01-14-2015 PR MIN • City of Meeting of the Elk River Parks and
El �►••� Recreation Commission
� Held at the Elk River City Hall
River Wednesday,January 14, 2015
Members Present: Chair Anderson,Commission members Ahlness,Niziolek,Nystrom,
Kallemeyn,and Sagan
Members Absent: Commissioner Holmgren
Council Liaison: Ms.Wagner
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker,Park Planner Chris
Leeseberg,Recreation Manager,Steve Benoit,and Recreation
Coordinator,Tonya Love
I. 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 01/14/15 Agenda
Mr. Hecker tabled Item 6.1 Park Steward and replaced it with the 2015 Commission
meetings calendar.
Moved by Commissioner Ahlness and seconded by Commissioner Sagan to
approve the January 14,2015, agenda. Motion carried 6-0.
3. Consider Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Kallemeyn and seconded by Commissioner Ahlness
to approve the following December 3,2014 Parks and Recreation Work
Session Commission Minutes. Motion carried 6-0.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom
to approve the following December 10,2014 Parks and Recreation
Commission Minutes. Motion carried 6-0.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Ahlness to
approve the following December 10,2014 Parks and Recreation Work Session
Commission Minutes. Motion carried 6-0.
4. Open Forum
Bonnie Schmidt, 12495 225th Ave. Elk River, spoke to commission about the need
• for a trail connection from the Great Northern Trail along 221'Ave. to Ridges of
Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2
January 14,2015
Rice Lake. Stating she would like to see it at the top of the priority list due to the
amount of traffic.
Mr. Hecker shared a statement from the current neighborhood association president
stating that the majority of neighbors do not want trails connected.
Commissioner Anderson stated safety of everyone in our parks is a concern for all of
us and allocating resources we have.
Mr. Hecker shared that the road will not be worked on or improved for at least
another five years.
5. Park/Program Highlight
Mr. Benoit shared Downtown Santa in the Park event.
6. Action Items
6.1 Kliever Marsh Park- Park Steward Pat Roles
Item tabled until February commission meeting and replaced with meeting calendar.
6.1 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting calendar
•
Mr. Hecker shared the calendar and stated that November has no meeting due to a
holiday.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom
to accept the 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting calendar.A
decision will be made in October if a special meeting is needed in November
2015 based on workload. Motion carried 6-0.
6.2 Major Park Use - Lion John Weicht Park
Mr.Benoit presented his staff report.
Maggie Parish of Great River Family Promise; serves homeless children and families
in the Elk River community. 14 families were served in 2014 and the group is
continuously raising awareness of their organization. This event will raise money for
the organization to continue to help serve homeless families. Entertainment and
games will be a part of the event along with an overnight for people to sleep over in
the park.
Commissioner Niziolek requested having a night time storm provision plan.
Commissioner Anderson stated that the group is working hard and great to see.
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January 14,2015
Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner Sagan to
recommend to City Council to accept staff recommendation to approve Major
Park Use of Lion John Weicht Park for overnight fundraiser event. Motion
carried 6-0.
7. Parks and Recreation Director Report
Mr. Hecker presented his staff report.
Commissioner Anderson shared that there is statewide excitement regarding the
acquisition of the Houlton farm property.
8. Division Manager's Reports
Mr. Benoit presented his staff report.
9. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update
Mr. Hecker presented his staff report.
10. Announcements
Commissioner Anderson met with Sergeant Dummer discussing the possibility of
deer hunting in a few of our parks to control the deer population. Stating he would
like to have this as an item on the February Commission meeting.
I I. Adjourn to Work Session
There being no further business, Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Parks a t ;recreation Commission at 7:07 p.m.
Minus prepar, by .n . .,ove.
Dave Anderson,Chair
Tina Allard,City Clerk
� owE # EI of
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