12-14-2011 PR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 201 I
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Ahlness, Jaker, Karlsen, Niziolek, Nystrom
and Peterson
Council Liaison: Mayor Dietz
Staff Present: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director, Steve Benoit, Recreation
Manager, Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Plarurer, Tonya Love, 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 Anderson.
2. Consider December 14, 2011 Parks & Recreation Comnssion Agenda
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit requested to move Item 6 to after Item 8 and table Item
8.2 due to staff illness.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER AHLNESS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KARLSEN TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 14, 2011 PARKS
& RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA WITH REQUESTED CHANGES.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
3. Consider Minutes of November 9. 2011 Parks & Recreation Conmiission Meetin
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER AHLNESS TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 9, 2011 PARKS
AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION
CARRIED 7-0.
4. Open Mike -None
5. Volunteer of the Month
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented Ray Osowski as the volunteer of the month.
Park & Recreation Conunission Minutes Page 2
December 14, 2011
Action/Discussion Items
7.1. Discussions Items
7.1.A. Eagle Scout Project Update
Eagle Scout, Ryan Toth presented a slideshow updating the comnilssion regarding his Eagle
Scout project replacing map and sign posts in Woodland Trails Park.
7.1.B. MN Land Trust Presentation
Sarah Strommen from MN Land Trust presented an update regarding the purchase of Bailey
Point.
Elk River resident, Eric Toth; 1023 Manor Place expressed his concern regarding the
easement process due to having property next to the seller's properly and how the
restrictions will affect his driveway easement.
Ms. Strommen stated that the easements regarding both Bailey Point and Mr. Toth's
driveway will be worked out through counsel.
7.2. Policy Issues
7.2.A.. Bailees
Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Hecker presented information on the acquisition of
Bailey Point through the DNR grant and the Minnesota Land Trust.
Mr. Hecker shared that the City Council approved the funding for the city portion of the
Bailey Point acquisition and the breakdown of the DNR grant. The Minnesota Land Trust
is currently working with the city and the owner of the properly to convey a conservation
easement to the Land Trust. Staff is recommending that the Parks and Recreation
Commission approve the acquisition of Bailey Point.
Comnvssioner Anderson stated that it had been indicated that there will be grants available
for this property.
MN Land Trust representative, Sarah Strommen stated that there is with the Legacy Funding
and Park and Trail Funding.
Mayor Dietz shared that he thought the concept plan went through a good process with the
public sharing their thoughu and opinions.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER AHLNESS TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO
RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL TO ACCEPT THE ACQUISITION OF BAILEY
POINT THROUGH THE DNR GRANT AND THE MINNESOTA LAND TRUST.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0
Pazk & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
December 14, 2011
7?.B. Major Park Use -Shiver Elk River at Orono Park
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented a request from the Elk River Chamber of
Commerce to use Orono Park on Saturday, February25`h to hold a communitywinter
festival fundraiser event.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO
APPROVE THE SHIVER ELK RIVER WINTER FESTIVAL WITH THE
RENTAL FEES WAIVED AND THE GROUP WILL COORDINATE WITH THE
NECESSARY AGENCIES AND COVER THE COST OF ANY ADDITIONAL
PORTABLE TOILETS IF NEEDED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0
8. Infom~ation/Update Items
8.1. U of M Capstone Design Team -Bridge Project
U of M Capstone Design Team from the University of MN presented three different bridge
designs for an area in Woodland Trails Park for their senior project.
8.2. Trail Shifting in Woodland Trails Park
Plaruter/Parks Planner, Cluis Leeseberg presented a map of the trails in question in
Woodland Trails Park
Commissioner Anderson explained that in preparation for future aggregate mining adjacent
to the trails in Woodland Trails Park, that a phased plan for shifting trails away from the
park boundary will need to be put into play. This phased plan will help maintain the quality
of trail user's experiences.
8.3. Branding Update
Item tabled.
8.4. Park/Pi~ram Hiehliehts
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented highlights from the Downtown Holiday Event.
6. Recreation Manager's Report -Steve Benoit
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared the Elk River Senior Center and Ice Arena reports.
Mr. Benoit described the popular preschool classes that are held at the YMCA gymnasium,
along with what programs were offered in November.
Mr. Benoit also shared the marketing efforts for November 2011.
Pazk & Recreation Commission Minutes
December 14, 2011
9. City Council/Plannuig Comnussion Re~-iew/Updates -None
10. Other Business -None
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:23pm
Minutes prepared ~ Tonya Love.
Dave Anderson
Parks and Recreation Comnvssion Chair
_ C~'~~j~
Tina Allard, City Clerk
Page 4