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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 2, 1994 :) 8 ~) () ~ li IILD I q~ o .~} 1"''''''- ""',; , ""..","""",,,,,,",,~,, CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - JUNE 2, 1994 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Darrell DeLarco on June 2, 1994, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Jim Lindahl (left at 8:05 p.m.), Jeff Kieffer, Dave O'Toole, Roger Paulson Dave Erickson Parks Department, Kevin Starr Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas Others Commissioner absent: Also present: RESIDENT FORUM Judy Enqler, 14022 Yellow Pine - stated last year some of the neighbors adopted their park, and the agreement was there should be at least a ten-foot buffer from the pond that would not be mowed. Her neighbor is not adhering to those terms by mowing right to the pond. She stated the grass will die, plus the buffer is a deterrent for her IS-month old from wondering into the pond. He has also mowed down her rose garden which is 15 feet onto her property and has threatened her with a lawsuit. Ms. Engler also asked if some shrubs could be planted to mark the edge of the park property and her property. The Commission discussion noted the ordinance does not allow residents to use power machines on park property. Staff was asked to forward this matter to the City Attorney to write to the individual about the ordinance violations. Mr. Starr stated he will also talk with the Public Works Superintendent about planting some shrubs to mark the property boundary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 19, 1994: Correct as written. MOTION by Lindahl, Seconded by Anderson, the Minutes from the May 19 meeting be approved as written. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, I-Present (Kieffer), I-Absent (Erickson) vote. SCHMITT/ALLEN SKETCH PLAN Mr. Haas reviewed the sketch plan of the proposed development by Mr. Schmitt and Mr. Allen. The City's Comprehensive Plan calls for a larger neighborhood park somewhere in the northwestern portion of the City. The property being platted is rolling with some wetlands. f \ \.j , \ \J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 1994 :J Page 2 (Schmitt/Allen Sketch Plan, Continued) In reviewing the surrounding property, the Commission found there is no land that could be taken from this plat and added onto in future plats to develop a larger park because of the existing development, wetlands and power line easement. Because of that, the Commission agreed to take cash in lieu of land for park dedication. Mal Allen - stated he paid $2,300 per acre for the land about six months ago. In discussing the City's park dedication ordinance, Mr. Allen stated Andover is the only one that does value based park dedication. All others set a per unit dollar figure, typically $1,000 per urban lot. The Commission felt the park dedication issue should be revisited and asked Mr. Haas to again mention this to the City Council and City Attorney. REVIEW BIDS/CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX Il/LIGHTING/IP94-1 r-" '-J Mr. Haas reviewed the bids for lighting some of the fields at the City Hall Park Complex, noting the low bid from Electric Service of $57,000 to light Ball Field 4 and Soccer Field 1, plus the alternate bids of $25,000 to light Ball Field 2 and parking lot with security lighting, $25,000 to light Ball Field 3, and $4,500 for security lighting for Lots 3 and 5. Mr. Haas stated Electric Service may back out of the bid if only the base bid is done, as he apparently made a mistake in the base bid. The Commission noted their preference was to do two ball fields with the soccer field as an alternate. They have received no input from the soccer associations as to their need for fields. Mr. Haas also noted that the plans for grading City Hall Park Complex #2 are about 95 percent done. It is expected the grading will be done in late July or August. The Commission debated whether lighting these fields is still necessary if Complex #2 will be ready for use for the Summer of 1995. (Commissioner Lindahl left the meeting at this time, 8:05 p.m.) : ) Further discussion noted the idea was to have these lights installed for use this season; but because of the late start, they will not be available for use this summer. The question now is whether the money should be spent for temporary lighting on these fields, or whether to delay this project in hopes of having the new fields available for the 1995 season. If that doesn't happen, then this project could be rebid in the fall so the lights would be installed and usable in 1995. If this project were to be rebid, several Commissioners felt they should focus on two ball fields with one soccer field as an alternate. It was also noted that security lights for several hockey rinks were installed this past year for less than $100 each, so the bids for security lighting seemed very high. At this point the Commission felt it would be best to reject the bids and abandon the project. r '\ ~) . \ '---.) Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 1994 Page 3 , ) (Review of Bids/City Hall Park Complex #1/Lights/94-1, Continued) Mr. Starr reported the Public Works Department is talking about moving its storage area from across the street where the new complex will be constructed to either the soccer field in front of the water tower or the northwestern soccer field which is sprinkled and one of the best fields in the City. The Commission wanted to see evidence that Public Works indeed was promised an area when the property to the south is developed. It doesn't make sense to destroy a sprinkled field to be used as a storage area. MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Paulson, to reject the bids for the following reasons: 1) in lieu of what is about to happen across the street with Complex #2, that the lighting may not be required at Complex #1; 2) because of the late date, nobody will be able to use the lighted fields in 1994; and 3) if Complex #2 is not under construction this summer, the Commission can look at this again in the fall. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Erickson, Lindahl) vote. 1995 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DISCUSSION r'\ \~ The Commission noted the dilemma of determining a capital improvements program for 1995 not knowing whether or not a bond issue will pass. It was agreed that some of the bigger items will be placed in both the capital improvement budget and in a proposed bond package. Some suggestions were that the Hills of Bunker Lake 5th park be developed with a regulation ball field and picnic area, that the bridge across Coon Creek be constructed to connect the proposed trail system, definitely upgrade the older parks in the community, look at development of the prairie Knoll park, well and warming house construction at Hawk Ridge, possible warming house at Terrace, construction of a trail system possibly with monies available from the MNTrail System, additional tennis courtsr and the possibility of dredging an open water area in Strootman to provide for wildlife habitat. Mr. Starr stated the leveling needed at Strooman's will be done as a part of the turf rebuilding. The Commission then reviewed the 1995 capital improvements budget before them, which had been done several years ago, and agreed to the following changes: ) Light City Park Complex playing fields - leave the amount in for now with potential lighting of fields at Complex #2 Tree planting program - all parks - increase to $5,000 Kelsey-Round Lake Park development eliminate the $20,000 altogether since the matching grant funds have already been budgeted Replace older park equipment with new equipment - increase to $20,000 Trash barrels - Mr. Starr stated he hopes to eventually upgrade all trash barrels in the parks with a cement pad and some permanent receptacles that are attractive. He did not have the cost figure at this time. The amount was left blank pending further research by Mr. Starr. .' ') \..-J .~ Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 1994 ) Page 4 (1995 Capital Improvement Program Discussion, Continued) Bleachers for City Hall Complex - increase to $2,500. Ag lime for ball fields amount left blank pending further research by Mr. Starr Trail system Bunker Hills Park to City Hall Complex, plus bridge over Coon Creek, and Kelsey-Round Lake Park - amount left blank at this time Mr. Starr was asked to research those items which still need dollar amounts for the next meeting. PARK BOND DISCUSSION Mr. Starr stated he has been compiling a complete inventory of what is in each park, which will be available for the next meeting; plus he has been listing what is needed. The intent would be a bond proposal to include something for everybody. There was a brief discussion on the fact that there is no pool in Andover. Commissioner Paulson stated typically that is a high dollar item which does not support itself. Golf courses, on the other hand, do generate income. It was also noted that the school district typically constructs pools in its middle schools, and it will be known after the June 7 special election whether the proposed middle school will be built in Andover. :_) In suggesting items to be included in a bond issue, many of the same items mentioned in the previous discussion were included -- athletics, a trail system, nature parks and tennis courts. Mr. Starr was asked to present a "wish list" for the next meeting for the Commission to review. If a comprehensive list can be compiled at the next meeting, it was agreed to ask Bob Thistle of Springsted to meet with the Commission at the July 7, 1994, meeting. CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX 12 DISCUSSION , , I Mr. Haas again noted the plans for the Commercial Park and the grading of Complex #2 are near completion, but it will be August before that grading is completed. Commissioner O'Toole presented draft blueprints of the proposed concession stand in the Field of Dreams. The architectural drawings are being donated by Houwman Design. The plans have been changed from the original octagon-shaped building. It will be square with no outside doors to the rest rooms and a large storage and meeting area. The walk- in cooler shown in the plans is being eliminated. The architect will meet with the Anoka County Health Board to find out exactly what is needed in the concession area. There is about a four-foot overhang on the roof. No concessions will be sold from inside the building. The second floor will be one big room with scoring tables on each side. In reviewing the floor plans, the Commission made the following suggestions: \ \. ) (J Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 1994 ') Page 5 (City Hall Park Complex #2 Discussion, Continued) * don't skimp on the size of the concession area * provide space for changing in the women's rest room * provide a drinking fountain on both sides of the building * provide dressing table in the rest room for infants * some freezer space is needed if ice cream products are to be sold * provide some type of shelter from the rain and sun Commissioner O'Toole stated they are lining up donations and materials for the building with the hope that the building can be constructed as soon as the park is graded. The Commission generally agreed that large donators should be recognized in some fashion. All favored naming a field after someone who makes a large donation or some sign of recognition. USER FEE DISCUSSION, CONTINUED The Commission agreed to table the item at the request of the Staff. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT ...-l Kelsey-Round Lake Park Update - Mr. Haas stated the plans for the park are about half done. Because of the new wetlands legislation, the City has just learned that the trail system on the north and south sides cannot be connected at this time. The wetlands area goes right through the middle of the park, and they cannot find a way to cross it. If more funds can be obtained, it may be possible to build a bridge across. The Commission suggested that bridge be added to the bond proposal. MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Paulson, to adjourn. Motion carried on as-Yes, 2-Absent (Erickson, Lindahl) vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~~--i:L Recording Secretary !