11-10-2010 PR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2010
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Jaker, I{arlsen, Niziolek, Nystrom
and Peterson
Members Absent: Commissioner Ahlness
CouncIl Liaison: Counciltnembex Zerwas
Staff Present: Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park
Planner; Tonya Love, Recording Secretary; Rebecca Haug,
Environmental Administrator; Paul Anderson, Pinewood Golf
Course Superintendent; Kandi Nash, Pinewood Golf Course
Clubhouse Manager; Stephanie Albin, Recreation Coordinator
1. 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 i~ndexson.
2. Consider November 10.2010 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 10, 2010
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Minutes of October 13.2010 Parks & Recreation Commission Meetin
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KARLSEN TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 1i, 2010
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
4. Open Mike
Elk River High School students, Britta Ausberg and Bxittney Ellefson thanked the
Commission for approving that the Elk River Cross Country team which were given
permission to host sections at Woodland Trails Park. There were well over 650
people in attendance.
Recreation Coordinator, Stephanie Albin shared that the Hillside Single Track Attack
mountain bike race hosted by both Dirtworks and Elk River Parks and Recreation
was awarded first place by the participants.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2
November 10, 2010
Hillside Trail Steward, Rich Omdahl thanked City staff, Stephanie Albin and
volunteers for hosting this race.
5. Volunteer of the Month
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit recognized Paul Schwab as this month's Volunteer
of the month.
6. Recreation Manager's Report -Steve Benoit
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared that a popular series of preschool parent
and child ceramic classes axe being offered that axe tied to the holiday season. These
classes axe a great way for parents and youth to create memories together.
Mx. Benoit shared updates regarding the following; City CouncIl will continue to
discuss the possibility of purchasing Bailey Point, installation of a trench drain in the
alley next to River's Edge Park and City Council will discuss the recruitment and
selection process for the Parks and Recreation Director position January 1Q 2011.
Commissioner Peterson asked what the value of Bailey Point was and if it could be
built on.
Councilmembex Zercvas shared that Bailey Point property went through the most
recent 100 year flood plan and no part of BaIley Point is eligible fox a building
permit.
Action/Discussion Items
7.1.A. Wetland Bank
Environmental Adtninistratox, Rebecca Haug shared that staff has been looking for
opportunities to create additional wetland banks throughout the City to be used for
city mitigation projects. Staff discussed the idea at the October 11, 2010 City
Council meeting to obtain guidance as to whether ox not exploratory measures
should be taken to determine the feasibility of restoring the wetland. Staff is working
with Wenck Associates on doing the feasibility study for the area. Staff is proposing
to come back to the Parks & Recreation Commission if it is deciding that the project
should move fonvaxd.
Commissioner Jakex asked what the timeline is of the study.
Ms. Haug stated that with winter approaching there will not be a lot of work done on
the study at this time.
Commissioner Niziolek asked if Woodland Trails Park has been considered.
Ms. Haug shared that Woodland Trails Park has not been considered at this time.
Park & Recreation Commission blinutes
November 10, 2010
Page 3
Commissioner Nystrom stated that Fixing the wetland area in Woodland Trails Park
would add aesthetic aspects making it a gorgeous setting.
Councihnembex Zerwas stated that rebuilding ox replacing a wetland does not have
to be in only one area, the city has a wetland issue and it is beneficial to earn the
wetland credit, however the financial impact is another issue. As development
returns the city will need the wetland credits.
Commissioner Karlsen asked what wetland credits are.
Ms. Haug explained wetland regulations.
Commissioner Nystrom asked if Alba Ridge Paxk has natural drainage.
Ms. Haug explained that the purpose of the study was to figure out if it is natural
drainage or if it was created by surrounding development.
8. Information/Update Items
8.1. Communit~Events
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared Fright Night 2010.
8.2. Park HiQhliehts
Planner/Parks Planner, Chis Leesebexg shared an annual Pinewood Golf Course
review report.
Commissioner Anderson asked how the golf course is doing fmancially.
Pinewood Golf Course Superintendent, Paul Anderson shared that the budget is
improving and that they ate within 10% of the budget.
Corruitissioner Peterson asked if there was anything to increase rounds at the course.
Mr. Anderson stated that along with standard advertising the best way has been word
of mouth advertising.
Councilmember Zerwas shared that although there are limitations at Pinewood Golf
Course, the amount of rain can impact the number of rounds as well. The City owns
Pinewood Golf Course to offer recreation service to residents. Staff is operating on
a lean budget and continues to streamline operations.
Commissioner Jaker stated that Pinewood Golf Course is a beautiful course and
sometime bigger isn't always better.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4
November 10, 2010
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Commissioner Peterson thanked the Pinewood Golf Course staff for their hard
work.
8.3. Adopt-a-Park
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared general Adopt-a-Park program information
and that there are still parks available to adopt.
City Council/Planning Commission Review/Upda[es
Comtnissionex Anderson shared that the City Council approved the park hours
ordinance.
10. Other Business
Commissioner Anderson stated he would like to discuss future improvements at
Hillside Ciry Park and adding to the master update plan.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:51pm.
Minutes prepared by Tonya hove.
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Tina Allard,-Ciry Clerk
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Dave Anderson
Parks and Recreation Commission Chair