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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP - January 13, 20111685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. - ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 o (763) 755 -5100 FAX (763) 755 -8923 o WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US ANDOVER PLANNING & ZONING & OPEN SPACE COMMISSION INTER VIE WS JANUARY 13, 2011 MINUTES The Andover Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Interviews was called to order by Mayor Mike Gamache, January 13, 2011, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Sheri Bukkila, Don Jacobson, Mike Knight, Julie Trude Councilmember absent: None Andrew Melberg — Park and Recreation Commission Mr. Melberg explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Park and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Jacobson asked what Mr. Melberg would like to see done differently in the parks. Mr. Melberg responded he would not want to change the parks. He said they are clean and well maintained. He thinks they are very underutilized and people need to be made aware of them. He and his children have used many of the parks, and have noticed many are not used often. He suggested that an adopt -a -park program could be considered for groups and organizations to maintain a park. Councilmember Knight relayed a comment from a resident that the City is spending money on parks and they are not well used. He asked if Mr. Melberg had any suggestions in that regard. Mr. Melberg suggested running a half page listing in a newspaper regarding the parks, or possibly include a flyer with the City newsletter. He noted the page on the web site is not easily accessible. Mayor Gamache agreed it would be a good idea to focus on a certain park in each issue of the City newsletter. Councilmember Trude inquired whether Mr: Melberg had watched any meetings online or TV. He responded he has not watched them. Councilmember Trude suggested he look at past minutes to get an idea of how the meetings are run and what the requirements of a commissioner would be. Councilmember Trude asked if he could add something fun to the parks, what might that be. Mr. Melberg answered his children are young enough that they just use what is there. He added the parks don't need improvement; just more public awareness. Councilmember Bukkila questioned whether he would have any hesitation in voicing his opinion as part of an advisory commission. Mr. Melberg responded he will bring ideas and has no problem voicing his opinion. Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes —January 13, 2011 Page 2 The Council thanked Mr. Melberg for his interest in the Park and Recreation Commission. Bill Carlson — Planning and Zoning/Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Carlson explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Park and Recreation Commission, commenting that he has no preference. Mayor Gamache gave an overview of the meeting schedule for both Commissions. Mr. Carlson confirmed the schedules work for him. Councilmember Jacobson asked if Mr. Carlson had watched meetings on TV or if he has attended any. Mr. Carlson replied he did attend a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting recently. Councilmember Jacobson asked if he is aware of what both Commissions do. Mr. Carlson stated the Planning and Zoning Commission maps out a City to where residential, commercial and agriculture should be zoned. He added that the Parks Commission would monitor the parks, ball fields and handle the maintenance. Mayor Gamache questioned which commission would be his preference. Mr. Carlson stated his background is likely more suited to Planning and Zoning, though he would be part of either. © Councilmember Trude asked if the City added more commercial areas, might there be places where Mr. Carlson would think they would fit. Mr. Carlson explained he has seen most of Andover in bike riding. He said there is a need for more thoroughfares and added that there is some acreages north on Hanson Boulevard where it could be helpful to add businesses. He felt not as much room is needed for residential. Councilmember Trude inquired where he would like to see another trail. Mr. Carlson said he has been on the trails in the center and south of the City. He thinks there is more population concentration on the east end of Andover and pointed out he is on the west side where the lots are two acres. Councilmember Bukkila commented that since he has attended only one meeting, he may not be familiar with relevant issues. The City has been approached by a couple of companies dealing with wireless internet and cell phone tower placement. As part of the big grid, they have offered compensation if placed in the City's parks. She asked if he could think of some of the issues that may entail or pros and cons. Mr. Carlson replied he would not be opposed to seeing a tower in a park if he were biking near it. His company did investigate putting in some of these towers which didn't take up much space and he didn't find them to be intrusive. Councilmember Jacobson questioned whether he had any conflicts of interest to serve on either board. Mr. Carlson noted he served on the Andover Athletic Association Board, though he doesn't Q see that as a conflict of interest. Mayor Gamache asked whether he would be vocal as part of a commission. Mr. Carlson said he had no issue with that; he has had 26 years experience as a superintendent and had this type of © Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes —January 13, 2011 Page 3 experience. Councilmember Trude inquired whether Mr. Carlson noticed anything missing in the mix of housing in the City. Mr. Carlson explained if there was a need for multi - family housing, townhomes are a better option; he would put in apartments as a last option. The Council thanked Mr. Carlson for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission. Will Roseberg — Park and Recreation Commission Mr. Roseberg explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Roseberg noted he lives near Terrace Park and thought it would be good to have a volleyball court so he had approached the Park and Recreation Board to request it. Mayor Gamache explained when the Commission meets. Mr. Roseberg said the schedule works for him. Councilmember Knight asked what role he thought the Park and Recreation Commission should play © as the City continues to grow. Mr. Roseberg said he hoped it would play a role in trying to give a good experience to people and provide recreational activities to make Andover a desirable place. Councilmember Knight pointed out this is a unique community because it is young — the average age is 36. Councilmember Trude commended Mr. Roseberg for his work in his neighborhood. She said considering the average age of the City, possibly the parks space is not being used the best it can. She asked if he had anything to add. Mr. Roseberg raised the idea that it might be helpful to add a City- sponsored volleyball league, or some such event. He also suggested adding Frisbee golf. Councilmember Jacobson noted there are seven seats on the Commission and, inevitably, there will be disagreements. He asked how he would work with others on the Commission when there are disagreements. Mr. Roseberg stated he is a project manager where he works between engineering projects. His method for communication is to try to build common ground and mostly just be straightforward. He added that he was always a sports captain and feels that teamwork is important. Councilmember Jacobson questioned what Mr. Roseberg thought the job of a commissioner would be. Mr. Roseberg mentioned he does not have much experience, though he knew that the Commission would be allocated a certain amount of funding to represent the community at the fullest. He stated he would be a participant in the meetings. Councilmember Trude asked if he has used the trails. Mr. Roseberg said he has in Bunker Hills Park and the Coon Rapids Regional Dam Park. He explained he is a biker and runner, and prefers unpaved trails in more natural areas. He would like to see trails that would be off -road and offer challenges. © Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes —January 13, 2011 Page 4 Mayor Gamache noted Mr. Roseberg has done work with Courage Center and charity tournaments and may have good ideas to bring to the Commission. He forewarned that there may be issues on the Commission as far as financing since there is a tight budget. Mr. Roseberg responded he works with government contracts in his job, and is familiar with government financing. The Council thanked Mr. Roseberg for his interest in the Park and Recreation Commission. Michael Mueller — Open Space Commission Mr. Mueller explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Open Space Commission. He noted he had some reservations on what the Council's goals are for the Commission. He explained that people in the City are interested in smaller parcels, as is he. He asked how long the Open Space Commission would last, noting it was started in 2006 and is still operating. Mayor Gamache explained there is still $750,000 to spend out of the $2 million granted and a referendum could be brought to the community to continue purchasing open space. Mr. Mueller stated he is more interested in wildlife than just having woods. He said he has acreage © up north and added that it seems there is a high priority for woods in the City. Councilmember Jacobson asked what differences Mr. Mueller would like to see. Mr. Mueller responded he is more concerned about the open spaces to the north and south. He wants to see more open space and didn't think the open spaces necessarily had to be used as a park. He would be content driving by open space without seeing houses. He noted the Commission has talked about having access to the properties used as open space, and he does not find that important. Councilmember Bukkila asked what his opinion is as far as wetland and rights to property and limitations that should be placed. Mr. Mueller answered the limitations should be tightened up. People near him are putting firepits in the middle of the wetland and building hockey rinks. He called the DNR to ask whether these activities are allowed, and they explained the neighbors can do as they please because the water is not owned by the City. He added that he didn't think open land should be open for people to use. It should not be parks either, but open space for viewing. Councilmember Jacobson questioned what expertise Mr. Mueller could bring to the Commission. Mr. Mueller responded he didn't have certain expertise; though he enjoys open space and the outdoors. Commissioner Trude questioned the dynamics if he was appointed to the Commission and he is not in favor of much of what the Commission has already done. Mr. Mueller explained he understands the members' visions may be different, but that gives more room for discussion and different © opinions. The Council thanked Mr. Mueller for his interest in the Open Space Commission. © Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes — January 13, 2011 Page 5 Drago Flores — Open Space Commission Mr. Flores explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Open Space Commission. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Flores is familiar with the open space purchases made thus far. Mr. Flores responded he is not familiar with the details of the purchases, but he does agree with the concept. He said the City is trying to do something that is good for the long term. Councilmember Jacobson noted there is a difference between parks and open space. He inquired if Mr. Flores understood what the Open Space Commission does. Mr. Flores answered Andover is a place we can take our kids in the future and show them how it was in its natural state. There are parks for picnics, and open space should not be used for that. However, open space cannot be unfriendly either. He said open space has to be a place that people want to go to and feel comfortable there, it should be a balance between the two uses. Commissioner Trude asked how he would work with Commissioners when there is a conflict. Mr. Flores responded that people have to work together toward an agreement. 1 0 Mayor Gamache asked if the Open Space Commission and the purchases it has made live up to Mr. Flores' expectations. Mr. Flores said he voted for the purchases without knowing a lot of detail. He was in favor of the idea and kept as informed as possible at the time while being busy with his own business. Mayor Gamache stated the topic was raised regarding how long the Open Space Commission would be around and informed there is money left to spend. Mr. Flores indicated he thought the Commission would be around a long time since acquiring properties is one part of the Commission's duties, and upkeep and improvements are the other duties. Councilmember Knight questioned if the rest of the money was spent for the Commission, would Mr. Flores be in favor of another referendum to continue. Mr. Flores replied he would be. He added $2 million is not enough and the Commission should make a strong awareness to our neighbors of what we have. The Council thanked Mr. Flores for his interest in the Open Space Commission. Mike Olsen —Planning and Zoning /Open Space Commission Mr. Olsen explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Planning and Zoning or the Open Space Commission. He noted his preference is the Planning and Zoning Commission. © Councilmember Jacobson questioned whether working for a land developer would be a conflict of interest. Mr. Olsen responded the activities his company has done in Andover are beyond his reach, he does not sell in the Andover area, and is considering changing professions. © Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes — January 13, 2011 Page 6 Councilmember Jacobson asked if Mr. Olsen would have a parcel of land to develop, what would be his most important criteria for deciding how it should be developed. Mr. Olsen stated the livability is important and most of his experience has been rural. If the ordinance says you can do it, he doesn't see that the Planning and Zoning Commission should tell the Council that they can't do it. Mayor Gamache clarified his comment asking if he would be strict with the ordinance as the City has it on the books. Mr. Olsen replied it is best to stay within the ordinance; however, there is some latitude to work within. Councilmember Trude raised some issues where land owners have asked for "slack" in regulations. She asked if there is something the City should look at being more relaxed in to make it easier for developers. Mr. Olson explained the Commission should analyze the issues and each situation should be considered for whether it made sense. He added he thinks the Commission analyzes issues very well when he watches the meetings. Discussion took place on recent discussions and decisions by the Commission. Mr. Olsen stated he did question why some of the decisions were made and would like to have had more discussion on © some of the items. Councilmember Knight asked if Mr. Olsen saw a particular direction that Andover should be going. Mr. Olsen said there is a need for more business and there is not a lot of zoning for it. He pointed out it is difficult to get to downtown Minneapolis from Andover. He stated provisions should be made to make this less of a bedroom community and added he would like to see more trails. Councilmember Bukkila asked if Andover business friendly. Mr. Olsen replied it is known as restrictive and to correct that, being less restrictive could be good for the City in some ways. Councilmember Trude asked how he would bring expertise to the Commission. Mr. Olsen stated he would speak up, and based on his history and political beliefs, he felt he could be a benefit. He felt he is cordial and could be helpful in discussions. The Council thanked Mr. Olsen for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jim Lindahl — Park and Recreation Commission Mr. Lindahl explained to the Council why he would like to be reappointed to the Park and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Bukkila asked what was done right and wrong and what could we have improved. 10 Mr. Lindahl responded the Commission has worked to fulfill the needs. He didn't see a big gap in what the Commission needs to do. Councilmember Bukkila asked his thoughts on the skate park. Mr. Lindahl noted it is a current Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes —January 13, 2011 Page 7 trend. He said he is not a huge supporter of it, and it is difficult to put a lot of money into concrete. However, the group does deserve opportunities. He suggested waiting to see how it works and how much use it gets. Councilmember Jacobson posed the question of whether the City has too many parks. Mr. Lindahl said the City is at a peak now as far as what it can adequately maintain and the crews do a great job of keeping everything in shape. He noted the City has equipment that is used seldom and in 20 years it needs replacing. He said the City has to look at the redevelopment of the area and regrowth. There is a fair number of people in the area that could be empty nesters soon. Mr. Lindahl noted the City used to see a lot of daycare users but hasn't seen that in about ten years. Budgetwise, he noted it is a huge expense to keep up the parks and some of the smaller parks are looking at a deficit of use but a lot of money is going into them. Mr. Lindahl stated he would be flexible to look at putting some of the parks on open space, if needed. The Council thanked Mr. Lindahl for his work on the Park and Recreation Commission. Ruby Irving -Hewey — Planning and Zoning /Open Space Commission. Ms. Irving -Hewey explained to the Council why she would like to be on the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Open Space Commission. Commissioner Jacobson asked if she has a preference for which Commission she'd like to apply for, and whether she has watched meetings on TV or attended meetings. Ms. Irving -Hewey responded she has attended meetings and is interested in either Commission. For her schooling, she was involved in installing signs in Ramsey for their Park and Recreation Commission. Councilmember Jacobson inquired if she is aware of what the Open Space Commission does. Ms. Irving -Hewey replied it allows space to be set aside for the natural diversity for this area and without natural diversity, it upsets the balance for the community. She indicated that wetlands are really important and she feels open space is necessary to institute into a community. She added this Commission has taken 500 acres between Andover and Oak Grove and tried to turn it into a natural state. Councilmember Jacobson commented the Commission has purchased two open spaces and there is $750,000 to work with. He asked how she sees that being used. Ms. Irving -Hewey stated she would prefer the space stay open to the public to a degree so it is enjoyed by the public. However, each space would be made for public use on a case -by -case, depending on its stage of growth. Councilmember Trude asked if she is talking about preserving new native grasses. Ms. Irving -Hewey confirmed she is. © Councilmember Trude asked Ms. Irving -Hewey to discuss the project she worked on in Ramsey. Ms. Irving -Hewey explained she had to conduct research of the area including vegetation and aquatic parts of the pond. This was an educational outreach of the area and one of the signs she erected Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes — January 13, 2011 Page 8 explained the interaction between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Councilmember Bukkila posed the question of what she would envision open space to be in terms of parcel size. Ms. Irving -Hewey responded she would steer more toward smaller parcels, as they are easier. However, large parcels would be ideal to work with. She defined "small" as 30 to 40 acres. Councilmember Jacobson suggested Ms. Irving - Hewey's qualifications fit more for the Open Space Commission. He asked what insight she could bring to the Park and Recreation Board. Ms. Irving - Hewey explained she could bring the insight of having used parks and recreational areas as a parent. She stated she would like to know more about the Park and Recreation Commission as there is not much information on the web site. Mayor Gamache explained the role of the Park and Recreation Commission. The Council thanked Ms. Irving -Hewey for her interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Open Space Commission. Suzanne VanHecke — Open Space Commission © Ms. VanHecke explained to the Council why she would like to be on the Open Space Commission. Mayor Gamache asked if Ms. VanHecke envisioned the Open Space Commission as a long -term entity. Ms. VanHecke affirmed she did. Councilmember Jacobson inquired what open space means to her. Ms. VanHecke answered it is land the City would preserve for its beauty and it wouldn't necessarily be a park. Open space could be used as easements for smaller parks. She explained the lot behind them is owned by the City or County, and they tried to acquire it as open land. However, only three taxpayers would enjoy it as open space where it is, and she understood it would not be fair to the City. Councilmember Trude noted the Commission members have a strong naturalist environment background. She asked what Ms. VanHecke could bring to the table as a Commissioner. Ms. VanHecke offered she would represent the average resident in the community. Her background is not in natural environment, per se, but she would come from the angle of what helps the homeowner. Councilmember Trude asked if she had considered the Park and Recreation Commission. Ms. VanHecke said she preferred Open Space Commission. The Council thanked Ms. VanHecke for her interest in the Open Space Commission. Wes Volkenant — Planning and Zoning/Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Volkenant explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Planning and Zoning Commission or the Park and Recreation Commission. Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes — January 13, 2011 Page 9 Mayor Gamache asked if he has a preference of one of the Commissions. Mr. Volkenant said he is interested in both, but slightly more interested in Park and Recreation. He said both positions offer unique opportunities. As he campaigned this fall for City Council, he found himself enjoying parks and recreation and wants to get involved in issues and look at how he can help to arrive at some solutions. Councilmember Trude asked his opinion on the skateboard park. Mr. Volkenant answered the end result has worked out. He stated he thought the discussion from seated officials and those looking to work toward resolution was good, although there are still some budgetary issues that the group may not be on the same page. He noted there are no liaisons between Boards and Commissions, and he thought that may be something the City should consider. Councilmember Jacobson commented there are a lot of parks. He asked what Mr. Volkenant would like to see done differently in the parks that is not being done now. Mr. Volkenant stated he was out in the neighborhoods late in the day recently for work and was surprised at how little some of the parks are being used. The park on his block is not used a lot because neighborhood kids are in their own yards and driveways. He questioned whether people know where the parks are and what the amenities are in each park. He said he would like to see better communication, and possibly more signage depending on the budget. He pointed out some of the parks are used by grandparents but grandparents don't have grandkids all the time. There are no easy solutions. He noted he would like to have some of this discussion within the Park and Recreation Commission itself and this discussion should also take place within the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Knight posed the question if Mr. Volkenant were on the Planning and Zoning Commission, if he would adhere to strict interpretation of the ordinances. Mr. Volkenant answered that is the starting point. The best interests of the City have to be considered and items should be taken on a case -by -case basis. The Council thanked Mr. Volkenant for his interest in the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission. Gretchen Sabel — Open Space Commission Ms. Sabel explained to the Council why she would like to be reappointed to the Open Space Commission Mayor Gamache asked if the Commission has fulfilled its mission. Ms. Sabel said the Commission has tried to be true to what it offered in the bond referendum and once it had the criteria, it was certain to be on track. Councilmember Knight said there has been a number of discussions on whether or not open space should be for viewing or passive use. Ms. Sable said she is a "use" person and added that one of the factors in creating open space is to have access. Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes —January 13, 2011 Page 10 Councilmember Trude asked if she thought the group dynamics will change. Ms. Sable said it will. The Commission has had differences of opinion but found ways to get along. Councilmember Knight questioned if she is in favor of requesting another referendum. Ms. Sable confirmed she is. She mentioned the amount of maintenance needed in the future will have to be considered. Councilmember Jacobson asked what the Council and Commission could do better together. Ms. Sable said she appreciates the joint workshops and commended Mr. Bednarz for working with both groups. The Council thanked Ms. Sable for her interest in the Open Space Commission. Tony Howard — Planning and Zoning/YMCA Community Center Commission Mr. Howard was not present for an interview. Tony Capman —Planning and Zoning/Park and Recreation /Open Space Commission Mr. Capman explained to the Council why he would like to be on the Planning and Zoning/Park and Recreation or the Open Space Commission. Mayor Gamache asked which Commission. Mr. Capman responded the Planning and Zoning Commission is his first choice. He said he has had an interest in Andover government for a while. Councilmember Jacobson asked if he attends or watches meetings on TV. Mr. Capman stated he has not attended meetings in over a year, but he does watch meetings on the internet. Councilmember Trude questioned if he felt his background in working with children would be helpful as part of the Park and Recreation Commission. Mr. Capman said he does and sees many parks while traveling with Scout Troops. Councilmember Trude asked if he sees anything missing from the City's parks. Mr. Capman stated barrier free accessibility is needed for more parks and signage to denote barrier free parks should be improved. Councilmember Knight inquired if he had any goals for the Park and Recreation Commission or Planning and Zoning Commission if he was on one of them. Mr. Capman responded he has experience in marketing and new business opportunities which would be helpful to bring to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Knight asked if he would be strict with interpretation of ordinances if he were on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Capman stated the ordinances are put in place for a reason and variances can be discussed as needed. Councilmember Jacobson raised the issue of high density housing and lower income homes and Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings Minutes —January 13, 2011 Page 11 asked Mr. Capman's opinion. Mr. Capman replied he is not in favor of higher density because the more rental type property you have, it usually means lower income, which leads to more crime, law enforcement, and issues with road infrastructure. He added he did not think the Met Council recommendations necessarily have to be followed and the City should enforce its opinion. The Council thanked Mr. Capman for his interest in the Planning and Zoning, Park and Recreation, and the Open Space Commissions. YMCA Community Center Commission Motion by Trude, Seconded by Bukkila to appoint Tony Howard to the Andover YMCA Community Center Advisory Commission. Motion carried unanimously. The Council discussed the candidates for both the Park and Recreation Commission and the Open Space Commission and made a decision. Open Space Commission Motion by Knight, Seconded by Trude, to appoint Gretchen Sable to the Open Space Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Gamache, Seconded by Trude to appoint Gretchen Sable as Chair and Jody Keppers as Vice Chair to the Open Space Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, to appoint Drago Flores to the Open Space Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Knight, to appoint Suzanne VanHecke to the Open Space Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Park and Recreation Commission Motion by Knight, Seconded by Bukkila, to appoint Andrew Melberg to the Park and Recreation Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Bukkila, to appoint Jim Lindahl to the Park and Recreation Commission. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Trude, to appoint Ted Butler as Chair, and Jim Lindahl as Vice Chair to the Park and Recreation Commission. Motion carried unanimously. The Council noted the Planning and Zoning Commission candidates will be discussed and decided upon after the next round of interviews on January 19, 2011. Andover City Council Interviews for Planning & Zoning and Open Space Commission Openings 0 ' Minutes —January 13, 2011 Page 12 Motion by Jacobson, Seconded by Trude, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Chris Moksnes, Recording Secretary El H