HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 26, 1997 City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
March 26, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Dick Petkoff.
Members present: Eileen Evans, Brace Magnuson, Gary Peterson, Dick Petkoff, Bob
Ruettimann, Randy Quale, Lauren McClanahan, James Nelson (6:39 p.m.).
Members absent: Jerry Foss, Mark Winson
Also present: Julie Dehmer
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were on the consent agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Move to approve the minutes of the February 26, 1997 meeting.
APPROVAL PAYMENT OF BILLS
Move to approve payment of bills as listed from the proper funds.
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Evans, second by Magnuson to approve the consent agenda. All ayes, motion carried.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
REQUEST TO HAVE LIVE GOLDFISH IN MURZYN HALL AS WEDDING RECEPTION
DECORATION
Mary Ochacki, who is reining the hall on Saturday, July 26, 1997, requests permission to have
live goldfish in Murzyn Hall as a decoration. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Petkoff to allow
live goldfish in Murzyn Hall on Saturday, July 26, 1997 during the Mary Ochacki weddin~
reception rental. All ayes, motion carried.
ROLL CALL
A PAGE TWO
REQUEST TO RETURN RENTAL CHARGE FOR TOM HOSCH RETIREMENT
Members reviewed the memo from the Public Works Director regarding the rental charge for the
Tom Hosch retirement. Motion by Peterson, second by Magnuson to return the rental charge for
the Tom Hosch retirement party on February 28, 1997. All ayes, motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
WATER LEAKAGE & AIR 0UALITY CONCERNS AT MURZYN HALL
Members reviewed a memo from the Recreation Director concerning water leakage and air
quality concerns at Murzyn Hall. The city's workers compensation company representative made
recommendations for improved general cleaning practices, repair of water damaged tiles, and
cleaning of air vents. The air vents have not been cleaned for at least ten years. City staff would
like to coordinate vent cleaning with Murzyn Hall, city hall, and the library. Honeywell will
perform air flow and ventilation checks. The Recreation Director recommends a hold on $12,000
from the capital improvement fund to prepare for this expenditure. Members felt this matter
should receive priority attention. Additionally, members felt that a better cleaning plan should be
established with guidelines for regular cleaning of Murzyn Hall; perhaps a cleaning checklist for
custodial staff would be helpful. The Recreation Director will address this matter.
REQUEST FOR CONSULTING PROPOSALS - WADING POOLS
Members reviewed a draft proposal from the Public Works Director to seek proposals for
consulting engineering services in regard to the necessary improvements to the wading pools.
The Public Works Superintendent reported on the wading pool situation, and members discussed
the matter. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Evans to authorize staff to seek proposals for
consulting engineering services in regard to the necessary improvements to the wading pools. All
ayes, motion carried.
HUSET #5 FIELD USAGE REOUEST FOR COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL AND
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Members reviewed the letters sent to A10gdie and Dan Coulliard from John Herbert regarding
field usage of Huset #5. Members discussed the issue and felt that the field usage dates and times
are fair to both parties.
OTHER OLD BUSINESS
Julie Dehmer, Recreation Program Coordinator, updated members on the Chase Program.
Recently a youth council was formed and will begin working on summer programs. The special
event programs have been drawing 50 to 100 youth each. Julie has been spending much of her
time on the Chase program and has been doing a wonderful job.
PAGE THREE
Randy Quale announced that he has accepted a position with the City of Bloomington and will be
leaving his position at Columbia Heights as of April 18, 1997.
The Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters have volunteered to construct a wall and door in the
Youth Lounge to separate their office fi.om general use of the Youth Lounge. The construction
will be done with no cost to the city. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Evans to allow the
Columbia Heights Athletic Boosters to construct a wail and door in the youth lounge and to work
with staff to achieve the goal of security for the Boosters office. All ayes, motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
RESIGNATION OF JOHN HERBERT, RECREATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Members were advised that John Herbert has resigned effective March 31, 1997. A recreation
intern will be hired to assume his duties on a temporary basis. Members felt a special meeting
should be held with Recreation Office staff to determine the volume of recreation programs and
the work load of recreation staff. Perhaps a second intern would be hired to help with the staff
shortage. A meeting date of April 8, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. was set. Members will be provided with
an overview of staff hours spent on each program in advance of the meeting date.
1998 MURZYN HALL BUDGET & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The Recreation Director indicated that this issue will be addressed by the new or interim
Recreation Director in the future.
PRESTEMON PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Members reviewed a memo from the Public Works Director concerning the replacement of
playground equipment in Prestemon Park in 1997. Members felt perhaps a survey of neighbors in
the area of Prestemon Park would provide input as to park usage.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION STRUCTURE & AUTHORITY
Members reviewed the information provided by the Recreation Director. Members will examine
the City codes and discuss the issue at a future meeting.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
Members were provided with copies of a letter fi.om Mark Kowal of Kim's Tae Kwon Do in
Fridley. Mr. Kowal would like to expand his current program at Murzyn Hall to two nights per
week and have the class advertised in the city newsletter. Members and staff discussed the matter
and felt that recreation programs must be given priority for building usage over outside programs.
PAGE FOUR
REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
The Recreation Director thanked members for their support. He will leave complete instructions
for staff.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
No report at this time.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Members wished the Recreation Director good luck in his future endeavors and requested his
input on recommendations for the department.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn by Evans, second by Nelson. Meeting adjoumed at 8:11 p.m.
Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary