HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 15, 1997
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CITY of ANDOVER
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MAY 15, 1997
MINUTES
A Regular Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was
called to order by Chairperson Dave O'Toole on May 15, 1997, 8:32 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
Park Coordinator, Todd Haas
Others
Commissioner absent:
Also present:
RESIDENT FORUM
Brian Kraable. reoresentinq Anoka Junior Soccer - asked for the use of
the three soccer fields at Sunshine Park for about four weeks for
training. They are bringing in some trainers from England and would
like to use the fields Monday through Thursday from 1 to 4: 30 or 5
o'clock. The fields would only be used for training stations and not
used continuously. They would not be playing games. The Commission
agreed to allow the use but was concerned with the overuse and wear on
the fields. It was suggested that the other two soccer associations be
contacted to be sure there is no conflict, and that the Anoka Junior
Soccer club should check with the Community School to see of the fields
at Oak View Middle School could be used for the third week to avoid
overuse of the fields at Sunshine Park. The Commission also asked that
the time be limited to 1 o'clock to 4:30 p.m. to avoid any conflicts
with evening games.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May I, 1997, Regular Meeting: Correct as written.
MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Barringer, to approve the Minutes as
written. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (O'Toole, Anderson, Barringer), 3-
Present (Blackstad, Grabowski, Kieffer), 1-Absent (Lindahl) vote.
TIMBER RIVER ESTATES PARK, DISCUSSION
Mr. Haas stated the Commission had asked to reconsider the field use at
the park being developed in Timber River Estates. A softball field is
being proposed, but there is a need for soccer fields in the City. The
Commission generally agreed that a soccer field would be more beneficial
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Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 15, 1997
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(Timber River Estates Park, Discussion, Continued)
to meet the needs of the soccer associations. Mr. Haas stated he will
talk with the developer to try to develop a large sized field so it can
be used for either the older groups or divided and used by the younger
age groups.
MOTION by Blackstad, Seconded by Grabowski, to install a soccer field at
the park in Timber River Estates. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent
(Lindahl) vote.
HIDDEN CREEK NORTH PARK, DISCUSSION
Mr. Haas noted the request from Mark Augustson, 13692 Yukon Street NW,
for a fence at the ball field of Hidden Creek North park to prevent foul
balls from ending up in the back yards of the neighbors. Commissioner
Grabowski felt that unless the fence had d overhang, it would not
prevent the foul balls from ending up in those back yards. Possibly the
location of home plate needs to be reconsidered. A fence would also be
a liability if people would climb over it to retrieve the balls from
private property. He noted that at the Oak View Middle School, the back
stop fence is extended to the players bench, which is very effective.
Mr. Haas stated that could be looked at.
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The Commission agreed to look at funding in the 1998 capital
improvements budget for some fencing for this field in an attempt to
alleviate the problem. Mr. Haas stated he will inform the property
owners of the Commission's intent to help them next year.
Commissioner Kieffer wondered if some players' benches could be
installed at the elementary school fields. With no benches, it is very
difficult to control the players. The Commission suggested Staff work
with the school district, possibly by providing or building the benches
if the school district would install them. Mr. Haas stated he will talk
with the principal.
DISCUSS WELL #6/PROJECT 95-12
Chairperson O'Toole summarized the discussions with the City Council
earlier this evening. The intent is to try to irrigate the fields at
Sunshine Park from the new Well #6, bypassing the municipal treatment
system. Mr. Haas stated Staff will be bringing the site plan to the
Commission for review.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
, Pets at Sunshine Park: Commissioner Grabowski reported on the problem
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up, which isn't being done, and the liability. When he runs a
tournament, animals are forbidden because of the congestion and
liability issues. He asked that the park be posted to keep pets out of
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Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - May 15, 1997
Page 3
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(Chairperson's Report, Continued)
the complex. The Commission agreed there is no reason for animals to
ever be inside of the field complex. It was suggested that signs be
installed that there be no pets inside of the fenced fields and that no
golfing is allowed. Possibly a set of rules can be posted at the
entrance of the park, with small signs located on the fences themselves
stating "No Pets". Mr. Haas stated he will review the ordinance and
talk with the Parks Department about the signing.
Purchase of a miniature dump truck - Commissioner Grabowski stated he
has talked with Kevin Starr, Parks Department, about the need for a
miniature dump truck to service the City Hall park complex. It is
estimated to cost $5,000. The softball, baseball and soccer
associations are being asked for a donation toward that purchase. The
hope is to donate one-half the cost, with the City paying for the other
half. Mr. Haas stated that purchase can be put in the 1998 budget.
MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Blackstad, to adjourn.
on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (Lindahl) vote.
Motion carried
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
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Recording Secretary
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