08-10-2011 PR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 201 I
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Ahlness, I{arlsen, Jaker, Nystrom
and Peterson
Members Absent: Commissioner Niziolek
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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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.
Consider AllQUSt 10. 2011 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 10, 2011
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
Consider Minutes of Tuly 13. 2011 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KARLSEN TO APPROVE THE JULY 13, 2011 PARKS
AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
Open Mike -None
Volunteer of the Month
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented Anthony Axtisensi-Skime as the
Volunteer of the Month.
6. Elk River Youth Baseball Recognition
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit recognized the Elk River Youth Baseball lOAA
Black team and their coach, Paul Kimbler fox their outstanding season with a 39-1
record.
Park & Recreation Commission 1~linutes Page 2
August 10, 2011
Recreation Manager's Report -Steve Benoit
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared the Elk River Senior Centex and Ice Arena
reports.
Mr. Benoit expressed that despite challenging weather conditions of rain and warmer
than usual temperatures, comments from the program participants continue to be
positive.
Mx. Benoit reported that at the July 18`h Ciry Council meeting concern was raised
about the approach of youth athletic associations having priority fox recreation
facilities over City operated programs and directed staff to revisit the policy.
Planner/Park Planner, Chris Leesebexg shared an update regarding the Ordinance
fox protecting wildlife in City Parks. City Council asked staff to clarify the ordinance.
Mayor Dietz stated that Council members felt the ordinance was too restrictive and
questioned if there was a need and suggested to provide more evidence for the need
to protect natural resources within City parks.
8. Action/Discussion Items
8.1. Policy Issues
8.1.A. Mississippi River Trail Update
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit introduced Maxk Riverblood from the City of
Ramsey to discuss the Mississippi River Trail.
City of Ramsey Parks and Recreation Director, Mark Rivexblood presented an
update on the construction of the Mississippi River Trail and asked the Commission
members fox a letter of support from the City of Elk River to the City of Ramsey to
accompany their grant application fox federal funding of the Mississippi River Trail.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER AHLNESS TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL
TO SUPPORT THE CITY OF RAMSEY IN APPLYING FOR A FEDERAL
GRANT TO CONSTRUCT THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL. MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
8.2. Discussion Items
8.2.A. Lions Club Facility Usage
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit discussed the Indoor Facility Rental Policy in
regards to the Elk River Lions Club. The question regarding legal issues with a non-
profit using a facility for what could be interpreted as a private function was directed
towards the City Attorney whose response was that if the Lions Club has a process
Park & Recreation Commission &linutes Page 3
August 10, 2011
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in place on approving their events the legal responsibility lies on the Lions Club and
not on the Parks and Recreation Department.
Commissioner Ahlness asked if facility use will change with the recreation division
moving to City Hall.
Mx. Benoit stated that it will not affect the Lions Club usage, however there will be a
need to revise the Building Supervisor Fee to all day instead of starting at 4:30pm.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER AHLNESS TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL
TO ADD TO THE INDOOR FACILITY USE POLICY THAT THE ELK
RIVER LIONS CLUB COMMUNICATE TO THE PARKS AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENT OF THEIR APPROVED FUNCTIONS.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Information/Update Items
9.1. Community Events
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit showcased the Rock Youx Paxk Flash Mob event
that recreation and the Bank of Elk River staff put on before a Thursday night
conceit in July.
9.2. Paxk/Proexam Highli¢hts
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented the free Movie Madness program
coming up this fall which is sponsored by the Greater Minnesota Credit Union.
10. City Council/Planning Couunission Review/Updates
Mayor Dietz shared there have been extensive talks going on regarding the Ice Arena
Barn renovations and ways to xectlfy the current issues.
Mayor Dietz reported that discussion about Spectrum High School constructing a
dome in the North Star Business Park was not supported.
11. Other Business
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit handed out an invitation to the Commission
members to a branding meeting on September 12"'.
12. Recess to Woxkshoo
Discussion regarded prioritizing current park projects.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:53pm.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
August 10, 2011
Minu~te~s prepared by T •a Love.
Tina llard;,City Cle ~
Dave Anderson
Page 4
Parks and Recreation Commission Chair