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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 27, 2002 THESE MINUTES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED City of Columbia Heights Park and Recreation Commission March 27, 2002 The meeting was called to order by Eileen Evans at 6:36 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Members absent: Eileen Evans; Jerry Foss; Tom Greenhalgh; Gary Mayer; Scott Niemeyer; Bill Peterson; Gary Peterson; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City Engineer Also present: Lauren McClanahan; Kelly Becker APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA: Motion to approve consent agenda by Mayer; second by Bill Peterson. All ayes, motion carried. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, introduced Kelly Becker as the Recreation Departments new Youth Enrichment Coordinator. Kelly Becker has a four-year degree in Recreation Administration from St. Could State University and has been with the Recreation Department for two months. RECOGNITION Commission Member, Scott Niemeyer, announced his retirement from the Park and Recreation Commission Board. March 27, 2002 is his last official meeting but he is willing to unofficially stay on the board until his position has been filled. He thanked the Commission Members for the time that he was able to spend on the board and for being able to learn a lot about our community. The Commission Members thanked him for his time that he spent with the Commission and wished him well in his future. LETTERS AND REQUESTS: Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, discussed the request for Chris & Elsie Ingemansen, Columbia Heights residents desiring to be named renters in their granddaughter's wedding to be held at JPM on January 4, 2003. Motion by Foss, second by B. Peterson to deny request and uphold the current policy in place stating wedding rentals are granted to the bride, groom or their immediate parents. All ayes, motion carded. PAGE TWO Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, discussed the request for fees to be waived for recognition of the Columbia Heights Police & Fire Departments to be put on by Ran Productions. She questioned the specifics of the function and asked if Ran Productions were expecting anything in return for their services. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, stated that Ran Rittmiller is willing to donate his services and has spoke with former Commission Member, Bruce Magnuson; Fire Department employee, Dan O'Brien; and the City Manager, Walt Fehst, in regards to this event. City Manager, Walt Fehst, is in support of this event and has spoken with Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, about waiving the fees for this event. Mayor, Gary Peterson, asked if this is the same person who wanted to do a fundraiser following the St. Peter tornado damage but it is not. Motion by Greenhalgh, second by Mayer to waive the fees on an upcoming Friday night to hold this recognition. All ayes, motion carried. OLD BUSINESS: Public Works Superintendent, Lauren McClanahan, stated that Public Works has received bids for the re-roofing project of the Sullivan Lake Park building but did not have them available with him for the meeting. He informed the Commission Members that the bids are lower than last year due to modifications in the previous bids. Sullivan Lake Park is a primary picnic area that is used almost every weekend and is where Medtronics hosts their annual company picnic. Motion by Foss, second by B. Peterson to go ahead with the current bids as long as the bids stay within budget for the Sullivan Lake Park re- roofing project. All ayes, motion carded. NEW BUSINESS: Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission Members that the roof in the southeast comer valley of JPM is leaking. He stated that Public Works has been able to open up the valley in a timely manner but the roof is in need of major repair. There is also possibility of mold in the Recreation office. Motion by Foss, second by Greenhalgh to pursue a roofing consultant. All ayes, motion carded. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission Members that there is the possibility of taking over Central Middle School' s athletic programs. This has not been officially decided at this point. The Columbia Heights Varsity coach, Matt Townsend, stated to Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, that if the Recreation Department is not able to take over the 8th grade football program it may not be available for the 2002 season. The Columbia Heights Boosters will fund the Recreation athletics for 2002. Commission Member, Jerry Foss expressed concern about the safety of the schools equipment. The policy of the Recreation Department is that we only provide the game and practice jersey and pants, and pads for the pants. The participants are required to provide the helmet, shoulder pads, mouth guard and shoes. Mayor, Gary Peterson, stated that if the schools are going to drop their programs they should still offer their PAGE THREE fields for practices. Details will be presented to the Commission Members' as they are determined. Public Works Superintendent, Lauren McClanahan, informed the Commission Members that the pathway has been completed at Prestemon Park. At the present time, Public Works feels that the pathway is too close to the backstop and that there should also be fencing to protect the bleachers from foul balls. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, asked if a drain tile was put in on the foul line to help drain the water on the field. Public Works Superintendent, Lauren McClanahan, stated that the only drain tile is by home plate. Motion by Niemeyer, second by Foss to allow Public Works to pursue bids pertaining to the safety of the pathway and bleachers. All ayes, motion carried. REPORTS: Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission Members that there is discussion about having a summer concert during the Jamboree as a fundraiser for the Southern Anoka County Chamber. If the concert takes place on Saturday, the fireworks will have to be moved to Friday after the parade due to the carnival being taken down Sunday evening. He will keep the Commission informed of any future details, as they are determined. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, stated that AAU 9th grade basketball coach, Art Meadowcroft, requested to use the City van to take his team to St. Cloud, Eau Claire, and Notre Dame. After talking with several Commission Members, he declined Art Meadowcroft's request due to the City van policy being for official City use only. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission Members that the National Softball Qualifier would be held the weekend before jamboree weekend. In the past the National Softball Qualifier has been held during the Jamboree but B-Bops is hosting a World Qualifier that same weekend and Columbia Heights would have a hard time bringing in teams. There will be a local softball tournament held during the Jamboree. Most of the games will be played at Huset Park. Public Works Superintendent, Lauren McClanahan, informed the Commission Members that having a summer concert during the jamboree will change the Public Works' set up dramatically and add additional time. Public Works will need to be informed of all jamboree details, as they are determined. Public Works Superintendent, Lauren McClanahan, informed the Commission Members that the railroad tracks are in the process of being removed. Commission Member, Tom Greenhalgh, asked what Public Works plans on doing with the dirt hill behind JPM. The dirt hill will remain there for about 2 to 3 years. PAGE FOUR Public Works Superintendent, Lauren McClanahan, stated that Asland will be parking a vehicle at Silver Lake Beach for a month in exchange of them cutting trees along the blvd at no charge. Public Works Superintendent, Lauren McClanahan, informed the Commission Members that the City of Columbia Heights has received the Tree City U.S.A. award for the lOth year in a row. Public Works Superintendent, Lauren McClanahan, stated that the 3rd flagpole has been ordered for Gateway Park and will be installed mid June. Mayor, Gary Peterson, stated that the City Manager, Walt Fehst, left him a message stating that he had a meeting with Metro Council Member, Red Nelson, and there is the possibility of Silver Lake Beach being developed into town homes. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, asked if the remaining Salvation Army Camp buildings will be removed but that is unknown at this time. Hennepin County Parks, buyers of the Salvation Army Camp, will be taking possession in September 2002. The Salvation Army Camp will be moving to a 400-acre plot in Backus, Minnesota. Public Works Superintendent, Lauren McClanahan, stated the Public Works is looking for volunteers to maintain the flowerbeds located on 37th Ave. next to the railroad tracks. The Columbia Heights Lions Club previously maintained the flowerbeds. Commission Member, Tom Greenhalgh, asked Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, if it was possible to e-mail the Park & Recreation agendas instead of mailing them out every month. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, stated that it would be very difficult to e-mail the agendas due to attachments that would not be available for e-mail. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Foss, second by B. Peterson to adjourn meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Tina Foss, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary