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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 20, 2010 C I T Y o F 0 NDOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW,CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Regular Park & Recreation Commission Meeting May 20,2010 6:30 PM Grand Opening at the Andover Community Gardens/Grace Lutheran Church 7:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Resident Forum 3. Approval of Minutes (3/18/10) 4. Consider Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities/Foundation Hill 5. Consider Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilitiesl7 A Boys Traveling Basketball 0 6. Consider Request for a Dog Park(s) 7. Consider Changes to City Code Title 8-4/Park and Recreation Areas (Regulations) 8. Discuss 2011-2015 Park Capital Improvement Plan 9. Anoka County Sheriff's Department 1 st Quarter Report 10. Park Dedication Improvement Fund 1 st Quarterly Report/Finance 11. Update of Community Garden Plotl10-13 12. Outstanding Items 13. 14. Chair's Report 15. Adjournment 0 C I T Y o F 0 NDOVE 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N,W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW,CI.ANDOVER.MN.US PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING -MAY 20,2010 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Butler on May 20, 2010, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Ted Butler, Bill Hupp, Tony Kowalewski, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl, Mark Miskowiec, and Shaun Van Vark. Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Shan Ranmath. Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas, RESIDENT FORUM 0 There were no comments at this time, Motion by Miskowiec, seconded by Lindahl, to close the resident forum, Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, O-present, I-absent (Ramnath) vote. APPRO V AL OF MINUTES Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Hupp, to approve the March 18, 2010 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on as-ayes, O-nays, I-present (Butler), I-absent (Ramnath) vote. AGENDA ADDITIONS Add the following items after Item 6 on the agenda: 6A. Consider application for scheduled use of Recreational Facilities/Anoka High School-Senior Project Group 6B. Park Dedication for Future Phase of White Pine Wilderness Motion by Miskowiec, seconded by Kowalewski, to approve the additions to the agenda. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, O-present, I-absent (Ranmath) vote. 0 CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/FOUNDATION HILL Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 2010 0 Page 2 Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to considering an application for scheduled use of recreational facilities from the Foundation Hill Montessori and Childcare. Mr, Haas reviewed the staff report with the Commission. Commissioner Hupp asked if there were any long weekends that would conflict with any tournaments, Mr. Haas indicated there was not. Commissioner Lindahl stated ifthey were preparing for a tournament at those fields that they be all set up and chalked, He was not sure what the intent of the use was. Mr. Haas stated they will be doing a little bit of everything but the Public Works/Parks Department will make an adjustment and make sure they go out and get the fields ready on Friday afternoon. Motion by Hupp, seconded by Miskowiec, to approve the application as requested by Foundation Hill Montessori and Childcare. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Rarnnath) vote. CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/7A BOYS TRAVELING BASKETBALL 0 Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to considering an application for scheduled use of recreational facilities from 7 A Boys Traveling Basketball. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Hupp, to approve the application as requested by 7 A Boys Traveling Basketball. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Ramnath) vote. CONSIDER REQUEST FOR A DOG PARK(S) Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to a request by a resident for the City to consider a location(s) for a dog park possibly at one of the existing parks or other City owned property, Mr, Haas reviewed the information with the Commission, Mrs. Jen Frisbee and Mr. Rob Frisbee, 14555 Jay Street NW, stated they are very active in the community and wanted to lmow what they can do to get a dog park going in the City. She stated they are fully prepared to get the community and local businesses involved. She noted they have done extensive research into this. Chair Butler asked if they have lived or used dog parks elsewhere that have prompted this, Mr. Frisbee stated they have used the dog park in Coon Rapids along with other dog 0 parks around the country when traveling. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 2010 0 Page 3 Chair Butler asked if this will be used seasonally or year round. Mrs. Frisbee stated personally she would use the park seasonally. Mr. Frisbee stated that if the City were to open up a park it should be year round and would be beneficial to everyone. He thought that even in the winter there are decent days that the dog park would be used. Mrs. Frisbee stated the Minneapolis dog park is open year round and utilized heavily, Commissioner Hupp stated he worked for the Minneapolis Park Boards and they were very popular. He explained how Minneapolis started out with setting up their dog parks. Commissioner Hupp asked ifthe Frisbees would consider organizing activities in the dog park if there is interest. Mrs. Frisbee thought this is just the beginning of the process and definitely something they would consider. She noted their interest is very high and entwined in the dog world, She stated she is ready to put some time, money and effort into this, She stated they have been researching different ways to make money and get this started, Mr. Frisbee stated they would make sure there was involvement with volunteers, Commissioner Lindahl stated a concern with some of the parks listed they have athletic fields and would suggest they stay away from those because of the conflict of interaction and parking. He stated he would like to see a little more community support before they make a decision. 0 Mr. Haas reviewed a couple of the parks that could be used for a dog park, Commissioner Kowalewski asked if the Frisbees have approached some of the bigger businesses such as Lowes, Menards or Home Depot explained to them the possibility of Andover having a dog park and requesting donations offencing, etc. Mr. Frisbee stated they have not done that yet. Chair Butler thought this should be discussed at a later time. Commissioner Lindahl asked how far the Frisbee's were willing to drive to go to a dog park. Mrs. Frisbee thought something centrally located would be a benefit to the dog people and would be used more. Commissioner Van Vark suggested the Frisbee's should set up a booth at the Fun Fest to gauge interest. He wondered how the rules in the parks are enforced. Mr. Frisbee stated Minneapolis, as a guide, requires that in order to use an off leash Dog Park the dog is required to have a license. She stated at the dog parks in Minneapolis the dog owners seem to police themselves and they also require an off leash permit. She noted they are not looking for a huge piece ofland and research tells them that smaller dog parks are more successful. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if this could fit at the open space they have acquired. Chair Butler stated he would be hesitant to do this because they would need to have a 0 fence to contain the dogs. Commissioner Miskowiec stated they are only looking at options and thought this would be an option. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 2010 0 Page 4 Chair Butler stated he was intrigued with the idea and would be worthwhile to look at. He would like to see what Blaine is doing with using their hockey rinks for a dog park. The Commission was interested in looking further into the proposal of opening a dog park in the City. Motion by Miskowiec, seconded by Hupp, to pursue the additional information finding on a dog park. Motion calTied on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Ramnath) vote. CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULE USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES/ANOKA HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR PROJECT GROUP Mr. Haas explained this item is in regard to considering an application for scheduled use of recreational facilities from the Anoka High School-Senior Project Group. Commissioner LindaW stated the only concern he had was ifthey were going to play baseball with teenagers the homes might get hit. Mr. Haas stated he would forward the concern. Motion by Kowalewski, seconded by Van Vark, to approve the request as presented. C Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Ramnath) vote. CONSIDER PARK DEDICATION FOR FUTURE PHASE OF WHITE PINE WILDERNESS Mr. Haas eXplained the Open Space Advisory Commission has been discussing the potential for open space to be preserved within a future phase of the White Pine Wilderness Development. A question for the Park and Recreation Commission to consider is whether their previous recommendation for parkland dedication would continue to be recommended if a separate area within the future phase is preserved as open space. Chair Butler asked ifthe Open Space Commission would be willing to put up some play equipment on the open space. Mr. Haas stated technically this would be open space with no park equipment on it but the Park Commission could have part of the land for a park and the rest would be open space land, The Commission discussed the proposed open space land and what it consisted of. Chair Butler stated his concern would be that they would not stick with the plan of putting a park in there and they would end up in a situation where they forgo the park because they have the open space next door and then they will not be able to use part of 0 the open space as a small park. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 2010 0 Page 5 The Commission discussed the pros and cons of using the land for open space within the development. Chair Butler stated because 165th Avenue being a 55MPH road with a shoulder but no trail it would be nice to have a park in there and people have purchased lots with the intention that there would be a park in the development. Mr. Haas agreed. Commissioner Lindahl stated his concern was they did not want to be too far to the south with a park so when the north area develops the park would be centrally located and everyone would be able to access the park and not just this development. Chair Butler asked if there would be a trail in the area. Mr. Haas thought there would eventually be a trail directing people where to go. Chair Butler asked if they could select a different lot to be used as a park because it would make sense to him ifthey were going to pursue open space and ifthey still wanted a park, which is something they will make a recommendation on, it would make more sense to have the park land adjacent to the open space which currently it does not. Motion by Miskowiec, seconded by Kowalewski, to continue to include a park in the development that is adjacent to any open space area. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Ramnath) vote. 0 CONSIDER CHANGES TO CITY CODE TITLE 8-4/PARK AND RECREATION AREAS Mr. Haas explained the Open Space Advisory Commission has recommended two changes to the existing park regulations to allow them to apply to the open space purchased by the city last year. Mr. Haas reviewed the proposed changes with the Commission. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if there would be potential night uses for open space, Chair Butler thought the Council could grant special permission for use after dusk. Commissioner Lindahl stated that would be going against the Code and in the winter dusk is at 4:30 p.m. Commissioner Miskowiec wondered why they would restrict use of the open space to the public and potentially they might have some legitimate nighttime evening use. Chair Butler stated he would not be on board with not having any limitations on the use ofthe open space. Commissioner Hupp thought the hours should be consistent with park hours and if there were problems they could change the hours. Chair Butler wondered ifthey could 0 recommend an amendment that would include a process for providing permission for people to be there after dusk. Mr. Haas stated that would be hard to monitor, Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 2010 0 Page 6 Chair Butler stated the problem with that is they are talking about some heavily wooded areas of open space next to res~dential homes and at night it might be hard to tell if the people are staying in the open space area or straying onto private properties and he would be concerned with people using the open space for parties or causing other problems for the neighbors. Commissioner Hupp stated that is the potential for anywhere you go, He stated this is public property for everyone to el\ioy, not just the adjacent property owners, Mr, Haas stated there is already some open space adjacent to a park and it might get confusing for people if the open space hours are different than park hours, Chair Butler indicated that made sense and agreed the open space hours should be the same as the park hours. Commissioner Kowalewski stated in section K, paragraph 5, it states removal of young animals and there are quite a few people that monitor the nesting sites of song birds and bluebirds and others and they do remove one species, the English Sparrow, which is very destructive to song birds and he was wondering if it was necessary that they do add that to that, that they can remove the nest knowingly what it is, Commissioner Lindahl thought this would be a DNR activity. Chair Butler thought they could revisit this at a later date because he had other wording Q he would like to review in the Code. Motion by Hupp, seconded by Miskowiec, to make a recommendation to the City Council to approve the proposed changes to City Code 8-4 Park and Recreation Areas, adopting the same hours for the open space as the parks, Motion carried on a 6-ayes, 0- nays, I-absent (Ramnath) vote. DISCUSS 2011-2015 PARK CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Mr. Haas explained the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss the 2011-2015 Parks Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Chair Butler reviewed the information with the Commission, Chair Butler thought because North Metro Soccer Association is donating $100,000 for the redevelopment of Hawkridge Park he felt that the Park Commission needed to make this park a priority this year. He also thought the Commission needed to consider developing Sophie's South Park this year also. Commissioner Miskowiec agreed and thought they needed to get Sophie's South Park done this year. 0 I Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 2010 0 Page 7 Commissioner Kowalewski stated they have had the skate park on their list for the last few years and he wondered if they could do this in phases and start with a concrete slab and fencing. Mr. Haas stated they could do that. Mr. Haas stated the skate park will not be able to use the parking lot at the Community Center next year because they will be seal coating the parking lot so if they want to continue with a skate park next year they will need to find another place for it. Chair Butler stated they should ask the skate park task force to go back and look at what the needs are and to consider coming up with some type of a partnership for a staffed skate park in the long term because of all the issues they have had in the past with the skate park. Commissioner Hupp thought the most important things right now are to get a slab put in with the fencing so they could lock it up. Chair Butler agreed and suggested they make a partial CIP recommendation to the Council and that they prioritize Hawkridge Park and Sophie's South Park. The funds left over could be used for the skate park either this year or next year. The Commission discussed the CIP process and potential projects. 0 Commissioner Hupp stated he would like to try to get the essentials into the skate park before they develop Sophie's South Park because that has been in the system for a long time and equipment is at the point that needs to be replaced. Chair Butler stated his opinion would be there are still a lot of resources out there and do they want to do something with the skate park or do something else. Commissioner Kowalewski stated he agreed with Commission Hupp and thought they needed to get the skate park done before the other two parks recommended. Chair Butler stated he was in favor of doing something with the Skate Park but staff needed to get some updated costs for the Commission. Commissioner Hupp disagreed with Chair Butler about the prioritization of the recommended parks and thought the skate park needed to be done because people are waiting for this park to get done, Chair Butler thought the skate park was a priority and understood Commission Hupp's view and thought they could make a recommendation for the parks to get done this year. Motion by Hupp, seconded by LindaW, to accept the prioritization according to what was discussed, Hawkridge Phase 1, Sophie's South Park and the Skate Park to be further prioritized at another meeting. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Ramnath) 0 vote. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 20, 2010 0 Page 8 ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 1ST QUARTER REPORT Mr. Haas reviewed the Anoka County Sheriffs Department 151 Quarter report with the Commission. PARK DEDICATION IMPROVEMENT FUND 1ST QUARTERLY REPORT/FINANCE Mr. Haas reviewed the 151 Quarter report of the Park Dedication Improvement Fund with the Commission, UPDATE OF COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOT/10-13 Mr. Haas updated the Commission on the progress of the Community Garden Plots. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items. CHAlR'SREPORT 0 Commissioner Kowalewski wanted to make the residents aware that when they are going through on the trails at Bunker Hills Park to please slow down if on a bike because there are also people walking dogs and taking a stroll on foot. He updated the Commission on sports activities in Andover. Motion by Commissioner Lindahl, seconded by Commissioner Miskowiec, to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:50 p.m, Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Rarnnath) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 0