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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJCC September 15, 2005 CITY OF NDOVE ~ O.LJ ~ lO:"Y-oS 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US Special Joint City Council & Park & Recreation Commission Meeting September 15, 2005 6:00 P.M. Opening Ceremony for Frisbee Golf Course at Fox Meadows Park 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Andover Station North Park Improvement Fund/Andover Baseball Association/Project 05-15 , 3. Discuss Proposed 2006-2010 Park CIP 4. Discuss Revised Draft Park Dedication Study 5. Discuss Advertising Signs/City Park Facilities 6. Discuss Skate Park Facility 7. Other Business 8. Adjournment \ CITY OF NDOVE / SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 MINUTES The Special Joint City Council and Park & Recreation Commission Meeting of Andover was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache on September 15,2005, 7:12 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers Present: Mayor Mike Gamache, Councilmembers Don Jacobson, Julie Trude, and Mike Knight Councilmember Absent: Councilmember Ken Orttel Commissioners Present: Dan Masloski (left at 8:30 p.m.), Dave Blackstad (arrived at 7:31 p.m., left at 7:46 p.m.), Chairman Jim Lindahl, Ernest Bedor, and Wendy Albee (arrived at 7:15 p.m.). Commissioners Absent: Meg Dudgeon and Devon Walton Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas City Administrator, Jim Dickinson ANDOVER STATION NORTH PARK IMPROVEMENT FUND/ANDOVER BASEBALL ASSOCIATION Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to the proposed recreational improvements at Andover Station North. He provided a cash flow analysis prepared by the Finance Department for review which is based on a best guess of land sales and a contribution from the Andover Baseball Association (ABA). City Administrator Dickinson reviewed the projected fund balance sheet, noting several negative numbers. He added all funds will not necessarily be dedicated to that indicated. Council member Jacobson noted the difference in suggested spending versus income and asked for ideas to bridge this gap. Chair Lindahl replied the income would partially be derived from park dedication funds and general revenue sources. He added Council may consider a levy or bond, whereby other projects could then be included. \ J Councilmember Jacobson stated the total is proposed income for the next five years, which would leave no dollars for anything else. City Administrator Dickinson suggested the project be put on its own safe track. Special Joint Andover City Council and Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Afil11/tes - September 15, 2005 Page 2 \, Chair Lindahl noted Andover Station South park dedication funds were donated to the development of a community center which left a huge dent for the Commission. Councilmember Trude replied no park dedication fees were originally expected. Councilmember Jacobson asked if bare minimum irrigation could be done to get the project started. He added all immediate unnecessary items such as concession stands could be eliminated for now. Chair Lindahl replied he is not sure minimum irrigation is feasible. He added eliminating items is an idea but asked what the limitations are. Councilmember Knight asked what a bond would cost and how long it would run. City Administrator Dickinson replied a bond could run for as many years as needed, based on available revenue the City has at the time. He added the Park Commission has an annual levy revenue fund of $50,000 which could be dedicated towards the bond. If the bond went 10 years, the City might get $450,000 up front but this is not going to solve the problem because the City needs $50,000 to $60,000 yearly to complete the project. Mayor Gamache noted the 2006 total commitment is $642,000, and asked if the ball fields are split evenly dollar-wise. City Administrator Dickinson replied the irrigation and parking are needed but cutbacks could be made starting with fencing. I Council member Trude asked if it is more economical to have all the fields done at once. Mr. Haas stated yes. Chair Lindahl stated mobilization for construction is approximately 25 percent. Counci1member Knight suggested foregoing the paved parking for now. Chair Lindahl replied the City is trying to keep all parking lots in the urban area paved. Councilmember Trude asked about an internal loan fund. City Administrator Dickinson stated the park fund's internal loans are close to being paid. Councilmember Jacobson stated if the project goes on a referendum the dollars come out of property taxes directly. City Administrator Dickinson replied there would have to be a dedicated source. He added the City could do a referendum, an internal loan, or a bond with other projects if assessing back some ofthe total project cost. Mayor Gamache stated the City has not had much luck with bonds, and if a bond were done for this project it would be big; however, the community has grown. Joe Dietz, ABA, stated they would be earmarking a percentage of gambling dollars to the project; $30,000 for 2005 and for 2006. He added the ABA wants the dollars used specifically for something that is going to benefit the Association. City Administrator Dickinson replied the City could not bond on gambling dollars but it would help the bottom line. Special Joint Andover City Council and Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 15, 2005 Page 3 Council member Jacobson stated all sources are not enough to reach the goals needed; the only way to do the project is through a bond. Chair Lindahl requested Staff review the options. City Administrator Dickinson stated they could let the project stand on its own and try to get revenue sources. Commissioner Blackstad stated the City should dedicate funds directly to the complex. John Keller, Play Development Coordinator, ABA, stated growth is anticipated and there are not enough fields for any of the sports. Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, seconded by Councilmember Trude, to direct Staff to review financial resources for cost effectiveness and bring back to Council. Further Discussion Councilmember Knight requested clarification that park dedication funds would not be allocated to this project. Chair Lindahl replied part ofthe budget might need to be doubled. / Commissioner Masloski noted there are many homes that have already paid park dedication fees but do not have a park close by. He added in the future there needs to be park infrastructure. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, l-absent (Orttel) vote. DISCUSS PROPOSED 2006-2010 PARK CIP Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to the 2006-2010 Parks Capital Improvement Plan. He provided an updated projected fund balance that was prepared by the Finance Department and based on the proposed improvements that were recommended by the Park & Recreation Commission at their meeting of June 16,2005. He also provided the recommended improvements based on the anticipated park dedication fees. The Council is requested to review and comment on the 2006-2010 CIP, which has been recommended by the Park & Recreation Commission. Councilmember Trude questioned the proposed locations of parks and asked if all parks are on the presented list. Chair Lindahl stated if a plat comes in and there is a projected park, the timeframe could be two years. Councilmember Trude replied it is a deficit against the construction. She . added if every plat has a park there might be more parks than the City can outfit. J City Administrator Dickinson referenced the cash flow statement, indicating the numbers are projected low because they do not want over-projections. Special Joint Andover City Council alld Park & Recreation CommissiOll Meeting Minutes - September 15, 2005 Page 4 J\1r. Haas read the 2006 park recommendations. Councilmember Knight noted Woodland Estates 4th Park and asked how the Commission arrived at $15,000. Chair Lindahl replied the dollars allow for one play structure and a trail. Chris Deemer stated there are five daycares in the neighborhood and the majority of children are young; they could use a playground. Councilmember Jacobson asked about putting in a security light for the tot lot. Chair Lindahl stated there would be none. Councilmember Jacobson stated 2006 projected income is $285,000 and projected expenditures are $135,000. He added there is enough money from the projected income. Commissioner Masloski agreed but stated money is still being paid back. Mayor Gamache stated Council would be approving expenditures for the year 2006 this year. City Administrator Dickinson stated this would be included in an updated CIP in October. Mr. Deemer asked when Woodland Estates 4th could start planning what they would like in the park. Mr. Haas requested Mr. Deemer contact him. / DISCUSS SKATE PARK FACILITY Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to the condition ofthe skate park equipment and future location of a more permanent type facility. Quarter pipes are definitely showing signs of weakening from the move in the spring and fall. The horizontal steel bracket located under the ramps is beginning to collapse. The half pipe surface is showing lots of wear and tear. Also, the joints between the sections of the pipe where they are connected are uneven, which could cause this to be unsafe. He added there are issues such as vandalism at the current skate park location. Councilmember Jacobson asked where the proposed equipment location is for next year. Chair Lindahl replied next to the community center has been suggested because it is a central location and more easily accessible for residents. Councilmember Knight stated the center does not want skateboarders in the parking lot, and asked how this would be accomplished. Chair Lindahl replied the location has only been generalized. He added the skatcboarding area might be fenced in. Mr. Haas stated the park should be permanent and concrcte. He referenced the skate park in Wisconsin Rapids. J Councilmember Jacobson asked what a permanent skate park would cost. Chair LindaW suggested $100,000. Special Joint Andover City Council and Park & Recrec:tion Commission 111eeting Minutes - September IS, 2005 Page 5 , City Administrator Dickinson notcd when the skate park in Anoka went in the cost was approximately $80,000. Council member Jacobson asked ifpublic works could repair the equipment during the winter season, use it for one more year by the church, and then find a new location for it after that. Commissioner Bedor replied the church is adamant that they do not want the skate park back. Commissioner Bedor noted the suggestion of putting the skate park at the YMCA, and asked why they would want it. Councilmember Trude replied they want kids to come there; they initiated the suggestion. She asked if park usage would be limited to YMCA membership. Councilmember Knight stated he is opposed if kids have to pay for usage. Mayor Gamache replied it depends who is paying for the equipment. Chair Lindahl asked how Council wants to proceed. He suggested Public Works be consulted to see if repairs can be done. Councilmember Jacobson suggested City Administrator Dickinson talk to the YMCA. Scott Brenner, Anoka Rotary, stated he would be willing to assist with a skate park in j terms of skilled labor, funds, etc. He added some of the equipment at the church is for biking and the other one piece of equipment for skateboarding is in disrepair. Councilmember Trude asked what if the YMCA builds a nice facility and fences it in. Commissioner Bedor indicated supervision of the facility is a big issue. He added the park should be for the community, not by membership. He suggested an annual fee of approximately $50. Councilmember Jacobson replied the fee could be used to pay for supervisIOn. DISCUSS REVISED DRAFT PARK DEDICATION STUDY Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to the revised draft park dedication study and more specifically the Rural Reserve Area. He provided a copy of the revised draft park dedication study for review. The Council and the Park Commission are requested to review Pages 9-11, which addresses community growth, and Rural Reserve Area park needs. Councilmember Jacobson pointed out that the City Council did not direct the Park Commission to recommend park locations. He asked what kinds of parks are wanted and how many acres would each one consume. He added items such as zoning need to be reviewed and it is too early for a proposed location map. Chair Lindahl replied the , locations are best-case scenarios for the settings. Special.1oillt Andover City Council and Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - September 15, 2005 Page 6 Councilmember Trude requested everyone think about what they would like to see in the City. Commissioner Masloski stated this is an opportunity that a lot of communities do not have. He suggested the City could use other items such as a soccer complex. Council member Knight stated it is unknown what developers are going to do. He suggested the City of Blaine be consulted to see what has/has not worked in their City. Councilmember Jacobson stated the proposed location map tends to lock in parks with present day. Commissioner Masloski agreed stating a map is too early in the process. Chair Lindahl stated the proposed Park 2 could be used for sliding or a band shell. With the proposed Park 3 the City gains natural wetlands and more open space. Mr. Haas noted the City would only give credit for a portion of Park 3 because there is some unbuildable land and wetlands. Mr. Haas stated if Council believes the report is wrong they should reject the plan. He added that numbers have been adjusted down from 3.5 to 3 units per acre. City Administrator Dickinson confirmed the 3.5 units per acre is too high. He added it is timely to bring the study forward if numbers need to be corrected. Councilmember Trude stated goals need to be set then locations are decided later. She added one of the goals is to preserve open spaces. Chair Lindahl replied some locations / outlined on the map are bonus spots. Councilmember Knight stated it is unknown what kind of housing is coming in or that the City will allow. Councilmember Trude suggested a bus tour with the Commission. Councilmember Jacobson asked that everyone consider what kind of activities are not currently in the City. Chair Lindahl stated the Commission tried to meet the needs for passive activities. He added surrounding areas were looked at in terms of what activities they provide. Councilmember Jacobson stated he is concerned that in the past the City has received small parcel park dedications. The City needs a general master plan so if a developer owns one parcel it will be known where the road is going and how everything will look. City Administrator Dickinson stated the primary focus is updating the park dedication study. He added if the rural reserve never happens but park needs are the same, the park study shows the City is not collecting enough on current units coming in and a calculation change is needed. Councilmember Jacobson asked if the attorney should review the 65 acres of unbuildable / parks. He added this acreage is not doing the City any good, and asked why it is carried Special Joint Andover City Council and Park & Recreation Commission Alecting Minutes - September 15, 2005 Page 7 , as inventory. Chair Lindahl replicd once land is dedicated as a park it is difficult to de- list it. City Administrator Dickinson stated some cities accept parks as outlots instead of parks. He added if it is an outlot there are more options, such as putting a water tower on it. Mr. Haas replied the City can go back and re-Iabel the land but there are additional costs. He added years ago the Commission took parks and did not necessarily look at what the land was. Mayor Gamache requested City Administrator Dickinson research pricing and ways to increase park dedication fees. Motion by Counci1member Jacobson, seconded by Councilmember Knight, to direct Staff to research density and undeveloped land value and provide an update on current park and recreation areas. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, l-absent (Orttel) vote. DISCUSS ADVERTISING SIGNS/CITY PARK FACILITIES Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to the sign advertising in park facilities and to appoint a Council member to be a representative on the Advertisement Sign Task Force. He noted the three members that will be representing the Park Commission are J Commissioners Bedor, Dudgeon & Blackstad. Kelly Gothier will be representing the AAA, Joe Deitz will be representing ABA & Terry Boe will be representing AFA. Chris Vrchota, Associate Planner, will be the staffliaison who will schedule the task force meetings and be providing information or research in regard to the advertisement signs. The Council is requested to appoint a Council member to the Advertisement Sign Task Force. Councilmember Jacobson asked what the goals and/or objectives of the Task Force are. He also asked if the Task Force is duplicating what the Commission has already done. Chair Lindahl replied they are researching sign benefits and pricing. He added the Task Force is outlining what is required. Councilmember Knight stated signs would commercialize parks. Commissioner Albee replied a few parks would have signs but not all of them. Commissioner Bedor stated the signs would be on ball fields. He added if a business wants to sponsor a team they would be given a sign to advertise. Councilmember Trude stated there needs to be limits, if signs should be done at all. Chair Lindahl stated there would be target parks with Andover Station North being the first. ) Mayor Gamache stated he would not mind working on the Task Force. Special Joint Andover City Council end Park & Recreation Commission Afeeting Minutes - September 15, 2005 Page 8 " Councilmember Trude asked if1he money from signs would go into the park dedication fund. Chair Lindahl replied he is not sure and suggested it would probably go back to the field sponsored. ~Motion by Councilmember Jacobson, seconded by Councilmember Knight, to appoint Mayor Gamache to the Advertisement Sign Task Force. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0- nays, l-absent (Orttel) vote. DISCUSS SKATE PARK FAGLITY This item has been moved to earlier in the agenda. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Knight, seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, l-absent (Orttel) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Cheryl Felix, Recording Secretary j TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. j