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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 17, 1997 () f' U o u u CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - APRIL 17, 1997 MINUTES A Regular Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Dave 0' Toole on April 17, 1997, 7: 33 p.m., at The Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Dave Blackstad, Al Grabowski, Jeff Kieffer, Jim Lindahl Brian Barringer Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Others Commissioner absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 3, 1997: Page 2, 4th paragraph, 5th line, correct "$7,000 to $8,000..." Page 3, Chairman's Report, Gutters for C0ncession Building, change "Commissioner Grabowski" to "Mr. Starr". MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Lindahl, to approve with those corrections. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, I-Absent (Barringer) vote. ECHO HILLS 2ND ADDITION PRELIMINARY PLAT MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Blackstad, to ask for cash in lieu of land for Echo Hills 2nd Addition. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, I-Absent (Barringer) vote. HILLS OF BUNKER LAKE 5TH ADDITION PARK DISCUSSION Mr. Haas reviewed the latest sketch on the layout of the ball field in the Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addition. This layout eliminates the safety issue of parking along Bunker Lake Boulevard. Mrs. Lvnda Levin, 13800 Svcamore - had a problem with the new proposal, as the playground equipment is only 10 feet from their lot line. Their lot line is only 50 feet wide at that point, and this will create congestion and people loitering around. She did not believe in putting up trespassing signs nor would she like to fence their yard, but she was afraid of their things just disappearing. She would be afraid to let their toddler outside. She also felt it will lower their property value because of the parking lot next door, the playground equipment and congestion with people on home plate, noise and litter. Chairperson O'Toole explained the home plate was moved to prevent a safety problem along Bunker Lake Boulevard. If home plate were moved to the north, it would mean even more people going across that entire area. \ '. ) .,,~ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 17, 1997 Page 2 / (Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addition Park Discussion, Continued) Kim Savaria. 13820 Svcamore - felt that there would be no safety problem on Bunker Lake Boulevard. Most parents would not stop there to drop off their children, plus no parking signs can be installed just as was done along Hidden Creek park. Also, a fence could be put up to eliminate access from the street. She also questioned whether there really is a need for another ball field. Is it logical to place a ball field along the railroad track? Couldn't that area be used for soccer, basketball or an enlarged play area? She also had a concern with the 10-foot path along the ball field. Sue Richardson. 13825 Svcamore - stated along the other lots there are trees to separate the park from the lots. Along their properties there is nothing; it is right in their back yard. It is a nuisance and they are asking that the field be moved down or made smaller. ) The Commissioners explained the park was taken for the specific purpose of constructing a ball field. The number one request the Commission receives is the need for more ball fields. The parking lot is being developed so people will not be parking in front of their houses. The playground equipment is located near home plate, because parents want to be able to watch their younger children at the playground while also watching their child play ball. The safety of the children is their- primary concern. It has also been proven that parks result in the appreciation of property values of surrounding lots. Also, most of the activity during the ball season generally runs during May and June only. Mr. Haas stated the exact location of the playground equipment has not yet been done to scale. It is possible to move it somewhat. He also felt that the developer may be willing to work with the City to transplant trees to this area which could be placed between the lot lines and the park as a natural border. The Commission agreed to try to place a natural barrier along Lots 1, 2 and 3. Joel Levin. 13800 Svcamore - asked that the ball field be moved west as much as possible and the playground equipment moved away from Lot 1 as much as possible. The Commission and Mr. Haas agreed. Mr. Haas stated he would be willing to meet with the residents on site when it is staked. The Commission also suggested the residents may want to "Adopt- a-Park" to keep the area clean, and it was suggested the residents may want to be involved in choosing the playground equipment. Those present stated they would like to be involved in that process. No further action was taken by the Commission. USE OF SUNSHINE PARK/COMMUNITY SCHOOL SUMMER ACTIVITIES \ , ) The Commission discussed the request of Anoka-Hennepin Summer Community School to use the Concession Building at Sunshine Park, Monday through Thursday, 8:55 to 12:15 p.m., June 16 through July 25, 1997. Commissioner Grabowski was concerned that there be supervision to ) 1 ./ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 17, 1997 \ Page 3 (Use of Sunshine Park/Community School Summer Activities, Continued) prevent vandalism or accidents if children wander into parts of the building they should not be in. Mr. Haas noted the program that will be run at Sunshine Park will be supervised by a teacher, not run totally by older teens. The Commission then agreed that permission would be granted with the stipulation that there would be adult supervision. Also, a checklist of things to do or check on when opening and closing the building should be prepared, to include such things as checking on doors to be closed and locked, checking on lights, etc. Mr. Haas stated this can be done on a trial basis; and if problems arise, Fran Megarry of the Community School can be invited to a meeting to discuss it. MOTION by Blackstad, Seconded by Lindahl, approving the issuance of the key while expressing that we have some concerns over the access to the building, that they would have to monitor it, that the person running the program is a teacher and that a checklist be provided for the opening and closing of the building. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1- Absent (Barringer) vote. SUNSHINE PARK SERVICE DRIVE DISCUSSION ) Commissioner Grabowski stated the concessioner is trying to keep all deliveries down to three per week, which wj.ll be done at times when games are not being played to avoid congestion. The Parks Department has put up the barricades so people do not drive up to the building. There is some concern with people driving around the barricades and damaging the irrigation sprinkler heads. He has told the coaches of the Andover Athletic Association that they cannot drive up to the building except for deliveries. That message has also been relayed to the Andover Baseball Association. He met with the Staff engineers, and he would rather not see an ag lime and Class 5 road because it can wash out so easily. With the limited deliveries to the Concession Building this year, he preferred to wait to construct the road when the funds are available to complete it with blacktop. The Commission generally agreed. Discussion was on the need for a turnaround for the delivery and City vehicles. Mr. Haas felt that something could be coordinated with the walkway/trails project. The Commission asked Staff to look at those options and bring back a recommendation for the next meeting. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT '\ Field requests Commissioner Blackstad stated he talked to a representative of the Lord of Life Church who requested the use of four fields on Friday evenings. It has been agreed to schedule the fields at Rose Park, Iris, Hidden Creek and Terrace Park. Staff has already added that to the schedule. The Commission concurred, though it was noted there may be a conflict with park-and-ride traffic at Iris. It was J \. ..-J '-..) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 17, 1997 Page 4 (Chairperson's Report, Continued) suggested during the ball season, the park be signed to require those cars to leave by 5:00 on Friday evenings. Mr. Haas stated he will talk with the Public Works Superintendent about it. Red Oaks East - The Commissioners met at Red Oaks East park prior to this evening's meeting. They noticed a lot of kids playing there, but there has also been some vandalism and trash. A suggestion was to plant natural grasses and leave the area natural. No specific direction was given at this time. Freezer in the Concessions Building - Mr. Haas stated the old freezer is still there, but it has to be removed. He will put the item on the next Council agenda to obtain bids for a new freezer and to have the old one removed. Recycling area The Commission noted the recycling area is very unsightly. Mr. Haas noted that area will decrease in size with the construction of the new Public Works building. The Commission suggested the building be turned so people cannot look inside from the park road. Mr. Haas stated he will forward that recommendation to the Public Works Superintendent. ) MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Grabowski, to adj ourn. on a 6-Yes, I-Absent (Barringer) vote. Motion carried The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. ~::t~~~~~L ~~~lla A. Peach Recording Secretary )