01-23-19 PRMSpecial Meeting of the Elk River Parks and
Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission members Ahlness, Niziolek, Rathbum,
Soltvedt, and Williams
Members Absent: Commission member Holmgren
Council Liaison: Ms. Wagner
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hecker, Recreation Manager Steve
Benoit, Street and Park Superintendent Tim Sevcik, and Recreation
Coordinator, Tonya Love
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special meeting of the Elk River Parks and
Recreation Commission was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Anderson.
2. Discuss and Recommend Changes to the Woodland Trails Master Plan
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Members reviewed the three maps, original master plan, WSB topographical survey layout
and amended map by committee.
Mr. Hecker stated the topographical survey caused the access trail to go farther north and
will increase the cost.
Chair Anderson shared how the original map was laid out and that the WTRPGC met at
park and came up with the idea to move the amenities to the northwest of the parking lot
and picnic shelter east of the pond. Committee wanted to use “clouds” to designate where
the components could be located, this will allow that there will be ample space for the
amenities. Excluded the Nature Play area on the west of the trail to keep it out of the sight
line of the Nature Center views.
Commissioner Williams asked what the cost changes would be.
Mr. Hecker stated that consultant stated that moving the lights would increase the cost,
along with the bituminous trail would add 60,000. If it was aggregate staff would not be
able to move snow, class 2 would be 23,000 for the entire yellow trail.
Mr. Sevcik shared the costs of trails and share.
Mr. Hecker recommended commission to find funds for the trails from another source,
grant would cover trail and playground.
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2
January 23, 2019
-----------------------------
Chair Anderson stated the trail cost could be less the estimated presented if trail is shorter.
Commissioner Soltvedt asked what is against the original master plan?
Chair Anderson shared that the golf course range is right behind and balls coming off
flying into that area.
Mr. Soltvedt asked about the existing prairie on hill and would that be impacted by moving
locations.
Chair Anderson stated that it would not be impacted.
Mr. Soltvedt asked if the golf course should be liable to screen for the flying golf balls.
Commission reviewed the original master plan to understand the layout the WTRPGC
suggested change.
Mr. Soltvedt suggested doing a bituminous trail due to people doing biking, rollerblading
etc.
Mr. Soltvedt site location is apples to apples. Anything we do outside the grant we would
have to find the funding for it, there would be a tradeoff for it.
Chair Anderson stated we would have similar costs with either design.
Mr. Soltvedt as long as we can maintain it and the cost doesn’t go up, if we can keep the
amount of amenities and sacrificing the project that is apples to apples.
Mr. Hecker stated that the nature center is the anchor although it is not part of the project
scope.
Mr. Soltvedt stated that anything up on top of a hill is more challenging.
Mr. Sevcik stated that if the anticipated use is also for winter play at playground than we
would need to go bituminous trail due to plowing. Class 2 will increase maintenance cost
down the road due to seeds sprouting weeks within the trail.
Chair Anderson stated that WSB refers to bituminous trail, nature play area is extended
south so it could be accessed by current trail.
Commissioner Williams asked if we adopt this and the cost goes up what happens.
Chair Anderson stated the commission needs to adopt something tonight and that
committee needs to move onto the elements.
Commissioner Niziolek emphasized that the playground would be right next to the
existing trail.
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
January 23, 2019
-----------------------------
Commissioner Soltvedt asked why shelter is proposed to move south
Chair Anderson stated the Police Chief shared due to safety and sight line it would be
better in the south.
Council member Wagner asked if the change is adopted tonight then it will go the council,
and will want the costs to be presented. So the original plan is still on the table until the
council decides which to approve. The costs will need to be laid out clearly for council so
they can make a decision.
Commissioner Williams, agree with Commissioner Soltvedt that he would not want the
extra cost to come out of park budget due to all the other stuff we maintain.
Commissioner Soltvedt said this is a regional trail and we could go back for more money.
Commissioner Ahlness agrees with moving away from golf.
Moved by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt to
accept the Woodland Trails Regional Park Grant Committees proposed change to
the Woodland Trails Regional Park Master Plan with the condition that any
additional costs do not come out of either the Park Improvement Fund or Park
Dedication Fund. Motion carried 6-0.
3. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Parks and Recreation Commission work session at 7:21 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tonya Love.
___________________
Dave Anderson, Chair
_____________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk