HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 26, 1997The meeting was called to order by Commission Member Eileen Evans at 6:30 p.m.
Members present: Eileen Evans, Jerry Foss (6:43 p.m.), Bruce Magnuson, James Nelson
(6:32 p.m.), Gary Peterson, Bob Ruettimann, Randy Quale, Mark Winson
Members absent: Dick Petkoff
Also present: Karen Moeller, Senior Citizens Coordinator
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were on the consent agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Move to approve the minutes of the January 22, 1997 minutes.
APPROVAL PAYMENT OF BILLS
Move to approve payment of bills as listed from the proper funds.
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Magnuson, second by Peterson to approve the consent agenda. All ayes, motion
carried.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
REQUEST USE OF HA! JlA, KITCHEN & KEYES ROOM - TRAIN COLLECTORS
Members discussed the establishment of 1998 rental rates for the Train Collectors group. The
Train Collectors have been renting the main hall, kitchen, and Keyes Room on the second Sunday
of each month (excluding summer months) and have paid the 1997 rental rate of $185.00. The
Recreation Director recommended that the 1998 rental fee be based on a 50% discount for a two-
hour rental and then a 35% resident discount. The rate for 1998 was calculated to be $216.00.
City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
February 26, 1997
ROLL CALL
PAGE TWO
OLD BUSINESS
REQUEST PLACEMENT OF PHOTOCOPIER IN YOUTH LOUNGE - WOMEN OF TODAY
Members were updated on the request made by the Women of Today. If permission is granted to
place the photocopier in the Youth Lounge, no keys would be given out; the Women of Today
would have access to the Youth Lounge only during business hours. They would hold the City of
Columbia Heights harmless for damage or theft, and Recreation Department staff would be
allowed to use the photocopier if their machine broke down. Motion by Peterson to grant
permission for the Women of Today to place a photocopier in the Youth Lounge with the above
stipulations on a trial basis for the balance of 1997, provided the room is available; second by
Magnuson. All ayes, motion carried.
1996 MURZYN HALL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The Recreation Director updated members on capital improvement projects at Murzyn Hall. The
roof has been repaired, and heat cables were installed.
WATER LEAKAGE & AIR QUALITY CONCERNS AT MURZYN HALL
The Recreation Director advised members that the St. Paul Companies have recommended
corrective measures in response to an anonymous OSHA complaint that was filed. Some of the
corrections to be made are as follows: 1) replace stained ceiling tiles; 2) replace bad insulation; 3)
clean air ducts; 4) clean carpeting; 5) check on amount of air flow through the building; 6)
address issues regarding cleanliness in the building. A plan will be formulated to take correct the
above problems.
MURZYN HALL BOILER CONCERNS
Members discussed continuing concerns regarding the posting of boiler licenses. Staff is
attempting to resolve the issue.
MULTI-USE CENTER PROJECT
The grant for the multi-use center was submitted on February 14, 1997. City officials will be
advised of the results by mid-April. Members discussed the possibility of referring to the building
as the community center, rather than multi-use center.
YOUTH FOOTBALL
Nathan Downing and others interested in starting a youth football association have not made any
decisions as yet, but will fu'st check with North Metro Junior Football League. Any new plans
will be presented to members at a regular meeting.
PAGE THREE
NEW BUSINESS
POOL IMPROVEMENTS
The Public Works Director updated members and indicated that he recommends that the city seek
proposals for a consulting service to better understand the problem and possible solutions.
Motion by Magnuson to recommend to the City Council to authorize staff to seek proposals for
consulting services on pool improvements; second by Peterson. Motion carried; abstained - Bob
Ruettimann.
SILVER LAKE AERATION AND FISHING PIER
Members reviewed a memo from the Public Works Director regarding a proposal to install an
aerator and fishing pier in Silver Lake. The items would be installed by the Department of
Natural Resources through the CORE Program, and the sponsor city(s) would pay for electricity
and maintain the items. The DNR would investigate the removal of the rough fish and re-stock
with pan frsh. Motion by Nelson to recommend to the City Council that the city apply to the
CORE program for installation of an aerator and fishing pier on Silver Lake; second by Foss. All
ayes, motion carried.
FEE-WAIVED USER GROUPS
Members discussed the matter of fee-waived groups requesting free use of audio/visual
equipment. A letter had been received from Tammy Sperr of the Day Care Providers requesting
free use of the TV/VCR during their fee-waived use of the Edgemoor Room on March 3, 1997.
Motion by Foss, second by Peterson to follow the established policy and require fee-waived
groups to pay the established rental fee for use of audio/visual equipment and to deny the request
made by Ms. Sperr. All ayes, motion carried.
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
The Recreation Director updated members on the joint meeting of representatives from the City
Council and School Board that took place on February 6, 1997. Concerns were voiced regarding
gym cancellations, and possible solutions were discussed. Meetings will be ongoing.
MURZYN HAIJJ WOOD FLOOR REFINISHING
The Recreation Director advised members of the plans for refinishing the wood floor in the main
hall from May 21-26, 1997. During the refinishing process, the upstairs portion of Murzyn Hall
will be closed due to health concerns involving the chemicals used on the floor. Several user
groups are scheduled for rooms in the lower level during this time. Staff will determine if these
groups want to use the lower level rooms or possibly move to another location.
PAGE FOUR
GYMNASIUM CANCELLATION - VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Members reviewed and discussed the memo from John Herbert regarding the gymnasium
cancellation on January 30, 1997 at Valley View Elementary School.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
SENIOR CITIZEN DANCES
Karen Moeller, Senior Citizen Coordinator, advised members of a new program where senior
dances will be held on a monthly basis at Murzyn HaIL The fa'st senior dance held on February
19, 1997, and 150 seniors attended. The next dance will occur on March 19, 1997.
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
The Recreation Director advised members that Karen Moeller was chosen as employee of the year
and was recognized at the city holiday party on January 24, 1997.
SPRING FIELD REQUESTS
Members reviewed information from John Herbert regarding spring field requests received from
Columbia Heights High School and Immaculate Conception School. Both groups have requested
to use Field 5 at Huset Park. Correspondence has been sent to both schools requesting that they
work out a mutually agreeable plan for use of Field 5; however, both continue to request Field 5.
Motion by Peterson to follow the recommendations made in John Herbert's correspondence and
have both groups share Field 5 equally; second by Foss. All ayes, motion carried.
REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
The Recreation Director asked for clarification from members on use of the Youth Lounge by
groups other than the Boosters. Members discussed the matter and agreed that the Youth
Lounge should be used at the discretion of the Recreation Director with primary use reserved for
the Boosters. A handrail was installed next to the stairs leading to the stage. The shelf in the
trophy case was repaired. The Recreation Director is seeking specifications for a new copy
machine. A $100 donation was received from the Toastmasters. The Zone is planning a Battle of
the Bands dance to take place at Murzyn Hall on March 14, 1997. The "Heights Happenings"
city newsletter is in production and will be mailed on or about March 15, 1997.
PAGE FIVE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
The Public Works Director reported that skating rinks are now closed. Attendance reports were
distributed to members. Attendance numbers were down due to cold temperatures/wind chills.
Shop Foreman Tom Hosch is retiring after 37 years of service on February 28, 1997. Steve
Synowczynski has accepted the position of shop foreman.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
No report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Nelson; second by Magnuson. All ayes, motion carried. Adjourned at 7:49
p.m.
Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary