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05-01-2019 PRMSpecial Meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission and Elk River Youth Sports Commission Held at the Elk River City Hall Wednesday, May 1, 2019 Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission members, Loidolt, Niziolek, Rathbun, and Williams Members Absent: Commissioners Holmgren and Soltvedt 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 7:02 p.m. by Chair Anderson. 2. Introductions 3. Field Allocation Policy Presentation Mr. Benoit shared Field Allocation Policy stating that a Parks and Recreation commission subcommittee first reviewed and made changes to the policy, and then the commission reviewed the policy and now sharing with the Youth Sports Commission and would like the group to review the policy and provide feedback by June 1, 2019. Highlighting key points:  Purpose of the policy  Priority Group Classifications  Explained the five groups, tonight’s attendees mostly will fall within group three  Community Sports Organizations description Ryan Eason, Elk River Youth Hockey Association, asked if Arena will be in this policy. Mr. Hecker stated no. Ryan Lambertz, Elk River Youth Lacrosse Association, asked about the 83% of Elk River Residents and if residency percentage can be lowered? Mr. Benoit asked what number would be effective for the groups. Council member Wagner shared that the percentage was set to make sure that the Elk River Special Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 May 1, 2019 ----------------------------- associations received first priority over other city youth associations. Commissioner Niziolek suggested looking at what the high school has for a residency percentage and possibly use that same percentage for the youth associations. Mr. Eason stated to consider the idea that an association could fit into one of the criteria’s listed instead of matching all of them. 4. Field Usage Fee Presentation Mr. Hecker shared Field Usage Fee presentation. Chair Anderson encouraged the members to share whatever costs is on their mind. Operating costs are currently paid for by taxpayers, general fund. Amy, Youth Sports Commission Secretary, asked if the fees should be similar to what the district has $3 per registered player. Stephanie Aspbec, Elk River Youth Lacrosse, stated they would have to raise fees to cover the fees charged by city. Mike Breyen, Elk River Strength and Speed Coach, asked are the fees were going to be the same for Elk River association’s vs outside associations. Mr. Eason asked why the arena is run separately and would it be considered to be put into the policy in the future. Council member Wagner stated that arena is an enterprise fund. Commissioner Niziolek stated the Parks and Recreation Commission has not ever been involved in arena business. Chair Anderson stated that the commission does not want to outprice the future generations to be able to afford to play in sports. Mr. Lambertz stated that a one size fee policy may be difficult to pull off for different sports. Council member Wagner asked why the city should charge fees. Mr. Lambertz stated that the users creating the maintenance should pay for it. Special Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 May 1, 2019 ----------------------------- Mr. Eason suggested the idea of based on percentage of use during the year. Is there a way to figure it out to be fair for each sport? Mr. Breyen said that in his experience it is better to pay per player. More cost effective to pay per player. Mr. Hecker shared the Parks 30 year Capital Plan and sharing staff’s recommendations of field rates per day and per day with lights if not at 80% residency and Elk River associations pay $5 per player because they meet priority group requirements. Discussed the participant residency requirements and when this will start. Mr. Breyen suggested that it is an understanding with associations. Chair Anderson shared that commission discussed the idea of what the fees will go towards maintenance or capital. The whole point is investing in our community and children. People invest with time or money. DAAC was built on investment of time to get it done. $5 is similar to district and would like to see it go to capital. Commissioner Niziolek stated that we all want the youth to participate. Mr. Eason asked if the arena commission is looked at as a successful approach. Is how they cover expenses and costs the best way to do things. Mr. Balabon explained what the Arena commission did, reviewed budget, works with Hockey and skating groups. Commissioner Williams shared that the Arena Commission is a totally different group. Council member Wagner asked the group if they believe field sports are different from indoor sports. Different needs for each sport. Jennifer wants to know the why the staff and associations have come up with these numbers. 5. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission work session at 8:19 p.m. Special Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Page 4 May 1, 2019 ----------------------------- Minutes prepared by Tonya Love. ___________________ Dave Anderson, Chair _____________________ Tina Allard, City Clerk