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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 1, 1992 o o o ~ CITY of ANDOVER Park and Recreation Commission Meeting October 1, 1992 7:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Residents Forum 3. Approval of Minutes 4. Echo Ridge Sketch Plan 5. Andover City Complex Discussion, Continued 6. Kelsey - Round Lake Park Discussion 7. o 8. Chairman's Report 9. Adjournment o Q o o o o o ~ CITY of ANDOVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION - OCTOBER 1, 1992 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jeff Kieffer on October 1, 1992, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Tom Anderson, Mike Auger, Darrell DeLarco, Jim Lindahl (arrived at 7:35 p.m.) Roger Paulson, David Woods Assistant City Engineer, Todd Haas Public Works Superintendent, Frank Stone Others Commissioners absent: Also present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 17, 1992: Correct as written. MOTION by DeLarco, Seconded by Auger, to approve the September 17, 1992, Minutes as written. Motion carried on a 4-Yes (Kieffer, Auger, DeLarco) 2-Present (Anderson, Lindahl), 2-Absent (Paulson, Woods) vote. (Commissioner Lindahl arrived at this time. 7:35 p.m.) ECHO RIDGE SKETCH PLAN The Commission reviewed the sketch plan of Echo Ridge located east of Jay Street in the southern portion of the City. Because of a proposed park tot lot to be located west of Jay Street, the Commission agreed to accept cash in lieu of land for this development. ANDOVER CITY COMPLEX DISCUSSION, CONTINUED Chairperson Kieffer reported it has been determined that there is no stipulation in the purchase agreement of the property south of the City Hall as to its future use. Therefore, the City would have the right to sell that land, which could be used for development in compliance with the zoning. Mr. Haas stated the Staff has determined the PIN numbers and names of property owners of the 40 acres to the north of the City Hall park complex. The intent is to contact them about the possibility of selling that land to the City to be used as a sports complex. Discussion was on the differences between developing the existing City-owned property to the south or the property to the north as a sports complex. Mr. Stone felt the property to the south is more valuable today because it is closer to the MUSA boundary, though both properties have the ability to be served with municipal utilities. <) (~ . " Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 1, 1992 Page 2 , / (Andover City Complex Discussion, Continued) It was also noted that on the northern parcel, many of the trees would be removed in the construction of the complex, and there is a need to work around the power line easement. There is some lowland to be considered. There was also a great concern over having the access to a northern sports complex come from Hanson Boulevard because it is already a very busy road with traffic expected to increase even more in the future. In addition, the Commission feared it would be a timely process to acquire the property to the north because several different owners are involved. Mr. Stone stated that the maintenance of the facility would be the same in either location. After further discussion, the consensus of the Commission was a preference to locate the sports complex on the existing City property to the south for the following reasons: . , There has been some indication that the School District may be willing to help in some way since the complex would be adjacent to the Andover School facilities. The Commission was anxious to meet with school representatives regarding the needs and uses required, though it was stressed that the facility would be owned and operated by the City. Potential conflicts should be addressed prior to the construction of the facility. I There may be greater use of the facilities with the school being able to use them during the day. Presently the school uses the existing fields, which means the children must cross Crosstown Boulevard. The school parking lot would be available for overflow parking. The access to a complex from Crosstown Boulevard is more desirable and less dangerous as opposed to accessing from Hanson Boulevard if the northern area is chosen. In terms of finances and timing, it appears to be more advantageous to use the land the City already owns rather than attempting to sell it and to purchase other property. It is hoped that the Army Reserve will agree to do the grading next spring. The City's Comprehensive Plan calls for the property to be developed for park purposes, plus the trail system is proposed along CoRd 18. The existing City Hall Park Complex is desirable because of its quiet nature, especially with the picnic facilities in the back. Creating a sports complex adjacent to it to the north would negatively impact that sense of tranquility. " / Very little pedestrian traffic is anticipated between the existing and new facilities, so the issue of crossing CoRd 18 is not a large factor. u u Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 1, 1992 :~ Page 3 (Andover City Complex Discussion, Continued) Mr. Stone stated that the western soccer field was built on Public Works property. At the moment, much of their storage is south of Crosstown Boulevard. If the sports complex is to be located there, he proposed that Public Works get back that soccer field area to have some place for their storage piles. He didn't anticipate having to go back into the wooded area. He agreed that the soccer field could be maintained until another field could be opened to the south. The Commission acknowledged his request and hoped to comply with it. They also hoped that when needed, the wooded area could be cleaned up for an additional picnic area. MOTION