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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 3, 1980 o o 0 ~ 01 ANDOVER o . o PARK COMMISSION MEETING - APRIL 3, 1980 MINUTES The Regularly Scheduled Meeting of the Park Commission was called to order by Chairman Mand at 7:32 p.m., Thursday, April 3, 1980, at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Blvd. N.W. Commission Members Present: Commission Members Absent: Also Present: Anderson, LeFebvre, Nichols & Rogers Longbella & Meyer Jim Merila & Lee Ecklund - Rolling Creek Trails Lary Carlson, Sylvia Britton & Theresa Berglund - Hawk Ridge East & Woodland Terrace Ray Sowada - Public Works Dept. Larry Bross - Soderville Athletic Assoc. ROLLING CREEK TRAILS Messrs. Merila and Ecklund presented the Commission with an overlay showing a park on the western edge of the plat south of the first proposed park off Andover Blvd. totalling 7.93 acres. Their reasoning for this location was possible future expansion to the west. This along with the inaccessible proposed park would total 13.7 acres. They took Polaroid pictures of the larger park. It appears to be flat farmland (fields). The line of trees along the west line are on the adjacent property. In response to a question, Mr. Merila stated the ponding has now been taken care of, in the lots rather than in the park area. Chairman Mand commented this land is in the area the City is contemplating rezoning from R-l to R-4 or industrial. Mr. Merila stated if it was zoned industrial, this area would not be platted. It would make no difference if it was zoned R-l or R-4. Chairman Mand said it would make a difference. There is more need for a park due to population density in an R-4 zone. Also, he felt a linear trail would receive heavier use no matter what the zoning was. R-4 zoning would allow 13,000 sq. ft. lots, or approximately 3 lots per acre as opposed to the 2 1/2 acre minimum in an R-l zone. Chairman Mand stated a trailway system was discussed at the April 1st City Council meeting. They felt they wanted some input from the County as far as a trail system and find out if they are in fact actively pursuing such a system. Regarding the Coon Creek Watershed Board, the gentlemen advised they want to know where the park is going before making their decision. There was a lengthy discussion about a trail on the south side or the north side of the creek. Chairman Mand mentioned there would be fewer parcel owners to deal with on the north side. Mr. Merila and Mr. Ecklund felt a trail along the south side would make more sense. According to }Ar. Ecklund, Mr. Roth, owner of the landfill, mentioned turning the dump into a recreation area when it is filled. Chairman Mand said if this was done, it would be a private recreation and not a pUblic recreation area. He would hesitate to see the City consider this for public use due to the possible pollution hazards involved. If Wx. Roth develops this area, he in all probability would not be agreeable to a public trail located next to a private area. Bill LeFebvre mentioned the Rum River snowmobile trail runs along the south side of the creek and snowmobilers and cross country skiers as well as residential property owners don't mix. There was some discussion relative to crossing the creek at various points. Mr. Ecklund then claimed the Commission has had six months to do their homework and also mentioned the delays caused by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council. He wanted ~~decision tonight. Chairman Mand advised six months ago they were told the original parks ..~re unacceptable and that the Commission preferred land along the creek. With regarding to the zoning question, perhaps the timing of the plat was inopportune. Mr. Ecklund felt taking the lots along the creek was an unreasonable request. Sharon Anderson stated there is a Page #2 - Minutes . April. 3, 1980 u o o o question on the zoning and the trail system and that the Commission has never dealt with anything like this before. She felt the park should be all on one side of the creek. ~bairman Mand commented one of the Council members has expressed a desire for a parkway located ~h the north side of the creek. Also, he has heard the Coon Creek Watershed Board will not . allow any more bridges to be constructed across Coon Creek - the City could own an inaccessible piece of land for 20-30 years, if not forever. This will be verified. Mr. Eklund then cited previous park dedication/fees and asked if the City took park land on all the river.lots in Rum River Forest. Chairman Mand stated no, due to the high bluff on most of the river lots which would make access to the river difficult and, therefore, unsuitable for park purposes. Glen Rogers mentioned Coon Rapids has acquired land along Coon Creek but the trail isn't tied together yet. He would like to see some input from the County before making any decision. This SUbject is on the City Council April 15th agenda and felt a decision could be made at the next Park Commission meeting, April 17th. MOTION by Rogers, seconded by Anderson, to table park discussion on the Rolling Creek Trail plat until the April 17th meeting which is after the discussion of a trail system between the City Council and the County Park Department; and at that time treat this area as R-l zoning. Motion carried unanimously. Discussion: Mr. Merila stated there is a 60 day time limit on the plat. can be extended. Also mentioned was the parcel which is now termed park could eventually go tax forfeit since it would be an unbuildable lot. He was informed plats land across the creek HAWK RIDGE EAST Mr. Carlson expressed some displeasure over the proposed $1,000 an acre in lieu of park land on this plat. He felt using Country View Estates in determining this figure was a mistake as Mr. Madison paid too much for the land. When he realized this, he offered to sell it to him and he refused. To his knowledge Mr. Madison has not sold a lot in that plat because he has priced himself out of the market. Many things have to be taken into consideration when buying land _ acreage, topography, road locations, etc. There have been no current sales in the area of Hawk Ridge so it is difficult to set a price in today's situation. Steve Nichols asked if he would be satisfied with $850 an acre. tIT. Carlson stated he was willing to pay the $1,000, but asked that Country View not be used as an example in the future. MOTION by Nichols, seconded by Anderson, to recommend the City Council accept cash in lieu of land in the amount of $850.00 per acre on the Hawk Ridge East plat. Discussion: Chairman Mand thought the land values were too wide spread, citing Good Ridge Acres, and asked if Mr. Carlson would be agreeable to $900.00 an acre. Mr. Carlson stated anything below $1,000 would be a saving to him. However, he informed the Commission he had turned down an offer of $1200 an acre south of Langseth'S on Co. Rd. 9 - a major thoroughfare - and this area was all high and dry. Vote on Motion - Yes - 2; No - 3 Motion failed. MOTION by Rogers, seconded by LeFebvre, to recommend the City Council accept cash in lieu of land in the amount of $900.00 per acre on the Hawk Ridge East plat. Vote on Motion - Yes -4; No - 1 Motion carried. ()ODLAND TERRACE Mr. Carlson stated TKDA has not finished the plans with regard to the ponding areas. He also preferred the original location of the park next to Chapman's. Glen Rogers commented he felt Page #3 - Minutes 0 'Apri~ 3, 1980 o o o the original park was well designed. Mr. Carlson went on to stated to check with Midwest Planning, who he understands is now bankrupt, ~3nsity. Their answer was there was a need for a full sized park. U Regarding the north-south length of the proposed park, 1~. Carlson reminded the Commission intent is for a neighborhood park and not a community type park which would create traffic problems. As soon as Mr. Carlson has something from the engineers, he will request to be placed on an agenda. the Mayor asked him about park land vs. The plat was then changed. the ASSESSMENT POLICY Chairman Mand advised the Commission the City Council stated improvements to a park area in new developments will not be assessed to the City. The North Metro Soccer Association would like to use the City Hall field again this year. Larry Bross informed the Commission the Soderville Athletic Association is going to install a set of bleachers either at City Hall or Pine Hills in the near future. PICNIC TABLES Chairman Mand informed the Commission the City Council has authorized the purchase of five picnic tables at a cost not to exceed $1,000 rather than have staff make them. They also want these tables set in concrete. Ray Sowada was asked to select the tables from a catalog. Sharon Anderson asked if one table could be placed in Cedar Crest park. MOTION by Anderson, seconded by Nichols, to authorize the City Clerk to purchase five picnic tables and sufficient concrete for installation at a cost not to exceed $1,000 and that payment be taken out of Capital Outlay - Equipment. NORTHWOODS TREE PURCHASE Edna Meyer was not present so a Lakeland catalog was not available. Chairman Mand asked Glen Rogers if there prices were that much less. He said probably in large quantities, but didn't think there would be much difference in smaller quantities. The Commission asked Ray Sowada to take care of ordering the trees from Bailey's. MOTION by LeFebvre, seconded by Nichols, to authorize the City Clerk to purchase five mountain ash, four seedless Marshall ash and approximately one hundred columnar buckthorn bushes from Bailey's Nursery for placement in Northwoods East park at a cost not to exceed $450.00; further that payment be taken out of Capital Outlay - Improvements. 1979 SURPLUS The Commission had been advised there was a surplus of a little more than $50,000 at the end of the year. Ray Sowada explained some of the problems staff encounters due to lack of manpower, especially when there is a fire or a snowstorm. MOTION by Mand, seconded by Anderson, to recommend the City Council hire an additional employee who holds at least a valid Class B driver's license; further that this person's salary be taken out of 1979 surplus and also that this person's division of time be determined by the City Clerk and Senior Public Works Person. Motion carried unanimously. "'--"'iscussion: Glen Rogers thought the motion should specify park employee. Ray stated there '-cf.re times when park work is slow and this person could be helping out in other areas. A salary amount was not recommended, although a comment was made "you pay for what you get". Page #4 - Minutes 0 . April 3, 1980 . o o o SUMMER CETA EMPLOYEES ,-The Commission was advised the CETA program is available for summer help. Ray Sowada : 'elated some of the problems encountered with persons under the age of 16 with no driver's '---licenses. MOTION by Mand, seconded by Anderson, to recommend the City Council hire at least two CETA persons, age 16 or older, with valid driver's licenses to help the Public Works Department this summer. Motion carried unanimously. EQUIPMENT PURCHASES Ray Sowada would like to see a four wheel drive with plow and sweeper in the 1981 budget. Chairman Mand stated possibly one could be bought this year. Vehicle sales are slow and he thought one could be purchased at a reasonable price at this time. Ray thought he could get one for under $10,000. He will check into this further. A need for a tractor was then discussed. Ray told the Commission the Ford 515 tractor is not designed for heavy duty work. He cited some examples such as: 1. The back end tips up when the bucket is full. 2. It is top heavy - he hesitates to use it on very steep hills or ditches. 3. It is difficult to plow the hockey rink because of its size and weight. 4. It isn't sturdy enough to add on equipment such as an ice scraper. Chairman Mand commented the City is gaining more parks every year and also more ditches _ both additional personnel and equipment is needed in order to keep up with the demands. The Commission felt a larger model is definitely needed. Ray was asked to check into the cost. Noted was both items would be cost shared. Ray also advised the Wards tractor is completely worn out and needs to be replaced. LAKERIDGE-SOCCER Chairman Mand stated the park area at the end of the cul-de-sac looked pretty level. He wondered if the Fire Department would burn off the area during a drill. Ray Sowada advised he would have to talk to Bob Palmer about this. If this was done, it could be dragged. There are now deep furrows where carrots were planted. Mentioned was the possibility of this being done at the same time the hill was reshaped. CITY HALL SITE PLAN Chairman Mand said possibly the County would do a site plan and relocate the ballfield and hockey rink when Hanson Blvd. is extended. swing set. There this had to go to there is monel in dr"i).~'i)./ 1:'-0" N""!I 40'0. MOTION by Anderson, seconded by Nichols, to authorize~he City Clerk to issue a purchase order for a swing set to be placed in Cedar Crest par~and that the payment be taken out of Capital Outlay - Equipment budget. Motion carried unanimously. Sharon Anderson stated Cedar Crest park could use a in the area. A question arose as to whether or not Mand advised he was told if it was a small item and go before the Council. are many small children the Council. Chairman the budget, it need not ,-Chairman Mand stated the boat ramp issue was resolved at the City Council April 1st meeting. \....) MOTION by Nichols, seconded by Anderson to adjourn. Meeting adjourned 11:00 p.m. ~. ~ c.tfully s~iy~ed: ./""'-<:C~G~ ae Ellen Bakke, Secretary o o 0 CITY 01 ANDOVER o M E M 0 RAN DUM o Mayor and City Council TO: COPIES TO: City Clerk FROM: Park Commission DA TE:: April 11, 1980 REFERENCE: CETA Employees The following motion was made at the April 3, 1980 Park Commission meeting and is for your consideration: MOTION by Mand, seconded by Anderson, to recommend the City Council hire at least two CETA persom, age 16 or older, with valid driver's licenses to help the Public Works Department this summer. Motion carried unanimously. (iL 7:1.~~4 Wes Mand, . Chairman Park Commission o o QTY 01 ANDOVER 0 o MEMORANDUM o TO: MAynT' Ann r,ity r,()1m~il CO PI ES TO: City Clerk FROM: Park Commission DATE:: April 11, 1980 REFERENCE: 1979 Surplus The following motion was made at the April 3, 1980 Park Commission meeting and is for your consideration: MOTION by Mand, seconded by Anderson, to recommend the City Council hire an additional employee who holds at least a valid Class B driver's license; further that this person's salary be taken out of 1979 surplus and also that this person's division of time be determined by the City Clerk and Senior Public Works Person. Motion carried unanimously. 'tkn~1Z~~ Park Commission r'. , ___J o o 0 CITY 01 ANDOVER o (~l '-..) M E M 0 RAN DUM TO: Mayor and City Council COPIES TO: City Clerk FROM: Park Commission DATE:: April 11, 1980 REFE RENCE: Hawk Ridge East Plat The following motion was made at the April 3, 1980 Park Commission meeting and is for your consideration: MOTION by Rogers, seconded by LeFebvre, to recommend the City Council accept cash in lieu of land in the amount of $900.00 per acre on the Hawk Ridge East plat. Vote on motion: Yes -4; No - 1 Motion carried /(~ ~~~ Wes Mand, Chairman 'tb Park Commission !) \ ' ...