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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 6, 1998 u u , 'i '-./ F\ U u CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -AUGUST 6,1998 MINUTES The Regular Bi-MontWy Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson AI Grabowski on August 6, 1998, 7:30 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Dave B1ackstad (arrived at 8:22 p.m.), Jim Lindahl, Dave O'Toole Brian Barringer, Jeff Kieffer Park Coordinator, Todd Others Commissioners absent: Also present: RESIDENT FORUM Mayor Jack McKelvey - stated he is appearing before the Commission for the Andover Lions. There has been some ill feelings, and he would like to see the Lions supporting the parks again. Pov's has a tournament coming up October 3-4 and October 10-1 I on the four fields at Sunshine Park. The Lions are proposing to make a $2,000 donation to the parks in place of the fee that Pov's would pay for the tournament. The tournament application fee is due eight weeks before the tournament, which would be tomorrow. He asked, however, that the time be waived until next Wednesday until the Lions have met, after which they will write a check for $2,000 to the City. Pov's would still pay the damage deposit of$500. Chairperson Grabowski stated he had a long discussion with the Mayor and has resolved several things. He didn't have a problem with the request. The only other issue is having someone from Staff oversee the tournament to make sure the bathrooms are stocked, etc. Mayor McKelvey - stated the Lions would be willing to oversee the tournament and would have someone there at all times. The Commission agreed. Motion by O'Toole, Seconded by Grabowski, to approve the application for the tournament with the $2,000 donation due when approved through the Lions Club. Motion carried on a 4- Y es , 3-Absent (Barringer, Blackstad, Kieffer) vote. Willie? . and Ray Trevas. John Rice VFW. Blaine - asked about the possibility of using the ball fields at Sunshine Park for one day only on Saturday, July 10, 1999, to hold the State Special Olympics. They would need to convert two baseball fields to softball fields. Between 350 and 400 people would participate from all over the state. They would be serving food at no charge. There \ \J '-.J , .I Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 6, 1998 Page 2 (Resident Forum, Continued) would be no fees for the teams. They need to know now whether or not they can have the fields. They have approached other cities but have not yet been able to find fields that are available. Chairperson Grabowski stated there is a conflict with the state softball tournaments which are held every year that same weekend. He has had the under 16 tournaments in Andover for the last three years. He asked ifit would be possible to change the date of the Special Olympics tournament. Mr. Trevas - stated they have already tried to do so, but the State committee is not willing to change the date. If they cannot find fields for that day, they will have to give up hosting the tournament. They have one more option before turning it down. Chairperson Grabowski stated he would check with the state committee tomorrow about the dates of the state softball tournaments and get back to Mr. Trevas. Ifthere is no conflict with the date, the Commission was receptive to having the Special Olympics at Sunshine Park. PUBLIC HEARING: NO PARKING/148TH A VENUE NW/SUNSHINE PARK , / Mr. Haas stated he didn't realize that the public hearing notice to the residents stated a meeting time of7 o'clock tonight.The parking problem arises during soccer games when cars park on both sides of 148th A venue near the south end of Sunshine Park. It is a very narrow street, and it becomes a safety issue. There were no residents present. Mike Bemmer of North Metro Soccer Association stated he will be instructing the coaches to tell parents to park in the north parking lot or at the school parking lot. The Commission discussed where the No-Parking signs should be located. They then agreed to place No Parking signs on both sides of 148th Avenue from Jay Street to the west side of the park property and on the east side of Lynette Street south to the property line of the first lot, 14789 Lynette. Motion by Anderson, Seconded by O'Toole, to so move. Motion carried on a 4- Yes, 3-Absent (Barringer, Blackstad, Kieffer) vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES July 16, 1998: Correct as written. Motion by O'Toole, Seconded by Lindahl, to approve the Minutes from the last meeting. Motion carried on a 4- Yes, 3-Absent (Barringer, B1ackstad, Kieffer) vote. / \ ./ o I Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 6, 1998 Page 3 PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Mr. Haas stated Mr. Starr will be present at the next meeting to discuss the activities of the Parks Department. Chairperson Grabowski stated he has found out that in the City of Coon Rapids, the amount of parks being maintained is similar to Andover, yet they have 12 full-time employees for parks and Andover has only three. The Parks Staff is overwhelmed, and he felt the Commission needs to talk to the Council about more help in Parks. FINANCIAL UPDATE The Commission discussed the ordinance amendment on park dedication. They were concerned that the City has no recourse if an appraisal is totally unreasonable. The Park Board should have the option of refuting an appraisal before it is passed on to the City Council. It was also suggested that a policy is needed that a developer could not use the same appraiser twice in a row. Also, the appraisers on the City's list should be reviewed at least annually. It was suggested that the Staffkeep a table of the amount of the appraisals made in the developments for the Commission to use as comparisons. . / The Commission asked about the "unprofessional services" charge in the financial statement. Mr. Haas stated the City pays for the appraisals of the developers. The Commission felt the ordinance should state the park dedication fee is 10 percent plus the appraisal fees. Mr. Haas stated Staff will draft some language for an ordinance amendment for the Commission to review at the August 20 meeting. He also noted that the mileage for the Engineering Department should not be in there and will be removed from the Park Budget. The Commission also suggested that a thank. you on City letterhead signed by all of the Commissioners be sent to Ace Solid Waste for their donations to the parks. UPDATE OF MEETING WITH ANDOVER LIONS CLUB The Commission agreed to table the item to the August 20 meeting. UPDATE OF PARK BOND REFERENDUM Commissioner O'Toole stated the committee did not meet, but he did talk with a few Councilmembers. All thought it would be a good idea to go for a bond referendum on the November / , ) \J o ) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 6, 1998 Page 4 (Update of Park Bond Referendum, Continued) ballot. Mr. Haas stated he will put this on the August 18 City Council agenda for approval to meet the deadline. He suggested the Commission may want to hold a special meeting with the Council to discuss the items. (Commissioner Blackstad arrived at this time, 8:22 p.m.) The Commission discussed some of the projects that may be included in the bond referendum, thinking the total amount for the bond would be about $3 million. More accurate figures and specific projects need to be identified. It was then agreed that Chairperson Grabowski and Commissioner O'Toole would meet with Mr. Haas to discuss the projects and costs for the bond referendum. APPROVE REVISED SOFTBALUBASEBALL SCHEDULE Mr. Haas stated he will add the Pov's tournament to the schedule. . / Motion by Lindahl, Seconded by O'Toole, to approve the revised schedule. Motion carried on a 4- Yes, I-Abstain (Grabowski), 2-Absent (Barringer, Kieffer) vote. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Hills of Bunker Lake West Park - Chairperson Grabowski questioned where the markers are, as the fence is still blocking access to the pond. Mr. Haas stated he will look at it. City Hall - The Commission suggested the soccer association be notified when the soccer field to the west of City Hall will not be available because of the installation of the sprinkler system. Hills of Bunker Lake (1-4 Additions) - Chairperson Grabowski strongly felt the residents on both sides of the trail should not be using it with motorized vehicles unless the agreements are finalized with the City. There are tire marks on the tar and the cones have been moved to the side. He suggested a recommendation be made to the City Council that they cannot drive on the trail until all insurances are in place. Commissioner Lindahl also suggested the City must be notified within 20 days if the insurance lapses. Mr. Haas thought that was in the agreement. Letters are being sent to the homeowners tomorrow, and the item will be on the next Council agenda. Coon Creek Corridor Trail - Chairperson Grabowski suggested the signs be installed before the residents are surveyed. Commissioner O'Toole also noted the need to sign the trails regarding / \ , /i ,-~ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 6, 1998 Page 5 (Review Issues list, Continued) snowmobiling since the City Council did not ban them south of 161st Mr. Haas stated Staffis aware of the need for signing, and there is a sign plan in place. They will be adding to that plan and will be talking to the Sheriffs Department to place them appropriately. The Commission also noted the Council discussion to bring a civil suit against snowmobilers who cause damage to the trails. They recommended the Deputies be made aware of that intent and that those drivers be tagged under the ordinance as well. Mr. Haas stated he will mention that to the Deputies. Park Patrol - The Commission again discussed the need for additional park patrol and the cost effectiveness of using the Anoka County Parks Department patrol if possible. Chairperson Grabowski stated he caught several golfers in the parks again. In addition, a deputy drove over the soccer field to the golfer, but did not tag him. He then wrote to and talked with the Sheriff asking for a zero tolerance policy regarding golfers in the parks. The Commission then agreed this is another item that should be discussed with the City Council at ajoint meeting. It was suggested the Council be asked to meet with the Commission at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 1998. ABA - The Commission suggested a meeting be scheduled between the ABA and Mr. Fursman regarding the issue of finding a location to store the Andover Baseball Association equipment CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Park budget - The Commission discussed sources offimding for various park projects, the need for increasing the number of personnel in the Parks Department plus the need for park security for four months a year. No specific action was taken. Timber Rivers fishing pier - Chairperson Grabowski stated the park and the fishing pier look very nice, but the pier is not handicapped accessible. The pier does not have reflectors or hand rails, is in the flood plain; and it is not signed for no diving or swimming. It is also very remote, and the concern is that it will become a party place. The Commission agreed to meet at the park prior to the August 20 meeting. Adult tournament charges - Chairperson Grabowski thought that the only way the fields were to be rented out was with maintenance. He asked that the City Council minutes be reviewed on that item. However, he did not have a problem with the Lions Club maintaining the fields. Trophy case in Concessions Building - Chairperson Grabowski stated the trophy case will be put up on Monday. He will open the building for them since Mr. Starr will be on vacation. '- ,/ ,.J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 6, 1998 Page 6 (Chairman's Report, Continued) Ceremony for connecting the trails - Chairperson Grabowski stated now that the trails around the City Hall and Sunshine Park are connected with the ones in the southern end of the City, he suggested there be a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Park Board and Staff. The event would be publicized as well. The Commission generally agreed. Commissioner Anderson stated he would like to see Hanson Boulevard marked for the trail crossing at Andover Boulevard and at Crosstown Boulevard. Mr. Haas stated he told the county about it, but he will talk to them again. Motion by Blackstad, Seconded by O'Toole, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 5- Yes, 2-Absent (Barringer, Kieffer) vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, c---... ~~~~L Recording Secretary