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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-14 OPH Ltr to Baytown Twnshp BoardCITY C OAK PARK HEIGHTS 14158 Oak Park Boulevard No ° P.O. Box 2007 • Oa[c.Park Heights, MN 55082 -2007 ® Phorie: 65,1/439 -4439 4 Fax: 651/439-0574 January 14, 2002 Mr. Brian Nichols, Chair Baytown Township Board of Supervisors 4420 Odegard Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 Dear Mr..Nichol§ and Board of Supervisors: Thank you for writing to us regarding the pending submittal of a proposal for a stadium at the Stillwater Area High School. While we have not received .a full application from the School District, we will confirm with you when a full application is made to the city and when a public hearing is scheduled to consider this issue. When a public hearing is held, we make every effort to ensure that all people who wish to be • heard will be given equal consideration,, no matter where they may live. We understand that residents in Baytown Township as well as Oak Park Heights live in_ close proximity to the High School, and our staff has encouraged the School District to meet with neighboring re from both Oak Park. Heights and Baytown Township. Enclosed with this letter, 1 am sharing a memo which 1 received today from Anderson - Johnson Associates that provides. a summary of the = neighborhood meeting held by the School District on 1/2/02. I n this case the School District informed me that they mailed notices to property owners within 1.000 feet of the exterior boundaries of their property. Please do not hesitate to call me or Kris Danielson,. Community Development Director, with any questions you may have about this or any other project in our City. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you. Sincerely, Kim Kamper Acting City Administrator Tree City U.S.A. STILLWATER AREA SCHOOLS STILLWATER AREA HIGH SCHOOL LL lit L �. i Y Dear SAHS Nei{7hbor: When Stillwater Arca High School was built in 1993. the playing field and track were constructed at the same time. The school district is now taking steps to complete the stadium. .As a neighbor of the high school. vou are invited to an informational meeting regarding plans for the stadium. The infotrrrational meeting will be held on \Vednesday. January 2. 2 002. from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the High School Main Forum Room. Enclosed with this letter you will find the stadium concept plan. We look forward. to the opportunity to meet with you on January 2 If you are unable to attend the meeting and have information you would like to share. please contact me by anuar\ 1 Koski. le Koski. Ph.D. Pr nc :;gal Still \\ ater Area 'High School 570 Stillwater Blvd. N. Tel: 6 Cf- ■IikAtntnr PlY• ACI 1C1 R(1 /iO D \ ij [ MNI4I�- t \ \ L ASSOCIATES, INC Loam xo111D ozm SITE PI, .1^AIm, ^ o"z s^momExING MEMORANDUM PROJECT: Stillwater Stadium Improvements COMM. NO.: 01124 Stiliwater Area Public Schools CLIENT: Stillwater Area Public Schools DATE: January 10, 2002 VALLEY SQUARE OFFICE CENTER • SUITE 200 • 7575 GOLDEN VALLEY R0AD • MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55427 SUBJECT: Neighborhood Meeting MEMO TO: Mike Brobender,Stillwater Area Schools PRESENT: See Attached MEMO BY: Jay Pomeroy A neighborhood meeting was held ori the evening of January 2, 2002, at Stiliwater Area High School. The purpose of the meeting was to inform neighbors adjacent to the school property of the p stadium improvements. Residents within 1.00feet of the school property line were notified of tonight's meeting. The foIIowng items were discussed or reviewed: 1. Dr. Lyle Koski introduced the p ject and the p 'octteam.thengenena|lyfollowedthefonnetofthe agenda provided (see attached). 2. Dr. Koski stated that the school board has requested the project team reviewthe potential for developing the stadium at the high school to follow the general intention of the original high school design. Furthermore, because the existing bleachers at Miller Stadium no longer meet (effective 111102) state bleacher compliance requirements, new bleachers must be constructed at one of the two sites. Because costs to reconstruct the bleachers at Miller Stadium or the high school are very similar, the school board has opted to move in the direction of construction at the high school. 3. Dr. Koski mentioned that alternative funding will be utilized for the purchase of construction of the bleachers. Mike Brabender commented also that the alternative funds may only go toward bleachers (and not toward textbooks, techriology, teachers, etc.). The funding has not been appropriated for stadium lights, sound system or even the supporting amenities, including paving and fencing, which are also part of the design. 4. Pomeroy stated that seating for 3,500 spectators on the home side and 1.200 spectators on the visitor's side is included in the present proposal. 5. Stadium lighting, including four 90' high light poles, would be designed to limit light spill and glare from the neighboring properties. Plans to be submitted to the City illustrate initial light levels (which will diminish over several weeksigomoo to a "maintained" level) fall below the City requirement of 0.4 footcandles. Maintained light levels will be significantly lower than the City maximum level. 6. The stadium light poles need to be higher due to the existing track configuration (international broken- back). The track infield is wider to allow for soccer. With that, Iight poles positioned next to, and at each and, of the bleacher systems are further back than many other obadiums, which requires additional height to direct the light down toward that field. If lower poles are utilized, light will need to be p eobedmonehor|zontoUyvvhiohvviUprov|deomonmd|reotviewofthe|ightfixturefrornooUeoent properties. Light fixture hoods have been incorporated into the design to better direct light down to the football field as well as reducing spill and glare of the light source and to reduce visibility of the fixture. 7. Pomeroy mentioned that a sound system will be included in a proposal. Presently, speakers have been designed to be located on the two southern light poles to direct most of the sound away from the south neighbors (although a final determination will be made by a sound consultant). The City has requested that a sound consultant review the sound system and its implications. 8. One resident commented that, in Iieu of positioning speakers on the two southern poles and having to have an appropriate volume to allow the spectators to all hear the P.A. system, that more speakers are added to the north poles and the volume be turned down. That option will be reviewed by the sound consultant. The intent of the sound system design will be to minimize noise from the sound system into the adjoining properties. 9. Residents are concerned about the noise generated from the spectators and from the increased use of the facility. One resident commented that the sound of the batting cage at the varsity baseball field is disruptive. A request was also made to review the possibility of baffling spectator noise. 10, Residents requested that more (and larger) evergreens are planted along the south berm of the stadium. 11. A resident requested that a "stadium committee" be established and that Baytown residents' issues are taken into account during the stadium design. Residents are concerned that some of the recent construction projects by the high school which went "unapproved" by the City has reduced the neighbors' trust in the school district and that every effort should be made to improve that trust. Evidently, some residents (Blackwood Neighborhood) were involved in some of the design aspects related to the original high school construction. 12. Residents are concerned about people cutting across their yards to either gain entrance into the stadium or disruptive activities which may spill over into their yards during events. They asked that discussions with police take place regarding improved supervision in the adjoining neighborhoods. 13. Sherm Danielson mentioned that there would be eight home varsity football games (maximum, including playoffs) plus several soccer games, track events and the like. In addition, events currently scheduled at Miller Stadium may be relocated to the high school; however, at this point, that decision has not yet been made. 14. School personnel stated that there is no intention to incorporate a cell phone tower as part of this project. 15. One resident questioned whether the airport needed to be notified of the proposal to include light towers. 16. A resident commented that drainage/ runoff issues be appropriately addressed as there have been complaints of rising water levels at the lake/ pond to the of the school. Pomeroy commented that the watershed district will be met with and that all required permits will be applied for and received prior to construction. 17. One resident requested information related to the school district's long range plans for the high school. Dr. Koski mentioned that, at this point, no formal action has been taken to review the possibility of constructing another high school (or additional stadiums). 18. A resident questioned the need for a stadium at the high school because Miller Stadium was upgraded several years ago. Mike Brabender mentioned that the track was resurfaced in 1 993. Prior to that, the home bleachers were expanded in 1 979. Generally, the stadium facility at Stillwater Junior High School was constructed in 1 965. The current facility provides a smaller than standard soccer field. Furthermore, lights and sound system are outdated. Any upgrades to the bleachers would also require building code and ADA accessibility issues be addressed. 19, Brabender mentioned that parking counts for varsity games at Miller Stadium, which has on site parking for approximately 500 cars, has not been gathered due to the variety of off -site parking options. 20. A neighbor requested that AJA provide a more up -to -date aerial photograph of the project site. The aerial photograph used as an overhead this evening was from 1996 imagery and does not show the commercial development north of the high school. 21. The residents requested that an illustrated rendering be developed to better depict that stadium proposal. 22. Residents requested that the school update the neighbors as to when public meetings will be held. Dr. Koski and Mike mentioned that the School Board meetings as well as the City Planning and City Council meetings are all public meetings which are advertised in the local newspaper. Additionally, Baytown Township issues a publication every two months and will include any information related to watershed permits or developments in the area. 23. A person in attendance is a member of the Baytown Township Council and mentioned that information related to the proposed project should be forwarded to the Township to include in future publications. That information will need to be part of the school's formal submittal to the City of Oak Park Heights. 24. Pomeroy mentioned that the City has requested analysis and reviews related to parking, traffic and noise generated from stadium events. 25. Pomeroy commented that if on-site parking is not adequate for stadium events, the school may develop plans for off site parking and shuttling. This may include shuttle service from a variety of sites including the city dome, county fair grounds or Stillwater Junior High School. Additionally, increased policing or No Parking" signs may be reviewed as an option during events. VALLEY SQUARE OFFICE CENTER ■ SUITE 200 • 7575 GOLDEN VALLEY ROAD • MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55427 PH (763) 544 -7129 • FAX (763) 544 -0531 26. Dr. Koski reviewed, generally, the main concerns and issues raised by the attendees during the meeting. A summary of the issues, and responses, will be specifically addressed by the school and AJA and made part of the minutes (see attached). The above items relate our understanding of the issues discussed at the neighborhood meeting held at Stillwater Area High School on the evening of January 2, 2002. If any item requires revision or clarification, please notify AJA so that we may amend this document as needed. cc: Scott Richards - City Consulting Planner, Northwest Associated Consultants Dr. Lyle Koski - Stillwater Area High School Principal Ms. Kris Danielson - Community Development Director, City of Oak Park Heights VALLEY SQUARE OFFICE CENTER * SUITE 200 • 7575 GOLDEN VALLEY ROAD • MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55427 PH (763) 544-7129 • FAX (763) 544-0531 COMMUNITY INFORMATIONAL MEETING STADIUM 1 STILL A TER AREA HIGH SCHO �F L 7 :00 P.M. JAUNARY 2, 2002 SAHS LARGE FORUM ROOM 1. Introductions: a. Mike Brabender, Supervisor of Operations, Dist. 834 b. Jay Pomeroy, Landscape Architect, Anderson - Johnson Associates, Inc. c. Sherm Danielson, SAHS Activities Director, Dist. 834 d. Lyle Koski, SAHS Principal, Dist. 834 2. History of Stadium Issue a. Miller Stadium b. Construction of current SANS 3. Bleacher Safety Act 1999/2000 a. Current status b. Future implications 4. Proposal for Stadium a. Options examined b. Preferred plan 5. Questions 1 Discussion AGENDA Jmn • • ....I.. • .j ez,,.; 1 L.." 7 014 .ca ( • / 1 1.1 , ( .1 C/ "22/C s/4 S rIPIA Det tsf J) 61 zkit,wd, (all-10a\ gvai7,4 4 --0AA.,, L3 cLJ44?LcL cor q (\. • • /1-) „co, , 1 041C- e5 g 3 L 1— e ( 8° .Z.LAIN A t (e3)' • Received Tire Jan. 7.'' 3:03P di4(1ti/t 4 /IL 4 r ue-4 U1 o D7 MEETING SUMMARY JANUARY 2, 2002 SAES After introductions and a quick review of the stadium issue, the following concerns were discussed: Mier Stadium: Several eo le were very interested and strongly suggested that it made � P more sense to remodel Miller than it did to finish the stadium on the high school site. One individual indicated that just a few years ago, the stadium was up- graded to a `state of the art" facility Response: Some work had been done to the football/soccer playing surface, and a new " cover was put ut o n the track approximately 6 years ago as a temporary measure. The track will have to have a new base and be re- surfaced because of the buckling in several spots. Some basic comparative costs ■ •ere given en to show Y ■ 1 by the ne ■ Y stadium is being explored. Awareness of Issue One resident stated they were deceived regarding the stadium issue when the y built their home several years ago.. They live adjacent to the property and had no idea that a stadium was even considered on the high school site. Response: Several other residents stated that although they weren't excited about the idea of having the stadium placed at SAIIS, they informed the group that the stadium issue was common knowledge and it makes sense to have it on the high school site. Sound Issues- Comparisons of the speakers on the car dealerships were made and questions were asked how the sound would be kept to a minimum minimum It was suggested that test be run to determine the best way to keep the sound reasonable. explained P onset It was lained that directional speakers would be put in place to direct the sound away from the residential areas. Lighting- Concerns about the amount of lighting and the height of the poles was stated as a concern. Response: �P onset It was explained that by using 90 fie poles, the light could be directed straight down on the field to mine glare and direct light to neighboring areas. It was stated that when an individual steps several feet out of the "focused area" there would not be enough light to read a book. If the poles are lowered to 70 or 80 ft., the lights would be • i much more visible when looking at the direction of the stadium. PAfpi11d Time ,I n, 7. 2 :f12P JHI`I'"'Jf�"�UU ULp:7� p Number of Events- People were concerned over the number of events for each fall season. Response: The number ofp "possible dates" was discussed. ft was also stated that other facilities won.l d be used and that not all soccer and football games would be moved to the new stadium. . Parking Issues- The concepts involved with adequate parking and over -flow parking onto the neighborhood were discussed_ Response: It was stated that there are no plans to expand parking facilities, and that the current parking p n spaces more than meets the recommended amount. There are usually only two d � �� dates/ year when we approach the "mega - crowd" concept. On those dates shuttle services services and extra arrangements (additional police, temporary parking, etc.) would into nto g effect. . Money?- Several citizens wondered how a district in financial difficulty could consider spending money on a new stadium Response: Th e concept of deferred maintenance was reviewed. It was also stated that currently the bleachers co chers were the only costs being covered with "district dollars" and that with + private funds ■ • ere be sue./ sought to help with the rest of the construction. n. Run Off Wd .1. Concerns- Both qu.ality and quantity issues of run off from the added "covered surfaces was discussed. • �e district is working with the O ak Park. Heights staffto be sure all issues Response: Tl � regarding the environment ce a r vironment are examined. There will be less than 3 f 4 of an acre o l additional back -top in the construction plan. SeboQl/Conam Growth- A resident wanted to know how much bigger will the district get and if there will be another high school and another stadium. Rcsporisc. It was stated that there are no current plans for an additional high school. Also it was stated that aL g the high school population ulation grows, it doesn't mean that we will ha v e more games/events/activities, The program will remain about the same. was still a big issue for several residents who stated their Trust Level- The ropes course � displeasure with the • district and said there was now a lack of trust of the schools commitment to the community_ DA ; \f( T; rrin Q . n)DW J 1 17 �G-f I� GrUV� CJL«. p VT..r+ n i was stated that this was the reason for the meeting. It was also stated that Response: It 444J the meeting eeti was not held to ask for permission but rather to inform them of the plans to build the stadium and to get residents input into the issues involved What Happens Next` Residents wanted to know what wound be the next step, Response: It was stated that the district had already met with the city of Oak Park P r - council liter. The school Heights and a meeting with the planning council would be held yet this winter. V E board would be kept abreast of the progress of the stadium during their regular board meetings. Additional Comments: - One resident wanted to establish a "stadium committee ". We would like more trees planted as a barrier. Please hold more community meetings. We want to be notied of future meetings as they are scheduled. m Contact the airport for "height restrictions" for safety poses, Updated aerial views of the site should be available at future meetings% Planting vines to grow on the fence would be very helpful. - The community of Baytown would like to be included in the planning. Received Time Jan 7. 3;03P V JriN U r �a we 1 685 53" St - rcct North Stillwatei MN 55082 December 27, 7001 Lyle Koski, Ph.D. Principal, Stillwater Area High School 5701 Stillwater Blvd, N. Stillwater, Mn 55082 Dear Mr. Koski: Thank l� y ou for providing a.dvancc notice to your adjoining neighbors .regarding the plans for the foothill stadium, As p articipants in discussions about school and Baytown relations priory to construction of the high school twelve years ago and as a present close neighbor to the school, we very much want to be a part of the discussions and would appreciate being notified of all meetings. Unfortunately, we cannot attend the January 2 meeting and so want to present our thoughts by letter. Baytown residents met on several occasions with representatives of the high school twelve years ago when construction was imminent, One of the issues discussed was a stadium,, its placement and ways to ameliorate its impact on neighbors. We discussed lighting and it was proposed then that all lighting would be subdued and p roject away from homes. We also discussed. placing all or part of the stadium below ground level so that a natural berm would be formed or that the present berm be heightened and extended, Ot,e,r discussion focused on the sound system to be used and what could be done to limit noise pollution. These are the concerns that were, presented at the time and which seed to be addressed today, School officials and Baytown residents worked together several years ago so that the effect of the high school on the neighborhood would be minimized. The high school certainly acted as a good neighbor then and we hoping f e e are hn in that w again achieve that rc.laciunship. Thank you for beginniog that process by r r are can : r i notifying all affected neighbor's of your proposal and the upcoming meeting. Very truly yout`s, Diane M, McGann 3nnnia►nrl Tim, Ian 7 )'(')Du : es N. McGann r ��