11-13-2013 PR MIN City of
Elk Meeting of the Elk River Parks and
River Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission members Ahlness,Holmgren,
Kallemeyn,Niziolek,Nystrom, and Sagan
Council Liaison: Mayor Dietz
Staff Present: Parks and Recitation Director,Michael Hecker,Recitation Manager,
Steve Benoit,Park Planner Chris Leeseberg, and Recreation
Coordinator, Tonya Love
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 11/13/2013 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Sagan and seconded by Commissioner Kallemeyn
to approve the November 13, 2013, agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
3. Consider Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner Ahlness
to approve the following October 2, 2013 Parks and Recreation Commission
Special Meeting Minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
Moved by Commissioner Kallemeyn and seconded by Commissioner
Holmgren to approve the following October 9, 2013 Parks and Recreation
Commission Minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
4. Open Forum
Mr. Brown,22376 Tipton St. Elk River. Representative from the Elk River Baseball
Association discussed the plan for lighting the Oak Knoll Field and stated that the
association has interest in lighting the baseball field area at the same time.
Commission Anderson suggested that they get a cost estimate on lighting the
baseball field and how much the Elk River Baseball Association can donate to the
December Commission meeting.
Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2
November 13,2013
5. Park/Program Highlight
Mr.Benoit presented a slideshow highlighting the 14th Annual Family Spooktacular
event held October 12,2013.
6.1 Eagle Scouts Project Updates
Presentations were given by the following Eagle Scouts:
A. Dylan Church- Woodland Trails Park Winter Trail Signage
B. Blake LaValley-Woodland Trails Park Walking Trail
C Ryan Herboldt- Woodland Trails Park Bridge
D. Ryan Larson- Woodland Trails Park Oak Savannah Restoration
E. Taylor Hecker- Great Northern Trail Mile Markers
7.1 Windsor 3rd Park Donation
Mr. Hecker presented his staff report.
Mr. Bauer, 13791 214th Ave. Elk River,Windsor Homeowners Association board
member shared that the park use has increased by surrounding residents and cost of
maintenance has increased due to the use.
Mr. Felska, 13855 214th Ave. Elk River,Windsor Homeowners Association board
member shared that he had secured a$3,400 bid for playground improvements and
did not understand why there was such a difference between his and the costs the
City put together. He stated the board would be willing to donate the playground
area within the fenced area only and the association keep and maintain the rest of the
park
Commissioner Sagan stated that donating only the playground area would change the
financial numbers and would like to see that before deciding.
Commissioner Holmgren stated he would like to look into the donation of the
playground area only.
Commissioner Niziolek stated he would like to look into that option and also look at
acquiring the whole park and changing it to an oak savannah prairie to get away from
mowing and other maintenance.
Mr.Felska stated the board members are willing to donate the playground area only
but not willing to do the whole park and keep maintaining it.
Mrs. Felska, 13855 214th Ave. Elk River stated that there has been a lot of
maintenance done to the pond area and believe the board members would not want
to get rid of it.
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Paris&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
November 13,2013
Commissioner Ahlness would like to pursue the fenced playground area if the price
is right.
Commissioner Kallemeyn shared that the commission should not impose standards
onto the homeowners association regarding the pond area and that we should work
out a deal for the fenced in playground area.
Commissioner Nystrom questioned if the pond area was natural.
Mr. Felska shared that the pond has a spring and is a collection pond for the
neighborhood.
Commissioner Anderson shared that the commission was a part of the original
development agreement and the homeowners association should not have to pay
taxes and take care of a park that has turned into a publicly used park. There is no
money for this year but should figure out how to work the playground into the
budget in the future.
Commissioner Niziolek shared concern over taking on two major expenditures from
the development,a trail a few years back and now potentially the playground.
Mr. Felska stated that if the playground is not kept up it will go away and that the
trail had been donated to the City due to the Homeowners Association not being
able to maintain it.
Moved by Commissioner Sagan and seconded by Commissioner Kallemeyn
to recommend to City Council to accept donation of Windsor 3'' Park fenced-
in playground area. Motion carried 6-1.
7.2 Orono Athletic Complex Renaming Recommendation
John Dietz, 13399 Riverview Dr. Elk River,formally submitted the request to
rename the Orono Athletic Complex to the Dave Anderson Athletic Complex.
Sharing two main reasons among the background information shared.First,Dave's
involvement in building the complex and second,the Athletic Complex does not
have a strong, formal name.
Mr. Dietz also shared the renaming policy process and stated there is no reason to
wait for someone to pass away to recognize them.
Commissioner Sagan stated he thought it was a great idea.
Commissioner Anderson stepped aside for Vice-Chair Ahlness to take commission
vote.
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Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4
November 13,2013
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom
to recommend to City Council to rename Orono Athletic Complex to Dave
Anderson Athletic Complex. Motion carried 6-0. Commissioner Anderson
abstained.
8. Parks and Recreation Director Report
Mr. Hecker presented his staff report.
Mayor Dietz stated that the City Council is willing to negotiate the Houlton property
assessment and did not hear any other council members supporting the idea of
forgiving the assessment. He shared that all the other property owners paid their
assessments from 1992 and has a problem with this one not being paid,also stating
this issue should have come up in the beginning of the process and not so late.
9. Division Manager's Reports
Mr. Benoit presented his staff report.
Commissioner Kallemeyn asked what type of reorganization goals the recreation
division was going through.
Mr. Benoit stated that staff has been looking at current programs and if they fit
within the community.
10. Announcements
Commissioner Anderson asked the commission members to consider helping with
the upcoming Parks Master Plan project and to connect with Mr. Hecker.
Commissioner Anderson asked when the Volunteer of the Month recognition will be
brought back
Mr. Benoit stated that it will be brought back in the 2014.
Commissioner Anderson stated he would like to see staff schedule two programs this
next year. First, a Bailey Point Nature Preserve work day in October over MEA
weekend and second,a Buckthorn Removal Day either on the last Saturday of
October or first Saturday of November.
II. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Parks and Recitation Commission at 8:39 p.m.
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Parks&Recitation Commission Minutes Page 5
November 13,2013 7
Minutes pile ared by onya Love.
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S ave Ande on, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk
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