HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 25, 1999 City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
August 25, 1999
The meeting was called to order by Bruce Magnuson at 6:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present:
Jerry Foss; Scott Niemeyer; Gary Peterson; Keith Windschitl,
Recreation Director
Members absent:
Eileen Evans; Gary Mayer; Bob Ruettimann; Kevin Hansen, Public
Works Director/City Engineer
Also present:
Lauren McClanahan, Public Works Superintendent; Ellen Hansen,
Jennifer Ashcroft, and Greg Sery of Al-Anon; Dennis Vanseth
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Foss, second by Niemeyer to approve the consent agenda. All ayes, motion carded.
LETTERS ANDREQUESTS
REQUEST USE OF SENIOR/OSTRANDER ROOM / ELLEN HANSEN, AL-ANON
Members reviewed the request from Ellen Hansen of Al-Anon for use of the Senior/Ostrander
Room on Saturday, November 6, 1999 with the fee being reduced to $75. Ms. Hansen explained
that Al-Anon is a non-profit group with minimal funds available. She will be selling tickets to
the banquet to cover costs, and if there is any profit, she will give it to Murzyn Hall to defray the
cost of the room rental. Motion by Peterson, second by Foss to approve use of the
Senior/Ostrander Room, with the fee being reduced to $75 and any profit to be applied towards
the room rental cost. All ayes, motion carded.
OLD BUSINESS
BID FOR REPAIR OF ROOF AT MURZYN HALL
Members reviewed the cost estimate from Jeff LaFrance Exteriors to completely re-roof Murzyn
Hall. The Recreation Director reported that the roof is badly in need of repair according to the
roof consultant. Members recommended that staff contact Milton Johnson Roofing for a second
cost estimate.
COST OF TILE FOR LABELLE LOLrNGE
Members reviewed the cost estimate from Tovey Tile Company, Inc. to furnish and install quarry
tile in the LaBelle Lounge. Members looked at samples of quarry tile. The cost estimate does
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not include removal of the old tile.
BOND REFERENDUM STRATEGY
Members reviewed the document from Ingraham & Associates which outlines their summary and
recommendations for a successful bond referendum. The estimated cost of the multi-use center
is approximately $4.5 million. Members also discussed including some park improvements in
the bond referendum. The city is doing a conceptual space needs study which has been approved
by the City Council. There will be a meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. to update the community on
the progress of the proposed multi-use center.
NEW BUSINESS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS LION'S BAR ISSUES
The Recreation Director reported that he received a complaint from a renter regarding Lion's
bartenders drinking behind the bar during events. Several members stated that they think that
most Lion's bartenders are well behaved. The Lion's Club does have a rule prohibiting drinking
behind the bar. The Lion's are also concerned about renters having champagne toasts. They are
concerned that this is creating a liability issue with their dram insurance. Members advised that
if the Lion's want the commission to address their concems, they should submit a letter outlining
the problems.
LABELLE PARK WARMING HOUSE REMOVAL
Lauren McClanahan, Public Works Superintendent, explained that the Park Department would
like to remove the LaBelle Park warming house and possibly build a picnic shelter in its place.
The warming house has very low usage and is currently used for storage of election equipment.
Staffhas had trouble finding warming house attendants because of the poor condition of the
building and the fact that it has no rest room facilities. The Park Department plans to install a
bench for skaters. Motion by Foss, second by Niemeyer to remove the LaBelle Park warming
house. All ayes, motion carried.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BOOSTERS SPORTS BANQUET
Jerry Foss reported that the Boosters are considering a new location for their high school sports
banquet. In the past, the banquet was held at Sharkey's; however, some parents do not like
bringing their children to a bar and also think the cost is too high. They would like to use
Murzyn Hall on a weeknight and have Sharkey's provide the food. This item will be put on the
agenda for next month's meeting.
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REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
The Recreation Director reported that the carpet in the main hall and Recreation Office was
replaced today. Staff will pick up the new 15-passenger van this week.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
The Public Works Superintendent reported that Park Dept. crews have widened the pathway at
LaBelle Park, constructed a pathway to Huset East playground, and are repairing the retaining
wall at the north side of the city hall parking lot, near the alley. Prestemon Park is taking shape.
The storm water retention pond is almost finished and has aleviated flooding problems. Staff
have received favorable comments about the park project.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
No report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Peterson, second by Foss to adjourn. All ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at
7:29 p.m.
Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park & Recreation Commission Secretary