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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 2, 2005 w~ Ct-0 wuitu ") to - I (p-(XJ I 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - JUNE 2,2005 MINUTES The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chairman Jim Lindahl on June 2, 2005, 7:34 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota Commissioners Present: Dan Masloski, Meg Dudgeon, Chairman Jim Lindahl, Dave Blackstad (arrived 8:13 p.m.), Ernest Bedor, Wendy Albee, and Devon Walton (arrived 7:44 p.m.). Commissioners Absent: None. Also Present: Parks Coordinator, Todd Haas RESIDENTS FORUM / There were no comments at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman noted the on the vote for approval of the minutes of May 19,2005 Commissioner Masloski was present for the vote and voted aye. Commissioner Masloski noted on the vote for adjournment there should be one absent since Commissioner Dudgeon had left early. Motion by Commissioner Masloski, seconded by Commissioner Bedor, to approve the May 19,2005 Park Commission minutes as amended. Motion carried on a 5-ayes, 0- nays, 2-absent (Blackstad and Walton) vote. ANOKA COUNTY PARK & RECREATION SYSTEM PIAN Mr. Haas introduced Mr. John V onDeLinde the Director of Parks & Recreation for Anoka County. Mr. VondeLinde explained the updates to the County Park and Recreation Plan. He noted the highlights ofthat process. He added a citizen task force guided the planning process. He stated they considered the benefits of the parks as an educational tool. He noted the trends including disc golf, dog parks and mountain biking. He added the results of the County's survey showed people had an interest in trails. He reviewed all the parks Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 2005 Page 2 in the system. He further noted the regional trail system both existing and proposed portions. Commissioner Bedor asked about attendance at Bunker Beach. Mr. V ondeLinde responded when it was just a wave pool they had between 40,000 and 60,000 visitors. He stated that with the additional expansion in 2003 they had 110,000 visits in the fIrst year. He noted the total gross revenue was $1,050,000. He added that even with the bad weather in June oflast year they had 85,000 visits. Commissioner Masloski asked what they had projected. Mr. VondeLinde responded they had projected 100,000 for an average summer. Commissioner Bedor asked how the County fInanced the expansion. Mr. V ondeLinde stated the County sold bonds. Commissioner Dudgeon asked about upgrades to the pool. Mr. VondeLinde stated the upgrades took this from a teen facility to a multi- intergenerational facility. He noted it now works for toddlers and grandparents, too. / Commissioner Bedor asked about competition from the Anoka pool. He further questioned if the City of Eagan had a similar facility. Mr. VondeLinde stated Eagan's Cascade Bay was pretty similar to Bunker Beach. He noted Eagan did not have a wave pool and Bunker Beach did not have a lazy river. Commissioner Bedor asked about visitors. Mr. VondeLinde stated they had kids from as far as Rochester and Moorhead. He noted it was a destination park. He added they also partnered with the National Sports Park to hold multi-national soccer events. He stated fIfty percent of the visitors were local. He noted it had really increased the camping. Commissioner Dudgeon asked if they had horse stables. Mr. V ondeLinde stated yes. He noted they spent 1.2 million on the stables. He added they have two to three miles of trails. He stated they had an indoor arena where they did training and education with school groups. He noted they also held barn dances. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeling Minutes - June 2, 2005 Page 3 , Mr. V ondeLinde stated Cedar Creek Natural Area was handled by the Anoka Conservation District. He stated it was an effort to preserve and protect the watershed as development came along. He noted it was a conservation effort and not a park.. Chairman Lindahl stated it was an interesting project. He noted many people were very dedicated to preservation. Mr. VondeLinde agreed. He noted that as a department they tried to do many restoration projects and obtain lots of federal grant money for that purpose. He added there were sixty acres of wetland restoration at Bunker Hills Park. He stated they had started to see Sandhill Cranes in there now. He noted they had also seen some wild turkeys there too. Commissioner Masloski stated Anoka County residents should be very happy with this plan. He noted Mr. V ondeLinde was a very smart person that many listened too. He added Mr. V ondeLinde to talk about Minnesota Recreational and Park Association (MRP A). Mr. V ondeLinde stated he was a past president of the MRP A. He noted it had been in existence since 1937 and has 1,000 members. He added half of them were professionals and the rest were people much like the Commissioners. He stated they were glad to have the Commissioners as members. He noted the Commissioners would have access to the newsletter and annual conference. He added it was a constantly a learning process. He stated the MRP A hosted many educational options throughout the year. He thanked the Commissioners for their time. Mr. Haas stated staff was grateful Mr. V ondeLinde was on board. He noted when he fust started on staff the City had no contact with the County. He added now all the cities' Park and Recreation staff in Anoka County meet about once every three or four months. He stated he learned a lot from other cities. He noted the signal at the intersection of Bunker Lake Boulevard and Prairie Road and the new trails the County constructed last fall was ajoint project between the County and