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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRCAgenda_95Jan18 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Wednesday, January 18 7:00 p.m. FALCON HEIGHTS CITY HALL AGENDA A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: Benson _ Schugel _ Nicholson , Weinand _ Weisberg ~ Wickhem _ Kriegler _ Hustad C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND MINUTES OF: November 16 D. REPORTS, REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: D-l. Community Playroom Program Implementation D-2. Winter Event Planning D-3. Falcon Heights School Site Improvement Planning Update ADJOURNMENT Meeting Date: 1/18/95 Agenda Item: D~ 1 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Community Playroom Program Implementation SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks and Recreation Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION /SUMMARY: Planning for the implementation of a community playroom has been progressing. A program model was considered and discussed at the January 11 City Council meeting. At that meeting, the Council (1) authorized staff to enter into a facility agreement with the church for the purpose of securing a facility to conduct the playroom program; (2) authorized the purchase of toys and play equipment at a cost not to exceed $1,200; (3) and authorized staffto proceed with implementation of the playroom program as described in the attached outline. An open house celebration is scheduled for the community on Saturday, February 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. The playroom's regular schedule of operation will begin on Monday, February 6. INDOOR PLAYROOM MODEL CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS JANUARY 11,1995 Program Goal The goal of establishing an indoor playroom is to provide a facility with toys and simple play equipment where adults (parents, grandparents, caregivers) can bring young children for social and recreational opportunities. In addition to serving the needs of children, the program would provide opportunities for adult interaction and networking that would serve to reduce parental isolation and increase the sense of community. Program Location Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton Nursery room ,Fours of Operation 9:00 a.m. -noon, Mondays and Thursdays 6:00 p.m. -7:45 p.m., Tuesdays Starting February b and running through the middle of May ~1s~,,f Ltg The City of Falcon Heights will provide a staff person responsible for supervising the playroom during the hours of operation. The individual will be on site the 15 minutes prior to the opening of the playroom and 15 minutes after closing. Responsibilities for the staff person will include: serving as program host being of general assistance to users collecting user fees enforcing program policies light clean up administering of first aid and accident /injury reporting Qualifications for the staff person will include, but not be limited to the following: A responsible mature individual with some recreation /education programming experience. Must be certified or have the ability to become certified in basic first aid and CPR (within 8 weeks of hiring). Use ~licies Caregivers are responsible for supervising their children at all times. Under no circumstances should a child be dropped off or left unattended by their caregiver. A limit of 4 children per adult caregiver must be maintained. Exclusion of sick children - A child with any of the following conditions or behaviors is considered a sick child and must be excluded from the playroom: a. a "reportable" disease b. chicken pox - -until the child is no longer infectious or until the lesions are crusted over. c. vomiting episode in the last 24 hours d. conjunctivitis or pus draining from the eye e. bacterial infections such as streptococcal or impetigo and has not completed 24 hours of antimicrobial therapy f. lice, ringworm, or scabies that is untreated and contagious to others g. fever of 100 degrees or higher temperature h. undiagnosed rash or rash attributable to a contagious illness or condition i. common cold with significant respiratory involvement These guidelines will be publicly posted in the interests of the health and well being of all children and to assist in the enforcement of the policy. Food and beverages are allowed only in a designated area outside of the playroom. Coffee and hot beverages are altogether prohibited. Diaper changing area. A diaper must be changed only in the designated changing area. A container operated by foot pedal must be utilized for soiled and wet diapers. Hand washing is required after changing. Changing procedures will be posted in the changing area. Caregivers are responsible for returning toys and equipment to their appropriate place after play or before departing the playroom. Facili~y~pacity Occupancy shall not exceed 14 children plus their caregivers. Js rF-e~ As with other recreation programs, the playroom will strive to self-supporting. Participation fees will be as follows: $2.50 /tot per visit $3.50 /family per visit 0-6 months no charge "Multiple visit cards" would be available for purchase at a cost of $20 for 10 visits per individual or $27.50 per family. The City's scholarship program will be available for those requesting financial assistance. It is anticipated that the cost associated with staffing the program for a given 3 hour session will be approximately $24.50. This is based on the assumption that the employee would be paid on par with a recreation program "coach" ($7-8 /hour). $24.50 + cost of consumable supplies =total program cost Insurance The City has been advised by it's insurer that the playroom program is covered under the City's current policy coverage with no change to the policy premium. ~ blici a and arketing It is suggested that the playroom program be publicized by way of the local newspapers, City newsletter, F.H.U.C.C. Sunday bulletin, school flyers and recreation brochures. Grind D ening Celebration An open house would be held for the community on Saturday, February 4 from 10:00a.m. to 2:OOp.m.. PROPOSED NURSERY ROOM ADJUSTMENTS FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION JANUARY 5, 1995 The F.H.U.C.C.'s nursery room has great potential to serve the community as a playroom for infants, young children, and their caregivers. The room's infrastructure provides far several essential features and amenities- - - accessible - convenient and ample parking - adjacent toilet and handwashing facilities - a number of safe and age appropriate toys and pieces of play equipment - several child care amenities (cribs, rockers, changing table, etc.) While the room has much to offer, there are changes that are suggested in an effort to have the room better serve as a community playroom. The City recognizes the need for the room to remain compatible with the Church's program uses. It's our hope that the following proposed additions and changes will not only be compatible with the current program uses, but will be of benefit to them. It is proposed that the following items be purchased by the City and placed in the nursery where they would be available for use by both the community playroom and church programs. - wall mounted "community" bulletin board - little tykes activity boat - little tykes rocking horse - infant exer-saucers - infant wrap around recreation - little tykes component to compliment kitchen - little tykes climbers: jr. activity gym wave climber - little tykes playhouse - little tykes workshop and tools - little tykes ride-ons (2) - little tykes stroller - dolls - costume collection - wall mounted mirror (plexi-glass or safety glass) -wall mounted book case - books - cassette or CD player and children's music collection It is proposed that the following additional changes occur to the room as well as removal of some outdated smaller toys. - removal of window coverings. Suggestion is to expose windows and use them to display art, hang mobiles, and decorate in other creative ways. - removal of "older" little tykes kitchen set - removal of pile of dolls, stuffed animals - removal of shelves filled with small toys - removal of small wooden climber -slide (safety recall?) - removal of dated wall coverings /posters -removal of "older" riding toys We understand that there may be some reluctance to part with toys or other items that may have been donated or have been considered "favorites" over the years. It's our goal to provide fresh and inviting toys and play experiences that will not be a major burden to manage, pick-up and maintain. While we hope that this goal will be compatible with beneficial for current church programming, we recognize the need for compromise. FACILITY USE AGREEMENT CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS FALCON HEIGHTS UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CO1~~IlVILJNITY PLAYROOM PROGRAM JANUARY 11, 1995 In joint cooperation, the City of Falcon Heights and Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, will strive to provide a community playroom with toys and simple play equipment where adults (parents, grandparents, caregivers) can bring young children for social and recreational opportunities. In addition to serving the needs of children, the program will provide opportunities for adult interaction and networking that would serve to reduce parental isolation. This agreement will be in effect for the duration of the first scheduled program session, Feb. 4 through about May 15. Items are agreed to in principle for the duration of the program's existence. Rental Fee The City of Falcon Heights will make no monetary compensation to F.H.U.C.C. for use of the Church facility. As with other City recreation programs, the playroom will strive to be self supporting. In the event that revenues should exceed associated operating costs, all profits will be reinvested in the program in the form of equipment, supplies or special events. ~Pnsumable SuR lies The City will be responsible for providing all program associated supplies such as facial tissue, note pads, emergency diapers, baby wipes, wash rags, dish detergent. These supplies will be available for use in Church sponsored programs and events conducted in the playroom at no cost to the Church. The Church will be responsible for providing ail bathroom related supplies such as toilet paper, paper hand towels, liquid hand washing soap at no cost to the City. Toys and Plrrv Equ' ment Toys, play equipment and child care equipment ownership will be retained by the respective owners for the duration of the program. The toys and play equipment to be purchased by the City for the benefit of the program will remain City property for the duration of the program's existance. In the event that the program should be discontinued by the City, the Church would be given the opportunity to acquire ownership of the equipment through donation or purchase at a nominal fee. The Church would assume responsibility for repair or replacement of any equipment when damage occurs during Church sponsored activities and events. Cleaning.and Maintenance The City program staff person will be responsible for cleaning the playroom as follows: - ensuring that all toys and play equipment are returned to the appropriate place - vacuuming carpet - wiping down toys, play equipment, counters, and tables as needed. - picking up bathroom and sink as needed. - notifying church staff of the need for non-routine cleaning, maintenance, and repair of church property. - depositing waste basket contents in outside dumpster daily. The Church maintenance staff will be responsible for the regular cleaning of the bathroom. The church will also be responsible for any necessary cleaning of the hallways. Telephone se A telephone will be designated and available for use in the event of emergencies, program related business, and urgent participant use. City of Falcon Heights F.H. United Church of Christ Meeting Date: 1/18/95 Agenda Item: b-2 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Winter Event Planning SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks and Recreation Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION / SUNIMARY: For the past few years, the City has conducted a mid- winter celebration at the Community Park on the Sunday nearest Ground Hog's Day. The event has typically included skating; a treasure hunt; kid's relays and races; snow sculpturing; and refreshments. This year, a conflict exists between the playroom open house and the annual mid-winter celebration as they are scheduled for the same weekend. The Commission may want to do some planning in regard to these mid-winter special events. Perhaps some activities that have typically occurred at the park could be included in the playroom open house event and other "special" winter activities could be conducted in each of the neighborhood parks on other weekends. Meeting Date: 1/18/95 Agenda Item: D-3 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ITEM DESCRIPTION: Falcon Heights School Site Improvement Planning Update SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Parks and Recreation Director REVIEWED BY: EXPLANATION !SUMMARY: Two F.H. School Site Improvement Committee meetings were conducted this past fall. In addition, a needs assessment took place in the school involving group discussions in grades 4,5,and 6. Carol Kriegler and Mike Shier (student intern) participated in those discussions. Currently, the City's engineer is reviewing the school's existing conditions and topographical maps to assist in determining possible options in land use and facility locations. Potential cost estimates for the various options are being obtained as well. Carol Kriegler will give a brief report on the results of the student discussion groups and possibly report on information or recommendations made available by the city engineer.