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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 19, 1996 o o ~~ u o o CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 · (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - DECEMBER 19, 1996 MINUTES A Regular Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lindahl on December 19, 1996, 7:34 p.m., at the Oak View Middle School, 15400 Hanson Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Dave Blackstad (arrived at 7:40 p.m.), Al Grabowski, Jeff Kieffer, Dave O'Toole Roger Paulson Finance Director, Jean McGann Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Others Commissioner absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 21, 1996, Regular Meeting: Page 1, top paragraph, change "Special Meeting" to "Regular Meeting". MOTION by Anderson, Motion carried on a Paulson) vote. Seconded by Grabowski, to approve the Minutes. 4-Yes, 1-Present (Kieffer), 2-Absent(Blackstad, CROWN POINTE EAST 2ND ADDITION/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENT Jerry Windschitl, Ashford Development Corporation, explained the plat was designed based on the recommendation of the Park and Recreation Commission during the sketch plan to accept cash in lieu of land for park dedication. The Commission concurred. MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Kieffer, to accept cash in lieu of land for Crown Pointe East 2nd Addition. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Blackstad, Paulson) vote. WOODLAND ESTATES/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENT Chairperson Lindahl noted the Park and Recreation Commission had recommended cash be accepted in lieu of land for park dedication because of the regional park in the vicinity, but he recalled they also suggested that a road be widened to accommodate a sidewalk or trail through the development. Byron Westlund, Woodland Development, stated that was not implemented by the Planning and Zoning Commission. They felt there is enough width in the right of way to accomplish what the Park Board is considering. The right of way is the standard 60-foot width. As developers, they do not () , ) "--- Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 19, 1996 Page 2 ~J (Woodland Estates/Park Dedication Requirement, Continued) find sidewalks an amenity. People view them as a nuisance, and that is the first thing residents usually want eliminated from any proposed project. They have been the only developer to put in sidewalks since the policy has been implemented. The rest of the plats do not have them. Commissioner Grabowski questioned having the trail in the street. With cars parking, there isn't enough room, but he predicted that there would be a lot of pedestrian traffic crossing Crosstown Boulevard adjacent to 149th to get to the park and schools. Mr. Haas noted the Comprehensive Trail Plan calls for a trail along the northern boundary of this plat. There is a private road there now. (Commissioner Blackstad arrived at this time, 7:40 p.m.) Chairperson Lindahl felt it is not necessarily an issue of sidewalks but of having enough right of way for bikers, etc., to get through the development. With this many houses, there will be a great demand to get from the development to the park and schools directly across Crosstown Boulevard whether there are provisions for that traffic or not. He felt the City should make some provisions to accommodate that demand before there is a problem. , \ 'J Discussion was then on whether any additional right of way to the streets for a trail would be accepted as part of the park dedication. Mr. Haas stated the ordinance allows the City to request sidewalks anywhere within the development at the expense of the developer. He did not have the manual with him, so he was unable to provide the data regarding the width of street needed to accommodate designated bike lanes in the development. There is a problem with posting "No Parking" along one side of the street because bikes are supposed to travel in the same direction as vehicular traffic. While discussing the cost to the developer of both a trail itself plus the trail fee paid with the building permit, Mr. Haas explained the trail fee is to help build the rest of the trail system through already developed areas. In looking at both the needs of this development and of the overall comprehensive plan, the Commission then recommended that a trail along the street be provided in the plat from 149th Avenue at Crosstown Boulevard westward to Uplander Street, then continue north to the northern boundary of the plat. In the future, the trail would continue from that point westward toward Round Lake Boulevard. The preference was for a trail within the street, not for the construction of sidewalks in the boulevards. Mr. Westlund argued this has not been done in any other developments. It is not something he agrees with. The Commission stated from now on they will be taking the position of providing trails as needed to ? '. accommodate pedestrian traffic in accordance with the overall trail plan ,~ for the City. u (j Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 19, 1996 Page 3 '\ ) (Woodland Estates/Park Dedication Requirement, Continued) MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Blackstad, to recommend cash in lieu of land with the recommendation for the Council to look at widening 149th Avenue to include a walkway for safe crossing into Sunshine Park in lieu of sidewalks, the width to be determined by the City Engineer. The trail would continue up Uplander Street to eventually connect to the trail as shown in the Comprehensive Trail Plan. Motion carried on a 6- Yes, 1-Absent {Paulson} vote. UPDATE OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT/FINANCE DIRECTOR Ms. McGann reviewed the financial statements through December 10, 1996. Total revenue for the Park Dedication fund is $210,640; total expenditures are $147,486 and a cash balance of $197,392. She also noted the City Council approved $10,000 from the Contingency Fund to pay for the water bills for irrigating Sunshine Park. The total cost came close to $20,000. Mr. Haas noted a feasibility study is being done to construct a separate well for irrigating the park. That feasibility study should be coming to the Commission the second meeting in January, 1997. -, ) The Commission agreed with the accounting practice of the revenues from tournaments placed in the General Fund as well as the maintenance costs then coming from the General Fund. Ms. McGann noted all of the concession rental fees go to the Park Dedication Fund until the cost of equipment purchased for the Concession Building are covered. The Commission asked that the name of the plat and amount of cash dedicated be outlined in the reports. Also, list the name of the park for which there has been expenditures for playground equipment, etc. Ms. McGann agreed. CONCESSION STAND UPDATE AND DISCUSSION Ms. McGann asked how the Commission wants the concession rental contract to operate for next season. Should it be based on a flat fee, on a percentage of gross revenue generated or a combination? After discussion, the consensus of the Commission was to base the rental on a percentage of the gross revenue generated. The Commission discussed whether or not it should get involved with selling liquor at the concession stand. Ms. McGann agreed to check into it before incorporating anything into the rental agreement. , ,.-J Corey Coons of C & H Enterprises agreed with the proposal to base the rental fee on the percentage of gross sales. He felt revenues will at least double this next season. Last year he didn't begin until the third week in June. Next season he anticipates starting the end of April. He , \ U u Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 19, 1996 Page 4 ~) {Concession Stand Update and Discussion, Continued} is comfortable with the Agreement as proposed based on what he did this past year. The next season should more accurately reflect what will be done in the way of concession sales, and the fee can be reviewed again after that time. He asked that there be more coordination of scheduling of the facilities so he knows when events are taking place and can be open during those times. The Commission suggested he contact the Community School for their planned activities. Chairperson Lindahl suggested there be an end date to the contract, and that the concessioner be given 15 or 30 days to shut down the facilities. Commissioner Kieffer liked the price schedule for coaches to buy for their entire team. Mr. Coons stated only a few teams took advantage of it. He stated the ice machine is undersized, but he takes some responsibility for that. Last year a lot of ice was given away for injuries which was a hassle and often impacted their supply of ice, especially during tournaments. For next year he is proposing that dry chemical ice packs be available for the team to purchase at cost, which is about $0.50 or $0.75. It would be a problem to have the reusable ice packs because there is not enough freezer space. As it is, he felt there should have been two freezers and a single refrigerator rather than the current single freezer and two refrigerators. ~) After discussing the issue of providing ice for player injuries, Commissioner Grabowski stated he will talk to the athletic associations about the possibility of purchasing the dry chemical ice packs to have on hand for injuries, but they would be stored at the concession stand. Ms. McGann stated she will work with Mr. Coons on rewriting the agreement, then bring it back to the Commission for consideration. SNOWMOBILE TRAIL DISCUSSION John Campbell, Andover Snow Dragons Snowmobile Club, reviewed the efforts of the club with the City to improve the snowmobile situation in Andover. The goal of the Snowmobile Task Force last year was to improve the safety of snowmobiling. This year they are working with the Sheriff's Department and have instituted a snow patrol which is authorized to write warning citations to snowmobile violators. They are also working with the Anoka Highway Department to establish trails to enable riders to get out of town. The only problem area is getting the riders west of Round Lake Boulevard at the Coon Creek Boulevard cut off. A suggestion is to establish a trail from Round Lake Boulevard west across Round Lake and Kelsey Park to 151st Avenue, then north on CoRd 7. To provide access for those east of Round Lake Boulevard, the suggestion is to establish a trail along 142nd, then north through Pleasant Oaks park to Round Lake. All trails would be well marked, signed and posted to keep the snowmobilers on the trail. C) ( '\ U . \ \...J Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 19, 1996 Page 5 ~) {Snowmobile Trail Discussion, Continued} Commissioner Kieffer was concerned with the effect upon the residential areas. Mr. Campbell stated it is legal to ride down City streets, and the proposed route is through the least populated areas. Also, the areas are being used now by snowmobilers and there haven't been any complaints. He asked that they be allowed to try the route for a year and see if there will be complaints. Commissioner Grabowski did not want the parking lot of Kelsey-Round Lake Park to be used as a dropping off point for snowmobilers. Mr. Campbell stated it can be fenced and posted that it is not a snowmobile drop off point. The City would be indemnified from liability for the trails going through the parks. , - " ,~ Kevin Doucette, Vice President of the Andover Sno Dragons Club, understood the reason for banning snowmobiling south of South Coon Creek along Round Lake Boulevard, but the problem is providing access for those east of Round Lake Boulevard to exit the City. He also cautioned that people put up wood stakes as markers. Metal takes can cause injury and create a liability to the property owner. The main purpose of the proposal is to channel the snowmobiling out of the City to the Rum River trail. They feel