10 PRSR 12-11-2019N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2019\12-11-2019 PRC Packet\Director's Report 12-11-
19.docx
Item: 10
Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: December 11, 2019
Subject: Director’s Report
_______________________________________________________________________
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to collaborations, strategic
planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations.
Park Improvement Fund
Park Improveent Fund projects recommended by the Commission for completion in 2020 were
approved by City Council. They are as follows:
WHHCA Grant Match - $10,000
Volleyball Net Replacements - $5,000
Woodland Trails Project - $90,000
o Portable Well (6 inch) - $20,000
o Trails - $24,000
o Picnic Shelter Pad - $22,000
o Small Shelter Pad - $12,000
o Picnic Tables - $12,000
YAC Dugout Replacement - $150,000
City Council approved the city’s Capital Improvement Plan and 2020 operating budget.
Multipurpose Facility Proposed Rental Fees
Proposed rental fees for the banquet meeting rooms and field house were presented to City Council
at a work session on December 2. The fees wlll be presented to the youth sports organizations at a
special meeting of the Elk River Youth Athletic Association on December 18.
Naming Rights RFP
The city is seeking consulting services to provide the service and guidance necessary to acquire a
naming rights agreement for the new multipurpose facility. The selected provider will be tasked with
developing and implementing a strategic plan to identify the number and market value of
user/visitor impressions, develop pricing packages, marketing materials and strategies, solicit
potential naming-rights clients as well as assist in negotiating a naming client agreement. Proposals
have been sent to potential consultants and are posted on the city’s website. Proposal need to be
submitted by 4 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2020.
N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2019\12-11-2019 PRC Packet\Director's Report 12-11-19.docx
Congratulations Steve Benoit
Steve Benoit has been awarded the MRPA Jack Niles Award. Over 900 members from municipal,
county and state agencies comprise the MRPA membership. The MRPA Professional Awards
program recognizes individuals for outstanding achievements in parks and recreation and this award
is one of the professional awards given out annually. Steve will be recognized at the MRPA Annual
awards banquet in January.
Parks Maintenance Employee
Park Maintenance Employee Shane Fisher resigned November 4. He accepted a shop supervisor
position in Blaine. He had two certifications- playground inspections and a CPO Certified Pool
Operator (water fountain inspector). Tim Sevcik is currently training two different park
maintenance employees for the playground inspector and CPO requirements. The CPO will be
especially important and required for the new splash pad at Orono Park.
Hunting Ordinances
A resident spoke at a recent City Council Open Forum regarding possible conflicts in our hunting
ordinances. Staff has reviewed the hunting ordinance and it appears some ambiguity exists related to
parks and the WHHCA. Police Chief Nierenhausen is reviewing all city ordinances pertaining to
hunting and will present updates to the City Council in early 2020. We will keep the commission
informed on the updates.
Shiver Elk River
The Elk River Area Chamber announced late last month they intend to discontinue the Shiver Elk
River event usually held in February at Orono Park. They stated it did not serve their mission and
have encourage the Sherburne County Area United Way to continue the polar plunge as a non-profit
fundraiser for the community.
Active Elk River Construction at YAC
Underground utilities for the field lighting at YAC are completed for the six ballfields. The Musco
installers are waiting for deeper frost to begin installing the light poles. The field lighting project is
still on track to be completed by early 2020. Pricing for the playground and dugouts are completed
and will be presented to City Council for approval at the December 16 meeting.
Active Elk River Construction at Ice Arena
Wow! If you have not noticed by now, most of the walls and roof are now up and on the two new ice
rinks allowing for construction to continue through the winter months. November 12 was the first girls’
high school game with Maple Grove. Many indicated the arena and staff performed well with the
physical and operational modifications and there didn’t appear to any noticeable inconveniences for
participants or spectators due to the renovation. Stay posted on all of the construction progress by
visiting www.ActiveElkRiver.com
Advisory Boards and Commissions Enabling Ordinances
City Council had a work session November 18 to discuss the desire, need or future direction for the
following commissions/boards: Heritage Preservation Commission, Library Board, and Arena
Commission. Members are invited to attend the December 16 City Council work session to further
discuss their direction.