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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP January 11, 2007 0 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Special City Council Meeting Thursday, January 11, 2007 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order - 6:00 p.m. 2. Agenda Approval 3. Interviews of Planning and Park and Recreation Commission Applicants 4. Adjournment 0 0 C.o"L/LQ.,(;t cv..:v l0ll~ d -(0- en 0 8yr:;l,.,.;u; AH~V Ci Minutes -January 11,2007 Page 1 SPECIAL ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 11, 2007 MINUTES A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, January 11, 2007, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota Councilmembers present: Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel, Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Also present: City Administrator Jim Dickinson Community Development Director Will Neumeister 0 AGENDA APPROVAL The agenda was approved as presented. INTERVIEWS OF PLANNING AND PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPLICATIONS Pe!!!!\' Scott-Planning and ZoninglPark and Recreation Commission Mayor Gamache asked whether Ms. Scott has a preference for either the Planning Commission or the Park and Recreation Commission. Ms. Scott stated she prefers the Planning and Zoning Commission but either commission is okay with her. Ms Scott stated she is an II-year resident, originally from Iowa She has lived in the same house for that period of time and enjoys the community of Andover. She made the national news one time. She stated she works in the residential real estate industry, is active at Meadow Creek Church as a board member, is active as co-chair for her senate district and has worked on political campaigns. She has experience soliciting donations 0 for various fundraising efforts and is not afraid to knock on doors. She has done some leadership things. Councilmember Trude asked Ms. Scott if she would have any problems with meeting dates and times. Ms. Scott replied that she would not. 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 2 Councilmember Trude stated that Andover has been growing fast but growth is slowing down. She asked Ms. Scott what she thought the most important issues for the next five years might be. Ms. Scott stated toads, and access to some areas in the community. She would like to see the widening of Hanson further up. She stated that the real estate industry growth will stabilize and continue, but not at the pace of the previous 10 years. Growth will have to be well planned. She stated the original plan was to put a road through around the high school to connect the city better. Councilmember Trude stated that is in the transportation plan already. Councilmember Orttel asked what things could have been done better in planning her own neighborhood from a planning or parks perspective. Ms. Scott stated the neighborhood was half developed when she moved in. She stated along Bluebird, the developer shortchanged the neighborhood with two car garages and houses with less square footage. 0 The rest of the development had to meet specific upgrade criteria She takes a lot of pride in her yard, but the person who faces Bluebird didn't seed their yard well. Councilmember Orttel asked how she would proceed to try to stop problems like that as a member of the commission with governmental regulations. Ms. Scott stated she isn't for big government, but she would like enforcement of the code to require sodding. Councilmember Orttel stated that is an ordinance that is now enforced. Ms. Scott stated that there is a park that backs up to her neighborhood, Oak Bluff Park. When her children were younger they enjoyed the equipment but now they are older and no longer use the equipment. She stated there is a nice soccer field in the park, but doesn't see anything she would change. Mayor Gamache asked how she felt the Planning Commission could incorporate the open space referendum that passed this fall in Andover. He asked if she has any idea what she would like to see done with the monies that come in from taxation. Ms. Scott asked for more explanation. Mayor Gamache explained that other cities in the metro area have also passed referendums. He stated that taxpayers will pay a certain amount on their property taxes, and that money will be used to buy open space that the city would buy back either from 0 developers or land owners. He explained that the properties would then be placed into a park or something that preserves the natural state of land. He asked what she sees her vision for the role of the open space commission and Planning and Zoning Commission might be. 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 3 Ms. Scott stated she didn't know for sure, but parks are good and she likes the trails. She asked if this is going to be applied only to new neighborhoods. Mayor Gamache explained the City could purchase land as it becomes available or that is deemed usable as a preserve and develop it as open space. Ms. Scott stated that she could envision an outdoor classroom with walking trails around it. Councilmember Trude asked what kind of open space should be saved. Ms. Trude added that the issue may be neighbors who want the open space in their back yards. She wondered what Ms. Scott thought about what should be purchased as open space. Ms. Scott stated that some purchases should involve unbuildable land and others will have to be in new developments for fairness sake and aesthetic value. The areas that are already developed, where there is already a vacant lot, could be left open. 0 Councilmember Jacobson asked how she would make the judgment when someone came to her asking for a variance if the ordinance won't allow it. Ms, Scott stated she is aware of the process for asking for a variance for her own rental property. She stated she would listen to the neighbors and consult them., then research whether something is allowable under the existing ordinance. She would