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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 4, 2007 ~' , 1)JL..Lt. OJ1.J Wll tt-c-n l--'IS'-Ci1 0 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JANUARY 4,2007 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Vice Chair Lindahl on January 4, 2007, 7:03 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Wendy Albee, Dave Blackstad (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Jim Lindahl, Bill Hupp, and Ernest Bedor Commissioners Absent: Chair Dan Masloski and Jeremy Boyer Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas 0 RESIDENTS FORUM There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Hupp, seconded by Albee, to table approval of the December 21,2006 Park Commission minutes. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Blackstad, Boyer, Masloski) vote. CONSIDER 2007 SOFTBALLlBASEBALL TOURNAMENT APPLICATIONS Mr. Haas stated there were no scheduling conflicts. In addition, the associations are aware that the new guidelines that have been approved by the City Council that will be required as part of the application for schedule use of fields that are due in March. Commissioner Hupp inquired about the section Andover Baseball Association and Andover Athletic Association checked off for no maintenance fee. Mr. Haas answered that it meant they were requesting no field maintenance be done on the field prior to use. Commissioner Hupp asked for clarification that they would not be charged. Mr. Haas responded they would not be charged for the item. 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 4, 2007 0 Page 2 Vice Chair Lindahl noted the associations were required to submit the schedules for the state tournaments to the state associations by the end of the month, so that was the reason for the need for such an early approval. Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Albee, to approve the Softball and Baseball Tournament Schedule for 2007. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2-absent (Boyer, Masloski) vote. CONSIDER 2007 OUTDOOR RECREATION APPLICATION ROUND/07-8 Mr. Haas stated the greenspace areas would not be applied for until 2008 at the earliest. Vice Chair Lindahl indicated that many categories did not apply, except the remediation fund for Coon Creek, for the environmental partnership. He suggested that a grant application could be made for training and education for Kelsey Round Lake Park. Commissioner Hupp added that wetland enhancements to Kelsey could improve the aesthetics. One of the Commissioners raised the question if the City has performed a citywide wetland inventory. Mr. Haas stated that a city-wide assessment of the wetlands had never been done. In a 0 proposed new development, the developer was required to do wetland delineation within their site. If mitigation of a wetland is required, the developer is to try to mitigate on site and replace at what ever is determined required by the watershed district. Commissioner Hupp inquired if it would apply in this instance. Mr. Haas replied that it would because the applicant is the City. He stated many of the wetlands in the City were on private property. Commissioner Hupp suggested the possibility of opening up part of the wetland around Round Lake. Mr. Haas responded because there were potential burial grounds found on the west side of the lake, so there would may be no development in that area until it can verified that a burial site exists. Commissioner Bedor noted that to his recollection, Round Lake was quite shallow. Mr. Haas indicated that according to some aerial photographs from the 1960's it appeared in some areas it was up to 15 feet deep. Vice Chair Lindahl questioned Haas which category would the wetland fall under. Commissioner Hupp suggested that on the park tour, the wetlands could also be visited. Vice Chair Lindahl indicated that the corner of Hanson Boulevard and Andover Boulevard could have plantings there next year because it was adjacent to a landfill. 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 4, 2007 0 Page 3 Mr. Haas suggested a possible trail would qualify between Kensington Estates and the Andover Station North Ball Field Facility Park. Vice Chair Lindahl recommended putting it under Outstanding Items as a reminder. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items. He stated that the Comprehensive Plan would be the focus for the next 6 months. Commissioner Hupp noticed in Champlin the ice rink was maintained using a leveler similar to the one used for baseball. Mr. Haas responded that staff used one as well. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Hupp stated that they were looking for people for the skate program. He also mentioned the Andover High School Boys team would be playing at Champlin on Saturday. On Tuesday night, the Andover High School Boys would be playing at Anoka. In addition, more sponsors were needed for the Community Center, if interested, see Eric Sutherland at the Community Center. 0 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Albee, to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 p.m. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2-absent (Boyer, Masloski) vote. The Special Work Session of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Masloski on January 4, 2007, 7:24 p.m. DISCUSS PARK IMPROVEMENTSIPARK COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Mr. Haas indicated that city staff would go through each of the parks individually and give recommendations to the Commission for eaclt, followed by comments from the Commissioners. Finally, once the Commission has agreed upon all the park improvements, the calculation for park dedication would be determined. This meeting the Commission will be evaluating parks 1-9. The Commission did review staff's recommendation regarding Hawkridge Park. Vice Chair Lindahl expressed concern that if an additional rink were put in at Hawk Ridge Park, more parking would be required. Mr. Haas responded that there is enough area for additional parking if needed. Commissioner Bedor noted that baseball was in need of more fields. Vice Chair Lindahl 0 responded that baseball gained three additional fields with lights. He added that soccer was fairly limited in terms of fields. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 4, 2007 0 Page 4 Commissioner Blackstad stated that Hawk Ridge baseball field was used by older kids for practice. Vice Chair Lindahl clarified that it had a large infield, but no pitcher's mound or fencing on the perimeter. Commissioner Blackstad indicated that the Commission was being pressured for four fields. If it could be irrigated and lighted, it could be used by soccer and football. Mr. Haas stated that if that was done at Hawk Ridge, it could be used for North Metro Soccer Association since their program covers Oak Grove and St. Francis. Parents had expressed that they would like more of a central location for soccer. He would like to see it developed like Prairie Knoll Park. Commissioner Hupp inquired if the pump was needed, because the well alone cost $50,000. Commissioner Blackstad responded that the pump was necessary. Mr. Haas stated that if a well and pump were in place, another hockey rink could be added. Vice Chair Lindahl inquired ifit would be boarded. Commissioner Blackstad clarified that there would then be two boarded rinks and one free skate rink. Soccer fields could then be plotted out, with possibly a building for concessions. 0 Vice Chair Lindahl suggested that storage would be preferred on site. Commissioner Blackstad added that paved parking would be a benefit as welL Vice Chair Lindahl indicated that the paving could be delayed. Mr. Haas noted that the items could be placed as part of the overall plan and mentioned that Public Works would prefer to have the parking lot paved. Commissioner Bedor asked for clarification between the large and small shelter sizes. Vice Chair Lindahl responded that a small shelter was large enough for one picnic table underneath. Commissioner Blackstad added that 3-4 picnic tables could fit under the large shelter. Commissioner Bedor inquired if the baseball field would be removed. Commissioner Blackstad stated he was under the impression that the "No Tobacco" signs were provided at no cost. The Commission came to consensus on making Hawk Ridge Park geared for soccer. Mr. Haas stated that for Forest Meadows staff recommended to keep the soccer fields, but 0 they still needed to install playground equipment and a security light. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 4, 2007 0 Page 5 Mr. Haas indicated there was a ball field and a soccer field at Timber Trails. Vice Chair Lindahl noted it was not large enough to be considered a regional park. He mentioned it would be helpful if a sign were placed on Tulip Street, because many of those wanting to get to the park are getting lost. Commissioner Bedor noted a pump was itemized at $150,000. Commissioner Blackstad gave a brief overview of the Park Dedication. Mr. Haas stated that the staff recommendations included installing a basketball court and a shelter. He addressed the issue of tobacco signage noting the issue was one for the County to address. He assured the Commission he would submit a request for signage as long as the signs were available. Commissioner Hupp mentioned he was seeking a more multiple use park at this location. Vice Chair Lindahl answered that the well was to be small and would not be used in the winter. Commissioner Hupp inquired how the proposed well at Timber Trails Park would compare to the one in use at Prairie Knoll. Commissioner Blackstad responded that it 0 would be helpful to address it on the site visit. Mr. Haas stated that it would be difficult to expand the park because there was not enough room. Commissioner Hupp indicated it would be helpful to track usage because he noticed at Prairie Knoll one side was at full capacity while the other side was left unused. Vice Chair Lindahl recommended keeping the pavement in as part of the overall development of the park. Mr. Haas reviewed the staff recommendations for Langseth Park. He indicated staff was in favor of installing a small shelter and a Yz basketball court, because the park was extremely small. Commissioner Hupp suggested a tennis court. Commissioner Bedor answered that he believed there were adequate accommodations at the middle and high schools. Commissioner B1ackstad added that they were usually left unused, however skateboarders often were seen using the courts. Commissioner Bedor mentioned North Oaks had glass backboards on their basketball 0 courts. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 4, 2007 0 Page 6 Mr. Haas reviewed that staff recommended allowing Cedar Crest go wild, because it was mostly an open water pond. Vice Chair Lindahl suggested using native seed for prairie restoration. Mr. Haas indicated access was difficult on the west side to Grow Oak Park. There was a potential for development and access from the east side. Recommendations from staff included a canoe landing, a ball field and soccer fields or a possible nature park. A frisbee golf course could also be possible. Vice Chair Lindahl mentioned it was a strong candidate for development. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Blackstad, seconded by Bedor, to adjourn the workshop meeting at 8:04 p.m. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, O-nays, 2-absent (Boyer, Masloski) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Brigette Blesi, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. " 0