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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2, 1995 o o .') \.J (C}\ CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MARCH 2, 1995 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Torn Anderson on March 2, 1995, 8:45 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Dave Erickson, Al Grabowski, Jim Lindahl, Jeff Kieffer, Dave O'Toole, Roger Paulson None Parks Department, Kevin Starr Park Coordinator, Todd Haas City Engineer, Scott Erickson Others Commissioners absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 16, 1995: Correct as written. o MOTION by Kieffer, February 16, 1995. Seconded by 0' Toole, to approve Motion carried unanimously. the Minutes of TULIP STREET NW PARK DISCUSSION Mr. Haas explained a recent inspection found the Bennetts farming the City park property on Tulip Street. According to the ordinance, farming is not allowed unless the Park and Recreation and City Clerk allows them to do so. The Bennetts have asked in writing for that permission. The Commission should consider the liability aspect when reviewing the request. The total acreage of the park is 1.3 acres. Councilmember Bonnie Dehn noted the property has been farmed by her mother, Mrs. Bennett, and her brother, John Bennett. A few years ago there were noxious weeds growing in the park, including nettles and marijuana that also dumped spores onto their farmland. Her father had an oral agreement with the former City Administrator, Jim Schrantz, that he would clean up the weeds plus the other junk that had been in the park and he would farm the property to keep the weeds down. They were doing the City a favor in many ways. It is a vegetable farm. Only the open portion of the property is farmed, which is about three-fourth of an acre. The wooded area is undisturbed. o John Bennett stated when the houses were constructed along Tulip Street in recent years, cement was dumped into the park area. Some of it is still there because it is too big for him to move. Councilmember Dehn also noted at one point the property was tax forfeit and she and her husband wanted to purchase it to farm; however, the City retained it for a park. ( ') u C) (J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 2, 1995 Page 2 (Tulip Street NW Park Discussion, Continued) The Commission discussion was that there is no intent to develop that particular property into a park. They asked if it could be sold to the Bennetts or Dehns. Another suggestion would be to lease it to them for 100 years at $1 per year. Mr. Starr agreed with selling or leasing as it is a liability to the City as it is. If either one can be arranged, he suggested the same consideration be given to some of the other areas that are unlikely to ever be developed. The Commission asked Staff to research the options with the City Attorney to allow the Bennetts to continue farming the property but to hold the City harmless in the event of an accident. Mr. Starr was also asked to inform the Commission what other park areas could be considered in a similar way. Councilmember Dehn, Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Bennett all were in agreement with either a sale or lease of the property to allow them to continue farming it. The Commission asked that the options be brought back to them for action prior to the spring planting season, which would be by the first meeting in April. (J PARK BOND DISCUSSION/PROJECT 94-28 The Commission and Staff then reviewed the proposed improvements in each of the parks as outlined on the list entitled Park Bond Cost Estimates Draft #2. The following changes were recommended: Hawkridge (Regional): For this park and all others, Mr. Starr suggested the 15-foot, 5-row bleachers which cost about $2,000. There was also some discussion on whether or not bathroom facilities should be installed in the buildings at the regional parks. Mr. Starr pointed out the problems with their maintenance. The Parks Staff feels portable lavatories are sufficient. Mr. Erickson noted the buildings are proposed to be block with sewer and water connection, a mechanical room, meet the ADA requirements, with an attached canopy and picnic area. The costs are based on what has been constructed in other cities. Without bathrooms, the cost would be $80,000 to $100,000. The Commission agreed to eliminate the restrooms in each of the structures and suggested renaming them to "Multipurpose Buildings". Staff also informed the Commission that the school district will be corning to them about replacing the lights at the hockey rink at Crooked Lake School. They will be asking the Commission to participate in that replacement cost. ~J The Commission then agreed to reduce the amount of the "Multipurpose Building" at Hawkridge to $100,000, reduce the playground equipment to $25rOOO, reduce the bleachers to $4,000 (2 @ $2,000 each), and reduce the blacktop to $30,000 with concrete curb bid as an alternate. Mr. Haas cautioned the Andover Review Committee will need to approve the parking lot without concrete curb, and they may decide it is necessary. Hidden Creek North (Regional): Reduce the play structure to $10,000, eliminate the restrooms at the "Multipurpose Building" and reduce the amount to $100,000; reduce the bleachers to $2,000. () u C) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 2, 1995 Page 3 (Park