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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 17, 1992 o o o C}\ o o CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W, . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting September 17, 1992 7:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Residents Forum 3. Approval of Minutes 4. Andover City Hall Complex Discussion 5. 6. Chairman's Report 7. Adjournment o o o rj\ CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - SEPTEMBER 17, 1992 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Kieffer on September 15, 1992, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover Fire Station #3, 1785 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Mike Auger, Darrell DeLarco, Roger Paulson, David Woods Tom Anderson, Jim Lindahl Public Works, Kevin Starr Others Commissioners absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 20, 1992: September 3, 1992: Correct as written. Correct as written. MOTION by Augerr Seconded by DeLarcor to approve the Minutes of August 20 as written. Motion carried on a 3-Yes (Kieffer, Auger, DeLarco), 2- Present (Paulson, Woods), 2-Absent (Anderson, Lindahl) vote. o MOTION by Woods, Seconded by Auger, approval of the September 3 Minutes as written. Motion carried on a 3-Yes, (Auger, DeLarco, Woods), 2- Present (Kieffer, Paulson), 2-Absent (Anderson, Lindahl) vote. ANDOVER CITY HALL COMPLEX DISCUSSION Dave O'Toole, Linda Kerchner and Bill Kerchner represented the Andover Athletic Association. Mr. 0' Toole explained he has approached the Athletic Association as an outside member about getting started on another sports field complex, as he had the impression from the joint meeting with the Council that he should move ahead with it. He started to get cost estimates and found the clearing and grading to be very costly. That is why he talked to the Army Reserve, and they are willing to help out in this project. He has not yet mailed the letter to them requesting the help because they require that the request come from a non-profit organization; plus he is waiting for a letter from the City indicating the Council supports the project. The proposal would be for the Army Reserve to do the grading early next spring, then plant the grass by the fall of 1993. o Mr. O'Toole explained once the Army Reserve agrees to the project, they will send an Action Officer to work with the city, the AAA, and the Park Board. He was not aware of any requirements or rules about the City's or Association's responsibilities; but he agreed to check into that further. Mr. O'Toole stated he will also try to get as many donations as possible from companies, plus the Athletic Association will be doing a fund raiser in conjunction with registration. l,) / '\ '-..J Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 17, 1992 "' Page 2 ,,) , , \ ) , , ) (Andover City Hall Complex Discussion, Continued) Chairperson Kieffer stated one of the concerns is the location. The Council has directed them to look at the possibility of selling the property south of the City Hall and purchase additional land for this complex either west or north of the existing park facilities. City Staff has not yet looked into that alternative. An advantage to that would be the existence of one large facility rather than two separate ones. One of the main concerns for the location to the south is the safety factor of people having to cross Crosstown Boulevard between the two facilities. Mr. O'Toole had a layout of ball fields, soccer fields, and a football/track field for the property to the south. That layout is basically the same as what is in the proposed Comprehensive Plan. It was estimated the amount of land available for that complex is 38 acres. The Commission felt it would be a good idea to get copies of layouts of sports complexes done in other cities before the design is done for this one. Ms. Kerchner asked about the time frame for this project. Chairperson Kieffer wasn't sure until a decision is made about the location, but felt the request to the Army Reserve may be a bit premature. Discussion was on the location for the complex. It was noted that to the north, the facilities would have to work around the power line easement. It was not known if the property to the west is availabler and there was no interest in looking for property elsewhere in the City. In looking at the amount of acreage available and the topographies, it appeared as though the existing City property to the south encompassed the largest useable area. It was also pointed out that the existing City Hall park facilities and the sports fields are quiet and secluded, and the Commission generally felt it should remain that way. Chairperson Kieffer stated there is also a possibility that the purchase agreement for the southern site includes a stipulation that the property must be used for City purposes, not for housing. It was agreed that the Attorney should be asked to review that purchase agreement to determine whether or not the City can sell the property. Also, Staff should pursue the possibility of acquiring property north or west of the existing facilities, but that they would be satisfied with the southern location. Because the two sports facilities would be separate, the Commission did not envision much activity between the two; so the safety issue may not be that great. Discussion was also on the costs and potential funding for the complex. It was agreed that the irrigation for the ball fields should be put in before the fields are seeded. Mr. O'Toole thought it would be possible to get volunteer labor to install the irrigation as was done in the existing complex. He will also take care of fund raising, and he pointed out several sources he intends to pursue. j \_/ Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 17, 1992 Page 3 -' (Andover City Hall Complex Discussion, Continued) The Commission realized that some funds will need to corne from the City, possibly from park dedication funds. It was suggested that the best source would be to bond for the total amount and construct the complex all at once, though it was recognized that bond issues are difficult to pass. It was pointed out that both Ham Lake and Coon Rapids had 50- percent matching grant funds to construct their sports complexes. Mr. O'Toole stated a lot of expense will be eliminated if the fields are leveled by the Army Reserve. The Commission asked Mr. O'Toole to wait before sending the request to the Army Reserve until more information is known as to the location of the complex. The Commission also wanted to know if the Army Reserve had any requirements of the City and what they are. It was agreed to discuss this item again at the October 15 meeting. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT , ./ Chairperson Kieffer stated no progress has been made to draft an Adopt- A-Park program. The River Raiders 4-H Club has been cleaning up the Strootman park and has reported to him on their progress. The Commission discussed the disadvantages of working with volunteer help, as they are not always dependable. Mr. Starr stated they do not depend on them; however, it is nice to have the additional help. Also, the City has appreciation letters that can be sent to the organizations that do these types of projects. He thought some guidelines should be typed up as to what is expected of individuals or groups that would adopt a park. The Commission agreed with having the City Council give certificates of appreciation for the efforts of these groups. Chairperson Kieffer stated that the Commission will be able to carry over the $20,000 to 1993 that was earmarked for Kelsey-Round Lake park this year. It will take Council action to do so. MOTION by DeLarco, Seconded by Auger, to adjourn. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Anderson, Lindahl) vote. The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~?~ Recording Secretary J