9.1. PRSR 12-12-2012 � Item: 9
ElkMEMORANDUM
River
TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: December 12, 2012
SUBJECT: Director's Report
This report is a highlight of our Department's activities to inform the Commission on items related
to strategic planning, staff development,park operations and collaborations during the past month.
Baily Point Project
A special joint meeting with the Heritage Preservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation
Commission was held on December 10, 2012. This was a special meeting to review possible
interpretive signage for Bailey Point. Students from Saint Cloud State University made
presentations on the history of the Bailey Point property. Parks maintenance has secured the two
rustic buildings on the site.
A work session to discuss the concept plans and programming for Bailey Point should be planned
for January or February. A January 9 work session is already planned following the regular meeting
to discuss playground concepts for Orono. I would like to get a consensus from the Commission
on a date and overall agenda for the Bailey Point work session. I would also like to get a consensus
from the Commission on a tour of the site.
Orono Park Playground Public Meeting
A public meeting/work session is planned for January to review initial concept plans for the
"Powered By Nature" theme destination playground at Orono Park. We should have 2-3 concept
plans from at least two playground vendors to review. Staff plans to send public announcements to
a sample of the general public and the Lake Orono Improvement Association.
Plat of Jabez Park Dedication
With little or no discussion, The Planning Commission and the City Council did approve the
following park dedication: A park dedication fee shall be paid for 8.05 acres at the time the final plat
is released for recording (currently$7,444 per acre,or$59,924.20 total).Park dedication for Outlots
A and B shall be paid at the time those lots are released for recording at the rate established at the
time.
Parks and Facilities Naming Policy
The Parks and Facilities Naming Policy as recommended by staff and the Parks and Recreation
Commission was approved by City Council on November 19,2012.
Elk River Librarian New Branch Manager
The Elk River Library has a new Brand Manager,Will Hollerith who started on December 3. Staff
was able to meet him this past week.We plan to introduce him to the Commission in the New Year.
Pinewood Golf Course
Mother Nature issued her curtain call on Thanksgiving Day,or,to be more accurate,slammed the
door in our faces,bringing an abrupt end to the 2012 season. It was one of the longer seasons on
record starting early this past March 15. A new split rail fence along the main road has been
installed and the building has been winterized for the winter season.
City Maintenance Facility
This is an awesome new facility for Streets and Parks Maintenance. We are currently moving
equipment into the new facility and staff was just recently approved to occupy. Parks Supervisor
Rodney Schreifels has been spending a great deal of his time with this project. He should be able to
move into his new office by the end of this month. An open house for the general public is planned
for the New Year.
Field & Facility Use Allocation Policy
A field use allocation committee meeting is planned following the regular Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting December 12. The agenda includes reviewing the latest draft of the policy that
represents a consensus of the "best practices" in addressing youth sports and field use allocation.
Many of the Commission members and most of the Elk River sports organizations attended the
community youth sports meeting on November 29. I was pleased that most of the organizations
already adhere to many of the recommended standards for youth sports. This should make the job
of staff and the Committee easier.
'POWERED B ►
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