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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 17, 2008 C I T Y 0 F NDOVE 0 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - APRIL 17, 2008 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Vice Chair Lindahl on April 17, 2008, 7:06 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota Commissioners Present: Jeremy Boyer, Ted Butler, Bill Hupp, Jim Lindahl, Peggy Scott, and Tony Kowalewski Commissioners Absent: Chair Dan Masloski Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM 0 There were no comments at this time. Motion by Hupp, seconded by Butler to add a discussion on field allocation with the Andover Area Lacrosse Association (AALA) representative Jeff Kocovski to the agenda under 7 A. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. (Masloski) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Page 2, eighth paragraph: "Commissioner Kowalewski responded that it was possibly an issue in past years, but now the helmets are kept on racks to reduce the amount of space." Motion by Butler, seconded by Kowalewski, to approve the April 3, 2008 Park Commission minutes as presented with the changes recommended by Commissioner Kowalewski. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. (Masloski) CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULE USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/CHRISTIAN YOUTH SOFTBALL LEAGUES Mr. Haas stated that he received the application, however they did not meet the guidelines requirements. There are however no conflicts with the schedule as proposed. 0 Commissioner Kowalewski inquired if there were any conflicts with the Andover Fun Fest. Mr. Haas indicated there were none. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 17, 2008 0 Page 2 Vice Chair Lindahl requested that they acquiesce if necessary due to a weather delay or otherwise. Commissioner Scott noted that some fields were in use until 4 p.m. Commissioner Hupp noted that only 10% of the kids were residents. He mentioned that the numbers were important because he wanted the residents to have full use of the City's fields such as in the case of soccer and lacrosse. He indicated that they should look at numbers of kids/field. Vice Chair Lindahl stated that the discussion was more of a discussion for lacrosse or soccer. Commissioner Butler reviewed to clarify. He believed it should be approved as long as the schedule did not conflict with the associations use. Vice Chair Lindahl noted that the church league waS a long time user. Mr. Haas stated that none of the associations were using the outlying fields that were assigned to the church league. Commissioner Butler expressed concern that it not be left open for any reason. 0 Motion by Kowalewski, seconded by Butler, to approve the application for schedule use of recreational facilities by the Church Youth Softball League contingent on any conflicts due to vandalism, rain delays, or extra innings. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, 1- absent vote. (Masloski) UPDATE 2008 SPRING/SUMMER SOCCER/LACROSSE SCHEDULE Mr. Haas stated that the final schedule has been approved and the associations are aware of the field allocation. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 1ST QUARTER REPORT Mr. Haas indicated he spoke with the Sheriff's Department and they are attempting to try to do a better job of tracking calls that may be park related. Vice Chair Lindahl noted there had been damage to Terrace Park. Mr. Haas responded that he would check with staff concerning the issue. Commissioner Kowalewski mentioned that it was a greatly reduced list. Mr. Haas answered that there usually was not a lot of activity in the winter. 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting. Minutes - April 17, 2008 0 Page 3 PARK DEDICATION IMPROVEMENT FUND 1ST QUARTER REPORT/FINANCE DEPARTMENT Mr. Haas stated that the report was produced to identify the status of park dedication funds and to identify as to the status of projects. Commissioner Boyer inquired what they were addressing with the assessment. Mr. Haas responded that it was in regards to the construction of ball fields. Vice Chair Lindahl urged the Commission to keep in mind for future considerations of improvements that there was a deficit. DISCUSSION ON FIELD ALLOCATION WITH AALA COACH JEFF KOCOVSKI JefIKocovski of 1347 Narcissus Street addressed the Commission requesting a second field. They used to have one at Prairie Knoll Park and one at Sunshine Park. With one lighted field and one unlighted field they are unable to have five games per night. Last year they were able to have six games per night with the 2-lighted fields. Vice Chair Lindahl answered that they were trying to accommodate with the lighted fields. Mr. Kocovski mentioned that their games begin in June. Mr. Haas responded that the 0 schedules have already been approved. He noted that the AALA lacrosse numbers were low for the number of residents that were from Andover and with a couple fields being shut down, the other cities should have to provide some additional fields for their own residents. The middle field at Sunshine Park at this point is scheduled to be open in early June and soccer is planned to use those fields. The Andover School High School boy's team is practicing this spring at the high school fields, and they will be using Prairie Knoll Park southwest field for their home games. AALA could talk with North Metro Soccer Association to see if they had any openings available. Unfortunately, they indicated that their needs were not met at the last meeting between the two associations. Vice Chair Lindahl explained the situation, and asked if they had approached other cities concerning their need for fields. Mr. Kocovski answered that they had. At present, many of their participants were from Ramsey. It was a common problem. Commissioner Hupp inquired about once lacrosse it is sanctioned by the school district, the associations would most likely be set up according to high school boundaries rather than boundaries of cities. He believed that the policy of the school district would be adjusted. Mr. Haas indicated the Andover guideline requirements do indicate that associations or groups are to have at least 51 % residents from Andover to receive the higher priority. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 17, 2008 0 Page 4 Commissioner Hupp stated that looking at the numbers, participation, and maintenance, the policy should be revisited. Commissioner Kowalewski agreed, he spoke with a former Commissioner and Andover kids were unable to play in Andover. Vice Chair Lindahl addressed field usage fee, in that the added cost will affect the number of kids able to play. Commissioner Butler stated that clearly there was an issue of quality fields, both in field lighting and irrigation. Mr. Kocovski asked about the allocation of fields. He stated that they essentially lost field usage. He expressed concern that lacrosse would be killed in its infancy before it has a chance to begin. Vice Chair Lindahl responded that the City was at peak usage with a deficit budget. There was no quick fix available, so the associations need to put toge~er a plan. Commissioner Butler noted that if all else was equal, the field allocation was done by the number of residents. Mr. Haas suggested also looking at the numbers of a certain age group. Commissioner Butler added that the problem was the size of fields that were also lighted. 0 Vice Chair Lindahl stated that the City was limited on large, lighted fields. Because of this reality, double striping of fields was required at times. Mr. Haas noted that up until the last meeting, lacrosse had not expressed their concerns regarding the scheduling of fields to the Commission. Mr. Kocovski requested that the Commission explain field allocation. Mr. Haas reviewed the four criteria that are required to be addressed by the association in the Guidelines. Mr. Kocovski mentioned that North Metro Soccer Association was very successful. Mr. Haas stated that AALA would most likely at some point would meet the 51 % criteria in the future. Vice Chair Lindahl recommended that the soccer and lacrosse associations meet and plan for next year. The schedule was set for this year, so the Commission could not change it now. Commissioner Scott suggested recruiting more Andover residents would help the AALA in bringing up the percentage :from Andover. Mr. Haas stated to the Commission that they never looked at the numbers of residents in 0 the past, because the soccer and lacrosse associations had always been able to work it out. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - April 17, 2008 0 Page 5 REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items. He noted that they were beginning the assembly on the Andover Station North playground equipment. In regards Strootman Park, the park will receive one of the existing bleachers from Shadowbrook East Park. It is planned to have 2 new 5-row bleachers installed at Shadowbrook East Park within the next week. Commissioner Kowalewski indicated that the Skateboard Task Force met and began doing research on contacts for fundraising. They requested that the site chosen for the skate park be reserved for the purpose. CONSIDER REQUEST FOR CONCESSIONS EQUIPMENT/ANDOVER STATION NORTH BALL FIELD FACILITY Mr. Haas requested that the Park Commission consider using some of the 2008 miscellaneous funds that is available for the new concession area of the building at the Andover Station North ball field facility. Commissioner Butler inquired about who would be operating the concessions there. Mr. Haas answered that the City would be responsible to operate the concessions. 0 Commissioner Scott asked the typical amount that the City makes off of the concessions at Sunshine Park. Commissioner Hupp stated that the City received more money than before; it was charged a percentage of the profits. There used to be a lease, now the City ran it. Commissioner Butler noted there was a $-9,500.00 balance. Mr. Haas responded that the skate park was still listed there as well, causing the negative figure. Commissioner Boyer inquired if there was money available for the concessions from the building construction fund. Mr. Haas answered that there was some money remaining, however it could only be used to help constructing the building but not the concessions area. Vice Chair Lindahl stated that the City received a percentage, but it was not significant. Commissioner Butler stated that the $15,000.00 be requested could be used to irrigate fields through out the City. Vice Chair Lindahl requested that Mr. Haas research the concession revenues from last year to see if any available funds available to help pay for the new concession area at Andover Station North Facility. 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - Aprill7, 2008 0 Page 6 Motion by Scott, seconded by Butler to table the concessions discussion. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. (Masloski) CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Hupp mentioned that they should brainstorm for generating cash flow. He indicated that there would be tournaments at Prairie Knoll Park. Mr. Haas answered that there would be no proceeds from them, because they go back into the association that ran the concessions at that park. The concessions income at Prairie Knoll Park was not real large. Commissioner Butler indicated that he received a request for recycling in the parks. They could be ones with smaller holes for cans and bottles to reduce the amount of litter put into them. Mr. Haas stated that signage in the parks would be going out this week. Commissioner Kowalewski requested that the associations help with resources for maintenance. Vice Chair Lindahl added that it was an interesting analysis, and requested that the information be sent to the associations. 0 Commissioner Scott stated that something was necessary to keep the costs low and to generate income. She suggested that a user's fee be revisited. Vice Chair Lindahl inquired about Fox Meadows Park, if there had been any changes. Mr. Haas answered that the frisbee golf course would be shut down on Monday. He noted Jim Dickinson has sent e-mail to all city staff notifying them of the shut down of the course. Vice Chair Lindahl inquired if the baskets would be removed. Mr. Haas responded that they would be removed. Commissioner Boyer suggested that perhaps another site could be found. Mr. Haas noted that there was a possibility that Anoka County Parks could have a site in Bunker Hills Parks for one. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Butler, seconded by Kowalewski, to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent vote. (Masloski) Respectfully' Submitted, Brigette Blesi, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.