HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 26, 2017
Park & Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting
Columbia Heights Public Library
July 26, 2017
David Payne called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present: Anne Carder, Sean Clerkin, Kevin McDonald, David Payne, Marsha Stroik
Staff present: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director; Keith Windschitl, Recreation Director; Deanna
Saefke, Commission Secretary; Connie Buesgens, Council Liaison
Also present: Captain Lenny Austin, CHPD; residents: Jeff Besel, Lindsey Edwards
Approval Consent Agenda
Motion by Clerkin, second by Carder, to approve the consent agenda. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion
Carried.
Letters and Requests
A. Letter of request for an open bar on July 28, 2017 for a wedding reception with approximately 150-
175 guests, using a staff approved bartender.
Windschitl reported these renters are expecting around 150 guests and would be using a staff approved
bartender for their open bar.
Motion by Clerkin, second by McDonald, to approve the request for an open bar on July 28, 2017 using a
staff approved bartender. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
B. Letter of request for an open bar on August 12, 2017 for a wedding reception with approximately 250
guests, using El Tequila restaurant for bartending services.
Windschitl conveyed the bride and groom would like to have an open bar using El Tequila restaurant in
Columbia Heights for the bartending services. Staff from the restaurant have provided their license and
insurance paperwork.
Motion by Clerkin, second by Carder, to approve the open bar on August 12, 2017 using El Tequila
restaurant for bartending services. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
C. Letter of request for an open bar on October 7, 2017 for a wedding reception with approximately
200-250 guests, using private bartenders with experience in the industry.
Stroik asked if the renter having insurance covers the alcohol service. Windschitl replied that all renters
of Murzyn Hall do provide a copy of their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy with a minimum of
$100,000 in liability coverage. Staff has spoken with the renters who plan to serve only beer and wine
for the reception and the groom does work in the restaurant industry so he understands the rules for
serving alcohol. Staff feels this will be a responsibly run event.
Motion by McDonald, second by Clerkin, to approve the open bar on October 7, 2017 using private
bartenders as long as all of the proper insurance paperwork is provided by the renter. Upon vote: All
ayes. Motion Carried.
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D. Letter of request for an open bar on November 25, 2017 for a wedding reception with approximately
120-150 guests, using staff approved bartenders.
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Windschitl informed the Commission that this is actually for a 60 birthday party and the family has
rented Murzyn Hall in the past.
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Motion by McDonald, second by Clerkin, to approve the open bar on November 25, 2017 for the 60
birthday party using staff approved bartenders. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
E. Letter of request from Heights NEXT to waive the rental fee of Murzyn Hall for a youth haunted house
event on Monday, October 30, 2017.
Resident Lindsay Edwards presented the request. The HeightsNext community organization is planning a
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haunted house for youth in grades 7-12 on Monday, October 30. They would like to involve students
in the theater programs to build props and act during the event. There will be an entrance fee of $2 per
person or $1 if donating a food item for SACA food shelf. The entrance fees will only go towards event
costs. They are asking for the rental fees of Murzyn Hall to be waived for this community youth event.
Payne asked what time frame the event will be held. Edwards replied possibly using the facility from
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Clerkin asked if the fee should be waived or to apply the nonprofit entry and
hourly fees. Windschitl replied that on a weekday we do have other programs in the building and
typically have part time staff scheduled. Edwards specified the event would only use the hall for showing
a movie and then use different rooms downstairs for the haunted house.
Motion by Clerkin, second by McDonald, to waive the rental fee of Murzyn Hall for the HeightsNEXT
youth haunted house on Monday, October 30, 2017. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
Old Business
A. Contract award and schedule for the Circle Terrace Park building (update).
Hansen indicated the Circle Terrace Park building is going to require more funding as the building
estimates have increased. To qualify for the federal funding already awarded, $375,000, the building
needs to be completed by December 31, 2017. To stay within that timeline and be able to finish
construction by the end of the year that means that the building supplies need to be ordered very soon.
The only change made to the plans is to have shingles on the roof and not metal. Hansen indicated staff
is looking into other ways to reduce costs during construction.
B. Keyes Park final plans and bidding schedule
Hansen recommended to the Commission to approve the Keyes Park final plans and advertise for bids.
He detailed the work at Keyes Park will include regrading of the fields, reconfigured parking lots, and the
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perimeter to the playground area. The add alternate item will be the trail system and sidewalk at 45
Avenue. Hansen indicated the area that is now Keyes Park used to be an old land fill area that expanded
to Central Avenue. Because of this history the results of the soil borings may cause the storm water
pond to need a lining if there is any chemical contamination. If a lining is need in the infiltration basins
this may delay the whole construction process. The ballfields will have landfill brought in and the whole
area will be raised up so no excavation will be needed in that area. Hansen indicated the budget
includes $350,000 out of the park budget and $75,000 from storm water funds.
