Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 04/09/1998

Home

panners have been involved with coaching community youth sports and are now interested in moving into adult sports. Chairperson Cook asked if these fields wil[ be lit. Mr. Gruber stated they plan to light one field the first year and hope to have all fields lit by the second year. He reported they have been working with Musco Lighting who has also worked with the cities of Rarnsey and Anoka. Mr. Gruber stated they are using top-notch lighting to eliminate problems with glare into neighboring properties. Commissioner Droegemueller expressed concern with considering a project like this right next to what the City envisions will be a natural County park area. He asked if'this results in a conflict. Mr. Boos explained the Planning Commission will be considering the subdivision and site plan review at their meeting later tonight so those types of comments relating to the use of the property would be best addressed by the Planning Commission. Chairperson Cook suggested the Commission address the issues of trespass potential, lighting, and visual screening from the County park facility. Mr. Gruber explained the entire perimeter of the facility will be fenced. The ballfields will also be fenced and the only access allowed will be through the building. He presented their site plan and explained the changes to the parking area as requested by Anoka County. Mr. Crmber noted the property to the rear abutting the County park is a fully wooded area and Anoka County has indicated their intention to leave the wooded area as a buffer. He explained they are proposing ballfields in this direction to keep the area more natural with the bar located towards the roadway. Mr. Gruber stated he believes trespassing is a non-issue. Chairperson Cook suggested the Commission consider the recommendation to require a cash park dedication but to include the Commission's concern about the desirability of this type of facility in this location adjacent to a County park. Discussion occurred regarding the landscaping being requested by Anoka County. Chairperson Cook suggested the recommendation include the indication that the park dedication would be used for the Mississippi District, requiring some type of evergreen screening on the two sides (east and south) adjacent to the park, and to express concern about this type of use in the City. Motion by Commissioner Asfahl, seconded by Commissioner Droegemueller, to approve a park dedication consisting of a cash payment to the Mississippi Recreation District, to require evergreen screening on the east and south sides adjacent to the park, and to express the Commission's concern regarding this type of use in the City. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chair Cook, Commissioners Asfahl, Droegemueller, and LaMere. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioners Johns, Ostrum, and Rolfe. Park and Recreation Commission/March 12, 1998 Page 6 of 9