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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 3, 2008 C I T Y o F 0 NDOVE --- ------- ..------ - ~_._-----_. - - -~~ - -~- - - --~ - -- -- .. _~_:..:-.:_~:=.--=--=-~~--=--==----_~_~~_--~~~~-~-~~-~:--:--=-=-.-=-....'.' ~_~u=--=-~=_-= _ _~-::--~-- ==: ___~--=-==-:.,---=~..::_==_---c:~= _-='C~__ PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JANUARY 3,2008 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Montbly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Masloski on January 3, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. 0 Commissioners Present: Chair Dan Masloski, Jeremy Boyer, Ted Butler, Bill Hupp, Tony Kowalewski, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl, and Peggy Scott. Commissioners Absent: None. Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas. 0 RESIDENT FORUM There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Kowalewski, to approve the December 6, 2007 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, 0- absent vote. CONSIDER 2008 TOURNAMENT APPliCATIONS FOR SOFTBALVBASEBALL Mr. Haas presented the softballlbaseball tournament application forms and dates of tournaments for the upcoming 2008 softballlbaseball season as requested by the Andover Athletic Association. Chair Masloski asked if there were any weekends that conflict with one another and stated he assumed the associations have worked together to resolve any conflicts. Mr. Haas advised there are no conflicts. 0 Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 3, 2008 0 Page 2 Chair Masloski stated Andover will be hosting some fairly prestigious tournaments and asked Joe Dietz, Andover Baseball Association, about the status of the building at Andover Station North. _ _ .n __ _____. _. __ __.._.___.._7_ --- .......:::.-~_~==-.:...--:-_ - ::...~" -=:.-=._--..;:--..:..... =--=-'~--=---=c..~-"'--'~"""",,_-'-",,-,=-,-'--~-'_--'-'=--_~'-~".'" _"_,"____.-__n..'__",_ -- Mr. Dietz replied that they are making progress on the building; work continues on the plumbing and electrical as well as some final touches such as laying of tile and finishing the bathrooms. He stated they are currently heating the building with propane in order to finish the work. He indicated the goal is to finish the first floor by May 1 st pursuant to the City Council's request with a grand opening in the spring. Commissioner Kowalewski requested the City and the baseball association have extra garbage cans available at the tournaments and to empty the garbage cans frequently to avoid having overflowing garbage cans. Mr. Dietz stated the vendors who run the concessions are responsible for emptying the garbage cans during the tournaments. He noted that generally they will staff 4-6 maintenance people available in the park all day long for four-hour shifts. He stated they will pick up trash in the dugouts and empty the trashcans. Chair Masloski stated it does not appear that the City will be hosting any softball tournaments on July 11 or 12 and stated if the Park and Recreation Commission approves 0 the tournament applications submitted this evening, the Association cannot come back to the Park and Recreation Commission to request a tournament for that weekend. Mr. Dietz stated the softball tournaments are held the end of July and early August. He stated they have verified these dates with the association. Commissioner Scott asked if the tournament dates will present a conflict for the Andover Family Fun Fest on July 11 and 12. Mr. Haas replied that the Fun Fest Committee prefer to have their tournaments during the Fun Fest in order to draw more people to the tournaments and indicated it has not presented a prob~em in the past. Motion by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Hupp, to approve the following Andover Athletic Association tournaments: - May 31-June IIAAA1Andover Spring Tournament/Fields 1-6 at Sunshine Park, Eveland Fields (no~ middle & south fields) - June 13-15/ABAlMYAS National Qualifier lIB & 10BIFields 1-6 at Sunshine Park - June 20-22/ AAAlEnd of Season Tournament/Fields 1-6 at Sunshine Park, Eveland Fields (no~ middle & south fields) - July 11-13/ABA End of the Season Tournament/Fields 1-6 at Sunshine Park and 0 Field 7 at City Hall Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 3, 2008 0 Page 3 - July 18-20/ ABAlEnd of the SeasonlFields 1-6 at Sunshine Park, Pine Hills Park, Hidden Creek North Park, Stroo1man Park, Field 7 at City Hall, Shadow brook East South and North fields ____ ... ..~~~~. -:--=-=~::-_lJll.Y~J~~~Q~~~~-~~~:::r~~~!l! ~~~~~~f!- Station.=-Ne~_~F~ili!Y~:Jwe~-=~-=-=_- -=-- . middle & east fields) n -- - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - .. -- - July 25-27/AAAlSenior High Co-Ed End of Season Tournament/ Fields 1-4 at Sunshine Park & Field 7 at City Hall - August 2-3/AAAlField ofDieams Tournament! Fields 1-6 at Sunshine Park, Eveland Fields (north, middle & south fields) Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. CONSIDER 2008 TOURNAMENT APPLICATIONS FOR SOCCERlLACROSSE Mr. Haas stated at this time, no tournament applications have been received. He indicated staff has informed the soccer and lacrosse associations that if they plan on holding tournaments for this upcoming season that they need to receive approval from the City before they can use the facilities. He stated he received a telephone call today from the lacrosse association indicating they will be submitting applications for tournaments and will present their applications at the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting. He 0 advised that it is his understanding that their high school portion of the program has been split off on the boys side and they will submit their own application the end of February or March when they are ready, along with the Andover Lacrosse people. He stated the association will still be responsible for the high school girls lacrosse program. Mr. Haas stated he has not heard anything from the soccer association. Informational; no action required.. CONSIDER 2008 OUTDOOR RECREATION APPUCATION ROUND108-06 Mr. Haas explained that every year, the DNR sends information to cities regarding grant programs that are available. He stated the City received a grant in 2007 for the Crooked Lake boat landing reconstruction project as part of the Water Resource Cooperative Acquisition and Development Program. He added the City also applied for a grant for the Red Oaks West Park but did not receive a grant for redevelopment of this park. He stated the grants are very competitive and a lot of the grants are awarded for reconstruction type projects. He stated if the Park and Recreation Commission is interested in any of the grant programs, consideration could be given to applying for a grant for Hawkridge Park, although the City has applied for a grant in the past and was not successful in obtl'lining a grant for this park. 0 Commissioner Scott asked about applying for a grant for trails. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 3, 2008 0 Page 4 Mr. Haas replied that he did not believe a trail grant application would be successful along any of our city streets or county roads, adding that the DNR prefers more natural scenic recreational type trails. For example, the DNR would be more conducive in having -. - _. - CC-'~~' -=-:c-~Jrai1_alqn&-GQgI!~r~~~k-cwJ,1~s: jlis -mQ!~=oi~ p.a~ _~~!!i!1g:-_~-~_-__ -----.-.. Commissioner Butler asked if the fishing pier grant was for Round Lake. Mr. Haas replied in the affirmative and stated this is a possibility to reapply again. Commissioner Butler stated there is grant funding available under the MN ReLeaf program for tree planting and suggested applying for funds to plant more shade trees in the parks. Mr. Haas agreed to explore this with the Natural Resources Technician. Commissioner Butler stated his preference would be to apply for grants for a fishing pier and tree planting. Commissioner Lindahl asked if consideration should be given to applying for a grant under the trails program for the area east of Prairie Road NW and south of Andover Boulevard NW based on its proximity to Coon Creek. 0 Mr. Haas replied it would be best to hold off on this until the area is developed/platted as lots and then make application for the trail to be constructed along the creek since the easements have not been obtained as of yet as some or most of the properties have not yet been developed as of yet. Commissioner Hupp asked if there is any grant money available to help with identification and removal of diseased trees and replanting. Mr. Haas replied the City has been very active in obtaining funding through the DNR to help with oak wilt. He agreed to provide the Park and Recreation Commission with a report on the City's efforts with respect to oak wilt. It was the consensus of the Park and Recreation to recommend to the City Council that application be made to the DNR grant program for a fishing pier grant and a tree planting grant. CONSIDER CITY CODE AMENDMENT/ GLASS IN THE PARKS Mr. Haas stated the Public Works Parks Department is having a lot ofissues with users of the parks breaking glass and not properly disposing of the glass in the garbage bins. He stated the Parks Department and the City's Recycling Coordinator have tried using glass 0 recycling bins but this has not proven effective because individuals have been throwing their non-recyclable garbage in the recycling bins and separating the recyclables from the Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 3, 2008 0 Page 5 non-recyclables is taking too much staff time. He indicated the Public Works Parks Department is suggesting amending the city code to state that no glass of any sort will be allowed in any designated City park or park facility or recreation area. ------ - ----- -- - ~------ ~~~~~~~~~~~~==~=~~== park closing times. Commissioner Lindahl stated this would be good will enforcement and the City would have to rely on parents and other users of the parks to remind others that no glass is allowed. Chair Masloski asked how much of the glass is related to alcohol. Mr. Hass replied he was not sure. Commissioner Butler asked if this appears to be a problem in any particular park. Mr. Haas replied the problem is most prevalent at Sunshine Park. Chair Masloski stated enforcement is always difficult, but felt amending the code would 0 be worthwhile. Commissioner Butler asked if consideration should be given to using recycling containers that have a certain size hole for disposing of glass and/or plastic. Mr. Haas replied he would have to check if that type of container is available. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Kowalewsk4 to recommend that new language be added in Section 8-4-1 of the City Code as follows: "Glass: No glass containers of any sort will be allowed in any designated City park or park facility or recreation area that provides any kind of indoor or outdoor activities." Motion carried on a 7 -ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. CONSIDER REQUEST FOR SECURITY UGHT / HIDDEN CREEK NORTH PARK Mr. Haas explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is being requested to consider adding an additional security light at Hidden Creek North Park as requested by an area resident. He stated that currently there are two security lights, one light is located in the southeast comer of the existing parking lot and the other security light is located in 0 the southwest comer of the free skating rink, which was installed. to help protect the playground equipment from being vandalized. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 3, 2008 Page 6 0 Mr. Haas advised that in discussing this with Kevin Starr in the Public Works Department, it sounds as if the free skating rink is not getting a lot of use, which was unexpected. He stated the estimated cost of having an additional security light installed ~'. ~~____"_~__~ wQu.!~J?~~~1>P!~~~!!"'~tely__~?~QQQ'::_~?O-?_~Q_ and would have to be funded by the 2008 -"",-' -~.- Miscellaneous Fund; the light would not be installed until spring after the frost is out or-- - -. - the ground. Commissioner Lindahl stated he is opposed to installing another security light. Chair Masloski asked if the additional light would be for security or for lighting the rink itself. Mr. Haas replied it would be for the rink itself. Commissioner Boyer stated there is currently one light located near the playground equipment and the lights appear to be fairly close to each other given the size of the park. Commissioner Lindahl asked if it was possible to move one of the existing lights so that it is closer to the rink. Commissioner Boyer stated it is important to keep the playground equipment lit to 0 prevent vandalism. Commissioner Butler suggested that the issue regarding lighting at Hidden Creek North Park be addressed next year at the same time the City addresses the issue of irrigating the fields. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Scott, to not install an additional security light at this time at Hidden Creek North Park. Motion carried on a 7- ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. DISCUSS IRRIGATION WELL FEASIBILITY STUDY /07-38 Mr. Haas advised that at this point, it appears the first thing that needs to be done is to construct a well at Sunshine Park. He stated this will likely be funded by maintenance and operations but for the most part all other parks that do not have or are not connected to City water will most likely have to be funded through park dedication funds. Commissioner Lindahl stated there is a well house across the street from Sunshine Park and asked if that can be tied into without going through the City's water treatment plant, noting that this would be cheaper than digging a well. Mr. Haas agreed to see if this is possible. 0 Commissioner Hupp stated it would be fairly expensive to go through the road. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 3, 2008 0 Page 7 .-... Mr. Haas stated the water main runs on the east side of Sunshine Park and agreed this would be a long run. He added there is a raw water line on the south end of the park _-_- _ _ ~ =~~==_-_~_ -g~~~~t~~th:e:w~t ~:re~~!l! pl8D:~___-=-~-~~_~~=~~~=-- :=-=:__-=.--::~:____-=~---c~~,=u---:-:.:.--~-=--~--=~~~ ---_-=:_-:="'C'---"-'~ :. Commissioner Hupp asked if there were any figures available on the cost of irrigating Sunshine Park with City water. Mr. Haas estimated the cost is approximately $40,000 per year in municipal water to irrigate that facility. Commissioner Lindahl stated he would prefer to push the City Council to influence the Fire Deparbnent to help with the well for Hawkridge Park. He stated this would benefit the entire City and felt the Parks Department should not have to foot the entire cost. Mr. Haas agreed to discuss this with the City Administrator and the Fire Department staff. Commissioner Lindahl stated it is worth considering bonding for this individually. He stated the savings could be quantified for the City's parks that are currently being served 0 by City water. Commissioner Hupp stated if costs are reduced, the entire City would benefit and not just the parks. Commissioner Lindahl asked Mr. Haas to discuss this with the City Administrator. He noted that the soccer associations continue to voice their concerns about the condition of the fields. Commissioner Hupp stated it would be helpful to have some comparisons on cost savings, size of bond., etc. Informational; no action required.. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas stated the Commission earlier received an update on the status of Andover Station North Park and added it is good to hear'that the Andover baseball Association wants to make some progress. He stated they are looking at adding a ten foot fence on the north and east sides of where the playground equipment will be installed.. He also advised that the 10-row bleacher for the middle field is too big for the area, as it does not give much room since the concession stand is adjacent and right behind the bleacher. He 0 stated the Andover Baseball Association has expressed interest in buying a third 5-row bleacher for the middle field for a total of three 5-row bleachers for the middle field.. He indicated staff has been discussing with SAAFE (bleacher vendor) about receiving a Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 3, 2008 Page 8 0 credit so that the City can purchase a couple of 5-row bleachers. He stated another City has expressed an interest in purchasing the bleacher and the City would require that they disassemble and move it. ---- Mr. Haas-Stated the park-ded1cation-iIDprovementfuna~qillirteay-reportana1lieSnenIPs-~~-~-~ ~..~-~ - department quarterly report will be presented at the next meeting. Mr. Haas stated the playground equipment for Woodland Crossing Park has been ordered. Mr. Haas reported the ,Comprehensive Plan is not on the agenda; Chair Masloski has been working with the Planning Commission on this item and there is a meeting scheduled for January 22, 2008. Mr. Haas advised everything is completed in Strootman Park. Mr. Haas presented the Park and Recreation Commission with proposed drawings of the skateboard park. He indicated the City received an estimate from American Ramp Company and staff is awaiting an estimate from another company. He stated the estimate based on what the Skateboard Task Force is interested for a layout came in at $141,000, which does not include $25,000 for the concrete surfacing, fencing and security light. He 0 added staff is still waiting for word on to see if the vendors have contracts already with the state or federal agencies where the price would likely be less. Commissioner Hupp reported the Skateboard Task Force met earlier this evening and the kids are anxious to get the skateboard park completed. He stated he was disappointed with the numbers submitted by the concrete company and steel manufacturer, and added the increased costs are 60-80% more than they originally thought they would be. He advised it was the consensus of the Skateboard Task Force that either product is just as good as the other, but the CitY would have a lot more control over the concrete products. He stated the Skateboard Task Force is going to go back to the drawing board, get in touch with the vendors, and see what it can put together for the park. He indicated the Skateboard Task Force hopes it will still be able to stay within the budget and have a more robust facility. Commissioner Kowalewski added the Skateboard Task Force is looking long term as to how long the equipment will last. Commissioner Hupp stated he preferred the looks of a concrete facility and a concrete facility can be expanded more easily. He stated a concrete facility is more user friendly and provides a more creative landscaping plan. Commissioner Hupp stated the task force will meet again on January 17th at 6:15 p.m. 0 and invited anyone interested to attend the meeting. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - January 3, 2008 0 Page 9 CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Boyer asked about the fence on the sliding hill at Andover Station North ___~______HBalLpjeld.____ _~____________ u__~_ - ---- - --- - - -- - - ~---~------- ~- ,---~----- .---..- -- -- -- - --.-- ----- -..-- - -- - - -- - - -- - .. - - - - - -. -- .._..- - - - - --- -- -- .-. - - -- -.- - - - - - - .- .- - -- - -.. - -._- ... - ..-.- - Mr. Haas replied that staff would be erecting a permanent fence this summer on the south, east, and west sides, which are too steep for sliding and present a liability issue for the City. Commissioner Scott stated registration for the high school lacrosse team is January 12th. Residents can view the website at www.ahs-lax.com. Commissioner Lindahl suggested planting more trees and bushes on the Andover Station North sliding hill and eventually removing the fencing. He stated this would be more aesthetically pleasing. Chair Masloski stated that he was not at the last Park and Recreation Commission meeting where John Von DeLinde from Anoka County attended. He indicated he recently had an opportunity to listen to Mr. Yon DeLinde speak and stated the residents of Anoka County should be very appreciative of his efforts on behalf of the County. 0 Mr. Haas stated that Mr. Yon DeLinde will be receiving the Clifton E. French Award from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Bu,tler, to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Respectfully submitte~ Barbara Hughes, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 0