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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 6, 1993 ') -..-/ , \ \J , '\ ,--..J .~ u u CITY of ANDOVER Park and Recreation Commission Meeting May 6, 1993 7:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Residents Forum 3. Approval of Minutes 4. Public Hearing - Park complex #2, project 93-7 5. Recommend park Dedication - Winslow Hills 3rd Addition 6. Discuss park Dedication - Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addi tion 7. Discuss park Dedication - uptown Construction 8. Discuss Park Dedication - Emerald Glen 9. 10. Chairman's Report 11. Adjournment Note: Meet at 7:00 PM at Pleasant Oaks Park ~ 'CJ (j (j ~ ,~) C}\ CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MAY 6, 1993 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Kieffer on May 6, 1993, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Torn Anderson, Mike Augerr Darrell DeLarco, Jim Lindahl, Roger Paulson David Woods Parks Department, Kevin Starr Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas Others Commissioners absent: Also present: RESIDENT FORUM Jenny Hanson, 14055 Krioten Street, Ramsey, River Raiders 4-H - stated their 4-H club wants to participate in the City's Adopt-A-Park program to clean up Strootman's Park. The Park Commission thanked the club and unanimously approved the proposal; then Chairperson Kieffer formally signed the Adopt-A-Park agreement. ~J Ms. Hanson - presented other ideas they had for the park such as seeding and fertilizing the trees that have survived since they planted them last year, repainting the dedication sign, planting flowers, putting up a bird house, planting trees and putting up fences around them to protect them from animals, installing more shelters, putting in a sand box for the smaller children, putting woodchips on the path to the boat landing, placing more sand under the swings and slides, and possibly building more playground equipment. The Commission felt the ideas were very good, though they could not be allowed to fertilize. The park is scheduled to have sand and timbers placed around the playground equipment this year. The Commission thought they could consider additional funding for the park in 1994 for more shelters. o Marcie Peach, wild Winners 4-H Club, Andover - stated submitted an application for the Adopt-A-Park program. with Mr. Starr to determine which park they will adopt. Joe Molderhill, 13380 Hidden Creek Drive - asked about the possibility of additional equipment for the park close to 134th Avenue and Hidden Creek Drive. He was thinking of a basketball hoop with concrete pad, some swings, and some benches for parents to sit on. Also, he was wondering if woodchips or river rock could be used around the playground equipment instead of sand, since the children bring in a lot of sand from the playground into the house. If a swing is put in, he suggested it be located to the south end of the park so the north end can continue to be used for batting balls, etc. their club has She will meet \ V o Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 6, 1993 Page 2 '. J (Resident Forum, Continued) Chairperson Kieffer stated they will consider budgeting some money for these items in the 1994 budget. Because this park has been designated a tot lot, the Commission felt the basketball hoops may not be appropriate, since they would tend to attract the older youth. Hidden Creek West is a larger park which would be more appropriate for basketball. The Chairperson also said they would discuss the suggestion of wood chips with Staff, but they didn't know whether that would work. APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 15, 1993: Correct as written. MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Lindahl, approval of the Minutes as written. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, I-Present (DeLarco), I-Absent (Woods) vote. PUBLIC HEARING: PARK COMPLEX 12, PROJECT 93-7 7: 50 p.m. Mr. Haas reviewed the proposed City Hall Park Complex #2 ,/ project which includes property the City has under contract for deed plus the Lund's Central park. The site plan calls for four ballfields in a circular layout with a building in the middle, plus two little league fields, four soccer fields, and a parking lot on the north end with 229 spaces. Larry Koshak, Hawkinson Anderson, reviewed the grading and drainage plan. After the site plan was laid out, the City was reminded of an agreement made with the school district at the time it purchased the land for Andover School. That agreement was the school would get an additional 100 feet on their west property line at the time the City owned the property. This puts some of the soccer fields in jeopardy. The material will be balanced on the project site with between 40,000 to 50,000 yards of dirt moved to create the proper drainage and to construct the fields to be playable. Each one of the fields will drain to standing ponds, and the ponds will overflow from one pond to another. with this type of soil and under the conditions with the sod surface, all runoff should be taken care of. The parking lot has two entrances onto Crosstown Boulevard. (Commissioner Lindahl left at this time; 8:00 p.m.) The hearing was opened for public testimony. ,) Dave O'toole - asked if soil testing was done for topsoil. Mr. Koshak stated no specific tests were done on the site for topsoil. There probably won't be sufficient topsoil on the site to establish the type of turf needed. \ '- ) <J \ ) Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 6, 1993 Page 3 (Public Hearing: Park Complex #2, Project 93-7, Continued) Someone asked about the conflict of the 100 feet with the school. Mr. Haas again reviewed the agreement made by the City. The City has the right to develop the property now but does not have deed to it. When it obtains the deed, the 100 feet abutting the school property will be transferred to them and the park will not be allowed to encroach upon it. As a result, the soccer fields will have to be realigned. Mr. O'Toole - asked if the alignment of Crosstown Boulevard will impact the houses. Mr. Haas stated the county may acquire one or two of the parcels. He wasn't sure about the third. If all three parcels are acquired, there is a possibility they could be given to the City and have them included as a part of this plat. The county plans to reconstruct Crosstown Boulevard in 1994 or 1995 as a rural street section. The park is designed around their right of way. Someone asked if the house doesn't leave, will the City terrace it. Mr. Koshak thought the contours are quite gentle slopes at that point. Someone else asked about the drainage. Mr. Koshak stated there isn't a specific drainage pattern on site, as there are small depressions on the site. The plan is to have all fields drain to ponds, which will be , large flat depressions between the facilities and the fields. ) A resident questioned why soccer fields are planned for that portion of Lund's Central when a good ballfield exists now. Mr. O'Toole explained the Andover Recreational Development Association discussed that but preferred the configuration of the ballfields in the circular pattern. They also provided for soccer and felt this is the best overall layout for the complex. A resident asked if any of the nice pine trees will be removed. Mr. Haas understood there will be very little disturbance of the pine trees. Mr. Koshak felt some of them in the one area may have to be cleared. , A resident asked if the space between the fields could be reduced from 140 to 100 feet. Mr. Koshak stated the 140 feet was to accommodate the size of the building and so the distance between the backstop and the building was a reasonably safe distance. The soccer fields will have to be rearranged because of the 100 feet going to the school, and possibly one soccer field will have to be eliminated. Someone suggested turning the soccer fields north and south across the entire area. Mr. Haas stated they will look at that option. A gentleman asked why there is the small parking lot on the south end that will create a disturbance for the residents who live in that neighborhood. With the reconfiguration of the soccer fields, he wondered if the northern parking lot could be made larger. Mr. Haas stated at a previous hearing there were many concerns about people parking on the street. The small parking lot is to create off-street parking. Also, it is quite a distance from the large northern parking lot to the southern area; so the tendency would be to park on the street if there isn't a parking lot. J " J , , ) -- Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 6, 1993 Page 4 (Public Hearing: Park Complex #2, Project 93-7, Continued) A resident in Lund's Evergreen Estates bordering the park asked if the area will be fenced. He was concerned about people cutting across his property or wondering into his woods and getting hurt. He didn't want the liability. The Commission noted that fences are never put between the property owner and the park. The ballfields will have the required fencing. They could address the issue in the future if trespassing does become a problem. Mr. O'Toole asked if the grading could be done in phases, such as the front half of the ballfields and parking lot first. He was concerned with getting the work done with volunteers and with the financial aspect of the project. Mr. Koshak felt that the entire area must be graded at once to balance the dirt and create the proper drainage. / Mr. O'Toole noted the problem of getting the grading done with the Army Reserve, as it now looks like they will be