that will curb a lot of problems. Mr. Haas noted according to the ordinance, snowmobilers cannot even cross Round Lake Boulevard south of South Coon Creek Drive. He will research the ordinance, but he felt it does allow the designation of trails with the approval of the Commission and the City Council. The Commission also felt that the crossing of Round Lake Boulevard would be safest at the lighted intersection of 140th, then travel west along Round Lake Boulevard for one and a half blocks before turning west to Pleasant Oaks park. Mr. Campbell asked about the routing of a trail along Coon Creek between Hanson Boulevard and Crosstown Boulevard. He understood the residents were opposed to a walking/biking trail along the north side of the creek. Mr. Haas suggested they contact those responsible for the property south of the creek. Commissioner O'Toole also asked that an extra effort be made to keep snowmobilers out of Sunshine Park. Commissioner Grabowski noted there is also a problem in the Hawk Ridge park where the snowmobilers are interfering with the ice skaters. Mr. Haas stated if the Commission agrees, a motion should be made to recommend to the City Council approval of a trail going through Kelsey- Round Lake Park and Pleasant Oaks park, as well as through the boat landing on the east side of Round Lake. MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Blackstad, to so move. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (Paulson) vote. \ \.J PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE The item was tabled to a January, 1997, meeting. -" () () Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 19, 1996 Page 6 . ' \ "-) DISCUSS 1997 PARK CAPITAL BUDGET The Commission reviewed the ideas presented in the Staff report for capital improvements for 1997. The following suggestions were made: 1) Work with the Fire Department and the City of Oak Grove to install a well at the Hawk Ridge park in 1997 or 1998. Possibly the project could be incorporated with the contract to install a well at Sunshine Park for irrigation should that project proceed. Possibly one well could be dug in 1997 and the other in 1998 under the same contract. 2) Staff to research whether or not there was a request for park improvements in Langseth park. 3) Improvements to be made in the Hills of Bunker Lake 5th park. 4) The trail along Coon Creek is to be completed in 1997. 5) The equipment in Pleasant Oaks is old and needs to be updated. It might be a good location for a basketball court or volleyball court. 6) City Hall Park Complex #1 - install a lighting system for the soccer field north of the tennis courts. It was felt the cost would be minimal by tapping into the lighting source for the ball fields, plus the poles are already in place. <-.J 7) Sunshine Park - two sets of small portable soccer goals. 8) City Hall park Complex #1 - install irrigation system for soccer field south of the water tower along Crosstown Boulevard. Staff was asked to check whether that field can be included as an extension or add on of the City Hall lawn irrigation system. 9) Consideration for irrigating soccer fields at Hawk Ridge park and Hidden Creek North park would not be considered in 1997. 11) Provide bleachers for the soccer field. 12) Oak Bluff park improvements. 13) Cost out additional amenities to Sunshine Park as well as the trail around it. Mr. Haas stated he will obtain estimates for those improvements. He will also make a formal request for CDBG funds to upgrade the parks for handicapped accessibility. He will bring this item back to the next meeting. The Commission also asked for input from Kevin Starr. :,) ADULT SOFTBALL APPLICATION DISCUSSION, CONTINUED ,~ The Commission recommended the following changes and additions to the Adult Softball Tournament Application Form: /- " "-..1 IF '\ '--' Regular Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - December 19, 1996 Page 7 " ~ (Adult Softball Application Discussion, Continued) * In the heading, include "All fees must be paid with this application." * Insert boxes which can be checked in front of the prices listed under Items 1, City Hall Park Complex #1, and 2, Sunshine Park. * Clarify the Note: If your organization schedules 2 fields, the organization will be charged double additional fields plus an administration fee of 10~. fields and uses 4 the fee for the * Include a second Note: The Tournament director will be required to pay for an Anoka County Sheriff's Deputy during hours of the tournament at a base hourly rate. A copy of the Anoka County Sheriff's Department contract must be attached to this tournament application. (In bold print) . * Rental of Equipment: Delete Limer at $3 per tournament; delete hose and nozzle and batter's box. Include: Lime - No. of Bags and $4.00 per bag. All other equipment would be provided at that cost, but that equipment would be listed with a box which could be checked in front of each item. Items would include the drag, hose and nozzle, batter's box and field rakes. '._.J * Last paragraph to be in bold print: The City reserves the right to cancel or delay usage of the fields due to weather, field conditions, etc. Mr. Haas stated those changes will be incorporated into the Application, then brought back for Commission consideration. RUM RIVER CENTRAL REGIONAL PARK DISCUSSION Mr. Haas reminded the Commission of the special joint meeting for Burns Township, Ramsey, Oak Grove and Andover at the Bunker Hills Activity Center, January 14, 1997, to discuss the Comprehensive Plan for the Rum River Central Regional Park. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Commissioner Grabowski stated the Andover Athletic Association has received notification that it has been accepted to host the State Tournament, which will bring in 40 to 50 teams from around the state. '-~ MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, I-Absent (Paulson) vote. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. 'ffi~~:.L- Mk~lla A. Peach, Recordlng Secretary . ,