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01-12-2011 PR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 201 I Members Present Chair Anderson, Commissioners Ahlness, Jakex, Niziolek, Nystrom, and Peterson Members Absent: Commissioner Kaxlsen Council Liaison: Mayor Dietz Staff Present: Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park 1'lannex; Tonya Love, Recording Secretary; 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 Anderson. 2. Consider Tanuary 12 2011 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit asked to add the following items to the agenda; 6. Update on trail/sidewalk projects 7.1.C. Discuss Parks & Recreation Director process MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER AHLNESS TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 12, 2011 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. CARRIED G-0. 3. Consider Minutes of December 8.2010 Parks & Recreation Commission Meetin MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER AHLNESS TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 8, 2010 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Open Mike Elk River resident, Bonnie Schmitz; 12495 225`h Ct. NW talked about fundraising fox Rice Lake Paxk and thought that it was discussed last fall to put in a dirt trail near the intersection of 221" and the Great Northern Trail. Would like to see and article in newspaper about this area and how dangerous it is to cross and that City staff look into State Giants to work on adding this possible trail. Commissioner Anderson suggested the neighborhood be invited to the next meeting for an informational update of Rice Lake Paxk. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 12, 2011 Page 2 Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit expressed that giving an update for Rice Lake Paxk to the neighborhood would be a positive action and stated that the park has also been put into the Capital Improvement Plan budget in 201 S. 5. Recap of 2010 Volunteer of the Month Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented an overview of the first year of Volunteer of the Month Pxogxam. Commissioner Jaker asked how difficult or easy it was to choose volunteers and what kind of impact the volunteers have. Mx. Benoit explained that at the monthly division manager meeting they discuss and decide who has volunteers to recognize. The impact can be measured in some cases such as Hillside City Park, which is equivalent to 1.5 full-time positions. Commissioner Anderson asked if the volunteer program has had any impact on others volunteering. Mr. Benoit shared that there has been more calls received from people stating they didn't realize the parks services we provide. 6. Recreation Manager's Report -Steve Benoit Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared the Elk River Senior Center and Elk River Ice Arena staff reports. Mx. Benoit reported that outdoor ice rinks and warming houses have been heavIly used in December and are off to a great season. Mr. Benoit followed up by reporting that a letter has been sent out to residents near Meadowvale Paxk reminding them of the snowmobIle ordinance and that barricades were placed in key entry points. Staff has also started to give those that purchase a dog licenses a hand out on the negative environmental impacts of dog waste in the parks. Mr. Benoit shared that the City Council has discussed Bailey Point property and is working with the Minnesota Land Trust on possible funding options. Discussion also took place of a new Public Works building which will have a possible impact of losing one of the ball fields at Oak Knoll Park. Mr. Benoit also shared an update regarding trail and sidewalk project updates. Commissioner Anderson expressed that staff should consider the over flow parking for the County Fair and the timeline the new Public Works building. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 12, 2011 Page 3 Mayor Dietz explained that staff is looking for quotes on engineering and the project will be done in stages. Discussion/Action Items 7.1.A. Policy for Field Use Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented survey results of key athletic associations on how their groups would meet the proposed field use policy requirements. Commissioner Nystrom asked if there were any groups that did not reply. Mx. Benoit stated that all the primary user groups were contacted. Mayor Dietz asked if there were any rival groups. Mx. Benoit stated that there were and they are in Rogers. Mayor Dietz expressed that most associations have signs and wondered if they needed a permit. Planner/Park Planner, Chris Leeseberg shared the according the City Ordinance that 90% of the signs axe incorrectly placed, however there is no permit needed. Mayor Dietz suggested sending a memo to the organizations explaining the sign ordinance and that he agreed with the Field Use policy criteria, and that smaller user groups would get less field use. Commissioner Anderson stated that the less cumbersome the policy the better. 501 c(3) status is not needed, liability insurance may not be needed and wondered what the state statute coverage is for protection of volunteering. Commissioner Jaker asked if a refined policy would be a better idea and what issue are they trying the fix ox are they fiddling with the policy. Commissioner Anderson explained it as a possible conflict internally such as a City's programs growth may take away fields from an athletic association which need our support. Mr. Benoit stated that they are looking at both issues. There has been conflict in the past and by being pro-active about the policy they will be able to respond positively. Commissioner Peterson agreed with being proactive and wondered why there wouldn't be a need for liability insurance. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 12, 2011 Page 4 Commissioner Anderson suggested adding that the commission adjudicate if needed when assigning field use. 7.1.B. Protection of Natural Resources Planner/Park Planner, Chris Leeseberg presented research of other agencies ordinances regarding the removal of natural resources from City parks. Commissioner Nystrom stated that the ordinance should state "Regulation established by City of Elk River and State of MN". Commissioner Anderson asked that letter "e" be added stating "not removing white tail deer animal sheds" and also adding "unless authorized by the City of Elk River". Commissioner Niziolek expressed adding "excluding harvesting plants, gathering of fruit for human consumption". Commissioner Anderson asked that this be an action item for February Cormnission meeting. Mayor Dietz stated that if this if to be an ordinance it will need to be more enforceable, staff should talk to the City Attorney. 7.1.C. Hiring Process for Parks & Recreation Director Position Discussion about what the qualifications should be for the next Parks and Recreation Director. 8. Information/Update Items 8.1. Community Events Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit showcased the Family Fire & Ice Festival coming up at Handke Ice Rink on January 23"'. 8.2. Park Hlnhliehts -None 8.3. Adopt-a-Park Planner/Park Planner, Chris Leeseberg shared that there are 19 city parks adopted and more information regarding what parks available to adopt is listed on the website. Cith Council/Planning Commission Review/Updates Comtnissionex Anderson reported that the City Council talked about the Parks 10. Other Business Park & Recreation Commission Minutes January 12, 2011 Page 5 Commissioner Niziolek shared that he was contacted by individuals who hunted this year north of County Road 33 and that this was one of their best years for hunting with the trail closure and working with the city. 11. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:21pm. Minutes preparecj.lSy)Tonya Love. Tina AYtaxd, (~r~y Cl /~ / Dave Anderson Parks and Recreation Commission Chair