working for only two weekends versus the six or seven weekends originally planned. He didn't know if they would be available in July; but possibly something could be worked out for later to do the seeding or work on the building. They are planning on a sprinkler system for the fields. Mr. Haas agreed that the grading should probably be done all at one time. The City may have to bid the project to see what it will cost. Someone was concerned about blowing sand if all of it is graded but not developed immediately. The engineers explained some soil erosion control measures will be needed, plus some grasses planted to stabilize the soil until it is ultimately developed. The best time for planting grass seed is in late spring or late fall. A person asked about the time table for the construction of the complex, noting he is in favor of the proposal. Chairperson Kieffer stated there is no specific time table. It will depend on the financing, fund raising and volunteer help available. Meryl prochniak asked how much area will be park and how much will become part of the county road. Mr. Haas pointed out the easement line for reconstruction of Crosstown Boulevard. They shouldn't have to do any work in the park when that road is reconstructed. The resident living along Crosstown was concerned about blowing sand and other inconveniences that may result from the project if his house is to remain. He asked to be kept updated about the project. Mr. O'Toole took his name and address. , / Mr. Prochniak asked whether there will be sewer and water on site. Mr. Haas stated the City Council has just ordered a feasibility report regarding the construction of sewer and water to the building. If the funds are not available to pay for it, the Council will look at other possibilities. '~-J --J Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 6, 1993 Page 5 / (Public Hearing: Park Complex #2, Project 93-7, Continued) Someone asked about the size of the building. Mr. O'Toole explained it is an 8-sided building, 24 feet on each side with rock facing. All the block has been donated. It will contain bathrooms, a concession stand, First Aid and storage facilities. Hopefully they will be able to light the fields some day. He suggested the engineers redesign the soccer fields to accommodate the 100 feet that will go to the school district. He will talk with the Soccer Associations as to the size of the fields needed, but he felt there is a need for the smaller under 10 size fields. Downsizing those field sizes may also save more of the trees. Overall the comments from the project. The engineers agreed soccer fields for the May 20, meeting. audience were to reconfigure 1993, Park and favorable toward the the conflict with the Recreation Commission MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by DeLarco, to close the public hearing. Motion carried on as-Yes, 2-Absent (Lindahl, Woods) vote. Hearing closed at 8:35 p.m. \ j RECOMMEND PARK DEDICATION - WINSLOW HILLS 3RD ADDITION Gary Gorham, Developer of Winslow Hills, proposed cash in lieu of land for park dedication. This Third Addition wraps around the first two phases. The Commission agreed, noting any parks in the future should be to the east as development takes place there. DISCUSS PARK DEDICATION - HILLS OF BUNKER LAKE 5TH ADDITION The Commission had some questions and concerns about the park land dedication being proposed in this development. Because the developer was not present, it was agreed to table the item to the next meeting. MOTION by Auger, Seconded by Anderson, to table. Motion carried on a 5- Yes, 2-Absent (Lindahl, Woods) vote. DISCUSS PARK DEDICATION - UPTOWN CONSTRUCTION The Commission agreed to accept cash in lieu of land for this proposed development. DISCUSS PARK DEDICATION - EMERALD GLEN . " / Jerry Windschitl, Ashford Development, explained he owns the top parcel and Shamrock Development owns the bottom one. The parcels are being presented in a combined plat. He explained that several years ago the City of Andover signed an agreement with Coon Rapids regarding an overall storm drainage system for this area and a large part of Coon " \,_.J . )' '- Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 6, 1993 Page 6 J (Discuss Park Dedication - Emerald Glen, Continued) Rapids. In that agreement, the City agreed to purchase a series of ponds, one of which is included in this proposed plat. The two ponds have already been purchased, and this plat has been configured to make the third pond available to the City. The combined area of the plat is approximately 18 acres, and they are proposing to dedicate 2.3 acres for the pond which also includes some high ground. The City Council chose not to make a decision on the ponding issue at Tuesday's meeting, May 4. The ordinance requires the developer to provide 10 percent of the property or 10 percent of the property value for public use or park purposes. This is a proposal to give the land for public use. Their intent was that Coon Rapids would reimburse the Park Board the equivalent value of the property for park dedication. Mr. Windschitl also pointed out there is a very large 1S-acre park right across the street from this area in Coon Rapids. Mr. Haas reported the City Council did not have sufficient information to make a decision on Tuesday, but they did suggest the park dedication issue be separated from the ponding issue. They will be meeting with Coon Rapids in the next week or so to determine what is going on and whether or not money is available to buy the pond. He stated that pond is needed for storm sewer, but that would be a separate issue from the park dedication. He will also review what was done in Kirby Estates and treat this plat the same way. The Commission agreed the issues should be separated, feeling the intent has always been to accept cash in lieu of land for this area. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Chairperson Kieffer stated several Commissioners met on site at the Pleasant Oaks park prior to this evening's meeting and tried to determine how to position a ballfield in the area. It is extremely tight, and there is a great concern for safety. If there is to be a ballfield, it should be fenced and would not be scheduled for youth league activities. It would only be to serve the neighboring residents. In fact, the placement of the play area almost eliminates the ability to put in a ballfield. He also noted that the park definitely needs reseeding. Mr. Starr stated he will have someone at Game Time look at the area and sketch a proposal. The Commission agreed and suggested once the sketch plan is completed that the neighbors be asked to comment and make recommendations. Mr. Starr also stated he will have the park reseeded. Commissioner Paulson stated he has three 40-foot aluminum light poles from work, asking if the City has a use for them. Mr. Starr thought they could be used in the free skating rinks. He will discuss this further with Commissioner Paulson. , / Mr. Starr reported the Anoka Football Booster Club has asked to help in the parks on May 22. Commissioners are needed to drive students to and from the park. He suggested some of the students work in the City Hall " \....- ./ J Andover Park and Recreation Commission Minutes - May 6, 1993 Page 7 (Chairman's Report, Continued) park complex laying ag lime, etc., and the other half work in Pleasant Oaks. Several Commissioners thought they would be able to drive. It was agreed to finalize the details at the May 20, 1993, meeting. Chairperson Kieffer asked for an update on Kelsey Park. Commissioner Auger stated the issue is still very complicated, but he hasn't been in touch with the State recently. He will follow up on the item this week. Chairperson Kieffer announced that Commissioner DeLarco has asked for a leave of absence until September 1 to coach softball. The Commissioners agreed. / MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Paulson, to recommend in light of his past contribution that Mr. DeLarco be extended a leave until no later than September 1, at which time he would continue to be a member and resume his duties; with the stipulation further that if he can make any meetings in between, he will if he can. Motion carried on a 4-Yes, 1- Present (DeLarco), 2-Absent (Lindahl, Woods) vote. Mr. Starr asked that a clear policy be established regarding the spending of park dedication funds without prior Council approval. He moved more than 46 trees at a cost of $31 each from the proposed Pinewoods Estates plat. He was given a notice that it had to be done within a two-week period, and he received permission from Chairperson Kieffer to do so. $1,400 must now be taken from park dedication to pay for it. It was a good deal. The Commission generally agreed to the expenditure and suggested the neighboring residents be informed of the transplanted trees and asked to keep them watered. Mr. Starr also agreed to submit a letter to the developer from the Commission thanking him for the donation of trees. MOTION by Paulson, Seconded by Anderson, recommendation to transfer $1,457.50 out of park dedication for the transfer of trees to the parks. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Lindahl, Woods) vote. Mr. Starr stated the equipment is in for Red Oaks park. The Commission agreed to meet at the park at 7 o'clock, May 20, 1993, prior to the next regular meeting. MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Paulson, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Lindahl, Woods) vote. The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 p.m. \ j Respectfully submit:..ted, L ~~a~~ Recording Secretary