look at what it will do to the surrounding property values. Councilmember Knight asked what role the city should playas the city continues to grow. Ms. Scott stated the city is in a pretty standard growth pattern. Ms. Scott stated the city should listen to the citizens and what their issues are. Councilmember Knight stated there are two options, one is to promote growth and the other is to accept it as it comes. Ms. Scott stated that if it is well-planned growth, it should be promoted. She isn't for fly by the seat planning. She stated the city of Andover's limited relationship with the Met Council is a great thing. Councilmember Trude asked ifher perception would be different if the city was cozy with Met Council. Ms. Scott answered in the affirmative. She has owned a lot of multi family housing in Anoka Some of the things that Met Council expects for condensed housing areas can do some negative things for a community as far as crime rate and other things. 0 Councilmember Trude asked if she likes the density of Andover's housing. Ms. Scott answered in the affirmative. 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 4 Councilmember Orttel asked what kind of a feel she has for Andover as compared to other cities when she works around the northern suburbs in her business. Ms. Scott explained that whenever she has an open house she always promotes Andover because she loves it here. She likes the values of the community and neighbors. She has been married 22 years, has lived in Andover for 10 years, and likes it here. She stated she wouldn't live anywhere else. In comparison to other communities, Blaine is growing too fast and she doesn't know if they are keeping as good a handle on that growth as they could. Councilmember Trude asked if she sees potential for conflict of interest since she works with real estate. Ms. Scott stated that she has never worked with a builder and would not have a conflict. She stated that she is willing to be at the meetings, not afraid to speak up, is fair-minded, and will listen and consider things rationally. David Blackstad-Park and Recreation Commission 6:20 p.m. Mr. Blackstad stated he was rather short in his letter for reappointment to the Park and Recreation Commission because he has been on the commission for 10 years. He 0 stated he wants to see completion of ball fields and wants to finish the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Knight asked what he feels the single most important issue related to parks in the next five years is. Mr. Blackstad stated expansion of some of the field processes. He stated that soccer wants an 8-10 field complex. The city is still going to need a four-field softball complex. He stated the open space referendum will affect future planning. Councilmember Knight asked ifhe sees open space as part of Park and Recreation. Mr. Blackstad stated to an extent it is a park. He stated that whether or not the city puts trails through or a ball field, it should be part of the parks system since parks maintains it. Councilmember Knight asked where a lacrosse facility comes into the picture. Mr. Blackstad stated it could be dovetailed with soccer and football. The Andover Athletic Association is taking in kids from all different areas. As that program grows, those cities will break off and set up their own fields, which will reduce the need in Andover. Councilmember Jacobson asked in looking to the future 10-12 years, demographics in the city will change as the community matures. He asked what the Park Commission 0 should be looking at now and planning in anticipation for demographic changes. Mr. Blackstad replied that additional walking trails might be one thing. He stated he grew up in Coon Rapids. He stated Coon Rapids still needs all the fields that are there because they had a few years of spikes and lows in population. He stated other needs might include additional horseshoe pits, and volleyball courts at parks to offer more 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 5 opportunity. He stated everything the Parks and Recreation Department is doing now has to be ADA accessible so wheel chair access may be a need. Mayor Gamache stated recently the city did a policy to assess which associations would get fields. He asked how Mr. Blackstad felt that policy decision went. Mr. Blackstad stated he had initial misgivings, but because the City serves various high schools within the city, it limits some of the outside sources somewhat in trying to get access to the fields. He stated there are currently a fair amount of kids playing Coon Rapids Little League. He stated they may step up and ask for use of the Andover fields; the same goes for Blaine soccer and football. He stated it has already been an issue in the past with Anoka Soccer. He stated that the policy is a good starting point. It may need some tweaking down the line but nobody was left out. He stated that until there is a strict Andover Association, those who want to come into Andover and use the fields can. Councilmember Orttel asked what the criteria for determining open spaces to be 0 brought in under the new referendum should be. Mr. Blackstad stated open space could be a buffer from one density housing to another in order to set up some nice open space for various valuation homes. He stated that some wetland areas can help preserve nature. Councilmember Orttel asked if the use of open space should be active or passive. Mr. Blackstad stated some will be passive because of the wetlands within the open space, but other open space will be active with trail access. Councilmember Trude asked why he missed so many meetings last year. Mr. Blackstad stated that was work related. They were all last minute, but with his job he is on rotation and a couple of times he had to take the call. . One other time was an emergency where someone who was on the pager lives in Annandale so Mr. Blackstad was called in to work. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe has to take calls at all or some of the meetings. Mr. Blackstad stated he is on a rotation for six weeks at a time so it involves just some meetings. Ted Butler-Planning and Zoning/Park and Recreation Commission 6:30 p.m. Mr. Butler stated he has no preference for serving on either commission, but ifhe 0 could choose it would be the Planning and Zoning Commission. He stated he has lived in Andover for about 7 years, moving from Bloomington. He has a new family causing more interest in community involvement. He has done some volunteering in church and with elections. He feels like getting more engaged and involved. He is a civic-minded person and feels it important to be involved. He lives in Andover but 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 6 doesn't work in Andover. He works at the University of Minnesota and wants to be connected in the community. Councilmember Trude noted his strong background in finance and the things he has done with youth sports. She asked ifhe is currently working with associations in the community. Mr. Butler stated he has a baseball background. He knows how important it is that everybody gets fair use. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe has watched any meetings. Mr. Butler stated he doesn't get the meetings on TV but reads minutes to keep up to date. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe likes a particular park or something that should be done in the parks. Mr. Butler stated he doesn't come with a strong agenda but uses Rose Park frequently, lives nearby, and his 18-month-old son likes the play equipment. He stated Andover has a great quantity of parks. He stated the upgrading of 0 equipment should be continued to offer a variety of activities. He grew up in a city with a lot of tennis courts and that may be a cost issue for Andover because he doesn't . see many. He stated that baseball and soccer fields are nice but more variety is preferred. Councilmember Orttel asked how he sees the Park Commission should be acting to prepare for the future. Mr. Butler stated the city has started a Comprehensive Plan for parks in the future and thinks that to be a good idea. Councilmember Orttel stated most cities go through an aging process and wondered what Mr. Butler sees as a plan for that. Mr. Butler stated that gets back to creating a park situation with variety for people of all ages; as people grow older they use the parks differently. He stated that as the housing market slows down, the money for more development may cause challenges. Upgrading of existing parks may take higher priority. Mayor Gamache asked what he believes are the most important issues in the next 5 years in planning for Andover's growth. Mr. Butler stated that he has been pleased with the developments that have taken place, in particular the Andover Station area with the addition of restaurants. He stated some additional commercial developments would be nice. He thinks that it would be nice to have more local establishments. The 0 chains are convenient, but Andover has done well in developing an identify for themselves Councilmember Jacobson stated that he can call Comcast for free cable television. He asked ifhe were to be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission, how he 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes -January 11,2007 Page 7 would handle ordinance enforcement when somebody comes and asks for a variance. He asked what kind of a thought process he would go to look at granting or saying no to someone. Mr. Butler stated that in his professional role at the U ofM he does internal auditing with a lot of policy work. He stated it is helpful to understand why the ordinance is in place and whether it makes sense to adhere to it strictly. He would look at the impact of the individual and things around him. It is important to explain to people what the ordinance says and why. He thinks people will accept an educated answer. There has to be a careful process to evaluate each request. Councilmember Knight asked ifhe is familiar with the open space referendum. He asked how he feels the Planning Commission should incorporate that in to the planning process. Mr. Butler stated it needs to be balanced with other needs of the city in terms of commercialand residential. He stated the residents voted in favor by a large number so there is a mandate to take care of open space. 0 Councilmember Knight asked how he would interpret that. Mr. Butler stated that if all else were equal, if there is value in keeping the space open, that should be strongly considered. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe has some concerns with Andover's future. Mr. Butler stated that he does not have any concerns. He wants smart growth and measured growth. Councilmember Trude asked if Mr. Butler is familiar with the Met Council. Mr. Butler stated that he is most interested in the type of growth in Andover. He recognizes the attitude about Met Council in the community and how unique it is. Michael Ducklow-Planning and ZoninglPark and Recreation Commission Mr. Ducklow withdrew his application. Dou!! Falk-Plannin!! and Zonin!! 6:40 p.m. Mr. Falk is making application to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission after taking some time off. He stated he is looking forward to working with the city again. He enjoyed his time of service with Planning and Zoning and is ready to rejoin the COmmlSSlOn. 0 Mayor Gamache asked ifhe had served one or two terms. Mr. Falk stated he had one term and then filled in a partial term. Councilmember Knight asked if he is familiar with open space referendum. Mr. Falk 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes-January 11,2007 Page 8 stated he was on the task force. Councilmember Knight asked how he sees the open space referendum play in with his role on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Falk stated he is looking forward to the challenge. He sees getting involved with the developers as a learning experience for everyone and will be an exciting challenge. Councilmember Knight asked ifhe has any thoughts on how he would handle any proposal that would first come before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Falk stated it would be new territory. He stated that there may be a committee established. Councilmember Jacobson stated that he has an ability to look at how planning and zoning has functioned in the past, being a past member. He asked ifhe has any recommendations for changes. Mr. Falk stated he feels things move pretty smoothly. He stated he would like to get all the agendas completed in one night to make the process move faster and easier for 0 public hearings. He wants to keep things on track. Mayor Gamache asked what he sees for Andover's future in the next five years at being the most important issues. Mr. Falk stated he sees new things coming in with the open space. He doesn't see anything big on the agenda like eminent domain or any roads the size of Hanson that will be happening in the near future. He sees where he made mistakes when he was on the Planning and Zoning Commission as he drives around, but he learned from his experiences. Councilmember Orttel asked what role the city should play in the growth. . Mr. Falk stated a very big part. Citizens rely on the Planning and Zoning Commission to work with them. He stated the Planning and Zoning Commission has to weigh out each decision and rely on experts in all areas. Councilmember Orttel asked for more input about getting everything done in one night at Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. He asked how he felt about rejected ideas by the City CounciL Mr. Falk stated that Planning and Zoning doesn't always see the big picture; everybody has to work together. The City Council may see things that were overlooked, so they have a right to kick things back as necessary. Councilmember Trude stated that in the last couple of months many decisions have been overturned such as variance requests. She stated that now many things have been sent back to Planning and Zoning that affect a commercial area or neighborhood. She 0 asked how he would have approached those issues when on the Commission Mr. Falk stated he tries to keep an open mind. Sometimes the ordinance is there to protect the city but residents don't always see the picture. He stated he hopes the resident, city council, and Planning and Zoning Commission have an open mind 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 9 through the process and understand the law. Councilmember Trude stated she appreciates the record from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Falk asked if all the Planning and Zoning Commissioners have been showing up for meetings regularly. Councilmember Trude stated she thought it has been pretty good but they don't have an attendance record. Mr. Falk stated he brought it up because he rearranged his schedule with his family, work won't be an issue, and he will be able to attend meetings and volunteer for task forces. Mayor Gamache stated that one member has resigned because of schedule issues. DOll!!: Olson-Planning and Zoning Commission 7:00 p.m. 0 Mr. Olson stated he interviewed last year. With another year of residency, he still has a keen interest in the community. His background is in project management. He has been in real estate for about four years and has worked with groups and committees. His goal is to contribute to the development of the city. Councilmember Knight asked whether he feels city regulation should be applied strictly or case-by-case. Mr. Olson stated the regulations should be applied strictly in the sense they need to be used in making decisions. Ordinances are not just a guide but there is room for some interpretation. He firmly believes they have to be guiding principles in making decisions. Councilmember Knight stated they would be applying for variances that would require knowledge of what the rules are. Mr. Olson stated that the rules would require strict interpretation. Councilmember Jacobson asked in looking at his role in Planning and Zoning, what the city of Andover is lacking that he would like to see changed or do better. Mr. Olson stated that continuing to try to attract businesses and have open arm environment for them to want to come to Andover. He stated there is a good basis of population, but flexibility is important when listening to the citizens in what they want, and reach out to the types of business as the city grows. He stated transportation is an 0 issue that could be looked at holistically. He stated his awareness that the City Council, county, and Planning and Zoning look at the bigger picture. Mayor Gamache asked what could have been done better in his own neighborhood from a planning perspective. Mr. Olson replied that not specific to his neighborhood, 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 10 is to listen to citizens in what they are asking for in terms of services and development. He stated that green space should be maintained. Councilmember Orttel asked what is the most important issue facing Andover in the next five years. Mr. Olson stated that creating an infrastructure to support the growth is important. He stated Andover is a fast growing community. He came from Coon Rapids. He stated that while a lot has been done already, a 5 year plan needs to anticipate the needs of the population from a housing, services, and development standpoint. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe followed the open space referendum. She asked how the city could add open space to enhance the quality of the community. Mr. Olson stated he is familiar with the open space referendum. There will be some self- interest by people that should be accessible to the entire community. He stated uses should be for the community as a whole. The referendum was pretty heavily supported and firmly believes now is the time to do it. 0 Councilmember Trude asked if he sees a need in terms of additional parkland or in a different way. Mr. Olson stated that a possibility for application of parks or areas might entail a buffer for current developments. He stated it needs to be something that is used throughout the city by all citizens. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe would have a problem attending meetings. He stated he would not. Mark Larison-Planning and Zoning Commission 7:10 p.m. Mr. Larison was an appointed alternate for Planning and Zoning last year. Mr. Larison stated that his interest is unchanged regarding volunteering for this capacity. Councilmember Trude stated the city has grown fast but now things are slowing down. She asked what some of the issues and problems facing the city currently are. Mr. Larison stated a good summary from last year, reading the response of the Council and Mayor in warding off the high-density effort by the Met Council. He stated it speaks well on how well aligned the council and leadership of the city is. Councilmember Orttel asked what role the city should playas they continue to grow. Mr. Larison stated he lives in the urban southwest part of the city, but he doesn't feel it is urban. He stated it appeals to him because he has small children. He values that the 0 city has high-density development but the city also provides the option to have acreage and a limit on commercial development. He envisioned the city staying much like it is now. He values that and stated it takes strong leadership to keep it that way. Mayor Gamache asked if he is familiar with the open space referendum. Mr. Larison 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 11 stated no.' Mayor Gamache explained the open space referendum, and that it was voted on by the citizens. He asked what his thoughts are on the benefits of an open space referendum, and moving forward what areas would he think it to benefit. Mr. Larison stated that in all levels of government the set aside of public space is important and it is public funds spent well. He stated that it was good the referendum passed. He didn't vote this year, one of the first years he hasn't, because his father passed away the week before the election and his funeral was on Election Day. He missed out on a lot of the issues that he usually bones up on right before election. Councilmember Jacobson stated that about seven or eight people have applied and so far the candidates are good. He asked why the City Council should appoint him. Mr. Larison stated that his background is well suited for the job. He stated that everything of progress is done through teams in his experience. He started out with the Corp of Engineers. For the past 10 years he has worked around project engineering. He would 0 bring technical skills on project drawings, credibility about how contractors communicate on commercial and building projects. He has a lot of experience with leading teams and being part of teams, most of that coming from his current job at 3M where everything of progress is done by teams. With such a big company, it is difficult to steer without consensus. He considers himself a long-term resident of 15 years. He is proud of being an Andover citizen. He feels it is an important job. He agrees with the group's perspective. Councilmember Knight asked ifhe would apply ordinances strictly or case-by-case as citizens come for variances. Mr. Larison stated his tendency, as an engineer is to break down the problem in a technical way. When he compares requirements to the code, he would do it factually versus emotionally, not based on charisma or position in society. He stated his tendency would be more factual or err toward the stricter side of interpretation when it is written in black and white. He would treat people respectfully and listen to arguments and grey areas. He stated for issues clearly outside of what is written he would tend to be strict. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe would have an issue with attending meetings. Mr. Larison stated he is aware of them and would make them. He stated his observation about how the Council wants to align with the people they appoint. He noted a recent example of exterior storage or dumpsters. He stated the Commission sounded like they would recommend a conditional use permit and that didn't fly with the Council. 0 He asked how it was intended to work. Councilmember Orttel stated the council has proprietary interest whereas the Planning Commission doesn't take that into account. 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 12 Councilmember Trude stated that the Planning Commission gets a lot of facts in the record but additional factors come to the council and that affects decisions. She stated that neighborhood input came in after the Planning Commission met. She stated the issues addressed about hours of operation were discussed more thoroughly. She stated that the Planning Commission didn't have the owner of the business present at the meeting. She stated that the Council doesn't always see the same thing the Planning Commission has but the Planning Commission record is important. Mayor Gamache concurred it is important that the city take the Planning Commission record into consideration. He stated the Planning Commission is able to keep politics out of their decision-making, whereas the City Council is not always able to do that. Even though the City Council may disagree, there is still a high level of respect for the work that the Planning Commission does. Dennis Cleveland-Planning and Zoning Commission 7:20 p.m. Mr. Cleveland stated he is a former school social worker, retired in June from School 0 District 11. He worked for 30 years at the county and was in the military before that. He substitute teaches now. He has a lot of hobbies like knitting, clock repair, and leatherwork. When he is home, he enjoys watching City Council meetings. Councilmember Knight asked ifhe would have trouble making meetings. Mr. Cleveland stated he would not have any trouble making meetings. Councilmember Knight asked how he sees the open space referendum playing out. Mr. Cleveland stated that he is always saddened when he sees open space developed. He lives on 2.5 acres. He stated that the groundwater for open space needs to left alone. He stated that whether park or wildlands, he is more in favor of space and green than vinyl siding. Mr. Knight asked what his vision is for the open space referendum. Mr. Cleveland stated his youngest daughter lives in Queens. The last time he was in New York, he went to Central Park. He commended New York for doing it right. Central Park is one of the most beautiful places and that kind of thing appeals to him. It is built up enough to utilize the space by walking, riding a bicycle, but if they built too much into it, it becomes a just another destination. Councilmember Jacobson asked if he would handle requests for variance from the ordinance strictly or case-by-case. Mr. Cleveland stated that he has watched some of 0 the Planning and Zoning meetings on cable. He stated the ordinance is there for a reason. There is often a request for a lot split, but does it not meet requirements by 10 feet. He stated that if it sets a precedent or if granting the variance has the effect of changing the ordinance, it shouldn't be done until the ordinance is changed. He stated that a service should be provided to the citizen but the city should also be protected by 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 13 the ordinance. His role would be to serve for the good of the entire City of Andover. Ifhe couldn't guarantee that outcome, then he couldn't say yes to the request. Mayor Gamache asked what he thought the most important issue would be for the city in the next 5-10 years. Mr. Cleveland stated that it would be growth. He stated that growth happens, then 5-10 years later the county gets around to figuring out they should have done something different with roads. He suggested that planning fIrst is important, and platting approval is important. Councilmember Orttel stated the Planning Commission has a responsibility to refresh the Comprehensive Plan, highways, land uses, housing. He asked Mr. Cleveland how he would he fit into that situation and goals. Mr. Cleveland stated his favorite thing he did while working for the school district was when people came to him to "Rockford" things. He stated that asking the questions in the way that elicits information that is needed, finding out as much as can be found. He stated it was his job to figure things out, ask the right kind of questions, and make 0 informed decisions. He stated his job on the Planning Commission is to do that thing and present the Council with it. Councilmember Trude asked if there are questions that he would like to ask if he had an opportunity after watching meetings. Mr. Cleveland stated he could not cite an example where there was some gross oversight. Councilmember Trude asked what kind of a hat or perspective he would add to the team that is already in place. Mr. Cleveland stated he would juggle all perspectives. He has been in positions where he has done the work ahead of the decision maker. Councilmember Trude asked as the city grows and plans the Rural Reserve, does he see Andover continuing to look a lot more the same or what would he expect to see. Mr. Cleveland stated there would be people who continue to want to relocate to Andover. A lot of it is the schools since Andover Elementary was built. He enjoys the more rural nature of Andover and would not like to see that change a whole lot. He stated that if there is planning and consistency it can be maintained. There is some spot for light industry like Ramsey has for a mix of taxation. He stated he enjoys watching the broadcast on cable. He hopes that whatever he brings to the table is something the Council is interested in. Ernest Bedor- Park and Recreation Commission 7:40 p.m. 0 Mr. Bedor stated he has no. new information to add to his resume since the last time he applied. Councilmember Trude stated that every time he comes back there is an important issue 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes -January 11,2007 Page 14 facing the city. She asked what the next issue the Park and Recreation Commission will face is. Mr. Bedor stated that the challenge will be to maintain the parks the city already has. He feels there is going to be a slowdown of growth. Hopefully baseball will solve the problem with conflict with softball and baseball. He stated there is still a need for soccer fields and now there is a crunch with fields because of lacrosse. He expects more need for soccer fields. Councilmember Trude asked if they don't go in neighborhood parks, what can be done. Mr. Bedor stated he wasn't sure but there has to be land available somewhere for fields otherwise the answer might be to put more lights so there can be an extra 1-2 games. Councilmember Orttel asked what the biggest asset is in the city parks system. Mr. Bedor stated the Field of Dreams complex is a beautiful complex. Prairie Knoll is a big asset as well. Councilmember Orttel asked what the biggest constraint for the city parks system is. 0 Mr. Bedor stated that there has been a better job done with maintenance of baseball fields. He stated there is a more concerted effort to put up more basketball hoops. There is one basketball court that gets more use than others. Basketball courts are fairly inexpensive to build. Mayor Gamache asked about the new policy for the use of fields for teams and athletic associations. He asked what Mr. Bedor's thoughts are on the policy. Mr. Bedor thought that originally it was a waste of time but it was a good message sent to discourage renegade teams and leagues from forming. He thinks the working paper agreement will hopefully try to discourage people from trying to branch out on their own. He stated it is always good to have some sort of written policy. Baseball and softball had worked things out well before they even come to the City Council. He feels it acts as an insurance policy. Councilmember Jacobson asked what his impression is about how the Park and Recreation Commission works between the members themselves, and are there areas where the Park and Recreation Commission could help itself. Mr. Bedor stated it is a fairly routine process. He stated that teams apply for permits to use fields before it comes before the Council. For the most part, there is agreement to move ahead. He thinks there is a good relationship with coaches. The coaches enjoy getting together with some good give and take to get along with the Park and Recreation Commission. 0 Councilmember Knight asked if there is anything lacking or needed in the parks system. Mr. Bedor stated that as opposed to other communities, Andover is growing at an explosive rate so they've played catch up for the last few years. After the parks are fully developed, there may be a need to upgrade or build new. The maintenance of parks has improved over what it was. 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 15 Councilmember Trude stated that he had missed five out of eleven Park Commission meetings this past year. She asked what would change this year. Mr. Bedor stated that sometimes things come up, but he tries to make as many as he can. He had a combination of reasons for missing meetings but usually tried to let someone know ahead of time. Mayor Gamache called a recess at 7:50 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m. and interviews resumed. Garv Reddin!!-Planning and Zoning Commission 8:05 p.m. Mr. Redding stated he has been a self-employed real estate appraiser for 35 years. He is now retired but still works a little on a part-time basis. Councilmember Trude asked if he watches Planning Commission meetings on 0 television. Mr. Redding answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Trude asked what the most important issue facing Andover in the next five years from the community planning perspective is. Mr. Redding stated that growth is important. He talked about the importance of installing infrastructure and keeping it maintained. Councilmember Trude stated there is a large area reserved west of the high school for what would be the biggest change for the community and that would come before the Planning Commission. It would have to be rezoned since it is now zoned agricultural. She asked what kinds of things he would like to see in that area. Mr. Redding stated he envisioned residential housing with townhouses in the mix. Councilmember Orttel asked how his real estate appraisal and property valuation background might affect his decision making while serving on the Planning Commission. Mr. Redding stated he would see things others might not see as they come up that would affect the value of a property. He noted the example of an empty lot facing Round Lake Boulevard that the city has been faced with recently. He stated that once turned down, there may be no access to the property. Eventually, the property may be deeded back to the city. He acknowledged that was an unusual situation. A duplex was tom down and now there's a vacant lot. He felt a new 0 building could have been turned around to face the street. Councilmember Orttel stated that ordinances don't allow new construction to face the back of property lines, and placement of the driveway is a problem. 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11,2007 Page 16 Mayor Gamache asked Mr. Bedor ifhe has any thoughts about how the open space referendum would work and what he envisioned for it. Mr. Redding stated he hadn't thought much about it, but would want to buy low lands. Those lands should be relatively inexpensive to buy. Councilmember Jacobson asked about his decision-making and what to take into consideration for variance requests or ordinance enforcement questions. Mr. Redding stated he would take into consideration how it affects the neighbors. Sometimes the ordinances have to be changed ifpublic safety is injeopardy. Councilmember Knight asked what the city's role for growth should be. He asked if it should be promoted or taken as it comes. Mr. Redding stated he is in favor of taking it as it comes. He would like to search out more commercial for the city. Residential growth will come but it should be planned for. Anthonv Kowalewski- Park and Recreation Commission 8:05 p.m. 0 Mr. Kowalewski presented copies of his resume. He stated he was a high school and college basketball and football official before he became vision handicapped. Since then he has been part of the community youth football program since it started. He was equipment director. His son has been part of the youth football program for years. Now his son plays football at the high school. His children have also participated in soccer, T -ball, and softball programs. Councilmember Trude asked ifhe has attended some of the Park meetings. Mr. Kowalewski replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Trude asked what he thought some of the biggest issues facing the Parks Commission are. Mr. Kowalewski stated he is aware of how quickly the youth programs are building. There should be a plan to make sure all the sports programs are planned well and funding is appropriated equally in the next five years. Councilmember Trude asked if things are well planned in the event that the baseball/softball complex and the football/soccer complex are full. Mr. Kowalewski stated that number of kids in the baseball/softball program is very large. With the new complex going up some of the other sports may have to share fields. He wasn't sure how soccer would fit in. Councilmember Ortrel asked what the biggest asset or constraint of the Parks 0 Department is. Mr. Kowalewski stated that Andover is one of the fastest growing communities in the metropolitan area. He stated that in turn, there needs to be a place for kids to play. On the down side, he has noticed that some of the parks have filled. Red Oaks East Park has turned into a dumping ground with a lot of vandalism. When he first moved in 18 years ago, he used to walk to the park but now it's gone downhill. 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 17 Mayor Gamache asked what he believes to be lacking in the city park system overall. Mr. Kowalewski stated he believes there once was a problem with the football season, and where the coaches were going to play kids. He stated eventually the youth football program got together with the baseball program and worked out a schedule. Councilmember Jacobson stated when a plat comes in the Park and Recreation Commission can ask for money. He asked if is still a good idea to have a lot of small tot lots as opposed to taking money for larger complexes where a number of activities can be held. Mr. Kowalewski stated that availability to parks is one of the things that kept him out of trouble growing up in poverty in Milwaukee. He stated it is critical that Andover keeps up the opportunities for family togetherness and safe places for children. Councilmember Jacobson asked if funding isn't available for larger complexes what kind of a trade offwould he recommend. Mr. Kowalewski stated he would look at 0 whether the programs have been growing. If they have been growing, then long term planning should take place for future expenditures. Councilmember Knight stated that all cities go through cycles. He asked when this generation is gone, what his plan would be for all the tot lots. Mr. Kowalewski stated that he would look at the school district statistics to look at what is expected to happen 5-10 years from now to bring things in and change the use of parks. Mr. Kowalewski stated that he wants to serve because he is 100 percent loyal to the city of Andover. He stated that parks can be converted based on what citizens want as well. Councilmember Trude asked about his schedule and whether he would be able to attend meetings. Mr. Kowalewski stated he wouldn't have any problem with attending meetings. Larrv Welbom- Park and Recreation Commission 8:15 p.m. Mr. Welborn was not present. Bill HUDD-Planning and ZoninglPark and Recreation Commission 8: 17 p.m. 0 Mr. Hupp stated he would be interested in getting involved with the Planning and Zoning Commission as his top choice but either commission would be fme. He stated he served on the EDA before. Councilmember Knight asked if someone was appearing for a variance, would his 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - January 11, 2007 Page 18 perspective be to apply rules and ordinances strictly or case by case. Mr. Hupp stated he would enforce according to the ordinance criteria. He stated he would know the ordinance welL Councilmember Jacobson asked what he would change in terms of planning and direction of the city ifhe had the opportunity. Mr. Hupp stated the he would look at things from an overall master plan. He likes the Rural Reserve master plan. He likes to have a good concept of the overall plan, what the most beneficial areas are for business, access, or schools, and then start looking at options for commercial versus transitional. Councilmember Jacobson asked if the city has gone in any direction that he doesn't like. Mr. Hupp stated the city started taking action with hazardous waste years ago and he thought the agenda could have been set better. People aren't real encouraged with the higher end developments with close apartments. He felt staying the course with open space is important and encouraging with high-end housing. He would like to see rehab and developing things to keep up valuation. 0 Mayor Gamache asked what his thoughts are about the open space and how Planning and Zoning might fit into his vision for open space. Mr. Hupp stated that when the land becomes available on the southwest corner of Andover with lowlands, it would be a good opportunity to obtain more land. He stated land can still be purchased reasonably. Trails would be beneficial and wetlands should be preserved rather than developed. Councilmember Ortrel asked what the city's biggest asset is. Mr. Hupp stated it is without a doubt, the Community Center and Downtown Center. He thought the city did a wise thing to bring people in. Councilmember Trude noted that Mr. Hupp has been on the Park Commission and doing a good job because he has been involved with many activities. She asked ifhe tholight this year, after the baseball complex opens, the city met the need of every request? Mr. Hupp stated that a lot of fields don't get multiple use throughout the entire year. The Parks Department starting to look at irrigating things, hooking up the water system and using city water, may not be in the best interest of the city. Putting things in the outlying area where there aren't city wells might be a good idea 0 Councilmember Trude asked what will happen to parks in the next five years. Mr. Hupp replied that some of the parks can be irrigated, such as Hawk Ridge. He stated there was a consensus to get rid of some of the soccer fields and put in hockey rinks with a well and necessary amenities. Tracy Chipman-Not available 0 Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes-January 11,2007 Page 19 Mayor Gamache stated that Ms. Chipman was not available to interview until Tuesday night before the City Council meeting, directly after the EDA meeting. Councilmember Jacobson asked if there would be enough time to make appointments if the interviews were set to commence at 6:45 p.m. Mayor Gamache stated that the appointment can be made after the City Council meeting. Councilmember Trude asked if applicants should be considered after the January 2 application deadline. She stated that Ms. Chipman's name did not appear on the list provided to the Council members. She stated that originally the deadline for applications was the end of December. All other applications were dated prior to December. Mayor Gamache noted that Ms. Chipman's application was dated prior to January 2nd so she could be considered. 0 No motion was made to appoint. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Thielen, Recording Secretary 0