10 PRSR 02-12-2020 Memorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: February 12, 2020
Subject: Director’s Report
This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to recent collaborations, strategic
planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations.
New Park Maintenance Worker
City Council approved the hiring of Jared DeBoer to the position of Park Maintenance Worker.
Staff went to market to fill the position vacated by Shane Fisher. We received 101 applications and
interviewed six candidates. Jared was a seasonal laborer in parks for the past two years. He worked
as a laborer, foreman and production manager at Septic Check in Milaca and prior to that, co-owned
a landscaping business.
Phil Barsody Retirement
Parks Maintenance Worker Phil Barsody has officially provided his notice to retire this June. In our
recruitment for Jared’s position, we had multiple candidates that we feel would be a good fit for
Phil’s position. We have several projects going on this spring and the temporary extra body would
be a great help and assist with getting him/her up to speed. The City Council agreed to allow an
early hire to replace Phil since we had such strong candidates.
Naming Rights RFP
City Council requested interviews with two of the consultant proposals that were submitted for
naming rights. The interviews will be on February with the following schedule:
Wednesday, February 12, 2020, City Council Special Meeting
4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. First Interview – The Superlative Group
5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Second Interview – Front Burner
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Discussion
Item: 10
Annual Board and Commission Appreciation Dinner
A reminder the annual Appreciation Dinner is Thursday, February 20 at Rockwood’s Banquet
Center. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm. RSVP’s were needed by February 6.
Active Elk River Park Improvements
Chair Dave Anderson requested at the January meeting a timeline of the Active Elk River park
improvements, especially Orono Park. The project timeline approved by City Council is attached
Staff is currently preparing a Request for Proposals to obtain the services of a design firm with park
design, landscaping and construction planning/administration experience. The proposals will need
to be submitted by April.
It is expected the Orono Park construction including the parking lots shall commence spring of
2021. We are estimating construction to be completed late 2021. The Active Elk River Orono Park
Improvements to make this signature park complete include the following:
Reconfigured parking lots and utilities
Skate Park designed by Spohn Ranch
Park pavilion restrooms
Splash pad
Pickleball courts
Basketball courts
The YAC project improvements include athletic field lights restrooms, storage building and a
playground. The athletic field lights and playground are currently underway. It is expected that this
project be completed by the end of this year, pending construction schedules.
Woodland Trails Regional Park Nature Play and Shelter Project RFP
Bid for the Woodland Trails Nature Play and shelter project need to be submitted by Thursday,
March 5. WSB will oversee the bids and construction administration. The City Council will consider
award of contract at their regular meeting on March 16. Work on this project must be substantially
completed by August 14, 2020.