the City. He added the improvements allowed a safer access to the Bunker Hills Park trail system. Mr. V ondeLinde stated he was grateful to find a solution to the road crossing issue in Bunker Hill Park. He added the County's grant money helped put the trail around Bunker Lake west of the intersection and the boardwalk, which is east ofthe intersection. He stated the boardwalk was built by County staff. He noted the County was just now issuing the contract to complete the trail connection on either end. He added it was a great example of a cooperative effort by four agencies. He stated it was working well and heavily used. Commissioner Walton stated the Community Center for Andover would come online in July. He noted it was also available for a possible site for MRP A or County meetings and events. / Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 2005 Page 4 , / Mr. VondeLinde stated his congratulations on this fine facility. He noted he would love a tour. He added he would share that message with his staff. No action required. BROOK CROSSING PRELIMINARY PLAT/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas explained the location of the development. Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Masloski, to recommend the Council require cash as park dedication for the Brooks Crossing development. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. SOPHIES SOUTH PRELIMINARY PLAT/PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS Mr. Haas noted the sketch plan was presented a couple of months ago. He added the Commission was interested in taking a piece of property at the south end of the development for a park. He stated the developer had complied with that request and is indicated on the plat. He noted the balance of the park dedication requirements would be taken as cash. ) Commissioner Blackstad asked about access to the south. Mr. Haas stated there would be once this development comes in since there would be another three lots taken. Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Dudgeon, to recommend the Council approve the proposed park and require cash for the balance of the park dedication for the Sophies South development. Commissioner Blackstad asked for clarification on the developer's responsibility. Mr. Haas stated the developer was aware of the option to grade the park and possibly. have some equipment installed in the park. Commissioner Blackstad stated it could save the City time and money. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote DISCUSS 2006-2010 PARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, CONT. Mr. Haas explained the only real change was to remove Andover Station North Park so it could be done as a separate proforma He stated staff was working on that now. He \ noted the Park and Recreation Commission had asked staff to re-evaluate the units. J Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes -June 2,2005 Page 5 Commissioner Masloski asked about the proforma's timeframe. Mr. Haas stated he hoped to have it for the next meeting. Chairman Lindahl asked ifthis was what the Commission wanted to present at the public hearing on June 16,2005. Mr. Haas stated that would be the public hearing regarding the plan. He noted he would try to work with QCTV to see if something could be played on the cable channel regarding this and a article be placed in the Anoka Union which would hopefully encourage residents to come to the meeting and give an opinion as to the improvements. Commissioner Walton asked about 2006 Woodland Estates Park. He noted a discussion about a possibility of basketball and a gazebo. He added information Was going out on a flyer to the neighbors asking for input on what they wanted. He stated the playground equipment for ages 2-5 years old was not set in stone. Commissioner Blackstad stated a shelter was what the City usually puts in with neighborhood funds. Chairman Lindahl stated if the residents could raise the funds they would be able to look at it. He noted the City had matched funds in the past. Commissioner Walton stated he knew they were working on that. Commissioner Masloski stated it was very beneficial for the Commissioners to brainstorm on each park and to look at what was needed. He noted this was the first time he had ever done it and it was his third year on the Commission. He added he would like to see this revisited on a yearly basis. He stated the Commission could see if the City was on track and what new parks were coming in. He noted he liked the March timeframe so it was ready to go to the City Council in June. Commissioner Walton agreed. He stated no one ever knew what would happen with development. He noted perhaps a developer would like to partner with the City and do a project. Commissioner Dudgeon stated she would also like to encourage the public to come to the public hearing to comment on their plan. She noted she would love to see a validation that the Commission was on the right track. No action needed. CONSIDER BIDSI03-1A/PRAIRIE KNOLL PARK LIGHTING .I Mr. Haas explained that staff opened bids for this project last Tuesday. He stated based on the base bid and the alternates it is recommended to move forward with the project. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 2005 Page 6 He noted the Andover Football Association has requested the City to consider installing a light in the north parking with the possibility of the association paying for the light. Chair,man Lindahl stated it would be very helpful to alleviate that parking problem. Commissioner Walton asked ifit was not in the resident's best interests to take out an alternate and make sure the parking lot light goes in for safety reasons. Mr. Haas stated the north parking is in need of a light for a safer access. He noted staff could take it back to the contractor as a change order if the Andover Football Association would help pay for it. Chairman Lindahl stated he would rather have a security light than a light on the sledding hill. Commissioner Walton stated they had to watch out for safety. He noted the Commission should remove one alternate and move that light to the parking lot. He added they should make a statement to take care of the parking lot fust. Commissioner Blackstad asked how much would a light would cost. Mr. Haas stated it would be $2,500 to $5,000. / Commissioner Blackstad asked why they could not just add it on. Mr. Haas stated he would talk to the contractor and the engineer to see what was needed and how much it cost. Chairman Lindahl stated Sunshine Park had terrible parking. He noted you could not find your car after dark. Mr. Haas stated a couple of years ago the City tried to do that, but could not find the funds to put in the lights. Chairman Lindahl stated the sliding hill was available all day long. He noted it was a security issue for much longer periods of time. Mr. Haas stated the kids wanted to go sliding after school. He noted it was generally dark at 4:00 p.m. during the winter months. He added staff received many calls wanting slide after dark. Chairman Lindahl stated they should get a cost estimate for that light improvement. / Mr. Haas stated yes that he would do that and it would need to be done as a change order and would need approval from the City Council. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 2005 Page 7 Commissioner Walton asked if they could make sure these comments get brought forth to the Council. He noted this was a timely issue. He added he thought the Council would respond favorably to the conscious effort for safety. Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Walton, to recommend the Council approve awarding the base bid and all alternate bids for project 03-1A, Prairie Knoll Park Lighting to Kilmer Electric and to request a change order estimate for lighting at the north end of the parking lot. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote CONSIDER PLANSI05-10/LUNDS NORTH PARK RECONSTRUCTION Mr. Haas stated this past winter there was a sketch plan on the arrangement of the ball field for Lund's North Park. He noted this trail does go to the existing cul-de-sac in Silver Meadows development. He added there is an area set aside for future playground equipment. He stated there would be fencing installed and the infield would be agglime. He noted it would be a field for younger aged players. Commissioner Blackstad asked if there would be a barrier around the south side of parking lot for cars so they do not go out onto the field. / Chairman Lindahl stated it would be good to have some kind of barrier, portable curbs or posts that could be removed. Mr. Haas stated that could be explored if funding is available after all the improvements have been constructed. Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Bedor, to recommend the Council approve the proposed plan for Lunds North Park Reconstruction. Commissioner Walton asked about he size of the playground and estimated cost to install ~ . Mr. Haas stated there was an area set aside to be 50' x 150'. He noted the City could build any size they wanted, as there is enough area to do more. Commissioner Masloski stated the elementary school was a hop, skip, and a jump away. Chairman Lindahl stated that area had larger lot sizes. He noted many people had their own equipment. He added no requests had been made. He stated it was for future planning. Commissioner Blackstad stated the only rational for a structure would be to have something for the younger age children to do while the games were going on. / Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 2005 Page 8 , I CONSIDER FRISBEE GOLF/FOX MEADOWS PARK Commissioner Albee stated she and Mr. Haas went out and looked at Fox Meadows Park. She noted it would be perfect for Frisbee golf. She asked if staff had been in touch with the President of Minnesota Frisbee Golf Association. Mr. Haas responded yes. He noted the president was willing to layout the course. He added the Commission would need to pick a disc golf basket type. He stated the baskets would probably be installed permanently. He noted he would get some quotes and bring them back to the Commission. He asked if the Commission was interested in finalizing the course this year. He stated there were funds available in the miscellaneous fund. Commissioner Albee stated it would be nine-hole course. She noted there was a lot of land. She added the course would be on both the east side and west side of the existing soccer field. Chairman Lindahl asked if there would be some grading work needed. Mr. Haas stated no grading was needed. \ ; Commissioner Albee stated they walked out the area where the fairways could be located. Chairman Lindahl stated he would suggest to having some wild flowers and natural plants. Mr. Haas stated they might have to kill some weeds to do this. He noted that right now staff would like to get the tees and fairways mowed so that they are in pretty good shape when the course is ready sometime in September. Mr. Haas also stated they would have to explore that through the City Council the planting of wild flowers as it may be required to burn every seven years as other weeds may grow and choke out the wild flowers. He added they could explore it further when it got to that point. Motion by Commissioner Blackstad, seconded by Commissioner Albee, to approve use of miscellaneous funds for the Frisbee Golf nine hole course subject to approve of costs and budgeting. Commissioner Walton asked to see a timeline on the project. Chainnan Lindahl stated the Commission would have to see costs and budgeting before it could go forward. '\ ) Mr. Haas stated he would get quotes for review. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 2005 Page 9 / Commissioner Blackstad stated they should start finalizing the layout. Mr. Haas stated the individual assisting in the layout was a resident so he was very interested in assisting in the project. Chairman Lindahl noted Mr. V ondeLinde had indicated Frisbee golf on ms list of upcoming interests. Chairman Lindahl stated they wanted to move ahead by July. Mr. Haas stated he would have quotes for the July meeting. Chairman Lindahl stated they should move ahead with the design so the Commission could commit the money by the first meeting in August. He noted the baskets could be installed tms fall. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS / Mr. Haas reviewed outstanding items, noting that the Advertisement in Parks information would be available for the June 16, 2005 meeting. He added the Andover Station North Park was going forward and most of the site work would be done at the end oftms week. He stated the skateboard equipment was being delivered tomorrow by about 2:30 p.m. He noted he would inspect it for damage tms week. Chairperson Lindahl requested the completed projects be placed on the top of the list. He further asked that staff list a estimate of percentage complete on the on-going projects. He stated it helped keep Commissioners aware of how fast things were progressing. Mr. Haas responded no problem. CHAIRS REPORT Commissioner Masloski stated residents were quick to use city and state parks, but overlooked the County parks. He noted there were many resources available at the County parks. He added Mr. V ondeLinde was very passionate about parks and the driving force for the County parks. He stated they need to utilize some of these resources. Commissioner Dudgeon concurred. Commissioner Walton asked for an update on the meeting regarding baseball fencing @ Andover High School. / Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes -June 2,2005 Page 10 Mr. Haas stated Mr. Tom Redman met with the President of the Andover Baseball Association. He noted they discussed all the issues, but Mr. Redman told the Association changes of this nature had to go before the Anoka Hennipen District School Board. He added there was not much the City could do about the situation. Commissioner Masloski stated it would be wise for the Andover Baseball Association to contact the other associations and cities to go before the School Board in force. He noted there were other communities and associations that felt this frustration with these fees. Commissioner Blackstad stated the School District was willing to take the money from the Andover Baseball Association to put a fence up. He noted they also wanted the access fee too. He added he had tried to organize some groups two to three years ago. He stated many did not seem interested. He noted that once a person did the math this was not a minor expense. Commissioner Walton asked if the Commission wanted an update on the ongoing projects with the Community Center since it was recreational. Commissioner Dudgeon stated it was a great community asset. Commissioner Blackstad stated the Commission was told to stay away from it. Commission Walton stated the Commission had no supervision of it. Commissioner Blackstad stated it was the jewel of the park and recreation system, but the Park and Recreation Commission had no say in it. Commissioner Dudgeon stated they have representation. Commissioner Walton stated he was trying to bring updates to the residents. He noted it was the jewel of the park system. He added it would not be every meeting, but once a month or every other month. He stated it would be just informational about things discussed and projects they were working on. He noted they were now in the process of developing policies and procedures. Commissioner Albee stated the Board's meetings were not shown on television so this could be the forum for residents to hear about updates. Commissioner Walton stated the minutes were public. He noted they were looking at what other community centers were doing and how they were doing it. Commissioner Masloski stated the Facilities Committee to see how the MRP A handled these types of issues and if surveys they had done in the past regarding this. Commissioner Walton stated it felt like they were reinventing the wheel. Regular Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes - June 2, 2005 Page 11 Mr. Haas stated he could get information through email from the MRP A. He noted he would contact the Executive Director and have information forwarded to Erick Sutherland to review and be forwarded to the Committee. Commissioner Walton stated the Commission had discussed a focus on parks during the spring. He asked about meetings at the parks. Chairman Lindahl stated they should look at parks on the CIP. Mr. Haas stated they could review parks that staff had been working on. Chairman Lindahl requested a copy of the first page of Mr. VonDeLinde's presentation that did a review of the historical benefits, trends, inventories, and division goals. He noted he thought it was the Anoka County Parks and Recreation System Plan Chart. Commissioner Dudgeon stated it could be emailed. Commissioner Walton noted that in terms of reporting ongoing activity, a bar chart was a great way of charting progress. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner BIackstad, seconded by Commissioner Walton, to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. Respectfully Submitted, Nancy Czajkowski, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.