HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 3, 1981
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PARK COMMISSION MEETING - SEPTEMBER 3, 1981
MINUTES
The Regularly Scheduled Meeting of the Andover Park Coromission was called to order by
Chairman LeFebvre at 7:35 p.m., Thursday, September 3, 1981, at the Andover City Hall,
1685 Crosstown Blvd. N.W.
Commission Members Present:
Coromission Members Absent:
Also Present:
Longbella, Mand and Nichols
Rogers, Wielgosz and Zillhardt
Lyle Molskness - Rum River Hockey Assoc.
Mark Schumacher - TKDA
Jerry Windschitl - Lakeside Estates
Lyle Bradley
RUM RIVER HOCKEY ASSOC.
General discussion involved the inadequacy of the warming house, poor ice last year in the
hockey rink and related problems, one of which has been the difficulty in obtaining a schedule.
Lyle Molskness wondered if present public works personnel were experienced in flooding rinks
citing tha~ at one point in time when the ice was soft, a large tractor was in the rink and
created ruts.
Another problem was non-league players were many times using the rink when the hockey assoc-
iation came to practice. Noted it was the end of January before a schedule was obtained.
Without a schedule, it was practically impossible for public works to arrange for ice main-
tenance. Mr. Molskness then stated the quality of ice was much better a few years ago. Colder
weather was one reason; also at that time road maintenance was contracted out so more time could
be spent grooming the ice. Suggested were volunteers from the hockey association to help
maintain the ice.
Further discussion involved the problem with the sand base and how difficult it was to
initially start a layer of ice. Quality differences in nets were then mentioned. Jerry
Windschitl wondered if a plastic linerwould help to keep the water from sinking into the sand.
Wes Mand felt adding clay and roto-tilling it in would work out better. Mr. Molskness offered
to get cost estimates on clay, a tentative schedule plus some input regarding volunteer help
by the first meeting in October. They would like to use the rink, if possible, five nights a
week. Briefly mentioned was storing a better set of goals in the fenced in area behind City
Hall and furnishing a key to the hockey association.
WARMING HOUSE
The Coromission agreed with Mr. Molskness that the warming house is too small and is constantly
being vandalized. Mr. Windschitl then informed the Commission of the senior citizen center
plans being paid for by block grant funds. Possibly, in time, a portion of this building could
be converted into a warming house. In response to several questions, Mr. Windschitl stated
they would know within two to three weeks whether or not money would be available for such a
center and, if so, it would mean $70,000 this year with another $70,000 next year, or a total
of $140,000. It would be constructed as an add on to City Hall to the north and be consistent
with City Hall, ie., a metal building. Several members coromented the warming house should
de more secure and almost bombproof with no windows and fire doors. Mr. Winds chi tl asked
hat size would be adequate and was told 20' x 301 should be sufficient. Wes Mand advised a
spancrete building would run around $25,000 just for the building itself - this did not
include the necessary wiring and other appurtenances. Mr. Molskness stated he would also
check into the cost of concrete buildings. Wes Maud cautioned the need for a site plan before
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September 3, 1981
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buildings were put down.
,- -tth regard to scheduling, 1~. Molskness stated the Commission should decide on how much open
'-~kating was needed and they would work their schedule around it. Mr. Windschitl didn't think
there would be a problem if a schedule was posted outside. The residen~would then know the
hours for open skating.
LAKESIDE ESTATES SKETCH PLAN, #2
This sketch plan is on the northwest side of Round Lake surrounded on two sides by Lake Ridge.
The area consists of 39.8 acres, a long and slender 4 acre park is shown on the west edge. The
proposed park meets with Lake Ridge to the north and connects with Andover West. This area
was formerly called Kelsey Park and is the property the City was attempting to acquire partially
funded by a State grant.
Mr. Windschitl briefly described the plans to create a channel for wildlife from the lake
meandering north to the Lake Ridge development. He has been in contact with Lyle Bradley
and the Anoka Soil & Conservation Service for their suggestions.
Soil borings have been taken and there was considerable discussion over their depth and
locations.
Mr. Windschitl stated, in order to comply with the ordinance, the entire parcel must be platted.
However, this will be a staged development much like Andover West. The first stage will be
Block 1, Lots 1 through 5.
While waiting for Lyle Bradley to arrive, the subject turned to Parcel #6000, which was also
a part of the acquisition project but was turned down due to active activities planned outside
of the urban area. Mr. Windschitl felt there was at least 1600' of shore line involved in
this parcel. The Commission was advised this parcel consisted of 30.5 acres and, through the
grapevine, the owner is willing to sell it for $2,000 an acre. The grant money available
totals $29,000 which would mean the City's share would be $32,000 without an appraisal and/or
dickering. By looking at a map, the parcel seems larger than 30.5 acres. Mark Schumacher
stated the acreage probably only included the area to the tree line due to the changeable shore
line.
