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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 26, 1985 C0 G0 () CITY of ANDOVER MINUTES INFORMATIONAL MEETING September 26, 1985 The informational special meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:40 by Chairman Prochniak at Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Blvd. N.W. MEMBERS PRESENT: Prochniak, LeFebvre, Kinkade, McMullen, Strootman MEMBERS ABSENT: Szyplinski, Sabel ALSO PRESNT: Mayor Windschitl, Councilman Orttel, Councilman Elling, Maureen Gaalaas-CSI INTRODUCTION: Chairman Prochniak introduced the Commission members present and also the Mayor and Councilmen and Maureen Gaalaas from CSI. Prochniak then proceeded to explain that the reason for the $300,000 bond referendum was for park improvement in order to bring all parks in Andover to minimum standards. He explained that some parks will receive more than others depending what was already done in the parks. He stated that some parks are undeveloped and would require more work than the parks that are developed. He stated that there were plans available for residents to review. Chairman Prochniak stated that ALL Parks are for ALL residents and that their input is important to the Commission in order to accomplish the best needs for each park and to allow the Commission to work at a quicker pace. PARKS AND PARK DEVELOPMENT: Commissioner LeFebvre gave a brief history of park development in the City of Andover. He stated that Andover is a young city (10 years). He stated that by 1990 3/4 of the population will be under the age of 35;therefore, parks will be in demand. Two kinds of parks are necessary - one on the community level to serve for residents of the whole city and one on the regional level to be used by' residents of all cities. He then listed the items that are taken into consideration when planning for park areas: C) 1. designate areas to service all ages 2. consider asthetics 3. proper balance 4. existing schools in area 5. long range planning 6. location PAGE 2 INFORMATIONAL MEETING September 26, 1985 ( \ V,.J G~~ , '\ ,j PARK DEVELOPMENT IN 1985- i Chairman prochniak presented to the audience,with use of maps, the parks in the City that have been developed: City Hall Site: In the last year, playground was installed, a picnic area up with shelters and grills. will continue. 138th Tot Lot - located at the corner of Speedy Market - was fenced - monies were made available through the County. " .. Quickstrom/Rose - General upkeep, playground equipment, picnic tables, grading and seeding and a backstop. Northglen II - This is a new develoment, grading and seeding of area with backstop. Pleasant Oaks - located in Subdivision 82 - graaing, seeding and playground equipment. Kelsey Park - this was land acquistion with final payment made in 1985 - no improvements at this time. Added Woodland Terrace for expansion of the existing park, grading and seeding Prarie Knoll/Barnes - sliding hill was installed. Pine Hills - Softball field altered into little league baseball field with grading and seeding. equipment was set Improvements Chapmans - The Chairman stated that there were other expenses for maintenance and upkeep for these existing parks. The Chairman stated that the survey which was done by CSI confirmed the need for more develoment in the City of Andover for park needs. He stated that the survey also showed support for development. He referred to the map on the flyer and explained all areas of concern. PARK DEDICATION Commissioner Kinkade proceeded to explain to the audience that the Park Commission cannot rely on park dedication alone for improvements in the parks. He stated that a grant was received for Kelsey along with matching funds and a second grant was applied for for lights at City Hall site which was refused. He stated that the donations received during the year amounted to $300-$400. He also stated that capitol improvements ~530 for the last 5 years totaled $92,400, of which $40,000 was used at the City Hall site. He stated that with the matrix approach, if the $300,000 bond referendum passed, it would allow $480,000 (including $60,000 yearly budget amount) over a three year period but without the referendum it would allow $60,000 per year for 3 years. Kinkade then referred to the flyer and explained the cost per household per year for the referendum. :,) Page 3 Informational September 26, 0,~ Meeting 1985 G"J '. \__) RESIDENT FORUM: Gary Shay: made a statement encouraging improvements in the north part of the city. He then asked how many miles of trails would be considered for the Kelsey Park area? Prochniak stated that it included an area of 70 acres and that the actual trail system has not been drawn out at this time. Mr. Shay asked if the trail system would be asphalt and the Chairman stated that it would be wood chips. Mr. Shay asked about a breakdown for Hawkridge. Chairman Prochniak stated that there would be one field, grading and seeding. John Engelson: Coon Rapids - Mr. Engelson asked if there were any plans for wildlife preservation, canoes, fishing, cleaning and dredging of Round Lake etc. Commissioner LeFebvre stated that aeration would be necessary but most people believe due to historical reasons not much has been pursued in this area. Mr. ???? - stated that he thought that there should be better breakdowns for each park and what would occur. He stated that more information should be presented in the newspapers. He also stated that he felt 45% of the budgeted amount was too much for lights and watering. He questioned the necessity for that. Don Hiltner: Mr. Hiltner asked if hunting and snowmobiles were allowed in Kelsey Park? He was told that there is not hunting in that area because of the amount of residences in that area and building is increasing all the time. Snowmobiles and any motorized vehicles are not allowed in any city park. Gary Shay: stated that based on a $75,000 home at $16 per year at a total of $1.34 per month for 3 years, it was his feeling that he has spent at least $20.00 per month for gas alone to transport his children to other cities for their games etc. He felt it would be a tremendous savings right there for that reason alone. He also stated that, as far as the breakdown for the parks to be considered, it is his feeling that you can't please every single resident but, he felt it would certainly be a good start and he has a very positive feeling about the entire issue. In regards to the fire bond, he would support both issues, provided they appear in a timely fashion. He wants to see the City of Andover appear in the ranks along with the other cities in the area, and he stated that this could be possible in the future if the bond referendum passed. Mr. ???? - He stated he would support the issue and told the Commissioners that when he left home, his 9 year old daughter asked him for a playground in his area (165th and Argon) . He stated that there wasn't anything in the area now and wondered \ if there could be one in the future? Chairman Prochniak stated ,) that it was not one of the target areas; however, the Rum River Park area was not too far away. He stated that the Commission would address that situation to see what could be done in Page 4 Informational September 26, , '. ) Met::cu.", 1985 v,J the future. He stated that due to the lack of funds there is a lack of development. SUMMARY The Commission explained a summary of work to be done in the parks in the future if the bond referendum passed by vote of residents. Commissioner LeFebvre thanked the residents for coming and he stated that he hoped the Park and Recreation Commission could live up to their expectations. Commissioner Kinkade stated that the dollar figures were rough figures and that if the bond issue passed the details would be available at that time. Commissioner LeFebvre stated that in reality, if the bond issue does not pass, it will be back to budgeted monies and the pace will be slower as far as getting parks up to minimum standards. The Commission encouraged all residents to attend the Park and Recreation meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month. It is the only way the the Commission knows what residents want or need in their parks. Commissioner KlnEadestated that the street lighting was not a consideration for the bond issue. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. .,