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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 5, 1993 '\ ,~ :J :J ~ o u CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N,W, . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting August 5, 1993 ,~ 7:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Residents Forum 3. Approval of Minutes 4. City Hall Park Complex *2 Site Plan, Discussion 5. Adopt-A-Park - Hills of Bunker Lake, Redwood Park 6. SuperAmerica Sketch Plan, Park Dedication 7. 8. Chairman's Report 9. Adjournment Note: Meet at 6:30 PM at Bunker Lake Boulevard and Burlington Northern Railroad Tracks. Bring your sketch plan of Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addition. Q o u ~ <11'11C\.3 o ,'',,,,",""",. '(j,..,"',. '"~'"",, "~~,". " ' . .~ ''',;P':'i ~tJ \1 H ,~:,:, :: .l. iI CITY of ANDOVER ~"'~J PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - AUGUST 5, 1993 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Kieffer on August 5, 1993, 7:34 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Jim Lindahl (arrived at 7:40 p.m.), Dave O'Toole, Roger Paulson Tom Anderson, Mike Auger, Darrell DeLarco Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas Others Commissioners absent: Also present: AGENDA APPROVAL MOTION by O'Toole, Seconded by Paulson, to - Hills of Bunker Lake, Redwood Park. (Kieffer, O'Toole, Paulson), 4-Absent Lindahl) vote. move to Item 5, Adopt-A-Park Motion carried on a 3-Yes (Anderson, Auger, DeLarco, o ADOPT-A-PARK - HILLS OF BUNKER LAKE, REDWOOD PARK (Commissioner Lindahl arrived at this time, 7:40 p.m.) Chairperson Kieffer noted the application from the Russell and Engler families to adopt the Redwood Park in the Hills of Bunker Lake. He also noted there was a neighborhood meeting a few days ago. Georqe Wetterer, 13886 Winterqreen Street NW - explained they had a meeting with those residents who live on the border of Redwood park. A number of items were discussed and a few issues raised that they have not yet quite resolved. In determining what kind of park they wanted, they invited people from the DNR Fisheries, the DNR wildlife Division, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, the Coon Creek Watershed District, Chairperson Kieffer of the Park Board, and Mayor McKelvey. Mr. Wetterer presented a sketch of the park as it presently exists, the location of the water, the natural shore land and the shore land that is being mowed by residents; and he showed how that differs from the original proposal for the park by the developer. On the southern portion of the pond, the water actually abuts the lot line where the developer excavated more than what was originally proposed. The explanation was this area had better soil than the sandy area to the north which was proposed to be excavated. C) Mr. Wetterer stated one area of conflict is where all culverts enter into the pond and where water drains from the pond to Coon Creek are filling up with sand and are becoming very shallow. Ed Matthiesen of the Coon Creek Watershed suggested they submit a formal application to the City and to the Coon Creek Watershed District to establish a routine ,) \ '....) Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 5, 1993 Page 2 / (Adopt-A-Park - Hills of Bunker Lake, Redwood Park, Continued) maintenance program to keep those waterways clean. Another area of concern is that of fertilizer washing into the pond because it makes the water green and kills oft:the vegetation. It was agreed that a ten-foot buffer zone be established around the parameter from the shoreline to the property to capture the fertilizers during the heavy rains. It would consist of wild grasses, cattails, natural plantings, low shrubs, etc. Two of the owners in the northern area have a dispute on how to redevelop that landscape because it affects their view of the pond, and Mr. Wetterer \lent into detail over that problem. He did feel that the dispute could be resolved, though he hasn't had a chance to talk with the two homeowners individually. If it cannot be resolved, he thought they would have to rely on the Park Board to resolve it. '\ , ) Mr. Wetterer stated there is a list of residents attached to the application to adopt the park who are interested in a group adoption of the park. He also handed out copies of the Minutes of their neighborhood meeting. The group of residents would like to see the park remain natural, no walking or hiking trails, with the ten-foot buffer in the park property, though there are some circumstances where it may not be done because the property line goes right to the water line. There were no objections if people wanted to walk on the mowed part of the property or through the natural grasses. There were also no objections by the residents for other recreational uses such as fishing, canoeing, swimming, dog training, ice skating, and nature hikes. They also felt there should be some kind of agreement between the immediate neighbors regarding the landscaping close to their properties. There should be some kind of grand plan so everything works together. Judi Enqler, 14022 Yellowpine Street NW - stated she and vicki Russell had made the original Adopt-A-Park application. Her lot is one that has the conflict with the large area behind their property. The original plan was to have some plantings and install some benches in a portion of the pond for more convenience for ice skating, done at no charge to the City. The bushes would be enough to be a wind break but not high enough to block the view. That was not really discussed at the neighborhood meeting. After further discussion, Ms. Engler agreed to withdraw her application for Adopt-A-Park and to be a part of the neighborhood group. '. The Commission discussed several items with the residents. One concern of the Commission is the area that was proposed to be pond and is now land and the fact that the original plan for the pond was not followed by the developer. Mr. Wetterer - stated the DNR did not suggest establishing the pond to its original plan. They were examining the water quality, the plantings, the type of habitat it would create for wildlife. At a meeting several years ago, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control had recommending mowing the area to reduce the mosquito population; but at this meeting it was recommended that with the way the vegetation has re- established itself, it wasn't a concern as long as the water wasn't pooling. However, the last lots to be sold on the southern portion are lower than originally intended, so there is pooling of water in those J \ <J v Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 5, 1993 Page 3 / (Adopt-A-Park - Hills of Bunker Lake, Redwood Park, Continued) areas, which is all on private property. Another concern was the chemicals washing into the street, then down through the storm drain system. That is where the Coon Creek watershed comes in, as it is a flood control and high-water table control area in addition to a nature pond. Chairperson Kieffer stated the DNR is not labeling this as a protected wetland, and any cattails on private property may be cut. Another resident said the ten-foot buffer is a minimum. Many of the residents will have more than that. Mr. Starr stated Staff is concerned with the liability of residents using power equipment, such as power mowers, on City property. The Commission noted the Adopt-A-Park Agreement does not allow the use of motorized equipment in the parks. Chairperson Kieffer stated he was also on site with Frank Stone, Public Works Superintendent, checking the culverts. Mr. Stone did not see a problem at this time; but if it continues, the City would have to clean it. They do check them periodically. '\ Mr. Wetterer - stated they did not make a calculation as to how often they should be cleaned. That should be determined by the Watershed professionals. But they are gradually filling up. He also noted the original plan was the pond to be four feet deep. It is actually about 5 1/2 to 6 feet deep everywhere. In doing a very rough calculation, it appears the pond does hold more water than the original plan even though the footprint is smaller. Another resident stated the suggestion was to maintain the culverts on a regular basis; because if allowed to get plugged, they are very difficult to repair. , ) Chairperson Kieffer stated the City would have to maintain the entrance into the park. It may need some clean up right now. The site should be looked at to be sure there is no problem with potential injury, etc. Mr. Wetterer - stated they do not have a plan yet, but the people would like a grass or chipped pathway. The Commission stated normally it would just be kept mowed. Chairperson Kieffer application from the will bring in a more then recommended approval of the Adopt-A-Park neighborhood group at this time, recognizing they detailed plan in the future. MOTION by Paulson, Seconded by Lindahl, to approve the Adopt-A-Park application to have the neighborhood adopt the park at Redwood Park, Hills of Bunker Lake. Motion carried on a 4- Yes (Kieffer, Lindahl, O'Toole, Paulson), 3-Absent (Anderson, Auger, DeLarco) vote. CITY HALL PARK COMPLEX 12 SITE PLAN, DISCUSSION / Mayor McKelvey reported the Staff from the School District is saying there is not quite enough space for the proposed middle school across from the Public Works Building. They feel they can make it fit better on property i~~ediately north of City Hall. That decision should be , \. ) , ) -./ Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 5, 1993 Page 4 (City Hall Park Complex #2 Site Plan Discussion, Continued) made by the School Board next week, and then the City will know where the new park complex will be located. He also reviewed the proposed ballfields for the site that the School District is willing to allow the City to use, which, with the existing City fields, should make one of the larger com~lex of fields anywhere around. In addition, the School District would be purchasing City property between Andover School and City Hall for an expansion to the Andover School. No Commission action was needed at this time. SUPERAMERICA SKETCH PLAN, PARK DEDICATION The consensus of the Commission was to accept cash in lieu of land for this proposed commercial development. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Adopt-A-Park signs - Mr. Starr had a sketch of the signs that would be used recognizing the individuals or groups who have adopted a park. The signs would come from the county and be green background with white lettering. The small sign which would fit on the existing park signs would be $20 per sign. , ) The Commission suggested the City logo be used in the center the word "A" in Adopt-A-park and preferred the smaller sign. stated he will have 15 signs printed initially. depicting Mr. Starr Hills of Bunker Lake 5th proposed park - Chairperson Kieffer reported he and Commissioner O'Toole viewed the proposed park in the Hills of Bunker Lake 5th Addition at Bunker Lake Boulevard and the Burlington Northern Railroad Tracks. They felt the proposed trail along the tracks is very workable. There is also enough room to have the trail go underneath the tracks on the northern end of the plat. Commission discussion was on the need to install some sort of bridge across Coon Creek to access the park on the north side of the creek in Weybridge/Creekview Crossing/Old Colony Estates. It was recognized this must be coordinated through the Coon Creek Watershed Board. Commissioner Paulson stated his City has a steel bridge that could be donated to Andover. No specific decisions were made. (Commissioner Lindahl left at this time, 8:43 p.m.) City Hall tennis courts - Mr. Starr informed the Commission the tennis courts at City Hall are in need of repair. One estimate has been for $2,800 to patch it. The Commission directed Mr. Starr to obtain a few more quotes. / Summer activities - Mr. Starr reviewed the progress of park work done this summer. Equipment is ready to be installed in Red Oaks. They have difficulty keeping up with the mowing of all parks this year. " , ) '- -- ) '--/ Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - August 5, 1993 Page 5 \ /' (Chairman's Report, Continued) Lights for Park Complex #2 - Commissioner O'Toole reported the lights that were donated from Spring Lake Park High School and proposed to be installed in the new park complex have been received. Several lights have been broken. A lighting company is designing a lighting plan for them for nothing. The concern is the cost of installation for these old lights may not be cost effective. Once they get a recommendation from the lighting company, the Andover Recreational Development Association will determine whether the use of the lights is feasible. Mr. Starr stated the electric company has agreed to supply power to the lights' power source for nothing; from there to the poles will be the City's responsibility. MOTION by Paulson, Seconded by O'Toole, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (Kieffer, O'Toole, Paulson), 4-Absent (Anderson, Auger, DeLarco, Lindahl) vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, .)~~a~~ Recording Secretary \ , ,