05-08-2019 PR MIN City of Meeting of the Elk River Parks and
OlkRecreation Commission
River Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission members Holmgren,Loidolt,Niziolek, and
Rathbun
Members Absent: Commissioner Members Williams and Soltvedt
Council Liaison: Ms. Wagner
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker, Street and Park
Superintendent,Tim Sevcik,Recreation Coordinator,Tim Dalton, and
Recreation Coordinator,Tonya Love
I. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to duie call and notice thereof,the meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation
Commission was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by Chair Anderson.
2. Consider 05/08/1 9 Agenda
• Mr. Hecker would like to change 5.1 to 5.3 and 5.2 to 5.4 and add Items 5.1 Rivers Edge
Commons Park Dock and Item 5.2 Spectrum High School Ice Rink.
Commissioner Niziolek would like to discuss the Great Northern Trail grade separation for
the trail and road that crosses just south of garbage dump,with the work being done, and
would like to add to June agenda.
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren to
approve the May 8, 2019 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting agenda with the
staff changes. Motion carried 5-0.
3.1 Consider 04/10/2019 Regular PRC Minutes and Work Session Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Rathbun and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek to
approve the following April 10,2019 Regular Parks and Recreation Commission
minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
3.2 Consider 05/01/19 Special PRC Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek to approve
the following May 1,2019 Special Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. Motion
11111 carried 5-0.
Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 ID
May 8,2019
4. Open Forum — None
5.1 Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report. Currently getting a property survey completed,as the dock
would go directly behind McCoy's Irish Pub.
Shannon Tatro, 13532 178th Ave. shared that the dock is a modular system,would run parallel
to shoreline and shared how the docks are connected to an arm system that are anchored in
the shore and that it is ADA accessible.
Randy Tesdahl, 16892 Yale St. shared his history, stating this is an opportunity to take
recreation to the next step as the healing powers of the water is incredible. Stating this will
provide citizens accessibility to fishing and recreating on the water.
Jim Petters,Elk River resident, 13854 Riverview Dr. canoeist, swimmer and kayaker. Stated
that the only obstacle is that it is troublesome getting out of canoe or kayak in downtown Elk
River and this dock would also be able to include many more residents to enjoy the river.
David Ruecket, 17812 Concord Ct., shared his experience with difficulty of getting out of 11111
canoe/kayak in downtown Elk River and supports this dock.
Mr. Sevcik stated that there are logistical challenges to getting the dock in and out of the river
and will need to explore if volunteers can help install.
Mr. Tatro and Mr. Tesdahl shared their willingness to secure fundraising to pay for the dock
which would then be owned by the city.
Commission discussed budget and city property and having staff tour how the City of Anoka
installs its docks on the river.
Mr. Tesdahl shared he would work very hard in working with the businesses in Elk River to
raise money for this project.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren to
recommend to City Council to encourage the community to create a dock for
downtown that is accessible to all and for staff to work with volunteers for fundraising
for the dock. Motion carried 5-0.
P-11111111 IT
NATURE0
a
• Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
May 8,2019
5.2 Spectrum High School Ice Rink
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Dan DeBruyn, Spectrum High School shared that the school wants to use their resources for
the community and with the demand for more outdoor rinks with boards and the arena being
down one sheet of ice during construction having a rink on their property will help.
Ryan Eason, 14375 244th Ave. Elk River Youth Hockey, shared the association is interested in
more information and possibly partnering with the project.
Chair Anderson asked what the average days of ice in last 5 years for outdoor rinks.
Mr. Sevcik said 60 days is average.
Mr. Hecker shared that finance stated that this project should come out of park improvement
fund.
Commissioner Niziolek stated that city should invest in Handke pit.
41111 Commissioner Holmgren agreed with Handke pit and it is important to work with Spectrum.
Commissioner Loidolt agreed with Holmgren and would like to see more research into how
the city can partner with Spectrum High School.
Commissioner Rathbun supports the concept and plan, and look at moving forward while
being sensitive to our current projects.
Chair Anderson stated he is not ready to recommend that type of spending without a more
complete picture of the project.
Following this project along however, cannot commit the funds.
Mr. DeBruyn clarified if Spectrum High School came up with funds with possibly other
groups and that the rinks at Lion John Weicht Park and Kliever Lake Fields are closing down
that there would be no additional costs to city maintenance as the others are closing. Stating he
would like to share that the commission is supportive of project if they come up with funding
to his board.
POVIENEI IT
• NATURE
Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4
May 8,2019
Mr. Sevcik shared 2017-18 outdoor rinks budget. To take that cost and transfer it to Spectrum
High School rink would be about the same until Spectrum High School wants game playing
ice like at the arena that will cost more.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek to consider moving$10,000 towards rink
maintenance if they provide the resources to make rink happen. No second.
Chair Anderson stated it is too early to make a motion and will need more information.
5.3 Park Dedication —Tall Pines 2nd
Mr. Dalton shared his staff report.
Commission discussed where the access to each lot would be.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren to
recommend to City Council to accept park dedication for the Tall Pines 2nd to be paid
for 30 dwelling units at the rate applicable when the subdivision is released for
recording if council allows use. This will be $1,075.79/lot at the 2019 medium density
rate. Motion carried 4-1. •
5.4 Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren to
recommend that the Parks and Recreation Commission recite the Pledge of Allegiance
at each regular meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
6.1 Lion John Weicht Park Master Plan
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report. Sharing that City Council approved bids on Monday May 6,
2019. Due to the wetlands needing to be enlarged the shape will be changed to an Elk shape.
Chair Anderson asked who will maintain the softball fields.
Mr. Hecker stated that maintenance is still being worked out with the school district.
Commissioner Holmgren asked if there will be netting since the fields are so close.
[ 1 / EIEI sr
NATURE
Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5
1110 May 8,2019
Mr. Hecker stated there is netting but not clear on how extensive.
Mr. Hecker also shared that the basketball courts are being used with the new lights and that
the Elk River Lions Club is working with the Boys and Girls Club to add on to their building
to do rentals.
Mr. Hecker stated that there are other improvements to consider within the park,trails and
lighting, 9-hole disc golf course, connections to future developments, sledding hill and Boys
and Girls Club possible expansion and the Lions Club would like to be a part of the process.A
bid will go out to help with the planning process. Staff would like to know what is important
to commission members.
Chair Anderson asked what the timeline of the project will be and if it can be a work session
of its own.
Mr. Hecker suggested adding it to the work session on May 15.
Commissioner Niziolek added that there should be walking loops at park.
Chair Anderson requested putting this item on agenda for May 15 work session.
111
6.2 Field Allocation Policy
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.Asking what the commission would recommend for
residency rate?
Chair Anderson requests current residency of all associations and what the high schools
residency rate is.
Commissioner Holmgren is good with 80%residency.
Commissioner Rathbun suggested meeting 3 of the 4 criteria if residency rate is not met.
6.3 William H. Houlton Conservation Area and Bailey Point Nature Preserve
Activities and Update
Chair Anderson shared the plan is the restore vegetation to pre settlement. Bailey Point Nature
Preserve has a natural restoration plan and is listed on the city website.
William H. Houlton Conservation Area steward, Hal Stewart shared he is looking to grow
11111
NATURE
Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 6 IIIMay 8,2019
awareness of the friends group to have high impact and low dollar. Identify things that can be
done down the road with planning and funding. Communication is being stepped up;
WHHCA has a Facebook page,regular scheduled maintenance events, and working with city
staff to share tools and materials.
7. Parks and Recreation Director Update
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Chair Anderson asked if the reseeding along the Great Northern Trail will be done with native
soils and seeding instead of grass. Wondering how much disruption will be done to the trail,
will it be small patches, and how that will affect the integrity of the trail in the future. Can this
be on June agenda to hear about it in more detail and how it will work,want the result
Commissioner Niziolek mentioned that the parking lot is in the area of a possible highway
connection and need to plan for a trail grade change. Safe access to this site and if there is
grade separation between the trail and the road in the future. Stating this will be very
significant 20 years from now.
Chair Anderson is surprised there will not be curbing in the parking lot and wondered why.
Lastly, asking if Justin Femrite can attend the June Commission meeting to answer theIII
commission members'questions.
Chair Anderson also asked about the retention pond and hash marks on the map,if fencing
going to be required at that location.
8. Announcements
Commissioner Holmgren talked about the Lion John Weicht Park Memorial garden and that
he has secured donations for supplies.
9. Adjourn to Work session
There being no further business, Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Parks and Recreation Commission at 9:18 p.m.
10. Work session
The work session meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission was called to
FIVEIE1 IT III
NA RE
• Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 7
May 8,2019
order at 9:25 p.m. by Chair Anderson.
I0.1 Flag Poles
Mr. Hecker shared current flag pole locations within the city, downtown,activity center, fire
departments,maintenance facility, city hall,library, and memorial garden in Lion John Weicht
Park. Sharing that the designer of the park stated the best location for a flag pole would be
next to the shelter due to underground utilities that are present in other areas of the park.
Commission members discussed the installation and maintenance costs of a flag pole,if solar
lights were an option and landscaping. Members agreed that a 40 foot pole would be best for
next to the shelter.
Issues discussed
• Having the flag and pole in upper plaza area would mean the flag is behind the
ceremony
• How many other and what types of events would use the flag at this particular location
• Flags in other parks or athletic fields
• Build an Veterans Memorial in one of the other existing parks
• o How would be a Veterans Memorial park be built
o Selling bricks
o Would the community passion for a flag pole turn into a Veterans Memorial
park determined by community input
o Encourage formation of a community group and consider expanding memorial
garden at Lion John Weicht Park
o Investigate the future plans of the Veteran Memorial located on Highway 10
between Oxford Avenue and Norfolk Avenue
Commissions' consensus regarding the issue of installing a flag pole in city parks including
Rivers Edge Commons Park is to explore the creation of a Veterans Memorial in Elk River
and site the flag pole at that location to be determined.
10.2 Picnic Pavilion Designs
Mr. Hecker shared staff report.
Chair Anderson shared what committee looked at for Woodland Trails Regional Park shelter.
Commission discussed what design features they would like in shelters, agreeing to red roof,
black frame, field stone columns and Elk River and elk in the arch area as standard designs.
NATURE
Parks&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 8 •
May 8,2019
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Parks and Recreation Commission work session at 10:48 p.m.
Minutes prep ed o Love.
•';
Dave Anderson,Chair
Tina Allard, City Clerk
41)
i11E1E1 1r 41110
[NATUREJ