HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 5, 1981
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PARK COMMISSION MEETING - MARCH 5, 1931
MINUTES
The Regularly Scheduled Meeting of the Park Commission was called to order by Chairman
LeFebvre at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 1931, at the Andover City Hall, 1635 Crosstown
Blvd. N.W.
Commission Members Present:
Commission Members Absent:
Also Present:
lAand and Nichols
Longbe11a and Rogers
Nancy Hagman - Community/Summer School
Ted Lachinski and Bob Peach - Capital Improvement Committee
SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Nancy Hagman stated she would like to discuss. the summer school program in three sections -
morning playground, afternoon playground and baseball.
Last year there were eight sites, plus Crooked Lake School, for morning playground and
she was looking for a ninth. One of the sites last year was on private property. However,
this summer they have a tentative o.k. to use the Family of Christ Church property. She
was advised of the improvements to Pine Hills and the fact the area west of Tulip was
heavily populated. She then asked about Cedar Crest adding that she received a call from
a woman who said they were building a new park on 173rd. Wes Mand said, due to street
improvements, this area was now a holding pond; also Xenia from 172nd to 173rd does not
exist. He stated, according to the City Engineer, this area would be graded and seeded
by July 1st which would be too late for the program. Nancy stated she would look at the
Pine Hills and Cedar Crest sites tomorrow.
Wes Mand asked if the activities between morning and afternoon playground could be balanced
out. Last year most of the kids in his area missed out on morning playground because they
went to summer school. Nancy explained this would be difficult as morning playground is
mostly crafts and afternoon playground includes the special activities. Quickstrom was
the only park where they had a problem in attendance. This is probably due to the fact
the kids are getting older in this neighborhood. She was reluctant to change the program
at this time due to leader scheduling adding that the morning playground benefits those
not attending summer school. Also, they have worked on trying to make the program as
cost efficient as possible. Bob Peach commented it was cheaper to bring the teacher to
the kids than to bring the kids to the teacher. Ted Lachinski suggested to incorporate
some of the morning activities into the afternoon playground. Nancy stated they have
never tried crafts in the afternoon, one reason being it gets hot between 1-3 p.m. and
some of the sites have no trees. Bob Peach remarked it was hard to settle kids down in
the afternoon after they've eaten sweets as they become hyper. Steve Nichols suggested
trying some of the morning activities in the afternoon for a year. If it doesn't work
out, it could be scrapped.
Nancy then stated she would like to
the area is not heavily populated.
Cedar Crest.
change the afternoon location of Aztec Park because
Suggested was Langseth or the street easement at
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Nancy further reported that last year the Commission suggested softball instead of a
baseball program. Coon Rapids is considering softball this year and, if they change,
the summer program will also switch. They would then play the Coon Rapids teams. Anoka
will not consider switching to softball. She sent a questionnaire to the parents of
last year's participants regarding baseball vs. softball and the response was neutral.
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March 5, 1981
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By switching to softball, she hopes to attract more girls and those boys afraid of a
hard ball. There will be the added expense of changing equipment. For the younger
players she intends to use a small ball due to the size of their hands. She thought
she would call this just "ball". Suggested was "mini-ball" to let the parents know the
kids could handle it. Ted Lachinski referred her to Larry Bross of the Sodervil1e
Athletic Assoc. if she had any problems.
She went on to explain that there were very few tennis lesson sign-ups for the courts
at Northwoods and was undecided on whether or not to use these courts this year. It
was generally agreed that, if the list for City Hall was more than it could handle, the
overflow would play at Northwoods.
Incorporating soccer into the program was then discussed. Nancy admitted it is becoming
a popular sport but fowaw a staffing problem. Chairman LeFebvre offered his help to
find staff as he is President of the North Metro Soccer Assoc. Bob Peach suggested
contacting old (retired) coaches from the Sodervi1le Athletic Assoc.
CAPITAL ThmtOVEMENT PROGRAM
Ted Lachinski presented a bar graph depicting park revenues and major expenditures
from 1975 through 1979. This graph reflects the moratorium. on platting and grants
received with construction the following year. He asked for 1) A list of parks to
be developed within the next six years, placed in the order of priority, 2) An estimated
cost of providing sketch plans for the development of those parks, 3) The actual sketch
plans of the parks, and 4) An estimated cost of development of those parks. He doesn't
foresee the Council raising the mill rate very much, at least for the next two years.
Also, as park dedication fees are received, the Council will be less willing to fund
parks out of general revenue. He thought the Commission should have a.: conservative
program and an agressiveprogram when grants are available. If grants are not available,
a switch could be made to the conservative program.
Wes Mand colored the park lands on a City map. The blue areas were wetlands, red were
useab1e, areas in brown were areas in the process of being acquired and orange were
possible future acquisitions. He went on to explain the useab1e parks in the populated
urban service area are, for the most part, already developed. The exceptions would be
Green Acres, which is small, and for which a request for a backstop has been received; a
playing field in Northwoods West; playing fields in Northglen. Noted was there already
is a site plan for Northg1en. He estimated it would cost no more than $5,000 to finish
these parks.
Further discussion involved the existing equipment and playing fields in each of the parks
in the urban service area and the limitations due to the size. Playground equipment
for Meadowood was approved but the residents never returned with a specific request.
However, ChapmanjWoodland Terrace would be incorporated into the plan. Mentioned was
the original site plan for Woodland Terrace/Chapman was, in the Commission's opinion, a
good one.
Outside of the urban service area there are also limitations due to wetland designations
and the Scenic River Ordinance. Rum. River South will remain as a site for a canoe access.
Site plans have been drawn for these two parks as well as Fox Meadows. Wes l~d wondered
whether the Council wants to keep the City Hall site as a municipal site or a park site.
Ted Lachinski stated he felt it has been established as a park site since there has been
a site plan drawn. The road location will have to be changed due to the extension of
Hanson Blvd.
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Acquiring property north of City Hall was then discussed. Previously the person owning
the ten acre parcel wanted $6,000.00 an acre. Questioned was whether or not this area
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could be condemned. Ted Lachinski said it was possible, but the legal expense would
make it prohibitive.
~ Wes Mand then explained the point system regarding LMCR/LAWCON grants and the fact that
most of the money is allocated to improve the parks in the urban service area. He asked
if it would be possible to move the western boundary up two 40's which would then
include the proposed regional park. Ted Lachinski thought there was enough time for
the Council to consider this and asked that this subject be placed on the next City
Council agenda. If this was done, there would be a much better chance of obtaining a
grant for land aquisition. An estimated cost per acre was $1800 to $2000. Lyle Bradley
is now working with the students preparing the site plan for this park.
Also to be considered in the capital improvement program are assessments, summer/community
school, equipment and manpower. Ted Lachinski sated the total program should be more
realistic than the last one. This item will be continued.
DNR/SHARP GARAGE
The Dept. of Administration has turned down the request to purchase this garage for $1.00.
It must now be offered on an open bid basis. Terry Helmstetter, the park planner, stated
the building would not interfere with the parking lot but it would be an object for
vandalism. Wes Mand stated at one time Ray Sowada said he could use it for storage. An
amount of $100.00 was mentioned. Since the bid opening is March 25th, the Commission
decided to ask Ray what he thought it was worth, if he wants it. The slab mayor may not
be removed. If it remains, a roof could be placed over it to create a shelter.
TREES/BACKSTOP - GREEN ACRES PARK
Last year Mr. Hager and Mr. Beck requested trees and shrubs plus a backstop for this park.
They will be requested to attend the next meeting since a current catalog has been received.
GARY WEST/NORTHWOODS EAST PARK
Gary West has again requested the use of this park Monday and Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m.
He also requests more ag lime and a Satellite plus benches. Steve Nichols stated the
field is used by the residents almost every night of the week and weekends. The Commission
felt the constant use warranted the expense.
MOTION by Nichols, seconded by Mand, to allow Gary West's team to use the Northwoods
ballfield this summer. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION by LeFebvre, seconded by Nichols, to authorize the rental of a Satellite (Poly-San)
for 6 weeks to be placed in Northwoods East Park. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion: Steve Nichols was asked to check on its use to see if the rental period
should be extended. The Commission was informed the City never received a bill for last
year's lime. It is assumed it was billed to A & P because Brook Adolfson hauled it. Steve
Nichols commented the ag lime layer was pretty thin.
MOTION by Mand, seconded by Nichols, to authorize the purchase of ag lime not to exceed
$250.00. Motion carried unanimously.
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SLOTH/STOCKADE FENCE
The Commission received three quotes for 500 ft. of stockade fence. The price range was
$2160 to $2685. The Commission agreed this type of fence was too expensive. Steve
Nichols suggested that Mr. Sloth buy his own fence and the City would then reimburse him
the amount it would cost to move the existing fence. Chairman LeFebvre stated, if this
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type of fence was purchased for this park, he would anticipate requests for the same in
other parks. Wes Mand disagreed somewhat stating that this is not a typical park. He
felt the wood fence'would invite vandalism and thought perhaps a taller chain link fence
would be in order. Noted was fencing was not included in the grant. Mr. Sloth will be
invited to the next meeting to discuss this matter.
PARK FUNDS
The savings account balance is now over $47,000.00. Discussion involved a safe amount
of money to be placed in 30, 60, 90 or 6 month notes. Steve Nichols stated next fall
it should be placed in 6 months notes since there are no major expenditures during the
winter months.
MOTION by Nichols, seconded by Mand, to invest $15,000 in a 30 day note and the balance
in 60 or 90 day notes, whichever has the higher interest. Motion carried unanimously.
Discussion: Wes Mand commented this money should have been put into a 6 month note last
December when the shopping center dedication fee came in. It would have matured in June.
A question arose as to what happened to the grant money received last year. Bob Peach
stated the Council put $8,000 into the 1981 budget to cover the City's portion of the
boat landing project.
NORTHWOODS TENNIS COURTS
The Commission was advised of cracks and a large bird bath developing in the courts.
Wes Mand said this matter should be referred to the City Engineer. He would be the
logical one to determine why it is breaking up,and, as Public Works Director, he should
arrange for the necessary repairs. One assumption would be that the courts were built
on top of peat.
MOTION by Mand, seconded by Nichols to adjourn. Meeting adjourned 10:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
~ctiJ~d~
ae Ellen Bakke, Secretary
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landscape site design
2112 28th Ave, So,. Mpls,. Mn 55406
341-3741
February 16, 1981
cosr ESrIMATE FOR PLANS AND CONSTRTJCTION DRAWINGS OF
CROOKED LAKE PUBLIC ACCESS:
Initial 30ard Meeting
:3 hrs.
Site Invetory and Base 11ap
4 hrs.
Design Development
4 hrs.
Grading Plan
2 hrs.
Construction Details
Ramp
Parking Lot
Sign
Fences
5 hrs.
Plant ing -Plan
4 hrs.
22 hrs. @ $S/hr. (student rate)
$110.00
Materials
10.00
Travel Expences: :3 - 55 mi. trips = 16S mi. @ .20/mi.
:3:3.00
TorAL
$15:3.00
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. landscape site design
2112 28th Ave, So,. Mpls., Mn 55406
341-3741
February 16, 1981
TO: Wes Mand
Andover Park Board
FRON: 'rerry Helmstetter
SUBJECT:
CHANGES IN PARKING Im PLAN FOR
CROOKED LAKE PUBLIC ACCESS
Enclosed is an itemized cost estimate for the Crooked Lake plans and two draw-
ings for you and the Board to reTiew concerning changes in the Crooked Lake park-
ing lot.
When I plotted the turning radius specified by the DNR for vehicles pulling trail-
ers, it became clear to me that the lot form I provided in the prelimina~ plan
could not be accommodated in the limited space available on the site. Therefore,
on the drawing labeled "Eight Bay Lot", you will see that I have substituted essent_
ially the configuration of the DNR lot plan while siting it north-south in the
existing cleared area, relat1Te~ free of trees. I have explored other traffic
flow and-parking configurations and this seems to provide for the .most efficient
use of space while providing for optimum vehicle circulation.
However, there are following problems with the Eight Bay Lot Plan:
1. The south portion of the ramp access drive comeS within approximately
25 feet of the ,lake edge. If the lake level has the potential of ris-
ing in flood years, perhaps you should consult your city engineer and
the DNR as to how much of a problem this might be.
2. Also, several trees near the lake, including the willow clump, would
like~ have to be sacrificed to accommodate the necessary grading.
The drawing labeled "Seven Bay Lot" shows that a slightly sllIaller lot would allow
for necessary grading without sacrificing lake edge trees. And one less parking
space provides a more adequate 40 feet between th~ lake edge and the approach drive
for the ramp.
/.U" cont.
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'-~ CHANGES n~ PARKn~G LOr PLAN cont.
I am aware that your funding source requires a minimum number of parking spaces.
However, I noticed in your agreement with the DNR that their minimum is senn
spaces. I'm wondering it your funding source would be amenable to ne~otiating
for a reduced number of parking spaces ( from eight to seTen ) considering the
limitations of the site.
The site is . reall,y quite small for an 'eight bay lot. HoweTer, if there is no
way around this eight bay requirement, We may haTe to reTert to the original
DNR concept with the lot diagonal on the site. I hope. this can be aToided;
because, ~s you know, the diagonal position establishes the parking lot as the
dominant feature on the site. Physically and TisUlllly it would dominate that
entire end of the lake and require the remoTal of 14 or more trees as well.
It seems somewhat inappropriatA to concentrate on optimum parking and circula_
tion conditions for a relatiTely slllll.ll time percentage user i.e., the bORter,
at the expense of the larger time-percentage user, i.e., those park users,
neighboring residents, and passers_by who use that site as visual access to the
lake twelve or more hours a day the year around.
I regret that ~y lack of experience resulted in the need to make these changes
so late in the planning process. It's ~ hope that your partner agencies can
be accomlllodating so that we IlIIl.Y proceed with a slllll.ller lot.
I will continue to work on the other construction details so that all I will
need to do is complete the grading plan once the lot size and location issues
are settJed.
I receiTed the package containing the Michigan Design Guide. That along with
additional ramp specifications from the DNR giTes me enough material to do
the working drawings.
Thank you - look forward to hearing from you soon.
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