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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 20, 1997 (j () ,') "-./ CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - FEBRUARY 20, 1997 MINUTES A Regular Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Dave O'Toole on February 20, 1997, 7:33 p.m., at the Oak View Middle School, 15400 Hanson Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Brian Barringer (arrived at 7:40 p.m.), Dave Blackstad, Al Grabowski, Jim Lindahl Jeff Kieffer Parks Department, Terry Seeger Parks Department, Kevin Starr Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Others Commissioner absent: Also present: (Prior to the regular meeting, members of the Park and Recreation Commission held an informational meeting with residents regarding the proposed Bunker Lake Boulevard Trail west of Prairie Road.) U APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 6, 1997: Correct as written. MOTION by Blackstad, Seconded by Anderson, to approve the Minutes. Motion carried on a 4-Yes, 1-Present (Lindahl), 2-Absent (Barringer, Kieffer) vote. CHESTERTON COMMONS PRELIMINARY PLAT Mr. Haas noted the three areas proposed as park: 0.39 acres located between Block 2 and 3 in Phase I which is about half wooded; 0.10 acres located between Block 6 and 7 in Phase II which is a 3D-foot wide access. to the mini park in Phase I; and 9.22 acres just east of Block 2 in Phase III. Jerry Windschitl, Ashford Development Corporation, stated the proposal for park dedication is similar to the one proposed in the sketch plan. With only half of the mini park in Phase I being wooded, it will save the cost of removing trees to install playground equipment. If the Commission wants a wooded lot, the park can be moved over one lot. He also reviewed the events at the public hearing for the plat where the Planning Commission recommended denial because the proposed rezoning conflicts with the proposed land use in the City's Comprehensive Plan. ,-~ The Plan shows it as Residential Medium, which is broadly described as V multiple units up to six per acre, and Open Space. He attempted to comply with the OS zoning by providing Outlot A, which is almost five acres and is intended to be donated to the DNR if they will accept it. ,- -:j~~:::' 'J ".-",- :) u Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 20, 1997 Page 2 '\ / (Chesterton Commons Preliminary Plat, Continued) The proposed park area in Phase III is 9.22 acres. The question for the Council will be whether approximately 35 percent of the 40-acre site left as open space meets the OS zoning definition. Acreage owed for park dedication in the plat is 10.40 acres. As proposed, he would owe cash in lieu of land for approximately one acre's worth of park dedication. In discussing the proposed park areas, the Commission generally favored the parks in Phases I and II but did not feel the park proposed in Phase III would be beneficial. Because the regional park is so near, they did not foresee a park this size being developed. It is difficult to access, has some low areas, plus funds are limited to build a park this size. It doesn't fit into the Commission's goals for park development. It was also commented if the City wants some open land, it should not come out of park dedication where the Parks Department assumes the liability. The Commission also questioned the location of the park in Phase I, as there is a safety issue with it being located on the curve. After some discussion with Mr. Windschitl, it was agreed to move the park to the north in Phase lIon a lot that has scattered trees, and construct a path to it from Phase I. The path would be 30-feet wide and constructed between 154th Avenue and 154th Lane. '\ J MOTION by Lindahl, Seconded by Grabowski, that we flip the proposed park. Lot 1, Block 6 would become the park in Phase II and a 30-foot trail would be constructed to 154th Lane through Lot 1, Block 3 in Phase Ii the remainder of the park dedication would be cash in lieu of land. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (Kieffer) vote. The Commission also asked that the pathway be included as a part of the project, then paid for by the Park Board. Any grading that is needed in the park is done by the developer. It was also suggested that the tot lot be developed as the project is being constructed, though an argument against that was the potential for vandalism of the equipment in an undeveloped area. DISCUSS IRRIGATION WELL/IP96-9/SUNSHINE PARK, CONTINUED Mr. Haas reported Staff has determined the approximate cost to irrigate Sunshine Park in 1997 at the current user rate will be $48,000. They have not determined the cost to the City for the water. That can be determined for the special meeting with the City Council next Thursday. Mr. Starr explained that cost was determined by breaking down the exact water usage per sprinkler head. He felt the figures were conservative_ / Commissioner Grabowski stated based on these figures, the cost of drilling an irrigation well would be paid for in about two yearsi and that includes the Wellhead Protection Plan and maintenance costs. A disadvantage with the city well is a sprinkling ban in the event of a drought. That is when the ball fields need it the most to protect the investment of sod. He stated in Coon Rapids the fields are irrigated by the municipal system, but there is no meter and no charge for it. ) ,-J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 20, 1997 Page 3 (Irrigation Well/IP96-9/Sunshine Park, Continued) Mr. Seeger pointed out some of the changes that would be needed in the system to accommodate a private irrigation well. Overall he did not think it would be a big problem making that conversion. The well should be as close to the Concession Building as possible, with a fence around the pump. The municipal system would still be used within the building for potable water. He also pointed out that during heavy use, the grass on the fields should be watered every day, not every other day as being proposed. The Commission agreed the decision as to whether a private irrigation well or continuing the use of the municipal system for irrigation is best should be made by the City Council. It is to be discussed with them at the February 27, 1997, special meeting. APPROVE AMENDMENT/1997 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET Mr. Haas stated the outfield fencing for the two small softball fields at Sunshine Park were left out of the budget approved at the last meeting. He recommended the item estimated at $15,900 as outlined by Mr. Starr for Sunshine Park be paid for from Park Dedication Funds, and the outside fencing for those softball fields come from the Capital Improvements Budget. , MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Blackstad, to move that amendment. Motion carried 6-Yes, 1-Absent (Kieffer) vote. There was some discussion on the need for a new cooler in the Concessions Building. The Commission asked Staff to obtain an estimated price of a cooler that will meet state health regulations. APPROVE 1997 PARK DEDICATION EXPENDITURES Chairperson O'Toole asked for a motion to approve the budget for 1997 Park Dedication as proposed. MOTION by Blackstad, Seconded by Grabowski, to so move. Motion carried 6-Yes, 1-Absent (Kieffer) vote. RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF NON-RESIDENT FEE - YOUTH Mr. Haas stated the issue of a non-resident fee for users was raised at the last Commission meeting. He noted that anyone who wants to use the fields would need to go through normal channels; and just because application is made does not guarantee the organization is going to be able to use them. Commissioner Grabowski was concerned with other athletic associations asking to use Andover's fields. Right now there is no criteria to '\ ) o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - February 20, 1997 Page 4 (Recommend Approval of Non-Resident Fee - Youth, Continued) prevent them from doing so, which could limit the ability of Associations in the City to use them. After further discussion, it was suggested that criteria be established that those organizations that have held their monthly meetings in the City for 12 months prior to making application for field use will be given priority. Or at least 80 percent of the participation must be Andover residents. The Commission asked Staff to draft a policy for consideration. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Sunshine Park - Mr. Starr stated he is meeting with past ARDA members and formulating ideas on furniture, colors, etc. He wants to have everything in place before opening the park this spring, and there is an eight-week delivery. He also has the trails and pathway standard operating procedures which he will provide each Commissioner so they are familiar with the Park Department's operating procedures. Chairperson O'Toole stated he has a donation made out to ARDA from Ace Solid Waste. He will ask the company if they will redraft the check payable to the City. Several Commissioners felt that donation could be put toward the lightin~ofthe trophy case in the Concession Building. Meryl Prochniak complimented the Park Board for their support on the Sunshine Park project and thanked Mr. Starr for all the work he has done on the finishing touches such as trees, shrubs, etc. It shows how Mr. Starr feels about the parks in Andover. Mr. Prochniak gave a lot of credit for his involvement. Special meeting wi th the Ci ty Council - Mr. Haas reminded the Park Commission of the special meeting with the City Council next Thursday, February 27, 1997, 7:00 p.m., Oak View Middle School. MOTION by Lindahl, Seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried 6- Yes, I-Absent (Kieffer) vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~Ch0-Y~ Recording Secretary