HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 18, 1981
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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT~ COMMITTEE/PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
JUNE 18, 1981
~lINUTES
A Joint Meeting of the Capital Improvements Committee and the Park and Recreation
Commission was called to order by Chairman Ted Lachinski at 7:30 p.m., at the
Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Anoka, Minnesota.
Committee members present: Ted Lachinski, Bob Peach, Tom May (arrived at 9:20)
Glen Rogers, and Wes Mand
Park Board Commissioners present: Chairman Bill LeFebvre, Wes Mand, Gary
Longbella, John Wielgosz, Jo Zillhardt,
Steve Nichols, and Glen Rogers
Also present: City Staff Engineer, Larry Winner
KELSEY PARK GRANT
Commissioner Mand explained that the grant for the rural area is ranked third, which
would mean approximately $11,500 for the City if the other grants are funded fully.
That will not cover 50 percent of the land acquisition costs. Discussion was on
the options at this point, suggesting that the City negotiate with the landowner to
determine whether the land could be purchased in portions, then submitting a new
proposal to the Grant Committee. The City could then reapply to purchase the re-
maining land next year, possibly setting up a staged program of acquisition of the
property. The Park Commission unanimously agreed to pursue the acquisition of the
39.3 acres for Kelsey Park and to negotiate for a portion of the property to stay
within the amounts of the grant and City matching funds.
PARK BOARD CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
All parks in the City were reviewed as to the terrain, existing facilities, and
potential development, beginning with those parks in the urban service area and
then the remaining parks in the rural area (Reference the June, 1980, listing of
Andover Parks, name, acreage, year acquired, existing facilities, and map). The
Secretary was then directed to prepare a rough draft of possible improvements
suggested in the parks (attached), which the Park Commission will use as a guideline
in determining dollar amounts needed to develop each park and prioritize those
developments. The Secretary was also directed to provide the Commissioners with
copies of the March, 1981, rough draft of the Park and Recreation Commission's
section in the Community Development Needs portion of tne CIP.
When discussing the Northwoods West playground, the problem of the crack in the
tennis court was brought up. TKDA has recommended patching it this year to see if
that will solve the problem. Mr. Winner asked the Park Commission whether they
would want to have soil borings and compaction tests done to determine the soils
condition. Twin City Testing will do three soil borings for approximately $500.
Commissioner Rogers suggested that the Engineer's recommendation be followed (TKDA).
Then if the problem continues to exist, it would be their liability. It was suggested
the item be placed on a Council agenda and that the Attorney be made aware of all
the facts.
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When discussing the LakeRidge Park, the Park Commissioners generally agreed to remove
the remaining peat in the park, which Mr. Winner estimated was approximately 18,OUO
yards, and that Mr. Winner negotiate with the contractor of the Northwest Area to
remove the peat, allowing the contractor to purchase the amount ot topsoil he needs
for the project, estimated to be approximately 1,000 yards at 75 cents a yard.
CIP/Park
June 18.
Page 2
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Commission Meet~
1981 - Minutes
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Mr. Winner is also to negotiate as to wheththe contractor would be agreeable to
loading the City truck so the topsoil could be placed in other areas of the City
where it is needed.
When discussing the Cedar Crest Park. Councilman Peach stated he had received a call
from a resident asking that "No swimming" signs be placed in the area. as apparently
children are playing in the water standing in the pond. Mr. Mand asked the
consequences if the pond were filled to the water level. which should then eliminate
having standing water in the pond at all times.
After reviewing the park sites and potential development of each. it was agreed
that the Park Commission will determine an estimated dollar amount for development
of each of the parks. The projects are then to be prioritized. suggesting two
different priority lists be made, one which would be used assuming funding would
be limited to park dedication fees and general fund money. and the second which
would assume the City would bond for the park development. which could probably
include land acquisition of those areas noted (behind City Hall. Kelsey Park area.
area between Wobegon Woods and White Oaks Country Estates). Hopefully the dollar
amounts can be determined for the CIP as soon as possible. with the priority lists
done after that. It was felt that maintenance requirements could be determined
once the development figures are known.
Meeting adjourned at 10:39 p.m.
, Respectf""y ,"bmHted, L
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Ma>Cella A. Peach
Secretary
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CIP/Park Commission Meeting - June 18, 1980
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ANDOVER PARKS - POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
(Parks are listed in the order discussed at the meeting. The park numbers shown
correspond to the listing of the June, 1980, Andover Parks list and is intended to be
used as a reference only.)
1. Meadowwood West - is primarily a canoe access and is not large enough or high
enough to do any more development on it.
2. and 3. Meadowwood North and South Parks - residents were opposed to placing
playground equlpment in the one park feeling the location is a safety hazard for
the children. If it were fenced, the area would be too small to place any amount
of playground equipment in it. The other parcel is on an interior street, but
residents were not interested in developing that park. It was felt that there
would be no further development of these parks unless it would be used for a
pumphouse or other City utilities in the future.
4. and 40. Quickstrom and Northg1en - could be one of the priority park areas
because of the development in the area. Has the potential for playground equipment,
ballfields, possibly two backstops, active large-scale play areas. It is
relatively level and could potentially be expanded to the east as that land
develops.
Holding pond behind pumphouse - it was thought that this should be considered
parkland and could possibly be made into a skating rink in the winter, agreeing
that should be investigated fyrther. Uiscussion was on the question of the
average amount ot water that would be in the pond at all times and on the
liability question of an unfenced area of standing water.
5. and 6. Meadowcreek and ~oat Landing - could be one of the priority park areas.
The last of the buildings should be off by August, after which the City can begin
development. Completion of the initial grant program is estimated to be by
next summer. Beyond that development-could include landscaping, possibly an
open shelter building, picnic tables, grills, restroom facilities, possibly a
warming house facility, possibly a skating rink on the 1ake. Discussion was also
on the possibility of aerating the lake, the different types, costs, noting that
would need to be a jOlnt project with the City of Coon Rapids. That needs to be
investigated further.
7.
Dehn's Park - is wet and totally unusable.
filled it the streets;in Dehn's and Lund's
There are no plans to do anything with the
There is a possibility it could be
Round Lake Estates are ever improved.
area in the foreseeable future.
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8. Chapman's Park - possib1~ expansion with the development of the land to the east.
It was generally felt that once expanded it would provide area for a nice park;
however, it is not feasible to consider potential development until the develop-
ment of the land to the east is realized, speculating it would be three to four
years before that happens. There was some discussion on requtringaccesses to
park areas to be 75 to 100 feet wide to allow for a road, parking on either side
and trees and shrubbery to be planted in the boulevards. Many parks presently
have only 10 or 20 feet of access to them, which some felt was insufficient area.
9. Green Acres Park - backstop is in the process of being installed, hedge being planted
along the north edge. Could put a skating rink in there in thi winter. Outside
of a few hundred dollars for .ag lime and miscellaneous items, the park will be
virtually completed in 1981.
CIP/Park
June 18.
Page 2
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ommlSS1.on ~eetlng
1980- Potential Park
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Development
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10.
Northwoods West Park - has now been leveled and will attempt to place black
dlrt and seed it tnis year. Future development could include post and cable
for parking. class 5. and other small playground equipment. possibly a soccer
field.
11. Northwoods East Park - is completed.
12. Red Oaks West Park - 'could add more playground equipment. Mr. Winner noted
there has been consideration to increase the size of the pond to alleviate water
problems for some of the residents in the area.
13. Red Oaks East Park - it was felt that nothing should be done with this park
until the landfill is completed.
14. Shady Knoll Park - is completed.
15. The Oaks Park - is virtually inaccessible at this time and it was felt that
nothing be done with it until the landfill is completed.
16. Hartfiel's Park - is low.and possibly could be filled from excess dirt as the
Hanson Boulevard project is done.
34. Red School House - to be maintained as an historical site. It is understood
that some of the original desks and bell from the school are at the Musket
Ranch. It was agreed that the City Clerk should ask Mrs. Heidelberger if
those items are there and whether she would be willing to return them so
they could be placed in the School House. Possibly it would be a project that
would interest the Historical Society.
25. Barnes Rolling Oaks Second Addition Park - because of the low density in the
area. it was felt that no development would be done in this park for the next
six years. although ba11fie1ds could be developed if there is a demand for them.
29. Lund's Evergreen Estates Park - because of the low density in tne area. it was
felt that no development would be done in this park for the next six years.
