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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 23, 1997 ( , u r- \ V o CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD NW. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - JULY 23, 1997 MINUTES A Regular Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Dave O'Toole on July 23,1997,7:32 p.m., at The Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Brian Barringer, Dave Blackstad, Al Grabowski, Jeff Kieffer, Jim Lindahl None Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Others Commissioners absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES July 2, 1997: Page 2, correct statement of Commissioner Grabowski, " is a safety issue of the sun for the outfielders." o MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Grabowski, to approve as corrected. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Present (Anderson, Lindahl) vote. HILLS OF BUNKER LAKE PARK, DISCUSSION Mr. Haas reported the problems of two property owners adjacent to the Hills of Bunker Lake Park. The one neighbor continues to mow into the park even though he's been told not to, which is a concern to the other property owners. That person is also being accused of killing trees donated and planted by a neighbor. These two families have gone through mediation, but it didn't resolve the problem. After discussing the problem, the Commission directed Staff to send d letter to all property owners abutting the park explaining the ordinance requirements and of the problems being encountered. Point out that the Ci ty does support plantings in the parks as a sponsored acti vi ty. Along with the letter, send a copy of the ordinance, highlighting the penalty for violating the regulations. After that, it is an enforcement problem, and violations should be tagged. PARK DISCUSSION/CROWN POINTE EAST AND CROWN POINTE EAST 2ND ADDITION Mr. Haas stated he met with Jerry Windschitl to review the possibility ~~ of selecting a lot in Crown Pointe East 2nd Addition for a tot lot. ~ Most lots in that area are being developed for walkout homes and are not suitable for a park. The lot first proposed by the residents has been sold. Mr. Windschitl did suggest selling Lot I, Block 3, Crown pointe East, to the City for a park at a cost of $27,000. \ , \ ) ,) Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 23, 1997 Page 2 J (Park Discussion/Crown Pointe East Additions, Continued) The Commission noted cash was taken in lieu of land for these two plats with the thought that many tot lots become a maintenance problem for the City and there are larger parks within three-fourth of a mile from this location at the Hills of Bunker Lake 5th and at Prairie Knoll. It was also felt that it would take almost $50,000 to develop a tot lot at this point, and that that was not a wise use of Park Dedication funds. The consensus was not to pursue the development of a park in this area. Staff was asked to inform those residents who expressed an interest and to thank the developer for his cooperation. MOTION by Lindahl, Seconded by Barringer, to forego this park option in the Crown Pointe area developments due to the cost. Motion carried unanimously. TIMBER RIVER ESTATES, DISCUSSION Mr. Haas stated the developer has come back with a plan for the development of the park in Timber River Estates which includes a soccer field. He noted the items of concern, Items 46 through 50 of the engineering comments. Byron Westlund, Woodland Development, stated they changed the ball field to a soccer field and added parking stalls in the parking lot so there is a total of 31 stalls. The supplier of the playground equipment is proposed to be Value Recreational Equipment. They budgeted about $5,000 for equipment. Mr. Haas stated that company would be acceptable. The Commission felt the equipment should be geared toward the 5- to 12-year old age group. Mr. Haas stated he and Mr. Starr will discuss the playground equipment with Mr. Westlund and bring back the final proposal. Mr. Westlund stated the picnic shelter is proposed to be constructed similar to the one at the Woodland Creek golf course. It is basically a wood structure with a cement slab, 24 x 26 feet and a barbecue pit. There is little maintenance on the wood structure, just painting or sealing every three or four years. The Commission generally agreed with that proposal. Mr. Westlund stated he was not anticipating the City's request to install concrete curb and gutter around the parking lot. Also, the original proposal was a five- to six-foot wice Class 5 trail, and Staff is proposing la-foot wide bituminous trails. It becomes an issue of cost effectiveness. He would be willing to construct the la-foot wide bituminous trails from the parking lot to the river and around the shelter, but proposed the remaining portion of the trail in the park around the soccer field be five-feet wide of ag lime or Class 5. Mr. Haas stated the state guidelines for multi-use trails is la-feet wide, and it can be a liability issue if the guidelines are not adhered to. / ,-.J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 23, 1997 Page 3 (Timber River Estates, Discussion, Continued) After some discussion, Mr. Haas suggested the trails can be narrower if it is proposed for one use only. The Commission generally felt the trail around the soccer field will mainly be used by those within the residential development itself and would be used by walkers. They generally agreed with Mr. Westlund's proposal to construct a 10-foot wide bituminous trail from the parking lot, around the picnic shelter and to the river as a multi-use trail. The remainder of the trail around the soccer field would be six feet wide of ag lime or Class 5 and would be signed for walkers only. It was also felt that it would not be difficult to widen that portion of the trail in the future and place bituminous on top. Discussion was then on the curbing around the parking lot. Mr. Haas noted the ordinance allows the Council to exempt the curbing. The Commission did not feel curbing would be necessary in this rural area, though provisions must be made for the storm water drainage so it doesn't drain directly to the field or trails and to keep the vehicles from driving onto the grass. It was suggested that a berm be appropriately placed for drainage and to keep vehicles off the grass. Wooden posts were also suggested, though one area should be wide enoug,:j to allow an emergency vehicle to drive down to the soccer field. Mr. Westlund stated the grading plans call for some storm drainage to '/ the parking lot to capture the water. He will look at the grading to prevent erosion. They can berm or ditch next to the park so cars can't get over it. Mr. Westlund also stated the status of their permit for a fishing pier comes up this fall. He was told they may not get it because of the existing permits along the river, but they will continue to push to get it. He also noted that the soccer field is in the floodway, but that area did not flood either this spring from the winter snows or this summer from the heavy rains. The Commission made no further suggestions. REVIEW QUOTES/IP97-25/FENCING Mr. Haas reported only one quote was received. It is assumed the low response is that most fencing contractors are busy with jobs due to the recent strong storms. He suggested that because it totals over $25,000 and because only one quote was received, that the item be rebid as ; public bid this fall. He is also recommending that mow strips be placed under all fencing. " ! The Commission agreed that mow strips shc.,uld be placed under all fencing. They also suggested that the backstop and dug out fencing for Hills of Bunker Lake 5th park be included. Commissioner Grabowski asked Mr. Haas to look at the fencing at the Oak View Middle School fields, which is a nice setup and provides protection for the players. The Commission also asked that Alternate 1 include the fencing for Pine Hills and Sunshine park fields. , _J v Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 23, 1997 Page 4 ; (Review Quotes/IP97-25/Fencing, Continued) MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Lindahl, to reject the quote and ask the City Council to rebid it as a public bid. Motion carried unanimously. 1998 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET, CONTINUED Mr. Haas reported the Council will be meeting on August 12 to start looking at the preliminary budget numbers. He suggested Chairperson O'Toole be there to represent the Park Board. Also, the City did not get the grant for the next phase of Kelsey-Round Lake Park. He asked if the Commission would like to spend some funds on that park anyway. The Commission suggested an application be made again next year for a grant for Kelsey-Round Lake Park. They also asked for a map of the park and what has already been constructed. They agreed with the proposed budget of $100,000 for capital improvements plus $100,000 for Kelsey- Round Lake Park. REVIEW ORDINANCE NO. 47 REGULATING PARKS The Commission reviewed Ordinance No. 47 and made the following commenta and suggestions: * Section 1, 1.1, B: last line, change "...be in the discretion..." to "...be at the discretion..." * Section 2, 2.4, A: change to, "Domestic: or exotic animals (ar!imals commonly kept for pets, such as dogs, cats and similar animals) shall not be allowed on or within the following City Parks at any time: . . . " * Section 2, 2.11: Commissioner 0 I Toole felt that self-propelled vehicles should not be allowed in any parks or on any trails. As worded, it sounds like they are allowed on some trails or parks. He also noted the issue of snowmobiles with metal traction devices was discussed at the July 15 City Council meeting. He thought the intent was to keep snowmobiles off the paved trails entirely. Will the trails be kept open for walks during the winter? Mr. Haas stated the ordinance does not allow snowmobiles within the parks themselves. The trails can be kept open for walkers in the winter if the Commission desires. The Commission felt this section should be reworded to first stat~ what is not allowed and then state the alternative. It is confusing as written. Mr. Haas stated he will discuss this further with the Planning Department. * Section 2, 2.12, A: Because there are no campgrounds or designated camp sites in the City, the Commission felt this item should be deleted and Items Band C be relettered to A and B respectively. / \ J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 23, 1997 Page 5 (Review Ordinance No. 47 Regulating Parks, Continued) * The Commission asked that a section be added to the ordinance which prohibits golfing in the parks. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Donation to cushmon: Commissioner Grabowski asked if other organizations have contributed to the cushmon. The baseball association and all three soccer associations should be approached. Mr. Haas stated he will check into it. Ou tside securi ty ligh ts a t the Concession Building: Commissioner Grabowski noted those lights have not yet been replaced, though he understands the Public Works Department is very busy because of the damage from recent storms. Mr. Haas stated he will check into it further. Bituminous bid the plans and Sunshine Park. completed. for Sunshine Park - Commissioner Grabowski asked to see specifications for the bituminous work and trails in Mr. Haas stated he will show them as soon as they are Update on activities: Mr. Haas updated the Commission on the progress of the trails along Bunker Lake Boulevard and the planting of trees along those trails as proposed by the City's forester. MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn. unanimously. Motion carried The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~}l~L Recording Secretary