HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 25, 2012 min
City of Columbia Heights
Park and Recreation Commission
July 25, 2012
Tom Greenhalgh called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Tom Greenhalgh; 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
Payne asked about the charge for the five foot snowflake, if it was one for the side of City Hall.
Hansen replied it is for the decorations along Central Avenue.
Hoium asked about the tree trimming or removal at LaBelle. Hansen indicated that trees near the
trail were cut back or removed.
Motion
by Payne, second by McDonald, to approve the consent agenda. Upon vote: All ayes.
Motion Carried.
LETTERS AND REQUESTS
None at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
A. LaBelle Park Final Master Plan.
Hansen presented a handout for the LaBelle Park preliminary master plan. He explained that
public comments were received and the final plan is a combination of plans 1 and 2. Residents
nd
did not like the playground near 42 Avenue, so this plan has one integrated more into a unique
setting with three playground areas for different age groups. There is a shelter and seating area.
The public wanted to see benches around the existing trail. Positive feedback was received in
favor of retaining a playground in Circle Terrace and no positive feedback was received in favor
of keeping the basketball area. The boardwalk area is detailed with an elevation view and the
overlook area. Most of the comments received were to naturalize the sloop. Hansen indicated
that rocks would be used along the waterline for erosion and natural plantings. There will be
areas along the trail with open views of the water. There will also be an open grass area near the
playground for lawn games. Hansen reiterated that this final plan is bringing together aspects
from both preliminary plans to fit the needs of the neighborhood. Hoium asked if the design can
be changed as the project moves forward. Hansen replied yes, it can be changed.
Motion
by McDonald, second by Payne, to present the final LaBelle Park Master Plan to the City
Council for approval and recommend authorization to see bids for the boardwalk removal. Upon
Motion carried.
vote: All ayes.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Adopt a Park: Policy Development
Hansen reported the Adopt A Park Program is underway. Ten groups have signed up and a list
was distributed to the Commission. The only park that is not currently covered by volunteers is
Circle Terrace, which Public Works will cover any maintenance issues until changes are made at
that location. Hansen reported a group meeting was held with all of the volunteers last Thursday.
Two groups have already gone out and done cleanup at Sullivan and Prestemon. Staff are
receiving feedback from the groups with lists of items that needed attention at the parks. Hansen
Park & Recreation Commission
June 27, 2012
Page 2
distributed the cover letter with the policy and information for volunteering in the program.
McDonald asked who the volunteer park group is from the School District. Hansen replied the
AVID group is a science class at the CH High School that will volunteer to clean up Ramsdell
Park. In addition to that the landscape architect will meet with the AVID group to talk about the
native and hydra plants within the park. Payne asked if he would be able to contact the volunteer
group for Huset Park to work with them. Hansen replied yes, any Commission Member can
contact the groups to volunteer with them for park cleanups. Hansen indicated that the volunteer
groups will be called in the spring to clean the parks prior to seasonal work such as the first
mowing. He stated that the volunteers are instructed to stay out of the water; if they see items
that need attention in the water they should call the Public Works Department.
REPORTS
A. Recreation Director
Windschitl reported the summer programs numbers are very good this year. Youth baseball and
softball are coming to an end. A few baseball teams are going to the recreation state tournament;
both teams won the league championship or playoff championship for the league.
Windschitl reported Karen Moeller the Senior Coordinator has announced her retirement.
Applications have been reviewed and interviews will be conducted in the next few days. The
goal is to have the position replaced prior to Moeller’s departure.
B. Public Works Director/City Engineer
Hansen reported seal coating begins tomorrow. The date for the rear lot of John P. Murzyn Hall
is yet to be determined. Windschitl asked for a few days’ notice prior to the seal coating to
rearrange parking during regular programming.
C. Commission Members
Hoium asked if the rule for rentals of John P. Murzyn Hall with groups over 275 people were still
required to use the Lions Club for bartending. Windschitl replied yes. However, there was a
recent group that had rented in the past, the guest count was expected to be over the 275 people
but were using a licensed establishment for bartending. Windschitl was getting a copy of their
license and insurance for that event from the business.
Mayor Peterson indicated Dick Petkoff approached him to plant a tree or place a plaque at a park
in memory of his wife Rita who recently passed away. Petkoff would pay for the memorial.
Windschitl asked if he had a specific park in mind. Peterson replied the Petkoff family lives near
McKenna Park but was open to suggestions. Hansen indicated that McKenna Park would be a
hard location with the future park improvements unknown at this time, but nothing has been done
for that type of a memorial at Sullivan Lake Park. Members agreed a plaque at the Sullivan Lake
Park shelter would be a good location.
Motion
by Hoium, second by McDonald, to place a memorial plaque for Rita Petkoff at the
Motion
Sullivan Lake Park shelter. Upon vote: All ayes. carried.
Greenhalgh adjourned the meeting at 5:18 p.m. to attend the Ramsdell Park rededication service
for Curtis Ramsdell.
______________________________
Deanna Saefke, Recreation Clerk Typist II