HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 23, 2000 City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
February 23, 2000
The meeting was called to order by Eileen Evans at 6:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present:
Eileen Evans; Jerry Foss; Bruce Magnuson; Gary Mayer; Scott
Niemeyer; Gary Peterson; Bob Ruettimann; Keith Windschitl,
Recreation Director; Lauren McClanahan, Public Works
Superintendent
Members absent:
Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City Engineer
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Magnuson, second by Niemeyer to approve the consent agenda. All ayes, motion
carried.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
DONATION FROM COLUMBIA HEIGHTS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
Members expressed appreciation for the donation from the Boosters. The City is planning a
Booster Week possibly in May, 2000. The Boosters will be thanked for their many volunteer
efforts in the community.
LION'S BAR DISCUSSION
Members discussed possible alternatives to the Lion's Club running bars at Murzyn Hall. It may
be difficult for another vendor to get a liquor license and dram shop insurance, especially if they
don't serve food. The Boosters would not be interested in this venture. Members suggested that
staff have a meeting with the Lion's Club to address some of the concerns regarding bartending.
REVIEW GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Public Works Superintendent reported that plans will be submitted in mid-March. The plans
for Ramsdell Park are being finished. Some of the proposed improvements were explained. The
grant will cover improvements at six city parks.
YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS SURVEY
Members reviewed the survey results. The survey was sent out to 48 communities. Staff
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received 15 responses. Members inquired as to our fees and when we have increased them.
Program fees have been raised slightly over the years, mostly in adult programs. It is difficult to
justify raising fees with the poor facilities we have to offer. Traveling sports have low
enrollment. Parents don't want to drive long distances, and they don't like the competitive
nature of traveling sports. Members discussed the loss of gym space at NEI. The east gym will
be gone next fall. It will also be more difficult to get gym space at the high school. Our
traveling programs will suffer. Staff will check around to see if any other gym space is available
in the area. Staff feels our fees are appropriate at this time, but felt that volunteer coaches should
get a price break on fees for their children to participate in programs.
REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
The Recreation Director reported that a conditional offer has been made to an individual for the
Recreation Program Coordinator position. Staff would like the new employee to work on
expanding our programs. The Chase grant will pay for half of this position. Staff is setting up a
computer lab in the Youth Lounge.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
The Public Works Superintendent reported that the skating rinks are closed due to warm weather.
The warming house supervisor reported good attendants worked at the warming houses this
season. Park crews will try an organic weed control and fertilizer in Edgemoor Park and around
City Hall. The aeration system at Silver Lake is up and running.
MEMBERS
Members asked staffto call the Super Rink and check on the putting course for youth.
The city would like to put up a welcome monument at Gateway Park (37th & Central Ave.). A
consultant would charge $12,000 to design the structure. The city council is looking for
information or ideas from the community for this project. Interested parties may contact Mayor
Peterson or Council Member Hunter.
Members discussed fee-waived usage of Murzyn Hall. Staff is getting many more requests for
school sports banquets that were previously held at Sharkey's. Some of these requests are for
Sundays when no staff is scheduled. Members felt that we should charge for custodians and
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clean-up when the building is not otherwise being used (i.e., on Sundays). Members also
discussed revising the resident discount. This item will be put on the agenda for next month.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ruettimann, second by Foss to adjourn. All ayes, motion carded. Meeting adjourned
at 8:00 p.m.
Janice McGhee-Fetzer, Park & Recreation Commission Secretary