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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 24, 2002 City of Columbia Heights Park and Recreation Commission April 24, 2002 The meeting was called to order by Eileen Evans at 6:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Members absent: Eileen Evans; Tom Greenhalgh; Gary Mayer; Scott Niemeyer; Bill Peterson; Gary Peterson; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City Engineer Jerry Foss Also present: Tim Johnson, City Planner; Lomianki Park residents APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA: Motion to make correction of spelling from Asland to Asplundh on consent agenda and motion to approve consent agenda by Niemeyer; second by Bill Peterson. All ayes, motion camed. LETTERS AND REQUESTS: Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, discussed the Columbia Heights Lion's Club request for a storage area located on the lower level of JPM underneath the northwest stairwell. The Columbia Heights Lion's Club would like to have the area finished off and utilized for their liquor storage. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, talked to the Building Official and the Fire Chief. A sprinkler head and a firewall would have to be added to this area. Motion by Niemeyer, second by B. Peterson to table the request until further investigation. All ayes, motion carried. OLD BUSINESS: There is no old business at this time. NEW BUSINESS: Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, discussed the current status of the property south of the developed Lomianki Park (from 37th to 38th) and whether or not it should be used for future park development. Commission Member, Bill Peterson, quoted the August 1996 Comprehensive Plan relating to Lomianki Park by saying, "Considering the nature and location of this park, the possibility of selling the north and south portions of this park would far outweigh any future development considerations. These areas are considered "dead space" and rarely ever used. If sold, the money received could be allocated in funds specifically for park developments and park improvements." PAGE TWO Lomianki Park resident, Terry O'Brien, 3810 Main Street N.E. stated that the original intent was to use the property south of the developed Lomianki Park (from 37th to 38th) as a picnic area. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, asked how much use does the developed park get. Terry O'Brien stated that the neighborhood goes through cycles and it's coming back again where young families are moving back into the neighborhood. He also stated that the park probably doesn't get much use because of the warming house that wasn't supported for very long. Commission Member, Tom Greenhalgh, noted that the warming house has been shut down since August 1996 and there has been no one who has tried to get it re-opened. An unidentified Lomianki Park resident stated that he counted the lots on the west side of Main Street and there are 18 lots. On this property, he would like to know how they intend on building 25 to 30 homes. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, informed him that the purpose for this discussion is not about what would go on the property. The purpose for this discussion is whether or not this property should continue to be recognized as park property. Also, that the City has maintained this property for 30 years and the question now is where should the dollars be spent. Lomianki Park resident, Jim Gustafson, 3712 Main Street N.E. states there is frequent use of the developed Lomianki Park during the summers. He also states that there is use on the undeveloped Lomianki Park property (between 37th & 38th). Residents have family picnics and play horseshoes. Bike riders and dog runners also utilize the space. Lomianki Park resident, Kathryn Kosa, 3732 Main Street N.E. states that it was promised by the City of Columbia Heights to be park property (between 37th & 38th), and her family has played volleyball, football, and softball back there for several years. She would like to see it stay that way. Commission Member, Bill Peterson, stated that it's possible that the sale of Lomianki Park (between 37th & 38th Avenue) would allow for money to be put money back into the City parks. Motion by Niemeyer, second by B. Peterson to recommend that the current parkland status be eliminated to allow for future development, as this is consistent with the park section of the City Comprehensive Plan. All ayes, motion carded. Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, reviewed the bids for the replacement of the Prestemon Park Backstop and addition of first and third baseline fencing. The backstop would eliminate foul balls from going onto residential property. The backstop bid range was between $9,100 and $12,250. The bid range for fencing for 3rd and 1st baseline would be between $2,600 and $4,400. Fencing along the 3ra & 1st baseline would protect people walking/running on the cement trail. Century Fence Co. was the low bid. Motion by B. Peterson, second by Mayer to recommend to the City Council the Century Fence Co. proposal, as this would be the most cost effective bid. All ayes, motion carded. PAGE THREE REPORTS: Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission Members that the Heights Happenings went to the printer and will be distributed within the week. The summer brochure contains summer recreation programs as well as City information. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, stated that there has been continued leaking in the JPM building but has been temporarily fixed by caulking the valleys and shingles. He indicated that he would be contacting a roof consultant. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission Members that Adult Softball leagues have started. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday night leagues are full. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, asked when times would end for softball. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, stated that game times for Prestemon Park are at 6:00 & 7:00 p.m. and game times for Huset Park are 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, & 9:00 p.m. Commission Member, Scott Niemeyer, asked if anyone had heard about the Recreation Department taking over 8th grade sports. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, stated at the present time we have not heard of middle school cuts to sports. Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, informed the Commission Members that we have had odd weather for cutting grass. The Public Works Department is down four people at the present time. He would like any complaints referring to lack of grass cutting be forwarded to either Kevin Hansen or Lauren McClanahan in the Public Works Department. He is also anticipating a good return for seasonal staff. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, informed the Commission members that the Three Rivers Park District (formally Hennepin Co. Park District) purchased the Salvation Army Camp. Three Rivers Park District met with the City of Columbia Heights to get a feeling of what the City proposes to do with Silver Lake Beach and boat landing in the future. They want to know whether the City wants to maintain the beach and boat landing as it currently exists. There may be interest in coordinating the park into their park master plan. Commission Member, Scott Niemeyer, asked when construction would be started on Central Avenue (between 37th & 43rd Avenue). Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, informed the Commission Members that they are receiving bids until April 30th, and the construction is projected to start beginning to mid June with a substantial completion date by November 31st and final completion date of June 15, 2003. PAGE FOUR Commission Member, Bill Peterson, asked who plants the flowers under most City signs. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, stated that the Beautification Committee does most of the work. She also stated that the City is still looking for someone to maintain the flower garden at 37th & Stinson Blvd, as the Lion's Club will no longer be taking over the project, and that the City would like to put up a 'Welcome to Columbia Heights' sign somewhere in the vicinity of 53ra & Central Avenue if land can be acquired. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission Members that the fireworks show has been moved to Friday night following the parade. The fireworks display is normally held on Saturday night during the Columbia Heights Jamboree but the City will be hosting a concert that Saturday. A change has been made to the parade route due to Central Avenue construction. A map of this year' s parade route is on the cover of the summer newsletter. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. Tina Foss, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary