06-03-1998 PR MIN - SPECIAL
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION
COMMISSION/CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 1998
Park/Rec Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson; Commissioners Dave Anderson;
Huberty, Kuester. and Peterson
Park/Rec Members Absent: Commissioners Westrum and Olson
City Council Members Present:
Mayor Duitsman: Council members Thompson and
Holmgren
Staff Present:
Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals; City Administrator Pat Klaers
1. Call Meetina To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special meeting of the Elk River Park
and Recreation Commission and City Council was called to order at 6 p.m. by
Park and Recreation Commission Chair Dana Anderson.
2.
Consider Aaenda
By consensus the agenda was accepted as presented.
3.
Discussion on Community Survev and Public Referendum Options
Bill Morris of Decision Resources, Inc. was present to discuss the results of the
recent Community Survey which his firm completed on behalf of the city of Elk
River. The main purpose of the survey was to determine why the 1997 park and
recreation bond referendum was not successful and to determine whether or
not a 1998 proposal should include or exclude an outdoor pool facility. Bill
indicated that the survey was broken into two parts whereby 100 voters of the
last referendum were randomly selected for the survey as well as 250 citizens
throughout the community.
The results of the survey are summarized in the Executive Summary of Findings
which are attached to these minutes. In general, the response of the citizens
indicated that the referendum failed last year due to a perceived lack of need
and a general feeling of opposition to additional taxes. Furthermore, it is
indicated that passage of a referendum in 1998 will be more difficult since the
passage of the school district referendum last year, however, it was also noted
that the referendum, if it should proceed for outdoor recreation items, should
include a pool. Additionally. the lower the total price tag for the referendum,
the better the chances of success, and therefore Bill indicated that if the
proposal moves forward it should include an outdoor pool, but the total
package should be no more than $2.25 million.
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Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
June 3. 1998
Page 2
The Commission and Council discussed the pros and cons of proceeding in 1998
versus waiting till the year 2000: the option of putting forth two different questions
to the voters: the possible need for a community center issue to move forward in
the near future; and the concem about failing in a second referendum and this
impact on an attempted third referendum in the year 2000. It was noted that
the city would have a greater chance of success with a larger voter tumout and
this larger tumout always happens during the presidential elections.
Discussion took place regarding what could be eliminated from the 1997
proposal which would allow the inclusion of a pool in the 1998 proposal. It was
noted that a lot of ball field related items were included in the 1997 proposal
and that this did not get the supporters (the families of ballplayers) to the polls to
vote. but did get the negative votes to tum out.
The Commission agreed to discuss this issue in more detail at its next meeting on
June 10. 1998. A decision to move forward with a 1998 proposal should be
made before the end of the month.
4. Other Business
No other business was presented.
5.
Adioumment
There being no further business. Chair Dana Anderson adjoumed the meeting at
approximately 7:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
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pat~~
City Administrator