HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 4, 1990
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CITY of ANDOVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISION
MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 04, 1990
The regularly scheduled meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission
was called to order at 7:35 P.M. by Chairman Jeff Kieffer on Thursday, January 4,
1990 at the Andover City Hall Offices, 1685 Crosstown Blvd., Andover, MN.
commissioners Present: Chairman Kieffer, Jim Lindahl, William Mamlock,
Marc McMullen, David Woods
Others Present: Jay Blake, Todd Haas
Residents Forum
No residents/representatives were present at 1/04/90 meeting for business other
than as scheduled on agenda.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION made by Marc McMullen to approve minutes of the 12/21/89 Park and Recreation
meeting.
Second to motion by William Mamlock.
All commissioners favor motion; MOTION passed. t1inutes of 12/21/89 approved.
Kelsey Park Grant Discussion
The Park and Recreation Commission was asked to review information on the
Minnesota Park Grant Program offered by the Minnesota Department of Trade and
Economic Development. It was requested this discussion take into consideration
a request from Matthew Hoefer to assist the city in development of Kelsey Park
in an effort to obtain Eagle Scout designation.
Matthew Hoefer explained that a requirement to obtain Eagle Scout designation is
the scout must plan and carry out a service that is beneficial to the community..
plan must first meet the approval of his scoutmaster. In this case, recommendation
must next come from the Park and Recreation Commission. Plan is then presented
to Scout Council. Work on project can commence once Scout Council has approved
plan.
A project description was submitted by Hoefer. This outline was included in the
packet to Park and Recreation Commission. The plan is to build and mark cross
country/hiking trails in Kelsey Park. plan entails the following:
1) Cutting through brush and clearing trails
2) Transporting brush to be burned or disposed
3) Obtaining signs to mark the trail
4) Permanently placing signs
5) Possibly creating a snowmobile trail around ski trails to divert
mechanized traffic
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6) Making a large sign for head of trail
Hoefer would like to begin project within 4 - 6 weeks. He stated that working
while there is snow cover would allow him to determine the best ski trails.
Clearing the trail will be less difficult than in the spring. Matthew does not
believe a deep snow would hamper project in a major way.
Commissioner Delarco questioned what effect this project will have on request
for grant.
Blake answered that city cannot use Hoefer's work as part of city's matching
effort for grant. Hoefer's design and trail system can be used.
Commissioner Lindahl asked Hoefer about his past involvement in similar projects.
Hoefer replied he has worked on conservation projects. Additionally, as a member
of the Blaine Ski Team he is very involved in skiing and knowledgable of trails.
Kieffer noted that snowmobiles are not allowed in city parks.
McMullen noted there may be confusion in regard to prohibiting snowmobiles if
Hoefer is allowed to use a snowmobile while clearing trails.
It was recommended that Hoefer carry written permission from city if he is allowed
to use snowmobile on park property.
McMullen stated trail could possibly be cleared more thoroughly if done in the
spring.
Hoefer stated he would like to begin project as soon as possible. If necessary,
he would go over trail again in the spring.
Hoefer does not have an immediate deadline for project. In order to become an
Eagle Scout project must be completed by scout's l8th birthday. Hoefer has
approximately three years before he turns l8.
Kieffer stated that while winter clearing may be beneficial for ski trails,
spring clearing may be better suited for hiking trails.
McMullen suggested professional help be considered. A professional design
incorporating Round Lake may present a better "package" if plan is to apply for
grant.
McMullen questioned width necessary for biking trail.
Delarco noted that Grant Program ranking definitions require six to eight foot
width with two feet absolute minimum based on topography and vegatation is
required for a hiking/walking trail.
McMullen stated a straight end access into park off major road is requirement
of grant. Parking lot should be determined to give Hoefer a start point for trail.
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Lindahl stated at this point cross country ski trail could loop through the park.
currently there are several points of access to park.
McMullen noted that preliminary trails for park are on file. Hoefer could use
those plans for ideas.
Kieffer stated that commission is not ready to commit to a permanent trail due
to grant consideration and questions regarding access. A temporary trail system
is a possibility.
McMullen recommended Hoefer proceed with designing trail, with the understanding
that clearing of trail would not occur before sprin~.
Delarco suggested Hoefer be given existing preliminary trail plans so he can
begin his design.
Blake noted that Hoefer's suggestion for a snowmobile trail around ski trail would
not be allowed.
Lindahl suggested Hoefer examine trail system at Lake Maria.
Kieffer noted an upcoming park project Hoefer could be involved with would be
the layout of trees for Strootman Park.
Marc McMullen made a MOTION to approve Matthew Hoefer's proposal excluding items
5 and 6 of project description. Jay Blake will be staff contact person involved
in working with Hoefer. Actual clearing of trail is not to begin until spring.
Second to motion by william Mamlock.
All commissioners favor motion; MOTION passed.
Blake will research if DNR has a program to assist city in financing improvements
to Round Lake.
Blake stated cost of planning park improvements can be kept down if part of work
is done in house.
McMullen noted that parker's Lake in Plymouth is an example of how shoreline and
other improvements can transform a park. He urged commission to explore options
for such improvements on Round Lake.
The process for grant application is two-fold. The
was completed las fall but needs to be fine tuned.
to state. The state will an~lyze total package and
first step - preliminary application -
The second step is a presentation
visit site.
It was determined that money spent on planning is reimbursable through grant if
grant is approved.
Blake raised the question - if development of other parks should be put on hold
for three years while Kelsey is developed.
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McMullen recommends special work sessions with city Council to plan Kelsey
development and financing. He will talk to DNR about soil testing to determine
if white sand exists in Round Lake.
If grant is approved, money would be awarded January 1, 1991.
Plan can be modified with state approval once grant has been approved.
A possibility for financing would be a bond. Public Hearing would be necessary
to determine if city can proceed with bond issue.
Blake cautioned that Fire Department may also seek bond. To proceed with
financing and development of Kelsey/Round Lake willtake much effort on behalf
of staff and appointed officials. Blake proposed efforts be coordinated with
DNR and Department of Trade and Economic Development.
Budget projections for 1991 will be available in September.
Blake will search files forTKDA estimate for park design.
MOTION made by William Mamlock to adjourn.
Second to motion by Lindahl.
All commissioners favor motion; meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Hogan