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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 27, 2000 City of Columbia Heights Park and Recreation Commission September 27, 2000 The meeting was called to order by Eileen Evans at 6:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Eileen Evans; Jerry Foss; Gary Mayer; Scott Niemeyer; Gary Peterson; Bob Ruettimann; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director Members absent: Pat Cullen; Bruce Magnuson APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Foss, seconded by Mayer to approve the consent agenda. All ayes, motion carried. LETTERS AND REQUESTS REQUEST FOR REDUCTION OF FEE OR FEE-WAIVED USE OF MURZYN HALL Members reviewed the letter from Kathleen Wakaruk requesting a reduction or waiving of the fee for use of Murzyn Hall on Sunday, October 29, 2000. The event is a fund raiser to help the Perzel family with upcoming medical expenses, lost wages, and daycare expenses. The Commission discussed the fact that in the past the fee had been waived or reduced for members of our own community but since neither of the parties mentioned were residents it would be best ifa fee would be charged. Motion by Reuttimann, second by Mayer to authorize a 25% discount on the use of Murzyn Hall for this request after the Recreation Director has checked with Ms. Wakamk on what the plan was for this event. OLD BUSINESS MURZYN HALL REAR PARKING LOT REPAIR Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission that the back parking lot of Murzyn Hall has been redone as well as a new back entryway. This should alleviate drainage problems that have occurred in the past. The striping of the parking lot will be done the week of October 2nd. A letter to the City Council was included with a breakdown of the total cost for the project. PROPOSED LANDSCAPING FOR S.E. CORNER OF MURZYN HALL Public Works Director, Kevin Hansen, submitted a drawing detailing the proposed landscaping plan for the S.E. comer of Murzyn Hall. There would be a retaining wall with one terrace; the removal of undergrowth with the hope of keeping existing trees; and additional landscaping. Kevin indicated that the Public Works Department would not be able to get to this project until the end of October at the earliest. Some of the work would still have to be contracted out as well. The Commission discussed the idea of community volunteers taking this on as a special project with Public Works helping as needed. Because of the cost, it was also mentioned that the materials be purchased this year when monies are available. Motion by Niemeyer, second by Mayer to approve the proposed plan and present it to the City Council with the money and who will do the work components to be worked out at a later date. All ayes, motion carried. EVENT WAGON Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director, reported that the Event Wagon was a big success. It was used 8 times by Columbia Heights residents since mid-June. All were very pleased with what it has to offer. NEW BUSINESS ROLLER BLADE\SKATE BOARD PARK Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director, reported that Ostrander Park had been looked at as a possible site for the roller blade\skate board park. After talking with the City Manager and looking at the site, it was decided this was not the best location to put this type of facility. Kevin's recommendation, if this type of facility is to be seriously looked at, would be to put it at Huset Park, in the west area. Kevin indicated other communities are building skate parks and suggested that if Columbia Heights were to do this, a Tier 1 type of facility would be best. This means nothing is over 36" high and medical staff does not have to be on site. Kevin also talked to the Commission about making Huset Park a community showcase with changes in what it offers. He indicated there might be grant monies available to use for this type of project. The Commission discussed the possibilities at length and requested Kevin to bring a copy of what a new park plan for Huset Park might look like to the next meeting. Bob Reuttimann also indicated the Anoka County might have monies available for this type of use. RESIGNATION OF JANICE McGHEE FETZER, MURZYN HALL COORDINATOR Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director, told the Commission Janice's last day was September 22, 2000. Keith will be doing the Murzyn Hall rentals until someone else is hired. Hopefully this will be no later than mid-November. He informed the Commission that Paula Haynus is working as a receptionist bom 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Cindi Willprecht, the Youth Enrichment Coordinator, is now a half time employee. JOINT BUDGET MEETING The joint budget meeting with staff, Commission, and City Council will be held on Wednesday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. Keith will send out his budget proposal to the Commission members prior to the meeting. This is not the final draft, but will give the Commission an idea of what was proposed. The Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. prior to the budget meeting or 6:00 p.m. if the Recreation Director finds there is more business to discuss. He will inform the Commission prior to the 25th. REPORTS RECREATION DIRECTOR Keith informed the Commission that Pat Cullen had resigned from his position on the Commission. He encouraged them to bring forward any recommendations of people who might fill this opening. Keith informed the Commission that the City Manager had cut the $10,000 in the Back to the Parks fund from the budget. Keith told the Commission that out of 45 days requested of the school district for gym space at Central Middle School, 14 days were unavailable. These are the days we know about. More will arise as the season goes on and will definitely have an impact on the basketball program. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Kevin informed the Commission that Prestemon Park is getting new playground equipment. On October 6th, volunteers will be doing planting in the park. The removal of the Huset Park bandshell will be discussed at the City Council work session to approve bids. It will cost $5,300 to remove. As a point of information Kevin informed the Commission that a community member living by McKenna park uses the walkway by the wading pool to gain access to their home. MEMBERS Jerry Foss brought up the fact that our brochure listed traveling basketball tryouts in October when in fact they have already occurred. This should be coordinated so that those individuals still playing football have a chance to try out for basketball. There is a concern about the communication with the basketball association. Keith will follow up with the association regarding this matter. Jerry also brought up the fact that our football teams have no home games. This is because other teams do not want to play in Columbia Heights as there are no lights on the fields. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Foss, second by Reuttimann to adjourn. All ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Karefi ]Oloeller, Acting Park & Recreation Commission Secretary Minutes\Sept.00