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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 2, 1997 u u o CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 · (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JULY 2, 1997 MINUTES A Regular Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Dave O'Toole on July 2, 1997, 7:32 p.m., at The Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Brian Barringer, Dave Blackstad (arrived at 8:23 p.m.), Al Grabowski, Jeff Kieffer Tom Anderson, Jim Lindahl Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Others Commissioners absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 5, 1997: June 19, 1997: Correct as written. Correct as written. MOTION by Grabowski, Seconded by Barringer, to approve the June 5 Minutes as written. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (O'Toole, Barringer, Grabowski) , 1-Present (Kieffer) , 3-Absent (Anderson, Blackstad, Lindahl) . o MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Grabowski, to approve the Minutes of June 19 as written. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (O'Toole, Grabowski, Kieffer), 1-Present (Barringer), 3-Absent (Anderson, Blackstad, Lindahl). HILLS OF BUNKER LAKE 5TH ADDITION PARK/IP97-15/CONTINUED Mr. Haas asked the Commission to review the revised layout of the softball field at the Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addition. Joe Levine. 13800 Svcamore Street NW - wondered why the size of the field increased from 200 to 225 feet. Mr. Haas stated the Park Commission suggested 225 is the minimum size. Commissioner Grabowski explained 200 feet would be acceptable if the outfield is fenced, but it will not be. The 225 feet services more ages. Players 10 and under need a 225-foot field. o Mr. Levine stated they left the last meeting confused because everything happened so fast at the end. The decision was made to do it this way, but they still have a problem with the field in this position (backtop due east). As proposed, the three activities around the backstop, the playground and the parking lot are all around their lot. With the fence being added for safety along Bunker Lake Boulevard, he did not see a reason why the backstop couldn't be placed toward the south away from their. lot as originally proposed by his wife. Commissioner Kieffer understood their main concern originally was the playground was 10 feet off their property line. Now it is 90 feet. '- ~ ~) <-) Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 2, 1997 Page 2 J (Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addition park/IP97-15, Continued) Mr. Levine - stated but now the backstop is 60 feet from their lot line, which isn't very far; and there will be people walking all around it. He didn't see an issue with turning the backtop toward the south. Commissioner Grabowski stated it is a safety issue of the sun for the first baseman. Mr. Levine - argued the sun sets in the northwest corner of the parcel at that time of the year. Commissioner Grabowski stated the problem is facing west in the summer. Throws are typically lower, but most of the injures happen with fly balls. Mr. Levine - stated no one at the first meeting was objecting to the idea of a softball field. The issue is the layout. Because the layout affects them more than anyone, he stated it is unfair for them to have all three acti vi ties around their lot. He wouldn't have a problem shortening the field to 215 feet and moving it further west. Mr. Haas explained there is a 10-foot buffer to the trail on the west side of the park. After discussing it, the Commission agreed to reduc2 the size of the field to 215 feet and to push the field and playground to the west as far as possible. \ ) Lvnda Levine - wasn't sure of what was being proposed at the last meeting. It was confusing. She questioned the issue of the sun. It is a neighborhood park and people will be playing there during the mid-day and on weekends when the sun is not in the west. She didn't understand why it doesn't matter that the catcher and batter face the sun. Commissioner Kieffer stated the ball is much lower when pitched to the batter. Normally league play on the field will be between 6:30 and 8:30. Chairperson O'Toole also noted it is softball, so the ball pitched to the batter is not as fast as that being thrown to the first baseman. Ms. Levine - felt that sunglasses and baseball caps can be used and that the sun is not that much of an issue. The layout of the field is a big issue because of how it affects their property. Kim Savaria. 13820 Svcamore Street NW - stated with the fence along Bunker Lake Boulevard, they are in favor of the proposal presented previously with the backstop in the southeast corner near the parking lot. By reducing the size of the field to 215 or 200 feet, there wouli be additional space and the safety issue would be addressed, so everyone would be satisfied. She showed the Commission her proposal for the field layout and discussed several alternatives with them. j The Commission reiterated their position of a minimum field length of 215 feet and that the backstop be in the vicinity of the parking lot. They also pointed out there must be some space left between the field and the playground for the players benches and others. They were sympathetic to the concerns of the adjacent residents, but noted the layout presented this evening by Staff with the backstop to the east was '. ---J -,J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 2, 1997 Page 3 J (Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addition Park/IP97-15, Continued) proposed by someone representing them at the last meeting and it wad agreed upon by everyone at that meeting. They were amenable to moving the backstop and playground toward Bunker Lake Blvd. as much as possible to move it even further from Lot l, and asked Mr. Haas to do so. commissioner Barringer related his personal experience with living near a park with similar activities, that the activities on the ball field are limited to that short time during the games and that the playground equipment is used by just a few children from the neighborhood. He thought the park won't get used as much as the adjacent residents fear. A resident in the audience felt the plan as proposed is a good one and that the project should now move forward. Mark Savaria - noted they are the families that will be most affected by the park and they were invited for their input. He asked for a written copy of the recommendations made by the Park Department and playground equipment company. Mr. Haas stated he would be able to get a copy for him. i Mr. Savaria - realized they have taken a lot of time, but they want the decision to be the correct one. The rest of the neighborhood wasn't included in some of the meetings because they were not directly affected by the layout. There is no dispute as to what should be placed in th~ park; just the layout as it affects the adjoining property owners. He didn't feel they had much time to look at all the proposals and didn't think another two weeks would make that much difference. That time would, however, give the residents more time to try to work it out. He asked about the trees and landscaping to provide a buffer to the residents. Mr. Haas stated Staff is working with Tony Emmerich, the developer of the Hills of Bunker Lake 5th, on the grading of the park. Mr. Emmerich is also moving some trees in the second phase of Shadowbrook, and the proposal is to relocate them by the Levine property to screen the parking lot from their lot. They are already in the process of getting the fencing along Bunker Lake Boulevard. He will shorten the ball field to 215 feet and move it closer to Bunker Lake Boulevard. The intent is to leave a reasonable safety distance between the playground and the fencing. It is hoped the paving of the parking lot will be done this year, and possibly the playground equipment can be installed in the fall. Walkways will be constructed to meet the handicapped accessible requirements. He will proceed and work with the residents and the developer to begin this project. The Commission agreed. REVIEW PETITION FOR PARK/CROWN POINTE AND CROWN POINTE EAST 2ND J Mr. Haas noted a petition from the neighborhood in Crown Pointe East to buy a lot from the developer for a tot lot and possibly a basketball court. Cash was taken in lieu of land for park dedication in those developments because of the park located in the Hills of Bunker Lake 5th. ) \J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 2, 1997 Page 4 ) (Petition for Park/Crown pointe & Crown Pointe East 2nd, Continued) Lisa Sleoica. 14336 Ouince Street NW - stated Jerry Windschitl, the developer, owns the lot they have in mind; but she is not sure of the price. It is a small lot with many trees that would make an ideal tot lot. There are 33 kids within their area, and there is no place for theIr to play except in the street. She didn't know the owner of the adjacent lot but would find that out and provide that information for Mr. Haas. The Commission noted it would be much more expensive to purchase a lot now as opposed to having taken it as park dedication prior to development. They also explained why cash was taken in lieu of land for these developments. Possibly some trade can be worked out with Chesterton Commons, another development being done by Mr. Windschitl. (Commissioner Blackstad arrived at this time, 8:23 p.m.) Mr. Haas agreed to contact Mr. Windschitl. 1998 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET The Commission made the following comments and recommendations concerning the proposed improvements to the park system for 1998: I * Mr. Haas noted the proposed budget for 1998 is asking for $100,000 for Park Capital Improvements and $100,000 for the next phase in Kelsey-Round Lake Park. * Hidden Creek North Fence - The Commission suggested that the ball field be moved closer to the parking lot. That would solve the problems of balls ending up in a resident's yard and of people dropping children off along Bunker Lake Boulevard. Mr. Haas agreed to provide a layout of the park to move the ball field closer to the parking lot while leaving the playground and other areas in the same place. * Tower Drive sidewalk - The Commission felt this is a low priority item at this time. Possibly it is something that could be done wi th Tax Increment Financing Funds. Mr. Haas stated he would check on that further. * prairie Knoll soccer field - It was the feeling of the Commission that the parks of Prairie Knoll and Shadowbrook should be developed such that one has all ball fields and the other all soccer fields. The trend has been to build complexes of several fields together for one sport. It was also noted that the larger soccer fields can sometimes be divided into two smaller ones, which makes the one field more flexible. Mr. Haas stated he would provide a proposed layout of fields for both Shadowbrook and prairie Knoll. For th~ ball fields, it was suggested that one be full-sized and have a grass infield for baseball. Serious consideration should also be given to irrigating the fields at Shadowbrook and possibly digging a well for irrigation at Prairie Knoll. \-./ Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 2, 1997 Page 5 , I (1998 Park Capi tal Improvement Budget, Continued) * Sunshine Park/Lighting of fields - Chairperson O'Toole recommended some progress be made toward lighting the fields at Sunshine Park, possibly doing one or two fields at a time using Park Dedication funds. There are so many people using the park, and the focus should remain on this central location. Possibly some TIF funds that should be coming for the trails could be used for half of th:l cost. Mr. Haas agreed to obtain several quotes this fall on lighting the fields. * Northwoods East Park/Playground equipment and parking lot and Green Acres park playground equipment The Commission noted the playground equipment is very old and there is a need for a larger parking lot at Northwoods East. It was also suggested that consideration be given to relocating the ball field. Mr. Haas stated he would provide a drawing to scale of the park. It was also agreed to meet at this park and Green Acres park prior to the next meeting. * Pine Hills Park/New playground equipment - The Commission thought there was relatively new playground equipment in the park. Mr. Haas stated he will check into it. '. / No further action was taken this evening. REVIEW BIDS/IP95-24/COON CREEK BIKEWAY/WALKWAY TRAIL Chairperson 0' Toole explained the City Engineer is recommending th~ landscaping portion of the base bid not be removed from the contract. The City had an agreement with the abutting neighbors to provide landscaping; and if it is removed, that portion of the DNR grant would not be received. After discussion, the Comm~ssion agreed to leave the landscaping portion of the contract as bid. Through the years additional landscaping can be added. RESCHEDULE JULY 17 REGULAR MEETING The Commission agreed to change the July 17 meeting date to Wednesday, July 23, 1997, 7:30 p.m. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT I Parking at Hawk Ridge - Commissioner Kieffer noticed many people parking on the grass by the field even though the parking lot is empty during ball games at Hawk Ridge. Chairperson 0 I Toole stated there is a problem at Strootman Park also. It was suggested that a list of parks be compiled where parking problems exist and that the CSO be asked to patrol them on occasion. / I \J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 2, 1997 Page 6 (Chairman's Report, Continued) Sunshine Park - Commissioner Grabowski stated the electrical work has been completed. There is a question about whether or not the thermostat will have to be mounted in another room. A problem also resulted when the irrigation was turned back on. Somebody should check to see if it is still leaking in the maintenance room. Also, 15 of the 22 security light bulbs around the outside of the building are burned out. Mr. Haas stated he will mention that to public works to have them replaced. Commissioner Grabowski noted the pet signs are up but need to be in mor~ visible locations. A bigger one will be installed during the tournament. Anoka Ice Arena - Commissioner Grabowski noted a Board Member from the Anoka Ice Arena approached the City Council on Tuesday asking for financial help. That issue has been forwarded to the Park Board. He cautioned that the City is located in four different regions for ice arenas. Benches at school fields - Commissioner Kieffer noted benches have not been installed at the school fields. Mr. Haas stated he did write a letter to the school district. The Commission asked him to follow up if no response is received. Golfing in the parks - Commissioner Barringer saw someone playing golf in the Northwoods West park the other day. The Commission noted the problems the golf balls cause on the fields and for equipment. No specific action was suggested except possibly have the CSO keep an eye out for that activity. Patrolling the trails - The Commission suggested that the CSO be asked to patrol the trails once or twice a week. Mr. Haas thought the CSO would be able to easily bike from the Sheriff I s Office, around thp. trails and back again a couple times a week at the beginning of his shift. Trails at Sunshine Park - Mr. Haas provided ~ sketch of proposed trail location at Sunshine Park. The Commission suggested some changes such as not leaving any grass between the building and the bleachers and exposing the conduit for future score boards. Mr. Haas stated they would run the conduit out to the edge of the blacktop. He will review the electrical layout for that area. ponding and soccer fields at City Hall complex - Mr. Haas reviewed the proposed ponding areas at the City Hall complex, both of which can also be used for soccer fields. One of the problems is relocating the playground equipment in front of the City Hall. The Commission agreed with the Parks Department that because that equipment is quite old, it should be taken down and used for parts. They did not feel a need to replace it because of the equipment that has been put up in Sunshine Park and at the schools. .' \ \... jJ , \../ Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 2, 1997 Page 7 " (Chairman's Report, Continued) In discussing the hockey rink and ice skating rink, the Commission was opposed to eliminating the hockey rink. They also wanted to be able to have a skating rink somewhere in that location, as there are so few skating rinks in the City and this one is heavily used. Possibly the area could be blacktopped for parking in the summer and also used as a skating rink in the winter. NOTE: The Commission agreed to meet at Green Acres and Northwoods East parks prior to the July 23, 1997, meeting. MOTION by Blackstad, Seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Anderson, Lindahl) vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, \,\~~~Q~L M~cella A. Peach Recording Secretary \