HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 26, 2011 min
City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
October 26, 2011
Tom Greenhalgh called the meeting to order at 5:41 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Tom Greenhalgh; Justin Grussing; Stan Hoium; Kevin McDonald; David
Payne
Staff Present: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Gary Peterson, Mayor; Keith
Windschitl, Recreation Director; Deanna Saefke, Secretary
APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
Greenhalgh asked what the findings were of the Honeywell energy audit report. Windschitl
replied that he has not received the report presentation. The preliminary results look really good
and show that the City has saved money. He invited the members to attend the audit report
formal presentation from Honeywell to the Mayor and City Manager if they desired.
Motion
by Payne, second by Grussing, to approve the consent agenda. Upon vote: All ayes.
Motion Carried.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
None at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Ramsdell Park Tour
Hansen began the meeting at 5:25 p.m. with a guided tour of Ramsdell Park. He provided details
of the improvements to the park and new amenities. The commission members were very pleased
with the final results of the project.
Hansen indicated Ramsdell Park has a few items left to finish according to the plan. The
scoreboard is two weeks behind for delivery. The light fixtures will receive new heads. Staff has
received numerous reports on increased dogs in the park and plan to install doggie stations within
Ramsdell Park. One or two more benches will be placed around the walking trail.
Greenhalgh asked if bleachers will be installed at the ballfield. Hansen replied yes, that the
Columbia Heights School District has paid for one and the City has paid for a second one. He
indicated the School District paid $89,000 toward the project which is one third of the entire
project. Greenhalgh stated this project has been a nice cooperation between the two groups.
Payne indicated concern regarding the field slope. Hansen replied that the field splits in both
directions from the pitcher’s mound and the outfield splits in a radial direction. The slope is 1%
per the specifications of the national softball association.
B. Future Park Development
Hansen indicated a future master plan would help with budgeting and development plans. He
stated the Park Development Fund is near empty. Hoium asked if money is budgeted in to that
account each year. Hansen replied yes. He stated there is enough money in the Park
Development Fund to prepare a master plan for LaBelle Park.
Park & Recreation Commission
October 26, 2011
Page 2
Hansen reported the availability of a nationwide grant for playground equipment. It is approved
on a first come first served basis. This is a fifty/fifty matching grant for up to $20,000. Hansen
would like to apply for this grant to replace the playground equipment at McKenna Park.
Windschitl informed the Commission that he receives many requests for updates at McKenna
Park because it is so frequently used. Hansen indicated that McKenna Park has the oldest
playground. Windschitl stated that the proceeds from the upcoming Taste of Columbia Heights
Mayor’s Holiday Kickoff will be benefiting the playground equipment at McKenna Park.
Motion
by Payne, second by Hoium, to request for the City Council to accept the grant for
playground equipment at McKenna Park and to support a budget amendment for the 50/50 cost
Motion Carried.
share for playground equipment at McKenna Park. Upon vote: All ayes.
Hansen reported that staff receives frequent complaints regarding the appearance of LaBelle Park,
specifically the boardwalk area. Members discussed the condition and appearance of the park.
They agreed that the condition of the boardwalk does need to be addressed. Hansen indicated
master planning can take up to twelve to fifteen months.
Motion
by Hoium, second by McDonald, to prepare a master plan for LaBelle Park. Upon vote:
Motion Carried.
All ayes.
NEW BUSINESS
A. John P. Murzyn Hall rental rates for 2013
Windschitl referred to the memo regarding the rental rates and updated policies for John P.
Murzyn Hall. The rental rates would stay the same and there would be no increase overall from
2012 to 2013. With regards to the rental policy staff recommends the following changes.
Windschitl indicated these changes will need to be approved by the City Council.
Regarding a security officer during events, the current rule of thumb is that the officer begins
their shift one hour after the alcohol service begins. Windschitl is recommending that an officer
be present for all large events whether or not alcohol is being served and that they begin their
shift at the beginning of the bar or dinner service. The renter will continue to pay for this service.
Windschitl indicated that many time renters are asking to drop items off prior to their rental time
or wanting to leave things behind after the rental time ends and pick up at a later date. Often
times if items are left behind the renters will come to pick them up in the middle of staff cleaning
causing a secondary mess and cleaning needing to be redone. Currently there is no set fee for this
service. He is recommending a storage fee of $100 plus tax to be charged for any items delivered
prior to or left after the rental time. If the storage room is damaged or left unclean the renter may
be charged the full rental fee for the room.
Windschitl stated the pop/CO2 usage is currently billed to renters at a fee of $100 for the entire
event. He suggested to keep the fee at $100 plus tax for groups up to 200 people and to increase
the fee to $150 plus tax for groups over 200 people. The fee for the Columbia Heights Lion’s
Club when bartending would increase slightly to $40 plus tax for groups up to 200 people and
$70 plus tax for groups over 200 people. Windschitl reported the current pop system through
Shamrock Group has renewed their prices on the State Contract, but we are the only entity within
the State using their service. In 2013 the whole pop system may need to change depending on
what future prices may be.
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October 26, 2011
Page 3
In regards to a cancellation fee, Windschitl indicated that many rental facilities have a fee set to
cover the administrative services. The current policy states in the case of a cancellation, down
payments are nonrefundable unless the date is re-rented. For any future cancellation he is
suggesting for the refund to be 80% of the down payment.
Hoium asked if by implementing these new policies it would decrease the number of rentals.
Windschitl replied that most facilities that he is aware of have these types of fees. He believes
that by changing these policies it will increase the security of a rental and cut down on
inconveniences for staff overall.
Motion
by Payne, second by McDonald, to accept the proposed changes for John P. Murzyn Hall
Motion Carried.
Rental Policy. Upon vote: All ayes.
REPORTS
A. Recreation Director
Windschitl reported the new fire alarm at John P. Murzyn Hall is being installed.
B. Public Works Director/City Engineer
Nothing to report at this time.
C. Commission Members
Peterson reported details regarding the upcoming Taste of Columbia Heights Mayor’s Holiday
th
Kickoff on Friday, November 18. The event will include many local restaurants with food
samples for $2. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the McKenna Park playground
equipment. Windschitl stated the fee should be waived due to a portion of the revenue going
back to the City.
Motion
by Greenhalgh, second by Payne, to waive the fee for the Taste of Columbia Heights
Motion carried.
Mayor’s Holiday Kickoff. Upon vote: all ayes.
Payne requested for the Comprehensive Plan for Huset Park be taken in to consideration in the
near future for continued improvements. Greenhalgh agreed that he would like to see the plan for
updates continued.
ADJOURNMENT
Greenhalgh adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
______________________________
Deanna Saefke, Recreation Clerk Typist II