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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 2, 1996 o o o o o ~ ~I~I~~ CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 J;>ARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MAY 2, 1996 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lindahl on May 2, 1996, 7:05 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Al Grabowski, Jeff Kieffer, Dave O'Toole, Roger Paulson (arrived at 7:07 p.m.) Dave Erickson Parks Department, Kevin Starr Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Others Commissioner absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES April1B, 1996, Regular Meeting: Pg 1, Resident Forum, Correct Spelling of "Chuck Moerke". MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Grabowski, to approve the Minutes as corrected. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Erickson, Paulson) vote. (Commissioner Paulson arrived at this time, 7:07 p.m.) SHADOWBROOK PRELIMINARY PLAT/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Gary Gorham, BunkerLLC, Inc., reviewed the proposed preliminary plat of Shadowbrook. The park dedication consists of 10.4 acres in Park 1 of which 5.4 acres is upland, 2.4 acres in Park 2 of which 1.9 acres is upland, and 23.1 acres in Park 3 of which 7 acres is upland. The intent would be to construct a trail system along Bunker Lake Boulevard from the far east end of the plat to prairie Road that would meander through the park system. They intend to install that trail system as a fee against the park dedication. There was also discussion about ball fields in Park 3, and they would grade and seed that area as well. At the public hearing, the Planning Commission and the residents felt there should be a trail system along Prairie Road to access the trail system from the north to Bunker Hills park and for safety reasons. If that is the case, they would run that trail system up there too. He did not have the exact figures but guessed the cost of the trail system would be $35,000 to $37,000. . Mr. Haas stated the trail along Bunker Lake Boulevard is part of the transportation network and would be paid for from the trials fee now collected with building permits. The Park Commission would have to construct the trail within the neighborhood to connect to the trail along Bunker Lake Boulevard. The trail along Prairie Road would be .' " l.) u Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 2, 1996 ''\ Page 2 ,,/ (Shadowbrook Preliminary Plat/Park Dedication, Continued) installed as a part of the developer's sidewalk construction as a part of the plat. It is not yet knowN whether there will be any other sidewalks in the development. Staff is still talking about that. He also noted that the City of Ham Lake called him regarding the trail system, as they are interested in connecting the trail and extending it in the future. They have asked that this trail be extended to the City's border. In discussing the proposal, the Commission agreed with the need to construct a trail along Prairie Road and with the park dedication as proposed. They asked that the trail be installed at the time of thJ project. Both Mr. Haas and Mr. Gorham agreed. Chairperson Lindahl noted the recent concerns by residents of not enough parks in the larger developments and the overcrowded use of some of the tot lots. Since this is such a large development, he asked whether consideration should be given to constructing a tot lot. :- ) Mr. Gorham stated the intent was to leave Parks 1 and 2 relatively undisturbed other than the trail to enjoy the beautifully wooded areas. He expected the homes to be in excess of $200,000 and the PUD area to consist mostly of empty-nesters in houses priced $150,000 and above. He did not anticipate a lot of children in this development. The other Commissioners also noted the I=oi.icy has been to shy away from the tot lots because of the increased maintenance. They too felt that children in this subdi vision \-lOuld probably be older as opposed to toddlers because of tl:.e price range of the hOlaes. The sense of the Commission was that a tot let area \lUS not necessary. It was also suggested that Park 3 is large enough to install one ball field and one soccer field, plus parking. MOTION by Kieffer, Se-::onded DY Paulson, to approve the Shadowbrook plat as written for 5.5 percent of the gross area in upland park and 4.S percent for cash in lieu of land. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (Erickson) vote. TIMBER RIVER ESTATES SKETCH PLAN Mr. Haas reviewed the proposed 160-acre Planned Unit Development of Timber River Estates. The Park Comprehensive Plan calls for a neighborhood park in this vicinity; and it was discussed at the time of the neighboring plat that park land would be taken when this property develops. /- '\ '-J Byron Westlund, Woodland Development, explained they are working with the Scenic River requirements along Rum River, the 2 1/2-acre minimum lot size and the wetlands on this property. They are proposing a Planned Unit Development of lots that would vary in size and a 10- to 11-acre park along the river. There is also considerable open space and a large wetland area throughout the entire complex where they would like to provide trails with benches and observation blinds. The park would ,-, . ) u () Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 2, 1996 Page 3 ~) (Timber River Estates Sketch Plan, Continued) be improved with the PUD. They would like the park to be improved before people move in, including the ball fields, parking lot, picnic area, trails, possibly a fishing peer and, if possible, a canoe resting area. They hope to get the storm water into one area where it could become a pond and have a trail with benches around. Mr. Starr stated the soccer associations are out of space and are looking for another full-sized field. Mr. Westlund stated they were looking at one or two softball fields but there should be ample space to construct a soccer field as well. The Commission liked the proposal as presented. THE MEADOWS OF ROUND LAKE PARK FENCING DISCUSSION Curt Perry, 4061 146th Street, expressed concerns with the park in the Meadows of Round Lake as the equipment is too big for the smaller children. He felt solid steps are needed and a rope climber could replace the other bar. Also, the slide should be lowered. The p&rk is used by many people and is very crowded. :J Mary Quiring, 4090 146th Avenue, agreed that solid steps are needed that are more conducive to smaller children, plus a rope ladder on the other side. Mr. Starr stated if money is budgeted he could add on a few things at the exit points, but there is not a lot of room to add on without getting too close to the road. Commissioner Kieffer stated the intent was this park would be for toddlers and Pleasant Oaks would be for the older children. Mr. Starr stated he will have an equipment representative come to the site and make a recommendation to make the playground more conducive for toddlers. The Commission agreed. Mr. Perry then asked that a fence be installed across his and a neighbor's property to eliminate people and their dogs from wonderin] onto private property. Some cities fence parks abutting private property as a matter of policy. The fence is for insurance and safety reasons. He has two dogs, but people bring their dogs to the park and then unleash them. A fence would prevent the dogs from wondering onto his property. It would also eliminate the potential of a child being injured in the park but then coming onto his property claimin3 the injury occurred there. He estimated it would cost $500 for the fencing, and he and the neighbor would be willing to install it. '\ , / Ms. Quiring was opposed to the fencing request. She did not see it as a safety issue. Also, there is a coveriant in the Meadows of Round Lake plat, which points out on Page 17, Section 9, that fencing on private property is not allowed. She didn't believe it should be allowed on public property either. The Andover residents turned down a park bond because they were concerned with spending their money wisely. She did not consider fencing a wise use of City funds. ,-- "- ,--.J .. \ , ) '-.../ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 2, 1996 I Page 4 ) " , ) (The Meadows of Round Lake Park Fencing Discussion, Continued) The Commission stated typically parks are not fenced unless there are ball fields or there is a major safety factor. Fencing is not. only expensive, but it is a maintenance factor for the City Staff. The consensus was that a fence in this park, per past policy, should not be installed at this time. It was suggested that Mr. Perry consider landscaping the boundary with shrubs, trees, or a hedge to define the border. It was also suggested that consideration be given to drafting a formal policy on fencing. REPORT ON PARK ACTIVITIES ) Mr. Starr reviewed the various tasks that have been or will be done by the Parks Department this spring and summer. Bathrooms have been added, the spraying of fertilizer and weed control has been completed, the finishing work will be done on the Field of Dreams, and 18 bluebirJ houses and 6 duck houses have been installed. He met with the soccer associations, who are desperately in need of more fields as their associations grow. Both soccer organizations have helped in painting, plus various other groups have been coming in to help with park cleanup and maintenance. One part-time employee started working in April, and he hopes to get one more person in June. The seeding in the Field of Dreams was not approved by the City because it is spotty. That is still under contract. He hopes to plant honey locust trees on each end of the islands of the parking lot there with shrubs around the future light pole. He will get quotes for that to hopefully have them planted before the final lift is placed on the parking lot. He is checking on the block walls to be installed in the Athletic Building here at City Hall Complex #1. He also suggested that the next major upgrade be done at Hidden Creek, including the installation of a sprinkling system and warming house. It is the City's only park that meets ADA requirements at this time. Commissioner O'Toole stated the grading around the Concessions Building at the Field of Dreams has been completed; however, it is all sand. He stated that needs to be upgraded to three inches of topsoil before sod is put in. Mr. Haas stated he will check into that further. Mr. Haas thought the bases for the fields should arrive this week and the soccer goals next week. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT RFPs for the Concession Stand - Mr. Haas reported the request for proposals to run the Concession Stand will be sent out early next week. Staff is seeking proposals from different vendors. ID Signs for the Ball Fields - Commissioner Grabowski asked that the ball fields at the Field of Dreams be numbered with signs place on the fence. They can be metal ones now and replaced with different ones in f' . ) \..j ( "- \..../ I Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 2, 1996 .' Page 5 j (Chairman's Report, Continued) the future if desired. Mr. Starr stated he will have signs on Fields 5, 6, 7, and 8 early next week. Liquidated Damages for Fencing and Sprinkling Contracts - Commissioner Grabowski asked how much money will be assessed against the fencing and sprinkling contract at the Field of Dreams for liquidated damages for failing to meet the contract deadlines. Mr. Haas stated he talked with the City Engineer, who stated he did not know. The weather and rain dates need to be determined. The preference would be to negotiate rather than have it litigated. Commissioner Grabowski expressed frustration that a contract deadline then becomes meaningless if the penalties are not assessed. After further discussion, the Commission asked that the City Engineer attend the next meeting to discuss this item in further detail. They also wanted copies of any correspondence with the contractor relating to performance and the extension of the deadline. Basketball Courts Mr. Haas thought the intent was to install a basketball court at the Field of Dreams this summer. Also, the Commission is to visit Red Oaks East and Creek View Crossing parks prioe to the next meeting. The other half of the basketball court in the Creek View Crossing Park ~as discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Starr est.imated a cost of $2,000 to install a basketball court plus the pole and hoop. :) Trail along Coon Creek - Commissioner Anderson felt that the area on both sides of Coon Creek east of Hanson Boulevard would support a nice trail system. There already is a bridge crossing near Hanson Boulevard. Mr. Haas stated no decision has been made on what to do with the bridge. There is no other place to cross the creek at this time. Antennas and Towers Ordinance Discussions - Commissioner O'Toole noted the Planning Commission and City Council have been discussing an ordinance regarding the installation of antennas and towers, specifically on park property. If that is to be allowed, he felt the Park Board should be included in those discussions. Update on Concessions Building - Commissioner 0' Toole reported the building is ready for final inspection on everything. The pump needs to be wired to get the electrical final. Only bathroom partitions and smoke detectors are still needed. Also, he asked which flags should be placed on the four flag poles that will be in the park. The Commissio~ agreed on three at this time -- the American flag, the State flag, and the City flag that is proposed to be designed in a contest this summer. . '\, ) ,_/ MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, I-Absent {Erickson} vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. \'\~::~ln~~~~ Mar~~ Recording Secretary