HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 28
City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
April 28, 2010
Eileen Evans called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Eileen Evans; Justin Grussing; Stan Hoium; Kevin McDonald;
David Payne; Marsha Stroik
Staff Present: Gary Peterson, Mayor; Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director;
Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Deanna Saefke, Secretary
Also Present: Grace Lee, resident
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
Hoium asked about the $129,000 MTV Tractor Replacement Vehicle and is it in the
budget. Hansen indicated that this item is in the annual budget under Capital Equipment.
This vehicle has multiple attachments including a mower, a snowblower, and a
bituminous milling machine and is a multipurpose vehicle used year round.
Motion
by Stroik, second by Hoium, to approve the consent agenda. Upon vote: All
Motion Carried.
ayes.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
A. Request for an open bar on May 1, 2010 for a wedding reception
B. Request for an open bar on August 6, 2010 for a wedding reception
C. Request for an open bar on July 23, 2010 for a wedding reception
Discussion was held on the three requests for open bar wedding receptions. Windschitl
indicated that these renters are using experienced bartenders. Evans asked the
Commission if they would make a motion for all three requests in one motion.
Motion
by McDonald, second by Hoium, to allow an open bar reception for letters and
Motion Carried.
requests items A through C. Upon vote: All ayes.
D. Request for a reduced rental rate on Wednesday, December 7, 2010 by the University
of Minnesota College of Continuing Educations OLLI Group
Evans asked why this group would want to use Murzyn Hall when the University of
Minnesota has many buildings for events. Windschitl indicated this group used JPM last
year with the reduced non-profit rate of $40/$15. He is recommending the $50/$20 fee.
Saefke indicated this group has many members in the north metro area, there is free
parking at JPM and the OLLI Group is comprised of mostly senior citizens.
Motion
by Payne, second by Stroik, to offer the reduced rate of a $50 entry fee and
hourly fee of $20 per hour of use in Murzyn Hall on December 7, 2010. Upon vote: All
Motion Carried.
ayes.
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April 28, 2010
Page 2
E. Request of the full $500 down payment refund for a canceled event on Sunday, June
6, 2010 due to conflicts from the church
Windschitl indicated that he verified with the church that the date was changed. The
family’s tradition is to have the family party on the same day as the church baptism. He
feels this is a legitimate situation. Evans asked if the family rescheduled. Windschitl
replied that they would have if the new church date was available at JPM, but the date is
unavailable. Payne asked what the likelihood of the date being re-rented was.
Windschitl replied that with it being a Sunday and just over one month away he feels the
chances are small. Hoium asked if another possible renter had been turned away for this
date. Windschitl replied that he doubted that was the situation because there are other
Sundays still available in June. He stated the policy is to refund a down payment if the
date is rented by some one else or if the renter reschedules to another date and that is why
this request is being made.
Payne stated that this date change is not the renters fault. Evans stated this would set a
precedence if the refund is made. Windschitl indicated this situation was out of the
renters control, they would have rescheduled if the date was open. He feels this is not
setting a precedence even though it is an exception to the regular policy.
Motion
by Hoium, second by McDonald, to refund the $500 down payment for June 6,
Motion Carried.
2010. Upon vote: All ayes.
F. Request from the Columbia Heights Fire Explorers to use Murzyn Hall for a reduced
thth
rate on Friday, June 18, 5-10 p.m. and Sunday, June 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Windschitl stated that this is a great cause, but because this is a Friday and Sunday
request with another rental on Saturday there will need to be two turn arounds for the
cleanup and to reset for the next event. Stroik asked if there was a possibility of changing
the schedule. Saefke indicated this would be an opening and closing ceremony for the
State event hosted by Columbia Heights. McDonald asked if the group would be getting
a resident discount. Windschitl replied that this is part of the C. H. Fire Department
youth programs with volunteers and the request is to charge them a minimal fee or not.
McDonald suggested charging the $50/$20 fee for each day. Windschitl indicated that
staff would work with the group regarding setting up and cleaning for each event.
Motion
by McDonald, second by Payne, to charge the $50 entry fee and $20 per hour of
Motion Carried.
use for Friday and Sunday. Upon vote: All ayes.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Trail connection between Silver Lake Park and Silverwood Park
Hansen updated the Commission on the agreement between the Three Rivers Park
District and the City of Columbia Heights. A trail will be constructed connecting
existing trails in each park. The City of Columbia Heights will build the trail and The
Three Rivers Park District is putting in a new gate and new fencing along Stinson for the
connection. Stroik asked if this will be a bike able path. Hansen replied yes it will be
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April 28, 2010
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eight feet wide paved with shoulders on each side. Construction will most likely occur
July through September.
B. Sullivan Lake Park trail update
Hansen indicated that he has an upcoming meeting with the City Tree Contractor, City
Forester and with representatives from Sullivan Shores, if they choose to attend,
regarding clearing and trimming around the trail. The area that would be reviewed and
trimmed and cleaned up is from the northeast corner of the lake down to the Washington
Street trail access.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Tobacco-Free Park Policy
Resident, Grace Lee, would like to see a written policy regarding tobacco use within City
Parks. Lee mentioned neighboring cities that have tobacco-free park policies. She would
feel more comfortable when asking someone not to smoke around the playground if there
was a sign to refer to. Lee would like to see, at a minimum, a policy and signage for no
smoking near the playground structures.
Hansen replied from the perspective of cleanliness it is a good idea, but the enforceability
would fall on some of the other users of the park system. Signs could be put up if the
Commission would want to move forward with a policy. The terms would need to be
decided as to where the smoke-free areas would apply.
