HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 28, 1999 City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
July 28, 1999
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Eileen Evans at 6:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present:
Eileen Evans; Jerry Foss; Gary Mayer; Scott Niemeyer; Bob
Ruettimann; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director
Members absent: Bruce Magnuson; Gary Peterson
Also present: Lauren McClanahan, Public Works Superintendent; Christin
Clarey; Carrie Dohn
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Foss, second by Ruettimann to approve the consent agenda. All ayes, motion carded.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
REQUEST USE OF SENIOR/OSTRANDER ROOM / CHRISTIN CLAREY
Christin Clarey and Carrie Dom were present to request use of the Senior/Ostrander Room. They
are speech pathologists who serve brain-injured adult clients in the metro area. They would like
to start a social club for their clients twice a month on dates when Murzyn Hall staff is already
scheduled. They would like to keep the costs down for their clients, many of whom have limited
funds available to them. The room would be cleaned up prior to their leaving. They will
coordinate their events with Murzyn Hall staff. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Foss to
approve use of the Senior/Ostrander Room, with the fee being waived. All ayes, motion carded.
REQUEST USE OF SENIOR/OSTRANDER ROOM / ELLEN HANSEN, AL-ANON
PROGRAM
Members discussed the request from Ellen Hansen, Al-Anon, for use of the Senior/Ostrander
Room on November 6, 1999, with the fee being waived. Motion by Ruettimann, second by
Niemeyer to allow the group to receive the resident discount if the renter was a Columbia
Heights resident. All ayes, motion carded.
OLD BUSINESS
DNR GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR PARK SYgTIgM IMPROVEMENTS
The Public Works Director/City Engineer advised members that the City of Columbia Heights
did not receive any grant monies from the DNR for park improvements. Possible reasons for this
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are: 1) the focus of park improvements did not have a wide-ranging impact to many people and
2) the public needed an opportunity to comment via a special heating. The city was encouraged
to apply again in the future. Perhaps future applications could focus on Huset Park
improvements. For future reference, members wanted to know who received funding and for
what projects. The Public Works Director/City Engineer indicated that some cities received
funding for regional trails. Members suggested that staff talk with the regional representative to
get input on future grants that become available.
COMMUNITY USE OF CITY 15-PASSENGER VAN
Members reviewed the policy that governed use of the city bus. Members felt that the passenger
van use should be regulated. Only organized community groups and city staff should be allowed
use of the van. Requests for use of the van should be made two to three weeks in advance and
should be approved by the Park and Recreation Commission. The van could be used to transport
program participants in emergency situations; however, two staff should be on the van during
transports of juveniles for liability reasons. We should establish a list of approved volunteer
drivers who will have their drivers license and background checks run by the police department.
The city will provide insurance for the vehicle. Members felt we need more input from the City
Council on this matter.
MINNESOTA TWINS MOLITOR FIELDS FOR KIDS GRANT
The Recreation Director reported that if we receive grant monies, the signs that must be posted in
parks will be provided by the MN Twins, Pepsi, or Northwest Airlines. Staff will apply for the
grant.
ROOF DAMAGE ON SOUTHWEST CORNER OF MURZYN HALL
The Recreation Director reported that we received a bid from Roof Design Partners. This is the
company that repaired the outer six feet of the roof. Their bid was $10,000 for the north and
west sections. Members asked if there were any hidden costs for items such as plywood or ice
shield. Staff will seek bids for the roof repair. Members suggested that staff get the insurance
report to see what they recommended. Discussed the possibility of replacing the entire roof.
Members suggested that we avoid using fiberglass shingles.
COST OF TILE FOR LABELLE LOUNGE
The Recreation Director reported that he has received rough estimates from three companies.
The cost of tile ranged from $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot installed. Staff determined that the
bar, front hallway, and back hallway totaled 3,200 square feet. If tile cost $5.50/sq. ft., the cost
of the project would be approximately $20,000. This item has not been budgeted for next year.
PAGE THREE
RECREATION SURVEY SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Recreation Director distributed information from Ingraham and Associates. The City
Manager feels staff should use $10,000 from the Back to the Parks fund to pay for architectural
planning and a design for the multi-use center. The project is estimated at $4,551,300. This
would amount to an annual increase per household of approximately $35 per year. Members felt
that persons who responded to the surveys should have an opportunity to attend public meetings
to give input on the multi-use center. Since all the parks are in need of upgrading, some
members felt we should include park improvements in the bond referendum. The estimated cost
of park improvements is $2.5 million for all the parks. Motion by Ruettimann, second by
Niemeyer to authorize use of $10,000 from Back to the Parks fund to develop plans for a multi-
use center and parks improvements, with input being sought from those who responded to the
recreation surveys and from those who have attended meetings on this issue. All ayes, motion
carded.
NEW BUSINESS
PRESTEMON PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
The Public Works Director/City Engineer indicated that staff would like authorization to seek
bids for playground equipment for Prestemon Park in 1999. A voluntary resident advisory
committee will be involved in the process. Members indicated that equipment is needed for
small children as well as older children.
USE OF FERTILIZER AND WEED CONTROL IN PARKS AND OTHER PUBLIC LANDS
At the June 28 City Council meeting, resident Dee Logan asked that the city stop using all
chemicals on lawns at city parks. The Public Works Director/City Engineer reported that the city
has steps in this direction, such as using mulching mowers, setting the cutting depth higher to
keep moisture in the soil, aerating the soil, etc. However, to stop using chemicals of any kind
would have catastrophic results. Staff is willing to try new organic products on a sample area of
lawn; however, Ms. Logan did not want any products whatsoever put on lawn areas. Members
reviewed the current turf management policies. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Foss to
recommend that the Park & Recreation Commission concur and acknowledge the current turf
management policies used by the Public Works Department. All ayes, motion carded.
DATE FOR 2000 JOINT BUDGET MEETING
Members agreed to have the 2000 joint budget meeting with the City Council on Wednesday,
October 27, 1999. Staff will check to make sure council members are available on that date.
PAGE FOUR
COMMUNITY PARTY WAGON
The Recreation Director reported that VFW Post #230 has donated $5,500 for a community party
wagon. This will be an enclosed 8' X 16' Haulmark trailer with tables, chairs, coolers, and
recreation equipment. The trailer could be reserved and delivered to the rental site by city staff.
Members reviewed the rental policy used by Lino Lakes for use of their community party wagon.
Members and staff will develop a usage policy for the party wagon at the next meeting.
INCREASE IN COST OF LION'S BAR DRINKS
The Recreation Director advised members that the Lion's Club has increased the price of their
bar drinks from $1.50 to $2.00 as of September 1, 1999. He was concerned that this could be a
problem for renters who booked the hall earlier and are not aware of the change in price.
Members felt the pricing was reasonable.
REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
The Recreation Director reported that the Mayor is feeling better since his recent surgery.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
The Public Works Director/City Engineer reported that crews who are grading at Prestemon Park
found contamination in the soil consisting of petroleum based products. The contamination was
reported to the Pollution Control Agency. Soil samples showed a low level of contamination.
Park crews have reconstructed the overlook at LaBelle Pond. Staff recommends that trash
containers be replaced in the parks and at City Hall. Members were shown photos of the current
trash containers and new ones that are available.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
No report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Niemeyer to adjourn. All ayes, motion carded. Meeting
adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park & Recreation Commission Secretary