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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDec 26, 1984OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS PUBLIC HEARING DECemBER 26, 1984 The hearing was tailed to order by Mayor Nawrocki at 7:30 PM. Roll Call Hovland, Petkoff, Carlson, Peterson, Nawrocki - all present. Appointment of Acting Secretary Motion by Hovland, second by Peterson to appoint Bonnie Jewett secretary pro-tom. Motion carries; all ayes. Purpose of Mee~in~ 'The Mayor called a public hearing for Wednesday, De,ember 26th, to consider a proposed renovation and/or expansion of Murzyn Hall. A brief outline of the agenda is as follows: a. Staff will make a presentation of the proposal to renovate and/or expand Murzyn Hall. This will include a presentation ~y the Columbia Heights Park Board regarding their recommendation~o the Council that major repairs be undertaken to MUrzyn Hall and that-an addition be provided to allow more space for the many activities' that occur in this building. Services of an architectural firm have been engaged and will also be revieW~d. b. The public wili have the opportunity to ask questions of the staff, Park Board, architect, and/or Mayor and Council. c. The public will have the opportunity to voice comments pro and eon. d. The Mayor and Council will give consideration to the' information presented and to the questions and comments expressed by the public; and wiI1 then express their position with regard to the renovation and/or expansion. As a point of information, Mayor Nawrocki indicated that the public hearing was being taped live by Group W Cable; viewers at home will have the oppor- tunity to call in with their questions. Presentation of Information The City Manager reviewed material regarding the past history of the Murzyn Hall remodeiing up to the point of retaining an architect to assist the Park Board with remodeling and/or expansion plans. Dur&ng June, 1981, the City did seek proposaIs from architectural firms.to undertake improvements to Murzyn Hall and to research using/.Murzyn.'~all or Columbia Junior High as a community center. Due to decisions. dealing with Columbia Junior High, the City did not proceed further. In 1983, the Park Board recommended $71,000 be allotted for major repairs to Muryzn Hall. This amount was approved by the Council~'. with the intent that major repairs to the building be undertaken. Januar~ 1984, the Park Board recommended architectural services be retained. After intensive research by the Park Board, a recommendation was made to the City CounciI to seek architectural services for the proposed renovation and expansion. Patch Erickson Madson and Watten received award of this bid in April, 1984. A joint work session was held in May of 1984 to discuss proceeding with the addition and to research the types of uses and feasibility of such an addition. Bill Hollum, Park Board Chairman, wili report on the Park Board deliberations. Special Public Hearing Page 2 December 26, 1984 be Ce de ee Fred Salsbury, Public Works Director, reviewed discussions of the Park Board which resulted in the recommendation to the Council to proceed with a renovation and expansion to Murzyn Hall. He reviewed the cur- rent usage of Murzyn Hall, the intensity of use and future uses if renovation/addition would occur. In addition to research being com- pleted by staff and Park Board, input was sought from various civic organizations with regard to their future use of Murzyn Hall if it were to be renovated or expanded. Vern Watten, representing Patch Erickson Madson and Watten, reviewed the present and proposed floor plans of the lower and upper areas, parking alternatives, and the proposed site plan, as well as an artist's view of the proposed outside structure. A rundown of the construction to occur in each area, and an estimated cost of such was detailed in a handout from the architectural firm. These costs in- clude: $267,000 for demolition and remodeling, $515,200 for 10,304 square foot addition, $30,000 for kitchen and bar equipment; and $35,000 for parking. Fred Salsbury, Public Works Director, presented a cost estimate for maintaining and operating Murzyn Hall based upon the existing building, as well as the proposed expansion. Bill Hollum, Chairman of the Park Board, reviewed the steps taken in conjunction with the Public Works staff to review usage of Murzyn Hall. As a result, two plans were formulated; one for renovation and one for an addition. A final version was completed and given to the City Council in September. Mr. Hollum reviewed the major areas of renovation intended, as well as the reasons or steps taken to reach those decisions. He also indicated various civic organizations which Jointly assisted in this study. Appreciation of thanks was given to many of the organizations currently using the building with the intent or hope of the Park Board to be able to reciprocate the help or assistance they have given our City residents. Any construction or expansion will commence January 1, 1986, as the building has already been scheduled for use during calendar year 1985. (Park Board members present included Bill Hollum, John Murzyn, JoAnn Jernall, and Jon Starcevic.) Robert Bocwinski, City Manager, summarized and addressed the question of financing the renovation and proposed expansion. As presented in a memo from the Finance Director, there is an adequate fund balance to finance renovation and/or addition to Murzyn Hall: $700,000 excess re- tained earnings in the Liquor Fund, and $400,000 excess fund balance in the General Fund. A possible third source would be Community Develop- ment Block Grant funds, however, this funding would be restricted to senior citizen area improvements only. In addition, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Director is seeking information from the Metropolitan Council with regard to funding from the Older Americans Act. This also would relate only to senior citizen area improvements. Mayor Nawrocki indicated that the City Manager had included monies in his 1985 budget for the proposed renovation/addition to Murzyn Hall. At that time, this was rejected by the City Council as it was their hope that monies for work to be done could come from the Liquor and General Fund preserves. Special Public Hearing Page 3 December 26, 1984 Mayor Nawrocki questioned whether the architectural fee was included in the $847,200 total cost figure. Vern Warren responded that they were not and would consist of approximateIy $80,000 (12% remodeling costs and 8% expansion costs). Frank Torrey - Jaycees asked what percentage of fixtures and equipment would be retained or available for the expansion. All kitchen equipment could be used with the exception of the range. The cost estimate provided includes only the purchase of equipment which could not be salvaged. Ron Zurek - Questioned proposed parking and access road to Jefferson. If it is necessary to have a secondary egress/ingress, it would run along the northside of the existing railroad tracks to Jefferson. This secondary road could be eliminated if vehicles exited via the in ramp, but it would create some con- gestion. The cost is included in the parking cost estimate. Telephone - · Could historic items such as the Lincoln car be included rather than just trophies? As explained by Mayor Nawrocki, the railroad car which was used to carry Lincoln's body after his assassination was stored in Columbia Heights. 'Cai1 the ground floor the lower level, not the basement. 'Contact local artists for paintings for the walls. Dick Lawrence - Has the young peoples room been reduced? No, the reading room, however, which was a portion of the young peoples room has been opened up for the senior citizens and others to use. Previously, it could be used only by the teens. Joe Burgoyne - 'Is liquor to be served in the hall? Same policy as currently exists; may be served, but not sold. A security guard is present at all such events. *Does the budgeted cost include the furnishings of new tables and chairs? No, strictly kitchen equipment. Telephone - Could there be a provision for flags of ethnic background in the main hall area? Yes, certainly could be provided. Telephone - *Is this going to be on an appointment or waIk-in basis for hall and room usage? Rental for the hall is on a first come, first served basis. Future use hopefully will include walk-in usage by senior citizens and teens, and perhaps recreational groups. Possibly provide some semi-chaperoned type use of physical activity area. 'Will there be more days available to the teen center (walk-in)? This was originally sponsored by the athletic boosters. Dick Lawrence responded that the intent is to open it as much as there is need. Presently open Monday and Thursday, although have outgrown this already and do plan on opening it more evenings and possibly Saturdays. Special Public Hearing Page 4 December 26, 1984 Telephone - Are there other projects that the surplus money could be used for? If so, would the Council consider a bond issue for Murzyn Hall? Bonds would about double the cost when repaying. Therefore, the Council felt it would be more frugal to use reserve funds. Obviously, funds could be used for any legal purpose. Telephone - How do you plan on controlling noise with the patio - noise affecting neighbors? Also, with the patio, how does that affect the air conditioning? Vern Watten replied that closures could be attached to the doors to close them automatically. Foliage plantings would acoustically control some of the noise and would seclude users from the affected neighbors. Sebe Heintz - The type of noise (language, partying) that is generated along with picking up beer cans, etc. will not be stopped by shrubbery. Georgann Zurek - *Will the rental fee be increased once construction work is completed? The Public Works Director indicated no increase is planned at this time. Many viable options could be addressed such as a higher charge for users outside of the City limits, etc. *How close does the parking lot behind Murzyn Hall come to the swings and other playground equipment? Vern Watten replied that it is their intention not to interrupt any of the playground area. Also, as this parking lot will not be heavily used the majority of the time, it could still be used as a playfield for basketball. *What is the date of completion or timeframe for this work? At the maximumum, 18 months, but probably closer to one year. Reservations for Murzyn Hall for 1985 are completely booked at this time; 1986 reservation scheduling would begin January 1, 1985. Major renovation on the inside, therefore, could not commence until January 1, 1986. Telephone - Was any consideration given to the southside of the building where neighbors wouldn't be affected by the patio/deck area? Vern Watten replied that it would mean a suspended/supported deck and increased costs. Mayor Nawrocki commended the Park Board Members for the time and effort put into accomplishing their desired goals and arriving at a recommendation for the Mayor and City Council's consideration. Sebe Heintz - He indicated he had called three weeks earlier to keep informed and expressed concerns regarding the notice he received December 24th informing him of the hearing. The City Manager replied that he had made the Council aware of their earlier conversation, and had indicated to Mr. Heintz that he felt the Park Board would be making a proposal to the Council at their first meeting in December. At the December 3rd Council Meeting, the Council did vote to hold a Public Hearing this evening. An article was inserted in the Winter Newsletter going to all residents the week prior December 15th; a notice appeared on the cable system (Channel #10); and an article was also published in the December 10th issue of FOCUS announcing the public hearing. The City Speciai Public Hearing Page 5 December 26, 1984 Manager had hoped to send the additional notice to residents on Mill Street on Friday, December 22nd, and offered an apology if it was felt that sufficient notice was not received. Ron Zurek - A survey should be done by people living on the street. Plants will not subdue noise and a problem could result with increased traffic. Parking area will not help unless you get people to actually use the lots. There will be an increased cost in maintenance and snowplowing of the parking lot and access road to Jefferson. More security will be needed by Police. Lights should be erected in different areas of the park. It all sounds terrific, but not for the people on Mill Street, especially the front terrace. I ask the City Council to really give the front terrace further consideration due to noise escaping with doors opening during events. Response: A new situation is not being created; years before there was almost no parking available for this facility. The City and the County helped en- courage enthusiasm previously to acquire houses across the street in order to construct the parking lot presently there. Consideration for additional parking was given by the architectural firm; 132 new spaces have been included in the site plan to be placed behind the building. More lighting has been included for security purposes. Arlie Niemi - She was always taught that good government was the most things for the most people. A letter from the CoIumbia Heights Hockey Association was read in favor of the remodeling and addition of Murzyn Hall; a petition was attached with approximately 100 households supporting such action. Mr. Hollum of the Park Board previously stated he liked what some of the organizations were doing for the youth; I would like to utter a challenge to the Council to vote for progress and do the same for all the citizens of the community by proceeding with the addition and renovation of Murzyn Hall. Sebe Heintz - When remodeling, shouldn't current parking ordinances be met; the same requirement that must be met by others proposing to serve liquor? What is proposed since they are not met? Response: Parking ordinances do not comply to City as they are exempt. The City Manager is in agreement that Murzyn Hall would probably not comply with ordinances as a stand-alone with parking on-site. It may comply with the ordinance if you include the new parking plus the Anoka County parking area across the street off-site. Sebe Heintz - 1 space for every 3 people is required. Total of 192 spaces with lot across the street; this would accommodate hall use only, not the entire usage that would exist with the addition and renovation. Telephone - With regard to the increased parking lot in back, how will people be kept from parking on Mill Street where the residents may wish to park? The Public Works Director indicated that signs could be posted showing peopIe where parking was available. Also, signs could be posted prohibiting all parking, however, this would include the residents on Mill Street. Special Public Hearing Page 6 December 26, 1984 Telephone - Perhaps the architect should consider a terrace to the south with a park-like pavilion underneath, double-duty arrangement. Vern Watten replied that what was proposed was the least costly. If it is a viable suggestion, it will certainly be pursued. Don Haller- Asked Council to look more at the youth of our City, especially during the winter months when the parks could not be used as a meeting place. With regard to storage, it is always an ongoing problem for all athletics in Columbia Heights. Through the drug awareness program at the high school, we were asked if we could share our homes or selves after a function for 20-40 kids so they would have a place to go. Telephone - As a member of Columbia Heights Booster Club, I would like to encourage the Council to aprove the addition. The booster meetings are often changed from one location to another due to a lack of space. Verlin Vedders - Averaging in youth center between 18-25 per night. Christmas Party had approximately 70 youth attending; this gives you an idea of the growth of the youth center. Dick Lawrence - Athletic Boosters - Have been in existence for about 27 years during which time they have raised over $300,000 to return to the youth of the community. Often times, there is just not sufficient room to meet so we use coat rooms, kitchen, etc. Youth group going extremely well. Well received by young people; tremendous cooperation from various organizations. Would like to publicly thank the City Council and Park Board for tremendous help and coopera- tion. Basement, in particular is very dirty and ventilation poor for toddlers and teens currently using basement. Partial project would be a mistake, and future work down the road would prove more costly. Owe it to the residents of Columbia to renovate and expand this facility. This building has served our community extremely well for the past 40+ years. It's time we improved and upgraded our investment for the citizens of CoIumbia Heights. Bill Elliot - Has small child which attended preschool program in this building. Expanding the facility is very important. Also, should consider possibility of donation of land from nearby residents as retiring or moving. Frank Torrey - Jaycees - This year my duties include scheduling meetings, running fundraisers and encouraging involvement of members in community and government. Fortunate to have access to this building. It is very hard to contend with physical activities occurring at same time. Entire chapter gives full support to the expansion and renovation of Murzyn Hall. The better we can use the facilities, the better all of the service organizations can help Columbia Heights to stay as one of the best communities in the Twin Cities area. Does symphathize with Mill Street residents, but as a user will make it a point to keep the noise down and clean up after functions, such as occurred after the 4th of July event last year. Jaycees and Jaycee Women feel this can only help Columbia Heights and definitely encourage the Council to favorably consider this. Special Public Hearing Page 7 December 26, 1984 Sebe Heintz - Poll people on Mill Street. Renovation ok, but no expansion or increased parking lot. Don't take away all the park area for the young people. Maintain park and leave it that way for young people and adults. Ample park buildings in community not properly maintained presently. Use some of these buildings or facilities. Use monies to reduce our taxes, rather than expan- sion. Telephone - Are the civic groups willing to spend any money to affect the expenses of the building? Response by Councilmember Petkoff: Civic organizations donate alot of things to Murzyn Hall. Lions Club donated all the curtains on the windows. The Jaycees a couple of years ago donated the new stainless steel table for the kitchen facility. Organizations donate in their own way. Whenever we (Park Board) need something, a piece of equipment, a refrigerator, an icemaker, table, drapes, shades, etc., in fact, the Jaycees come to use once a year and ask what is needed at the hall. Perhaps in the future more could be considered, but for now it should be understood that the civic organizations do put back into Murzyn Hall; it is not all free of charge. Ed Schmeda - Columbia Heights VFW - In support of Rita's response; VFW has given countless things to Murzyn Hall and sees no problem in the future with continuous giving. Joe Burgoyne - Commend Park and Rec Department for their program and recrea- tional facilities. Feels there should be better space management. Doing a nice job of remodeling the lower level should be ample, rather than expanding building. . Telephone - Member of VFW Auxiliary - Group backs the addition and would be willing to spend money to help out; have purchased curtains, etc. for present building. Response: Mayor Nawrocki reinforced the fact that many civic organizations have done many things. Columbia Heights Post and its auxiliary have been very generous in providing money for many different types of civic needs, not just Murzyn Hall. They are to be commended for such generousity. Mayor Nawrocki - Discussion has occurred tonight connected with the Teen Drop- In Center and chemical dependency problems. Often times we think these prob- lems exist elsewhere and not in our own community. Dick Lawrence, Verlin Vedders and others have put together a program on a volunteer basis to provide a drop-in type of center to help youth who have experienced problems or are trying to keep away from these problems. It's been a tremendous program and I wish to publicly thank them and others who have been involved with this program. 7. ~ction by Council Councilmember Peterson: I believe the terrace could be resolved with some work. The neighbors have pros and cons associated with living near a park, same as airport. Murzyn Hall Special Public Hearing Page 8 December 26, 1984 has been here nearly fifty years; it's a famous landmark. Fathers had enough foresight to make this building enormous in their time. One of the most used public buildings in Columbia Heights. I do believe we need to proceed with addition fully. It's a service to community and service to organizations. We want to sell townhomes, sell condominiums, we want people to invest in the community. We, as citizens of Columbia Heights, have to put faith in community and back Murzyn Hall addition. I'm 100% behind this action, unless you people don't want it. Councilmember Hovland: Expressed concerns regarding low cost estimate for construction of parking lot. Telephone - Future construction costs and interest rates would probably be higher. Mayor Nawrocki assumed the comment is speaking in favor of doing the project now and using reserve funds. Joe Burgoyne - Are funds to come from the Liquor Fund? Possibility by the City Council to change and consider a bond issue. We do have profits in reserve in the Liquor Fund and General Fund. A significant portion is from the sale of the on-sale facility on Central. New off-sale store has used up some funds, however, as indicated by City Manager earlier, there is $700,000 in Liquor Fund reserve which would be available for expenditure above and beyond what was needed for the new store. Burgoyne felt if we had the money, just do it. Go ahead and use the reserve monies if we don't wish to finance the project. Councilmember Carlson: Questioned whether this money should be used for addition. There is no doubt that interior improvements should be done at Murzyn Hall. However, the monies in reserve are earning interest which the City currently operates on; using these monies will increase mill levies. Councilmember Carlson is questioning whether we need to spend this kind of money on this project, or maybe some other project, or not spend it at all. Perhaps finances or money could come from another source. Right now I stand behind the remodeling, but not the addition. Councilmember Petkoff: Sitting on Council and Park Board, much time and effort spent researching by members. Also, as member of Recreation Commission, I feel they are behind the addition as well. Space is not limited to youth level, but to all residents. Feels there is a nee~ for programs to be expanded--adult classes, preschool programs, drop-in center, senior citizens, etc. Warming house buildings could be used in summertime, but Murzyn Hall is like home for the community. Anytime a number of people come into a designated area, surroundings will flourish. A number of people will benefit. Few are inconvenienced, but greater number are served. Betterment of whole community. Some problems with financing and other areas need to be worked out. However, definite plus for community. Hopes it can be pursued and problems resolved to become a better facility for the whole community. Telephone - Put in a bigger swimming pool, rather than the existing wading pool. Special Public Hearing Page 9 December 26, 1984 Mayor Nawrocki: Briefly reviewed the past history and recreational functions of Murzyn Hall, previously known as Field House. The facility flourished and its intent was well met and I believe continues to be well met. Quite outspoken with the hope of a community center facility with the closing of Columbia Junior High School. Currently, there is alot of unmet needs: senior citizens, congregate dining, crafts, day care, chemical dependency programs, etc. As Mayor, need to look at total needs and possible problems which may arise affecting surrounding resi- dents. Parking situation should be investigated further to alleviate any parking problem. Look at rental arrangements to residents versus outside users. Alot of community programs are overcrowded: baseball, hockey, sports, potluck dinners, recognition events, etc. You literally get pushed out trying to accommodate these type of events. Expansion of the hall could easily be justified. Look at possible changes in operation of the facility. Look at financial side of improvements--City fund reserves. This would have an impact on City residents as interest earned on this amount equates to approximately one mill each year. City has been in liquor business since prohibition; people voted in early '60's again to stay in this business. Residents expect that money derived from this business does some good for the City. Perhaps appro- priate to use monies in something which would have lasting importance or value to community. Mayor Nawrocki proposed that the Council not attempt to make a decision at this time. Council was directed to ponder on the comments, pro and con; and for those supportive of the addition to give consideration to the concerns which have been expressed by some of the neighbors, particularly with regard to expansion. Park Board should give thought to the wisdom of the patio area and potential problems which may be caused. Park Board should look over recom- mendations to seek additional ways to save money. Staff should review individual cost estimates in detail, in particular with the parking lot estimate. Look at space needs and utilization of the existing space. Review maintenance standpoint which in the future will not result in extra costs. Further investigate financing possibilities; HRA to investigate monies which may be available for senior citizen type programs; C.D.B.G. Program monies. Consensus of City Council to continue the discussion and decision-making process to a later meeting. Telephone Comment - This is the best City Council Columbia Heights has had in the past twenty years. Chair called meeting adjourned and thanked the public four paJt~ipating in the hearing. Also, thanks were given to Group W for~.lec~i~the he~ng to the community; response from viewers was ~~' ...... ·J~ ~roeki, Mayor Bonnie Jewett,//Se~retary Pro-Tem