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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 5, 1998 .F) '-.../ o o o u CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - MARCH 5, 1998 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Al Grabowski on March 5, 1998, 7:37 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson (arnved at 7:40 p.m.), Dave Blackstad (arnved at 7:41 p.m.), Dave O'Toole Brian Barringer, Jeff Kieffer, Jim LindaW Parks, Kevin Starr Park Coordinator, Todd Others Commissioners absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 19, 1998: Correct as written. Motion by O'Toole, Seconded by Grabowski, to approve the Minutes as written. Motion earned on _ a2-Yes (Grabowski, O'Toole), 5-Absent (Anderson, Barringer, Blackstad, Kieffer, Lindahl) vote. REVIEW PLANS AND SPECS/IP97-43/VARIOUS TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Haas stated Staff has not been able to complete the plans and specifications. They need to do additional work to get the trail around the curve on Crosstown Boulevard because of where the county is putting the road. (Commissioner Blackstad arrived at this time, 7:39 p.m.) Mr. Haas stated residents are also asking that a trail be constructed along Hanson Boulevard to Bunker Lake Boulevard and the SuperAmerica. Chairperson Grabowski suggested coordinating with the county, as their intent is to extend their trail to the Rum River. Possibly this trail could be a joint effort. j ", ./ \ '-...J \ ) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 5, 1998 Page 2 REVIEW PLANS AND SPECS/IP97-34/VARIOUS PARKING LOT CONSTRUCTION Mr. Haas stated Staff is working on the plans but have not yet finished them. They should be ready by the next meeting. The DNR is requiring one additional parking stall be added to the parking lot at the Crooked Lake boat landing. He has made application to the DNR for funding, but he didn't _ think the City would receive any. Possibly this is an issue to discuss with the City Council, that is how to fund this improvement other than out of the capital budget. (Commissioner Anderson arrived at this time, 7:41 p.m.) The Commission agreed that funds are better used elsewhere at this time other than the parking lot at the Crooked Lake Boat landing. They suggested no plans and specs be done at this time other than the installation of the additional parking stall. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE , / Mr. Starr handed out copies of the Andover Parks Department 1997 - 1998 Maintenance Review, which he suggested be discussed at the next meeting. Several issues were then discussed with the Commission: Drinking fountain at the Concession Building - Mr. Starr stated the little children hang on the fountain. He is proposing to install a new one that meets ADA standards which has a tall and a short fountain. Sunshine Park - Mr. Starr stated about $15,000 was spent in the park last year. More benches and garbage cans are needed. It would be nice to install some shelters. Chairperson Grabowski asked for a quote on a shelter, thinking the Andover AtWetic Association and Andover Baseball Association could be approached for funding for the shelter and also some volunteer help to pour concrete, etc. Mr. Starr envisioned a picnic area, horseshoe pits, and a parking lot on the western portion of the park, which would also provide an easier access to the two smaller fields. Mr. Haas noted the City does not yet own that parcel ofland. Commissioner O'Toole suggested aIlocating some funds toward improvements in Sunshine Park so Mr. Starr can continue working there. , / Concession Building - The Commission discussed the need to enclose the upstairs. Mr. Starr wanted to install a display case rather than just have railings. The Commission felt railings are needed now because it is a safety factor. They suggested spindles and a wood railing which could be put in at a minimal cost and removed in the future when it is completed in its permanent state. Chairperson Grabowski stated the medical room is not used by the EMTs. Commissioner O'Toole suggest seeking a donation for a cot so people could lay on them out of the sun. , '- ) ~J \ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 5, 1998 Page 3 , , / (public Works Update, Continued) Projects - Mr. Starr stated they will start constructing the benches this week. They have been doing tables; and last week they were landscaping. They will be concentrating on landscaping the City Hall Complex next summer. Playground equipment - Mr. Starr said all playground equipment that does not need code will be pulled out this year whether or not there is replacement equipment. The tic tac toe slides are being _ destroyed, as the kids are melting the plastic. The one in Pleasant Oaks was destroyed within two weeks. It will cost $1,200 to replace the slide with a steel one. They will also be changing the look of the equipment in the park north of the City Hall to purple and black. The Commission suggested the replacement of playground equipment be discussed with the City Council. Mr. Starr was asked to write up a proposal of how much it would cost to upgrade one park to ADA standards each year that the Commission and Council could use as a reference for discussing the improvement of parks. .J Destruction in the parks - Mr. Starr noted many of the pieces of equipment and fencing that have been destroyed in the parks, especially in the park just north of the City Hall. He suggested a fence be constructed along the City's north boundary line to prevent the middle school children from walking directly to the park from the school. There are kids smoking in the park and by the pumphouse. Staff has already talked to the school district about the problem. Chairperson Grabowski suggested a letter be sent to the principal of the middle school asking them to rectify the situation. Restitution - Chairperson Grabowski asked Staff to research what happened to the youth who were caught destroying park property in Pleasant Oaks. Over $500 worth of damage was done. He felt restitution should be made. Insurance reimbursement - Mr. Starr stated he is still seeking reimbursement from the insurance - company for some of the items from the storms last summer. That insurance money already received has not been transferred to the park line item in the budget. Motion by Grabowski, Seconded by Blackstad, to allow $5,000 for improvements in Sunshine Park. Motion carried on a 4-Yes, 3-Absent (Barringer, Kieffer, Lindahl) vote. Trails - Mr. Starr stated all the trails have been swept. There is a low area off Hanson Boulevard south of Andover Boulevard where all of the storm water goes over the top of the trail. Mr. Haas agreed that will be a problem area and thought possibly a culvert should be placed under the trail. That could be done as a part of another trail. The commission agreed and also asked to have it added to the "To Do" list. Commissioner O'Toole noted the cage under the railroad tracks has been damaged. Is there any recourse? No action was suggested other than it appears it may be time to hire a park patrol in the City. / , '- , o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 5, 1998 Page 4 REVIEW QUOTES/BLEACHERS Mr. Haas noted a letter has been sent to the supplier of the bleachers in Sunshine Park, and they will be back to repair those bleachers. He asked the Commission if they wanted three-, five- or eight-row bleachers for the soccer fields. There is enough in the budget for three bleachers, one for each soccer field. Five-row bleachers are $1,200; eight-rows are $3,000. The Commission tended to think the five-row bleachers should be purchased, with two sets for each field. They suggested, however, that the soccer associations be approached to find out what they would recommend. Because of the time factor and wanting to have the bleachers in place for the spring season, it was agreed that Mr. Haas would call each of the Commissioners with the quotes and put the item on the March 17 City Council agenda for their approval. RECOMMEND DATES FOR JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL , It was noted the joint meeting with the City Council has been scheduled for April 2, 7 p.m. After that meeting, the Commission will hold its regular meeting. REVIEW ISSUES LIST Cracksealing parking lots - The Commission asked if the parking lots in the parks are cracksealed as a part of the City's street maintenance program. Mr. Haas stated they should be, but he will check on it. Hills of Bunker Lake West Park - Resolved. Letter regarding Redwood Park - Mr. Haas stated there is an issue of two property owners mowing in the park and wetland area. The Commission asked for a follow up on that issue. Mr. Haas stated he will talk with the Zoning Administrator. Under Coon Creek Trail, Add: cage under railroad tracks and rip rap - Mr. Haas stated they will look at the cage and at the rip rap next week. Because it is being destroyed, the rip rap may have to be cemented in place. Under Coon Creek Trail, Add: culvert under trail - The Commission noted the item talked about previously this evening of storm water going over the low area of the trail along Hanson Boulevard and the possibility of installing a culvert to alleviate the problem. / - , u " / - / Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 5, 1998 Page 5 (Review Issues List, Continued) Hills of Bunker Lake (1-4 Additions) - Date to be changed to March 19 for plans to be submitted for review. CDBG FUNDING ALLOCATION/HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY TRAIL PROJECTS Chairperson Grabowski stated the Council discussed allocations of the CDBG funding to the various social service organizations. It was pointed out, however, that there is a great inequity in the amount of CDBG funds allocated to Andover versus what some of other cities get, such as Anoka. And many of those with larger allocations provide a much smaller percentage of those funds to the service organizations. Commissioner O'Toole stated he wanted to find out from the City Council why Anoka gets so much more. He is hoping the City will talk to the county about this issue. He also suggested the Commission request that the difference between the $30,000 originally allocated for the service pool and the amount it had to be reduced to because of federal regulations be allocated for park improvements to meet ADA handicapped accessibility requirements. That difference is approximately $8,000. The Commission agreed to add that to the agenda ofthe joint meeting with the City Council. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TASK FORCE UPDATE/COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS The Commission noted there was a very low percentage of response of the survey, so the results are not very meaningful. Mr. Haas stated the Comprehensive Plan Task Force is planning to meet with the Park and Recreation Commission when they get to the park portion of the Plan. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Trail fees - Chairperson Grabowski noted the City Council rescinded the trails fee at its meeting last night based on recent court rulings. While the court has ruled the City of Eagan can keep those fees it has already collected, Andover's City Attorney has advised the City not yet spend the trail fees that _ have been collected to date because of pending appeals. Motion by B1ackstad. Seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 4- Yes, 3-Absent (Barringer, Kieffer, Lindahl) The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. c::---- \~s~~~ M~ella A. Peach, Recording Secretary