Returning to the Lakeside Estates plat, the Commission agreed there was no other logical place
for a park. Steve Nichols asked if l52nd La. would just dead end. Mr. Windschitl stated he
would have to construct a temporary turnaround. This road would lead to the clay pits. Lyle
Bradley suggested to set up a small kiln to show students how bricks were made.
Since Mr. Windschitl does not plan on constructing Vintage St. and physically platting the
lower portion at this time, he was willing to sell Lots 3 and 4, Block 2, to the City in order
to create an even larger park. Wes Mand felt now would be a good time to tie up as much lake
shore as possible as long as the owners were willing to sell.
Subsequent discussion involved requesting the State Planning Agency to reverse their decision
concerning Parcel #6000 and also adding Lots 3 and 4, Block 2 of Lakeside to the grant
application for acquisition. Mr. Windschitl then mentioned the fact that, as Mayor, he would
not be able to coroment or vote on any motion dealing vath his plat.
MOTION by Mand, seconded by Longbella, to recoromend the City Council accept the parkland shown
on the Lakeside Estates sketch plan. Motion carried unanimously.
(~lscussion: It was mentioned earlier that the north end of the park matches up to Lake Ridge
but could be off a couple of feet one way or the other. Steve Nichols asked to try and line it
up exactly. Mr. Windschitl said an attempt will be made to try and do this.
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Since this plat is going to be staged, Mr. Windschitl asked which portion the Coromission
desired to be dedicated first. All agreed the northern portion should be first.
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'-~le Bradley arrived at 9:08 p.m. Mr. Windschitl then mentioned the possibility of asking
the surrounding developers for a cash donation to help acquire Parcel #6000 as it would also
benefit them to have a large park in the area.
Mr. Bradley was then informed of the plans for acquiring the property next to the lake. He
stated it would be wise to acquire as much of the lake shore as possible because the lake is
a prime wildlife spot plus the fact the area has historic value citing the clay pits, the
burial grounds (Which he hasn't been able to locate as yet), Ghostley's poultry research, etc.
The "spider web" concept has worked well in other areas. He then elaborated on other historic
wildlife areas which are just connected by something as simple as a path.
MOTION by Mand that we discuss with State Planning to see if they will reevaluate the grant
application to take in as much as the lake shore around Round Lake as possible.
Discussion: The final grant application has to be submitted by October 2nd. A current
appraisal is a part of this final application. Authorization from the Council for this
appraisal would have to be approved at their September 15th meeting in order to try and meet
the deadline.
Mr. Bradley was asked if he could meet with State Planning and others involved at the site
some day next week; the response was affirmative.
MOTION by Mand to recommend the City Council approve the appraisal of the area in question.
Discussion: The cost of an appraisal was unknown, but it must be done in order to file a
final application. Mr. Windschitl stated there is a statutory limit on appraisals regarding
easements. Who would be responsible for contacting an appraiser was then discussed. Mark
Schumacher advised the City Attorney would be the one as has been done in all other appraisals.
Wes Mand thought money could be budgeted over the next two years, 1982 and 198), to cover the
City's share of the acquisition should the grant be approved. If the appraisal came in low,
possibly Lots) and 4, Block 2 of Lakeside Estates could be included in the acquisition. Mr.
Windschitl reiterated his earlier coroment that he was in no hurry to develop the lower portion
of the plat. Lyle Bradley stated he felt the first priority would be to obtain the lake shore
property. The two previous motions were then withdrawn.
Mark Schumacher was then asked if he would have enough time to prepare the final application.
He saw no problem as most of it could be done around the appraisal figure. The secretary was
asked to contact the City Attorney and inform him of the proposed upcoming appraisal and ask
him to have an appraiser ready. It was generally felt that since the Council has already
authorized money to prepare the final application, they have more or less coromitted themselves
to the project and would approve the appraisal. Mr. Windschitl advised he would not be present
at the September 15th meeting and again mentioned he would have to abstain from any voting on
anything relating to his plat.
MOTION by Maud, seconded by LeFebvre, to recoromend the City Council authorize the City Attorney
to obtain an appraisal on Plat #65920, Parcel #6000 and to also authorize payment of this
appraisal. Motion carried unanimously .'~
Discussion: A meeting will be set up for next week at tile,site with Louis Jambois, Mark
Schumacher, Wes Maud and Lyle Bradley. In the event the State Planning Agency determines the
f 'ea still is not eligible for grant monies at that time, it\is understood this appraisal will
'-..Jt be conducted. i
MOTION by LeFebvre, seconded by Lapgbella, to adjourn.
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RespectfUlly submitted: .(~ c2~~
e Ellen Bakke, Secretary
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Meeting
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adjourned 10:00 p.m.
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