Toole stated that the Park Commission currently thinks the park dedication fee is two low and questioned if Mr. Westlund would be willing to inform the Commission of the value of the land being developed. Byron Westlund replied that he is not willing to discuss the issue since it has an impact on his business. Motion by Anderson, seconded by Lindahl, to recommend cash in lieu ofIand for park dedication and to widen 15151 Lane west of Thrush Street. Further discussion: Commissioner O'Toole inquired if the cash in lieu ofIand recommendation can be changed prior to preliminary plat approval. Mr. Haas replied yes. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he would like to research the value of the land and table the issue to see if it would be more beneficial to take land in lieu of cash. Mr. Haas noted that at preliminary plat approval whatever ordinance is in place regarding park dedication is what the developer will have to comply with. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he does not see any benefit to a park within the development, since the major parks are located within a mile of the development. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he would like to see the numbers before a decision is made. , , ,. Regular Andover Park Q Recreation Commission Aleeting 0 Minutes - November 18, 1999 Page 3 ,r----.. 'J Commissioner Lindahl replied that if the park dedication fees were changed it would not impact this development. Motion carried on 5 - ayes, 1 - nays (O'Toole), 1 - absent (Holthus), and 0 - present vote. APPROVE 1999-2000 HOCKEY RINK SCHEDULE Mr. Haas stated that Staff has not received any applications for the use of the rinks as of yet. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Mr. Haas stated that the issue will have to be discussed at a future Park Commission meeting. DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF PARK PATROL WITH VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS Commissioner Grabowski stated that he would abstain from voting on the issue since he is a representative of the Rum River Valley League. " o Mike Benner. North Metro Soccer Association, stated that he understands what the Commission is trying to accomplish with hiring security for the parks and verified when the schedules would have to be submitted. Chairperson Blackstad noted that if a certain Soccer Association reserves a field and pays for the use of the field and than allows another Association use of the field for that date, the two Associations can discuss if they want to be paid back for the fees that have already been paid amongst themselves. Mr. Benner stated that the security guard will probably not catch golfers, but will help with the parking issues. Mr. Grabowski replied that there are golfers in the evenings also. He also noted that how the Associations decide to charge their players to cover the fee is irrelevant to the City. Commissioner O'Toole questioned ifthe parks will be patrolled until dark. Mr. Grabowski replied that they will monitor the parks until 1 0:00 p.m. Linda Sexton. Anoka Junior Soccer Association, stated that their practices start in April, and mainly use the fields during the daytime for practice. o Mr. Grabowski replied that the majority of the Associations start May }st. / , \ J \ o /, U o Regular Andover Park fm'J Recreation Commission l\1eeting 0 Minutes - November 18, 1999 Page ./ Ron Moore. Andover Soccer Association, questioned if they City is going to require security every time a team practices. Mr. Grabowski explained that any field that is reserved as of May I the Associations will be charged a fee for security. Mr. Moore stated that he is overwhelmed with the cost issue, since some of the fields are being rested even though they are reserved. Commissioner Anderson questioned how much rest time is included in the schedule. Mr. Moore replied that it depends on the schedule. Commissioner Anderson stated that the cost per kid will be very minimal, and the City will deal with issues as they are brought up since this will be the first year security is being used. Chairperson Blackstad explained that the City will be looking for x amount of games and x amount of practices per week and than a fee will be determined based on that schedule submitted and then the Associations can pass the cost down to the players, then the season is taken care of. He suggested that the Soccer Associations use some of the outlying fields for practice. Commissioner Lindahl questioned if a field is not reserved and an Association practices on the field, will they be asked to leave. Mr. Grabowski replied no, as long as the field is not reserved by another team, but explained they want to avoid field usage of teams without reservations. Mr. Benner wanted to verify that the cost will be $6.00 per night rather than $6.00 per usage. Mr. Grabowski replied that the fee is $6.00 per usage. Mike Gamache. Andover Athletic Association, questioned about field usage on Sunday nights. Mr. Grabowski replied that they typically don't reserve fields on Sunday nights, but if it becomes an issue they will have to reserve them. Chairperson B1ackstad stated that this is the first year security is being required and changes will probably have to be made. A representative of the Area Youth Softball Church League explained that last year the league typically played on Sunday nights starting in mid June until August. Mr. Grabowski stated that if games are scheduled on Sunday nights then a fee needs to be determined. , \ / '0 C) C) Regular Andover Park Q Recreation Commission lvfeeting 0 Minutes - November 18, 1999 Page 5 Chairperson Blackstad replied that the Commission will have to evaluate the situation. Mr. Grabowski stated that it should be mandatory that if anyone schedules a game they have to help with costs of security. Steve Frietag. North Metro Soccer Association, stated that there is usually only a week notice for the coaches as to when practices are scheduled and questioned if they will be kicked of the fields if they are being used for practice. Chairperson Blackstad explained that in February the Associations will apply for fields, and then in April the fields will be reserved. Any usage starting May 1 SI is when the fees will apply. He explained that the problem usually doesn't exist with practices, but when the games start. Coriunissioner O'Toole stated that he would like to sit down and determine exactly what the officers will need to be looking for and suggested having a joint discussion with the Associations on any concerns they might have. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by O'Toole, to approve the hiring of park security to be included in the City budget with the understanding the associations will work out a funding arrangement. Motion carried on 5 - ayes, 0 - nays, 1 - absent (Holthus), and 1 - present (Grabowski) vote. At this point, Mr. Grabowski resumed his seat on the Park and Recreation Commission. SNOWMOBILES Mark Christopherson. a resident of The Meadows of Round Lake, stated that he was requesting the use of the park land between his property and Round Lake as a snowmobile access to the lake. He explained that he has used the land in the past for snowmobiling not knowing he was not suppose to. Mr. Christopherson stated that he was open to suggestions from the Commission and noted that he would be willing to sign a waiver that would not hold the City liable for any injuries that may occur. Mr. Haas explained to the Commission that residents currently need approval from the City to gain access to the lake across park land. Commissioner O'Toole stated that the park land is a large area and affects a lot of homes. There would need to be a restricted trail that would allow him access from the house to the lake only, but not allow the whole park for snowmobile use. Chairperson Blackstad stated that he is concerned that people a couple blocks over will feel they can use the trail for access and then they have a problem with snowmobiles on City streets. Commissioner O'Toole noted that there is an access point to the park land. / \ / .~ "0 .r, U C) no Regular Andover Park a'rnf Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 18. 1999 Page 6 Mr. Christopherson replied that the access is not marked as an access. He explained that he has not had any complaints from neighbors regarding the snowmobiles and has made sure that he talked to neighbors to make sure they weren't be affected by the snowmobiles. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he personally doesn't think they should be given free reign to the park area, but would consider an access to the lake. Mr. Christopherson replied that he is looking for access to the lake, not for whole use of the park. Chairperson Blackstad explained that the reason for the new snowmobile restriction is that things have been abused, and don't want to see allowing more abuses. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he is concerned that one access will turn into several accesses. Mr. Christopherson replied that he would be willing to mark the path and govern the area if the City is allows him use of the park land for lake access. Commissioner Lindahl stated that the reason the City took the land as park land was to preserve it in its natural state. Commissioner O'Toole explained that the City is trying to get a handle on the snowmobile problem and as the Park board he does not feel they can recommend use of the land. He suggested that Mr. Christopherson work with the Snowmobile Task Force. Mr. Christopherson replied that if he approached the City Council on the issue without discussing the request with the Park Commission they would have sent him back to discuss the issue with the Commission first. He stated that he would be willing to have a petition signed by his neighbors. Chairperson Blackstad suggested including Mr. Christopherson's request as part of the public hearing regarding snowmobile trails that will be taking place and notify the neighbors in the area. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he would be more comfortable with granting the access if he received signatures from the neighbors in support of the access. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Lindahl, to direct Staff to send out notification to adjacent property owners that the issue will be discussed during a public hearing regarding snowmobile trails. Motion carried on 6 - ayes, 0 - nays, I - absent (Holthus), and 0 - present vote. Mr. Haas stated that there were two other parks affected by the designated snowmobile trails and suggested that thePark and Recreation Commission make a recommendation. / \ / " o 0 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission }vfeeting l'v/inutes - November 18, 1999 Page 7 r', V Commissioner Lindahl stated that he thinks there is going to be a problem with Kelsey Round Lake Park. Chairperson Blackstad stated that his concerned with Round Lake is that the parking lot is not large enough to accommodate vehicles and trailers. Commissioner Grabowski suggested requiring the snowmobiles to park on the lake. Mr. Haas noted that snowmobiles will not be allowed to park at Crooked Lake and unload their snowmobiles. Mr. Christopherson questioned how the vehicles would be able to access the lake with the snow. Commissioner Grabowski noted that the City does not plow any park parking lots in the winter. Commissioner O'Toole stated that he likes the proposed trails and would go along with the recommendation, but would like to see that vehicles required to park on the lake. Commissioner Lindahl stated that he has a problem with mandating people park on the lake. /~ \.J Commissioner O'Toole noted that he would agree with a specific trail for Mr. Christopherson to be included as a designated trail. Mr, Christopherson inquired how people going to cross Round Lake Boulevard to access Round Lake if they are not allowed to snowmobile on the park. Commissioner Lindahl replied that the park would serve as an access point to the lake. Commissioner Anderson stated that he does not want to see people crossing Round Lake Boulevard to access the lake. Chairperson Blackstad stated that he would agree to allowing use of Round Lake for snowmobiles, but the trail connection to the should be eliminated due to the safety standpoint of crossing Round Lake Boulevard. Motion by Anderson, seconded by Grabowski, to recommend to City Council the trail from Bunker to Crosstown with fencing along the park area and sliding hill; the trail across the park, the City Hall start point with adequate fencing to protect City property, and removing the - connector trail to Round Lake but allowing access to Round Lake. Motion carried on 6 - ayes, 0 - nays, I - absent (Holthus), and 0 c present vote. ./, V J " \.J Regular Andover Park Q Recreation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - November 18, 1999 Page 8 RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING 2000 USER FEES FOR THE USE OF FIELDS & HOCKEY RINKS Mr. Haas stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to recommend the 2000 user fees for the use of fields and hockey rinks. Commissioner Grabowski suggested keeping the 1999 fees for 2000, but next year include a fee to assist in paying for attendants. Motion by Anderson, seconded by O'Toole, to recommend the 2000 user fees for the use of fields and hockey rinks be the same as 1999. Motion carried on 6 - ayes, 0 - nays, 1 - absent (Holthus), and 0 - present vote. APPROVE QUOTES/CHESTERTON COMMONS PARK Mr. Haas stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to table the item until the staff can obtain quotes. UPDATE OF SCHOOL APPLICATION FOR USE OF RECREATION FACILITIES '\ ,,--J Mr. Haas stated that this was an update item for the Park and Recreation Commission regarding Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities requested by Grade 1 at Andover Elementary. The scheduled date is June 7, 2000. ,,r-~J '--.' Motion by Anderson, seconded by O'Toole, to approve the application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities requested by Grade 1 at Andover Elementary on June 7, 2000. Motion carried on 6 - ayes, 0 - nays, 1 - absent (Holthus), and 0 - present vote. APPROVE APPLICATION FOR USE OF SHELTERAT SUNSHINE PARK Mr. Haas stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review the various applications that were sent to Andover in regard to use of shelters and fees associated with this. Commissioner Grabowski requested that Staff put together a single page application form and to also get a copy of the fees charged at Lake George. Mr. Haas stated that he will put together a generic form and ball park fee and bring the application back for review. Commissioner Grabowski stated that the County Sheriff should be notified when the shelter is being reserved so they can observe the site. r /~ " _J ..- ~ Regular Andover Park g Recreation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - November 18, 1999 Page 9 DISCUSS Y2K PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET, CONTINUED Item was tabled until the next regular Park Commission meeting. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the items on the issues list. Mr. Haas suggested scheduling a joint meeting with the City Council to discuss park dedication fees and park patrol. Consensus was to direct Staff to schedule a special meeting with City Council in regards to park dedication fees and capital improvements. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT None. ADJOURNMENT /- " \.J Motion by Grabowski, seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:18 p.m. r~ lJ Respectfully submitted, Nanci Libor, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. /