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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 7, 1995 o o o CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - NOVEMBER 16, 1995 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Tom Anderson on November 16, 1995, 7:03 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Al Grabowski, Jim Lindahl, Jeff Kieffer, Dave O'Toole Dave Erickson, Roger Paulson Park Coordinator, Todd Haas Others Commissioners absent: Also present: APPROVE 1995-1996 HOCKEY SCHEDULE Mr. Haas noted the request of the St. Francis Hockey Association to use the Hawkridge ice rink. o MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Grabowski, to approve the 1995-1996 hockey schedule with the St. Francis Hockey Association being at Hawkridge rink starting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Motion carried ona 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Erickson, Paulson) vote. Chairperson Anderson noted the City will have 15 ice rinks and three warming houses open this winter. Commissioner Kieffer suggested at some time the Commission should clarify the meaning of "young chi.ldren", that is at what age the children should not be left at the ice rinks without adult supervision. DEVONSHIRE ESTATES PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENT Mr. Haas reviewed the preliminary plat of Devonshire Estates which consists of 16 single family rural residential lots on approximately 72 acres. No parks are indicated in that area in the Comprehensive Plan. The Council has considered the policy of requiring walkways as a part of new plats, and the Comprehensive Plan does indicate that University Avenue would some day have a walking/biking trail along it.. When installed, the cost of the walkways would be paid for by the developer and would not affect park dedication. o The Commission discussion noted the regional park of Prairie Knoll about a mile west and a large park in Ham Lake about a mile to the east. They agreed to accept cash in lieu of land for the plat. Also, they generally liked the idea of providing walkway trails in the City and felt that should be kept in mind for this plat if that policy becomes a reality. Mr. Haas stated University Avenue is a Municipal State Aid street, and State Aid funds can be used to construct walkways. There may be some problems in this area because of the wetlands on both sides of the road. \ '--.J o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 16, 1995 Page 2 " , _J (Devonshire Estates Park Dedication, Continued) MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Kieffer, to recommend cash in lieu of land for park dedication for Devonshire Estates. Motion carried on a 5- Yes, 2-Absent (Erickson, Paulson) vote. ROLLING MEADOWS ESTATES PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENT Mr. Haas reviewed the preliminary plat of Rolling Meadows Estates located in the northwestern portion of the City. The Comprehensive Park Plan indicates a neighborhood park in that portion of the City. When the Commission reviewed the sketch plan, it was decided not to accept land for park dedication because of the large amount of wetland and a desire for park land closer to the river. The Commission will need to consider park land in that vicinity as other land develops in the future. MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Grabowski, lieu of land for Rolling Meadows Estates. Absent (Erickson, Paulson) vote. to recommend accepting cash in Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2- \ ) BITUMINOUS WALKWAY DISCUSSION FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS Mr. Haas explained the City Engineer, Scott Erickson, is asking the Park Commission to consider recommending to the Council that bituminous walkways be installed as a part of the plat requirement for new developments. These would be interior trails to get out to the park's trail system and would be a part of the City's infrastructure paid for by the developers. They would have no effect on the park dedication requirement nor on the park dedication fund. The Commission discussion was generally in favor of the requirement. In looking at the proposed trails in the 12/1/91 draft of the City's Comprehensive Plan, it was felt there should be walkways along the main thoroughfares, but not all routes indicated on that map may be necessary or feasible. Many of the roads in the City are dangerous, such as Crosstown Boulevard and Round Lake Boulevard, where a walkway would be desirable. It is a both a safety and transportation issue. It was felt that if the Council approves the policy, the Commission would study the trails plan again and revise it to indicate a more accurate proposal of where trails should be. Again, the thought was the walkways should be along the main roadways and provide access to the parks, especially the regional parks. The sketch plans of two developments along Prairie Road and Bunker Lake Boulevard were discussed, and it was suggested that a walkway should be required along Prairie Road to tie into the park trail along Bunker Lake Boulevard, which will connect with Bunker Prairie Park. The Commission proposed the policy be approved and required for all plats developed in 1996. , '\ J . \ o u Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 16, 1995 Page 3 , ) {Bituminous Walkway Discussion for New Developments, Continued} Before taking this to the Council, however, the Commission asked Mr. Haas to check with other cities on their policies, financing, etc. Do other cities require developers to pay something toward walkways even if one is not placed specifically within their plat? Can a trail fund be established in which all developers would pay a certain amount and in turn the funds used for walkways throughout the City? Mr. Haas stated he will do that research and bring the item back to the next meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 2, 1995, Regular Meeting: Correct as written. MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by O'Toole, November 2. Motion carried on a 4-Yes, (Erickson, Paulson) vote. to approve the Minutes from l-present (Lindahl), 2-Absent OTHER BUSINESS \ '. ) Andover Invader Soccer Club - Mr. Haas was asked to send a Thank You note to the Andover Invader Soccer Club for their donation to the Field of Dreams project. Park Coordinator - Mr. Haas stated Staff will be visiting the Cities of Fridley, Arden Hills and Blaine to talk about park directors. He will report back at the next meeting. Commissioner Grabowski stated he found out the park director in Anoka has a staff of 40 to 50 people and runs the golf course as well. There is a significant difference between that position and what will be needed in Andover. Commissioner 0' Toole thought the position of park director or coordinator should be an internal promotion if anyone on Staff wants to do it. It was agreed to discuss the item again at the next meeting. Concession Building at the Field of Dreams - Commissioner O'Toole stated progress is being made on the building. The gas meter is being installed, so they should have the furnace in next week. Chairperson Anderson asked that the issue of usage and rules for the concession building be placed on the next Commission agenda. , \ \~ ./ Field of Dreams project - Mr. Haas stated the same crew is installing the fencing at both the Field of Dreams and at Public Works, and Public Works is being completed first. He stated there will be some liquidated damages on that project because it was not completed on time. Staff will be discussing it tomorrow. The sprinkling system is installed in the fields, but it is not done between the fields. Commissioner 0' Toole noted there are some pipes sticking out of the ground. He didn't want someone to get hurt. It can be dangerous, especially with the snow cover. Mr. Haas stated Mr. Star will be securing the ar8a for the winter. , '\ U CJ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - November 16, 1995 Page 4 ) (Other Business, Continued) Park budget - Mr. Haas stated he will get a current budget for the next Commission meeting. Scheduling of ball tournaments - Mr. Haas stated he has already received requests to schedule adult ball tournaments on the new fields for Summer, 1996. Commissioner Grabowski noted the state deadlines by January 15 for forming adult leagues. It may be necessary to schedule weekend tournaments earlier in the year and separate it from the weekly field use. The Commission agreed that item should be added to an Agenda for further discussion. Grand opening for Ci ty Hall Park Complex #2 - Commissioner 0' Toole reported the Andover Recreation and Development Association would like to host a grand opening for the Field of Dreams project in appreciation of those who have donated time and materials. It may be a tournament, a dance or a dinner. He asked if the Park Board would want to participate. The Commission directed Mr. Haas to ask the City Attorney whether park funding could be used toward an appreciation dinner or event. r , ) MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Lindahl, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Erickson, Paulson) vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 1\\(\o~d DJ!=:\.~~. L Mar~ella A. Peach Recording Secretary ') ,