03-11-2020 PRMMeeting of the Elk River Parks and
Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commission members Holmgren, Loidolt, Niziolek,
Rathbun, Soltvedt, and Williams
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 6:38 p.m. by Chair Anderson.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider 03/11/2020 Agenda
Mr. Hecker added Item 9.1 Naming Rights Consultant Interviews with
Commission.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt
to approve the March 11, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
agenda with the addition of Item 9.1 Naming Rights Consultant Interviews.
Motion carried 7-0.
4.1 Consider 02/12/2020 Regular PRC Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren
to approve the following February 12, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren
to elect Commissioner Williams as Chair of Parks and Recreation
Commission. Motion carried 4-3.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Williams
to elect Commissioner Loidolt as Chair of Parks and Recreation Commission.
Motion failed 4-3
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Moved by Commissioner Holmgren and seconded by Commissioner Williams
to elect Commissioner Soltvedt as Vice Chair of Parks and Recreation
Commission. Motion carried 7-0.
6. Open Forum
Andrea Poythress, 13640 Islandview Dr., asked the commission to discuss adding a
biking trail on Meadowvale Road to be able to allow her children to ride their bikes
to nearby parks and the library.
7. Presentations - None
8. Action Items
8.1 Park Dedication – Elk Ridge Center Sixth Addition
Mr. Benoit presented his staff report.
Andy Hughes, Director of Acquisition & Development CommonBond Communities
Commissioner Soltvedt asked about the trails nearby and what the closest parks are
in the area.
Mr. Benoit stated that Ridgweood Park and Highlands Park are the nearest parks.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Rathbun
to recommend to City Council to accept the balance of park dedication for the
plat of Elk Ridge Center Sixth Addition be paid for sixty (60) dwelling units at
the rate applicable when the subdivision is released for recording. Motion
carried 7-0.
8.2 DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant for Orono Park
Mr. Hecker presented his staff report.
Commissioner Soltvedt asked if the grant funds were to offset the Active Elk River
funding.
Mr. Hecker stated that the grant would be used for amenities not listed in Active Elk
River project. Amenities including items like lighting for the courts, parking lot
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pavements and trails, noting that it will not be applied towards skate park and spray
feature.
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren
to recommend to City Council to direct staff to apply for the 2020 Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
for recreation improvements at Orono Park. Motion carried 7-0.
9. Discussion Items
9.1 Naming Rights Consultant Interviews
Mr. Hecker introduced Chris Potenza from Frontburner Sports and Entertainment.
Mr. Potenza introduced himself, Frontburner Sports and Entertainment, will be
selling naming rights to the Multi-purpose Facility. Sharing they are currently in
Phase 1, research phase, marketing value of overall property and assets plan that will
go out to potential partners.
10. Active Elk River Update
Mr. Hecker presented his staff report. Sharing pictures of both the Multi-purpose
facility, Lion John Weicht Park softball field lighting, and Youth Athletic Field
lighting.
11. Parks and Recreation Director Update
Mr. Hecker presented his staff report. Sharing that the annual park steward meeting
was held today at 5:30 p.m. Also, sharing that Spectrum High School approved the
dasher boards for the outdoor hockey rink, and the city will continue with the
agreement that was approved previously.
Mr. Hecker shared an updated timeline for Active Elk River pertaining to Orono
Park which will be in 2021. Commissioners will be involved in process.
12 Recreation Manager’s Update
Mr. Benoit presented his staff report. Highlighting marketing our programs through
Community Ed brochure which will be sent out through the elementary schools in
mid-April.
Commissioner Rathbun asked how the attendance was for the Woodland Trails
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Regional Park Winter Walks event.
Commissioner Anderson shared the March walk brought 25 people and everyone
enjoyed learning about the park.
13. Announcements
Commissioner Anderson shared that the cross-country season has officially closed at
a 103 day season at Woodland Trails Regional Park, skiing programs, winter hiking,
best and busiest season.
Council member Wagner asked about the status of getting new volleyball nets at Salk
Middle School.
Mr. Benoit stated that a meeting will happen to discuss what type or standards to
purchase adding that the district is now adding $1000 toward the standards.
Commissioner Anderson suggested we do a dedication out at YAC with turning on
the lights for the first time in the evening.
Council member thanked Commissioner Anderson for giving so many years of
service and mentorship to boy scouts, other commissioners and community
members.
14. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Williams adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Parks and Recreation Commission at 7:42p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tonya Love.
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David Williams, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk