City Council

ANDOVER COMMISSION INTERVIEWS – JANUARY 21, 2015 MINUTES The Andover Commission Interviews was called to order by Mayor Julie Trude, January 21, 2015, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Mike Knight, Sheri Bukkila and James Goodrich Councilmember absent: Valerie Holthus Also present: Human Resources Manager, Dana Makinen INTERVIEWS Jim Olson – Open Space Commission Mr. Olson reviewed his background with the Commission and his reason for wanting to reapply for the Open Space Commission position. Mr. Olson stated it has been a fun journey finding the open space land the City has purchased and he would like to see the successful conclusion of the Commission. He stated they have roughly $200,000 left to spend but it depends on how the Selmer property divides out. He thought the Selmer property was the jewel of their open space review. That property ranked the highest of all of the land reviewed but what was surprising was it is the last to get purchased. Mayor Trude asked what Mr. Olson’s vision was for managing the open space property. Mr. Olson stated they have management plans in place for two of the properties and will develop management plans for the Aasness and Selmer properties this coming summer. Councilmember Bukkila asked how Mr. Olson felt about the cost of putting in a road for access to the Selmer property. Mr. Olson indicated the road is a lot of money and there were some options to the north that did not work out as well but their position was to purchase the property because something will happen in the future for access. Councilmember Goodrich asked how Mr. Olson felt about a possible camp area within the open space area. Mr. Olson thought it should remain pristine with a small trail. They do not want to see park amenities or paved trails. Councilmember Knight asked if the purpose of open space land was to wander through it and see nature or is it a place for picnics and playing. Mr. Olson stated it is all in how it is interpreted. He indicated there is nothing in the referendum that reflects more than a trail should be in the Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes – January 21, 2015 Page 2 open space. He felt the City has parks where people can have picnics. Mayor Trude wondered how the joint meeting went with the Park and Recreation Commission because she felt when wandering the open space area with park staff that they wanted park amenities so that is why the Council wanted a management plan designed. Councilmember Bukkila stated there could be a place for park amenities next to the open space with picnic shelters and a parking lot but she did not feel it should be in the open space. Mr. Olson agreed and stated they want to work with the Park and Recreation Commission on developing the land around the open space areas. Councilmember Goodrich asked how Mr. Olson saw the Commission coming to an end. Mr. Olson indicated at some point there is not going to be a need for a Commission and right now they are going to back off purchasing more land because they are concentrating in only one area of the City for open space and the Commission wants to start working on managing the open space land within the City. Councilmember Knight asked if the City should have another bond referendum for open space. Mr. Olson did not think they should right now. He thought they should start looking at grants to bring more money into the open space fund but they needed to be careful what they ask for because there could be strings attached. Mr. Olson stated he enjoyed being on the Open Space Commission and hoped the Council would consider him once again for the position. Sara Elstrom – Park & Recreation Commission Ms. Elstrom indicated she has been on the Commission for a year and has really liked it. She thought everything they have been planning for Pine Hills North has been really exciting for her. She thought getting more park signs out in the community would be helpful so people know where the parks are located at. She noted she has not been to Kelsey Round Lake Park because she does not know how to access it and has gotten lost trying to find it. Mayor Trude noted there are three accesses to the park but it can be confusing. Councilmember Bukkila asked what kind of observations Ms. Elstrom has seen while at the parks. Ms. Elstrom stated a lot of the parks she has been to are neighborhood parks. She felt the equipment was comparable, the only differences between the parks that she has seen is the irrigation. She thought watered parks would encourage more people to use them. Mayor Trude asked what value she has brought to the Commission that was not there before. Ms. Elstrom thought she brought the value of a young family to the Commission. She would like to bring diggers into more parks for younger kids. She feels like she is bringing the value of family into the Commission. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes – January 21, 2015 Page 3 Mayor Trude asked if when looking at park structures, does the City need to look outside of what the manufacturer is recommending. Ms. Elstrom thought the Park Commission should be thinking about what the kids would want to play on rather than what staff is looking for in equipment. Councilmember Knight asked if Ms. Elstrom would feel comfortable letting her kids play in the park by themselves because he thought many parents were afraid to do that. Ms. Elstrom felt very comfortable and safe in Andover and she sees a lot of kids in the park without parents. Councilmember Bukkila asked if the staff reports are getting to the Commission in a timely manner. Ms. Elstrom stated things are improving with staff and delivery of the packets but they are never delivered consistently. She would like to get the packets before the weekend to allow her time to review the information. Councilmember Goodrich asked if Ms. Elstrom had any thoughts on how programs should be funded. Ms. Elstrom thought as a community they should work together to raise funds. Mayor