HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 25, 2003 City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
July 25, 2003
The meeting was called to order by Eileen Evans at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present:
Eileen Evans; Tom Greenhalgh; Matthew Henry; Bruce
Kelzenberg; Gary Mayer; David Payne; Keith Windschitl,
Recreation Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works
Director/City Engineer
Members absent:
Jerry Foss; Bill Peterson
Also present:
Mike Horn; Doug Bryant; Rosemary Branzese; Mr. & Mrs.
Marvin Sowada; members representing the Columbia
Heights Class of 1990
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
Motion to approve consent agenda by Mayer; second by Payne. All ayes, motion carried.
PRESENTATIONS
THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT PRESENTATION
Mike Horn, Project Manager and Landscape Architect, gave a presentation on behalf of
the Three Rivers Park District, formally Hennepin Parks. Three Rivers Park District
purchased the Salvation Army Camp in September 2001. The Park District, with support
of Metropolitan Council and local communities, designed the site as a Special Recreation
Feature to be developed as open space and interpretive education facilities and programs.
The intent for the purchased land, Silver Wood, is to have an art center, learning center
and potential garden. The art center will be the focal point of the facility. The main
entrance of the park would be relocated to the signaled crossing on Silver Lake Rd. A
buffer of woods would be kept on the north end of the park, possibly putting in a trail at
that location. Superintendent for Three Rivers Park District, Doug Bryant, stated that
they would like to acquire the Silver Lake Beach, currently owned by the City of
Columbia Heights. Their intent for that piece of land would be to turn it into primary
preservation and open space, possibly putting in trails, picnic areas and a fishing pier. He
also stated that a swimming beach would not be maintained because the guidelines of a
Special Recreation Feature would not allow a swimming beach because Long Lake Park
already has one. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, asked the duration of the
Salvation Army operating the camp. The Salvation Army Camp will be in operation
through September or October 2004. Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin
Hansen, asked what is included in the first phase of development. Doug Bryant indicated
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that he is unable to speculate at this time. If the approval for the first phase comes by
2004, the earliest they could see any land changes would be 2005. Kevin Hansen asked if
there is taxing authority in all seven metro counties. It only applies to suburban
Hennepin County (St. Anthony). Council Member, Bruce Kelzenberg asked if a fee
would be charged. Monday through Thursday there will be no fee charged. Friday
through Sunday there will be a $4 daily charge. Yearly passes may also be purchased.
These charges will help offset operating costs. Vehicle entrance will be restricted to
vehicles with passes. Silver Wood is projected to serve 3 to 5 communities. Rosemary
Franzese, Saint Anthony Park District Commissioner, stated that she was very excited
about the project and that she enjoyed being on the master planning group with
Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
REQUEST REDUCED RENTAL RATE FOR THE CLASS OF 1990
Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission of the request for
reduced rental rates for Friday, August 8, 2003 for the Columbia Heights Class of 1990,
which will be holding a benefit for a classmate, Gina Novalany, suffering from terminal
sarcoma cancer. He indicated that the hall was rented previously for this date but had
cancelled and had requested their down payment be refunded if re-rented. Gary Mayer
motioned for the rental rates to be completely waived but was met with opposition and it
was stated that the Commission should continue to maintain the current policy. Motion
by Payne, second by Greenhalgh to reduce the rental rate to $40 entry fee and $15/hour
and to refund the $500 down payment to the previous renter. Upon vote: ayes, Evans,
Greenhalgh, Henry, Payne: oppose, Mayer. Motion carded.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS WOMEN OF TODAY $150 DONATION
Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission members that the
Women of Today donated $150 to JPM for using the facility. This money will be put
into JPM Revenue.
OLD BUSINESS
"CONCEAL AND CARRY LAW" - WHAT IT MEANS FOR JPM
Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, discussed with the Commission the new "Conceal
and Carry Law". Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans noted that signs would have to
be put up at each entrance along with having a vocal recording to uphold the current law.
Commission Member, Tom Greenhalgh stated that the Mall of America does not comply
with the current law due to the fact that all though signs are posted, there are no vocal
recordings to let their customers know they are not allowed to possess a concealed
weapon. Commission Member, Matthew Henry, stated that the Metrodome has signs
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posted and it is announced repeatedly as people enter the building. Keith Windschitl
noted that signs could only be posted during private rentals, and we would have to add
the language to the lease agreement. Motion by Greenhalgh, second by Mayer to not
pursue this Conceal and Carry Law until the law changes and becomes friendlier to work
with. All ayes, motion carried.
LOCAL DNR GRANT APPLICATIONS
Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, informed the Commission that the
Public Works Department did not receive the grant from the DNR. Questions that will
need to be looked at in the future are: The type of projects that money is being asked for
and is there something that we're doing wrong? Kevin Hansen stated that he would have
a list of who received the grant and what it was used for on the next agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
SCREENING FENCE FOR RAMSDEIJ. PARK
Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Sowada who reside at 4990 Johnson St. NE, Columbia Heights,
adjacent to Ramsdell Park on the Northeast comer, were present to discuss the possibility
of having a screen fence put up. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, asked why they
were requesting fencing. The residents main concern is the noise level and things that go
on around the swimming pool area. Eileen Evans pointed out the chain link fence that
separates the property from Ramsdell Park. The residents pointed out that the fence
around the pool is not high enough to block out the noise. They also questioned why this
issue was not on the previous agenda. Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin
Hansen, indicated that it was delayed due to staff researching this matter. Pictures were
passed around of the resident's property and Ramsdell property, which showed that a
fence would be ineffective due to the grade of the hill. Eileen Evans questioned if adding
more trees would help the situation. Kevin Hansen pointed out that a solid wall fence has
a likelihood of graffiti. Natural materials (trees, tall grown shrubs) would be more
beneficial. He asked Commission Members to recognize that there is no money budgeted
in 2003 or 2004 for planting of this sort. Money for planting new trees to be used as a
wall would not be able to come out of the General Parks fund. It would have to come
from Parks Capital fund, half this year and half next year. Council Member, Bruce
Kelzenberg, indicated that Council Member, Bobby Williams, has indicated he would
donate money to replace the tree that was cut down and maybe this could be used.
Motion by Henry, second by Greenhalgh to recommend to the City Council to consider
placing natural screening, such as Ornamental trees, Coniferous trees, shrubs, or a
combination there of, along the north side of Ramsdell Park wading pool, dependent on
allocating sufficient funds. All ayes, motion carried.
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MINNESOTA FEDERALS REQUEST TO USE HUSET PARK
Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, stated that the Minnesota Federals, an adult semi-
pro football team, have requested to use Huset Park to host two football games. They
would like to charge admission and have the Lion's Club serve beer. There will be two
large receptions at JPM, which would impose a parking issue. Commission Member,
David Payne, stated that they allegedly mined the field at Columbia Heights High
School. Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, stated that Huset field is in
poor condition due to wet fields and damage that was done during the Columbia Heights
Jamboree. Motion by Greenhalgh, second by Payne to decline their request to use Huset
Park for both football games. All ayes, motion carried
REPORTS
RECREATION DIRECTOR
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER
Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, informed the Commission that
Minnegasco has a grant that is currently available. The grant would need to be used for
park amenities.
COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, inquired about the possibility of selling the land
for development between Shiloh Bethany Church and Silver Lake Beach. Public Works
Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, noted that it is a good idea but there could not be
development without property acquisition and a road to lead into the development.
Eileen Evans questioned who owns the property between Benjamin Street and Stinson.
Kevin Hansen stated that he could find out who owns that property if the Commission so
desires that information. Who owns the property, what it's worth, and how was the land
acquired were questions that would also need to be answered. Recreation Director, Keith
Windschitl, noted that the tax value of Silver Lake Beach is $348,100 and the tax value of
Silver Lake Boat Landing is $210,800. Motion by Greenhalgh, second by Henry to table
the discussion until the Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, is able to
obtain the land information. All ayes, motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Tina Foss, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary