06-08-2011 PR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 201 I
Members Present: Vice-Chair Niziolek, Commissioners Ahlness, Jaker, Karlsen,
Nystrom and Peterson
Members Absent: Chair Anderson
Council Liaison: Mayor Dietz
Staff Present: Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park
Planner; Tonya Love, Recreation Coordinator
Call Meeting To Order
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5.
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 Vice-Chair Niziolek.
Consider~une 8 2011 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit added two updates to Item 6-Department Updates
and Item 7.2.C. Dog Paxk Location
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER AHLNESS TO APPROVE THE JUNE 8, 2011 PARKS &
RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA WITH REQUESTED
ADDITIONS. CARRIED 6-0.
Consider Minutes of May 11.2011 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO APPROVE THE MAY 11, 2011 PARKS
AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
Onen Mike -None
Volunteer of the Month
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented Ray Stephens as the Volunteer of the
Month.
6. Recreation Manager's Report -Steve Benoit
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared the Elk River Senior Center report.
Paxk & Recreation Commission Minutes
June 8, 2011
Page 2
Mr. Benoit reported shared that a new program was held in May; Ladies Night at
Hillside Paxk City Paxk. This event gave participants a chance to ride the trails
regardless of their experience or ability.
Mr. Benoit reported that the City of Otsego would like to explore the concept of
working with the City of Elk River in delivering recreational programs to Otsego
resident.
Mx. Benoit discussed the following department updates; park facilities damaged by
hail, replacement of the fishing dock at Lake Orono and the re-Tamping of the lights
at Orono Athletic Complex.
Action/Discussion Items
7.1. Policv Issues
7.1.A. Major Park Use ~uly 4`h Celebration at Lions Park
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared that the Elk River American Legion has
requested the use of Lions Park fox a community 4"' of July celebration.
4`" of July Committee Chao, Jim Boyle; 1108 196`h Ave. Elk River, shared that this
years event would be similar to last years event with many improvements.
4`h of July Program Chair, Jill Griffiths; 18323 Tyler St. Elk River, shared the line up
of programs and entertainment that will happen through out the day.
Commissioner I{arisen shared his concern for the number of people attending and it
creating a traffic jam.
Mx. Boyle stated that the park really doesn't fill in until later at night and the number
given also includes people watching from the surrounding area such as Salk fields.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JAKER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO ACCEPT STAFF
RECOMMENDATIONS OF WAIVING RENTAL FEES, PARKS AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENT PROVIDE TRASH CANS AND RENTAL
GROUP PROVIDE PORTABLE TOILTES AT GROUPS' EXPENSE.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JAKER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO AMEND THE FIRST MOTION.
ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS ALONG WITH WORKING
WITHIN THE LAWS AND RULES PERMIT AND SPECIFY THE
HOURS. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Paxk & Recreation Commission Minutes
June 8, 2011
7.1.B. Lions Club Facility Usage
Page 3
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit discussed the Indoor Facility Rental Policy in
regards to the Elk River Lions Club, sharing that staff is seeking direction from the
Parks and Recreation Commission on how a Lions Club function should be defined
when reserving Lions Park Centex.
Commissioner Peterson asked if Lions Club events were broken down as personal
use versus civic functions.
Mx. Benoit stated that the Lions Club do have then own key to the facility, they are
required to fill out a reservation form and currently the administrative staff have
been filling their requests by whether it is personal versus civic and which fee they
would pay. The Lions Club stated at their last committee meeting that there was a
verbal agreement for the Lions Club members to be able to use the facility how they
see fit.
Commissioner Jaker discussed that the administrative staff should have the ability to
make the decision based on what type of event is being held.
Councilmember Motin shared that he was on the council when Lions Paxk Centex
was built and there was no verbal agreement for the Lions Club to be able to hold
functions fox free.
Mayor Dietz shared he thought a representative from the Lions Club would be at
this meeting and would prefer to have them in attendance.
Vice-Chair Niziolek tabled the Lions Club Facility Usage until July and requested
that the minutes be shared from this meeting with the Lions Club members.
7.2. Discussion Items
7.2.A. Park Benches and Doggie Pots
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared a current request by a Woodland Trails
Park volunteer to add an additional doggy pot and bench on the Great Northern
Trail in the high use area.
Mayor Dietz suggested the purchase be considered with the 2012 budget.
Mr. Benoit stated that this purchase would be challenging on the current 2011
budget and could be planned out in 2012 and will work with Paxk Maintenance
Supervisor, Rodney Schreifels.
7.2.B. Program Facility Usage Report
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit discussed the Facility Usage Report prepared by
staff.
Paxk & Recxeadon Commission Minutes
June 8, 2011
Page 4
Commissioner Jaker stated that this issue has been visited in the past and having a
shortage a space due to demand is a wonderful challenge to have. We need to
operate as a business and act as a civic organization. Need to find the middle
ground, not either one. Some programs will increase revenue and other
programs/associations serve more participants. It is not about who provides more
service and there has to be a way to work this issue out.
Mayor Dietz shared a few solutions and passed out a report outlining them. Stating
his main concern that parks and recreation is not all about money and the taxpayers
understand taxes pay fox parks and recreation services.
Councilmember Morin stated that the Parks and Recreation Commission set a policy
and he wanted to see it go through the council and that he has a problem with other
organizations having priority over the city. There is a demand for more programs
and staff does not want to push out associations. The issue is who has priority to
fields. Parks and Recreation has to plan six months in advance to plan for printing
of their brochures.
Councilmember Morin continued by stating that the Youth Associations axe non-
profit and yet they make a lot of money. When they want something they can pay
for it and it benefits them. The Parks and Recreation COYT1n11SSlon is an advisory
board, City Council makes the final decisions, based on what is best for the Elk
River residents not just the associations.
Vice-Chair Niziolek stated that representatives from the associations should attend
the July meeting.
Continued discussion regarding tournaments and having staff exploring what it
would cost and potential revenue if city were to hold tournaments.
7.2.C. Dog Paxk Relocation
Planner/Park Planner, Chris Leeseberg shared that park maintenance brought
forward issues regarding the current location of the dog park. Lions Park is a large
peat bog that is constantly wet with unstable soil. This has caused the fence posts to
shift and will soon fail as a result of the poor soil conditions. An area in Orono Paxk
is being looked at which would be easily accessed by the paved trails and would allow
fox future expansion.
Discussion of exact location at Orono Park continued and staff was asked to create a
comprehensive plan and bring back in July.
8. Information/Update Items
8.1. Community Events
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit showcased the Fallen Oak Off-Road Duathlon.
Park & Recreation Commission l~finutes
June 8,2011
8.2. Park/Program Hghliehts
Kecreation Manager, Steve Benoit showcased the Pinewood Open.
9. City Council/Planning Commission Review/Updates -None
10. Other Business
Page 5
Commissioner Karlsen asked to discuss creating an adult outdoor 4 on 4 hockey
league in the future.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:38pm.
Minutes prQpaxed by~onya Love.
. ~ b/`r-~
Tin/aJAll,~ard,
Mike Niziolek
Parks and Recreation Commission Vice-Chair