06-13-2012 PR MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2012
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Ahlness,Kallemeyn,Niziolek,Nystrom and
Sagan
Absent Members: Commissioner Karlsen
Council Liaison: Mayor Dietz
Staff Present: Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director, Chris Leeseberg,
Planner/Park Planner, Steve Benoit,Recreation Manager, 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 June 13,2012 Parks &Recitation Commission Agenda
Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker asked to switch item 8.1 with Item 8.2.
Commissioner Nystrom requested to discuss domestic animal use of trail system.
Commissioner Anderson suggested discussing domestic animals on the trail system under
Item 11.Announcements.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER AHLNESS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK TO APPROVE THE JUNE 13, 2012 PARKS &
RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA WITH SUGGESTED CHANGES.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Minutes of May 9,2012 Parks &Recreation Commission Meeting
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KALLEMEYN TO APPROVE THE MAY 9,2012 PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 6-
0.
Park&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2
June 13,2012
4. Open Forum
Amy Stemler, 14183 88th St. Otsego,MM 55330 Presented a nationwide program called
"Little Free Library" that she is interested in putting in the Downtown River's Edge Park
Books are donated and a volunteer checks the "Little Library" on a weekly basis.
5. Awards &Recognitions
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented Thomas and Marvel Cornish as the Parks &
Recreation Volunteers of the month.
6. Parks &Recreation Director Report
Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker presented the Director's report sharing
department updates, highlighting how the reorganization plan presented to City Council will
affect the Parks &Recreation Department.
7. Division Manager's Reports
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented the Elk River Senior Center and Ice Arena
reports.
Mr. Benoit also presented the Recreation report stating that seasonal summer staff was sent
to a training offered through the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association. This training
brings seasonal summer staff from Parks &Recreation Departments from around the state
to learn key points on how to best work with children and the community in delivering
quality recreation experience.
8. Discussion Items
8.2. Prairie Management Presentation
Commissioner Anderson introduced Brad Vierkant,from Prairie Restoration who gave a
presentation regarding prairie management in Elk River.
8.1. Managing our Parks &Recreation Assets Presentation
Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker shared a presentation regarding parks assets
and CAP costs for future maintenance and improvements.
Mayor Dietz stated that it will take a lot of money for maintenance and improvements,we
are proud of the parks system and have fallen behind and need to take a step back to
prioritize.
Park&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
June 13,2012
9. Action Items
9.1. Park Dedication— Nature's Edge Business Center Plat
Planner/Park Planner, Chris Leeseberg shared that the Comprehensive Park Plan does not
indicate any park target area nor trail corridor in the wider area of the Natures Edge Business
Center. The project will include a pedestrian component along Twin Lakes Road.
Mr. Leeseberg stated that staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission
recommend that park dedication be paid in the form of cash for 19.12 acres, at the rate
applicable at the time of Final Plat. ($2,485 in 2012 equates to $47,513)
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER AHLNESS TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION
THAT THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RECOMMEND TO
CITY COUNCIL THAT PARK DEDICATION BE PAID IN THE FORM OF
CASH FOR 19.12 ACRES AT THE RATE APPLICABLE AT THE TIME OF
FINAL PLAT AND TO HAVE A 180 FT. RIGHT AWAY. MOTION CARRIED 6-
0.
9.2. Elk River Youth Football Association Donation for Scoreboard
Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker shared that final information was not ready
regarding initial installation cost and will bring to a future Parks &Recreation Commission
meeting.
9.3. Major Park Use — River's Edge Commons Park United Way
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit presented Major Park Use request from the United Way
to use the River's Edge Commons Park hold a Battle of the Bands event on Saturday,July
28,2012.
United Way representatives,Patti Hetrick, 12685 221",Ave. Elk River and Don Deppa,
28302 139 St. Zimmerman were present to answer any questions and shared that the event
will be in the evening and is intended to raise awareness of Unity Way and the services it
provides to the community as well as raising funds through donations.
Mr. Beniot shared that staff recommends approval of the use of River's Edge Commons
Park,with the facility use fee waived, along with conditions including,no alcohol or tobacco
consumption within the park property, group work with the Parks &Recreation Department
and to cover additional expenses related to staff,trash cans and portable toilets as needed for
the event.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER AHLNESS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER NYSTOM TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION
THAT THE UNITED WAY USE THE RIVER'S EDGE COMMONS PARK FOR
A BATTLE OF THE BANDS EVENT ON JULY 28,2012. WITH CONDITIONS
AS FOLLOWS; FACILITY USE FEE WAIVED, NO ALCOHOL OR TOBACCO
Park&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4
June 13,2012
CONSUMPTION WITHIN PARK PROPERTY, COORDINATE WITH THE
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND COVER ADDITIONAL
EXPENSES, SUCH AS STAFF,TRASH CANS OR PORTABLE TOILETS.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
10. Park/Program Highlight
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit reported that several summer programs will be moving
locations and/or times. Programs included are Farmer's Market, Chalk It Up and Kidstock.
11. Announcements
Commissioner Nystrom discussed that there have been horses on the trails and there are
signs that state to clean up after dogs but not horses. He recommends to change/update the
signage to include horse manure.
Commissioner Anderson recommended adding this item to the next meeting agenda for
discussion..
11. Adjournment
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 8:37pm.
Minutes prepa byjl'on,x%Love.
Dave Anderson
Parks an Recreation Co I j ion Chair
Tina A .rd, Ty-Clerk