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07-14-2010 PR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2010 Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Ahlness, Jaker, Karlsen, Niziolek, Nystrom and Peterson Council Liaison: Councihnember Zerwas Staff Present: Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager; Tonya Love, Recording Secretary Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Anderson. 2. Consider Tulv 14, 2010 Parks & Recreation Cotmission Agenda Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit added the topic, BaIley Point Update to Item 6. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO APPROVE THE JULY 14, 2010 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. CARRIED 7-0. 3. Consider Minutes of June 9.2010 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JAKER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER AHLNESS TO APPROVE THE JUNE 9, 2010 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Open Mike -None 5. Volunteer of the Month Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit recognized Falyce Senryrz as this month's Volunteer of the month. 6. Recreation Manager's Report -Steve Benoit Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared that summer programs kicked off in a positive manner with the Bike Rodeo, Safety Camp and Minnesota Twins Clinic. Mx. Benoit shared that the department will be implementing new methods to better educate the public about resident/non-resident fees for programs and classes and gave updates on the project relating to the Great Northern Trail and the Bailey Point Park & Recreation Coaunission Minutes Page 2 July 14, 2010 property. The City Council decided to continue discussing this property at the August 2"~ City Council meeting. Mr. Benoit shared the Senior Center and Ice Arena monthly report. Commissioner Anderson shared that in November 2000, the Parks and Recreation Commission ranked Bailey Point as the number one priority piece of property to purchase with it's potential benefits it has to offer the community. Commissioner Niziolek stated that BaIley Point is a priceless opportunity and should be looked at as a possible park property. Commissioner Nystrom discussed the history of BaIley Property. Elk River resident, John Babcock, 223 Nile Place, Elk River shared he is interested in selling Bailey Point as a minimal use type park. It is roughly 23 acres and it's topography is similar to Otsego County Paxk. Commissioner Jakex asked why the decision was made to not purchase this property. Council Member Zerwas shared that state statute allows a city to discuss purchasing properties in a closed session fox negotiating purposes. The City Council has decided to bring it back to discuss it at the August 2"`' meeting. Action/Discussion Items 7.1. Policv Issues 7.1.A. Major Paxk Use -Lions Paxk -Benefit Carnival Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared that Sarah Hamlin with Community Chest has requested the use of Lions Paxk to hold a benefit carnival on Sun. Aug. 15`". Mx. Benoit stated staff recommends all facility rental fees be waived, the Parks & Recreation Department provide trash cans and the rental group will be required to provide additional portable toilets at the groups' expense as needed. Commissioner Anderson asked what the Community Chest organization was and where the money raised would go. Mr. Benoit shared that he was not familiar with the group; however, the benefit is for the children who were burned in a recent tent fire. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS AS DISCUSSED FOR THE AUGUST 15, 2010 BENEFIT EVENT AT LIONS PARK MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 July 14, 2010 7.1.B. City Park Hunting Policy Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared the current hunting ordinance and recommended the following changes: Not allow hunting, unless with a special permit, within 500 feet of any city park ox txall year round. Chief of Police, Jeff Beahen stated that this would be a good solution for the private property that is adjacent to the new trail section. Property owners can get a license after going over property details with the officer issuing hunting permits. Elk River Resident, Tom Bodnar, 12738 217`h Ave. shared that he is concerned about the zoning laws place on the property and that they have always hunted inward on their property, never towards the Great Northern Trail. He would like to co-exist with people using the trail system and is concerned about those who trespass and litter onto their private property which is posted. Elk River resident, Rose Allison, 21380 Vernon St. shared that her concerns axe of other trail users not behaving properly on trail and trail users are not wearing blaze orange during any hunting season. She would like the commission to consider closing the trail for at least the 9 day firearms hunting period. Commissioner Anderson stated that the people who litter and trespass are a small minority out of the users on the trail system. Mr. Bodnar stated that unleashed dogs are a huge problem on the trail system and run onto his property. Elk River resident, Dale Wagner, 21546 Vernon St. agreed that majority of dogs are unleashed and cause a problem with people going onto private property. Commissioner Niziolek asked if it would be successful to close the trail for 9 days of firearms hunting season. Chief Beahen shared that if the issue is about safety, then yes closing the trail fox the 9 days by using barricades and signs would help in keeping people safe during hunting season. Commissioner Jaker asked what is the science behind the amount of feet listed in the ordinance. Chief Beahen stated that the ordinance mirrors the state statute. Commissioner Anderson asked if trail was not closed would hunting be allowed by permit. Chief Beahen stated the Officer Dummer would inspect property and hunting stands etc. with the property owner before a permit is issued. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 14, 2010 Page 4 Commissioner Anderson shared that in his opinion people should apply fox a permit to hunt and chief can decide and in addition recommend closing the traIl for 9 days of the firearms season. Commissioner Peterson asked if it would be a problem to restrict hunting on the private property to only family. Mx. Bodnar shared that it is only family that hunt on his property. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW HUNTING WITHIN 500 FEET OF CITY PARK/TRAIL BY PERMIT ONLY DURING HUNTING SEASON AND CLOSE THE TRAIL FOR 9 DAYS OF THE FIREARMS SEASON. Mx. Bodnar asked if this would affect bow hunting. Chief Beahen stated that bow hunting is looked at differently. Commissioner Niziolek asked if the trail could be closed at the cul-de-sac area. Chief Beahen stated that orange fencing going across the whole width of the Great Noxthem Trial would work to close it off. Commissioner Karlsen recommended to amend the current motion to say closing of Great Northern Trail to coincide with firearms season dates to be determined by the city. Chief Beahen suggested to be determined by the police since they know who have permits. Commissioner Nystrom withdrew the motion. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW HUNTING WITHIN 500 FEET OF CITY PARK/TRAIL BY PERMIT ONLY AND CLOSING OF TRAIL, LOCATION DETERMINED BY THE JURSIDICTION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR 9 DAYS OF THE FIREARMS SEASON. MOTION CARRIED G-1. 7.2. Discussion Items 7.2.A. Great Northern Trail Horseback Ridin Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared the information staff collected after contacting four organizations that offer horseback riding in their facilities including Park & Recreation Commission Nlinutes July 14, 2010 Page 5 the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department, Washington County Parks and Recreation Department, Three Rivers Park District, and the Minnesota Department of Naruxal Resources. Mr. Benoit stated that staff is looking fox feedback from the Commission whether to continue to monitor use patterns or pursue guidelines that would modify trail usage. One possible option to adjust trail usage is to designate specific days and times for horseback riding and other activities. A second option is to restrict horseback riding on the trial. Elk River resident, Rose Allison shared that in the past when this Great Northern Trail was discussed about being paved that it would remain a dual use trail. Commissioner Nystrom stated his concern about how a better job of cleaning up after horse droppings needs to happen. Commissioner Niziolek stated that there may be more ideal times to ride horses on the trail and riders should be aware of etiquette of cleaning up after horse droppings. Commissioner Peterson asked if horse owners axe concerned that their horses will be spooked by other users on the trail coming up from behind. Elk River resident, Dale Wagner shared that his horse has been spooked on the trail and as a rider you are aware that this may happen. Commissioner Ahlness stated that he did not agree with the option of horseback riding on certain days. Commissioner Anderson shared that horses scare him and also did not agree with designating certain days for horseback riding. Safety has to be the number one priority; we have options, restrict the time of day, leave it as is or restrict the trail to horseback riding. Mr. Wagner stated that he is willing to work with the city and other trail users to be able to continue to horseback ride on the trail north of County Road 33. Commissioner Jaker stated that staff should continue to monitor the use patterns for the Great Northern Trail north of County Road 33. Commissioner Nystrom agreed that staff should continue to monitor the trail. Commissioner Niziolek asked that the horseback riders think about the timing of their riding, whether there are many other users on the trail and the etiquette of horseback riding on a trail with other users and cleaning up properly. Commissioner Ahlness agreed with continuing to monitor trail. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes July 14, 2010 Page 6 Commissioner Anderson suggested the horseback riders try to use the trail system when there are less people on the trail. 8. Information/Update Items 8.1. Community Events Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit showcased Pinewood Golf youth classes and the Single Track Attack Bike Race held at Hillside City Paxk. 9.2. Park Hiehliehts Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit showcased Hillside City Paxk. 9.3. Adopt-A-Paxk Update Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared the city's website showcasing the available parks. 10. City Council/Planning Commission Review/Updates Commissioner Peterson shared an update from the City Council meeting. 11. Other Business 12. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40pm. Minutes prepared by Tonya Love. ~_ ~/ ~~. Parks and Recreation Commission Chair