HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 1, 2016 minutes
Park & Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting
Keyes Park
June 1, 2016
David Payne called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present: Anne Carder, Sean Clerkin, Tom Greenhalgh, Kevin McDonald, David Payne, Marsha
Stroik
Staff present: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Deanna
Saefke, Commission Secretary; Gary Peterson, Mayor
Approval Consent Agenda
Motion by Clerkin, second by Stroik, to approve the consent agenda. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion
Carried.
Letters and Requests
A. Letter of request for an open bar at a wedding reception on August 5, 2016 using staff approved
bartenders.
Saefke reported the client had their college graduation party at Murzyn Hall two years ago with an open
bar and was a successful event. Windschitl stated the clients are asking for an open bar using staff
approved bartenders.
Motion by Clerkin, second by McDonald, to approve the open bar request for a wedding reception on
August 5, 2016. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
Old Business
A. Keyes Park Master Plan
Hansen reported receiving comments on the Keyes Park Master Plan that closed on May 20. At the open
house about fifteen people were in attendance. In addition to public meeting discussion staff received 5
comments, 2 phone calls, and 3 website comments. The majority of comments liked a combination of
the plans that had been presented. The updated plan indicates 32 parking stalls, and will reorientate the
two ballfields. Hansen reported one of the most consistent comments received was to have space to
play soccer. The plan indicates some green space in response to other public comments for have an
open area to use for other activities. Clerkin liked having more parking spaces located near the T-Ball
fields. Another new aesthetic feature is the placement of a sort of drop-off area for vehicles.
The storm water treatment is not shown with detail as it will all be done during design work.
Landscaping will be integrated on all residential sides of the park so it will be very green towards the
west end of the park. The playground will be around 5000 square feet. The plan shows the existing
building with interior remodeling on the bathrooms and adding an attached picnic shelter. This current
plan has around an Architect’s Estimate of $800,000.
Stroik asked if the restrooms inside the building would remain open at all times. Hansen replied the
bathrooms would be unlocked with park reservations like the other parks. The two issues in the past
with having restrooms open at all times were with vandalism and staffing for cleaning and policing at
closing of the parks. Carder asked if any satellite bathroom would be available. Hansen replied yes, that
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is the practice within all parks. This park would have a permanent fencing area for the satellite. Payne
stated he does not like the talking trail in the middle of the two ball fields. He would like to see it
brought back further to the beginning of the infield. It could be an issue with sledding. McDonald replied
most fields do not have a bench in the middle of two fields either. Clerkin suggested stopping the trail at
the tree line. Stroik stated that many people sliding down the hill can go as far as the cul de sac. Hansen
replied that one change will be that most of the infield will be built up due to soil concerns and will be
higher than what it is now. Payne really likes the new concept. Hansen asked Windschitl if the park
works for athletic programs. Windschitl replied yes it looks good. He wanted to make sure there was
enough parking and that the cars would be safe during ball games. The idea of a shelter off of the
building is a good idea. He believes the public looks for a shelter with indoor bathrooms. Greenhalgh
asked how long the park would be closed for. Hansen replied one full year.
Motion by Clerkin, second by Greenhalgh, to recommend the final Keyes Park Master Plan to the City
Council. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
New Business
A. Renaming Circle Terrace Park to the City of Peace Park.
Hansen indicated the Circle Terrace Park is represented as an extension of LaBelle Park and with the
current expansion of that park area does it really fit within that system. It is appropriate to rename the
larger park area. Funding was granted for the building in the amount of $234,000 for the building to be
built and was awarded to the City. Peterson replied that it was part of the All American City application
and it evolved within the discussion of the efforts to make positive changes in that neighborhood. Payne
said it sounds good. Carder said it is a long name. Hansen indicated that the naming of a city park is
required to go through the Park and Recreation Commission. Staff recommends naming the park the
City of Peace Park. Clerkin asked if it had been discussed to keep with tradition and name the park after
a Columbia Heights resident. Hansen replied this is somewhat of a nontraditional park in that it is in the
middle of a residential neighborhood. Most of the smaller parks such as Gateway and Hilltop are not
named after any families. Payne replied that was a good question.
Motion by McDonald, second by Carder, to name the area on Circle Terrace the City of Peace Park.
Upon vote: Carder – aye, Clerkin – opposed, Greenhalgh – aye, McDonald – aye, Payne – aye, Stroik -
aye. Motion Carried.
B. Review of City of Peace Park plans.
Hansen indicated the city acquired three lots next to the Circle Terrace half basketball court and a few
play pieces. With this enlargement there are options for integrating features such as a sport court with
options to play four square, hopscotch, and would have a basketball hoop. A small playset would also be
placed in the area. Former Commission Member Stan Hoium wanted to see a sport court in the park
system. In previous discussion of this area Mayor Peterson shared that he would like take advantage of
this beautiful area and to have an overlook at the park to see LaBelle Pond. Three spots would be
available for off-street parking. The plan shows a building with a small open air shelter. The building will
be designed separately. Hansen reported staff are suggesting to conduct the removals that are
necessary of existing features and to authorize city staff to do as much work as they can on the site
grading, installing the sport court and the play area. Carder asked what the building would be used for.
Hansen replied it is has been proposed as a multipurpose building. It is for the immediate or local
neighborhood to use as a meeting space, the police and school district would like to use it for an
outreach facility, and the police would like to have a small station there for police presence. Greenhalgh
asked why this park would be the only park with a basketball hoop. Staff indicated a basketball court is
at Huset Park East. Carder indicated a basketball hoop would be beneficial in this area. Hansen replied
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when the master plan was created for LaBelle Park the basketball court at 41 was receiving multiple
complaints from residents. During the discussion Stan Hoium wanted to see a basketball area remain at
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the Circle Terrace location if a shelter was put in place of the 41 basketball court. The master plan was
approved by the Commission and that included the basketball hoop on Circle Terrace. Members recalled
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many complaints by the residents on 41. Hansen replied that this is barely a half court size for
basketball and is a sport court for other activities. Greenhalgh replied that he is in favor of having the
basketball hoop. Payne asked if the desire for basketball is popular what would happen to those that
want to use the court for other sport activities. Hansen replied that it promotes getting along with
others that want to use the same feature and with various ages. Stroik asked if the money received was
for the building itself. Hansen replied yes it was allocated for the building. He indicated the last estimate
was for $90,000 contracted price and the 2016 budget has $70,000 for this area. Peterson indicated the
Police Department has $80,000 earmarked for this project. Hansen stated the goal is to conduct as much
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of the work in-house and also install a sidewalk down to 40. Windschitl asked how close the sport court
is to the neighbor. Hansen replied about the same distance as the existing area. Peterson replied there
have not been any complaints about the current basketball half court. Hansen reported
Motion by Clerkin, second by Stroik, to proceed with the demolition to remove the existing equipment
on Circle Terrace at the City of Peace Park, and to recommend to the City Council to authorize bids and
the installation of the south court and play area of the City of Peace Park. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion
Carried.
Reports
A.Recreation Director
Windschitl reported the wood floors were buffed and refinished last week. The floor looks really good.
The Red Cross blood drive is the first group in the hall. The Columbia Heights graduating seniors will
have their all-night party on Friday inside Murzyn Hall. Windschitl thanked the Commission for attending
the grand opening of the splash pad. It was well attended and the splash pad turned out good.
B.Public Works Director/City Engineer
Hansen reported after council approval for the work at the City of Peace Park staff will be busy with that
project over the summer. The part time staff positions are about half way filled. Typically there are
fifteen seasonal positions and are currently waiting for students to finish school before returning to
work for the summer. He indicated there are more females returning this year and the whole group is
hard working.
C.Commission Members
McDonald asked if the residents of Circle Terrace have been informed of the changes happening at the
City of Peace Park. Hansen replied yes.
Clerkin reported there are often users of Huset Park West that keep their cars parked on the path for
the whole duration of their time at the park. Windschitl replied that is stated in the park policy that only
city maintenance vehicles are allowed on the path. Hansen asked if this is mainly on the weekend. He
indicated the best practice is to call the police when they see it. Hansen will send an email to the police
department for notification to watch that type of usage as it does impede public use of bicycles and
walking in the park. Payne agreed a police reminder would be nice before issuing a ticket right away.
Payne adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m.
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Deanna Saefke, Recreation Clerk Typist II