7. PRSR 12-11-2013 J
ct, of
Elk Memorandum
River
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director
Date: December 11,2013
Subject: Director's Report
This report is a monthly highlight of our Department's activities informing the Commission on items
related to collaborations, strategic planning, staff changes/ development,and park operations.
Recreation Coordinator Position
Jessica Converse resigned from her position as Recreation Coordinator on November 18 to take a full-
time position with the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Department. Her last day was December 3.
Plymouth Parks and Recreation is the organization she was employed with on a temporary basis before
accepting the Elk River Parks and Recreation Coordinator position.
Staff determined that the most effective way to rehire the position was to utilize the candidate pool from
last spring's hiring process. From that pool it was decided to interview Tim Dalton,who had performed
well during the interview process. Mr. Dalton was interviewed on Thursday,November 21 and it was
then decided to proceed with the hiring process. Mr. Dalton has a wealth of experience working in
public recreation in both municipal and community education settings.
Mr. Dalton's hiring was approved by City Council consent agenda on December 2. His first day will be
Monday,December 9. We plan to introduce him to the Commission and City Council in January.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
City Council approved the Parks and Recreation Plan on November 18,2013. HKGi, the consultants
for the plan,will kick off the master planning process by meeting with the parks and recreation planning
group made up of city staff and two Parks and Recreation Commission members. The kick off meeting
will be on December 12 and will include a tour of our parks and facilities.
HKGi will give an introductory presentation to City Council in early January. They want to use this
presentation to gather initial goals and priorities. The entire master planning process will take nine
months with a completion date expected in early September.
Minnesota Hockey Day
The Minnesota Hockey Day event is scheduled for January 18. The layout for this event at Handke Pit
is attached. Dave Anderson has been instrumental in the planning of the facilities for this event.
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Oak Knoll Athletic Field Lighting
City Council approved the agreement December 2 to install athletic field lighting at Oak Knoll Athletic
Field Complex. The agreement is between the City of Elk River and the Elk River Youth Football
Association and the Elk River Youth Lacrosse Association to donate $73,000 to install athletic field
lighting. The total cost of the project is estimated at$135,000. Staff will now solicit bids and quotes
and will need to bring back this project for City Council approval in early 2014.
Windsor Third Edition Private Park Donation
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended at the November meeting for the city to accept
the donation of a new playground from the Windsor Third Edition Home Owners Association. Staff
has found some issues and implications if the city were to accept this as a donation. We feel that some
of the issues need to be ironed out before they can be presented to City Council. This includes liability,
maintenance and easement restrictions. This will become an agenda action item again for the
Commission at the January meeting.
Houlton Farm Property Acquisition
Discussions on the property trunk utility assessments are still taking place. City Council discussed the
Houlton property trunk utility assessments at the November 4, Council meeting. City Council has been
requested by the Houlton family to waive or pay all or part of the deferred special assessment. City
Council has requested city staff develop a plan in which the city could assist with the special
assessments. The plan will need to be approved by City Council.
Parks and Recreation Capital Project Requests
As Parks and Recreation Commission members are well aware,we have been receiving many requests
the past year for various projects such as additional athletic fields and field lighting, a skate park,new
playgrounds,a new park,trail improvements and other projects. We need to define priorities and
direction through the parks and recreation master planning process. Until this can happen later in 2014,
I recommend that staff and the Commission place any requests and any requests for action on hold.
N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2013\12-11-13 PRC Packet\7 Directors Report 12-11-13.docx
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