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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 23, 2011 min City of Columbia Heights Park and Recreation Commission February 23, 2011 Eileen Evans called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Eileen Evans; Justin Grussing; Kevin McDonald; David Payne; Marsha Stroik Staff Present: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Deanna Saefke, Secretary; Gary Peterson, Mayor APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Stroik, second by McDonald, to approve the consent agenda. Upon vote: All Motion Carried. ayes. LETTERS AND REQUESTS A. Letter of request for a discounted rental rate of Murzyn Hall for the Anoka County Historical Society. Evans asked if the people involved are from Columbia Heights. Peterson indicated that the Historical Society is a 501C3 group. Windschitl replied that there will be a charge for this event, there will not be a full meal but some kind of snacks or appetizers. There will need to be cleaning after the event as there is a rental the next day. Stroik asked if the group is asking for a free rental. Evans responded that we always charge for an entry fee and staff time. Windschitl replied that the $50 entry fee and the $20 per hour fee will cover staff costs. Stroik asked if by having an event like this we would be providing employment for a City staff person who otherwise would not have a job that evening. Windschitl replied that yes there would be a staff person for the event. When there are not any events in the evening we do not have staff on, however if this event was not taking place there could be a possible full rental that would also require staff. Stroik responded that by some times allowing these types of events we are supplying some kind of income to an employee of ours. McDonald indicated that with this date so far out it could possibly be rented for a full event. Stroik asked if we could include additional hours on an event like this for cleaning time following the event. Windschitl replied yes. Motion by McDonald, second by Grussing, to allow the Anoka County Historical Society to use Murzyn Hall on Friday, October 7, 2011 with the requirement that they leave the facility in good condition, clean after the event and pay a fee of a $50 entry fee and a rate of $20 per hour of use. Additional charges may be added if cleanup is needed Motion Carried. the following day. Upon vote: All ayes. B. Letter of request for a late rental time of 2:00 a.m. on Friday, April 22, 2011. Windschitl indicated this group is renting both Friday and Saturday and will not have any alcohol during either event. In the past we have allowed rentals past 1:00 a.m. when there has not been any alcohol being served. Stroik indicated that if they want to stay Park & Recreation Commission February 23, 2011 Page 2 until 2:00 a.m. we should have a security officer on duty. Windschitl replied that the security company requires a four hour minimum. Motion by Grussing, second by Payne, to allow the group to stay until 2:00 a.m. with the renter covering the cost for a 4 hour minimum security officer or if they do not want to Motion Carried. pay for that they must be done by 1:00 a.m. Upon vote: All ayes. C. Letter of request for an open bar reception on Friday, September 30, 2011. Windschitl indicated this will be a responsible bar with a guest list under the 275 maximum, using responsible bartenders to serve the alcohol. Motion by McDonald, second by Stroik, to accept the request and allow an open bar for Motion Carried. Friday, September 30, 2011. Upon vote: All ayes. D. Letter of request for a discounted rental rate of Murzyn Hall for a fundraising event on a Friday evening in April 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Windschitl explained this is a request to hold a fundraiser at a reduced rate to fund a documentary project following a World War II veteran’s return to France and the story of his life while fighting in France. The documentary “As promised” will follow this veteran’s journey back to France sixty-seven years after experiencing victory in war, but defeat in love. He indicated that this request does not involve a resident of Columbia Heights and that they do not appear to be a non-profit group. He suggested offering another day of the week like a Wednesday night when the main hall is empty at a reduced rate. Stroik suggested offering the resident discount rate on the Friday evening due to the shorter time of use for the event. Motion by Payne, second by Grussing, to offer the resident discount of 25% off the rental rate on the Friday evening or the $50 entry fee and $20 per hour of use if used on a Motion Carried. week night where the hall is available. Upon vote: All ayes. E. Request for a discounted rental of Murzyn Hall for a fundraiser on a Sunday afternoon. Peterson informed the Commission that Marine Corporal Derek Goodrich, a graduate of Columbia Heights High School and employee of Jeff, Bobby & Steve’s was injured in the line of duty. Goodrich lost his right arm and suffered extensive injuries to both legs. st The fundraiser would be on May 1 from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. Windschitl replied that the fee could be waived or reduced as long as the group cleans after the event. Evans asked if JPM staff would be needed during the event. Windschitl replied yes. Payne indicated approval for waiving the rental fee but feels that the staffing costs should be covered. Stroik and Evans agree with covering the cost for staff. Motion by Payne, second by McDonald, to waive the rental fee but to charge for staff Motion Carried. time during the event. Upon vote: All ayes. Park & Recreation Commission February 23, 2011 Page 3 OLD BUSINESS A. Ramsdell Park: Final Plans Hansen stated that he attended the Columbia Heights School Board Meeting presenting the elements and funding costs for the Ramsdell Park improvements. Superintendent, Kathy Kelly, indicated that they have budgeted money for items such as expanding the parking lot, complete ball field fencing, bleachers, score board, a drinking fountain and a few other possible items. Hansen indicated the parking situation on Johnson Street has been reworked from the original plans to provide more reaction space when baking out of the parking stall. The stalls will be 30 feet deep and cars will not need to back into the other lance of traffic. He stated the park building will not be removed. Evans asked if the proposed increased use of the field for the School District athletic programs would interfere with the Recreation program use. Windschitl replied that by having the School District use Ramsdell Park it would free up a field at Huset Park so it would not interfere. It would be a win – win situation for both the City and the CH School District. Windschitl asked if the increased parking stalls would affect the field size. Hansen replied no and that there would be 32 additional parking stalls. Peterson indicated that Superintendent Kelly complimented Hansen on a job well done during the presentation to the School Board. The School District is happy to get another home sports field. Motion by Stroik, second by Payne, to recommend for the City Council to approve the Motion Ramsdell Park Final Plans and for approval to seek bids. Upon vote: All ayes. Carried. NEW BUSINESS None at this time. REPORTS A. Recreation Director Windschitl indicated that since the Murzyn Hall roof has been cleared of snow there have not been any new leaks. The preschool teachers that teach at Murzyn Hall are retiring at the end of this school year and the School District has indicated that they will be moving the preschool program out of the building. The District feels that having preschool programs at North Park and the Family Center will better accommodate families within the area. Windschitl indicated the City Manager would like to look into renting the space out that is currently used by the District’s preschool program. Windschitl stated that the State Elevator Inspector noted several deficiencies throughout the City during a recent inspection. Staff is working on getting prices for repairs and is also seeing what work can be done internally. Park & Recreation Commission February 23, 2011 Page 4 B. Public Works Director/City Engineer Hansen reported that the pedestrian bridge is near completion. The lighting should be up next week along with the remade panels and railings. Hansen stated the skating rinks have closed for the season. C. Commission Members Payne asked on the status of the memorial plaque for Jerry Foss. Hansen replied that the plaque is in; it looks very nice and is waiting for warmer weather to install the sign. Windschitl has been trying to get in contact with the Foss family. Evans asked what the City budget is for snow plowing. Hansen replied that December was a rough month, overtime hours were used and lots of salt for the roads. Evans gave credit to the Public Works Staff because the streets have looked great. Payne gave thanks to Staff as well for the good work they have done on the streets. Hansen replied that the Street Foreman and Public Works Superintendent do a really good job. ADJOURNMENT Evans adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m. ______________________________ Deanna Saefke, Recreation Clerk Typist II