Park & Recreation

PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING – JULY 16, 2015 WORKSHOP MINUTES A Workshop Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Stenzel on July 16, 2015, 6:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners Present: Chair Shane Stenzel, Vice Chair Jim Lindahl, Commissioners Ted Butler and Mark Miskowiec (arrived at 6:50 p.m.) Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Sarah Elstrom, Alisa Lewnau and Angela Marinello Also Present: Assistant Public Works Director, Todd Haas Public Works Director/City Engineer, Dave Berkowitz Dan Lind, HCM Jerry Hagen, HCM Nate Ekhoff, Loucks MEET WITH CONSULTANT/CITY CAMPUS EXPANSION MASTER PLAN/15-23 Mr. Berkowitz reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to discuss the ideas that have been suggested with the Consultant (HCM) who was present at the meeting. The minutes from the June 25, 2015 meeting which specified some of the thoughts of the Park and Recreation Commission to be in included in as part of the master plan were provided for Commission review. A copy of the City Campus Master Plan Study was distributed for Commission review. HCM and Loucks have been hired by the City to put the plan together. The questionnaire has been sent out to the stakeholders. HCM and Loucks have met with the City Council. Feedback from the questionnaire was considered when preparing the City Campus Master Plan Study. The options will be discussed at the next meeting with the City Council. Mr. Jerry Hagen, HCM stated the Park and Recreation Commission is the last group of stakeholders to be met with. Mr. Dan Lind, HCM reviewed the existing site conditions. Safety and circulation through the site is a concern. The consults looked at parking very closely and they will look at shared and adjacent parking. Mr. Nate Ekhoff, Loucks reviewed the site analysis. He noted the yellow areas on the map represent the storm water areas. The green areas are wooded acres. The blue circles show the current parking lots. The blue lines show the current trails around the site. Regular & Workshop Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meetings Minutes – July 16, 2015 Page 2 Mr. Lind stated there may be opportunities to look at relocation of Purple Park. He reviewed the Stakeholder Feedback from minutes from the Park and Recreation Commission. He would like the Commission to prioritize the items listed. Baseball Fields (2) Outdoor Hockey Rink Outdoor Skating Area Large Playground unique with nature and/or interpretive elements Green Space with Small Bandshell Sledding Hill Water Feature shared element with the YMCA Parking Chair Stenzel stated the list looks good; however, he has a concern with the plan being the Public Works building. Mr. Berkowitz stated all options will be researched. Chair Stenzel would like to see a defined connection between the Community Center, Sunshine Park and the green space and hopefully to tie in the two schools. Safe connections are needed. He does not want to add a lot of bituminous. There needs to be connections between parking areas. Chair Stenzel stated if the Community Center adds more rinks then it would make sense to move the outdoor rinks closer to that facility to share equipment. Commissioner Butler stated some bituminous will most likely be needed. He stated it has not been so long since the outdoor hockey rinks were constructed. When looking at entire site it would make sense to consider moving them closer to the Community Center. Chair Stenzel stated sports related activities should be grouped and the non-athletic activities grouped together along with the green space areas. Commissioner Butler agreed there needs to be a strong connection on the site between amenities. The additional ball fields were discussed before the possibility of acquiring property from the school district. Chair Stenzel stated Purple Park is highly used; however, improvements are needed as it is dated. He suggested maybe a water feature or naturescape playground would be nice there. He asked if pervious parking areas could be utilized like they have in Europe. Commissioner Lindahl stated those areas can’t be plowed. Chair Stenzel stated they are plowed in Minneapolis. Commissioner Butler stated the YMCA had expressed interest in having a larger play structure especially during the summer months. There may be an opportunity to utilize a partnership with the YMCA. Chair Stenzel stated anything we do with the YMCA needs to be open to everyone. Regular & Workshop Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meetings Minutes – July 16, 2015 Page 3 Commissioner Butler stated there may be some times when a splash pad could be open to everyone. Chair Stenzel stated he disagrees; a splash pad could be built by the City and maintained by the YMCA. Commissioner Butler stated a bandshell would be desirable in the master plan since there really isn’t a gathering place within the City such as a bandshell. Chair Stenzel stated open green space is programmable. He would like to see a large picnic shelter constructed which was not on the previous list. Restroom facilities are also needed in this location. Would like to see a capacity for large groups with electricity, water, and sinks. He believes that would rent. Perhaps a large and a small shelter could be constructed. Mr. Berkowitz asked if the Commission would prefer ball fields or open green space. Chair Stenzel suggested bandshell, shelter, gathering space for activities. This area could also be used for Fun Fest. There is more of a need for this than athletic fields. Commissioner Butler agreed. Commissioner Lindahl asked what the timeline is for this. Mr. Berkowitz stated the master plan should be completed by September – October 2015. The project would be done in pieces and Council would determine what the priority is. Commissioner Lindahl stated he likes the idea of moving the hockey rinks closer to the Community Center. Mr. Berkowitz stated the new Recycling Center has just been constructed. Commissioner Lindahl stated if we go to more green space, then the trails and connectivity are very important. Commissioner Butler stated connectivity is critical. Mr. Ekhoff stated entrances would be consolidated. Hanson Boulevard will be reconstructed in 2019. Mr. Berkowitz stated Tower Drive would become the main road into the area. There would also be a connection through to Nightingale Street. The current access to City Hall would most like be closed. There will be changes for accesses along Crosstown Boulevard. Mr. Berkowitz asked if a parking ramp would be considered to save space. Mr. Ekhoff stated a cost analysis could be done. The Andover Elementary School parking lot parking is under-utilized on evenings and weekends however it is not safe to cross the road as a pedestrian. Chair Stenzel stated there is a disconnect between the neighborhood he lives in to the city campus area. Regular & Workshop Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meetings Minutes – July 16, 2015 Page 4 Commissioner Butler asked about a signal near Veterans Memorial Boulevard and Nightingale Street. Mr. Berkowitz stated he would rather see a full signal than just a pedestrian flashing light crossing. Chair Stenzel stated the open green space could be programmed to hold other things such as farmers markets, art fairs, picnics, reunions, etc. Chair Stenzel stated Purple Park could be relocated but should have some special features. Commissioner Miskowiec arrived at the meeting at 6:50 p.m. ADJOURN WORKSHOP MEETING Motion by Butler, seconded by Lindahl, to adjourn the workshop meeting at 6:51 p.m. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays, 3-absent (Elstrom, Lewnau and Marinello) vote. A Regular Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Stenzel on July 16, 2015, 6:51 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. RESIDENT FORUM No one appeared to address the Commission. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Item 5A is an addition to the agenda – Consider 2015 Tournament Application/North Metro Firefighters Mutual Aid. Motion by Miskowiec, seconded by Butler to add Consider 2015 Tournament Application/North Metro Firefighters Mutual Aid as item 5A on the agenda. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent (Elstrom, Lewnau and Marinello) vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 25, 2015 Minutes Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Miskowiec, to approve the minutes from the June 25, 2015 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting as presented. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays, 3-absent (Elstrom, Lewnau and Marinello) vote. Regular & Workshop Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meetings Minutes – July 16, 2015 Page 5 CONSIDER APPLICATION FOR SCHEDULED USE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES APPLICATION/FRIDAY FAMILY FLAG FOOTBALL Mr. Haas reviewed the item, to consider approving the application for scheduled use of recreational facilities for use of Prairie Knoll Park football field as requested by John Francis. The group has been using Prairie Knoll Park or Sunshine Park for the past few years on Friday nights. The first scheduled use of the field is September 11, 2015. Staff recommends that Prairie Knoll Park West Field be used. The group is not associated with an organized athletic association. They will be using the field lights so there is a fee associated with the use of the field since both adults and youth will be using the field. The fee has been paid. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Miskowiec, to approve the application for scheduled use of recreational facilities for use of Prairie Knoll Park football field as requested by John Francis. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays, 3-absent (Elstrom, Lewnau and Marinello) vote. CONSIDER 2015 FALL FOOTBALL/SOCCER/LACROSSE SCHEDULE Mr. Haas reviewed the Park Commission is requested to approve the 2015 fall soccer/football/lacrosse schedule which also includes the NMSA United Fall Camp. The City has received applications for use of the fields from the following groups: Andover Football Association (AFA) North Metro Soccer Association (NMSA) Andover Area Lacrosse Association (AALA) Copies of the by-laws for NMSA, AFA, and AALA are available from City staff for Commission review if desired. A detailed practice and game schedule are required to be submitted to Todd Haas, Parks Coordinator and Elizabeth Brouse, Concessions Manager before the start of the season so the Public Works Parks Department is aware of when fields need to be mowed and when concessions need to be opened. Commissioner Miskowiec asked about Fox Meadows Park. Mr. Haas stated it is closed until further notice. Only minimum maintenance is being done. No practices or games will be held there. Motion by Lindahl seconded by Butler, to approve the 2015 fall soccer/football/lacrosse schedule as submitted. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays, 3-absent (Elstrom, Lewnau and Marinello) vote. Regular & Workshop Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meetings Minutes – July 16, 2015 Page 6 CONSIDER 2015 TOURNAMENT APPLICATION/NORTH METRO FIREFIGHTERS MUTUAL AID Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is to consider a request from the North Metro Firefighters Mutual Aid for a softball tournament at Sunshine Park. The proposed tournament would be Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Sunshine Park. Mr. Jerod Nelson, Tournament Director stated they are requesting two fields at Sunshine Park. The winner of the tournament each year hosts the tournament the following year. He does not know how many teams will be included. He requested the fee be waived. They are comfortable with the damage deposit fee that is required. Mr. Haas noted the Park and Recreation Commission does not have the authority to waive the fee but can recommend to the City Council the waiving of the fee. Staff does not recommend waiving the damage deposit of $250 which has been applied to all non- profit organizations each year. The refundable damage deposit fee guarantees that litter/garbage in the fields, parking areas and other portions of the park have been cleaned up and that there has been no damage to the fields/facilities. A representative from football stated this group can use two fields for their tournament. A non-intoxicating beverage permit will be requested with the Andover Lions Club serving. Coordination will be done with the Concessions Manager. Mr. Haas suggested the group rent the gazebo where they can provide food to their players. Motion by Butler, seconded by Miskowiec, to approve the request for 2015 tournament application/North Metro Firefighters Mutual Aid and recommend to City Council the fees be waived. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays, 3-absent (Elstrom, Lewnau and Marinello) vote. CONSIDER 2015 FALL FOOTBALL/BASEBALL/SOFTBALL SCHEDULE Mr. Haas reviewed this item is to approve the 2015 fall softball/baseball/ football schedule. Applications were received from the Andover Athletic Association (AAA), Andover Baseball Association (ABA) and the Andover Football Association (AFA). Copies of the by-laws for AFA, ABA, and AAA are available for review if desired. Motion by Lindahl, seconded by Butler, to approve the 2015 softball/baseball/football schedule. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays, 3-absent (Elstrom, Lewnau and Marinello) vote. Regular & Workshop Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meetings Minutes – July 16, 2015 Page 7 CONSIDER PROTECTIVE NETTING QUOTE AT ANDOVER STATION NORTH BALL FIELD FACILITY CONT./15-34 Mr. Haas reviewed this item is in regard to considering protective netting quote at Andover Station North Ball Field Facility. The item was tabled from the last meeting on June 25, 2015. A layout drawing of where the netting would be placed and an estimate cost to purchase and install the netting was provided for Commission review. Mr. Haas stated this is not identified in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2015. The Park and Recreation Commission may wish to utilize the $15,000 annual miscellaneous fund that is available each year. With the higher cost, it is unsure what the commitment will be from the Andover Baseball Association (ABA). Previously ABA committed to pay for half the cost but that commitment was based on netting of the backstop only. Mr. Jason Saulsbury, ABA stated they have discussed the proposal with their board. ABA stated they are not happy with the design. During the week of July 26th, members of the ABA will meet with the vendor about what would work and what a better plan might be. They will develop a final plan and bring it back to the Commission. There would be a new quote with a new design. ABA will be making a significant contribution towards the cost of the netting. Commissioner Miskowiec stated he appreciates the ABA taking their time and he’d like to see it done right the first time. Chair Stenzel stated his major concern is the balls coming off an adjacent field and going into the spectator area. CONSIDER OPEN SPACE COMMISSION REQUEST Mr. Haas reviewed the Open Space Commission is currently evaluating a parcel of land that they are interested in. Until the Open Space Commission makes a determination on the parcel, no action is necessary for now. ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT 2ND QUARTERLY REPORT Mr. Haas presented the Andover Park Activity Quarterly Report April 2015 – June 2015 from the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. PARK DEDICATION IMPROVEMENT FUND 2ND QUARTERLY REPORT/FINANCE DEPARTMENT Mr. Haas presented a quarterly review of the Park Improvement Fund. He provided the Project Commitment Listing Report, Balance Sheet, and Revenue and Expenditure Reports for the Park Improvement Fund as of June 30, 2015. No action is required by the Park and Recreation Commission. Regular & Workshop Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meetings Minutes – July 16, 2015 Page 8 REVIEW OUTSTANDING ITEMS / MAINTENANCE UPDATE Mr. Haas reviewed projects and other items of interest along with the weekly parks maintenance update. CHAIR’S REPORT Commissioner Butler stated Rose Park is looking good. He asked if the fields would be open for fall and Mr. Haas stated the baseball fields will not be ready. The open green space could be used. ADJOURNMENT OF REGULAR MEETING Motion by Butler seconded by Lindahl, to adjourn the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried on a 4-ayes, 0-nays, 3-absent (Elstrom, Lewnau and Marinello) vote. A Workshop Meeting of the Andover Park and Recreation Commission was called to order by Chair Stenzel on July 16, 2015, 7:35 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. BEGIN DISCUSSION OF KELSEY ROUND LAKE PLAN MASTER WITH CONSULTANT/15-11 Mr. Haas reviewed the Park and Recreation Commission is requested to begin discussions regarding the Master Plan for Kelsey Round Lake Park. WSB was present at the meeting to begin discussions and will have a few questions and comments for the Commission. WSB will also be indicating the next step in the process. Mr. Jason Amberg and Mr. Jeff Feulner from WSB were present to review the plan. The Commissioners introduced themselves to Jason and Jeff. Mr. Feulner reviewed the Kelsey Round Lake Nature Park Ecological Elements. There are three main landforms, wetlands and woodland areas. There is a restored prairie area that is very dry and could contain any built structures. There are dense, wet vegetation areas near Round Lake. There is one peak with a potential for an overlook. There is an Indian burial ground area that has been identified. Mr. Feulner reviewed the built elements showing the current trail, parking lot, access locations, there are benches and trashcans throughout the park. There is one mowed path that goes into the backyard of one of the residents, it follows the powerline. Mr. Haas will research the mowed path as there may be some liability with the use of mowers on park property. Additional access points were identified. Mr. Haas will also research the property line between the homeowner and the edge of the park. Regular & Workshop Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meetings Minutes – July 16, 2015 Page 9 Mr. Amberg asked if the Commission had other things that they would like included. Mr. Haas stated the City should research to see if there really is an Indian burial mound. Commissioner Miskowiec would like to know what area the mound includes with any setbacks. Mr. Feulner stated there are no trail loops in the park. Mr. Haas noted there is an eagle nest in that area which the DNR does not want disturbed. Chair Stenzel stated he would like to discuss that with the DNR as there are no trails that come very close to the lake. He would like to see a trail go down to the water. He stated the trail could go close to the boundary line. Commissioner Lindahl stated wetlands can be enhanced or filled but if filled would need to be mitigated. Mr. Amberg stated if boardwalks are done correctly, there is not a need for mitigation. Commissioner Miskowiec asked if all trails need be ADA compliant. Mr. Amberg stated there are exceptions. Chair Stenzel noted some of the open space trails are not accessible. Interpretive elements would be nice with a circuit showing key points in the park. The park could be used for educational purposes. There could be kiosks with information. Could use QR Codes with more information. A shelter would be nice for groups visiting the park. A restroom on the north end. Mr. Feulner provided a list of potential program elements.  Existing and future trails (all seasons), add trail loops  Interpretive elements (educational/historical features)  Wayfinding signage  Restroom north side  Picnic area(s) north side  Natural play environment  XC skiing trail grooming would be needed might not fit the site  Snowshoeing more appropriate in this park  Archery range site is not conducive to this site and the is no room in this park  Canoeing/Kayaking – connection / access to lake – available on the east side of the lake remove from list perhaps a landing with a small dock at the south east corner of the lake  Pollinator / Habitat Program interpretive element  Bird / Bat houses – expand existing program Regular & Workshop Andover Park & Recreation Commission Meetings Minutes – July 16, 2015 Page 10  Wildlife blinds – southeast point of park and wetland areas  Outdoor classroom – smaller nodes throughout the park  Additional parking – would need to go through neighborhood to get to additional parking. Could go through cul-de-sac. Look at possible expansion of existing parking lot Additional suggestions from Fun Fest comments:  Swings - possible  Splash Pad  Monkey bars - possible  Trader Joes  Not soccer fields Mr. Amberg asked about grills and Mr. Haas stated there wouldn’t be a problem with that. Mr. Feulner reviewed the project schedule. July/August – refine program, assess interpretive opportunities Set up MindMixer (MySidewalk) project website September – neighborhood meeting – program items, no concepts- September 17th 6:00 p.m. September – prepare initial concepts Late September – City staff review – email to staff October 15th Park and Recreation Commission November 5th – Public Open House Develop preferred concept Late November City staff review Assemble final report Present to City Council ADJOURNMENT Motion by Butler, seconded by Lindahl, to adjourn the workshop meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried on 4-ayes, 0-nays, 3-absent (Elstrom, Lewnau and Marinello) vote. Respectfully Submitted, Debbie Wolfe, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.