HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 12, 1998 City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
November 12, 1998
The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. by Chairman Eileen Evans.
ROLL CALL
Members present:
Eileen Evans; Jerry Foss; Gary Peterson; Bob Ruettimann; Keith
Windschitl, Recreation Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works
Director/City Engineer
Also present:
Dan Edgerton and Bob Barth; Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik & Assoc.
Members absent: Bruce Magnuson; Gary Mayer; James Nelson
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were on the consent agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Move to approve the minutes of the October 28, 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 Peterson to approve the consent agenda. All ayes, motion carded.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
REQUEST PERMISSION TO HAVE A GAZEBO & CHAIRS IN HUSET
PARK/KATHALEEN POTE
Members discussed the request. Motion by Peterson, second by Foss to grant Kathaleen Pote
permission to have a gazebo and chairs in Huset Park on June 5, 1999 from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. for
her wedding. All ayes, motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
MENU SELECTION FOR DECEMBER PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Members advised staff of their menu selections for the December 10th meeting. The dinner will
take place at Jax Restaurant, 1928 University Ave. N.E., Minneapolis, at 6:30 p.m.
PAGE TWO
PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 1998
NEW BUSINESS
PRESENTATION & DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED PRESTEMON PARK STORM WATER
IMPROVEMENTS
The Public Works Director/City Engineer introduced Dan Edgerton and Bob Barth of Bonestroo,
Rosene, Anderlik & Associates, who gave a presentation on proposed storm water improvements
at Prestemon Park. They had prepared two alternatives for the area that has experienced
problems with flooding, that being 40th and McKinley. The alternatives are: 1) conveyance of
water to another area, or 2) storage of the water within the park land. They indicated that the
storage alternative is the most feasible. Members viewed several layouts that showed an area of
Prestemon Park being constructed into a wetland area. The water would be approximately three
to four feet deep. Vegetation would be added around the wetland to create a natural barrier to the
wetland. Members discussed several plans for moving the tot lot and creating a picnic area,
possibly with a gazebo, near the parking lot. A walking trail could be constructed around the
park. Staff would like to begin construction in late April, 1999. McKinley Street would be
resurfaced as part of the project. Residents in the area will be contacted via a meeting to get their
input on the project. Funding will come from the DNR and the City of Columbia Heights. Staff
will arrange for the meetings with residents and report back to the Commission with their
findings. The final plan will need approval from the City Council.
PROPOSED REVISIONS TO JPM RENTAL POLICY
Members reviewed and discussed the proposed revisions to the JPM rental policy. Members
agreed that the maximum size of rental groups should be limited to 375 people. This is the
largest group we can accommodate with tables and chairs for a dinner/dance. Members
discussed the issue of open bars and directed the Recreation Director to speak with the Lion's
Club to see if they would be able to provide bartending services for JPM rental events over a
certain size. Several members felt that open bars should be prohibited. The Recreation Director
will research this issue with the Lion's Club and report back at the next meeting with a
recommendation. Members discussed the issue of requiring only licensed caterers to serve at
Murzyn Hall. Members agreed that we should indicate on our Decorating Rules that any caterer
the renter chooses must be licensed. The caterer would be required to show proof of licensure 30
days prior to the rental. The renter would then sign the Decorating Rules, and it would be kept on
file. Members felt that the present policy of requiring a minimum of $100,000 of personal
liability insurance is adequate and should be kept in place. Members discussed the rental rates
for the year 2000. Motion by Evans, second by Foss to increase the JPM rental rates by 10% for
the year 2000. All ayes, motion carried. Members agreed to eliminate the weekday rental
special as it is never used. The maximum discount that any renter can receive will remain at
85%. Members indicated they would like to see a list of the fee-waived groups presently using
Murzyn Hall. Members also felt that fee-waived groups who do not clean up after their event
and/or damage the facility should be billed for cleaning and/or damages incurred.
PAGE THREE
PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 1998
REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
The Recreation Director reported that a letter was sent to the gardeners at the Community Garden
requesting that they clean up their garden plot. Most gardeners did clean their plots; however,
the garden plots still needed to be tilled. Staffpaid $175 to have the garden tilled. Members
agreed that next year we should increase the cost of each garden plot to $15 or $20 in order to
cover the cost of tilling it twice a year. The Recreation Director will report back to members in
the spring regarding this issue.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
The Public Works Director/City Engineer reported that a sign for announcements has been
erected at Hilltop Park. Staff worked with Hilltop resident Tom Ruen on the sign. The aerator
for Silver Lake was approved and will be installed in the spring of 1999. Approval was also
received for erosion control in the area of Silver Lake. Staff received approval for new park
roofs at Ostrander Park, Keyes Park, and Silver Lake Beach. Construction will be completed in
1999.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
No report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Foss, second by Ruettimarm to adjourn. All ayes, motion carded. Meeting adjourned
at 8:38 p.m.
Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary