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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 6, 1997 u o () CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - NOVEMBER 6, 1997 MINUTES The Regular Bi-MontWy Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Dave O'Toole on November 6, 1997, 7:30 p.m. at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Also present: Tom Anderson, Brian Barringer, Dave Blackstad, AI Grabowski Jeff Kieffer, Jim Lindahl Park Coordinator, Todd H a a s Others RESIDENTIAL FORUM o Steve Newman, 1137 138th Avenue NW - was concerned about the Bunker Hills West park. A homeowner on the west end of the park has installed a privacy fence on park property. He understood residents were supposed to have a IS-foot access around the pond for public purposes. He asked the City to check into it. Mr. Haas stated he will forward that information to the Zoning Administrator, who will review it for ordinance violations. APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 16, 1997: Correct as written. Motion by Grabowski, Seconded by Barringer, to approve as written. Motion carried on a 4- Yes, I-Present (Blackstad), 2-Absent (Kieffer, LindaW) vote FINANCIAL UPDATE Michele Wenning, Finance, reviewed the financial statements for the park dedication. There is approximately $614,000 of cash on hand, but there are also a number of outstanding projects that must be paid for. About $600,000 has been received in park dedication funds, $2,200 received in donations, and $2,800 received for the rental of the concession stand. To date the expenditures have been about $200,000. / '\ V Ms. Wenning and Mr. Haas then answered questions of the Commissioners on the various revenues ., ,-_J \ ~J \. j Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 6, 1997 Page 2 (Financial Update, Continued) and expenditures. Ms. Wenning explained the transfers for projects 96-19 and 95-24 were to pay for expenses in those projects. Chairperson O'Toole noticed that donations are still being received from Ace Solid Waste, Inc., who had been making donations to the Sunshine Park project. He suggested the company be notified that the project is basically completed. Mr. Haas explained the various duties provided by the four consulting engineers that were used on the Coon Creek Walk/Bike Trail project, those items that Staff does not have the ability to do in-house. Those fees were included as a part of the original estimate of the cost of the project. Staff will be completing that project and submitting the papelWork to receive the grant funds for it. He estimated the final project cost will be between $280,000 and $300,000. INFORMATIONAL MEETINGIIP97-40/HILLS OF BUNKER LAKE 1-4 ADDITIONS/ TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Haas explained the City has received a petition from the residents of the Hills of Bunker Lake 1-4 Additions to provide a connection from their development to the Coon Creek Trail. He reviewed the five potential trail development options. The Commission then heard public comments. .,_ J Kathrine Hanson 1183 140th Lane - asked if there are future plans for a trail down Hanson Boulevard and along Bunker Lake Boulevard east to Bunker Prairie Park. She would be in favor of that trail if it is too expensive to put a bridge across the creek to connect with the Coon Creek Trail or if there is a liability issue with a bridge of kids jumping in the creek, etc.. Chairperson O'Toole stated that location is in the comprehensive plan, including all along Bunker Lake Boulevard to Round Lake Boulevard. A bridge over the creek is less expensive than a trail along Hanson Boulevard. Another concern is the traffic and intersections along Hanson. The liability for a bridge would be the same as it is now. Cindy? - stated there is an increase in loitering, an increase in litter and an increase in vandalism with trails. They moved off of a path system in Brooklyn Park because a girl was murdered there. She suggested the path be placed where it can be easily monitored. Mr. Haas stated the Commission has seen an article which states that research has shown that there is no increase in crime and vandalism resulting from trails. Commissioner Grabowski stated the Sheriff's Department has had no crime reports because of trails. Commissioner Blackstad stated he talked with the City of Plymouth who has stated they have had no documented cases of vandalism or property crimes contributed to their 75 miles of trails in the last five years. Dean Hanson 1183 140th Lane - stated it is exciting to see the trails being built in the City, but it is important that they go some place. If the trails don't go anywhere, people will stop using them. He \ felt it would be really important to have a good trail from their development to the Bunker Hills Park, '- j \. ) ~ ) ~ '\ / Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 6, i997 Page 3 (informational Meeting: iP97-40/Hills of Bunker Lake/Trail Improvements, Continued) and he would support both options 4 and 5 in the southwest corner of their development. Option 4 would be very inexpensive and would be a nice trail to access the park. He felt having multiple bridges over the creek would be over kill and a waste of money which he'd much rather see spent on expanding the trail system. He also favored the trail as proposed by Chairperson O'Toole to Round Lake Boulevard and north along Hanson Boulevard to Crosstown Boulevard for the entire City to enJoy. Paul Volker 1327 140th Avenue NW - stated he runs through the Hills of Bunker Lake three to four times each week. The area by the pumphouse is treacherous, especially at 5 or 6 in the evening having to cross both the railroad tracks and the road. It is a safety issue, especially for smaller children. Are there plans for a bridge or culvert to cross Bunker Lake Boulevard in the future? Chairperson O'Toole stated that has been discussed but probably would not happen until the road gets improved. Steve Newman 2nd Addition - asked who will monitor the littering on the park land. Right now the litter there is from the homeowners. A trail would be a wake up call to those residents adjacent to the park land. His preference is for option 3 because it is closest to his house. Mr. Haas stated the '- . _/ Parks Department will be maintaining the parks and trails. Several individuals have asked to adopt the trail to monitor it and keep the litter picked up. Another issue is that of grass clippings being placed in the parks. The Zoning Administrator has sent a letter to the property owners on the north side of the creek informing them that it is a violation of the ordinance to place grass clippings in the parks. Craig Howard 1129 140th - suspected the Commission already has its mind made up and asked which option it supports. Chairperson O'Toole stated the Commission has not yet discussed the options but he personally is leaning toward options 2 or 3, more toward three because of the access to a larger usable park. Commissioner Blackstad was leaning toward options 3 and 1. Mr Howard - stated the informational meeting for the Coon Creek Trail was not informational at all because the Commission had already decided. He felt that is the case here. For a natural trail, option 2 is nice. Chairperson O'Toole stated he and Commissioner Grabowski have viewed the location of all the proposed options, but he has no idea which option the other Commissioners prefer. Commissioner Grabowski stated option 2 definitely is the most aesthetic; however, it is very low land. It may cost significantly more to remove the undesirable dirt before being able to add Class 5 and bituminous to a trail in that location. Mr Howard - stated the person adjacent to the proposed trail at option 3 brought in four to five feet offill and did landscaping with decorative rock to shape it up with the permission of the City. It cost \ $5,000 to $10,000 to do that. Will the City require him to take out the fill and decorative rock? / \ \. ) \ ) ~ \ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 6, 1997 Page 4 , I (Informational Meeting: IP97-40/Hills of Bunker Lake/Trail Improvements, Continued) Chairperson O'Toole didn't know what the agreement was he had with the City. How the trail would affect the fill and landscaping would not be known until the design plans are done. There would be the issue of still using the park to get to the garage in the back. Mr Howard - stated they are in the process of getting a building on Hanson Boulevard for the construction portion of their business, so access to the garage is not that big of a concern to that resident. But there is a concern with all of the negative aspects of a trail. The resident adjacent to option 3 expressed to him that he may take out the fill and decorative rock. He also asked if the issue of crosswalk lights has been addressed. , , The Commission reviewed rough cost figures provided by Mr. Haas for options 2 and 3. Commissioner Grabowski found it hard to believe that option 2 would be only $3,000 more than option 3 because of the amount of excavation that may need to be done. It is basically a bog there now. Mr. Haas agreed more research needs to be done before final costs estimates can be provided. Commissioner Grabowski felt that option 3 is more centrally located for the development, plus it would go through existing City park and he assumed there is some Class 5 over the sewer line through there. Mr. Haas was not sure of the Class 5. He also felt that option 3 was the most centrally located option and seems to tie the entire system together. , Commissioner Grabowski stated he has been on the trail systems in Wisconsin, which has one of the biggest trail systems in the country; and they don't have a single light along the trail, only the typical bike crossing stop signs. Commissioner Barringer preferred option 3 and had a concern with options 4, 5 and 1. He also felt it would be significantly more expensive to do option 2 and would disturb more wetlands than option 3, which is a more desirable choice. Commissioner Blackstad felt the Commission would have to seriously look at a culvert or bridge over the railroad tracks if options 4 or 5 were chosen. He favored options 3 and 1. Chairperson O'Toole stated he would like to see an entrance at option 2 which would then go east and tie in with the trail and bridge at the location for option 3. Jim Miller 1458 138th Lane - sensed the Commission was eliminating options 4 and 5 because of safety. He argued that it would be more safe to have one of them as an option to get to the park as quickly as possible. People go that way now and will continue to do so whether there is a trail there or not. With a trail, it would be marked for cars that people are going through there. He felt it would be safer to have the trail there than to not have it there and that option 4 would be the least expensive Commissioner Grabowski agreed there should be some way to keep people off the road as much as possible. He'd like to see both options 3 and 4 done. Mr. Haas stated option 4 would be very simple to build. \ Randy? 1333 140th Lane - lives next to option 2. He is concerned about crime. The way the , I '- ) ) \ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 6, 1997 Page 5 , J (Informational Meeting: IP97-40/Hills of Bunker Lake/Trail Improvements, Continued) Brooklyn Park police solved the problem of crime on the trails when they lived there was to cut back the trees and brush 8 feet along both sides of the trails so that people couldn't hide in the brush. Who is going to monitor the trails, especially when it becomes a hang out for people after hours? He is concerned with the traffic and increased commercial sites along Hanson Boulevard. He proposed tying the system together with options 1 and 4, which provides a more direct route, and see if options 2 and 3 are needed in the future. That would make a nice loop to walk and bike around. He didn't think people wanted to meander through their development to access the trail at options 2 and 3. He talked with a realtor, and there are problems with the trails in Coon Rapids and at Lions Park with people being on the trails late at night. It is a concern that he has. If he knew a trail was going past his property when he was buying it, he would not have purchased the lot. He was also concerned with litter, as they do take care of their property and with how the trail will affect their property value. Chairperson O'Toole stated the park system was designated as a trail system before that land was developed, and the entrance at option 2 was shown on the plat map. Commissioner Grabowski stated studies have shown that a trail will not affect property values but may increase resale value by one percent. Mr. Haas stated the park system closes at 11 o'clock; and if there are people on the trails after that time, the Sheriff's Department should be called. '. '- , Commissioner O'Toole reiterated the main purpose of the meeting was to inform the residents of the options which were proposed as a result of a petition signed by about 100 residents from the Hills of Bunker Lake additions asking for an access to the Coon Creek Trail. The Commission discussion was that a decision should be made shortly so that the project can be constructed early in the spring, 1998. It was then suggested that the Commission recommend that specifications be drawn for option 3, but that options 1 and 4 also be bid as alternates. If the bids come in low enough, possibly two or all three options could be completed. Mr. Haas also suggested that the Commission recommend the trail along Hanson Boulevard from Andover Boulevard north to Crosstown Boulevard be done under the same contract. At this time he felt that portion of the trail would be on the west side of the road. Motion by Grabowski, Seconded by Blackstad, to recommend to the City Council to go our for specifications for bids for entrance No.3 with alternates for Number 1 and Number 4. In addition to the alternatives, have a pathway from Andover Boulevard to Crosstown Boulevard on the west side of Hanson Boulevard. Motion carried on a 5- Yes, 2-Absent (Kieffer, Lindahl) vote. The Commission recessed at 8:48; reconvened at 8:54 p.m. \ J \, J '-) \ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 6, 1997 Page 6 / CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Cars for sale at Hills of Bunker Lake 5th park - Commissioner Barringer noted last week there were still several cars in the park with for sale signs on them. Commissioner Grabowski stated he called the Zoning Administrator about the problem when he nearly had an accident on that comer resulting from cars blocking the view. Landscaping by adjacent landowner/Option 3 of entrance discussed this evening - The Commission suggested the City Attorney negotiate with the homeowner regarding the decorative landscaping and fill and the use of park property to access an accessory building. They wanted to work something out but not set a precedent. Dogs on the trail - Chairperson O'Toole reported a resident called expressing appreciation for the Coon Creek Trail but had a problem with people walking their dogs and urinating on the newly planted shrubs and trees. Commissioner Grabowski suggested it may be necessary to fence the trees for the first few years. No specific action was suggested. Coon Creek Trail pavement - Commissioner Anderson noted there are some cracks on the pavement of the trail. Mr. Haas stated he will talk with the inspector about it. Dumping in the parks - Commissioner Grabowski stated as he and Chairperson O'Toole were viewing the trail, they saw a lot of construction debris, logs, leaves, grass clippings, compost and other items dumped in the park. He suggested that in the spring the residents be reminded that grass clippings and compost are not allowed to be placed on park property. Mr. Haas stated those living on the north side of the Coon Creek Trail have already been sent letters addressing some of these issues. He suggested a letter also be sent to those adjacent to park property on the south side of the creek. He will also ask the Zoning Administrator to check on the matter. Lights on the Concession Building - Commissioner Grabowski thanked Kevin Starr for fixing the lights on the Concession Building but noted that one has already burnt out. Lights for the bal/fields - Commissioner Grabowski noted the Mayor's comments regarding the lights at Pov's Sports Bar, suggesting if they have to be turned offby 10 o'clock each night, then the same time must be applied to the lights on the City's park ball fields. Commissioner Grabowski stated the athletic associations made an agreement with the Park and Recreation Commission that games would not go beyond 10 o'clock. The athletic associations did not make an exception to the noise ordinance regulation. He did not want the youth leagues compared with what is going on with the local sports establishment, feeling they are two different situati0ns. - '. Unfinished projects for 1997 - Commissioner Grabowski asked for a list of proposed projects that " '- .J \.~) \ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting ,. Minutes - November 6, 1997 Page 7 (Chairman's Report, Continued) did not get done this year. Mr. Haas stated he has sent a memo to the Commission with the dollar amount that is expected to cany over to 1998. It is around $2:",000. Hills of Bunker Lake Park ball field fencing - The Commission generally felt the backstop recently installed at the park is hugh and unattractive. Mr. Haas stated the top can be taken off and put on another field. The Commission felt that would help. It was suggested the top can be used at Hidden Creek park when the fields are moved. Mr. Haas also stated he will check as to whether or not the benches were included in the bid for the field. And he will talk with Kevin Starr and the City Engineer about the grading of the park by the developer and whether or not a final inspection was ever approved. Fencing at Sunshine Park - Commissioner Grabowski stated many of the fence post caps are no longer on the fence, and the bleachers have nuts and bolts that are loose or that have completely fallen off. Mr. Haas stated he will send letters to the contractors. The bleachers are still under warranty. Next Commission meeting - Mr. Haas asked that the next meeting date be switched from Thursday, ., November 20 to Wednesday, November 19. The Commission agreed. ./ Applicantsforwarming hmlse attendants - Mr. Haas informed the Commission the Parks Department is looking for more applicants for the positions of warming house attendants for this winter. Red Oaks West park - Mr. Haas stated the City is putting a watermain across the parking lot of Red Oaks West. The parking lot would then have to be reconstructed and the basketball court placed by the playground equipment. Right now the location of the basketball court is a safety hazard. He suggested the Commission keep that reconstruction in mind when working on the capital budget for 1998. After some discussion, the Commission felt there may not be a need for a parking lot at this park since most people using it are from within the Red Oaks development. That parking area can then be put into grass or possibly a volleyball court. The Commission agreed to look at that park in the near future. Motion by Blackstad, Seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~=~~~ . \ -'