Motion by Clerkin, second by Stroik, to recommend to the City Council to approve Keyes Park Master
Plan items one through five with number six as an add alternate. Upon vote: All ayes. Motion Carried.
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C. Review of park facility use policy
Windschitl stated the attached park facility use policy was approved in 1996. He researched policies in
other cities that had various rules; he has copies if any members would like to review them. Regarding
park closing times, Windschitl stated that often times the adult softball league has the last game ending
between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m. so he feels the 11:00 p.m. closing time should remain the same.
McDonald pointed out there isn’t any mention of enforcement within the ordinances. Windschitl
reported the staff at the Police Department brought up in their discussion regarding who the park is
rented to and having the possibility of only allowing a park rental to a resident of the City. Recreation
staff believes that rentals should be accepted from anyone no matter where they live. Windschitl
detailed in 2016 there were 129 park rentals; of those 29 were non-residents of Columbia Heights.
Hansen asked if the Commission feels the rental fees for the park are appropriate or too low. He feels
the rate is low compared to other cities and would suggest keeping the resident rate low and making the
non-resident rate higher. Windschitl responded the reason for keeping the rental fees low is so that
people actually go forward with the reservation process and avoid conflicts if multiple people are trying
to use the park at the same time. Staff is currently reviewing all rental rates. Buesgens stated it would be
a good time to review rental rates at other cities as well. Stroik asked if background checks should be
done on renters. Windschitl replied no because the process is too costly and there wouldn’t always be
enough time to get the results back prior to a rental. Buesgens asked if there is a way to put up a sign for
each rental. Windschitl replied that a reservation sign is given to the renters and that they should have a
copy of their park permit with them to avoid any conflicts. He has not heard of many issues this year of
people having conflicts during rentals.
Windschitl explained this discussion was to introduce the topic to the Commission and for the members
to review the policy and bring back any changes they feel necessary at a future meeting.
New Business
A. McKenna Park pool misbehavior
Resident Jeff Besel is present to discuss the behavior. Besel sent a letter describing the behavior to the
City Council and City Manager. Stroik asked if a sign could be placed at the pool indicating suggested
ages for wading pool use. Besel replied there is a sign asking for children to be supervised. For the
specific incident for which he wrote the letter a cop did arrive but did not get out of the car and said
there was nothing he could do. Stroik asked why an age limit or supervision is not part of the ordinance.
She stated according to the signage if a child is acting in a manner against the rules stated they should
be allowed to be removed from the area. Austin pointed out that in this situation the ages should be
taken into consideration. This is regarding a possible ten year old and six year old. The other question is
if this is criminal behavior and it is not. He feels this is more of a policy situation. In most cases a police
officer is not going to remove a ten year old from an area and doesn’t know if they would have the
authority to do that. Besel indicated there have been several issues at the pool this year and it is worse
than last year. It seems to be a few specific kids that are causing the issues. He wants to see the pool
remain open for all kids in the community. There was another incident earlier in the season, many adults
tried to talk to the kids involved, one parent did call the police. This officer came, got the older kids out
of the pool and had them over by his car talking to them and showing his vehicle to the group. Besel
stated it was a very different response. Austin replied that was great for the officer to conduct
themselves in that manner but depending on the time of day or any other situation occurring at the
same time, an officer might not have that time to devote to the situation. He indicated since this
incident the department has tried to send some of the non-sworn staff through the area to have some
interaction with the kids at the pool. As time allows some officers have stopped at the park on busier
days. However this is based on activity level at that time so the interactions can be hit or miss. In regards
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to youth behavior, officers are often limited in how they can react to the situation.
Buesgens realizes there isn’t a budget to have full time staff at the pools, but asked if there is a way to
have an on call Public Works or Recreation staff that could go to the pool to help with the situation.
Clerkin replied that yes in prior times you could discipline poor behavior just be having any adult say
something to a child but that is no longer the case and it is why the police are often called to assist.
Public Works and Recreation staff is not trained in dealing with bad behaviors where the police are more
equipped to handle any type of situation calmly. Carder indicated in this letter a parent also came out
and was accosting the other parent for calling the cops. Austin replied the preferable outcome is to
calmly talk through a situation but feels this needs to be addressed for a long term solution. Payne
stated if the pool is drained for a length of time that would be an immediate response that would
unfortunately affect all users. Buesgens stated she does not want to see the pool closed. Besel replied
that makes everyone upset and the trouble makers are still going to return. Austin indicated other cities
look at changing park hours. Windschitl printed ordinances from ten surrounding cities. There isn’t any
one clear solution. Minneapolis does have park police that frequently visits different parks and enforces
the policies. Columbia Heights has never had a budget for that type of staffing. He feels that is always a
concern when discussing park policies is who is going to enforce them, whether it is a dog leash,
smoking, or park usage. Even staff at the Hylander Center at not instructed to get in the middle of
confrontations if an argument occurs. Buesgens indicated with a sign at the park it implies enforcement.
Hansen asked who the sign implies that is enforcing the rules; enforced by the users or by an outside
entity. There is no ordinance that addresses this, and should there be? He feels the answer is no
because it can set the City up for the liability. You also do not want an untrained staff to be on call to try
and enforce behavior either. As a parent he would see the sign and assume that are rules enforced by
the parent watching their child. Hansen asked if there have been behavior issues at the other two water
features within the City. Windschitl replied a few concerns at Ramsdell and really nothing at the Huset
splash pad. He does not want to close the pool for the good kids using it. Besel replied that if there is a
history of making a difference if the pool is closed he would be sad, but would want there to be an
obvious sign stating the pool is closed because of behavior. He suggested posting an age limit.
Windschitl replied that he has seen older siblings or even adults helping small children so should they be
allowed in the pool.
Payne thanked Besel for his discussion. He indicated this subject will need further discussion on possible
solutions but does not have an answer at this time. Buesgens asked if there is a sign that could be
posted when it is closed. Hansen replied a specific sign would need to be created. Besel reported the
two times he was there over the past weekend and those children involved during this incident were not
there. McDonald prefaced that the police are very busy but asked since there are only two wading pools
in the city if a drive by or short stop at the park could be added in routes. Austin clarified that this is not
a police issue. He feels that is not solving the issues and next year this will happen again. Police staff has
already been stopping by McKenna Park when time and the work load allows. McDonald replied it this
would just be a way to make the presence and authority known and there wasn’t an expectation to stop
all poor behaviors. Austin stressed this is an opportunity to find a long term solution. Stroik asked if
there are any grants to have summer part time staff. Windschitl does not know of any current grants but
can look for anything that might be focused on general interaction. Buesgens does not want the
neighborhood to lose this amenity and asked if there is a neighborhood watch around McKenna Park.
Besel replied he does speak with other adults when he is at the wading pool. He also would like to see
clarification of the signs posted at the pools. Austin replied he wants all people using the pool to feel
safe, and any staff dealing with a behavior situation to be safe as well. He does not want to discourage
people from calling the police department, especially after business hours, but feels this type of issue
needs to have a long term solution. Payne confirmed this topic needs to be discussed further but needs
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to move on to the next agenda item.
Reports
A. Recreation Director
Windschitl reported the Recreation Department is applying for a federally funded grant with the school
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district. This would be a three year grant with a potential three year extension for youth in 5 grade and
up with a focus on the arts. This would provide $50,000 annually. Programs would include theater,
puppetry, art focused trips, dance, and other types of art focused classes.
Windschitl stated the gymnastics and dance programs are in need of new instructors. The summer adult
softball leagues are ending. Fall softball will be starting soon. The youth softball and baseball leagues are
ending. Stroik asked if there have been any complaints with the adult softball teams at Prestemon Park.
Windschitl replied no complaints from the neighborhood this year.
B. Public Works Director/City Engineer
Hansen reported the Huset West splash pad has been operating smoothly and there haven’t been any
issues with the controller. The unit was reprogrammed to run with 90 second intervals with each push of
the button. Currently the water use has been reduced by 25%. Clerkin verified the that when the button
is pushed multiple times the program will only read the current cycle and not keep turning on for all the
times it was pushed. Hansen replied that is correct. The water pressure is also running at 50% which will
help to reduce the water usage. Last year 9.5 million gallons of water was used. The current projection
for this year is between six and seven million gallons.
Hansen informed the Commission that street lights work will be done along Central Avenue. A new
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sidewalk will be installed between 51 and 42 Avenue.
Windschitl asked if construction at Keyes Park will begin in 2017. Hansen replied yes the bids are for
work in to begin work around September 12, 2017 if the soil testing results are negative for
contamination.
C. Commission Members
Stroik asked what the time line is for HyVee. Buesgens replied there are updates on the City website.
McDonald asked what the big building is behind White Castle. Hansen replied it is a Planet Fitness.
Payne adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.
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Deanna Saefke, Recreation Clerk Typist II