Trude asked what Ms. Elstrom can do to help out in the community. Ms. Elstrom stated she needs to get out into the community and introduce herself and listen to what people want in the parks and bring that back to the Commission. Mayor Trude asked what Ms. Elstrom’s thoughts are on a splash pad in a park. Ms. Elstrom stated she is a big advocate for a splash pad because she thought the community really wants that and it would be used. Councilmember Knight asked how important did Ms. Elstrom think Pine Hills North is to the community. Ms. Elstrom stated it is a needed amenity in the community because of the game fields but she felt a splash pad at this time is needed more than fields. Councilmember Knight asked if Ms. Elstrom felt a building was needed in the park. Ms. Elstrom stated it would be a nice amenity once the park is near completion. Ms. Elstrom stated she was very excited about helping out with the park system in Andover. James Junker – Planning & Zoning Commission Councilmember Goodrich asked how Mr. Junker felt about low density versus high density. Mr. Junker thought they needed to leave a little more room between the houses because he felt at times that he was in the City rather than in Andover. Mayor Trude asked while driving around Andover what he sees that he likes or does not like, what would he do differently. Mr. Junker stated he has not driven off the main roads in the City very much. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes – January 21, 2015 Page 4 Councilmember Goodrich asked what Mr. Junker thought about the Met Council. Mr. Junker stated he did not know what the Met Council really does but felt they have too much input on what is done in the cities and he thought there should be less input from them. Councilmember Bukkila asked how Mr. Junker felt about the commercial development in the City. Mr. Junker stated there are not a lot of commercial businesses in the City but he has not really thought about it because he did not know what is allowed. Councilmember Bukkila described to Mr. Junker what the role of the Planning Commission is. Councilmember Bukkila stated in terms of codes, is the City adequate, too strict or need to be stricter. Mr. Junker thought the City was adequate. Alisa Lewnau – Park & Recreation Commission Ms. Lewnau reviewed her background with the Commission and her reason for wanting to reapply for the Park & Recreation Commission position. Mayor Trude asked how Ms. Lewnau makes the decision on what should be in the parks. Ms. Lewnau stated her family visits all of the parks and her family tells her what they like in the parks and what should be added or removed, then she brings that feedback to her meetings. Mayor Trude asked how Ms. Lewnau decides which parks should be irrigated or what amenities should be in each park. Ms. Lewnau stated as they go to the different parks she reviews what is there, how it is being used and what could be improved. Councilmember Bukkila asked when the Park Commission should get their packets. Ms. Lewnau indicated she would like to have it by the weekend before the meeting in order to thoroughly review the information to make informative decisions. Councilmember Goodrich asked what Ms. Lewnau felt about trails. Ms. Lewnau indicated she would like to have more trails that connect within the City. Councilmember Goodrich asked if there were any thoughts on how they should fund the park system, such as grants. Ms. Lewnau stated grants are a great idea. Councilmember Bukkila asked if the Park Commission should have more input on trails in the City even though the Park Commission is not involved. Ms. Lewnau stated she would like to be able to have some input and possibly give some park monies to the trail system so more trails can connect. Mayor Trude wondered what Ms. Lewnau thought about splash pads. Ms. Lewnau stated at the Community Center it would be fine but she did not think she would want one in a park because of the mess it could create. The Commission recessed at 7:15 p.m. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes – January 21, 2015 Page 5 The Commission reconvened at 7:25 p.m. Daniel Maciej – Park & Recreation Commission Mr. Maciej did not show up for his interview. Aaron Jarson – Open Space Commission Mr. Jarson reviewed his background with the Commission and his reason for wanting to reapply for the Open Space Commission position. Mayor Trude asked where Mr. Jarson wants the Commission to be as far as planning the open space areas. Mr. Jarson thought the management plan as written is pretty good. Mayor Trude asked how the management plan is written. Mr. Jarson noted for example the management of buckthorn is in the plan and he thought it needs to be controlled before it moves into the open space land. He thought open space needed to be left as is and preserved. Councilmember Knight felt Oak Wilt needed to be dealt with before it spreads. Mr. Jarson agreed. Councilmember Goodrich asked how Mr. Jarson saw the remaining money be spent. Mr. Jarson stated he would like to see a couple of small areas purchased and once the money runs out, they could have management planning meetings every couple of months or quarterly. Councilmember Goodrich wondered if the City should try to get another referendum for open space funds. Mr. Jarson thought it would be a good idea, it might get shot down but it does not hurt to try. Councilmember Bukkila asked what Mr. Jarsons’ thoughts were on the overlap with the Park Commission and meeting with them on joint planning of the open space area. Mr. Jarson thought the joint meeting they had was good because it got discussion going and he felt the Open Space and Park Commissions should meet more often because some of the open space land is adjacent to park land. Councilmember Knight asked if there was any minimum size the group is looking at for open space. Mr. Jarson did not think they had any minimum size, they only had their criteria list. He felt if there was some land that was five acres in a neighborhood that could be saved, he would be in favor of it. Mayor Trude liked that thought. Councilmember Knight asked how the group looks at what should or could be done in the open space area. Mr. Jarson thought there needed to be a trail to attract people but for the most part should be left alone but there are programs that can be done on open space land such as bird watching, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes – January 21, 2015 Page 6 Councilmember Bukkila asked if Mr. Jarson thought a small grove of trees to break up a hardscape would be beneficial or would he rather purchase a larger parcel. Mr. Jarson indicated he thought a larger parcel would be beneficial but he saw value in saving smaller groves of trees or land. Mayor Trude suggested Mr. Jarson review with the rest of the Open Space Commission the purchase of smaller parcels in the urban areas of Andover. Councilmember Knight wondered if there was any way to improve the Open Space Commission. Mr. Jarson thought they were well prepared by staff in order to make decisions. Mark Tossey – Planning & Zoning/Park & Recreation/Open Space Commission/Economic Development Mayor Trude asked if there was any particular Commission Mr. Tossey would be interested in. Mr. Tossey stated he would be interested in any of the openings that are available. Mayor Trude asked how long Mr. Tossey has lived in Andover. Mr. Tossey indicated he has lived in Andover for six years. Mayor Trude wondered why Mr. Tossey wanted to be on a Commission. Mr. Tossey stated his work is limited so he has extra free time to contribute to the City. Mayor Trude asked if Mr. Tossey visits parks in the City. Mr. Tossey stated they do. They have been to Pine Hills Park, Rose Park and Prairie Knoll for sports. Councilmember Knight stated of the four Commissions, which Mr. Tossey leaned towards. Mr. Tossey indicated he would prefer the Planning or Park Commission. Councilmember Bukkila asked what kind of experience or knowledge did Mr. Tossey have. Mr. Tossey stated he is a union steward and has law knowledge. He knows what types of construction needs permits. Mayor Trude asked if Mr. Tossey thought the Park Commission is doing a good job in the City. Mr. Tossey stated he liked all of the improvements done in the parks and was happy to see a dog park was open in the City. He appreciated the parks looking nice and up to date. Councilmember Goodrich asked if Mr. Tossey thought of any changes that could be made in the City to improve it. Mr. Tossey thought the paving of the roads could be improved and the area in front of the high school could be lit up more for safety. Mr. Tossey thought it would be beneficial to have more than one hockey rink in Andover so they did not need to go out of the City for their sports. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes – January 21, 2015 Page 7 Councilmember Bukkila asked if Mr. Tossey would be interested as an alternate on one of the Commissions if he did not get on a Commission or would he be interested in other committees in the City. Mr. Tossey stated he would like to help out any way he can. Jeff Sims – Planning & Zoning/Open Space Commission Mr. Sims stated he was interested in the Planning & Zoning Commission because he has lived in Andover since 2006 and he has had a lot of input on the Country Oaks West development because he lives right by there and was not happy with how it all worked out. He stated he brought the neighborhood together and represented them before the Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Sims stated one of his goals if he were on the Planning Commission was to see how the Commission works with the Council on developments and find out if there was a better process. Councilmember Bukkila asked if Mr. Sims understood the issues with density and the Met Council and where the City’s decisions are based from. Mr. Sims stated by going through the process he became aware of the issues and requirements. He felt through his research he got a better understanding of the process. He felt he was more prepared now to become a member of the Planning Commission. Mr. Sims stated he would like to be a part of the bigger process and help make decisions in the City. He thought the City needed to plan for the future rather than wait for development to come forward. Councilmember Goodrich asked if Mr. Sims were to be put on one of the Commissions was he willing to look at all of the possibilities, would he be fluid with his decision making. Mr. Sims thought he was open minded and every homeowner had the right to do what they wanted with their property as long as it fits within the rules and guidelines of the City. Mayor Trude asked what Mr. Sims could imagine putting in the area on Bunker Lake Boulevard where the old apartment buildings are located at. Mr. Sims stated he thought if an apartment building would fit in that area, it should be allowed. He thought it was a matter of the right mix in the right area of the City. Councilmember Bukkila asked Mr. Sims how much the City should dictate what type of businesses should go into certain areas. Mr. Sims stated he did not think the City should dictate what type of business comes into the City unless it is against the Code. He thought if there are competing businesses that want to do business in Andover the City should let them do business because the market will drive the business. Andover City Council Interviews for Commission Openings Minutes – January 21, 2015 Page 8 Mayor Trude thought what Mr. Sims has talked about is very informative. She stated the Council wants someone on the Commission that will take the time to get involved and drive around the City, give their input and is willing to learn. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilmember Knight, Seconded by Councilmember Goodrich, to continue the meeting on January 22, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan Osbeck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver OffSite Secretarial, Inc.