08-12-2020 PRMMeeting of the Elk River Parks and
Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Members Present: Chair Williams, Commission members Anderson, Loidolt, Niziolek,
Rathbun, and Soltvedt
Members Absent: Commissioner Holmgren
Council Liaison: Ms. Wagner
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Hecker, Senior Planner,
Chris Leeseberg, 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 6:36 p.m. by Chair Williams.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Consider 08/12/2020 Agenda
Mr. Hecker added Item 7.4 188th Avenue ROW – Island View Neighborhood Trail
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Rathbun to
approve the August 12, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
agenda with the addition of Item 7.4. Motion carried 6-0.
4.1 Consider 07/08/2020 Regular PRC Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt
to approve the following July 8, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Open Forum - None
6. Presentations - None
7.1 Copart YAC Land Swap
Mr. Hecker read his staff report.
Commissioner Soltvedt asked about the holding pond being expanded? If it can stay
in current position it will save costs in the long run. Will the 8ft screening fence will
run the whole southern boundary.
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August 12, 2020
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Commissioner Anderson stated he wants to make sure the new space is suitable for
building all the amenities.
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt to
recommend to City Council land swap land between Copart and the City of
Elk River. Motion carried 6-0.
7.2 Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Commissioner Soltvedt asked if they will be paying for the life of dock or just the
first year and will there be a group to pay for the annual costs?
Mr. Hecker shared staff is looking for volunteers to pay for yearly costs.
Commissioner Anderson shared that it is a great project for city, but there will need
to be a formal agreement by the group from the community to pay for it.
Mr. Hecker asked commission if they are okay with dock and placement and
volunteers securing the full funding.
Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Chair Williams to
recommend to City Council to approve the proposed concept dock to the
Rivers Edge Commons park with the understanding that the initial
installation and annual installation of a dock at Rivers Edge Commons Park
be paid for from community donations. Motion carried 5-0.
7.3 Bailey Point Nature Preserve Portable Toilet
Commissioner Anderson shared that the neighborhood and BPNP Steward thought
it would be best to take the portable toilet out.
Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek
to permanently remove the portable toilet from Bailey Point Nature Preserve
pending other action. Motion carried 5-0.
7.4 188th Avenue ROW – Island View Neighborhood Trail
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
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August 12, 2020
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Commissioner Anderson stated we are waiting for volunteers to organize to maintain
the trail.
Moved by Commissioner Soltvedt and seconded by Chair Williams to
recommend the ROW at 188th Avenue in the Island View neighborhood be
maintained by volunteers and not by city staff. Motion carried 5-0.
8.1 Eagle Scout Project Signs
Commissioner Anderson shared that he has worked with Eagle Scouts for the past
25 years and it seems the investment into these projects is forgotten. They are a huge
part of building our community and should have a formal sign for each project.
Chair Williams asked how many signs.
Commissioner Anderson said about 50, start with current projects and work
backwards.
8.2 Athletic Field and Parkland Analysis
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Commissioner Soltvedt asked if current master plans could be used to get dollar
analysis to build out system as planned. How many requests do we get that are not
accommodated?
Chair Williams stated we need to compare facilities of what is around us.
Commission discussed doing the analysis in house with staff.
Commissioner Soltvedt asked to keep in context the school fields as those service
the community as well as city fields.
8.3 Orono Park Plans
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Commissioner Anderson asked if this could be a work session meeting.
A date for a special meeting will be set up.
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9. Active Elk River Update
Mr. Hecker shared an update regarding Lion John Weicht Park and the Multipurpose
Facility.
10. Parks and Recreation Director Update
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report, asking if commission would like to name the
woodland trails amenities, nature play area, archery range, and pavilion.
Commissioner Anderson asked about naming the amenities to build ownership of
the park.
Commissioner Niziolek suggested the park open first to let people experience it.
Ideas for naming will be presented by staff at future commission meetings.
11. Announcements - None
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Williams adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Parks and Recreation Commission at 9:12 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tonya Love.
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David Williams, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk