PRSR AGENDA MEMO 11-02-1990 S. ityof TO: PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Elk •
River FROM: PAT KLAERS, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: NOVEMBER 2, 1990
SUBJECT: AGENDA MEMO
The next Park and Recreation Commission meeting is scheduled
for Wednesday, November 7, 1990, at 7 :00 p.m. at the Elk River
City Hall. Attached for your review are the draft 10/3/90 Park
and Recreation Commission minutes.
OPEN MIKE. . .Two items are scheduled under this item. First,
Commissioner Dave Anderson invited some representatives from
the horse riding segment of the community to attend this
meeting in order to discuss their public recreation needs.
Specifically I believe that they want to discuss what
provisions are being made in the City park plans in order for
them to be allowed to pursue horse riding in Elk River. The
Commission has previously designated the abandoned railroad
trail, north of County Road 33, as an acceptable area for this
activity. Concern has developed over the riding of horses on
• the trails in Woodland Trails Park. I understand that this
activity has taken place and has caused some damage to the
trails. This issue needs to be reviewed and a lively
debate/discussion is anticipated.
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As a follow up to the Youth Hockey Association request at the
last Park and Recreation Commission meeting, I understand that
Park Superintendent, Phil Hals, will have some information to
present . The information will relate to the cost of fencing
at the south end of the outdoor hockey rinks at the hockey
arena area and possibly a more economical alternative to the
chain link fence proposal requested at the last meeting. I
discussed this issue with the City Council at its 10/29/90
meeting. The Council authorized expenditure of Park and
Recreation funds as deemed appropriate by the Commission for
resolving this issue. This does not mean that the Commission
must finance this improvement, but it does mean that the
Council would not object to the spending of City monies for
this project . The monies are available in the "Other
Improvements" category within the Park budget . This category
is financed through a portion of the landfill tax that is
designated for parks.
0 PARK AND RECREATION DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION. . .Attached for
your information are some comments on a job description from
Commissioners Northway and O'Brien. Also attached are sample
job descriptions from some metro and non-metro communities that
720 Dodge Ave. N.W. Elk River, Minnesota 55330 (612) 441-7420
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are of similar size to Elk River. These job descriptions are
from the Cities of Chanhassen, Savage, Stillwater, New Ulm,
Hutchinson and Northfield.
As you can see by the attached material, there is a wide
variety of activities under the jurisdiction of a Park and
Recreation Director/Coordinator. Each community tailors the
responsibilities of a director to needs of the community and
school district. Almost all of the communities combined their
efforts with the school district in offering recreational
opportunities. Also, almost all of the cities have
responsibilities for park maintenance (street or park
maintenance crew) , but this work is under the jurisdiction of a
park director. Prior to any job description being put
together, the City and School District will have to reach a
clear understanding of future park and recreation
responsibilities and needs for the City and for the School
District.
The attached material is offered for discussion and as examples
in putting together an Elk River Park and Recreation
Director/Coordinator job description. The development of this
description will be difficult as it is anticipated that the
City responsibility in recreation is going to change in the
next year or so. Even if a description is put together and
approved by the City Council, there is still a significant
concern with financing the position. Also, there currently is
no office space available to house such a department at City
Hall . The City "Park and Recreation Department" with a
director is imperative for the full implementation of the
Master Plan; but it is anticipated that this department and
director will evolve somewhat slowly as the City' s
responsibility changes . Continued discussion on this issue is
anticipated at the next few Park and Recreation Commission
meetings .
IMPLEMENTATION OF MASTER PLAN AND 1991 WORK PROGRAM. . .This item
is on the agenda as a continuation of the discussion that took
place at the last Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The
three most identified needs in this area have been adequate
staffing, adequate financing and adequate land. A temporary
solution to some of the staffing needs may be related to
additional help at the Community Education Department of the
School District in order to assist the youth recreation
organizations with administration of the programs (i .e.
registration) . Also, if a school bond referendum is
successful , the solution to the availability of flat, open
recreation land may be a year or so in the future and a
temporary solution will need to be worked on in 1991 . Any
available funding for the staffing, land purchases, or land
improvements will need to be authorized by the City Council.
Limited funds are currently available within the City General
.
Fund Budget and through Park Dedication monies. As previously
noted, the General Fund Budget does include some landfill
monies that are dedicated toward miscellaneous and smaller park
improvements which are not anticipated when the budget is
approved.
STAFF UPDATES. . .Under staff updates it is appropriate for
Charlie and Phil to update the Commission on Fall and Winter
Park and Recreation activities. I also understand that Phil
will be prepared to discuss a park reservation procedure and
policy with the Commission. Additionally, I have discussed the
possibility of a joint meeting with the City Council to discuss
the implementation of the Master Plan and such a joint meeting
is anticipated in early 1991 .
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