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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 24, 1997 City of Columbia I4oight~ Park and Recreation Commission September 24, 1997 The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Dick Petkoff.. ROLL CALL Members present: Eileen Evans; Jerry Foss; Bruce Magnuson; Bob Ruettimann; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Lauren McClanahan, Public Works Superintendent Members absent: James Nelson; Gary Peterson; Dick Petkoff Also present: Julie Dehmer, Matt Linngren, Mike Drill (C.H.A.S.E. Presentation) CONSENT AGENDA The following items were on the consent agenda. APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Ruettimann, second by Magnuson to approve the minutes of the August 27, 1997 meeting. All ayes, motion carried. APPROVAL PAYMENT OF BILLS Motion by Ruettimann, second by Magnuson to approve the payment of bills as listed from the proper funds. Ail ayes, motion carried. LETTERS AND REQUESTS/PRESENTATIONS Julie Dehmer, Matt Linngren, and Mike Drill of the C.H.A.S.E. steering committee updated members on the C.H.A.S.E. program. From October, 1996 to June 1997, C.H.A.S.E. has reached 2,950 youth. C.H.A.S.E. has sponsored enrichment programs, tutoring, recreation programs, drama programs, and others. The steering committee has formed some collaborative partners from within the community. The steering committee has also applied for a grant from Medtronic. Priorities for the coming year include 1) work with Central Middle School youth on after programs and encourage at risk youth to participate; 2) work with youth on non-school days; 3) summer programming; and 4) elementary after-school programs. High risk youth are being invited to participate in C.H.A.S.E., and their parents are also being told of C.H.A.S.E. programs. Committee members have applied for a competitive grant for 1998-99. A C.H.A.S.E. sub-committee is researching availability of other grant monies. OLD BUSINESS GAS LIGHTS FOR WARGO COURT The Public Works Superintendent advised members of some potential problems with installing gas lights at Wargo Court. Several large power lines run through the area, as well as a sprinkler system. He suggested that Ramsdell or Ostrander Parks may be better choices for this project. The city is responsible for maintenance of the gas lights after two years, and we may need to contract the maintenance out. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Magnuson to allow gas lights to be installed at the best location in the park system with Rick Zachau, Minnesota Gaslight & Fireplace, to install the lights. All ayes, motion carried. PARK PLAOUES Members reviewed the pricing information received from St. Paul Brass and Aluminum for park plaques. Prices ranged from $400 to $1,200 per plaque. Members discussed that granite may be a better choice for material. The Public Works Superintendent will check on prices for granite park plaques. If the project is approved, it would begin at Ramsdell Park. WINDOW BID FOR SENIOR CENTER Members were advised that the window in the Senior Center has been repaired. SECURITY SYSTEM The City Council awarded the bid for the security system to U.S. Security. A generic system will be installed. CHANGE OF HOURS AT MURZYN HALL The Recreation Director advised members that JPM will now open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Weekend hours will be as needed for events. A cleaning schedule will be implemented soon. NEW BUSINESS LIGHT BY PARKING LOT AT GAUVITTE PARK Members discussed the request by a resident close to Gauvitte Park that a photo cell light be installed to the parking lot light at Gauvitte Park that would operate year round. At this time the light only goes on in the winter months when the skating rink lights are on. The cost for a new line and photo cell is $355.00. An alternative solution would be to put the existing light on a timer. Commission Member Foss will research the problem and report back to members next month. FIREWORKS AT HOMECOMING GAME The fireworks show that was cancelled on June 28 because of rain has been rescheduled for Friday, October 3rd during the Homecoming game. This will be a low ground show. Police and Fire personnel will be present for security. Letters have been sent to area residents advising them PAGE TI-IREE of the fa'eworks to address any concerns. MEDTRONIC GRANT This issue was discussed during the C.H.A.S.E. presentation. BUDGET MEETING WITH CITY COUNCII, Members were given copies of the proposed 1998 budget to review prior to the October 22, 1997 meeting with the City Council and Park & Recreation Commission. This meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Gauvitte Room. REPORTS RECREATION DIRECTOR The Recreation Director updated members on improvements being made to Murzyn Hall. Completed projects include the purchase of new carpet for the stage, cleaning of the stage skirting, new velcro for stage skirting, and new locks on the women's bathroom stall doors. Upcoming projects include painting the stalls in the women's bathroom, carpet cleaning in main hall, Senior Center, and Mathaire/McKenna Room, and possibly new counter top for the women's bathroom. Members were advised on a concern regarding program fees. These concerns will be discussed in more detail with members at a later date. PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT The Public Works Superintendent reported that the playground structure has been completed at Gauvitte Park, and the playground structure at Ostrander Park is near completion. The sign at Ramsdell Park has been installed. The Police dedication of Ramsdell Park is scheduled for October 8~. Keyes Park parking lot will receive a leveling course of blacktop. Staff is obtaining prices for a new playground structure at Prestemon Park. Members suggested installing a chair swing for seniors at Prestemon Park. COMMISSION MEMBERS No report at this time. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Foss, second by Magnuson. All ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary