02-09-2022 PRM
Meeting of the Elk River Parks and
Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Members Present: Chair Williams, Commission members Anderson, Holmgren, Loidolt,
Niziolek, Rathbun, and Soltvedt
Members Absent: None
Council Liaison: Ms. Wagner
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director, Michael Hecker, 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 02/09/2022 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Loidolt
to approve the February 9, 2022, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
4.1 Consider 01/12/2022 Regular PRC Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Soltvedt and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren
to approve the following January 12, 2022, Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Open Forum
Mr. Hecker read Sonny Hilyar’s email regarding Hales Field. Sonny Hilyar, 13344
196th Avenue N.W. would like the city to collaborate with school district to add
amenities to Hales Field.
6. Presentations - None
7.1 Public Hearing – Naming the two softball fields at Lion John Weicht
Park – John Barth Fields
Phil Johnson 19796 York St. N.W. Elk River. Coached with John Barth and shared
how he served the community and made things happen. Supports the naming of the
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two fields at Lion John Weicht Park.
John Dietz 13399 Riverview Dr. N.W. shared that his goal was to get the main
basketball court named after John Barth however the school district is no longer
naming facilities after people. Sharing that John Barth volunteered his time outside
of his job to help the youth of the Elk River community.
Commissioner Loidolt clarified if it the naming is for one or two fields.
Chair Williams stated that it would be for the naming of two fields.
Commissioner Holmgren stated John Barth is very deserving of this honor.
Moved by Commissioner Holmgren and seconded by Commissioner
Anderson to recommend to City Council to name the two softball fields John
Barth Fields at Lion John Weicht Park. Motion carried 7-0.
8.1 Parks and Facilities Naming Policy Requirements
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Chair Williams stated that the commission should discuss the two-year window to
wait to name a facility after someone and to eliminate it.
Commissioner Rathbun supports eliminating the requirement and having a process
for review.
Commissioner Anderson supports elimination of the requirement.
Commissioner Loidolt stated he has reservations of elimination and to do it on a
case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Soltvedt stated each case should be evaluated.
Commissioner Holmgren supports elimination of the requirement and believes we
should trust the process for those submitting the change and doing their research.
Commissioner Niziolek supports elimination of the requirement.
Moved by Chair Williams and seconded by Commissioner Anderson to
recommend to City Council to eliminate the two-year waiting period from the
Parks and Facilities Naming Policy. Motion carried 7-0.
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8.2 Bailey Point Nature Preserve Regulations
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Commissioner Anderson shared that the new Park Steward pitched the idea and sees
that changing to allow river access along the whole area is good.
Commissioner Soltvedt suggested keeping the line “The property will have
appropriate signage posted.”.
Commissioner Niziolek suggested removing “No organized activities or team sport
activities are allowed at Bailey Point Nature Preserve”.
Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Rathbun
to recommend to City Council to amend the Bailey Point Nature Preserve
regulations as submitted by staff along with the following changes:
1. Keep The property will have appropriate signage posted.
2. Remove No organized or team activities are allowed at Bailey Point
Nature Preserve.
Motion carried 7-0.
8.3 Athletic Field Utilization Committee
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Chair Anderson, Commissioner Loidolt and Commissioner Holmgren would like to
be on the committee.
Commissioner Loidolt stated he would be absent at the first meeting and that
Commissioner Anderson could attend as an alternate member.
Moved by Commissioner Soltvedt and seconded by Commissioner Anderson
to nominate Chair Williams, Commissioners Holmgren, and Loidolt to the
Athletic Field Utilization sub-committee. Motion carried 7-0.
Commissioner Anderson asked if a commissioner could attend as a resident to listen.
Staff will research if that is a possibility.
8.4 Park Dedication – Tritabaugh Estate
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
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Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren
to recommend to City Council to pay park dedication in cash at the applicable
rate for one dwelling unit. Motion carried 7-0.
9.1 Lion John Weicht Park Playground
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report sharing that the current playground will be
evaluated for safety during this next year as parts may not be available for repairs.
Commissioner Anderson stated that commission may need to reevaluate all the
playgrounds in the system.
Commissioner Niziolek shared this is an important location to have a playground.
10. Parks and Recreation Director Update
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
11. Announcements - None
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Williams adjourned the work session meeting
of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission work session at 7:21 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tonya Love.
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David Williams, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk