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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 5, 2005 / "-_.-------~-_._--- -<,>-~-~ . -- - "'- --~--,--> -- _-.::.:~-:~~:=:-:..:-.:: --=.: ~._~==-::'-- - ':-=~:-=::c::c~-'-'-"=;.-~ PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MElr.[Il'fGc~MAY 5,2005 ~=~~~==-- , _, ',,,,, MINUTES ,,""""--- ~T:":~~":""':':""-=:':'~_~~---~::"'~~_~-;C-;-:':-.":; The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on May 5, 2005, 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota ____~.___...__ ,n , Commissioners Present: Meg Dudgeon, Chairman Jim Lindahl, Wendy Albee, and Devon Walton. Commissioners Absent: Dave Blackstad, Ernest Bedor, Dan Masloski. Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM / There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Motion by Commissioner Walton, seconded by Commissioner Dudgeon, to approve the April 21, 2005 Park Commission minutes as presented. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0- nays, 3-absent (Blackstad, Bedor, and Masloski)vote. CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES / ANDOVER 7TH GRADE TRA VELING BASKETBALL Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to considering a request to approve the Application of Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for 7th Grade Traveling Basketball & 9th Grade Basketball. He explained the Traveling Basketball program would like to use the basketball court at Sunshine Park the following dates: June 14- August 30 from 10:00 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays. The 9th Grade Basketball program would like to use the basketball court at Sunshine Park Thursdays in June, July & August from noon-2:00 p.m. \ j Mr. Haas stated the Park & Recreation Commission is requested to approve the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for 7th Grade Traveling Basketball & 9th Grade Basketball. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2005 Page 2 Motion by Commissioner Walton, seconded by Commissioner Albee, approval of the Application for Scheduled Use of Recreational Facilities for 7th Grade Traveling Basketball & 9th Grade Basketball. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Blackstad, Bedor, and Masloski) vote. SILVER MEADOWS WEST PRELIMINARY PLAT/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to reviewing and determining the park dedication requirements for the proposed Silver Meadows West He noted a copy of the preliminary plat/grading plan has been provided for the Commission's review. The Park Commission has already reviewed the sketch plan and did recommend cash in lieu of land. Mr. Haas stated the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to review the proposed preliminary plat arid recommend the park dedication requirements to the City Council. Motion by Commissioner Dudgeon, seconded by Commissioner Albee, to recommend to the Council consider a cash in lieu of land park dedication for the Silver Meadows West Preliminary Plat Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Blackstad, Bedor, and Masloski)vote. WOODLAND DEVELOPMENT -APEL PROPERTY SKETCH PLAN Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to the proposed Woodland Development sketch plan for the Apel property. He noted that a copy of the sketch plan had been provided for the Commission's review. Also provided was a scaled drawing to determine if there are certain improvements the Commission would like to see in the park. Mr. Haas reviewed that on April 7, 2005 the Park Commission reviewed a sketch plan called Cardinal Ridge, which is directly west of the Apel property adjacent to Nightingale Street NW. The Commission had previously indicated earlier this spring as part of the review of Cardinal Ridge to include playground equipment and a basketball court near the Apel property closer to the wetlands that do exist Mr. Haas stated it appears the proposed park may not have enough area to allow for certain activities so the Commission may want to determine what type of activities that you would like to see at the park. Once the Commission has an idea of the type of activities then it can be determined the area that is needed for each activity. Mr. Haas advised the Park & Recreation Commission is requested to review the sketch plan and give some direction as to the park dedication requirements for the project I Commissioner Dudgeon asked if Cardinal Ridge is 21 lots. Commissioner Walton noted it is all that is ghosted on the plan and reviewed. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 5. 2005 Page 3 Commissioner Walton asked what is to the right of the development of the Cardinal Ridge development. Mr. Haas noted that the property to the right belongs to Jerry Putnam noting that a portion of the their property is undeveloped. Commissioner Walton stated that he does not like the proposed location, as it is basically land-locked and the land would not give the ability to do what they are proposing in this area. Chairman Lindahl asked if Commissioner Walton would prefer the location to be further south. Commissioner Walton confirmed, at the east end of 157th Lane where the cul-de- sac is proposed, as it might provide more area to include as a play area and for basketball. Mr. Haas stated that it might be a bit tight. Mr. Haas noted that the Parks Commission is looking for a nice setting next to the wetlands. He stated that only a certain number of units could be developed in this area due to the capacity of the lift station in Fox Hollow noting that the City has to be careful so as to not increase the sewage flow from the areas that are being considered for development. Commissioner Walton suggested splitting the cul-de-sac and take Lots 7, 8 and 5. / Jesse Westlund of Woodland Development, stated that he was lead by city staff to believe that the Commission was interested in the park being located adjacent to and looking out over the wetlands. He asked the Commission to identify the amenities that they want adding that he would go back and put together the drawi'ngs of the area based on their needs. Commissioner Walton stated that they want at least two acres that would allow for an area for playground equipment; a green space/small games area for the youth and an area for a basketball court. Byron Westlund of Woodland Development stated that he understands the need for the park. He stated that there are a lot of issues to address noting that the lots are 50-feet x 65-feet each. He stated that the playground equipment would have to be installed before the basketball courts and asked what size court do they want. He stated that he would be willing to put together a draft drawing of the area for the Parks Commission to review. Chair Lindahl stated that they would prefer a half court size, 50-feet x 70-feet, with a small playground area He stated that a nature attraction center would also be a nice amenity. " Mr. Westlund suggested recommending approval for the general vicinity adding that he would go back and work with city staff on the recommendations for reconfiguration. / Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2005 Page 4 Chair Lindahl suggested a lO-foot trail connection/access point across the middle of the horseshoe. Mr. Haas stated that he would review the possibilities. Commissioner Albee asked if they have considered the park at the private cul-de-sac location near the middle of the block on the east side of the north-south public street. Chairman Lindahl agreed stating that the south side of this area would be a good location. . Mr. Westlund stated that he would put together a design of the area for their review. Commissioner Walton asked if a security light would be installed in the area. Mr. Haas confirmed and reviewed the location with the Commission. Commissioner Walton, in terms of discussion, would they be open to allowing the developer constructing the park similar to what was being considered in Country Oaks West. Chairman Lindahl stated that this is something they could consider and review. Motion by Commissioner Walton, seconded by Commissioner Dudgeon, to table discussion until further information is received from developer. Motion carried on a 4- ayes, O-nays, 3-absent (Blackstad, Bedor, and Masloski) vote. UPDATE OF THE ANDOVER COMMUNITY CENTER CONTRIBUTIONS Commissioner Walton stated that this now shows as a line item on the performance report as community center development. No action required. UPDATE OF FENCING AT ANDOVER HIGH SCHOOL Mr. Haas explained that this item is in regard to an update on the possible fencing of the outfield at the Andover High School baseball fields. I Joe Dietz, President of the Andover Baseball Association, stated that he had discussions with both the School District and the High School program coordinator regarding the fields and fencing. He stated that they received an estimated bid for $26,000.00 to fence the field area. He stated that they should fence the area noting that budget-wise, the only way it could be done is if the High School Baseball program does a fundraiser for the funds needed. He stated that the High School currently has no interest in installing the fencing now or in the future. He stated that he has worked with Don Barlow noting that he is not sure if the funds would be from a direct donation or through a fundraising program. He noted that they are currently paying for the maintenance of the fields adding that if they were to make a donation to cover the funding of the fence, they would want use of the high school fields without paying the required annual fee to the school district. He indicated that they would have to work with the City Council to request changes in the joint powers agreement. He explained that they are currently paying, per child, for use of fields and with nine teams that could use those fields, twelve members per team it could become a very large expense on an ongoing basis. He stated that they do not have Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2005 Page 5 a problem with paying noting that if they donate funds for the fencing it could get to be expensive. He stated that currently they are maintaining the fields. He noted that their biggest concern is to get the complex at Andover Station North Park moving forward. He stated that he would like feedback from the Commission on future plans. He noted the donations of $40,000 last year and $30,000 for this year and next stating that he would like to know where the dollars are going, what is the plan and how much money they are actually planning to put towards the project. He noted that no other association has made any [mancial donations to this magnitude and they are making a commitment and would like to see the Commission join them in getting the fields prepared. He expressed concerns stating that they need to get the fields going because right now only three of the fields can be used for the 14-15 year old group, they have two high school fields available noting that right now, as it stands, they do not have the resources and some teams would have to be cut. He stated that he has had discussions with the membership and they are willing to step forward to see what is needed to get the project moving. He asked Mr. Haas to provide an estimated budget that would give the Association an idea of the costs to build the baseball field. Chair Lindahl confirmed that they are currently in the process of grading the streets in the development. Mr. Haas confirmed they are in the process. / Chair Lindahl stated that it appears to be progressing well noting that this has been an ongoing issue over the last four or five years. He stated that the Commission plans to discuss this item further during their workshop, as they are trying to fulfill what has been placed in the CIP. Commissioner Walton stated that two weeks ago, at the last Council meeting, the City Council discussed park dedication funds from Andover Station North project and the timeline. He explained that it could be two to three seasons before the fields would be ready adding that the Commission appreciates the Associations efforts and donations. He indicated that they would like to plan on utilizing the Associations donations to install the fencing and improve the two current fields at the high school. He asked if the Association has received any documentation that outlines what the fees are for and what they would get for the fees. He stated that it could take up to three years before there would be any relief and expressed concerns that they might be paying fees and getting nothing in return. He asked Mr. Dietz to try and locate any documentation the Association might have that outlines the fees and what they are for. He also asked Mr. Dietz to update the Commission on his [mdings noting that he would not be very comfortable if they [md that the fees were not clarified in the agreement He expressed concerns stating that he is not sure of the legality of the fees if they are not getting anything in return. Mr. Dietz stated that they are billed on a per child basis based on the team schedules and how many children are playing on each team. / Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2005 Page 6 Commissioner Walton suggested that everyone involved get together to work out the particulars. He indicated that it would probably be at least three seasons before the fields are ready for use. Mr. Dietz expressed concerns regarding the timeframe stating that their best-case scenario and goal is two years. He explained that the Association would like to facilitate ~, this as quickly as possible so that their goal oftwo years is a realistic possibility adding that the Association felt that if they bring more to the table that they might be able to make their goal a real possibility. Commissioner Walton acknowledged Mr. Dietz's concerns and the efforts of the Association. He stated that there has been some discussion that the development is moving along faster than expected, but there are still some uncertainties with respect to the availability of funds and how quickly it would develop. Mr. Dietz stated that from a budget standpoint, their number one goal is to improve the conditions of the fields. Commissioner Walton asked if guidelines are available for the Park Commission to assist them in the process of bringing everyone together on this issue. Mr. Haas stated that he would coordinate a meeting between the school district, the baseball association and the City Administrator to discuss what they can do to facilitate this. Mr. Dietz asked if it would be possible to get an idea of the budget for the complex and what the City is allocating to the project. He stated that it would be very helpful in determining what the Association would be able to do. Mr. Haas stated that he would provide the Association with a copy of the 2006-2010 Parks crp. Chair Lindahl asked if there were any options available that would help to speed up the process to get ball fields ready for use. Mr. Haas stated that they could install a temporary control structure for the irrigation system controls but it could be a more expensive option. Mr. Dietz stated that he would provide the Commission with an update when the blueprints are received adding that any budget information the City could provide would help them to identify their budget requirements. Mr. Haas suggested that they meet with the City staff first regarding the building plans for review prior to submittal to the Park Commission or City Council. Mr. Dietz indicated that they have been in discussions with the School District staff. He stated that City Staffhas also invited President Dietz to a Parks Commission meeting to update and answer any questions the Commissioners might have. He stated that President Dietz has also expressed an interest a status of the development for the new ball Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2005 Page 7 I fields at Andover Station North Park. He noted that Staffhas explained to President Dietz that the ballfields would be graded and seeded yet this year but the Parks Commission has not determined, as a part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), what the improvements would be for the park over the next five years. No action required. REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items an ongoing projects with the Commission: ,I . Planning Commission recommended approval and the City Council approved the variance request for Prairie Knoll Park for the lighting. The City Council requested that one of the light poles might be moved into the Northern Natural Gas easement He stated that staff would work with Northern Natural Gas on the location. The project will be published in the construction bulletin and the project would be open for bids on May 31, 2005. The bids will be brought to the Parks Commission for their review and recommendation on June 2, 2005. . Staff has just started work on the plans for Lund's North Park; not much different from what has been reviewed with the Commission. Will be relocating the parking lot and moving the ball field sometime at the end of July. The sidewalks will be installed next week. . Andover Station North Park - ongoing project noted that the grade work is moving along. . Skateboard Task Force report will probably be removed from the agenda. Commissioner Walton asked for an update on the state of the equipment for the Skateboard Park. Mr. Haas stated that he could provide the Commission with an update at the next meeting. CHAIR'S REPORT Commissioner Walton referenced a discussion the Parks Commission had with the Planning Commission and City Council regarding the idea of a dedication plaque for a light post in Prairie Park and asked for a status. Mr. Haas stated that Chris Vrchota from the Planning Department is responsible for researching the options in regards to advertisement in the parks noting that he would present the findings at a future Commission meeting. Mr. Haas stated that he and Commissioner Albee tried the Frisbee Golf and encouraged the Commissioners to check it out " Commissioner Walton asked if Fox Meadows would be a good candidate. Mr. Haas and Commissioner Albee stated that they would visit and give the Commissioners an update at the next meeting. / Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2005 Page 8 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Walton, seconded by Commissioner Albee, to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, , Bonita Sullivan, Recording Secretary TimeSaver OjJSite Secretarial, Inc.