Windschitl shared the current policy which indicates smoking or the use of tobacco is not
allowed at any park buildings, on athletic fields or in player bench areas during City
sponsored athletic programs. He indicated this is an old park policy. Windschitl
understands Lee’s concerns and would like to include areas like the wading pools or any
where there is a popular area for kids. He also spoke with the Recreation Director from
Blaine regarding their modified tobacco free policy. That particular policy allows
tobacco use in the parking lots and trail areas. He also pointed out that the City of Blaine
employs Park Rangers to enforce these policies, which is not something that can not
happen in Columbia Heights. Hoium replied that a decision by the Commission is not
enforceable. Hansen replied that the only enforceable policies are done trough an
Ordinance by City Council.
Lee responded that by even having signage regarding a tobacco free area empowers
citizens to ask some one not to smoke in the area near children. Stroik indicated that with
signs it may deter people from using tobacco in the parks. Evans replied that even
though there are signs regarding no alcohol use in the parks she picks up bottles or cans
often. Windschitl responded that permits are given out to park rentals for alcohol use.
Hoium indicated that most smokers do not have problems with restrictions.
Evans asked what kind of cost would be involved by placing a sign in each park. Hansen
replied custom signs typically cost twenty-five to thirty-five dollars each. He wouldn’t
use the cost of the signs as a final decision but to look at this request as if it is useful or
appropriate at the parks and would benefit the citizens. He advises considering what
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April 28, 2010
Page 4
areas of the parks that this policy would include like the playgrounds, wading pools,
shelters, buildings and if certain parks would be excluded.
Windschitl indicated there is a possibility of getting free signs from the Tobacco Free
Coalition. He suggests putting into the policy the areas that are designated as tobacco
free areas; children play areas, swimming pools and or shelters.
Evans asked for the current park policy to be updated and brought back to a future
meeting.
B. 2010 Jamboree Fireworks
Windschitl reported fireworks proposals were requested from several companies and only
one company returned the proposal in the allotted time. The company name has changed
to Pyrotechnic Display Inc., but is the same company that has done the firework show for
the past few years. Windschitl indicated the bid is for $6000; the City contributes $3000
with the remaining $3000 received through donations.
Motion
by Stroik, second by McDonald, to award the bid for the 2010 Jamboree
Motion Carried.
Fireworks to Pyrotechnic Display Inc. Upon vote: All ayes.
REPORTS
A. Recreation Director
Windschitl reported that he is only available to stay for the annual park cleanup for a
limited time because he needs to pick up baseball uniforms tonight to hand out for a team
tomorrow.
B. Public Works Director/City Engineer
Hansen reported the seasonal staff has started. Grass is getting cut this week.
Evans asked for an update on the pedestrian bridge. Hansen replied that the old bridge is
no longer there. There is a crossing guard at the beginning and end of the school day.
There are more children crossing at the end of the day. The progress is moving along.
Steps are being evaluated to adding in as part of the contract. The switchback is going to
be long and the steps were not in the original contract. It would be a shorter alternative to
access the bridge.
Hansen indicated that the project was started late due to funding clearance problems. The
original completion date was September 3 and it has been pushed back by four weeks.
Stroik asked who will own the bridge. Hansen replied that MNDot will own the bridge
and the City will maintain a good portion of it; for example lighting and aesthetic
treatments and will also be responsible for snow removal. The MTV trackless will be
used snow removal on the bridge to get away from hand shoveling. Hoium asked if a
City employee is at the site every day. Hansen indicated that he has been to the site every
day since the project started but only for an hour or two. He stated the City has hired a
consulting engineer to manage the project; Kimley-Horn & Associates. This company
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April 28, 2010
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has some one on site every day the contractor is working to provide site inspection.
Hansen indicated when the details are being chosen for the bridge colors, stones, etc. the
idea is to match the natural look of the Huset roundabout.
C. Commission Members
Mayor Peterson indicated that the newest business on Central Avenue, Jimmy John’s,
opened today.
Evans asked if the phone call system informing residents of hydrant flushing is new.
Hansen replied that it was done last year.
Saefke reported the Recreation Coordinator, Liz Bray, applied for a grant from the MN
Twins for free tickets to a game. The Recreation Department was awarded 100 tickets to
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the game on Wednesday, May 26. The tickets will be sold on a first come first serve
basis to families in Columbia Heights for five dollars a piece. The goal is to have this as
a family night for the community.
Windschitl indicated that he has asked Bobby & Steve’s for the names to place on the
sign near the Huset Park shelter for the dedication. Discussion was held on holding a
dedication and family night for the Huset Park shelter and playground.
Mayor Peterson reported a sculpture is being placed on the ground of the Columbia
Heights High School near the Hylander Center to symbolize the cooperation between the
School District and the City. The Synergy stainless steel sculpture has flowers planted
around the base of it. The dedication will be in May.
Hoium reported that he is running for the City Council.
Payne thanked the Park & Recreation on behalf of the Athletic Boosters for the use of
field 3 for the winter carnival. He reported the Boosters would like to hold a spaghetti
rd
dinner fundraiser on June 23 at Murzyn Hall to kick-off Jamboree and raise funds for
the new concession wagon.
The Park & Recreation members and staff adjourned the meeting to conduct a park
cleanup at Huset Park.
ADJOURNMENT
Evans adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
______________________________
Deanna Saefke, Recreation Clerk Typist II