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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 19, 2007 ~ Q./-V un i+t0J to -3~61 0 PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -APRIL 19, 2007 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Masloski on April 19, 2007, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Dan Masloski, Jeremy Boyer, Ted Butler, Jim Lindahl, Peggy Scott, and Tony Kowalewski Commissioners Absent: Wendy Albee Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM 0 There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Scott, to approve the March 1,2007 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. CONSIDER 2007SPRING/SUMMER SOCCERlLACROSSE SCHEDULE Parks Coordinator Haas indicated the schedule has been worked out among the associations. He is anticipating a copy of each of the association's game and practice schedules to be made available so the City has an idea of when the concessions should be open at Sunshine Park. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Kowalewski, to approve the 2007 Spring/Summer Soccer/Lacrosse Schedule. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. CONSIDER 2007 SPRING/SUMMER SOFTBALLlBASEBALL SCHEDULE Parks Coordinator Haas stated the schedule has been approved by the associations. The Blaze would have Timber Trails Park for practice. ABA has added to the schedule for Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 19, 2007 0 Page 2 Fridays and Sundays for Sunshine Park. The Christian Youth Church Group is requesting the same needs as last year for fields, and the ABA indicated it would not be a problem for the church group to use the fields after 4:00 p.m. Commissioner Kowalewski inquired about youth programs on Sundays for school fields. Parks Coordinator Haas responded that the City does not control the scheduling of the school fields. Motion by Butler, seconded by Scott, to approve the 2007 Spring/Summer Softball/Baseball Schedule. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. DISCUSS MEMORIAL PLAQUE OPTIONS Parks Coordinator Haas noted that the City is seeking a policy for the location of memorial plaques for those who have passed away. Chair Masloski suggested it would be nice to have a location for people to congregate, a centrally located memorial center. Commissioner Lindahl stated that many participants might prefer more targeted locations. 0 Commissioner Scott agreed with Commissioner Lindahl. Chair Masloski clarified that it is to keep it activity specific. Commissioner Lindahl mentioned that it does not have to be limited te sports. Chair Masloski stated he is still in favor of a central location for ease of finding it. Commissioner Scott inquired if it would be appropriate in both places. Chair Masloski indicated he is supportive of both with possibly a dedication each year for the community. Commissioner Lindahl wants to see consistency, to avoid an ad hoc manner. Chair Masloski stated a policy should be put in place, and inquired if staff could compile a list of how other cities have approached the issue, and bring it back to a future meeting. DISCUSS ANDOVER STATION NORTH BALL FIELD FACILIIT/STATUS OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT/07-16 Parks Coordinator indicated it would be $23,000.00 for the canopy with installation not included. Fencing on four sides would cost about $6,400.00. The City Administrator has 0 expressed his commitment to the neighborhood for a park. Commissioner Lindahl mentioned that trees might provide a natural shield. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 19, 2007 0 Page 3 Chair Masloski questioned the Commission concerning its opinion on the location of the playground since the tour of the parks. Commissioner Butler suggested by placing the playground behind the dugout in the west field, there would still be room for warm-ups. Chair Masloski responded it would need an eight foot fence. Parks Coordinator Haas indicated it could vary slightly. Commissioner Lindahl mentioned a hedge would function better. Commissioner Boyer inquired about the lifespan of the canopy. Parks Coordinator Haas stated there is 15 years on the material, with 10 years on the color. He noted that the City of Forest Lake has some at their beach facility on the west shores of the lake. Commissioner Lindahl reminded the residents that the canopy is in lieu of advice from the insurance company, and was not the idea of the Commission. Chair Masloski stated the fencing would be essential however he was looking at the cost of the entire project. Parks Coordinator Haas stated the fencing on the South side is also 0 necessary to keep children from going into the parking lot. Commissioner Lindahl expressed concern about making the playground look like a cage. He believed off the third base is the best location. Parks Coordinator Haas indicated he would go back and look at different playground equipment. Chair Masloski asked staff to inquire if a hedge would satisfy their concerns. Chair Masloski stated he would like to see the alternatives, with playground equipment for $30-35,000.00, and the cost of the whole project together. CONSIDER SMITH ADDITION PRELIMINARY PLAT Parks Coordinator Haas indicated the plan is coming later in the process than is typical. The property has two existing homes subdivided into three lots, so a park dedication fee is required. He is seeking a recommendation from the Commission for cash or land. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Scott, to approve the Smith Addition Preliminary Plat Park Dedication of cash for land. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 19, 2007 0 Page 4 PARK DEDICATION IMPROVEMENT FUND 1ST QUARTERLY REPORTIFINANCE DEPT. Parks Coordinator Haas mentioned to residents and the Commission to contact Lee Brezinka in the Finance Department if they have any questions or concerns. The money allocated for the upgrade on the landing would be on the next report. They are working with the MN DNR to approve the funding. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT. 1ST QUARTERLY REPORT Parks Coordinator Haas stated there was a question about loitering in one the parks, with a suggestion that a neighborhood may request that the park be closed earlier at an earlier time. He reminded residents that if there were vandalism concerns, they should immediately call the Sheriff's Department. Commissioner Lindahl noted that during the tour they had been shoWli that several of the parks had been vandalized recently. Chair Masloski noted at the beginning of the sports season that spectators should be careful to park in the appropriate areas. NAMING OF NEW BALL FIELD FACILITY AT ANDOVER STATION NORTH 0 Parks Coordinator Haas noted they need a recommendation for the name of the ball field. Signage is needed for easy identification by visiting nonresidents. Commissioner Boyer suggested the name Andover Station North. Chair Masloski offered the name Andover Station because there was no "South." Commissioner Kowalewski inquired if anyone had approached the city from the community. Parks Coordinator Haas responded that a contest was held for the naming of Sunshine Park. Commissioner Lindahl agreed that community input is desired. Commissioner Scott inquired if the park has been scheduled for an opening day celebration. Parks Coordinator Haas answered it has not. The City is waiting on the ABA to set the date along with having a Minnesota Twins player attend the ceremony. Chair Masloski inquired if the dedication would take place before the building is completed. Parks Coordinator Haas responded that the building would not be completed but the City is requesting a wall for lighting equipment. Chair Masloski suggested putting a notice in the newsletter for community input on an appropriate name. 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 19, 2007 0 Page 5 Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Butler, to leave the naming of the new ball field facility at Andover Station North open to allow for citywide input. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Parks Coordinator Haas reviewed outstanding items. He thanked the developer for his contribution to making Country Oaks Park a quality park. The developer had been paid for Country Oaks Park. He noted 90% of the of the design on the Crooked Lake Boat Landing has been completed; they are waiting on the MNDNR for the agreement. Concerning the skate park equipment, he spoke with Constance Free Church who is willing to allow the installation of the equipment on church grounds for the season beginning at the end of May through Labor Day. Commissioner Lindahl mentioned that moving the equipment is causing wear and tear, and urged the City to find a permanent location. Parks Coordinator Haas responded that the CIP process would begin next month for 2008. CHAIR'S REPORT 0 Chair Masloski noted that Commissioner Albee would return in June. Commissioner Boyer indicated the swing was not replaced in Red Oaks West Park. Commissioner Butler stated he went to his first Community Center Advisory Commission meeting, and it was a good meeting. Chair Masloski noted that they have gone through the first phase on the Field Allocation Policy. Some things could be tweaked, but overall it went well. The associations cooperated and worked together within the system. He thanked the associations for their work. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Kowalewski, to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. The Special Work Session of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Masloski on April 19, 2007, 7:38 p.m. DISCUSSION ON FOX MEADOWS PARK 0 Parks Coordinator Haas stated one of the residents was inquiring about the plans for Fox Meadows Park. Chair Masloski noted the fields need to be irrigated for soccer. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes-April 19, 2007 0 Page 6 John Bergeson and his wife Rita, of 4345-157th Avenue NW gave an update and indicated the fence made it better than it was last year. The fence made it dramatically different. There are still people drinking and swearing in the park, but the trespassing is not as common. Other cities were contacted and they indicated that supervised activities in the park tend to reduce the problems. Chair Masloski stated that all the parks have shown signs of drinking, even the high profile Sunshine Park had cans, despite the ordinances. The other activities in the park would be soccer with the playground and shelter. Mr. Bergeson expressed concern about the removal of the goals. Mrs. Bergeson inquired if soccer is no longer going to be played at the park. They are in favor of soccer. Parks Coordinator Haas noted that the Minnesota Revolution Soccer Club is scheduled to play there this summer. Chair Masloski inquired about other suggestions that Mr. and Mrs. Bergeson might have. Mrs. Bergeson stated that supervised activities seem to make the difference. 0 Chair Masloski inquired about hockey rinks. Mr. Bergeson responded he is in favor of it. Chair Masloski assured the family that more people would be using the park if it were irrigated. Commissioner Lindahl clarified that the irrigation would create a higher quality field. Mrs. Bergeson questioned if a well would be installed. Parks Coordinator Haas stated that they are planning one but it might be a way off. At present the Commission is to decide which activities the park would target. DISCUSS PARK IMPROVEMENTSlPARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN/06-46D, CONTINUED The Commission reviewed the parks #51-65, including staff recommendations. Hidden Creek East Commissioner Kowalewski inquired about bluebird houses. He knew of an Andover resident that has made 15,000 bluebird houses out ofPVC that look like birch trees. Parks Coordinator Haas indicated the resident should contact the City. 0 Andover Lions Park Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 19, 2007 0 Page 7 Chair Masloski inquired if the ball field could change due to parking concerns. He recommended no double headers. Parks Coordinator Haas responded that it is good for smaller players, however he would recommend no double headers. Terrace Park Parks Coordinator Haas noted that in August a new parking lot and basketball court would be constructed. There is a lot of room in the park. The residents wanted to continue to flood a portion of it for skating this past winter. The Commission briefly discussed access to the park. Chesterton Commons Park Chair Masloski stated the park needs equipment for bigger kids, and asked staff to check on ages the present equipment is intended for. Parks Coordinator Haas indicated he would verify the ages. Eveland Fields 0 Parks Coordinator Haas noted there is a message board that they initially wanted to move to Kelsey Round Lake Park, but it was immovable. Updating information in it would be helpful. Oak VIeW Park Parks Coordinator Haas mentioned that a portion would remain as green space. Chair Masloski inquired if a skating rink without boards is possible. Parks Coordinator Haas responded the boards would be necessary in that case, but they are recommending it remam as green space. Sophie's South Park Parks Coordinator Haas stated the park would be expanded as development occurs and is currently about three lots in size. It has been identified in the CIP for improvements in 2008. Woodland Crossing Park Chair Masloski sqggested bluebird houses, and opening up the wetland for a pond. Parks Coordinator Haas indicated a shelter and a basketball court are already in and playground 0 equipment would be needed as new home construction occurred. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 19, 2007 0 Page 8 The Commission briefly discussed the history of the townhouse development. Andover Station North Parks Coordinator Haas stated the associations are trying to donate materials for the building. Two of the ball fields would have lighting installed yet this year. Commissioner Scott inquired about when the concession stand would be installed. Parks Coordinator Haas responded the City could run the concessions and but other proposals may be considered by the City. Any profits would go to the facility for other types of improvements. Prairie Knoll Park Parks Coordinator Haas noted the controls for the scoreboards would be checked out with a security deposit. There are two for each field, but they are not wired yet. Commissioner Kowalewski suggested stating that only adults should use the controls. Rural Reserve 0 Chair Masloski reminded the Commission that when the park dedication study was being done a few years ago, it went from two park complexes to one park complex. The developers have indicated to the City that the plan for development would be similar to the Lakes project in Blaine, and would be done as a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Parks Coordinator Haas responded that 90% of the overall proposed recommended improvements are complete. A joint meeting is needed with the City Council, possibly in June or July. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Kowalewski, seconded by Scott, to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Brigette Blesi, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 0