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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 15, 2007 Ct~~U'\;'{Lt Qfl/ Lvll-t1tn Lt ~lCj -01 0 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - MARCH 15,2007 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Masloski on March 15, 2007, 7:02 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Dan Masloski, Wendy Albee, Jeremy Boyer, Ted Butler, Jim Lindahl, Peggy Scott, and Tony Kowalewski Commissioners Absent: None. 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 February 1, 2007 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. CONSIDER 2007 SPRING/SUMMER SOFTBALVBASEBALL SCHEDULE Mr. Haas stated there were three applications submitted with the new required attachments. As far as the percentage of participants from Andover, the Andover Softball Association had 63%, Andover Baseball Association had 90%, and the Twin City Blaze with 100%. Twin City Blaze did not any of the other information that was required as part of the guidelines for use of the fields by youth associations. The Andover Funfest had also been included on the 2007 schedule. Commissioner Albee inquired if the Blaze could choose from any remaining spots that were open. Todd Reiter of Blaze Baseball indicated there was a conflict on Wednesday evenings at Oak View Middle SchooL As far as addressing the incomplete application, they were 0 waiting on the liability form to be made available. In addition, there were no by-laws, but they had democratic practices. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2007 0 Page 2 Chair Masloski questioned if they were merely seeking a place to practice. Mr. Reiter responded that they were. Chair Masloski inquired if Blaze were utilizing school fields. Mr. Reiter confrrmed they were. Chair Masloski followed up if they had their league nights covered through the school district. Chair Masloski stated they should submit another proposal to Mr. Haas concerning the use of City fields for practice. Mr. Haas was to also to check with the school district to see if other frelds were available for the Blaze to practice on before a City field was scheduled for the Blaze. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Butler, to approve the 2007 Spring/Summer Softball/Baseball Schedule. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. CONSIDER 2007 SPRING/SUMMER SOCCER/LACROSSE SCHEDULE 0 Mr. Haas indicated the associations were required to submit information with their schedule requests. The City had received all required the information from North Metro Soccer Association and the Minnesota Revolution. The Andover Area Lacrosse Association still needed to submit insurance forms and their grievance procedures. At this point, the groups still had not worked out a schedule for the Park Commission to consider. A representative from the lacrosse association responded that they were not submitted because the field director had been on vacation, but the required documentation would be submitted to the City by tomorrow. A representative from North Metro Soccer Association discussed their registration, that there were traveling and recreation categories and the numbers submitted included only the spring/summer numbers, not the entire year. Commissioner Kowalewski asked for clarification if the youngest category was four and under. The North Metro Soccer Association explained the youngest category was under SIX. Mr. Haas thanked the associations for working to get the information in. Commissioner Lindahl added thanks for working together. Motion by Albee, seconded by Kowalewski, to table the 2007 Spring/Summer 0 Soccer/Lacrosse Schedule to the next meeting. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 15, 2007 0 Page 3 CONSIDER UPDATE OF CONTRIBUTION FOR 2007/ANOKA AQUATIC CENTER. Mr. Haas stated there was no commitment yet from the YMCA, and that Jim Dickinson was working on the issue. Mr. Haas did notify the City of Anoka that most likely there will not be contribution for this year. DISCUSS ANDOVER STATION NORTH BALL FIELD FACILITY/STATUS OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT/07-16 Mr. Haas noted that the League of Minnesota Cities' Insurance Trust representative came out January to look at the potential locations of the playground equipment. He expressed again the concern about the protection of children while playing on the equipment from foul balls. Some of the funding as identified in the CIP will have to be set aside for the purpose. Mr. Haas referred the Commission to the pictures in the packet of an overhead shade system that could be used to protect users within the playground area. The other option is to use an overhead netting. Mr. Haas did remind the Commission that $65,000.00 is allocated in the CIP, with the playground equipment costs of around $45,000.00, which does not include the costs for the fall zone chips and concrete. 0 Chair Masloski stated he was in favor of the playground equipment but there was not much room for the equipment. At one location, it would be in a drainage area, and in the other between the third base line and parking lot. Commissioner Lindahl noted the one between the two fields would have balls coming from two fields. Commissioner Butler added that fencing could be installed. Commissioner Lindahl requested the pricing for the cover, because a precedent was being set. Chair Masloski suggested a fence on the west boundary. Commissioner Kowalewski asked for clarification if the warm-up area would be between the fields. The representative from baseball believed it would be fine, and suggested extending the fencing. Chair Masloski indicated the baseball community often wanted to warm-up outside the playing area. Commissioner Lindahl added that the entire area should be fenced because the proximity . to the parking lot. Chair Masloski requested the costs for the project. 0 Mr. Haas asked the associations to contact Kevin Starr from Public Works Department as to when they can start using the fields for practices. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - March 15, 2007 Page 4 The representative of the Blaze requested fields with the appropriate configurations. He inquired if they could be considered for fields at Andover Station North or at Timber Trails. Chair Masloski indicated that the priority use policy was in effect. The Blaze representative stated he was only requesting one night each weekend for practice. Chair Masloski responded that the Andover Baseball Association was using the field for games, while they wanted it for practice. Mike Keeney of Andover Baseball Association indicated there was traveling and in- house have both practice and game schedules. There were 17 in house recreation teams and 11-12 traveling teams the association must accommodate. Chair Masloski inquired if there was an open night they would be willing to give up a field that they should notify the City or the Blaze as soon as possible. Mr. Keeney responded it was typical for them to do that, and invited the Blaze to join Andover Baseball Association at any time. Motion by Scott, seconded by Butler, to table the item to the next meeting. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. 0 DISCUSS NAMING TRAIL SEGMENT The Park Commission did review a request to name a section of trail along Coon Creek east of Hanson Boulevard after Tom Anderson (past Park Commissioner). Chair Masloski responded that last year there was discussion about having a trail naming policy, but since then has been resolved and a policy has now approved by the City Council. Commissioner Lindahl explained that he served with Tom Anderson many years in the 1990's. He was a strong advocate for trails, and cited an example. Lindahl believed it would be a great honor for a diligent and nice person. Commissioner Kowalewski added it would be good for the citizens. Commissioner Lindahl asked for clarification that it was a segment and not an entire trail. Mr. Haas answered it was a segment from east of Hanson Boulevard to the RR tracks. Chair Masloski inquired if there would be a dedication ceremony. Commissioner Lindahl suggested the 5K Run would be a good time for the memorial. Chair Masloski requested the information to be made available. 0 Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Albee, to recommend approval naming the trail segment after Tom Anderson, and forwarding it to Council for their consideration. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - March 15, 2007 Page 5 Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items. Mr. Haas did make a presentation in February to the Crooked Lake Area Association regarding the status of the reconstruction of the Crooked Lake Boat Landing. As far as Strootrnan Park, Public Works Parks Department will be removing the fence in the near future. There was a request from baseball for 75- foot bases paths at the park to accommodate for the older age groups. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Kowalewski questioned if the locker at Prairie Knoll Park storage of chemicals was addressed. Mr. Haas responded that Public Works Parks Department had visited the site and the chemicals as far as he knew was already put away and locked up. Chair Masloski reminded the residents that the allocation process of fields was difficult at first, but would become easier after this season. ADJOURNMENT 0 Motion by Boyer, seconded by Butler, to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. The Special Work Session Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Masloski on March 15, 2007, 7:54 p.m. DISCUSS PARK IMPROVEMENTS/PARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN/06-46D, CONTINUED Mr. Haas stated that the Commission would continue reviewing the City Parks for Improvements. The Meadows of Round Lake Park (Park #31) through Crooked Lake Hockey Rink (#50a) were reviewed at the meeting. He noted on the agenda item was written addressing two items. First, due to the lack of outfield fencing at Green Acres Park, it was believed to be dangerous because the existing outfield area was very short and too close to the street. Second, the agenda item addressed the potential for a hockey rink facility at Rose Park due to the fact that the hockey rink at Crooked Lake was not being utilized fully and the existing lights need to be replaced and the free skating rink was not large enough. Commissioner Scott inquired about when the tour would occur so that the Commission members all have an opportunity to review the parks in person. 0 Commissioner Butler stated that he was in favor making Rose Park more multi-use and user friendly. Chair Masloski added that there was an issue with the parking lot. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - March 15, 2007 Page 6 Butler addressed the Water Tower Park. Mr. Haas responded that the water tower might eventually be removed. Chair Masloski inquired about the property behind City Hall. Commissioner Butler indicated there was unused space at that location. Chair Masloski noted a neighborhood meeting would be required when upgrading the park for input from residents. Commissioner Scott inquired when the water tower would be removed. Mr. Haas answered within 3-4 years. Dehn's Park Mr. Haas stated the park had been there for 30-35 years. The area currently has private sanitary sewer and water on small lots but could eventually receive municipal sewer and water as it currently is within the MUSA boundary. A portion of the east side of the park has wetlands. 0 Shady Knoll Park Mr. Haas indicated the area to the west would be developed in the future as an urban residential area, and if the Commission were interested additional parkland it could be dedicated as part of the development so that a ball field could be built. Commissioner Albee noted there was a considerable amount ofland to develop to the west ofthe existing park. Mr. Haas noted the pond should be cleaned out. The adjacent area was about160 acres for development. The Oaks Park Mr. Haas stated this was a very narrow strip, and had a trail near the landfill. Creek Ridge Park The Commission briefly discussed the rural reserve. Green Acres Park Mr. Haas noted that staff recommended that playground equipment be installed, and the 0 ball field eliminated. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting 0 Minutes - March 15, 2007 Page 7 Red Oaks East Park Mr. Haas stated that soccer was played at this park, but there was a lot of glass and other debris in soiL North Woods West Park Mr. Haas noted that they played soccer there, but it needed a parking lot. Chair Masloski recommended that the goals be moved periodically to avoid wear and tear of the goal mouth area. Wild Iris Park Mr. Haas indicated that staff wanted to irrigate the park and pave a traiL Commissioner Albee added it would be a nice place for a rose garden. Chair Masloski stated the parking lot could not be expanded. Shadowbrook West Park 0 The City at one time explored the possibility of an underpass in the area. But since a signal with at grade pedestrian crossing was installed a couple years ago at the intersection of Prairie Road and Bunker Lake Boulevard, an underpass most likely may not occur in the future. Crooked Lake Boat Landing/Crooked Lake School Hockey Rink Facility Chair Masloski inquired about the status of the dock. Mr. Haas responded that the MN DNR was donating the dock. After a brief discussion, the meeting for April 5, 2007 was rescheduled for April 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Kowalewski, to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Brigette Blesi, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 0