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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 4, 1998 o o () o u CITY of ANDOVER PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JUNE 4, 1998 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Acting Chairperson Dave Blackstad on June 4, 1998, 7:35 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Brian Barringer, Chairperson Grabowski (arrived at 8 p.m.), Jeff Kieffer (arrived at 8:35 p.m.) Tom Anderson, Jim Lindahl, Dave O'Toole Parks, Kevin Starr Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Others Commissioners absent: Also present: RECOMMEND PARK DEDICATION/CHESTERTON COMMONS NORTH Mr. Haas reported the Park Board was leaning toward taking cash in lieu of land for park dedication for the Chesterton Commons North plat when they reviewed the sketch plan. The Council noted there are no tot lots for the developments north of the ditch. There are 47 lots in this development and about 20 lots in Cambridge Estates north of the ditch. 159th Avenue deadends at the eastern property line, and there is potential development to the east and north. The Comprehensive Plan Task Force is considering the limits of the MUSA boundary. He did not know how many years it would be before those abutting properties would develop. Because most of the Commissioners were not yet present, it was agreed to table the item to later in the meeting (see Page 4 of these Minutes). COMMUNITY EDUCATION SCHOOL UPDATElNANCY KNOP Nancy Knop, Community Education, thanked the Park and Recreation Commission for their continued support and updated them on the activities of the Community Education program the last two years. With the addition of the two schools, they served about 5,000 youth grades K-5, about 3,000 teens and 1300 adults with the programs offered. There has been an increase in facility use, with priority given to Andover residents. They have added programs, teen activities, and athletic programs, plus they were responsible for activities and enrichment programs for all grades at the Crooked Lake Elementary School for one week when the mold problem was discovered in the school. She also noted the change in Staff at both Crooked Lake and Andover Elementary schools. Acting Chairperson B1ackstad thanked her for her efforts. , , J \ ,-.J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting . I Minutes - June 4, 1998 Page 2 PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Mr. Starr handed out a list of items the Parks Department has been working on during the month of May. The Commission also discussed several items with him: > Parks update - Mr. Starr stated the parking lots are being done now at Northwoods East and Hills 5th. Afterwards, they will do the outfields and seed. Timber River is done. They will do the landscaping. It will be a gorgeous park. Hidden Creek park will be upgraded at the end of the season. > Outfield chuck holes - Acting Chairperson Blackstad stated he will talk to the baseball coaches about the holes being made in the outfields by the young players. Mr. Starr stated they have seen a lot of damage in the fields this year. One person was hurt, caused by one of the chuck holes. There has also been a great deal of trash left around the players' benches this year. Plus a concrete bench was destroyed at Sunshine Park recently. They may have to anchor those benches. > Lund's North Park - The Commission met at Lund's North Park prior to this evening's meeting. . / Mr. Haas suggested nothing be done at the park until the Commission decides what it will do there. Acting Chairperson Blackstad thought there were two options to either move the field and install a parking lot parallel to the road or keep the field where it is and run the parking lot down the south side of the lot line. Mr. Starr stated he will wait until the Commission makes its decision before doing anything in the park. (Chairperson Grabowski arrived at this time; 8 p.m.) > Vandalism in the parks - Mr. Starr stated there has been a lot of vandalism done both in the parks and along the trails. Many players' benches have been broken. Chairperson Grabowski also noted that there is a problem with roller bladers and skaters in Sunshine Park to the point where he is considering having them banned. He also stated another "No Pets" sign is needed at Sunshine Park. He felt that the Commission should again approach the Council about hiring someone to patrol the parks. Mr. Starr stated it would be helpful to have someone in uniform visible in the parks and on the trails. Mr. Haas stated he will talk to the Community Service Officers and ask them to be more visible in the parks. Chairperson Grabowski also felt a bike rack is needed at Sunshine Park. > Parking lot at Sunshine Park - Chairperson Grabowski noted that the parking lot at Sunshine Park is often totally full. People are playing at the school and are parking at Sunshine Park. Mr. Haas stated he has told the Deputies to tag people who are parking on the fields. "No Parking" signs along the fields would have to be approved by the City Council. , / .\ \,) \ V Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 'J Minutes - June 4, 1998 Page 3 (Public Works Update, Continued) ~ Field maintenance - Mr. Starr stated the infields are dragged on Mondays and after rains. The fields at the Main Complex have been dragged four days a week. At the tournament this weekend, the fields will be laid out on Friday; and Staffwill be servicing the fields from 11 to 1 o'clock on Saturday and from 6 to 9 a.m. on Sunday. ~ Staffing- Mr. Starr stated two more Staff will come on board June 15, which will help with the work load, but the shortage of manpower continues to be one of their biggest problems. The City has saved a considerable amount of money by doing its own landscaping around the City HalllPublic Works complex. Chairperson Grabowski suggested the City use the money that was saved from snow plowing this year to add temporary help for parks for the summer. REVIEW DRIVEWAY LICENSE AGREEMENT/l171 AND 1155 I40TH LANE NW The Commission reviewed the draft Driveway License Agreement which was prepared by the City Attorney and made the following comments and recommendations: , I Page 1, Paragraph No. 1: It was suggested the access be limited to an occasional use. The Commission suggested the first sentence should read: "City hereby licenses Owners, subject to the rights hereinafter excepted and reserved and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter the right to utilize the bike and walking trail as an occasional access to serve the Property." The rest of the paragraph to remain as is. Tony Brozek 1155 140th Lane - stated his business will be moving from his house because it has grown, so the amount the trails will be used will be lessened considerably. Page 3, Paragraph No.8: Chairperson Grabowski suggested Councilmember Orttellook at the amount ofliability coverage needed. He questioned whether $100,000 is sufficient. Chairperson Grabowski personally felt that vehicular traffic should not be allowed on the trail, but he understood the Council has already indicated it would approve such an agreement. It was generally agreed to forward the draft agreement to the City Council for their action with the request that the amount ofliability coverage be reviewed. Mr. Haas stated this will be placed on the June 16 City Council agenda. I , \, ;' \ \...J ) Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 4, 1998 Page 4 RECOMMEND PARK DEDICATION/CHESTERTON COMMONS NORTH, CONTINUED Commissioner Blackstad explained they tabled the item until more Commissioners were available. In discussing the issues further, it was agreed that cash would be accepted in lieu ofland for this plat; however, they would look at developing a mini lot when the adjoining property either to the east or north develops in the future. That mini lot should be one or two blocks from this plat. Motion by Blackstad, Seconded by Barringer, to accept cash in lieu ofland for park dedication on the Chesterton Commons North plat. Motion carried on a 3- Yes (Grabowski, Barringer, Blackstad), 4-Absent (Anderson, Kieffer, Lindahl, O'Toole) vote. REVIEW COMPREHENSIVE PLAN/PARKS CHAPTER In reviewing the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan of the Comprehensive Plan, the Commission suggested that the map of Sunshine Park be removed, as that park is already developed and the map does not accurately reflect what is there. The proposed map of the City Hall development should also be removed as it is not needed. I (Commissioner Kieffer arrived at this time; 8:35 p.m.) Mr. Haas noted the trail system will be included with the Transportation System. He will ask Mr. Hinzman to bring the trails portion of that Plan to the Park and Recreation Commission for review. Motion by Blackstad, Seconded by Barringer, to recommend the Comprehensive Plan Task Force adopt this chapter with the removal of the two maps of Sunshine Park and City Hall. Motion carried on a 4-Yes, 3-Absent (Anderson, Lindahl, O'Toole) vote. REVIEW REVISION TO ORDINANCE 10, SECTION 9.07 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas stated this item has come back from the City Council. Chairperson Grabowski stated the problem is the result of the Hamilton Square property. There was a rush to develop that property and so there was approval before the park dedication issue was resolved. He felt it is a fairness issue. Those commercial lots sold for four times what a residential lot would sell for. The question is whether the lots in Hamilton Square are worth more than the commercial lots in the Andover Commercial Park. Possibly the City should hire a third impartial appraiser right away. , I " ) ~j Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting / Minutes - June 4, 1998 Page 5 (Discuss Revision to Ordinance 10, Section 9.07 Commercial Property Park Dedication Requirements, Continued) Mr. Haas explained the developer can offer an appraisal to the Commission. The Commission can agree or disagree. If they don't agree, the ordinance clearly states the next steps. An appraiser is chosen by the Park Commission at the expense of the owner/developer. Possibly if they want the City to hire an appraiser, the developer should put it in writing and then be willing to accept the recommendations of that appraiser. He is trying to be consistent with having one appraiser. The Commission suggested the direction to the City Council be to leave the ordinance as is and to follow it. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Mr. Haas reviewed the status of the issues already on the list. On the last item, Hills of Bunker Lake 1-4 Additions trail, the bids were considerably less than anticipated. The staking is being done and that project will begin next week some time. / Community Education - Chairperson Grabowski suggested this item be added to the Issues List to be sure the contribution to community education is removed from the Parks Department maintenance budget to a separate account. Commissioner Kieffer thought the assessments to parks for street improvements was also to be removed from the maintenance budget. Mr. Haas didn't think so but will mention that to the Public Works Superintendent. Well at Hawk Ridge park - Chairperson Grabowski suggested this item be added to the Issues List and that Mr. Haas talk with the Fire Chief and the City of Oak Grove regarding this project. WDE site update - Chairperson Grabowski suggested this item be added to the Issues List to receive an update from the City Administrator on the status of the WDE site and any proposals for park development. Mr. Haas stated he will talk with the City Administrator about this matter. Park patrol investigation - Chairperson Grabowski asked that this issue be added to the list because of the considerable amount of damage that is occurring in the parks this year. He'd like to get the costs for park patrol in the City. Mr. Haas stated he will talk with the City Administrator about this. \ , J ) \ ,-..-J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 4, 1998 Page 6 APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 30, 1998, Special Meeting: Correct as written. May 19, 1998, Special Meeting: Correct as written. Motion by Blackstad, Seconded by Grabowski, approval of the April 30 Minutes. Motion carried on a 2-Yes (Blackstad, Grabowski), 2-Present (Barringer, Kieffer), 3-Absent (Anderson, Lindahl, O'Toole) vote. Motion by Blackstad, Seconded by Kieffer, approval of the May 19 Minutes. Motion carried on a 2- Yes (Blackstad, Kieffer), 2-Present (Barringer, Grabowski), 3-Absent (Anderson, Lindahl, O'Toole) vote. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Anoka pool - Chairperson Grabowski provided copies of the number of individual Anoka Aquatic " Center pool passes that had been sold to residents of the surrounding cities as of May 27, 1998. . / Andover residents realize a savings on those passes because of the donation made toward that pool. Commissioner Kieffer noted there is a real problem with the size of the parking lot, but the Anoka City Council is advising them to run it like it is this year and look at additional parking for next year. There are only about 40 parking spots. He also noted that Anoka, Andover and Ramsey residents can register for lessons one day before open registration. Donations - Commissioner Blackstad suggested the Commission formally ask the Andover Lions for a contribution toward the City's parks. Commissioner Kieffer suggested a specific project be targeted toward which a donation would be very much appreciated. It was generally agreed to discuss park needs at the next meeting and possibly appoint two Commissioners to meet with the Lions regarding a proposal. Mr. Haas stated he would find out when the Lions hold their meetings and whether they would prefer to meet with the Commissioners privately or at one of their regular meetings. Lights at the City Hall fields - Chairperson Grabowski stated he has contacted Mr. Starr and the Sheriff's Department regarding who is responsible for shutting off the lights on the ball fields at City Hall. There is an agreement in place as to who will be doing it. Letter referencing trails - Chairperson Grabowski referenced a letter sent to the City Council and himself by an attorney who lives in the City addressing the use of motorized vehicles on park trails. He will give copies to the Commission and to the Staff. He talked with the former City Administrator, Jim Schrantz, who stated he did not give permission for the residents in Hills of Bunker Lake to use park property to access their back yards. Chairperson Grabowski stated he \ \, ) ~ ~'\ V Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 4, 1998 Page 7 (Chairman's Report, Continued) explained that to the Council and personally is not in favor of any vehicles on the trails other than City vehicles; however, it appears the Council will approve that use. Cancellation of the May meeting - Chairperson Grabowski noted the City Council meeting minutes refer to the cancellation of the May 21 Park and Recreation Commission meeting because three members had an atWetic association meeting. He clarified that the athletic meetings are on Tuesday evenings and no one on the Commission is on the athletic board. The meeting was canceled because several members had legitimate reasons for not being able to attend, and he notified Staff of the cancellation the week before the meeting. The rumors were not true. Update of Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan - Mr. Haas provided updated copies of the Five-Year Capital Plan with more accurate cost estimates. On the agenda for the next meeting is a strategy session for the 1999 budget. The City Council is meeting on June 29 to discuss the 1999 budget. The City will only receive about $25,000 in park dedication this year, but many dollars are needed to match the construction of trails and bring the parks up to date plus keep up with the demand resulting from growth. Motion by B1ackstad, Seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, '\\.\ ^,. f\ () ~.. CA~l ,I ~ _ Marcelia A. Peach Recording Secretary