HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 2, 1995
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CITY of ANDOVER
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1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W, . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100
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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - FEBRUARY 2, 1995
MINUTES
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation
Commission was called to order by Chairperson Tom Anderson on February
2, 1995, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard
NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners present:
Al Grabowski, Jim Lindahl, Jeff Kieffer,
O'Toole
Dave Erickson, Roger Paulson
_.- Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas
Dave
Commissioner absent:
Also present:
AGENDA APPROVAL
January 19, 1995: Correct as written.
MOTION by Lindahl, Seconded by O'Toole, to approve the Minutes from
January 19, 1995, as written. Motion carried on a 4-Yes, 1-Abstain
(Kieffer), 2-Absent (Erickson, Paulson) vote.
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KIRCHNER ADDITION SKETCH PLAN
Mr. Haas explained the proposed plat is located on the northeast corner
of the intersection of CoRd 9 and South Coon Creek Drive. It is a small
parcel that would be subdivided into three parcels.
The Commission recommended cash be accepted in lieu of land for park
dedication.
PARK BOND DISCUSSION/PROJECT IP94-28
Mr. Haas reported he and the City Engineer, Scott Ericksonr compiled the
cost estimates of park improvements noted on the list submitted to the
City Council. Those estimates are based on previous projects done by
the cities of Andover and Fridley. He felt the numbers proposed are
very conservative, the total project estimated at $3,759,000 including
contingencies and engineering. Detailed project plans will not be done
until a bond issue is approved. He suggested the Commission briefly
review the list this evening, then study it in further detail and
continue the discussion at the next meeting. They should then have a
special meeting with the City Council, after which a public hearing
would be held.
c=) The Commission felt it is important to know the cost to the households
on various sized bond issues, as there is probably a number they would
not want to exceed when determining the size of the bond. They asked to
have that information at the next meeting.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - February 2, 1995
Page 2
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(Park Bond Discussion/project IP94-28)
The Commission questioned the $130,000 cost for a warming house, feeling
it sounds rather expensive. Mr. Haas explained that cost includes an
on-site well, on-site septic system, bathroom facilities and a
mechanical room. He also expected that the projects would be completed
over a five- to ten-year period, depending on the length of the bond,
rather than doing all of them in one year. Staff plans to do much of
the work in-house.
Discussion turned to the parking lot in Wild Iris park and the concern
of cars that park there to then car pool or catch the bus to work. The
Commission generally did not have a problem with cars being parked in
that lot unless it interferes with youth league activities during the
summer. It was suggested that two- or four-hour parking signs be
installed during those two+ months of youth game activities.
It was noted by the Commission that not much is being allocated for
Kelsey-Round Lake Park. Mr. Haas stated the thought was the City would
make application for another Lawcon Grant.
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Mr. Haas also pointed out the proposed location of the proposed tarred
pathway from Bunker Prairie Park north along the railroad track, then
west along Coon Creek to Crosstown Boulevard. The Commission suggested
there be some method of extending the path, or several paths, north to
the City Hall park complexes since that is the center of the youth ball
fields and activities. Mr. Haas stated when the county upgrades
Crosstown Boulevard, the City can try to fund a trail along that road.
The Commission also suggested a path along Hanson Boulevard north to the
schools be considered.
The Commission felt it would be worthwhile to find out what size park
bonds other communities have proposed and what has been passed or
rejected by the residents. They also asked that Mr. Haas discuss with
the Public Works Superintendent the maintenance needs of the parks once
the projects are completed, and that any additional capital equipment be
included in the proposed bond. Plus it would be helpful to have a census
of the number of children in each age group in the various regions.
The Commission asked that the representative from Springsted attend the
next meeting to explain the process from this point on, the tentative
time table, suggested bond amounts, etc. They wondered if some "draw"
is needed on the project that the residents can identify with. They also
felt it is important that the bond referendum be held no later than May,
1995, before school is out for the summer. It was suggested the cost
estimates be reviewed by Kevin Starr in Parks.
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Discussion was on the proposed improvements in several parks. It was
noted that in prairie Knoll, the sixth item should be Tennis Court. The
Commission also suggested that dollars be added to the City Hall Complex
for a Basketball Court. Also, determine if there are any other parks in
the City that should have the parking lot blacktopped and the fields
irrigated. Mr. Haas explained the parks are divided into four regions,
with one regional park in each area.
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Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting
Minutes - February 2, 1995
() Page 3
(Park Bond Discussion/Project IP94-28)
It was agreed to discuss this item again at the next meeting and to
invite the representative from Springsted to that meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Soccer Field Behind Public Works Mr. Haas stated he met with
representatives of the soccer associations. They will be able to use
the field behind Public Works until the City starts digging there for
the utilities project. Then the soccer teams will play at Hidden Creek
North. The City will also try to get one of the soccer fields at the
next complex sodded as soon as possible this spring with the help of
volunteers from the associations.
Plans and Specs for Lighting of Fields at City Hall Complex #1 - Mr.
Haas reviewed the plans and specifications for the two ball fields at
the City Hall Complex. The wooden poles the City has on hand will be
used with each pole having four lights. There will be an alternate bid
for security lighting for the parking lot. The specifications will go
to the City Council on February 21, with bids to be received in March.
The Commission felt it is important that the completion date for the
project be set for no later than May 1, 1995.
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St. Francis Hockey Teams at Hawk Ridge - Commissioner Grabowski has
learned from Mr. Starr that hockey teams from St. Francis are coming in
and taking over the rinks at Hawk Ridge, evidently pushing off resident
children. He felt the Deputies should be called if that is being done.
Mr. Haas agreed to investigate the problem.
Community Development Block Grant Funds - Commissioner O'Toole stated
CDBG funds can be used to upgrade the pathways in the various parks, but
a plan must be submitted. He asked when those efforts should begin.
Mr. Haas stated he will talk with Mr. Carlberg, the City Planning
Director, about this tomorrow.
1995 Budget - Mr. Haas reported the former Finance Director told him
there are no contingency funds available for park improvements. There
is only the $30,000 budgeted. The Commission specifically recalled the
Council allocating $30,000 in the budget and another $30,000 in
contingency in the event the bond referendum fails. They asked that Mr.
Haas find out specifically why that contingency is no longer available,
where it went, and why wasn't the Commission informed of that change
when it occurred. Mr. Haas agreed, noting that is another item the
Commission can discuss directly with the Council at the special meeting.
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MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Kieffer, to adjourn. Motion carried on
a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Erickson, Paulson) vote. The meeting was adjourned at
8:25 p.m.
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Ma~~ch;~COrding Secretary