05-11-2022 PRMINMeeting of the Elk River Parks and
Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
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, Recreation
Coordinator, Tonya Love, Recreation Coordinator, Karen Wingard
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 05/11/2022 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Anderson
to approve the May 11, 2022, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
agenda. Motion carried 6-0.
4.1 Consider 04/13/2022 Regular PRC Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Rathbun and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt
to approve the following April 13, 2022, Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes. Motion carried 6-0.
4.2 Consider 04/27/2022 Special Meeting PRC Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Soltvedt and seconded by Chair Williams to approve
the following April 27, 2022, Parks and Recreation Commission Special
Meeting Minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
5. Open Forum - None
61. Eagle Scout Presentation – Phil Dahlheimer
Ms. Wingard thanked the Eagle Scouts for their hard work.
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Mr. Dahlheimer upgraded the Orono Dog Park with obstacles for the dogs to play
on.
6.2 Eagle Scout Presentation – Tim Erickson
Mr. Erickson presented his Eagle Scout project of installing signage recognizing past
scout projects throughout the parks, with 29 signs installed recognizing 30 people’s
efforts from over the years.
7.1 Furniture Donation in lieu of Park Dedication – Hickman Addition
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
Steve Hickman, Furniture and Things Owner, stated that they would like to donate
outdoor furniture that they sell at cost, maintenance free, with the ability to bolt
down and easy to clean and which would be in lieu of Park Dedication cash.
Mr. Hecker shared Tim Sevcik, Street and Parks Superintendent’s email stating his
concerns, highlighting that they have been using standardized furniture in the parks.
Commissioner Niziolek asked if it could be paid in partial cash and partial furniture?
Mr. Hickman understands it could be both and that the furniture donated could
color match existing furniture used in the park.
Commissioner Soltvedt would not support straying from that standardized furniture,
also asking if there would be a need for furniture at the Furniture and Things
Community Event Center.
Commissioner Anderson stated the city has been very clear on standardization of
furniture and would not be in favor of furniture in lieu of park dedication cash.
Moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Soltvedt
to recommend to City Council accept park dedication cash for the Hickman
Addition. Motion carried 5-1.
Chair Williams stated he is not in favor of motion and would like to investigate if
furniture could be used at the Furniture and Things Community Event Center.
8.1 Property For Sale Adjacent to Camp Cozy
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report.
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Commission members discussed the opportunity to possibly purchase the property
adjacent to Camp Cozy and agreeing that they need more information.
Commissioner Niziolek shared that having accessibility to the river to get to Lake
Orono would be a great amenity. Having an access point to Lake Orono from the
river it has more value from the parks and recreation perspective. This is next to an
area that could be developed in the future, and it could serve those residents.
Chair Williams stated that the owner seems to believe the city is purchasing the
property when he presented at the last City Council meeting.
Mr. Hecker stated for the record that he was not approached by the owner regarding
the purchase.
Council member Wagner stated that if the commission chooses to investigate then
they should know that Troy Street is a private road with no access to property and
that there is no access from frontage road due to MNDOT owning that.
Commissioners agreed to wanting to know what the asking price is, how many acres,
and flushing out the options.
9.1 Parks and Recreation Director Update
Mr. Hecker shared his verbal report.
Orono Park construction update along with pickleball court update.
Recreation program cancellations due to staffing issues
John Barth Field Dedication
WTRP water feature closed due to insufficient permits during building
Athletic Field Analysis – staff meeting with HKGi regarding maintenance
Chamber Leadership presentation on May 13
Trott Brook Tennis Courts will be completed in June
Country Crossings Basketball Court will be completed soon
Lions Park Disc Golf complete by end of summer
First City Wide Garage Sale in May has over 80 participants
Sharing photos of the Active Elk River projects.
10. Announcements - None
11. Adjournment
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There being no further business, Chair Williams adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Parks and Recreation Commission at 7:28 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Tonya Love.
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David Williams, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk