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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes-April-04.docCity of Columbia Heights Park and Recreation Commission April 29, 2004 The meeting was called to order by Eileen Evans at 6:33 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Eileen Evans; Jerry Foss; Tom Greenhalgh; Bruce Kelzenberg; David Payne; Marsha Stroik; Kevin McDonald; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City Engineer Also present: Walt Fehst, City Manager; Bob Streetar, Community Development Director; Jim Mailand, Bonestroo Consultant Excused Absent: Gary Mayer Absent: None APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA Commission Member, Jerry Foss, asked if any money for ball field rental is recouped from other organizations using the fields. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, stated that some schools are charged a minimal fee but we do not charge Columbia Heights School District #13 or Immaculate School. He also indicated that the Recreation Department uses the School District gyms. Motion to approve consent agenda by Foss, second by Payne. All ayes, motion carried. LETTERS AND REQUESTS There are no letters or requests at this time. OLD BUS1NESS HUSET PARK MASTER PLAN Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, stated that Bonestroo Consultant, Jim Mailand, would be presenting two different plans for the Huset Park Plan for input and direction from the Commission Members. Jim Mailand noted that the use of Huset Park would not change ball fields but would re-orientate the park with what is currently there. Both plans showed the removal of large parking lots on both sides of Jefferson and the introduction of a round-a-bout at the intersection of Jefferson and 39th Avenue to slow down the speed of vehicles. The plans include 204 total parking stalls designated to the PAGE TWO park itself. Behind Murzyn Hall the parking lot would be replaced with a turn around horseshoe. A small, no standing water pond, that also serves the new development area would be created on Huset East and a large holding water pond would be created on Huset West. The large holding water pond may include a walking path around the pond, bridges and a gazebo. There would be a pathway around the entire park and a centralized building would be in place between the ball fields on Huset West. City Manager, Walt Fehst, informed the Commission that there would be a 30-acre parcel south of Huset West that will be developed into residential townhomes. He feels the park should represent the needs of the community and is concerned that the plan is too congested. He questioned if one or two ball fields could be moved to a different park to add more passive use at Huset Park. Kevin Hansen noted that the ball fields would serve several uses ranging from t-ball to adult softball. The fields are used every night. By moving a ball field to a different park it would affect the traveling leagues that are currently in place. He also noted that the other parks within Columbia Heights are not large enough to hold regulation ball fields. Obtaining grant funding would require the ball fields to be regulation size. Parking at most other parks is also limited, or insufficient. Community Development Director, Bob Streetar, stated that the Council' s priority is the redevelopment noting that the current market is calling for residential. He would like to see the edge between the park and new development softened with greenery. He also noted that the developer is concerned on how the park lighting will have an effect on the development. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, noted that the park light would be an advantage for security. Kevin Hansen stated that the issue of lighting was proposed to the current Huset Park residents and they did not feel that lighting is an issue. Jim Mailand noted that it is a struggle to find places to build active parks. People now want convenience and the people coming into the new development will need recreation. It was also noted that all of the passive space equals 1/3 of the park; it is just spread out throughout the planned area to serve as buffer(s). Kevin Hansen supported that statement noting that anything that would be done now would be redevelopment as there is no available parkland to redevelop. The current plan does not intensify usage of land while it has increased green space, with the addition of the large ponding area to the west. Kevin Hansen informed the Commission that the next planned step is to have a public meeting inviting the developer and a wider area of the community. Eileen Evans suggested that a plan be drafted by that time to reduce having too many choices regarding the park plan. Motion by Foss, second by Greenhalgh to look at plan number 2, look at accommodating buses and parking behind JPM and to keep the t-ball and Babe Ruth athletic fields. All ayes, motion carried. PAGE THREE NEW BUS1NESS MURZYN HALL ADVERTISING Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, informed the Commission that he is researching advertising avenues to get JPM more exposure and revenue. One option is the Twin City Bridal Association which entails a $595 annual membership where there would be a website link for JPM that would be published in their books two times per year. Motion by Foss, second by Stroik to continue to research advertisement options. All ayes, motion carried. 2004 FIREWORKS DISPLAY Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, indicated the City has received several proposals for the 2004 fireworks show. Ben Erickson, Columbia Heights resident, has indicated he would design and operate the show if we decided to go with RES. The total cost of the fireworks bid is $6,000, $3,000 in which is covered by the City of Columbia Heights. The remaining $3,000 is received in donations. Keith Windschitl noted that several years ago the City of Columbia Heights used RES for fireworks and he would like to use them again this year. Motion by Foss, second by Payne to use RES for the 2004 fireworks display at the Columbia Heights Jamboree. All ayes, motion carried. REPORTS RECREATION DIRECTOR Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, thanked those who came to the town facility meeting. There were approximately 80 people in attendance and it was a positive meeting. The question is if the school district and the city should work together or if the city should work independently to build a community center. Motion by McDonald, second by Foss to the have City of Columbia Heights go to referendum vote in Fall 2004 for gym space and park money. All ayes, motion carried. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, requested that the May Park and Recreation Commission meeting be moved from May 26, 2004 to May 20, 2004 and the time to be changed to 6:00 p.m. This change would put the new Park and Recreation Commission meeting ahead of the Huset Park neighborhood meeting. Motion by Payne, second by Foss to move the May Park & Recreation Commission Meeting to May 20, 2004 at 6pm. All ayes, motion carried. PAGE FOUR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER Public Works Director/City Engineer, Kevin Hansen, informed the Commission that they will continue to look for grant funding, similar to the grant the City was awarded by the Minnesota Twins grant for Keyes Park. His department will be looking at the LaBelle Pond pathway and McKenna softball field 2 by the wading pool, and may seek grant money from Medtronic for other park improvements. Commission Chairperson, Eileen Evans, asked if something had been done to LaBelle Pond prior. Kevin Hansen stated, yes, to correct erosion. COMMIS SION MEMBERS Commission Member, David Payne, questioned the Commission if hosting MYAS baseball tournaments at Huset Park would be an option to raise money for Huset Park. Recreation Director, Keith Windschitl, stated that it would be hard to work with MYAS due to the Recreation Department not having any teams registered with MYAS this year. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Tina Foss, Park and Recreation Commission Secretary