HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 22, 1996 City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
May 22, 1996
The meeting was called to order by Dick Petkoff at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present:
Dick Petkoff, Bob Ruettimann, Efleen Evans, Jerry Foss,
Gary Peterson, Randy Quale, Mark Winson.
Members absent:
Bruce Magnuson, Pat Grady
Also present:
Vem Rozmark, Park Foreman
Cb~irman Dick Petkoff advised members that he had received a letter today from
Pat Grady indicating that he wished to resign his position on the Park and
Recreation Commission. Members will consider an appointment to replace him.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were on the consent agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Move to approve the minutes of the April 24, 1996 meeting.
APPROVAL PAYMENT OF BILLS
Move to approve payment of bills as listed from the proper funds.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Foss to approve the Consent Agenda. All ayes,
motion carried.
LETI'ERS AND REQUESTS
REQUEST USE OF HAIL & KITCHEN/HELPING PAWS OF MINNESOTA
Members were given copies of a letter received from Robin Marvel of Helping Paws
of Minnesota requesting use of the hall and kitchen from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, October 22, 1996 for a volunteer recognition reception, with the fee
waived. Motion by Ruettimann to recommend that the Recreation Director
research the request to determine if the fee should be waived or reduced. Second
by Evans, all ayes, motion carried.
PAGE 'IXVO
REQUEST
USE OF SULLIVAN LAKE PARK WITH 3.2 BEER/MEDTRONIC
NEUROLOGICAL
Members were given copies of a letter received from Medtronic requesting use of
Sullivan Lake Park on August 9, 1996 with 3.2 beer being served. Motion by
Ruettimann, second by Peterson to approve use of Sullivan Lake Park from 12:00
to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9 by Medtronic for a picnic with 3.2 beer being
served. All ayes, motion carried.
REQUEST USE OF HALL/COLUMBIA HEIGHTS OLD TIMER'S REUNION
Motion by Peterson, second by Evans to approve use of the hall for the Columbia
Heights Old Timer's Reunion on Sunday, April 27, 1997 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.,
with the fee being waived.
TOUR OF HUSET PARK
Members were advised that an intern will be assisting in the Engineering
Department starting mid-June to develop a potential plan for Huset Park.
Ruettimann suggested that each member tour two parks with Park Foreman
Rozmark to review the parks and report back to members on their condition.
Members went on a tour of Huset Park led by Park Foreman Vern Rozmark.
Members learned that the tennis court was built in 1948, and the Jefferson
Building was built in 1959. The City is acquiring some land to the south of Huset
Park and may expand Field 2. The bandshell is believed to have a drainage
problem and is in need of repair. Some members felt it should be removed.
Members were shown a demonstration of the demo Toro mower being sought by
the Park Department. The mower is a 580 diesel with a 16 inch cut, which would
increase speed and decrease manpower in mowing the parks. The machine has
a long life span, is low on maintenance, and is believed to be the best machine on
the market. Huset East needs building up to correct a drainage problem.
Two of the tennis courts have been converted to a basketball court and bocce ball
court. The flooring is original since 1948 and needs updating. Members
discussed how the area could be used ff the tennis courts and whole enclosure
were updated.
PAGE THREE
Members were advised on a problem with the wading pools at Huset, McKenna,
and Mathaire Parks. The Health Department codes are being changed in January
of 1997. Members were given a list of problems that must be corrected in order
to bring the pools up to code including skimmer system, filter and pump,
chlorination, flow detectors, signage, and serf-closing gates. If these items are not
corrected, the pools will be closed down. Members discussed having a special
meeting to determine a plan of action for the wading pools and make a
recommendation to the City Council.
OLD BUSINESS
PARK AND RECREATION SURVEY
The Recreation Director updated members on the status of the Park and
Recreation Survey. The data is being put into frequency tables. Members were
given copies of Table 11 showing responses to one of the questions in the survey.
ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM
The Recreation DirecWr reported that over 100 people were involved in the Adopt-
A-Park program during Heights Pride week.
