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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 28, 2012 min City of Columbia Heights Park and Recreation Commission March 28, 2012 Eileen Evans called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Eileen Evans; Tom Greenhalgh; Stan Hoium; Kevin McDonald; David Payne; Marsha Stroik Staff Present: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Gary Peterson, Mayor; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Deanna Saefke, Secretary APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA Hoium asked about the bill regarding the multiple charges for Xcel Energy. Hansen indicated that each meter at the parks get their own bill, so there are multiple charges at one time. Hoium asked about the Graffiti Be Gone Kits. Hansen replied that they are very good kits. The charge is for five kits. Depending on the amount of graffiti, one or more kit can be used per tag. Hoium asked about the charge for JPM chairs. Windschitl replied that every three or four years a set is ordered to replace wore down or damaged chairs in Muryzn Hall. It is becoming more difficult to find chairs that match the existing ones in the main hall. Evans suggested ordering a different color all together. Windschitl indicated that the chairs are expensive and he has ordered ones that are a slight shade different to keep using the existing sets. Evans asked about the charge for Onsite Sanitation in regards to satellites during the winter. Hansen indicated that the parks that are plowed or maintained have one throughout the winter. Other ones are pulled during the winter. Hoium asked about the energy audit charge from Honeywell and the NSI Mechanical Contract. Windschitl replied the energy audit with Honeywell was the end of the complete project to have a measurement of the utility bills from the last three years to the current bills. The findings showed a savings at a better rate than what was projected from the energy improvements. NSI handles the annual preventative maintenance. Evans asked what the Green Expo is. Hansen replied that it is also referred to as the turf school. The Parks Department Staff attends this intensive two and half day school where they can also get the tree inspector recertification. Motion by Greenhalgh, second by Hoium, to approve the consent agenda. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. LETTERS AND REQUESTS A. Evans wondered why the VFW was not holding this event at a VFW facility. Saefke replied that it is a District luncheon event for the ladies auxiliary for approximately 200 plus guests. Windschitl replied this is the first time for this type of event and they are paying the non-profit rate but would like to have an open bar serving wine at the luncheon. Motion by Hoium, second by Greenhalgh, to allow the VFW ladies auxiliary to hold an open bar Motion Carried. with VFW bartenders at the event on April 1, 2012. Upon vote: All ayes. Evans asked for items B and C to be considered as one item. Park & Recreation Commission March 28, 2012 Page 2 B & C. Windschitl indicated that both responsible groups have done the appropriate measures to have responsible bartenders and would like to host an open bar. Motion by McDonald, second by Stroik, to allow both wedding receptions on June 2 and June 9 Motion Carried. to hold an open bar. Upon vote: All ayes. D. Evans asked if the fee had been waived last year for the Lee Carlson Center fundraiser. Windschitl replied yes. He indicated that Mayor Peterson has participated in other fundraising efforts for the Center and had been approached to help with the breakfast. Mayor Peterson indicated that the previous breakfast did not cost the City money as there were volunteers helping with the work, the group also realize that they need more volunteers from their organization for this next breakfast. Peterson stated that the proceeds go towards a good cause for the mental health of adults in the community. Windschitl indicated charging previous nonprofit groups for hours used if outside of business or program hours and to bill for cleanup if needed. Motion by Greenhalgh, second by McDonald, to allow the Lee Carlson Center to use John P. Murzyn Hall during business hours for free, to charge $20 per hour if needing the space earlier than 7:00 a.m. and the charge for hours of cleanup if the group does not provide their own Motion Carried. cleaning of the space. Upon vote: All ayes. E. Evans stated that the fees are typically waived for the CH Athletic Boosters, especially when the event is during regular program hours. Motion by Hoium, second by Greenhalgh, to waive the fees for the CH Athletic Boosters awards Motion Carried. dinner on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Upon vote: All ayes. OLD BUSINESS A. Ramsdell Park Dedication Hansen indicated the Columbia Heights Police Department is hosting their own anniversary event with the family in July which is closer to the anniversary date of the officer’s shooting. Hansen indicated having an event the first time that the athletic field is being used by the girls’ softball team and inviting the school board, other school district employees and students, Commission Members, City Council Members, the CHPD and the Ramsdell family to attend. Windschitl th indicated that May 19 is the only home game that will be held at Ramsdell Park this year. Greenhalgh asked why there is only one game at that field for softball this year. Hansen replied that in a typical year about one month is needed to prepare fields for use, but with it being new more time is needed to work the field, cut the grass and fill in areas. Hoium asked if this will be done every year. Hansen said that it will only happen this year because the field is new. Motion by Stroik, second by Greenhalgh, to hold the regularly scheduled Park & Recreation th meeting at the park and also a re-opening of Ramsdell Park on May 19. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried. Evans asked if a CH was going to be placed on the pedestrian bridge across Central Avenue. Hansen replied that he saw a design for it that day. Staff will need to find the best way to attach it to the structure and choose the color scheme. The CH letter will need to be attached to a steel plate. MNDOT will need to approve the final design. The final step will be to bring the finished design to the City Council for approval and funding. Park & Recreation Commission March 28, 2012 Page 3 NEW BUSINESS A. Windschitl reported that the Columbia Heights Police Department and Fire Department held a fundraiser last year with the proceeds benefiting SACA and this year they have chosen the CH Athletic Boosters to receive the proceeds. The Recreation Department has been asked to help assist with the open house family event on April 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is a $10 suggested admission with a $20 maximum fee for families. It will be held at the public safety building. Windschitl invited the commission to attend. REPORTS A. Recreation Director Windschitl reported that the CH Athletic Boosters donated $8,000 to supply helmets and shoulder pads to all youth playing football. He stated that many youth cannot afford to buy their own equipment. The Recreation Department will increase the uniform deposit fee. Windschitl stated this is a good thing for the youth of our community. In the past he has received donations of jerseys to keep uniform costs low. Hoium asked how many children play each year. Windschitl ndrdthth replied 2 & 3, 4 and 5 grades that typically have one team in each level. Windschitl indicated a resident brought forth a concern with the new playground equipment at Huset West Park. She is concerned that the slide is facing towards the pond. Hansen looked at the area. He stated that a child would need to go across the walking path before reaching the hill. There is a lot of growth on the hill before reaching the pond; it has a 10 to 1 bench where it goes 10 feet out and 1 foot drop. Windschitl stated that the grass had just been cut so it may have appeared worse to this person. B. Public Works Director/City Engineer Hansen reported that layouts for LaBelle Park should be prepared by the April meeting. Candace from Brauer and Associates, Ltd. will attend the meeting. A cleanup is being conducted on Central Avenue; the next area will be the Huset Park pond and then Prestemon Park pond. A controlled burn will happen at Huset Park pond and Prestemon Park pond to kill weed and promote native grass growth. Hansen indicated not having any seasonal staff working at this time. They are trying to get two seasonal staff on early in April but typically start working in May. There has been a cut in seasonal staff from twenty to sixteen this year due to budget considerations. Hoium asked if all positions have been filled. Hansen replied yes with a waiting list of four or five. Hansen reported a trail grant application from the DNR for paved trails. The City Council thth approved the application. This trail would include Hart Boulevard from 37 Avenue up to 39 Avenue and over to Prestemon Park. The Lighthouse organization has agreed to fund a portion of the trail. C. Commission Members ADJOURNMENT Evans adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m. ______________________________ Deanna Saefke, Recreation Clerk Typist II