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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 3, 1998 o o o o u CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - SEPTEMBER 3,1998 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson AI Grabowski on September 3,1998,7:35 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Brian Barringer, Dave Blackstad (arrived at 8: 17 p.m.), Jeff Kieffer (arrived at 8:16 p.m.), Dave O'Toole Jim Lindahl Park Coordinator, Todd Others Commissioners absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 20, 1998: Page 2, Update City Personnel/City Hall, line two, should read "...has 12 full-time park employees plus 60 part-time in the summer." Motion by O'Toole, Seconded by Grabowski, to approve the Minutes with the one correction for August 20. Motion carried on a 2-Yes (Grabowski, O'Toole), 2 Present (Anderson, Barringer), 3- Absent (B1ackstad, Kieffer, Lindahl) vote. PARK PATROL/CAPTAIN ANDERSOHN/ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Captain Andersohn reported in mid-July his Staff became aware of the Andover ordinances controlling the parks, particularly the golfing issue. Maps showing the location of the City parks have been put in all patrol cars. The CSO unit and Sheriffs office reserve unit have also been directed to do additional patrol in the parks and particularly where trails are isolated from view. This shift in responsibility to patrol parks has been done in other communities as well. He will have a unit dedicated solely to the enforcement of water craft, snowmobile and A TV violations. As they approach the snowmobile season, they will have to issue some reminders as well as make an effort on recreational enforcement. The City Staff does make their Department aware of problems and trends of crimes are discussed. Chairperson Grabowski noted that where there are problems in the parks, the Park Board should also be made aware of them. i '- / (~ . / Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 3, 1998 Page 2 (Park Patrol/Captain Andersohn, Continued) Captain Andersohn stated there have been a number of citations issued for violations within the parks. The officers are aware of the desire for strict enforcement, but he does not want to take away their discretionary powers either. He wasn't aware of any crimes relating to the trails in the City. Officers do drive down the trails a couple times a day to let people know they are watching. The Park Board was concerned with the potential problems with snowmobiles this winter. Captain Andersohn stated Deputy Kreyer has been meeting with the snowmobile task force, and they will do their best to keep them off the trails. No solution has been worked out yet for snowmobiles traveling along Hanson Boulevard. State law allows them to ride on the down slope, which is where the trails are, so that makes it more difficult. They will be trying to prevent damage to the trails. The change in the state law making metal studs illegal in many areas will help. Mr. Haas stated he is meeting with Deputy Kreyer next Tuesday to discuss the snowmobile issue in the City. Captain Andersohn felt that enforcement will be better with the recreational unit dedicated solely to snownlobiles issues. He told the Commission to call him with any concerns. The Commission expressed appreciation for the job being done by the Sheriffs Department. . / PARK BOND REFERENDUMIPROJECT 98-18 The Commission discussed the format for the September 10 resident informational meeting on the proposed park bond referendum, methods of informing residents, brochures and handouts and the draft of proposed expenditures for the bond funds. A notice of the informational meeting will be in the Andover Times and Anoka Union, plus on cable TV. Commissioner O'Toole had an interview with the Anoka Union, and that article is expected in this Friday's paper. It was suggested that a phone tree be started with each Commissioner calling three or four people informing them of the meeting, then asking those people to call three or four friends, etc. Mr. Haas stated he would also check into the possibility of providing a handout at the elementary schools for the students to take home. It was suggested that a general presentation be given at the informational meeting, explaining why this is being requested and where the money will be expended. Then the Commissioners will mingle with the residents to answer questions. They asked that several large maps showing the park locations be available and that a handout be prepared summarizing the six or seven major proposed expenditures. It was felt that at least the presentation should be televised. Chairperson Grabowski raised the issue of being able to afford to maintain the parks if the bond , referendum is passed. If the Council approves this, he felt they have to be prepared to back it up / \. ) <) / Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 3, 1998 Page 3 (Park Bond Referendum/Project 98-18, Continued) with an increase in both personnel and equipment, as the Department is getting farther and farther behind without an increase in personnel in five years. The Public Works Superintendent told him at least two more people would be needed in Parks. He also asked Mr. Haas to provide a list of projects that have been done the last two or three years, so the residents know what has been accomplished since the last proposed bond referendum. Commissioner O'Toole understood that the Finance Director would prepare the figures on the cost to the homeowners for the bond. He said a $3.4 million bond would be about $65 to $68 per year for the homeowners. Once the fire bond ends in the year 2001, people shouldn't even notice the impact of a park bond. A 10-year bond has been discussed. Mr. Haas stated he will ask Ms. McGann to attend the informational meeting. (Commissioners Kieffer and Barringer arrived at this time; 8:17 p.m.) REVIEW ISSUES LIST , Hills of Bunker Lake West Park - The Commission asked that the item be removed from the list because it is completed. ) Pine Hills - The project is near completion. Remove from the list. Coon Creek Corridor Trail - Mr. Haas stated a meeting has been scheduled to go over the warranty final list. The contractors are on notice. The Commission agreed to survey the residents after receiving input at the September 10 meeting. City Hall - The installation of the sprinkler system in the soccer field on the west side has begun. The soccer associations are aware of the projects for both the east and west fields. Hills of Bunker Lake trail agreements - The original insurance requirements have not yet been submitted by the property owner on the west side of the trail. Mr. Haas stated that person is in the process of selling his camper, so that will not need to be insured. The Commission understood that all vehicles needed to be insured. Mr. Haas did not think that is what the agreement stated, but will research that further. Hawkridge well- The Commission wanted to be sure the City of Oak Grove is aware of the proposal that they pay one-third of the cost of the well. Mr. Haas understood there is an extra pump in Public Works, so the only cost would be to dig the well. This item is not in the Fire Department or Oak Grove's budgets for 1999. If the bond passes, it could be done the third year. '\ / , , / \J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 3, 1998 Page 4 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Thankyou letter to Ace Solid Waste - The Commissioners signed a letter thanking Ace Solid Waste for their continued donations to the City's parks. Hidden Creek - Commissioner O'Toole was concerned that the widening of Bunker Lake Boulevard may affect the parking lot and ball field at Hidden Creek North. Mr. Haas stated the parking lot may be affected, depending on whether or not curb and gutter or ditches will be constructed through that area. The new location for the ball field definitely will not be affected. Lions Club donations - Commissioner Kieffer reported he talked with the president of the Andover Lions Club regarding continuing their donations to the City's parks. The response was very positive. At the moment their funds have been drained because they made a sizeable donation to Public Works. He felt, however, that by the end of the year and into early 1999 they would be able to give a donation for the drinking fountains for the City Hall park. Dock at Timber River park - Mr. Haas stated Staff met with the developer on Monday. They are looking at another location for the dock where it is flatter and the ADA standards can be met. They would like to keep the dock, as the residents buying the lots were told there would be a fishing pier. If another location can be used, they will be coming back with a proposal. He expected a update at the next regular meeting. The Commission asked that the item be put on the Issues List. Park dedication plus appraisal's fees - Mr. Haas reported the City cannot require the developer to pay the appraisal's fee on top of the lO-percent park dedication. Chairperson Grabowski asked for the City Attorney's opinion. Bunker Lake Boulevard trail - The Commission noted they have not had an opportunity to review or make recommendations on the proposed trail along Bunker Lake Boulevard, but the City Council has generally agreed to proceed with a 50-50 cost share with the county on that trail. Mr. Haas stated the project is moving ahead very quickly. Commissioner O'Toole noted the developers of the Fannstead agreed to pay for 50 percent of the trail along their property on Bunker Lake Blvd. With that trail being constructed along with the road project, he suggested The Fannstead be asked to pay their share directly to the City. Mr. Haas stated he would have the City Engineer update the Commission on the proposal. The Commission also suggested the county be approached about completing the trail along Bunker Lake Boulevard from Hanson Boulevard east to the railroad tracks at this time. '. Motion by O'Toole, Seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 6- Yes, I-Absent (Lindahl) vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. ~spectfu Iy ubmitied, .L ~ (~. Mella A. Peach, Recording Secretary