Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 27, 1997 City of Columbia Heights Park and Recreation Commission August 27, 1997 The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Dick Petkoff. Members present: Eileen Evans; Bruce Magnuson; James Nelson; Dick Petkoff; Gary Peterson; Bob Ruettimann; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Lauren McClanahan, Public Works Superintendent; Jerry Foss (6:36 p.m.) Members absent: None Also present: Kevin McDonald, Volunteer Coach CONSENT AGENDA The following items were on the consent agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Move to approve the minutes of the July 23, 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 Peterson to approve the consent agenda. All ayes, motion carried. INTRODUCTION OF NEW RECREATION DIRECTOR Chairman Dick Petkoff introduced the new Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, to members. LETTERS AND REQUESTS Chairman Dick Petkoff advised members of a resignation memo received from Mark Winson, Public Works Director/City Engineer. CONCERN REGARDING BENCHES AT HUSET #3 FIELD Kevin McDonald, volunteer coach, voiced his concern over the placement of benches on Huset #3 baseball field. Members were given a drawing of the field showing the benches to be 33 feet from home plate. Mr. McDonald stated that benches at Columbia Heights High School are 70 feet ROLL CALL PAGE TWO from home plate, and he feels the benches at Huset #3 are too close to home plate. He has observed three accidents where youth were struck by balls, two in the chest and one in the neck. Apparently there is nothing in front of the bench to protect children from incoming balls. Several visiting teams have refused to sit on the benches for safety reasons. The Public Works Superintendent will schedule Huset #3 for repair or restructuring next spring to alleviate the problem. OLD BUSINESS SECURITY SYSTEM QUOTES Members reviewed four quotes from four different security companies for installation of a security system at Murzyn Hall. Floyd Security has the lowest bid. Several of the bids listed different equipment, and members felt we need more information as to the quality of the equipment included in the bids. Members discussed the matter and directed the Recreation Director to have Capt. Len Olson review the bids and make a recommendation. The matter will then be presented to the City Council for a fmal decision. WINDOW BID FOR SENIOR CENTER Members were advised that one bid has been received from Harmon Glass on repairing the window in the senior center. Members directed the Recreation Director to obtain another bid from a local glass company before making a decision. Members stated perhaps a solid glass pane should be installed instead of a crank out type. NEW BUSINESS PROPOSAL FOR MURZYN HALL CATERING BY MERCIE & ASSOCIATES Joe Mercie of Mercie & Associates presented a proposal for his company to have exclusive catering rights at Murzyn Hall in exchange for a percentage of their profits for food and liquor. The City would receive 15% of food profits, and the Lion's Club would receive 20% of liquor sale profits. Mr. Mercie stated that they would handle food and beverages for large groups, and they would hold the liquor license for Murzyn Hall. Mercie & Associates would make several upgrades to the kitchen, including convection ovens. Hall rental proceeds and the damage deposit would go to the City, and a food deposit would go to Mercie & Associates. Members indicated that they would like an opportunity to discuss the proposal further. The Recreation Director will advise Mr. Mercie on their decision at a later date. MURZYN HALL IMPROVEMENTS FOR MUNICI-PALS BANOUET Members reviewed a memo from Carole Blowers, Chair Person for the Munici-Pals Banquet, requesting cleaning and improvements to Murzyn Hall prior to the banquet scheduled for October 9, 1997. Members were dismayed that routine cleaning is not getting done and stated they would like to see a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedule implemented. The Murzyn Hall PAGE THREE Management Plan has policies related to cleaning schedules, but they have never been enforced. Members felt that staff should do inspections to insure that regular cleaning is being done. WADING POOLS EVALUATION Tom Schaefer and Bill Deneen from USAquatics explained the evaluation report submitted regarding the wading pools. Code issues were addressed in the proposal. They reported that the park shelters are in need of repair. Mathaire Pool has sunk on the west end. The items that are mandatory to repair will cost approximately $190,250. They advised that a pool similar to Huset wading pool would cost $200,000 to build. They recommend an automated system for chlorine regulation. Members will discuss the matter further, as will the City Council. PARK SHELTER SCHEDULING & PERMITS The Recreation Director reported that all the park shelters have been re-keyed because of recent vandalism. Members discussed the idea of requiring a damage deposit for any keys loaned out for park shelters. Motion by Evans, second by Ruettimann to implement a $100 key/security deposit with photo identification of the permit holder also required for use of park shelters/buildings. All ayes, motion carded. PARK PLAQUES Members discussed the possibility of placing plaques at each of the City parks that would explain the history of the parks and/or how they were named. The Public Works Superintendent stated that there is lumber on hand for a new sign at Ramsdell Park. Members discussed the possibility of placing a large stone with a metal plaque on it at each of the parks. A letter will be sent from Chairman Petkoff to the City Council regarding the matter. JPM CUSTODIAN SCHEDULING PROBLEMS The Recreation Director discussed custodian scheduling problems. He would like to have Murzyn Hall open until 10:00 p.m. on weekdays. At this time the head custodian leaves at 3:45 p.m., and Recreation staff leave at 4:45 p.m. Many times the building is locked from 4:45 p.m. until the fa'st evening event. Members felt perhaps custodial work schedules could be adjusted to better accommodate our needs. The Recreation Director would like to replace the part time custodian position that is open to provide more coverage and reduce overtime. Members felt this was a top priority issue and directed the Recreation Director to make the necessary changes. REPORTS RECREATION DIRECTOR Members were advised on current recreation programs and C.H.A.S.E. Members discussed the possibility of having C.H.A.S.E. fund someone to help with the workload involved with this PAGE FOUR program. The Recreation Director feels that C.H.A.S.E. has helped the Recreation Department's relationship with the schools. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR The Public Works Superintendent reported that crews have tilled in a low swamp area at Ostrander Park with dirt obtained free of charge from the State of Minnesota. Crews have nearly completed assembly of the playground structure at Gauvitte Park and will begin work on the structure at Ostrander Park next. The new lawn mower is doing a super job. COMMISSION MEMBERS The Chairman requested that the Recreation Director call him with his plans on IPM scheduling and the hiring of an additional part time custodian. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Evans, second by Peterson. All ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary