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MCC Advisory Board Minutes 05-27-2004COMMUNITY CENTER ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 279 2004 4:30 P.M. - WEST PRAIRIE ROOM Board Members Present: Harvey Kendall -Chair, Richard Quick -Vice Chair and Sandra Theros Board Members Absent: Bruce Thielen and Bob Grabinski Staff Present: Kitty Baltos-Director Meeting called to order at 4:35 p.m. by Harvey Kendall as a joint session with the Parks Commission in the Academy room. 2. No Smoking Policy. Chair Larry Nolan informed those present that there would be a joint meeting with MCC Advisory Board to discuss the proposed "No Smoking" policy for city parks/pathways. Larry Nolan stated that the Parks Commission did not want to make a recommendation on anything outside their jurisdiction. At this point, MCC Advisory Board Chair Harvey Kendall called the MCC Advisory Board meeting to order. The commission members were given copies of the comments received during the public comment period. There was general discussion on the comments received and Fran Fair asked if the respondents were aware that the City was proposing a policy rather than an ordinance. Allison Hortzman, Wright County Health Department stated that approximately 49 communities in Minnesota have adopted "No Smoking" regulations and that 5 out of the 49 communities have adopted ordinances. She felt that education is the primary means of compliance to the "No Smoking" policy and noted that most communities that had adopted "No Smoking" policies had received positive comment. Larry Nolan felt that a policy rather than an ordinance was the way to go. Harvey Kendall and Kitty Baltos explained how the proposed "No Smoking" policy would impact the MCC especially since the MCC is rented out for private events. Harvey Kendall indicated his belief that if signs are posted people will expect that they are enforced and it is not realistic to try to enforce this policy. There was some discussion on the sign content of the TATU sign that would be installed if a "No Smoking" policy is adopted. Adam Hawkinson suggested rather than having another set of signs in the park, the "No Smoking" policy be listed on the parks rules and regulations signs. Fran Fair felt the TATU signs should be used because listing the "No Smoking" policy on the rules and regulations sign would not be as effective. In discussing the wording of the sign, the Parks Commission felt that "Smoking is discouraged as it is known to cause cancer" gives a different connotation that "No Smoking is allowed." It was felt that "No Smoking is allowed" might be offensive to some. It was also suggested placing the "No Smoking" signs only the area around the play structures. Harvey Kendall stated that personally he didn't like the idea of government telling him what habits are good and what habits are bad. He didn't feel smoking had the impact on outdoor activities the way it does indoors or in a confined area. Kitty Baltos noted there would be difficulty in trying to enforce this policy in any of the parking lot areas. Richard Quick felt it was good to go forward with the policy and stated his belief that education about the effects of tobacco would bring compliance. The validity of setting out a regulation that is not going to be enforced was questioned. It was generally felt that the policy was making a statement regardless of whether it was enforced or not. Nancy McCaffrey concurred stating there are a number of good health messages out there. 5:10 p.m. Advisory Board reconvened in the West Prairie Conference room to continue discussion on Tobacco Free Policy for Community Center. MOTION by Richard Quick in moving to make the Community Center a smoke free facility, smoking will be allowed on the Mississippi Room Patio for renters of the room, smoking will not be allowed in the immediate entrances of the community center and smoking will not be allowed in the south parking lot and area surrounding the parking lot, SECOND by Sandra Theros, MOTION PASSED. Consideration of approving the minutes from the April 29, 2004 Advisory Board meeting. MOTION by Richard Quick to approve the minutes with the change in item four from "A structural engineer stated 20 years ago that the building would need to be destroyed in the 20 years" to what he actually said "A structural engineer stated 20 years ago that the building would require renovation within 20 years", SECOND with that change by Sandra Theros, MOTION PASSED. 3. Update Item: Financial Information through April, 2004 - Kitty Baltos reviewed with the Board the revenue and expenses through April 2004. She noted areas of concern are (1) why the revenue for the programming department is down by $7,000 to date, and (2) salaries are up over 2003. Richard Quick questioned the fact that $14,400 has been spent of the $18,250 budget for general operating supplies. Kitty Baltos explained that is due to the fact that MCC purchases a years worth of wrist bands in January and that makes up a large portion of the $14,400. Richard Quick also noted that there is no expense as yet for electricity. Kitty Baltos informed the Board that she had inquired about that but has not yet received a response as yet. Kitty also reported that we're having a very good May. 4. Update Item: Changes to Personnel Policies: Kitty Baltos reported that she did meet with the personnel committee regarding changes to the City's policies to better accommodate the large number of part-time employees of the community center. The personnel committee did request that the City update its policies and include policies for part-time employees. At this time Rick Wolfsteller, when questioned by Kitty, was not aware if this process has even been started. 5. Update Item: Safety Training Update: Kitty Baltos presented the position requirements for training to the board. MCC has purchased a video program they looks to be very good. Staff will be required to participate in all training annually as an employee or get training on their own at their own cost. This will become a part of their job description. Richard Quick suggested that MCC add orientation documentation as part of training for a permanent record in each employee's personnel file and also not to called it "safety" training. Just call it employee training. Also suggested include life guard and management categories. 6. Discussion on 2004 capital purchases to date and proposed ideas for 2005. Kitty Baltos went over the purchases to date and what is coming up before year end. Harvey Kendall requested that if a planned item is not purchased, that Kitty Baltos bring back to the Advisory Board any change requests. 7. The Board agreed that the June 20 meeting would be preliminary budget discussion. Kitty Baltos asked that Board members assist with ideas for capital purchases for improvement to the Community Center. 8. Discussion about Teen Advisory meeting suggestions. Kitty Baltos reported some of the ideas that came from the meeting, at which one person attended, and the polling that was done by the Warehouse Supervisor. They would like a snack time once per week, music for the room, to be able to decorate the room, etc. Kitty Baltos wanted the Board's input as to how much more MCC should do for free for the Warehouse. Richard Quick suggested that the teen dances be used as fund-raising specifically for programs in the Warehouse. He and Sandra Theros suggested that MCC meet with students to encourage more participation, get a school group to take over the concessions as a fund-raiser and get more activities going on at the dance. 9. Harvey Kendall congratulated Kitty Baltos on her MRPA for outstanding contributions toward the betterment of the MRPA. He suggested that it be displayed in the trophy case. 10. MOTION by Richard Quick to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 p.m., SECOND by Sandra Theros, MOTION PASSED, meeting adjourned.