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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 7, 1994 o () .~ o o ~ .y 1.?IICf~ C}\ CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - APRIL 7, 1994 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Darrell DeLarco on April 7, 1994, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Dave Erickson, Jeff Kieffer, Jim Lindahl, Roger Paulson Dave O'Toole Parks Department, Kevin Starr Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas Others Commissioner absent: Also present: RESIDENT FORUM Chuck Schmidt, Andover Baseball - stated last week he, Kevin Starr, and representatives of the Andover Athletic Association met regarding the field assignments for softball and baseball. They are all in agreement with the schedule as submitted to the Park Board. APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 17, 1994: Correct as written. MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Anderson, to approve the Minutes of March 17. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (O'Toole) vote. APPROVE 1994 BASEBALL/SOFTBALL SCHEDULE Mr. Haas reviewed the schedule of fields for baseball and softball this summer. Everyone's needs have been satisfied, and the Anoka-Hennepin school will be using some fields during the day each week. There are no conflicts in the tournament dates requested. The Anoka-Hennepin Community School has requested the use of one field for an adult league, and that has not been scheduled. Mr. Starr stated he talked to them today, and they are not sure they will be interested since they cannot get a field at City Hall. Mr. Haas also stated they received a late request from Constance Free Church for a field on Tuesday evenings for an adult league. If the co~~unity school withdraws its request, Constance Free Church could be assigned to the field at Timber Trails. The Commission asked that the associations submit their rosters before using the fields. Submitting the percentage of participates from each City will be acceptable. Mr. Haas also noted the lights for the fields at City Hall will not be installed in time for use this summer, though they may be available for use at the tournaments. \J '0 ) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 7, 1994 Page 2 (Approve 1994 Baseball/Softball Schedule, Continued) Al Grabowski, Andover Athletic Association - stated they increased enrollment by about 100 youth this year, but they have 25 that are on a waiting list. He also agreed to talk with Mr. Starr about a contribution toward some portable facilities in the parks. Chuck Schmidt, Andover Baseball - stated they had a 10 percent increase in enrollment this summer. MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded softball and basement as scheduled. Motion carried by Lindahl, to approve the schedule for well as the tournaments that had on a 6-Yes, I-Absent (O'Toole) vote. 1994 been Mr. Haas agreed to provide official schedules of the field assignments to the two organizations. 1995 PROPOSED FEES - USAGE OF FIELDS ~-) Mr. Starr noted the research done on the fees charged by other cities for the usage of ball fields. Most do not charge for youth leagues, only for adult leagues. They seem to average $250 per field, depending on the tournament. Right now Andover is not collecting any fees, and he didn't think they could continue this way. He will have a package for the Commission in the next few weeks. He is also looking for the five- year capital improvements plan. Discussion was on the maintenance of the fields, especially on cleaning up the trash around the fences and bleachers. Mr. Starr stated the associations have been very good about picking up after themselves. The general consensus of the Commission was that some fee for the usage of the fields should be in place before the next season, which begins with hockey this corning winter. Representatives from both the baseball and softball associations that were present expressed a willingness to contribute something toward maintenance of the fields. They wanted to be sure, however, that that money would indeed be used for field maintenance. Mr. Starr stated he would talk to the Finance Director about establishing a separate fund to be sure the fees are used for maintenance. The Commission felt a reciprocity should be established where teams from an Andover Association play in other cities. No action was taken on this matter. UPDATE ON FIELD OF DREAMS COMPLEX ) Mr. Haas reported the estimate for the grading of the Field of Dreams site carne in at over $400,000. Staff disagrees with the Commission's decision to install a private well for irrigation. They would advise connecting to the municipal water system. At its April 5 meeting, the Council considered the possibility of a park bond referendum. They were '. \. J \ , J -~ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 7, 1994 ) Page 3 (Update on Field of Dreams Complex, Continued) opposed to having the election on June 7 because of the school bond elections in both Districts 11 and 15; however, they would be open to a referendum in the late summer, fall, or spring of 1995. To do so, the Park Board should be doing the detail work of projects to be funded with a bond issue. In the mean time, he will proceed with getting the plans and specifications for the Field of Dreams, but he didn't think it will happen this year. The Commission questioned why the Staff is in favor of using the municipal system for irrigation when at the last meeting Mr. Otto seemed to imply that a separate well would be best. One of the biggest reasons is to avoid sprinkling bans. Mr. Haas stated the Commission should talk with Frank Stone, Public Works Superintendent, and Daryl Sulander, Finance Director, as to why they are making that recommendation. Commissioner Paulson questioned whether the City can even get a permit to dig a well because of the restrictions now in effect. j There was also concern by some Commissioners that the Field of Dreams has been presented to the residents as a park that would be built with volunteers and not taxed by the City. A bond referendum would defeat that intent. They also did not want to sit idly by and watch all the volunteer efforts fall apart. The issue of grading only a portion of the area and completing the ball fields first was discussed, as many were concerned with the lengthy delay before any fields would be usable. Mr. Grabowski of the AAA felt some contractors would be willing to contribute some money and try to get something done in the way of grading rather than wait another year. He was very concerned about not starting the complex this year. Mr. Haas strongly felt if the park is to be done, it should be done right, that is all at once and not piecemeal it. Plus the extension of the sewer line must be done before the fields are done. The extension of that line depends on what happens to the school bond election in June. After further discussion, Mr. Haas agreed to have Mr. Stone and Mr. Sulander submit a list of pros and cons regarding the water system for irrigating the fields. After discussing them, the Commission asked to meet jointly with the City Council on the construction of the park complex and the financing. Mr. Haas agreed to set up a joint meeting with the City Council as soon as possible. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Park Update - Mr. Starr stated all of the playground equipment has been ordered. Ten parks are scheduled for weed and feed, and the trees have been ordered. \ / Lighting at City Hall - Mr. Haas stated next week he and Mr. Stone will be reviewing the plans for the lighting of the fields. After going out for bids, the Council should order the project the middle of May. , '1 '_J \ '-~ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 7, 1994 ) Page 4 (Chairman's Report, Continued) Visit Meadows of Round Lake Park - The Commission agreed to meet at the Meadows of Round Lake tot lot at 6:45 p.m., Thursday, April 21. They asked Staff to show were the access is to the natural area along the lake. MOTION by Lindahl, Seconded by Anderson, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 6-Yes, 1-Absent (O'Toole) vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Re~~~~ ~,a A. Peach Recording Secretary ./ )