11-04-2020 PRMMeeting of the Elk River Parks and
Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, November 4, 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 6:30 p.m. by Chair Williams.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Consider 10/07/2020 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt to
approve the November 4, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
4.1 Consider 10/07/2020 Regular PRC Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Rathbun and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt
to approve the following October 7, 2020 Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Open Forum - None
6. Presentations - None
7.1 Mississippi Oaks Trail Update
Mr. Hecker read his staff report.
Commissioner Soltvedt asked if the transfer of the section of trail would be a no-cost
transfer.
Mr. Hecker shared it would be no-cost to the City to transfer the ownership of the
trail.
Commissioner Rathbun asked what the process is if the other portions of the trail
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goes to forfeiture due to taxes not being paid.
Mr. Hecker said the County gives to City’s attention and decision is made.
Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Rathbun
to recommend to City Council to accept staff recommendations that the
section of trail to transfer ownership of a segment of the Mississippi Oaks
Trail with the intention to pursue the other portions of the trail when they
become available and to continue to maintain trail. Motion carried 7-0.
Discuss at next meeting trail connection and cost to Oxbow Park.
7.2 Great Northern Trail Partners Memorandum of Understanding
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Moved by Commissioner Niziolek and seconded by Commissioner Rathbun
to recommend to City Council to approve the Great Northern Trail Partners
Memorandum of Understanding. Motion carried 7-0.
7.3 Woodland Trails Amenities Naming Contest
Ms. Love shared her report.
Commissioner Anderson asked if they must accept names submitted and that he is
not excited about any of the submitted names.
Commissioner members discussed the idea to extend the contest.
Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Niziolek
to recommend extending or restarting contest and to include the names
already submitted. Motion failed 2-5.
Moved by Commissioner Soltvedt and seconded by Commissioner Rathbun
to accept the name “Glacial Ridge Nature Play Area” and “Woodlands
Archery Range”. Motion Carried 7-0.
7.4 Parks Stewards Park Projects
Mr. Hecker shared his report.
Commissioner Soltvedt asked to add estimated budget or donations of materials
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used in the project to the form.
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt to
adopt the park project proposal form for Park Stewards. Motion carried 7-0.
8.1 Donation Policy
Mr. Hecker read his staff report, proposing to have the ability to process the
donations online to streamline the process. It has been a difficult process and people
have lost interest before completing their donation.
Commissioner Anderson suggested that Park Stewards be involved regarding
location for trees and benches.
Mr. Hecker stated he will add to the policy that Park Stewards will be involved in the
conversation when involving donations to be added to the park.
8.2 Trail Maintenance
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report, sharing a video and asking commission to
consider trail condition expectations, priorities of replacement and maintenance
efforts, and improvement schedule.
Commission members discussed trail conditions.
Commissioner Soltvedt stated the Commission would like to have funding for trails
maintenance and bring the needs to the council for priorities and having a
construction standard to have trails last longer.
It was discussed the city develop a rating or standards system for trails.
Commissioner Anderson reminded commission members that a higher grade of trail
is needed at Woodland Trails Regional Park due to the rollerblading and roller skiing
that happens out there.
Council member Wagner challenged the commission to come up with ideas of what
the funding source can be. She stated we need to do research to see if there are
grants available. Sharing that council had discussed the Franchise Fee and expanding
that to paving parking lots and need to be careful with expanding that policy. If this
is presented to City Council as an idea, they will need what the maintenance costs
are.
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Mr. Hecker stated he will present the trails condition video to the City
Council after obtaining more information on trails maintenance such as conditions
and standards.
8.3 Rivers Edge Commons Park Dock Video
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report and Dock video sharing that it has been presented
to the Rotary and a few other businesses with some interest.
9. Active Elk River Update
Mr. Hecker shared an update regarding Orono Park plan drawings.
Commission discussed removing the alternative bid for the basketball court as they
had decided to remove it from the plan at a past meeting.
Commissioner Soltvedt asked if it would be a good idea to add two more pickleball
courts to an alternate bid.
Commissioner Anderson stated the four courts would be good and adding lighting
the pickleball courts as an alternate.
Commission discussed the volleyball court next to the pavilion and how that is an
active area versus the large green space to the north being a passive area and to
remove the trail that goes through the open green space.
10. Parks and Recreation Director Update
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
11. Announcements
Commissioner Anderson requested discussing the funding for signage for the eagle
scout projects to move it forward as to not getting further behind in installing them.
Council member Wagner talked about the Furniture and Things Community Event
Center name and shared that the owners came to the city very early on in process.
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Williams adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Parks and Recreation Commission at 8:38 p.m.
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Minutes prepared by Tonya Love.
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David Williams, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk