01-06-2001 PR MIN - SPECIAL
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MEETING NOTES FOR THE
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION RETREAT
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
JANUARY 6, 2001
Members Present:
Chair Kuester; Commissioners Dana Anderson, Dave Anderson,
Huberty, Peterson and Sladek
Members Absent:
Commissioner Reitsma
Staff Present:
Michele McPherson, Director of Planning
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Chair Kuester.
1 . Review 2000 Goals and Obiectives
Set Goals and Obiectives for 2001
The Commission discussed the 2000 goals and determined that a number of goals
had been completed, while some goals would be ongoing but receive less focus
in 2001. The Commission identified the following six goals for 2001:
1.
Develop park identification signage.
. Logo
. Address
. New park names
Create marketing program for parks.
. Logo
. Brochure
. Tag line
Create separate Park and Recreation Department
. Define Commission's new role
Acquire or negotiate for acquisition one property identified as a regional
park.
Develop long-term master plans for ERY AC, Orono, and Woodland Trails
for budgeting and phasing purposes.
Develop resource management strategies.
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2. Review 10-Year Capital Improvement Budqet and Proposed 2001 Expenditures
The Commission reviewed the lO-Year Capital Improvement Budget. In 2000, the
Commission saw a net gain in the park dedication fund of approximately $58,000.
For 2001, the following expenditures are proposed:
. Barrington Park - $24,400
. Riverplace Park - $33,000 (playground and amenities)
. Country Crossing 3rd Park - $6,500
. Deerfield 4 Park - $4,250 (retaining wall and landscaping)
. Unimproved parks - $10,000
Park & Recreation Commission
Meeting Notes
January 6. 2001
Page 2
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The Commission also discussed including funds to develop a park information
brochure or park and trail map that could be distributed to the public. They
suggested a budget of approximately $8,000 for design and printing of this
brochure. Also discussed but not included in the budget at this time are
improvements for the Devine Barn. At a minimum, the barn will need to be re-
roofed in 2001 .
Commissioner Dave Anderson stated that he would like to see master plans and
budgets for Orono, Woodland Trails and the Youth Athletic Complex.
3. Review Reaional Park Coalition Work plan
Ms. McPherson stated that only two responses have been received to the letter
sent regarding interest in a regional park coalition. Once adequate responses
have been received, a work plan will be implemented which includes an April
informational kickoff meeting, a meeting in May to identify common goals, and a
meeting in June to identify planning components, a schedule, and future work
plan items.
4.
Discuss Televisina Commission Meetinas
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The Commission reviewed the proposal by staff to begin televising meetings
beginning in May of 2001. The Commission agreed that there were several
advantages to televising the Commission meetings, including clear
communication with the public regarding the Commission's goals and objectives
for park development within the City of Elk River. The Commission was
concerned, however, that less open discussion may occur due to the inhibiting
factor of the presence of the cameras. They were concerned about discussing
issues that may be controversial or sensitive in nature. It was agreed that those
agenda items with an extreme level of sensitivity or controversy would be
scheduled for special workshop meetings for discussion.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HUBERTY AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DAVE
ANDERSON TO BEGIN TELEVISING COMMISSION MEETINGS IN MAY THROUGH
SEPTEMBER OF 2001 WITH AN EVALUATION OF THE PROGRESS AT THE OCTOBER 2001
COMMISSION MEETING. THE MOTION PASSED 5-1. Commissioner Dana Anderson
opposed.
5. Review Proposed Park User Survey
The Commission reviewed the proposed park user survey for Woodland Trails Park,
Youth Athletic Complex, Lions and Orono Park. The Commission suggested that
more responsible and supervised staff should be utilized for the survey. It was
suggested that staff contact professors at St. Cloud State or Mankato for
assistance with this project. The Commission also suggested utilizing other forms
for survey purposes such as The Current, The Internet, suggestion boxes or the
utility bill. A more defined work plan and process will be brought back to the
Commission for future review and discussion.
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Park & Recreation Commission
Meeting Notes
January 6. 2001
Page 3
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Adiournment
Having no other business, the meeting adjourned at 11 :45 a.m.
77:;:tlJ!jf~
Mi~/e: McPherson
Director of Planning