Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 16, 1998 ':J , '\ U ('\ '-.../ u u CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JULY 16,1998 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson AI Grabowski on July 16, 1998, 7:34 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Brian Barringer (arrived at 7:42 p.m.), Dave Blackstad (arrived at 7:36 p.m.), Jeff Kieffer, Jim Lindahl, Dave O'Toole None Park Coordinator, Todd Others Commissioners absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 18, 1998: Correct as written. Motion by Kieffer, Seconded by O'Toole, to approve the Minutes as written. Motion carried on a 4-Yes, I-Present (Anderson), 2-Absent (Barringer, Blackstad) vote. LANGFELD'S OAKRIDGE ESTATES/PARK DEDICATION Mr. Haas explained the City Council has approved the preliminary plat of Langfeld's Oakridge Estates subject to a recommendation on park dedication by the Park and Recreation Commission. At the sketch plan stage, the Board was recommending cash in lieu of land for park dedication. (Commissioner Blackstad arrived at this time, 7:36 p.m.) He presented a copy of the appraisal of the property which values the property at $3,000 per acre. For the 27.1 acres in the plat, it amounts to about $8,000 in park dedication fees. There is a considerable amount of wetland in that plat. Motion by Blackstad, Seconded by Kieffer, to accept cash in lieu of land for park dedication for Langfeld's Oakridge Estates. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, I-Absent (Barringer) vote. \. ) ~ \. j Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 16, 1998 Page 2 (Langfeld's Oakridge Estates/Park Dedication, Continued) Mr. Langfeld - had a copy of the county assessor's appraisal of the land at $39,000 for the entire parcel, which is about half of what the City's appraiser had estimated. He hoped to be able to negotiate an amount somewhere between the two appraisals. He is also having problems getting a house on the one lot because the water level is so high. (Commissioner Barringer arrived at this time, 7:42 p.m.) Mr. Langfeld stated the land was taken out of Green Acres years ago. It has been his land and he is developing it because the taxes are so high. Mr. Haas stated Mr. Langfeld had an opportunity to hire his own appraiser and make an offer to the Park Board. Instead, he requested in writing that the City do the appraisal. Chairperson Grabowski didn't know what the county assessor uses as a guide, but it's been his experience that the county assessor's valuations are 70 to 80 percent of the true market value. Also, he didn't know how or if Green Acres was calculated by the county. . / After further discussion with Mr. Langfeld, the Commission explained they are unable to negotiate on the park dedication. That would have to go to the City Council. It was also noted that this was one of the lowest valuations received in many years, probably because of the wetlands. No further action was taken. CONSIDER NO PARKING/GREEN ACRES PARK The Commission discussed the issue of No Parking signs along one side of the street at Green Acres Park because of the congested parking conditions during ball games. Commissioner Barringer, who lives in the neighborhood, stated he has not experienced a problem in the five years he's lived there. He didn't even think games were played at that field this year. For the four to six times a year there may be games there, he questioned the need for the No Parking signs. The Commission noted '.mly one complaint has been received. Without any public backing and because of the input from a Commissioner who lives there, the Commission generally agreed that no signs are needed at this time. Motion by Lindahl, Seconded by Anderson, to recommend we take no action on this. Motion carried unanimously. , / " \- -/) .---1 Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 16, 1998 Page 3 REVIEW OF PLANS AND SPECS/IP97-51IFENCINGIVARIOUS PARKS Mr. Haas noted that fencing is being considered this summer for Hills East Park, Hidden Creek North Park and Pine Hills Park. The Commission agreed the players bench area should be done similar to Hills East Park where the fence is extended. Mr. Haas stated Staff will look at five-foot strips with players' benches behind the screen. He would still recommend mow strips around the back stop. The Commission agreed. Commissioner asked what happened to the contract to redo the backstops this year. That project was never done. Mr. Haas stated the Parks Department is still planning to have them done this year. The contractor has not come when scheduled. Chairperson Grabowski stated he talked with Kevin Starr and suggested if the contractor has not started the project by this meeting, that he consider hiring another contractor. The problem is the contract was open ended. That project should be compl~ted by September or October at the latest. Mr. Haas stated he will talk to the Public Works Superintendent about a completion date in their contracts. DISCUSS LUND'S NORTH PARKlREDEVELOPMENT OF PARK/CONTINUED , / The Commission reviewed the most recent draft layout of Lund's North Park with the two options for the location of the parking lot. They suggested Staff show the layout to the residents that will be most affected and ask them for their opinion. To pave a parking lot without concrete curb and gutter and to install some playground equipment will cost about $17,000 to $25,000. The problem is there is no financing to do anything with the park. At this point the Commission felt their only option is to add it to the "wish list" of projects to be done in the future when funding is available. DISCUSS SHADOWBROOK EAST PARKlDEVELOPMENT OF PARK The Commission reviewed the most recent draft layout of the Shadowbrook East Park. Mr. Haas stated additional stalls have been added to the parking lot for a total of 50 stalls. The developer will also be stubbing sewer and water to the site for future irrigation and possibly a small bathroom. The Commission agreed. A concern was the short distance between where people will be sitting to watch the ball games and the back yards of the lots to the west. Mr. Haas stated the developer is presenting this layout to buyers of those lots so they are aware of the proposed development of the park. Chairperson Grabowski asked that the information the developer provides those buyers be placed in the City's files. / , , \..j :~ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 16, 1998 Page 4 (Discuss Shadowbrook East Park/Development, Continued) The Commission also discussed the pros and cons of the field layout in relation to the sun and the hitting of balls out of the fields. It was then suggested that the southern field be turned so the home plate is either northeast or southeast to keep the sun out of the players' eyes and so those watching the games will be further away from the residential lots for at least one field. Mr. Haas didn't know if the developer had already started grading. It may also be a problem because the proposal places the infield at the highest location and the outfields in the lower, so the movement of fill may be a problem. The Commission asked that he talk with the developer to see what is possible. They also recommended that the playground equipment not be placed near the residents or between the fields. Because the funding is not available for the development of the park, it was suggested this be added to the "wish list" of projects to be done in the future. DISCUSS PRAIRIE KNOLL PARKlREDEVELOPMENT OF PARK/CONTINUED / The Commission reviewed the most recent draft layout of Prairie Knoll. Of the two options to locate the northern parking lot, the preference was for the more westerly rectangular shaped one. Because of the way people park, it was feared that not all of the parking stalls would be usable in the square- shaped option. Again, it was suggested this be added to the "wish list" of projects to be done when funding is available. REVIEW OF TRANSPORTATION PLAN/TRAILS/CONTINUED Chairperson Grabowski felt the draft Transportation Plan of the Comprehensive Plan was well written except for the opinions expressed, especially on the subject of park and ride. He also suggested the maps be condensed, as there seems to be quite a few. Mr. Haas noted the maps will be updated and be easier to read. He noted an addition to the trail system in t~e northwest corner of the City to connect some neighborhoods to the Anoka County park. The Commission agreed with that change, as it would also justify constructing a trail from this area of the community to connect with the other trails. There were no further comments. UPDATE OF MEETING WITH ANDOVER LIONS CLUB Commissioners Blackstad and Kieffer stated they have not yet had an opportunity to meet with representatives of the Andover Lions Club and asked that the item be tabled to the next meeting. The Commission agreed. / \ '. / ,-.J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 16, 1998 Page 5 REVIEW PETITIONINORTHWOODS WEST PARK The Commission discussed the petition from the residents to install a basketball court and security light at Northwoods West Park and a security light at Northwoods East Park. While space is a problem, one suggestion was to place the basketball court adjacent to the tennis court and use the tennis court fence as the backdrop for the basketball hoop. Mr. Haas was asked to determine the cost of the request, though it was recognized that funding is not available at this time. It was hoped that a security light could be placed in the Northwoods East park, thinking the cost of the light will outweigh any losses from vandalism that results when there are no security lights. Staff was asked to determine if there is a pole in the vicinity on which the security light could be placed. UPDATE OF 1999 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET Mr. Haas stated the request for park capital funds for 1999 was $250,000. The suggestion has been to reduce that to $50,000 for the matching grant for Kelsey-Round Lake Park and another $50,000 for capital improvements. He asked specifically what projects the Commission would like to do next year with the $50,000 for capital improvements. / Chairperson Grabowski had a concern that of the $50,000, $10,000 will be assessed for street improvement in Fox Meadows, leaving only $40,000. He did not agree with those assessments coming out of park dedication. That also leaves less for park improvements than what the City pays the school district for community education. If they must be paid by the City, they should come out of the general fund. Mr. Haas encouraged the Commission to attend the assessment hearing for the Fox Meadows projects to express that concern. Chairperson O'Toole suggested that the $50,000 be put toward completing Sunshine Park, since that is the central park and is so well used. The Commission generally agreed and discussed some of the improvements that still need to be made. One item is the delivery road to the Concession Building from the west. There was some discussion on the need for playground equipment. While it was recognized there is a very nice playground next door at the Andover Elementary School, it was also noted that many parents will not send their small children that far to play while they watch the ball games. It was suggested that some spring rides along with some shelters are needed. It was then agreed to the following expenditures in 1999 for Sunshine Park: $15,000 for playground equipment; $10,000 for a large shelter; $20,000 for a parking lot on the west side; and $5,000 for additional trails within the park. That equals $50,000 for capital improvements. If the assessm::nts for Fox Meadows must come from the park budget, the total amount should then be $60,000. To determine the location for the shelter and playground equipment, they asked Mr. Haas to determine the square footage of the area between the volley ball court, the parking lot and the soccer fields. / ) '~~ _./ \ U / Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 16, 1998 Page 6 DISCUSS NO PARKING/148TH A VENUE NW/SUNSHINE PARK Chairperson Grabowski felt this location gets to be a very dangerous situation when cars park on both sides of the road. The problem seems to be when games are still in play and people come in for the next game, so there is an overlapping of traffic. He noted it would be very difficult to increase the size of the southern parking lot, though possibly it could be expanded to the west. The Commission discussed some options and noted there should be sufficient parking by utilizing both the southern and northern parking lots. If that is so, then the solution may be to sign both sides of 148th Avenue with no parking. It was suggested that the residents along 148th A venue and both soccer associations be asked to an information meeting to discuss the problem before any decisions are made. Mr. Haas stated he will schedule that meeting for August 6, 1998. UPDATE OF PROPERTY SOUTH OF WDE SITE , I Chairperson Grabowski was concerned with the proposal to use a park's parking lot for a park and ride as well. He did not feel those two uses were compatible, citing the problems with parking at Wild Iris park on game nights because of the park and ride vehicles. Commissioner Lindahl thought that some parking spots could be designated for park and ride. Except for the few weeks a year when there are evening ball games, there would be no conflict. Chairperson Grabowski argued it would be more compatible to share the park's parking lot for commercial parking as opposed to park and ride parking, as that dual use is compatible in terms of hours of parking. He also argued a park and ride is not something the Parks Department should be responsible for. Mr. Haas stated if the Commissioners have any questions, they should contact the City Administrator. UPDATE OF PARK PATROL Mr. Haas noted the steps taken to increase the visibility of law enforcement efforts in the parks. Chairperson Grabowski acknowledged the visibility of them in the parks has been great. He talked with the Anoka County Parks Department. They have never rented their park patrol in a City, but they have rented them to other organizations. For $15 an hour, they would work from 5 to 10 p.m. by foot, car, golf cart, horseback or bicycle; and they would vary their patrol. He estimated a cost of $8,000 to $10,000 if they were hired for five days a week during May through August. He felt that would be well worth it. It would help prevent vandalism, which costs that much or more every year. Commissioner O'Toole felt that would a great idea but suggested the park patrol go into the fall, either September or October. '. . , j ,-_.J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 16, 1998 Page 7 (Update of Park Patrol, Continued) The Commission asked Mr. Haas to check into hiring the Anoka County Parks Department for park patrol for 1999. CONSIDER LIGHT/PRAIRIE KNOLVPARKING LOT SECURITY LIGHT The Commission discussed the request to install a security light for the parking lot located in the southwest comer of Prairie Knoll park near the ball field. It was noted that the southeast part of the park has two security lights and the playground area has one. One of the problems has been people driving their cars on the slide hill. The Commission did not feel a security light would prevent that problem. They also questioned the cost of adding another pole and light and noted the proposal to upgrade the park in the future. Because of those factors, the Commission decided to take no action at this time. CONSIDER PARK BOND REFERENDUM / Mr. Haas stated the Commission may want to consider a Park Referendum on the November general election. If so, plans would need to be started now. He thought that the Five- Year Capital Improvement Plan may be a good place to begin those plans. The Commission generally felt the item should be pursued. Ideas for promoting the bond were to have neighborhood meetings to get input on what they want in their park, getting the youth league associations involved, eliminate all or most of the past proposal to pave the parking lots as a part of the bond project and possibly survey the residents along the trails for their input. It was then agreed that a committee be established to discuss and recommend items that would be included in a bond referendum and recommend a cost. While everyone is welcome to attend, Commissioners Blackstad, O'Toole and Grabowski agreed to set the first meeting within the next week or two to begin that deliberation. REVIEW ISSUES LIST The Commission reviewed the items on the Issues List with Mr. Haas: Hills of Bunker Lake West Park - Mr. Haas stated the property owner has taken the fence down. Commissioner O'Toole stated he received a call that the fence will be put back up. Mr. Haas stated he will have the Zoning Administrator check to be sure the fence is not on park property. , , I .....j C-.J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 16, 1998 Page 8 (Review Issues List, Continued) Hills of Bunker Lake trails - Mr. Haas noted the contractor has started the work. Hawkridge well- The Commission asked that Mr. Haas talk with the Fire Chief and with Oak Grove about the possibility of sharing the cost of a well in this park. No Pets signs in Sunshine Park - Mr. Haas stated those signs are up. Chairperson Grabowski stated there have been no problems with pets since the signs went up. He asked that similar signs be placed in the City Hall Park. Tournament Policy - The Commission clarified that during the league season, the intent would be to schedule the fields for tournaments for three weekends and let the fields rest the fourth weekend. Location of equipment for ABA - The Commission suggested talking with the City Administrator who made the commitment to find a place to be able to store the equipment. ) CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Pets - Chairperson Grabowski reported he received an ordinance from the City of Fridley, and they do not allow pets in their ball complexes any more either. Trail use access agreements - Chairperson Grabowski asked the status of the agreements for the two residents in the Hills of Bunker Lake to allow them to use motorized vehicles on the park trail. Mr. Haas stated he received a copy of the homeowner's insurance from the person on the east side. He has not seen anything else. Chairperson Grabowski felt there needs to be a dead line for signing the agreement and submitting copies of the insurance policies. If it is not completed by the August 4 City Council meeting, he will address the Council on that issue. Golfing in the parks - Chairperson Grabowski stated Staff has sent a letter to the Sheriffs Department regarding the City's ordinance prohibiting golfing in the City's park. The Sheriffs Department has been asked to adopt a zero tolerance policy toward golfing in the parks. Motion by B1ackstad, Seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~ ~o,J- Marcella A. Peach, Recording Secretary