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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 21, 1994 /) '-J ~:) o u ~ 81l61~t..l (CA', CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - JULY 21, 1994 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Darrell DeLarco on July 21, 1994, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Dave Ericksonr Jim Lindahl, Jeff Kiefferr Dave O'Toole Tom Anderson, Roger Paulson Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas City Administrator, Dick Fursman Others Commissioners absent: Also present: RESIDENT FORUM James Thacher, 14034 Drake Street - stated he addressed the City Council about nine months ago about the entrances to the park. He tried seeding it, but the rain washed everything away. They have maintained it by keeping the weeds mowed, but nothing was done to that entrance by the City. He didn't think it would cost the City much to lay some sod to keep the weeds from spreading onto his property. He'd prefer sod until something more permanent such as bituminous can be put down. The Commission remembered the issue was discussed before and agreed something should be done. One suggestion was to make an ag lime path. Mr. Haas agreed to check into it further. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 16, 1994: Correct as written. MOTION by Lindahl, Seconded by Kieffer, that the Minutes from the June 16 Meeting be approved as written. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (Lindahl, Kieffer, O'Toole), 2-present (DeLarco, Erickson), 2-Absent (Anderson, Paulson) vote. JACK MAURITZ, RUM RIVER PARK MASTER PLAN DISCUSSION o Jack, Mauritzr consultant for the Anoka County Parks Department, reviewed the revised Rum River Park Master Plan. He noted the proposed changes and the various activities planned for the park. It consists of 334 acres of land that is owned by the county, and he is recommending no other land be purchased. Commissioner Kieffer noted if the additional land to the east is not purchased, it limits the amount of access to the river from the east side, the Andover side. Mr. Mauritz pointed out other access points on the east side along the length of the Rum River, though he noted the concern and will forward it o o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 21, 1994 Page 2 (Rum River Park Master Plan Discussion, Continued) to the county. He continued, the plan calls for the development of the park in two phases. The first would include the river access, canoe camping, about one-half of the picnic areas, hiking trails and family camping facilities. The camping facilities will include spaces with hookups, some without, and some secluded tent sites. The camping facilities is estimated to cost $600,000, and he will be proposing to the county that they use the concession approach. The county would provide the land; a concessioner would develop the campground and operate it for a period of time to be negotiated with the county. During that time the county gets some percentage of the revenue. At the end of the time period the county can either renew the agreement, find another operator, or decide to operate the campground itself. They will be asking the Metropolitan Council for $1.2 million for the first phaser which excludes the campground. If a concessioner is found, they can tell the Metropolitan Council the county will get the rest of the money for the campground. He hoped the first phase could be under construction in 1996, 1998 at the latest. o The Commission asked about the regional park proposed in Anoka. Mr. Mauritz understood the City of Anoka has now decided they would like to develop about half of the land initially set aside for the regional park, located just north of Anoka Senior High. The City is intending to keep about 125 acres along the river and maintain it as a City park. Because Anoka County wants to see the Mississippi River park as a regional park, they may pursue an exchange of regional parks. MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Erickson, recommending to the City Council that they approve the revised version of the Rum River Park Master Plan. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Anderson, Paulson) vote. Commissioner Kieffer again noted his concern of limited county access to the river from the east. PARK BOND DISCUSSION, DICK FURSMAN Mr. Fursman stated he has talked to the Council about a park bond and has agreement that a spring bond election is preferable to a referendum on the general election in November. The Commission generally agreed with a spring election. Mr. Fursman advised the Commission to go through all the areas they want covered in under a park bond. They should develop a comprehensive list, from which Bob Thistle of Springsted will do a cost analysis on the different items. After that the Commission will make a determination of what level of bond issue they would recommend. That will allow time to inform the various groups in the City who would be interested in promoting the bond. The Commission felt it would be beneficial to have a recent census of the City, and it was noted that the school district probably has a relatively accurate census. o The Commission thought Mr. Starr had already started a list of items to be financed with a park bond. It was generally agreed to discuss that list in further detail at the August 18 meeting. o o o Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 21, 1994 Page 3 CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX 12, PROJECT 93-7, UPDATE Mr. Haas reported the Council will receive the plans and specifications for the Field of Dreams project on August 2, along with the plans for the Commercial Park. Commissioner O'Toole stated he reviewed a copy of those plans and specs and didn't see anything that volunteers could do. Mr. Haas stated the parking lot will have dedication funds. Also, ag lime for the fields funds. No specific action was taken. to be done with park is not eligible for TIF FOX WOODS PARK DEDICATION The Commission noted the letter from Gary Gorham, developer of the Fox Woods development, proposing the cash for park dedication be based on $4,000 per acre for that plat. The Commission appreciated the proposal but rejected it, preferring that an appraisal be done. It has been the policy to have a new appraisal if one hasn't been done in the vicinity within six months. It was also noted that land to the north has been purchased by the school district for about $10,000 an acre. cJ Mr. Haas agreed to inform Mr. Gorham of the Commission's decision. KELSEY-ROUND LAKE PARK UPDATE Mr. Haas stated the low bid to do the project was $92,000, which was awarded by the Council on July 19. He estimated there would be $5,000 to $10,000 in grant monies left, and he asked for direction from the Commission on using that money plus additional funds from park dedication to do any of the alternate bids. The alternate bids amount to about $17,000 of extra work that can be considered. MOTION by Lindahl, Seconded by O'Toole, to recommend approval al ternate bids, Parts E and F, for Kelsey-Round Lake park. carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Andersonr Paulson) vote. of both Motion MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Erickson, to recommend using up to $10,000 from Park Dedication to complete the Kelsey-Round Lake project. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Anderson, Paulson) vote. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Costs for Ball Fields/Field of Dreams - Chairperson DeLarco reviewed the costs for the fencing and ag lime to complete the ball fields at the Field of Dreams. It is estimated each field will cost about $15,000 to (~ complete. No further decisions were made at this time. ADA Plan - Commissioner O'Toole noted the City needs to have an ADA Plan in order to be eligible for block grant funds to meet the ADA requirements in the parks. Mr. Haas stated he will look into it and raise the item with the Staff. o o n , , ,- Regular Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - July 21, 1994 Page 4 MOTION by Kieffer, Seconded by Lindahl, to adjourn. on as-Yes, 2-Absent (Anderson, Paulson) vote. Motion carried The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. NOTE: The Commission agreed to cancel the August 4, 1994, meeting because of majority of the Commissioners were unable to attend. The next meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission will be held on Thursday, August 18, 1994, 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~a~L~uL Recording Secretary C) c)