10-07-2020 PRMMeeting of the Elk River Parks and
Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Members Present: Chair Williams, Commission members Anderson, Holmgren,
Loidolt, Niziolek, Rathbun, and Soltvedt
Council Liaison: Ms. Wagner
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Hecker 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 6:31 p.m. by Chair Williams.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Consider 10/07/2020 Agenda
Mr. Hecker added Item 7.3 Mississippi Oaks Trail
Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Loidolt
to approve the October 7, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
agenda with the addition of Item 7.3. Motion carried 7-0.
4.1 Consider 09/09/2020 Regular PRC Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Soltvedt and seconded by Commissioner Rathbun
to approve the following September 9, 2020 Parks and Recreation
Commission Minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Open Forum - None
6. Presentations - None
7.1 Elk Ridge Estates Park Dedication
Mr. Hecker read his staff report.
Commissioner Niziolek asked to narrow down the exact location to a crossing to
Camp Cozy Park and do not want to lose an opportunity to create a trail leading
there.
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2
October 7, 2020
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Commissioner Anderson stated that this site would be problematic to the north, the
current suggested location.
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren
to recommend to City Council to accept staff recommendations that Park
Dedication for Elk Ridge Estates be paid in the form of cash for 25 dwelling
units at the City Council established rate when the subdivision is released for
recording. Motion carried 7-0.
7.2 Park Improvement Fund 2021
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Chair Williams stated that the basketball court is a popular court and highly used.
Commission Anderson asked about the paved trails at Woodland Trails Regional
Park and that the surface is deteriorating and should keep this issue on the list.
Commissioner Loidolt stated that the Dave Anderson Athletic Complex needs to be
looked at and has been overlooked for too long as it was built 30 years ago.
Commissioner Niziolek would like to look at use of Deerfield and Ridgewood
basketball courts before making hasty decisions to replace in a few years.
Commissioner Rathbun agrees with Commissioner Anderson that the Woodland
Trails Regional Park trails are in bad shape.
Commissioner Anderson asked if a funding source could come up with for trail
maintenance.
Mr. Hecker stated they are working with the county to get the trail as far north as we
can go, and they are applying for regional trail status which we may benefit from
that.
Moved by Commissioner Soltvedt and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek
to recommend to City Council to approve the proposed 2021 Park
Improvement Fund. Motion carried 7-0.
7.3 Mississippi Oaks Trail
Mr. Hecker shared that the City Council asked this item to be brought to the
Commission as it had been presented to City Council at a worksession looking for
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
October 7, 2020
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direction regarding a request to deed a section of the trail to the city. The trail has
been maintained by the city however, the ownership was not transferred to the city
when the development was completed.
Commissioner Holmgren asked if there would be any additional costs.
Mr. Hecker stated there would not be additional cost in maintenance but there would
be in replacing the trail. The maintenance of city trails was discussed.
Commission discussed the following asking for more information:
1. Clarify the ownership of each section of the trail.
2. What is the easement of the trail?
3. Are all trail owners interested in transferring trail to city or just the one?
4. Why does the city maintain a trail it does not own?
No motion, tabled for more information
8.1 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Format
Mr. Hecker read his staff report.
Commission members discussed and agreed to continuing to hold virtual meetings.
8.2 Bison at William H. Houlton Conservation Area
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Commissioner Soltvedt shared there are some places in the area that are using a local
bison rancher to have in season to help with management of prairie.
Commissioner Anderson stated that they would need to see if it would be in
compliance with the state.
Commissioner Holmgren asked if there would be a fence put up? Can that be done?
Commissioner Anderson does not like the idea of a fence.
Commissioner Niziolek does not believe a fence would fare well in a flood plain.
Chair Williams asked staff to bring back to commission with more information in
January.
Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4
October 7, 2020
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9. Active Elk River Update
Mr. Hecker shared an update regarding Orono Park plan drawings and YAC
schematic plans.
10. Parks and Recreation Director Update
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report, adding that new planks were added to the boat
launch at Orono Lake since it was drawn down.
11. Announcements - None
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Williams adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Parks and Recreation Commission at 8:05 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tonya Love.
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David Williams, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk