Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 18, 1996 o o o o ~ elllQLP o CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w, . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - JULY 18, 1996 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lindahl on July 18, 1996, 7:37 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Dave Blackstad (arrived at 8:20 p.m.), Al Grabowski, Jeff Kieffer, Dave O'Toole Roger Paulson Parks Department, Kevin Starr Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Others Commissioner absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 20, 1996, Regular Meeting: Correct as written. MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by O'Toole, to approve. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (Lindahl, Anderson, O'Toole), 2-Present (Grabowski, Kieffer), 2- Absent (Blackstad, Paulson) vote. PRAIRIE KNOLL TRAIL DISCUSSION/PROJECT 96-8 The Commission met on site of the Prairie Knoll park prior to the meeting. Chairperson Lindahl explained to the residents present that the Commission had decided that the trail in this park would be of lower priority this year, dependent on the availability of funding. He noted there were both residents for and against the proposal who met the Commission at the park. Mr. Haas stated the tree fort that is built within the easement will be removed. He has talked to the property owner about it. The Commission acknowledged the petition from the residents opposing an 8-foot bituminous trail to the park. Keith Jensen, 14705 Palm Street - didn't realize Prairie Knoll was a regional park. He asked if that trail will connect to the road being constructed from the south to Andover Boulevard. Mr. Haas stated that is an emergency access for Crown Pointe plus a trail easement. The road will be done this summer, and it is expected that at some time a trail could connect from Bunker Hills park to Prairie Knoll. Mr. Jensen - noted the many homes that are being constructed south of Andover Boulevard, which could mean a lot of bikers and walkers being brought through their neighborhood. , \ <J , \ \J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 18, 1996 Page 2 \, , ./ (Prairie Knoll Trail Discussion/Project 96-8, Continued) Frank Olson. 715 146th Lane - didn't think anyone has a problem mowing the easement to the park. The biggest problem people want to avoid is bringing in many other people into the neighborhood which has the potential for vandalism, trash, parking on the streets, noise, etc. The residents would not be opposed to have the money go into the park itself for the neighborhood children, but not to invite people from other areas to come into their neighborhood. They pay a lot of taxes to live in a private area. The Commission noted the CDBG funds cannot be used for anything in the park but to provide access to it to meet ADA requirements. : ) Jean Torqerson. 14755 Palm Street - stated her two children have the tree fort in the easement, which will be removed. She wants to keep their area a little bit of country and doesn't want strangers going through. They have had vandalism and burglaries in the area. She had no problem with the neighborhood children going through the trail. She was also concerned that the trails will be used by motorized vehicles, and she didn't believe any signage would resolve the situation. There is a No Motorized Vehicles sign at Sunshine Park, but she saw two cars drive through there anyway. If it is wide enough, people will get through and children will party. If the trail is only for the neighborhood, she suggested it be left a natural path. Mr. Starr stated the area from Palm to Sycamore will be a natural trail. There are other trails in the City, some of them in more remote areas, and there hasn't been a party problem. There are also ways to keep vehicles off paths. There is a pole in the middle of the path at Sunshine Park, which provides good control but allows the service people to go in. He felt the residents could end up with a safer condition with a trail than they have now. Elizabeth Jensen. 14705 Palm Street - felt it is a good move to pave the walkway. She didn't believe there would be a problem with cars parking on the street, since there is a parking lot access in the park. She talked to Wayne Thompson, Park Ranger for Anoka County. They have walking trails in 15 parks throughout Anoka County. His suggestion at entrance of the trail was to narrow it to six feek with posts and gradually widen to eight. Their new paths are all 10 feet wide. Also post "No Motorized Vehicles", and then there should be no problem with motorized vehicles on the paths. In talking with Sheriff's Deputy Mike Jorgenson, he has never received a complaint about motorized vehicles being on the City's pathways in the parks. She felt the need for the trail is a safety issue, as she does not allow her children on prairie road, which is 55 mph. The local streets are also busy, and she sees this as being a common sense approach for access to the park for the children. A mowed trail would provide access, but it is difficult for bikes, and roller bladers can't use it. She's lived in the area for 17 years and felt now is the time to do the trail. '\ ,) Cindy Hidelman. 720 148th Lane - liked the idea of keeping the trail mowed so the few people with small children can walk to the park, but it seems like a lot of money to serve a small amount of people to pave it / \ U ,,' \ U Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 18, 1996 Page 3 ~-) (Prairie Knoll Trail Discussion/Project 96-8, Continued) from Palm Street to the park. She stated if the pathway between the ball park and the playground was looped, people could go to the park and walk around in it. The Commission discussed various options, then generally agreed the trail between Palm and Sycamore would remain natural, ag lime from Palm Street to the park and possibly a bituminous looped path around the park. The Commission also agreed with a resident's suggestion that a trail access be provided from 148th Lane south to connect with the trail within the park so children from that area do not have to go onto Prairie Road to access the park. MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Anderson, to recommend going with ag lime from Palm Street to the park and within the park, eight feet wide. Obtain an alternate to include a loop around the park. Obtain an alternate bid to connect the trail to 148th Lane. Obtain an alternate bid to blacktop the loop within the park, excluding the trail to 148th Lane. Motion carried on as-Yes, 2-Absent (Blackstad, Paulson) vote. ::'J Chairperson Lindahl highlighted future plans for the prairie Knoll park which includes additional playground equipment, fencing the ball field, blacktopping the parking lot, bituminous paths, basketball court, tennis court, more bleachers, and potentially a soccer field. Other parks in the southeastern portion of the City are being earmarked for ball fields, which is why another one is not being planned for prairie Knoll. (Commissioner Blackstad arrived at this time, 8:20 p.m.) RESIDENT FORUM Ken Seifert, 13383 partridqe - requested a hockey rink and free skating rink in the Hidden Creek East park. There are 180 children living along the two road, and the residents are in agreement that this would be d good use for the park. Mr. Starr stated there were a lot of inquires for a skating rink last year. That would be an ideal spot for a rink. There is water access there also. It is bare land and a rink could be installed quite easily. There is no money for a hockey rink with boards, plus there is a liability issue with hockey rinks, though they have had inquires for a hockey rink with boards and a warming house for Hidden Creek park. Money for a free skating rink would be minimal and would come from park dedication. The Commission concurred that a free in the park for this coming winter. this time. They also suggested providing a security light. skating rink should be constructed A hockey rink would not be done at Mr. Starr look into the cost of " '\ ,_/ MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Grabowski, to install a free skating rink at Hidden Creek East with berm and also look into putting up a light. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (Paulson) vote. \ I '--/ . \ o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 18, 1996 Page 4 '\ ) BIKEWAY TASK FORCE DISCUSSION Mr. Haas reported he attended a conference in Brainerd this spri~g and received the information the City of Minneapolis presented when they established their bikeway system. That information has been provided to the Commission. He suggested the Commissioners look at the information and report back with modifications they think should be done to develop a similar plan for Andover. The recommendations are that paths now be constructed a minimum of 10-feet wide. Once the policy is in place, the specific tails should be designated. The City Council has recommended the Commission review the trails plan shown in the Comprehensive Plan and update it to a more realistic plan. The Commission asked that they be provided a copy of the trails map from the Comprehensive Plan for their review. SHADOWBROOK DEVELOPMENT Commissioner Grabowski suggested they reconsider the park dedication for Shadowbrook. Rather than taking cash, he'd prefer to have the developer install the trail system and develop the park so it is completed. Mr. Haas stated they will be grading the ball field on the east side to the final grade. But the Commissioners noted that was to be done in the \ Hills of Bunker 5th Sddition, and it still isn't done correctly. ) Mr. Haas stated they used to allow the developer to develop the park, but then the City doesn't know what it is getting. That is why the practice was discontinued. Commissioner Grabowski stated the developer offered to do the trails and get credit back. The Commissioners agreed with that procedure and asked that Mr. Haas approach the developer about this issue. Mr. Haas stated he didn't know how much the cash park dedication would be because the appraisal hasn't been done. He suggested the pathway along Bunker Lake Boulevard be bid as an alternate to the project. REVIEW QUOTES/THE MEADOWS OF ROUND LAKE PARK MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Grabowski, to go with Minnesota Wisconsi:J Playground Corporation for $4,673.50, installation included, to come out of park dedication for the Meadows of Round Lake Park. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, I-Absent (Paulson) vote. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT \ ) Golf balls in parks - Mr. Starr showed a bag of golf balls picked up in the Oak Bluff park. They are a problem because of the potential of being hit with the mowers. It is a safety and maintenance problem. In order to install signs prohibiting golfing practice, the ordinance would have to be amended. The Commission generally felt that golf does not belong in the parks and that the ordinance should be amended to reflect that opinion. \ '.) , \ ~ . ,-.I Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 18, 1996 Page 5 r J .' (Chairman's Report, Continued) Communi ty Service Officer - The Commission suggested the Community Service Officer be given a list of items to look for when in the City's parks. Update on special meeting with City Council - Mr. Haas recalled the last time he looked at the proposed budget, there was $50,000 for park capital improvement for 1997. In discussing the issue on watering the Sunshine Park, the Commission generally agreed to pursue the costs for installing a private well for that watering. They also asked Staff to research the meeting Minutes when this was originally discussed. Mr. Haas stated he will put the issue of paying the existing water bill for irrigating that park on the next Council agenda. Andover Athletic Association Fall Leagues Commissioner Grabowski requested the use of the fields through September 15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Commission gave verbal approval. The Commission also welcomed Dave Blackstad as the new Commissioner. "\ / MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (Paulson) vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully .i>.~d. ~~~h ;:L Recording Secretary )