HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 17, 1980
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PARK COMMISSION ~!EETING - JULY 17, 1980
MINUTES
The Regularly Scheduled Meeting of the Park Commission was called to order by Chairman Mand
at 7:40 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 1980, at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Blvd. N.W.
Commission Members Present:
Commission Members Absent:
Also Present:
Anderson, LeFebvre, Longbella and Nichols
Meyer and Rogers
Ron Lehman - Hamele Recreation Co.
Lyle Bradley - Historic Sites
GAME TIME EQUIPMENT
Mr. Ron Lehman gave each of the Commission members a copy of the Game Time catalog and then
explained the merits of his company which has been in business for 54 years. Many of their
employees have degrees in park planning; he has his masters. They were the originators of
the animal spring equipment which they still make out of aluminum. Other companies are using
less durable plastic or fiberglass. The wood structures are made of southern yellow pine
with oversized bolts, etc. making them virtually indestructible. The lumber is treated with
a fire retardant chemical, however, with effort it can be burned as has happened in the past.
The Game Time equipment is more expensive than other companies, but it is also more durable.
These structures are designed to stress upper body muscle development. They have found many
kids have sufficient muscle development in their legs but lack upper body strength. Their
equipment meets all OSHA standards - and they also carry three million dollars in insurance.
Hamele Recreation also offers a park planning service which is tailor-made for each specific
area. Plans are not taken out of a file drawer and copied. There is no charge for this
service in the hope that their line of equipment will be purchased.
Bill LeFebvre offered to drive Mr. Lehman around to view a few parks sometime between soccer
and hockey seasons. He was also given a pamphlet and a price list of steel soccer goals
made locally in Inver Grove Heights which would reduce the freight charges.
HISTORIC.SITES
Lyle Bradley gave a slide presentation showing what exists in and around Round Lake and other
areas. The area is teeming with wildlife. During migration, bald eagles and golden eagles
have been seen on the lake. At one time there were over 2,000 whistler swans. Other less
common animals include mink and whitetail deer.
George Ghostley did a lot of his genetic research in this area. In 35 years he was able to
increase the size of a chicken by 50% and double the size of the egg. He is also well known
for his genetic research in iris.
There are two clay pits. At one time there were kilns in the area to dry the bricks. These
bricks were then used to erect buildings in Anoka and Minneapolis.
At one time there was an island in the lake.which is now a peninsula. Due to the farming,
what once was a 500 acre lake is now approximately 411 acres. Mr. Bradley was informed this
peninsula is now a park.
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P~e #2'- Minutes
July 17, 1980
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In 1853, Francis Peteler had a cabin and a boat house on this island. People traveling to
,/~ecord claims would stop and wave. He would then row over and take them to his cabin for the
'-night. The reason he more or less operated an inn was because of the unfriendly indians.
Mr. Bradley and his students did some excavating in the area and found bits of pottery and
bone fragments. A metal detector would be needed for a thorough search of the area.
A farmer called Mr. Bradley one day and stated he found a tree with a license plate imbedded
in it at least 25 ft. above ground. The only logical explanation would be that a tornado
put it there. He and his students searched the area but at first found nothing. Thinking
that the tree might have fallen, they again searched the area and found it on the ground.
It was then covered with a tarp to preserve it.
The indian mounds have been totally destroyed by agriculture, ie., plowed under.
In response to a question, Mr. Bradley stated the red frogs seen on a park tour a couple of
years ago were common green frogs. They contracted a disease that made them turn red and
eventually killed most of them. Those that survived are now making a comeback.
With reference to the remarks of the salesman from Hamele Recreation, Mr. Bradley commented
recreation need not be expensive and cited several examples dealing with nature study.
Mr. Bradley then pinpointed the historical sites on a copy of an aerial map. This map is
a part of these minutes for future reference. He was informed the City had room to store
the artifacts he has collected.
MAGNUSON SOD'COMPANY
The secretary advised Mr. Magnuson called inquiring if it would be possible for him to
purchase Fox Meadows park to enlarge his sod farm. He was told it was illegal for a munici-
pality to sell dedicated park land. Mr. Magnuson then wrote a letter asking permission to
use the park for a period of time.
General discussion involved rent, sod in lieu of rent to be placed in other parks, or rent
free in exchange for the improvement. Mentioned regarding the length of the lease was two
years or several years. Noted was the fact there have been no requests for any improvement
of this park.
The Commission decided to get some direction from the City Council and the City Attorney as
they felt this would be a good way to have a now unusable park improved at no cost to the City.
However, according to the map, the area to be improved did not include the portion of the
park fronting on 179th Ave. The Commission definitely felt that the land fronting 179th
should also be improved. Also at the time of termination, the lease should specify that the
existing sod not be cut. The secretary was asked to have this item put on the August 5th
City Council agenda.
MINUTEAPPROVAL
MOTION by LeFebvre, seconded by Longbella, to approve the April 17, 1980 Minutes as written.
May 1, 1980 - correct bottom last page with regard to the Hawk Ridge East park dedication
figUre from $9680.86 to $9585.00. The original amount was incorrectly computed.
,/--OI)TION by Mand, seconded by Nichols, to approve the May 1, 1980 Minutes as corrected.
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MOTION by Anderson, seconded by Nichols, to approve the May 15, 1980 Minutes as written.
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Page #3 - Minutes
July 17, 1980
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MOTION by Anderson, seconded by LeFebvre, to approve the June 5, 1980 Minutes as written.
~AUM RIVER HOCKEY ASSOC.
Bill LeFebvre reported they were SUpposed to have a meeting a couple of weeks ago but he has
heard nothing.
CROOKED LAKE BOAT LANDING
The Commission was advised the acquisition of the three parcels by the DNR has been completed.
The agreement has been signed by all parties involved. The City Engineer feels the only
practical building the City should acquire is Sharp's double garage.
MOTION by Anderson, seconded by Nichols, to adjourn. Meeting adjourned 9:30 p.m.
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License plate in tree
Clay pit
Clay pit
Indian mounds
Peteler cabin area
Peteler boat house