HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 24, 1998 City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
June 24, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman Eileen Evans.
Members present:
Eileen Evans; Jerry Foss; Bruce Magnuson; Gary Mayer; Gary Peterson;
Bob Ruettimann; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Kevin Hansen;
Public Works Director/City Engineer
Members absent: James Nelson
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were on the consent agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Move to approve the minutes of the May 27, 1998 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 carded.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
REQUEST PERMISSION TO SERVE BEER AT SULLIVAN PARK/VFW POST #230
Members reviewed the letter from Duane Running, Quartermaster of VFW Post #230 who is
requesting permission to serve 3.2 beer in Sullivan Park from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday,
August 16, 1998 for a VFW event. Motion by Foss, second by Magnuson to approve the request
from the VFW to serve 3.2 beer in Sullivan Park from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday,
August 16, 1998 for a VFW event. All ayes, motion carded.
REQUEST PERMISSION TO SERVE BEER AT SULLIVAN PARK/CAROL MENKEN
Members reviewed the letter from Carol Menken of Medtronic who is requesting permission to
serve 3.2 beer in Sullivan Park at the Medtronic picnic on Thursday, August 20, 1998 from 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Motion by Foss, second by Magnuson to approve the request from Medtronic
PAGE TWO
PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF JUNE 24, 1998
to serve 3.2 beer in Sullivan Park from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 1998
during the Medtronic picnic. All ayes, motion carded.
OLD BUSINESS
ROOF REPAIR/MURZYN HALl,
Commission Member Peterson explained to members that he had looked at the Murzyn Hall roof
with the roof consultant. The roof has had problems since its construction in 1939. The roof
problems are not easily solved because we would need to build an entire new roof to alleviate all
the roof problems. The roof itself is in good shape. The steamer used by Public Works crews
will help with ice dams. The heat cables also help with ice on the roof. Magnesium chloride can
also be used without damaging the roof or any landscaping on the ground. The roof does have
approximately $2,000 to $3,000 worth of damage in the front portion. Insurance may partially
cover the repair costs. Commission Member Peterson advises that staff be more pro-active
instead of reactive with respect to the roof problems. Members discussed the possibility of
creating a staff position for a Building Maintenance Management person who would take care of
the pro-active repairs on all City buildings. Members directed the Recreation Director and the
Park & Recreation Commission Chairperson to draft a letter of recommendation to the City
Council to make the necessary repairs to the roof, file a claim in to the insurance company,
include a letter from the roof consultant to document the roof problems, put all our buildings on a
pro-active maintenance plan under the Public Works Department, and look at the possibility of
creating a position for a Building Maintenance Management person who would take care of the
pro-active repairs on all City buildings.
COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN
The Public Works Director/City Engineer requested that this item be discussed after the Park
Survey Results are discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
MURZYN HALL DISHWASHER
The Recreation Director advised members on the poor condition of the dishwasher. We cannot
get parts for it anymore because it is obsolete. The lower unit is leaking. Members felt that
purchasing a used dishwasher would be buying someone else's problems. Without a booster
heater, a new dishwasher costs approximately $5,000. Members suggested that step-by-step
instructions be posted for caterers who are using the dishwasher to make sure they are operating
it properly. Members directed the Recreation Director to fol~ard cost information for a new
dishwasher to the next City Council work session.
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PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF JUNE 24, 1998
CARPET IN THE MAIN HALL (PORCH AREA) OF MURZYN HALL
The Recreation Director advised members that the carpet is tearing away from the area by the
pillars. The carpet was installed in 1990 or 1991 at a cost of approximately $16 to $17 per
square yard. Members felt that we should purchase some good commercial grade carpeting for
this area and perhaps look at a carpet that has a pattern to help hide stains better. Members
directed the Recreation Director to get a bid on carpet and some samples for the next meeting.
PARK SURVEY RESULTS
Members reviewed the Park Survey results. Most people indicated they would support a
referendum for park improvements and a community center. The features they most dislike
and/or seldom use are the tennis courts and horseshoe courts. The Recreation Director is meeting
with an asphalt man who will make a recommendation on whether or not to repair our tennis
courts.
COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN
The Public Works Director/City Engineer indicated he would like to get a formal Comprehensive
Park Plan to the City Council before year's end. The SRF consultants will help him to draft a
plan for members to review. The Design Team did not give much input as to the parks.
Members suggested giving the City Council a copy of the Park Survey results. The Council may
then request that the Police Department expand their neighborhood picnics to include McKenna,
Prestemon, Ramsdell, and Ostrander Parks.
RECREATION DIRECTOR
The Recreation Director reported that he has raised $3,000 in donations from community groups
and businesses for fireworks. The City was donating $2,000, so the goal of $5,000 has been met.
Members suggested that those who donated be thanked on cable TV. The Chamber-City softball
game will take place on Saturday, June 27, 1998 at 3:00 p.m. at Huset Park. The first five Wild
Wednesday Excursions have been filled with 90 children per trip, and children are enjoying the
summer programs. The new puppet wagon is being used to give puppet shows at two parks per
day on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Staff would like to purchase some graphics
to decorate the puppet wagon. Members suggested that staff ask Medtronics if they would let us
put "Donated by Medtronics" on the trailer.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
The Public Works Director/City Engineer reported that Huset Park neighbors will be consulted
on the choice of new playground equipment.
PAGE FOUR
PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF JUNE 24, 1998
Members discussed recognizing the contribution of Dick Petkoff, former Park & Recreation
Commission Chairman, at the next meeting. Jo-Anne Student will order an engraved clock to be
presented to him at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Peterson, second by Magnuson to adjourn. All ayes, motion carded. Meeting
adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary