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01-09-19 PRMMeeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission Held at the Elk River City Hall Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission members Ahlness, Holmgren, Niziolek, Rathbun, Soltvedt, and Williams Council Liaison: Ms. Wagner Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Hecker, Recreation Manager Steve Benoit, and Recreation Coordinator Tonya Love 1. 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 01/09/19 Agenda Moved by Commissioner Soltvedt and seconded by Commissioner Ahlness to approve the January 9, 2019 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting agenda. Motion carried 7-0. 3.1 Consider 12/12/18 Regular PRC Minutes Moved by Commissioner Soltvedt and seconded by Commissioner Williams to approve the following December 12, 2018 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. Motion carried 7-0. 4. Open Forum Paul Beckerman 19751 York St. thanked the commission for all the good work and efforts on Woodland Trails Regional Park. Saw plans to consider oak blight and would like to see that work continued and wondered if there is a need for in-kind work from residents he is willing to contribute sharing that the park is beautiful. Chair Anderson stated that we need to address specifically to preserve that forest that is adjacent to the Great Northern Trail and add to future meeting. 5. Action Items 5.1 2019 Commission Meeting Calendar Mr. Hecker shared his staff report. Commissioner Niziolek asked to change October 9 to October 16. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 January 9, 2019 ----------------------------- Chair Anderson stated that the meeting should be kept on October 9 to not affect other meetings. Moved by Commissioner Ahlness and seconded by Commissioner Williams to accept staff recommendation to approve the 2019 meeting calendar. Motion carried 7-0. 5.2 Park Dedication – Amborn Addition Mr. Benoit presented his staff report. Ms. Amborn, 13432 Meadowvale Rd. shared that they were not aware of the trail easement and asked when the Master Trail Plan would be completed. Chair Anderson stated that the commission wants to make sure that opportunities are not lost when property becomes available. The Commission is looking for connectivity within the city to travel safely, there is no timetable for the trails because it is a significant investment; the city is trying to preserve a corridor. In this case it is an easement for a trail. Ms. Amborn, is familiar with the neighborhood and is a huge supporter of parks, however, looking at the map does not see feasibility of building on Meadowvale Road. Sharing they have given a lot when they first purchased the property and do not see how more land could be gained for easements when there are homes already in place. Chair Anderson discussed how if this is not something we do now; we often lose out on opportunities in the future. This gives the city an opportunity to build a trail on land easement or on the side of the street. Council member Wagner stated that the council had asked the commission to put together a trail master plan because it is a top priority for the community. There isn’t a plan to build any trail now without money; it is just an easement. Stating that the Commission identifies where the trails are put. Ms. Amborn, asked what is the feasibility of all the homes on Lander St. having a trail easement added and requests that the commission take the easement when the rest of the block is acquired and believes getting the trail easement could be done later in the future. Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Williams to accept staff recommendation that park dedication for the Amborn Addition plat to be paid for four dwelling units at the rate applicable when the subdivision is released for recording. Supporting the City Council in requiring a 30 foot wide trail easement along the entire western property line of the subject property. Motion carried 7-0. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 January 9, 2019 ----------------------------- 6. Discussion Items 6.1 Parks and Recreation By-laws Mr. Hecker presented his staff report. 7. Parks and Recreation Director Update Mr. Hecker shared that the Lion John Weicht Park bandshell will be torn down on Friday this week due to it being unsafe with extensive damage along with the removal of the benches. Also, rentals at Lions Park Center will be taken through May and staff is already working with groups for alternate rental sites. Mr. Hecker stated he would like to look at the Lion John Weicht Park Master Plan for facility fees. Also stating that the Orono Park skate park will need to be reviewed and consultant has been paid for the design and may be one of the first things to be constructed. Referendum construction will probably start 2020. Staff is still working with Spectrum HS regarding a future ice rink. Wayfinding program has been installing the new signs for our parks. Chair Anderson asked if we are looking at skate park design. Mr. Benoit stated that Sphon Ranch has updated the design based on the location of the pond that was created by MN Department of Transportation when Highway 10 and bridge were rebuilt. 8.1 Recreation Manager’s Update Mr. Benoit presented his staff report. Mr. Benoit also presented his power point on the Holiday Bingo Party in December at the Activity Center. 9. Announcements Council member Wagner asked if 5.2 will go to planning next and that it would be helpful to show the 30 foot easement on a graphic, and how it effects the other easements. Second, asking staff to send a Master Trail Plan to Lori Amborn. Council member Wagner stated we shouldn’t start the Lion John Weicht Park Master Plan until after we know about funding for the referendum from the state legislature. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 January 9, 2019 ----------------------------- Chair Anderson asked if they could discuss it beforehand, so they are not rushed and wondering what the end date for the master plan would be. Council member Wagner asked what is the goal of master plan at Lions John Weicht Park, is it to enhance the rest of the park? Mr. Hecker stated other aspects of the park will be affected by referendum and should be discussed within the master plan. Students in the audience asked to see the Trail Master Plan and asking to clarify what the trail easement means for a land owner. Chair Anderson explained that when land is developed it is the cities opportunity to acquire the trail easement. The commission is a recommending body and city council has final decision and the commission hopes they take their recommendations. Student asked if there is money involved with getting the easement. Council member Wagner shared that there is no money for easements during the Plat process, however afterwards there would be money to purchase it or it could be an additional right of way which is not purchased. Chair Anderson stated that they look at city ordinances when making recommendations. 10. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission work session at 7:31 p.m. Minutes prepared by Tonya Love. ___________________ Dave Anderson, Chair _____________________ Tina Allard, City Clerk