Bond Discussion/project 94-28, Continued) Prairie Knoll (Regional): Mr. Haas noted it will be possible to construct a soccer field at the park, estimating the cost of $7,500 as noted on this draft. The Commission agreed to reduce the play structure to $25,000 and add a set of bleachers for $2,000. Fox Meadows (Regional): Reduce the play structure to $25,000 and reduce the bleachers to $2,000. Timber Trails: Reduce the play equipment to $10,000 and the bleachers to $2rOOO. Wild Iris: Mr. Starr stated there has not been a conflict with the park-and-ride and the ball games in the spring and summer. He suggested the Commission schedule a time this spring to meet at this site to consider moving the playground equipment. The Commission suggested Staff contact the MTC Bus Company to ask if they would contribute toward the paving of that parking lot. It was agreed to reduce the playground equipment to $10,000 and reduce the parking lot to $20,000. o Terrace: Reduce the playground equipment to $10,000 and the bleachers to $2,000. Hidden Creek East: Reduce the play structure to $10,000 and the bleachers to $2,000. Hills of Bunker Lake West: Clarify the curb for the parking lot is to be bid as an alternate. Creek View Crossing: Delete the playground equipment because some is being installed from this year's budget. Pine Hills: Reduce the play structure to $15,000 and the bleaches to $2,000. Strootman: check with the paving Reduce the play structure to $10,000. Mr. Haas was asked the DNR as to whether they would be willing to contribute of the parking lot by the canoe landing. to to Meadows of Round Lake: Reduce the play structure to $10,000 and the small shelter to $2,500. Shady Knoll: Reduce the play structure to $10,000. C) Red Oaks West: Mr. Starr stated at one time they measured the park and found they are not able to install a ball field in it. If a small T- ball field were constructed, it would have to be fenced because the slope is quite steep. If it is to be done, the City does have a backstop to put in there. Commissioner Grabowski explained his proposal was to remove the field at Red Oaks East and replace it with one at this park. The one at Red Oaks East is abused, is torn up with motorcycles and ATVs, is at a hazardous location and is really a disgrace. Mr. (J u (J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 2, 1995 Page 4 (Park Bond Discussion/Project 94-28, Continued) Starr stated it is also under water a lot. The Commission agreed to reduce the ball field and fence to $15,000 and the rebuilding of the parking lot to $20,000. Northwoods East: Mr. Starr felt the parking lot could be doubled in size and it would still be too small. He suggested eliminating the playground equipment totally and put it in the parking lot. The Commission agreed to delete the play structure. Northwoods West: Mr. Starr stated the field is an under-8 soccer field. Parking is allowed on the street; there is no parking lot there now. The Commission agreed to delete the parking lot. Green Acres: Delete the play equipment. City Hall Park Complex #1: It was noted in the discussion that some of the items are unknown because of the proposed construction of a new City Hall. The Commission did not feel it was practical to have the new warming house added to the existing AAA building, because it would require people to cross the ice rinks to get to the building before putting on their skates. Staff was asked to consider having a warming /', house added to the City Hall/senior center building so it could be "-_) located in front of the skating rinks. A common complaint is the lack of indoor restroom facilities at this site, so the Staff was also asked to determine how those facilities could be provided. The Commission was also uncertain about the final configuration of the parking lots on this site. It was agreed to reduce the parking lots to $100,000, reduce the bleachers to $6,000, reduce the bituminous path to $10,000 and eliminate the addition to the AAA building entirely with the intent that those facilities would be constructed with the new City Hall/senior center building. Mr. Erickson estimated with the changes proposed this evening, a total bond issue would be $2.9 million. The Commission asked that the equipment proposed by the Parks Department be separated from the Contingency line. They also suggested that any information to the residents include the benefit of paving the parking lots because of the cost of maintenance and the safety factors. MOTION by Paulson, Seconded by O'Toole, to present to the City Council the proposal for a park bond referendum in the amount of $2.9 million. Motion carried unanimously. PROPOSED REVISION OF 1995 PARK CAPITAL BUDGET EXPENDITURES ~~) Mr. Starr presented a proposed revision for the allocation of the 1995 park capital budget as requested by the Commission. The Commission agreed with the recommendation. Mr. Haas explained the Commission must ask for Council approval of the proposed revision. MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Lindahl, to so move. unanimously. Motion carried (J u .') Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - March 2, 1995 Page 5 . /' ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Paulson, Seconded by O'Toole, to adjourn. unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~~~~~l Recording Secretary ( " -\.... i , I Motion carried