by Auger, Seconded by DeLarco, to request the City Council to designate that 38 acre-track south of City Hall as a complex for recreational purposes in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Paulson, Woods) vote. KELSEY-ROUND LAKE PARK DISCUSSION o Mr. Haas explained the archaeological survey of Kelsey-Round Lake park was inconclusive because of underbrush in the area. They are unable to determine whether or not there are Indian burial mounds on the site. As a result, the Minnesota Historical Society has asked to protect the area where the mounds may be located by having the trail deleted that is connected from the main trail to the island located near the southeastern portion of the park. By deleting the trail, the papers can be signed and work begun in the park. The Commission was concerned about the results of the archaeological survey. It was felt the purpose of the survey was to determine whether or not the Indian burial mounds exist, and that was not accomplished. There was a reluctance to make any change to the trail system based on speculation. They questioned what was expected for the amount of money paid and objected to paying for a report that is not conclusive. Mr. Haas stated he will furnish the entire report to the Commission for the next meeting and will check further into what is required of a Phase 1 survey, which is the type of survey that was requested. The item is tabled to the next meeting, October 15, 1992 CHAIRMAN'S REPORT ~J Mr. Haas updated the Commission on the work done in the various parks. The grading for Pleasant Oaks, Hidden Creek East and Creek View Crossing is completed. The City has not yet received the bills for that work. '-) o Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 1, 1992 Page 4 , / (Chairman's Report, Continued) The Commission was concerned with contracting on a time and materials basis, as the cost could greatly exceed what was anticipated. Staff was asked to set out maximum cost limits and specific completion dates on all future contract work. Mr. Haas stated if there is a problem with the billing on any of these projects, he will ask the contractor to come before the Commission to explain the costs. Commissioner Lindahl suggested that a Phase 1 environmental audit be done on any park received to determine past usage or litigation on the property. If the City accepts property that is contaminated, the City becomes the liable party. Mr. Stone agreed, stating a visual inspection for debris, etc., should also be done prior to accepting parkland. Chairperson Kieffer reported Terry Liedens contacted him about the condition of the Lund's Evergreen Estates park on l64th. To make it usable, Mr. Liedens has tilled up the three-acre park, leveled it and seeded it. In the spring, he stated he will add weed killer. The work done was approximately $2,800 to $3,000. Chairperson Kieffer asked the Commission if it would be willing to reimburse Mr. Liedens for the cost of the grass seed, which is about $500. '\ 'J The Commission generally agreed to reimburse Mr. Liedens for the grass seed and suggested he may also wish to have a receipt for services provided for tax purposes. MOTION by Lindahl, Seconded by Anderson, that we pay Terry Liedens for the cost of the seed, not to exceed $500, and to thank him for his services. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Paulson, Woods) vote. Chairperson Kieffer stated he will contact Mr. Liedens to bill the City for either the seed or other costs, not to exceed $500. The Commission agreed. Mr. Haas advised the Commission the $500 will be taken from Park Dedication funds. BUDGET REPORT Mr. Haas reviewed the budget presented to the Commission as of August 31, 1992, noting a few discrepancies that will be corrected by Staff. He also explained that expenditures that have been approved will come out of the General Fund. All other expenses must come out of the Park Dedication fund or it must be approved by the City Council. Mr. Stone explained that the Park Commission must establish a specific capital improvements budget for each year which is then approved by the Council. Any deviation to that budget must first receive Council approval. A budget must be established for 1993, hopefully by January, 1993. J () , '\ U Andover Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - October 1, 1992 ~ Page 5 (Budget Report, Continued) The Commission expressed frustration that they have not been able to get current information on monies expended and balances remaining. Mr. Haas stated he will have that information for the Commission's next meeting. Mr. Stone asked where the funds will come from for the additional park that is being improved. The Commission noted that is for the upgrading of Terrace Park. If any funds are remaining in the General Fund, it should come from that fund. The remainder will have to come from Park Dedication funds. It was hoped that with a more detailed budget, specific year-end expenditures can be determined at the next meeting. The Commission also asked that the Finance Department provide a separate sheet for the expenditures in Kelsey-Round Lake park. Mr. Haas stated he will ask that that project be given a separate budget number. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Stone stated the City has rented a paving machine. He asked if the Park Commission wants to have the walking paths around the City Hall complex paved. The Commission felt it would be a good idea; but because r-\ they did not have the specific budget figures, it was agreed that the \.__) job should not be done this year. MOTION by DeLarco, Seconded by Andersonr to adjourn. Motion carried on a 5-Yes, 2-Absent (Paulson, Woods) vote. Meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, :!l~e~~ Recording Secretary -~ '", ,.-.J