9.C.1. PRSR 10-11-2000 A(
\4 Item # 9.C.1.
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�lk River MEMORANDUM
TO: Park& Recreation •m •ission
FROM: Michele McPherso'i I irector of Planning
DATE: October 11, 2000
SUBJECT: Park Department Discussion
Attached please find a follow up letter from John Gurban, Executive Director of
the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. In his letter, he has suggested
two items: 1) attendance to the State Conference in St. Cloud, arranging a
meeting with several members to meet with the Commission, and 2) meeting with
a consultant in regards to development of a park and recreation department. He
suggested Randee Nelson, who currently works for St. Croix Recreation and
does some consulting to various recreation groups. Another suggestion Mr.
Gurban presented was to meet with Brett Heitkamp of the City of Champlin. He
is the current city administrator and was formerly the Director of Parks and Public
Works.
Staff would like from the Commission the following information:
1. A list of tasks the Commission would like staff to pursue regarding the
gathering of information for continued park department development
discussion.
2. Commitment on the part of several Commissioners to establishment a
formal subcommittee regarding this issue.
3. The interest of the subcommittee in meeting with members at the State
Conference in St. Cloud; Ms. Randee Nelson and Mr. Brett Heitkamp.
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S:\PLANNING\M I C H M C\PARKN REC\PARKDPT2.DOC
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
NtSOTA RECRE/o.
0.1 Q NO C ASSOC/gTO,�r Minnesota Recreation and Park Association • 3954 Bryant Avenue South • Minneapolis,Minnesota 55409
0° GiV Phone:612/825-2200 • Fax 612/825-6201• Toll Free: 800/862-3659
•
CO
September 18, 2000
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
P.O. Box 490
Elk River, MN 55330
attn; Michele McPherson, Director of Planning
Dear Ms. McPherson
Thank You for the opportunity to speak at your September 13th Park and Recreation Commission
meeting. While I enjoyed the opportunity to talk about the benefits of having a vital Parks and
Recreation Department in your City, I feel I didn't quite " hit the mark" your Commission was
looking for! My apologies.
It would seem they may be looking for some guidance on how to garner support for a bona fide
Parks and Recreation operation to present to your City Administrator and Council. If this is the
case, may I suggest a couple of options:
1. Consider attending our State Conference in St. Cloud. I will arrange for a
meeting with several of our members that I believe would be of benefit.
2. Consider meeting with a"consultant" on this matter that has some good
practical experience in Parks and Recreation. We have a number in our
Association. One that comes to mind is Randee Nelson. I understand you two
worked together in South St. Paul. I think Randee could bring a lot of
experience to the table on this issue.
Also,their is a good example of a Parks & Public Works operation not to far from you,
Champlin! Bret Heitkamp (phone 217-7110)the current City Administrator is the former
Director of Parks and Public Works. I'm sure he would be happy to respond to this issue.
Thanks ag 'n for the invitation!
it cu 1ve Director
t Printed on recycled paper with soy based ink.