05-09-2012 PR MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Ahlness,Kallemeyn,Karlsen,Niziolek, and
Nystrom
Staff Present: Michael Hecker,Parks and Recitation Director, Steve Benoit,Recreation
Manager, Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner 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 May9,2012 Parks &Recreation Commission Agenda
PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR,MICHAEL HECKER REQUESTED
TO ADD DISCUSSION REGARDING HOULTON PROPERTY TO THE
DIRECTOR REPORT ITEM.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER AHLNESS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO APPROVE THE MAY 9, 2012 PARKS &
RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Minutes of April 11, 2012 Parks &Recreation Commission Meeting
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KARLSEN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KALLEMEYN TO APPROVE THE APRIL 11, 2012 PARKS
AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
4. Open Forum- None
5. Awards &Recognitions
5.1. Woodland Trails Modification Project Presentation
Planner/Park Planner, Chris Leeseberg presented the realignment of some of the park trails
to correct errors made near the property border.
Park&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2
May 9,2012
5.2. Volunteer Recognition
Commissioner Anderson presented Ben and Matt Vrchota for their efforts as part of a
group of over 20 volunteers who constructed over a mile of new trail in Woodland Trails
Park.
6. Parks &Recreation Director Report
6.1. General Department Report
Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker presented the Director's report sharing
department updates, highlighting that Gina Hugo presented at the City Council regarding the
Woodland Trails bio-harvest. The City Council supported staff in submitting a grant
application. Other highlights included updates regarding,Pinewood Golf Course,Hillside
Park,the vacancy position in Parks Maintenance,the Senior Center and the tour of
Landscape Structures Inc.
6.2. Parks &Recreation Department Report
Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker presented the departments mission and tag
line by reviewing the process the department staff went through.
Mission: Elk River Parks and Recreation is rich in diverse programs and facilities, dedicated
to enhancing lives by inspiring play and embracing the nature of our city.
Brand tagline: Powered by Nature: Inspire,Play, Grow
Mr. Hecker also explained that staff will begin creating a Master Parks Plan due to the most
current one being from 1997 and being out of date. The commission would be the steering
committee, public meetings and surveys would be a part of the process as well.
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 recreation staff are preparing for
summer programs and recently held interviews to hire seasonal employees.
8. Action Items
8.1. GRE Donation
Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker presented a monetary donation of$8,350
from GRE for equipment and improvements to Hillside Park.
Commissioner Niziolek expressed concern that the donation is being used to purchase
equipment rather than landscape replacement.
Park&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
May 9,2012
Mr. Hecker explained that Rodney Schreifels and the volunteers had worked out a plan that
would benefit the park the most.
Commissioner Karlsen agreed with Commissioner Niziolek however they should look to the
volunteer group as to what will work best for their needs to work in the park
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ALHNESS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL TO
ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS TO ACCEPT THE MONETARY
DONATIONS FROM GRE TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FOR THE DIRTWIRX
CREW VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AT HILLSIDE PARK. MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
9. Park/Program Highlights
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared an update regarding the Adopt-a-Park program
and that there was a Spring Clean Up day. Other highlights included that the theme for the
2012 Ice show will be North West Side Story and that the recreation staff are taking rental
registrations for the Community Garden.
10. Announcements
Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker shared a site location map that was brought
to his attention earlier in the clay of an online auction for an 11 acre piece of property on the
Mississippi River.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 7:50pm
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Min pre pared byInya Love.
Dave Anderson
Parks and Recreation Commission Chair
Tina Allard, City Clerk