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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 20, 1993 ~.) u ,J C}\ o o CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting May 20, 1993 7:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Residents Forum 3. Approval of Minutes 4. Approval of Soccer Schedule 5. City Hall park Complex ~2, Continued 6. Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addition Park Dedication, Continued 7. 8. Chairman's Report 9. Adjournment .' "/'r ~, F'). XY ~ (J ~) o ~ Lo\31Cl3 o C}\ CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MAY 20, 1993 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Kieffer on May 20, 1993, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Commissioners absent: Tom Anderson, Mike Auger Darrell DeLarco, Jim Lindahl, Roger Paulson, David Woods Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas Public Works, Kevin Starr and Tom Johnson Others Also present: HILLS OF BUNKER LAKE 5TH ADDITION PARK DEDICATION Tonv Emmerich, Developer - provided a concept of park dedication which consisted of a park with tot lot and ballfield in the southwest corner and a trail along the railroad track to tie into the proposed hiking trail along Coon Creek. The trail would also tie into the county park trail immediately south of Bunker Lake Boulevard. Access would be provided to the park from the development. He will look at the bridge to cross the tracks to be sure there is enough clearance for bikers. The intent would be to prohibit motorized vehicles. He will build the trail and the ballfield. He also proposed dedicating the wetland area to the Park Board, but it would not be credited to the 10 percent park dedication. The intent would be to put a woodchip trail around the wetland for a passive nature area. Generally there will be no water in the wetland area. He thought the amount of land being proposed for park would exceed the requirement, but noted the specific park area must be determined so that the affected lots meet ordinance requirements. After discussing the concept in more detail, the Park Commission generally favored the trail system along the railroad tracks. It was thought that the steep slope on the west side of the tracks and the private fencing by residents on that side would prevent children from crossing the tracks to come to this park. They were concerned about having a ballfield so close to a major road. Mr. Emmerich felt it could be moved to the back a little more. He really would like to see a ballfield there for the kids in that neighborhood. He stated he would get a per-foot cost of ag lime and a cost for building a ballfield to determine the cost of the improvements he is proposing for the park. Those improvements are his gift to the City. He also agreed to determine the actual acres of park being proposed which could then be appraised to determine its value. The Commission agreed, noting they will keep an open mind about the proposed wetland area and will consider it at the time of the preliminary plat. \ '"-~ \~ Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 1993 Page 2 / CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX 12, CONTINUED Merlin Otto, Hawkins Anderson - updated the Park Commission on the layout of the proposed City Hall Park Complex #2 with the change that the easterly 100 feet must be given to the school district. The challenge is to meet the grades and drainage and still be able to construct as many soccer fields as possible. By changing the soccer fields to a north-south direction and in an attempt to avoid cutting trees in the existing park to the south, he presented several alternatives in terms of the number and sizes of soccer fields that could be constructed. After reviewing the alternatives both the Commissioners and representatives of the soccer associations preferred to construct two large fields and one small soccer field, since the need seems to be for the larger fields. The larger fields also provide flexibility in that if necessary they could be used by the younger youth as well. Mr. Otto stated he will try to make that option work. There was also some discussion on the desire to have some basketball hoops in the park. It was noted one is being planned to the west. It was suggested another may be possible on the southern end by moving the parking lot somewhat. Dave O'Toole - stated Spring Lake Park High School is reconstructing its football field and track and is taking down its lights. He has arranged for them to be donated to Andover if the Commission agrees. There are about 100 fixtures, which could be a temporary solution to light about four fields. The electrician who does the maintenance for them has said they are in relatively good shape. The cost to operate them is more than mercury lighting, but the City is getting them for nothing; and possibly they could be installed with volunteers. Both the Public Works Superintendent and the Mayor felt the City should take the lights. He understands there are no hazardous materials in the lights, only in the transformers. They would not be taking the transformers. He is working on getting some poles for the lights. Plus, there is a wire cage to work on the lights which is also available. The Commission agreed to take the lights and the cage. stated he will make the arrangements. Mr. O'Toole APPROVAL OF SOCCER SCHEDULE / David LaFlamme, 1600 Uplander, Andover Soccer - stated the Minutes from the April 15 meeting incorrectly state the soccer associations agreed to dividing the use of the soccer fields, that is Field 1 by North Metro and Field 2 by Andover Soccer. He said he did not agree to anything, and that is why the item was rescheduled, first for May 6 and then postponed to this meeting. The Commissioners explained the reason for postponing the item was because of the full agenda on May 6. They had understood there was agreement on the use of the fields and the reason this is being discussed again is to finalize it after the State had completed the scheduling. (-~ o Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 1993 Page 3 \ , / (Approval of Soccer Schedule, Continued) Herb Mav, 20653 Xavis Street, Field Coordinator for North Metro Soccer - also understood that the agreement was Andover Soccer would use Field 2 and they would have Field 1. When they agreed to that, they sent in the fields they were assigned. As a result of the misunderstanding, North Metro has scheduled games on Field 1 and Andover Soccer has scheduled games on Fields 1 and 2, creating a conflict on Field 1. There was a lengthy discussion regarding where the players come from for both associations, the need for additional soccer fields, fields that are available, and the conflict in question. Mr. LaFlamme noted they have five major division boys teams with 90 percent of the players from Andover. Because they represent Andover, it is difficult to go outside of the City to find fields. He was also concerned about being assigned to the Hidden Creek field because it is nothing but sand burrs. Mr. Starr felt that field should be in good shape this year. That field will also undergo the maintenance/seeding scheduled for many of the fields this year, and he explained the extent of that rejuvenation program. \ / Mr. May stated they have over 500 soccer players and utilize fields in Andover, Ham Lake, Oak Grove and lease two from the St. Francis High School. He uses the Hawk Ridge field for practice, and he has four teams on the City Hall Field 1. Bob Zdenek, Director of Andover Soccer - explained the problem is they have three Division II under 16 teams which play on Monday and Wednesday. They only have so many hours to play, and they can't get three games on one field. That is why they need Field 1. He had talked with Marc McMullen of North Metro to try to resolve the situation, and he submitted Fields 1 and 2 based on a conversation. But his understanding is there was no agreement at that April 15 Park Commission meeting. He too explained that because their players are from Andover and they are an Andover team, they have no where else to go for fields. They draw youth from southern Andover, and North Metro draws players generally from northern Andover and the surrounding cities of Oak Grove, Ham Lake, East Bethelr and St. Francis. Mr. Zdenek commented it would be unfortunate if they would have to change their name just get fields in another community. The discussion continued on the fields available, the fields used by North Metro in other cities, the fact that both associations are growing every yearr that the conflict may have been avoided if the scheduling was not done by the State, plus a suggestion that possibly the Andover Soccer could also rent fields at St. Francis if there is a problem. , / Marsh Pearson, Girls' Director, North Metro - explained these teams are the better players, and they try to keep them on these better fields. He suggested an attempt to share the fields. North Metro would have priority over Field 1, but Andover Soccer could use it when they are not. The reverse would be true for Field 2 -- Andover Soccer would have , , " ) \ " J Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 1993 Page 4 / (Approval of Soccer Schedule, Continued) priority, but North Metro could use it when Andover is not. He felt both associations need to use those fields because they both have a lot of youth from Andover on their teams. Carol Mattson, 2562 133rd Lane - asked about the schedules of the Division II teams for North Metro and wondered if more fields are available for the Division II teams. She stated the Hidden Creek field is terrible and didn't think it is feasible to ask teams at that level of soccer to be playing games on that field in that condition. She asked what the other communities are doing to alleviate the problem. Mr. May explained Oak Grove has a new Under 6 field and has purchased land north of the City Hall with plans for more fields. They have the same problem getting fields in other communities. Fields are getting to be a problem, as right now all their full-sized fields are scheduled. Bruce Mattson - felt Andover resident would be frustrated if they were told they had to pay for fields in St. Francis. Mrs. Mattson then asked for a roster to determine the percentage of Andover players on the North Metro teams. She questioned whether other communities are developing fields proportionately to the number of players from that city. After some deliberation, the Commission determined that Andover's contribution J was about proportionate to the number of players. They also cautioned that it may not be appropriate to make that comparison since other communities may be contributing more fields for other sports. After further discussion, the Commission agreed to Mr. Pearson's suggestion, noting that neither field will be used for practice unless no games are scheduled. Games have priority. They also suggested the two associations compare their game schedules to determine the specific times there are conflicts. It was hoped there would be very few actual conflicts of games and that the associations could resolve them either by switching to other fields or to another night. The Commission also asked that the revised schedule be given to Mr. Haas at the City Hall. Mr. Pearson and Mr. Zdenek agreed. Mr. Zdenek also volunteered their club to work as needed on the fields. Mr. Starr noted striping the fields is the biggest need. The City has the sprayer and the paint. Mr. Starr asked if the associations would like ag lime indents for the stripes of the fields. Both groups felt dirt would be better because of the type of play done by the older groups. Mr. Starr also stated he will research as to whether large fields could be constructed at Fox Meadows and the east side of the City Hall site. / MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Auger, to approve the 1993 soccer schedule. North Metro has Field 1. Andover Soccer has Field 2. Each has priority for their respective fields but will share whenever possible. They will work together on any conflicts. Games will have preference to practices; but if the fields are open, they can be used for practice. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (Kieffer, Anderson, Auger), 4- Absent (DeLarco, Lindahlr Paulson, Woods) vote. \ \. i \ ....-j Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 1993 , Page 5 ./ APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Auger, Seconded by Anderson, to table the approval of Minutes from May 6 until the next meeting. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (Kieffer, Anderson, Auger), 4-Absent (DeLarco, Lindahl, Paulson, Woods) vote. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Mr. Starr discussed the volunteer work to be done by the Anoka Booster group. The Commissioners indicated they would be able to bring the boys to the park to work and asked that City Staff make arrangements to have them returned to Anoka at 12:30 p.m., on May 22. Mr. Starr stated a five-foot cyclone fence in Pleasant Oaks gets to be quite expensive. Just to go along the boulevard would be $2,500. Game Time does not recommend a ballfield in that park. The Commission felt the residents should be asked for suggestions as to what other type of activity they would like to see in the park. Mr. Starr noted the update of the Park Dedication budget. " ) Mr. Starr also presented several samples of Adopt-A-Park signs used by other cities. The Commission preferred the one from Champlin, agreeing to model the Andover sign after that one. They preferred green signs unless there is a regulation against it. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Starr explained they have finished installing the new equipment at the Meadowwoods park and suggested the Commission view the site. The Commission agreed to do so prior to the next regular meeting, June 3, 1993, 7:00 p.m. MOTION by Anderson, Seconded by Auger, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (Kieffer, Anderson, Auger), 4-Absent (DeLarco, Lindahl, Paulson, Woods) vote. The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted, \Y\~~~>\?LlUL " Marcebla A. Peach Recording Secretary " )