PARK STUDY
Members decided to each tour two parks with Park Foreman Rozmark. Petkoff
will tour McKenna and Sullivan Lake Parks; Evans will tour Prestemon and Silver
Lake Beach; Ruettimann will tour Mathaire and Keyes Parks; Foss will tour
Gauvitte and Lomianki Parks; Peterson will tour Ostrander and LaBelle Parks;
Magnuson will tour Edgemoor and Hilltop Parks.
MURZYN HAI.L DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ON 40TH AVENUE
Item was tabled until a later date.
MURZYN HALL BOILER INSPECTIONS
The Recreation Director reported that the boilers must be inspected daffy by a
licensed inspector. The Head Custodian will inspect the boilers for one hour on
Saturdays and Sundays, and he will train the part-time custodian at the same
time. By November 1, 1996 the part-time custodians should be able to take over
the weekend inspections.
_ PAGE FOUR
SOAP BOX DERBY
Members were advised that the director of the June 29, 1996 soap box derby has
requested closing Reservoir Blvd. at 46th Ave. to facilitate a longer race course.
Members directed the Recreation Director to deny the request.
NEW BUSINESS
PROPOSED 1997 MURZYN HALL CAPITAL OUTLAY PROJECTS
Members reviewed a list of proposed 1997 Murzyn Hall capital outlay projects.
Items believed to be of the most urgency are the installation of locking cabinets
for dishes, silverware, and cups; hand dryers; and padded chairs.
ADDITIONAL MURZYN HALL PARKING SIGNAGE
Item was tabled until a later date.
MURZYN HALL MAIN HALL WOODEN FLOOR REFINISHING CONCERNS
Members were informed of concerns raised by staff regarding the annual
refinishing of Murzyn Hall's main hall wooden floor. Measures have been taken
to decrease the chemical fumes during the refinishing process.
FOOD POISONING INCIDENT AT MURZYN HALL
Members were informed of the food poisoning incident during a rental at Murzyn
Hall where food was prepared and served by the renters. The Recreation Director
has investigated the matter and found that renters are not required to use
licensed caterers.
NEI GYMNASIUM USAGE UPDATE
Members were updated on issues surrounding our use of the NEI gynmasium for
recreation programs. The City uses 70% of gym time at NEI. The cost of supplies
and materials for resurfacing the floor is $1,400, and the City will be responsible
for 70% of those costs.
MULTI-USE CENTER PROJECT UPDATE
Residents have expressed interest in a multi-use center. Members were given a
memo from the Recreation Director explaining the current situation. Members
requested that Jon Gurban of MPRA attend the June meeting to discuss the issue
further.
PAGE FIVE
1996 SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM
Members reviewed the new recreation youth programs being offered this summer.
The programs were developed by Program Coordinator Julie Dehmer.
YOUTH INITIATIVE GRANT
The State of Minnesota has allocated $64,764 to Columbia Heights to develop a
youth initiative program. The grant proposal must be submitted by June 28.
This is a one time grant, and the monies must be used for the program in its first
year. The Recreation Director will explore the matter further.
WADING POOL MAINTENANCE
Discussed during Huset Park tour.
REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
The Recreation Director advised members on a potential renter who wishes to use
the Senior/Ostrander Room for a graduation party, but does not have personal
liability insurance. Members agreed that the renter must have personal liability
insurance if they are having 50 or more guests; ff alcohol is being served; and/or
if they are serving food.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
The Public Works Director reported that $30,000 is budgeted for playground
equipment for Ostrander and Gauvitte Parks; however, the equipment is very
costly and only one park can be completed within the budget allowances.
Members felt we should wait for final bids on the equipment and try to get both
parks done.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Chairman Petkoff proposed that Pat Grady be contacted to see ff he will
reconsider his resignation and perhaps remain on the Park and Recreation
Commission. If he does wish to resign, members would like to recognize his
contribution with a gift.
Motion by Evans, second by Foss to adjoum at 8:59 p.m. All ayes, motion
carried.