There is a potential tor expansion on three sides of the park to make it a
nice-sized park.
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39. Rolling Creek Trails - it was felt it is unlikely the park will be developed
within the next six years. and there is also some question as to whether the
plat will become finalized.
27. 3a. and 38. Lund's Round Lake Estates Park. LakeRidge Park. Andover West Park,
and potential Kelsey Park - the island off Lund's Kound Lake tstates park would make
a nice picnic and nature area and could be preserved as an historical area.
The remainder of the park should be preserved but does not suit itself to
development other than a nature area. It was agreed that Mr. Mand will talk
with Lyle Bradley to obtain the historical material he has on that entire
area of the City to include some of that material in the CIP Plan. It was
also felt that the acquisition of the land for the Kelsey park area is a priority
item for the next six years. with development of the entire area following that.
With all parkland together. park development could include nature. picnic. and
athletic areas. The remaining peat needs to be removed from the LakeRldge park.
the sliding hill just needs the finishing touches. possibly put in a backstop
and small ballfield. but development is probably beyond the six-year period
being dealt with in the CIP.
CIP/Park
June 18,
Page 3
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omm1ss10n eet1ng
1980 - Potential Park
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Development
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30. and 31. Rum River Forest parks, North and South - the portion on the river will
probably be left as a canoe access and picnic area; with parking area along
the road. The other portion is being filled with fill from the Cedar Crest
improvement project, but it could use more fill. It needs to be leveled, graded,
seeded, and could support active play areas, possibly II playground equipment and
ba11fields.
23. Grow Oak View Park -' is almost inaccessible at th1S time with no development
planned within the next six years.
36. Fox Meadows - a site plan was done which included a tot lot area, ballfields,
soccer field, needs to be leveled, playground equipment, parking area, possibly
a shelter, and trees. It is in a less populated area.
32. Pi,le Hi 11s Park - could use some top soil, which could be brought in from
LakeRidge, needs to have grass planted, parking area needs Class 5, post and
cables, potential of baseball and soccer fields.
22. Valley View Park - is low with no plans for development at this time. A permit
1S needed from the DNR prior to any excavation work being done there.
21. Cedar Crest Park - was reshaped this year with a swing set ordered to be placed
in the park this year. No plans for any further development.
20. Langseth Park - except for possibly placing a picnic table and small ballfield
1n the park, it is virtually completed.
26. Hawk Ridge Park - is presently being leased; would lend itself to some ballfields
and soccer fields, some excavation would be necessary. It is in a light density
area.
17. White Oaks Country Estates Park - iSJO to 80 percent wet and in the DNR wetland
area, with the high ground around the edges of the park. Possibly a skating rink
could be made in the winter. Discussion was on the possibility of either leasing
or purchasing land between Wobegon WOOds and White Oaks Country Estates, which
would serve a large area, feeling extra parkland is needed in the area because
of the unuseable area in White Oaks Country Estates Park. There was also some
discussion as to how it could be acquired and possible offers and negotiations
with the landowner.
19. Birch Ridge Park - no development is being planned as it is under restrictions
until 1999.
18.
Forest Meadows Park - is being leased, with the sod farmer taking
land and in the process of working up the front end of the park.
be able to acquire the portion owned by the farmer at some future
the park.
sod off the
May possibly
date to expand
28.
Oak Hollow Park has large stumps remaining in the park.
picnic tables and shelters.
Has the potential for
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CIP/Park Commission Meet\~~
June 18, 1980 - Potential Park Development
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~ Tax Forfeit and County Gifts:
Lots 1, 2, 4,7, and 10, Block 5 - Nordeen's Addition - possibly the lots could be
sold or mowed if the demand is there.
County Park west of Nordeen's 'Addition - is inaccessible.
possibly Mr. Nordeen would be agreeable to have the
which would then provide access to this County Park
It was suggested that
City take over his ballfield,
area.
County Park on Crosstown next to Moore's Estates - too small to do anything with.
37.
City Hall Site - soccer fields in the back, development depending on
for future expansion of public works, police, or whatever, a warming
needed. Discussion was also on the desirability of acquiring the 20
the immediate north of the City Hall Site for expansion of the park.
question that needs to be answered by the Attorney is whether or not
can be condemned for park purposes.
the needs
house is
acres to
The
property
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SIP DRAFT No.
April, 1981
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3.0 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
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~ 3.3 PARKS AND RECREATION (This is an addition to the previous draft and should be
included between the last two paragraphs on the last page.)
The following chart shows the per capita park expense from general revenues
plus the per capita expense from both general revenues and park dedication fees
received from developers for the years 1975 through 1980:
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PER CAP ITA PARK EXPENSES-t'"
Year From Genera 1 Revenue From Genera 1 Re\le~ ,) !./">
ahd Park Dedication Fees, <.-','....yw ~I),J,
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1975 $1.08 $1~09/ j ~1,")/'J';.,," fi,\ ,/ ;.
1976 .82 1. 6x.. y- [) ,....!."'. f}',J -:J,I . l'
1977 2.66 3.490*",~;,:r-' /, 1R \J~V
1978 6 . 91 Q;' 3', ,I./'. !. "I ','"
1979 2.65 /7.02* !i',i.' rIY'p-/.l
",_. r- ......, ~.
1980 .95 5.83** . Ol'~ \' Vi' Ii \;'
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* Also includes grants received for the construction of the tennis courts
** This expense is not totally accurate in that a substantial amount of park
dedication fees were received as a result of the development of the Andover
Shopping Center, but those funds were not actually expended in 1980.
To provide a background of where major park improvements
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following list is included and can be used in determinfwhere
should be made:
Community School Program
and Summer School program:
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1975
1979
1980
Crooked Lake Boat Landing:
Northwoods Park:
1975
1977
1978
1980
Total
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have been made, the
future enhancement
$ 3,349
3,865
5,801
7,856
16,392
18,490
$509 Fence
850 Fence
DNR purchased property for the Boat
Landing, and grant monies were received.
Actual expenditures carired over to 1981
$ 910 Backstop
819
36,214
285
~38,228
Tennis court and swing
set (including grant)
Trees
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CIP DR FT P k d R V( d . . d )
, A - ar an ec A dltlon to raft
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Red Oaks Park:
Green Acres Park:
Ci ty Ha 11 Site:
Chapman's Park:
School House:
Lund's Park:
Pine Hills Park:
Cedar Crest Park:
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1975 $1,359
1976 1,390
Total $2,749
1975 $ 1 , 108
1976 $ 474
1977 325
1978 27,574
1980 1,250
Total $29,623
1976 $502
1976 $2,338
1979 $3,637
1980 $,780
1980 $472
Pond excavation,
Swing set
Equipment and site
improvement
Equipment
~arming house
Warming house
Tennis Court and Misc.
Hockey rink and soccer
goals
Fence
Shingles and taxes
Bleachers and benches
(((wasn't there money spent in Meadowwood park in 1980??? mp)))
Swing set
The pro-rated expenses for equipment for park maintenance includes:
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
$ 1,585
883
6,910
584
1,114
10,700
Lawn tractor
Station Wagon
Tractor '
Snow Blower
Lawnmower and miscellaneous
'Tractor, pickup, plow, etc.
The assessments lev led against park property on improvement projects are pard
for from the Park Board budget. They include:
1979 $10,124
1980 4,900
An additional expense for the Parks Department included the development of the
Park System Master Plan done by Midwest Planning and Research in 1977 for $5,740.
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~IP [,RPF-;- "D.
March, 1981
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3.0 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
3.3 PARKS AND RECREATION
The City of Andover has a rapidly growing population dispersed across a
relatively large area. Through the year 1990, it is projected the City will have
approximately 3/4 of its population under 35 years of age, with the median age
approximately 21 years, which in turn impacts the development of parks within the City.
During the next two or three decades, the parks will be needed for neighborhood
tot-lot play apparatus, programmed recreation for youth (hockey, skating, little
league, softball fields, football, and soccer) plus areas for individual non-
competitive exercise, family park and recreation facilities, and adult-scale
recreation programs and individualized or small group activities.
;:.l.-;')cos:f '10 ~?:,,:)
The City has~overn 30' separate park sites of whi ch on ly a mi n i ma 1 number are
improved. All those sites have been dedicated to the City through the process of
subdividing the land. Until August, 1979, the City's park dedication policy for
residential development of 2~ acres or greater required 10 percent of the gross land
area only in land. And because the City was somewhat lenient in exercising its
authority to require only useable land for park purposes, many of the park sites are
not only too small but very low land as well. Since 1979, the City has taken a
more agressive approach to park development, being more cognizant of overall park
planning and demanding the dedication of useable land for park purposes from
developers or requiring cash in lieu of land. The park dedication policy now
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requires the dedication of either $lOO/lot o~D-per~~~-the-gr~S5-+anu-a~
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be'hrglleve'Dped-f.er-s~=:lot-{jeve-1oprnent, 10 percent of the gross land area being
m 1'1 J(!<c:C"
developed or 10 percent of t_he, assesseB value of .the land in cash,re:rup, /1' ~
. ...!j"-L- "l<'C'~.-e..> '-V/~cd1 a~cfL" u .~~I
d.e.lte~pmen.t;,-Mld--dedi-c.at-+ori~a:serl.~~~n-ih~-nuA1b~f:=.uJlil~'-4J~S€d whl{n mu 1 tip le (p-- ~~
housing is developed.-
'~ With the help of grant funds, two tennis courts were constructed on park sites
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within the city -- one at Northwoods park done in ~ and one at the City Hall
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CIP - Parks and Rec - Page 2
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site in 1978. In '~:(-9 )the City also began a community school program at Crooked
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Lake Elementary school, done in conjunction with the School District No. 11
Community School Advisory Council. And since 1979, the Park and Recreation
Commission has worked in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources on the
Crooked Lake Boat Landing.project. The DNR purchased the property; and with the
help of grant funds, the City will develop the area. In addition, the Park and
Recreation Commission nas supplied many of the parks with small equipment and
leveled areas for recreational activities. But probably the greatest accomplishment
has been that maintenance of the parks has increased and improved tremendously
since the City's Public Works Department was expanded over the last several years.
In 1977-78 the City contracted Midwest Planning and Research to complete a
Park System Master Plan. Included in the plan was a staged development program
noting the type and extent of recommended park and recreation development that
should occur within the City to accommodate the projected demands of the community.
Because of the limited revenues
very few of the recommendations have been
implemented; however, the plan still provides the basis by which the City can
prioritize and implement its capital improvement program for parks and recreation.
The following recommendations were made in the Park System Master Plan:
1. Provide an emphasis on the development of basic neighborhood facilities located
where residential populations are developing. The area should be suitably sized
to include play equipment, athletic fields, and skating areas.
2. Active regulation sized reGreational sites must be developed to meet the needs of
young adults and youth in the categories of softball, baseball, football, soccer,
hockey, and tennis, again to be located with reasonable accessibility to developed
areas. Andover's greatest deficiency and biggest demand is for active recreational
opportunities, but existing park land holdings provide limited suitability for
to
providing such activities,
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CIP - Parks and.Rec - Page 3
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3. A community park or a limited number of neighborhood passive parks should be
c=; developed for picnicking. An appropriate balance must be provided among the
active and passive recreational areas and activities, tailored to the needs of
the total population throughout the community.
4. Increased maintenance is needed in addition to development.
The plan also provided an inventory and analysis of city parkland, suggested a
park site classification system to be adopted to better plan park needs, and
suggested development strategies, funding, and short-term, mid-term, and long-term
development goals. In order to develop parks at a sufficiently rapid pace, the
plan recommended an annual minimum of $4 per person in local money be committed and
a maximum of $8 per person in case grants are not received. The following graph of
revenues and expenditures for parks since 1975 illustrates that funds for park
purposes have increased yearly, and it provides the basis on which revenues and
expenditures can be projected over the next six years.
(Include graph Ted made of
park revenues, expenditures. Also include pages 124, 125 and 126 from Green Compo
Plan Development Framework, July, 1980, showing inventory of city parks, and locations
shown on Andover map -- agreed??? mp)
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The Park and Recreation Commission is now in the process
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of evaluating
existing
parkland to determine how it will best serve the residents. Development over the
next six-year period will be prioritized and site plans prepared.
((Possibly once the Park Board has their priorities established, a paragraph can be
put here to finish up this section on the general goals of the Commission, their
philosophy, generally what they will be trying to accomplish the~next six years.
This could be done either by someone on the Park Board, or I'll talk to someone
for more details and insights. mp))
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