HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 25, 2000The meeting was called to order by Eileen Evans at 6:41 p.m.
Members present: Eileen Evans; Bruce Magnuson; Gary Mayer; Scott Niemeyer;
Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Kevin Hansen, Public
Works Director/City Engineer
Members absent: Jerry Foss; Gary Peterson; Bob Ruettimann
Also present: Anna Zwierzchowski, 9* grade student at Columbia Heights High
School (observing meeting for class)
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
The December minutes will be changed to reflect the correct meeting date of December 16, 1999.
Also members absent will be corrected to reflect Bruce Magnuson's absence. All other members
were present at the meeting. Motion by Magnuson, second by Niemeyer to approve the consent
agenda. All ayes, motion carded.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
DONATION FROM CHRISTOPHER TOASTMASTERS
Members expressed appreciation for the donation from Christopher Toastmasters.
GIFT FROM CHRISTIN CLAREY
Members expressed appreciation for the gift of an engraved clock from Christin Clarey. Ms.
Clarey's group has used the Senior Center for a social club for traumatic brain injured persons.
REQUEST FOR DISCOUNT ON HALL RENTAL/SUSAN PETERS, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
CLASS OF 1971
Members reviewed the letter from Susan Peters, Treasurer for the Columbia Heights Class of
1971. Motion by Mayer, second by Magnuson to approve the request for a 35% discount off the
rental rate for the rental on Saturday, August 18, 2001 for the Columbia Heights Class of 1971
Reunion. All ayes, motion carded.
REQUEST FOR DISCOUNT ON HALL RENTAL/REBECCA ROGNRUD
Members reviewed the letter from Rebecca Rognrud for the resident discount on her rental of
City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
January 25, 2000
ROLL CALL
PAGE TWO
Murzyn Hall. Members discussed the matter and agreed that they should abide by the
established policy limiting discounts to the bride, groom or one of their parents if they are a
Columbia Heights resident with current homeowner's insurance on a Columbia Heights home.
Motion by Magnuson, second by Neimeyer to deny the request for resident discount on the rental
of Murzyn Hall by Rebecca Rognrud on Saturday, February 5, 2000. All ayes, motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
Chairperson Evans opened the Public Heating at 7:00 pm. The Public Works Director/City
Engineer explained the public hearing process for the DNR Grant Program. Commission
members reviewed the proposed projects as follows:
Prestemon Park:
a) Playground equipment replacement
b) Park trail installation including lighting
c) Pond landscaping
Silver Lake Beach:
a) Fishing pier
Silver Lake Boat Landing
a) Reconstruction of boat landing and access
Ramsdell Park
a) Park regrading including new field/rink alignments
Those wishing to comment on the proposed park improvements were given the opportunity to do
so. Hearing no comments, the public hearing was closed at 7:21 pm. A motion was made by
Magnuson, seconded by Niemeyer to submit grant applications to the DNR for projects as
proposed.
OLD BUSINESS
CHASE GRANT
The Recreation Director updated members on the Chase grant. We have received a grant for 27
months in the amount of $177,650. We had a part time employee managing the grant, but he has
resigned. The position will be filled with a full time person to manage the grant and mn the
programs. Half of this position would be paid for by the Chase grant.
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COUNCIL LETTER REGARDING PROPOSED MULTI-USE CENTER AND PARK
IMPROVEMENTS
Members
like to be
company
proposal
reviewed the Council letter. The Recreation Director indicated that the Library would
included in the project. Staff and Council would like to have a professional survey
do a community survey to get input from citizens. Decision Resource will present a
with cost estimates to the City Council and staffin the near future.
LETTER FROM "VOTE NO" COMMITTEE
Members asked if the City will be pursuing charges against the persons responsible for mailing
the "Vote No" letter. The Recreation Director advised that the Anoka County Attorney is
investigating the matter to determine if charges will be pressed.
NEW BUSINESS
DAMAGE TO ELEVATOR
The Recreation Director advised members that Schindler Elevator Corp. came out to repair the
elevator after it was damaged by the Lion's Club on Saturday, December 11, 1999. Staff had
filled out a damage report on the incident. The elevator door would not stay closed. Members
reviewed the letter sent to the Lion's Club and the bill for elevator repair in the amount of
$178.07. We have not heard back from the Lion's Club yet. Members discussed the possibility
of looking at other options for running the bar. Members also discussed the possibility of
offering china to rent for events and establishing a list of approved caterers. This matter will go
on the next agenda for further discussion.
REMOVAL OF BANDSHELL, RAILROAD TRACKS, AND TENNIS COURTS
The bandshell is very seldom used and there are some structural problems. If it is removed, we
would have to hire a company to remove it. Staff will check on the cost of removal. If it is
removed, we should get a soil test done at the same time. Fridley has a portable bandshell that
we could possibly borrow or rent if we needed one. The Council has authorized the expenditure
to remove the railroad tracks from Huset Park. It will cost $40,000 because we first have to
purchase a section of land that is involved. The railroad company has 90 days to remove the
tracks. If they do not remove them, the city would do it. The railroad ties are expensive to
dispose of as they must be brought to the landfill. The tennis courts in Huset West are in poor
condition and are very seldom used, except for bocce ball. The Recreation Director suggested a
better use of the space would be a picnic shelter and bocce ball courts. The Huset Neighborhood
Association would also like to see the tennis courts replaced with a picnic shelter. The tennis
courts could be removed by staff. This matter will be discussed in more depth at a later meeting.
PAGE FOUR
REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
No report at this time.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
The Public Works Director/City Engineer reported that the Huset Neighborhood Association
wants some signage for Huset Park. Members looked at photographs of signs presently in place
at McKenna Park. These signs are made of cedar and the letters are routed out. Staff could put
the signs in place this spring. Motion by Magnuson, second by Neimeyer to direct staff to install
signage in Huset Park as discussed. All ayes, motion carried.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
No report at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Magnuson, second by Mayer to adjourn. All ayes, motion carried. Meeting
adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park & Recreation Commission Secretary