HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 22, 1997 City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
January 22, 1997
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dick Petkoff at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present:
Also present:
CONSENT AGENDA
Eileen Evans, Jerry Foss, Bruce Magnuson, James
Nelson, Gary Peterson, Dick Petkoff, Bob Ruettimann,
Randy Quale, Mark Winson
Walt Fehst, City Manager
The following items were on the consent agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Move to approve the minutes of the December 19, 1996 meeting.
APPROVAL PAYMENT OF BILLS
Move to approve payment of bills as listed from the proper funds.
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Foss, second by Magnuson to approve the consent agenda. All ayes,
motion carried.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
REQUEST PLACEMENT OF PHOTOCOPIER IN YOUTH LOUNGE/WOMEN OF
TODAY
Members discussed the request by Audrey Coerper of the Columbia Heights
Women of Today to place a photocopier in the Youth Lounge so it may be
accessible for use by their members. Members expressed several concerns
about the request. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Evans to table the
request until more specific information can be obtained by the Recreation
Director regarding the issue. All ayes, motion carried.
REQUEST USE OF AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT/ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION
Members discussed the request for use of audio/visual equipment during
several meetings in 1997 with the fee waived. Members felt that the policy
regarding use of equipment should be followed. Motion by Evans, second by
Foss to deny the request of the Arthritis Foundation for fee-waived usage of
audio/visual equipment. All ayes, motion carried.
'PAGE 'INVO
OLD BUSINESS
1996 MURZYN HALL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The Recreation Director advised members that lighting for the stage area has
been completed; padded chairs have been purchased; and locking kitchen
cabinets will be installed tomorrow morning. The roof repairs have not been
started as yet. A steamer has been purchased for ice problems on the roof,
and heat cable will be installed after the roof is repaired.
WATER LEAKAGE CONCERNS AT MURZYN HALL
The Recreation Director advised members that water has been leaking in the
lower level rear door of Murzyn Hall. Members discussed possible solutions to
the leakage problem. Members were also advised that a complaint was filed
with OSHA regarding air quality concerns at Murzyn Hall. An insurance
carrier will check the air quality next week.
MURZYN HALL BOILER CONCERNS
The Recreation Director advised members that Honeywell has responded to
concerns over the boiler. Honeywell states that they are not required to post a
license as they are not operating the boiler. A letter will be sent to the state
boiler inspector for verification. Members discussed problems related to daffy
boiler checks and possible solutions.
MURZYN HAT.I. 1997 & 1998 MURZYN HALL RENTAL RATES, MURZYN HALL
MANAGEMENT PLAN REVISIONS
Members reviewed the rental rates and management plan revisions.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT (C.H.A.S.E.) PROGRAM
UPDATE
The Recreation Director reported that many new activities are taking place in
the C.H.A.S.E. Program. Several teachers have applied for mini-grants to run
programs. A meeting will take place with Karen Schaub, ISD # 13 Community
Education Director, to encourage more C.H.A.S.E. programs at North Park.
MULTI-USE CENTER PROJECT
Members discussed the potential grant funding available from the State of
Minnesota for the construction of recreation buildings to be used by youth.
Members directed that a letter regarding the grant should be prepared and
submitted to the City Council for discussion.
PAGE THREE
NEW BUSINESS
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ON RECREATION DEPAKI~ENT
EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS
Members were advised on a new city policy that requires criminal background
checks be completed on all new city employees and selected volunteers. This
will impact Recreation Department programs and associations because of the
large number of volunteer coaches.
REMOVAL OF CHAIRS FROM LaBELLE LOUNGE FOR FEBRUARY 22, 1997
Members discussed the request for removal of chairs from La_Belle Lounge for
the wedding reception on February 22, 1997. Members felt that for future
rentals the chairs should remain in the LaBelle Lounge.
REQUEST FOR POSTING BOARD IN HILLTOP PARK
Tom Ruen of Hilltop Neighborhood Association arrived at the meeting to
request that a posting board be installed at Hilltop Park. Members had
concerns over possible problems with graffiti. The board would be maintained
by Tom Ruen. Motion by Evans, second by Magnuson to install the posting
board at Hilltop Park on a trial basis for one year. All ayes, motion carried.
REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
The Recreation Director provided members with copies of a memo from John
Herbert in which he reports that use of Highland Elementary School gym was
cancelled on january 30 and February 13. Members requested that the
specific dates and times of gym cancellations be reported at the school liaison
meeting to be held on February 6, 1997. The Minnesota Youth Athletic
Services and the Columbia Heights Basketball Association will have a shoe
sale at Murzyn Hall in February. Members were provided with copies of a
letter from Kaye Stickler in which she commends the City of Columbia Heights
for their parks. Requests for spring baseball/softball field usage are coming in
from several schools.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
The Public Works Director provided members with copies of the rink
attendants' report. Attendance is down because of the severe weather
conditions. The Old Fashioned Skating Party was held on January 18, 1997.
A parking ban has been declared for the even sides of streets. Members
received copies of a letter of thanks from Matt Brinza, Park Intern. Members
were given copies of the proposed plan for Huset Park prepared by Matt
Brinza. The budget for plowing has been used, but is not exhausted. It is
~AGE' FOUR
becoming difficult to get salt from local vendors.
COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORT
Members requested that a policy and procedures manual with a mission
statement be created for the Park and Recreation Commission. Several
parents have shown interest in starting a football association with the Boosters
as the umbrella organization. Members felt perhaps the parents and John
Herbert should attend the next meeting to discuss the issue. Chairman
Petkoff received a phone call from the parent of a 6th grade boy who requested
that the Recreation Department run a house league basketball program in
addition to the traveling league. The Recreation Director explained that the
addition of a house league basketball program would depend on the availability
of gym space and volunteer coaches.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Evans, second by Petkoff. All ayes, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary