06-08-2022 PRMINMeeting of the Elk River Parks and
Recreation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Members Present: Chair Williams, Commission members Anderson, Holmgren, Loidolt,
Niziolek, and Rathbun
Members Absent: Commissioner Soltvedt
Council Liaison: Ms. Wagner
Staff Present: Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hecker, Recreation Assistant
Ali Wallace
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 06/08/2022 Agenda
Mr. Hecker removed Item 7.1 Fido 5K from agenda.
Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Anderson
to approve the June 8, 2022, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting
agenda with the removal of 7.1. Motion carried 6-0.
4.1 Consider 05/11/2022 Regular PRC Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Rathbun and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren
to approve the following May 11, 2022, Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes. Motion carried 6-0.
5. Open Forum - None
6. Presentations - None
7. Action Items - None
8.1 Unmanned Aircraft in Parks
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report. Cities have little authority to impose regulations
on drones because the FAA overrides the state and cities.
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The Northwest Radio Control Club is looking for a minimum of 20 acres and need a
minimum of 400 ft runway. They would take care of all maintenance and runways
and there would be a legal agreement with the club. They looked at a few park sites
and felt Burr Oak was not a good location due to power lines. Alba Ridge did not
have flat land. Rice Lake Park was the best location; however, the city has an
agreement with a gentleman that may still be farming the land. The way the quit
claim deed reads, Richard Thompson can continue to use it for farming purposes for
his lifetime and when he’s done farming it can become a park. Mr. Hecker will
continue to try to contact Mr. Thompson to see if he’s still farming.
The land available at Youth Athletic Complex from the land swap is being used for
farming so it is not available.
Commissioner Rathbun shared he is not comfortable with planes flying by ballfields.
He thinks Rice Lake Park would be a better location.
Chair Williams shared it is not legal to fly over ballfields without a commercial
license.
Consensus was Youth Athletic Complex is not a good site.
Commissioner Anderson thinks Rice Lake Park would suit their needs. He is not
opposed to the thought of accommodating this use and cannot think of another
space.
Commissioner Niziolek thinks Rice Lake Park is the best option but is worried it
could be too small.
Commissioner Holmgren agrees that Rice Lake Park is the best option.
Commissioner Loidolt also agrees Rice Lake Park would be the best location but is
concerned what homeowners of Ridges of Rice Lake think of the idea and asked if
we could bring the plans to the homeowners.
Mr. Hecker said once we know that they can use Rice Lake Park, the next step will
be to notify the homeowners.
8.2 Motorized Vehicles
Mr. Hecker shared his staff report. He spoke with police chief and was informed
there can’t be an ordinance against E-bikes because it is all about accessibility. The
State says you must allow E-bikes on paved trails.
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Commissioner Anderson said we have an ordinance in place that prohibits
motorized vehicles on trails and for several years they have let people on gas
powered scooters know they aren’t allowed on trails.
9. Parks and Recreation Director Update
Mr. Hecker shared his report.
Mr. Hecker shared the commission may want to look into having a deadline to
submit requests for 5k events.
Commissioner Loidolt asked if there is an update on the Youth Athletic Complex
fields.
Mr. Hecker shared sod test strips have been placed on the fields to see if it will take.
Staff is working with turf specialists.
Commissioner Anderson asked if it was a result of a chemical application.
Mr. Hecker shared staff received field analysis study and the surveys will be going
out to the users and administrators of various youth organizations.
Commissioner Loidolt asked about the status of netting at Youth Athletic Complex.
Mr. Hecker shared we have received one quote for $120,000 and we need more than
one quote. Staff is still working on getting more quotes. The cost is more than
double than what we thought it was a year ago.
Councilmember Wagner asked how the YAC closures are affecting the teams and
organizations.
Commissioner Loidolt shared the associations are using school district fields since
the high school is done for the season.
Commissioner Holmgren said school district is working with the associations to
make fields available.
10. Announcements
Commissioner Niziolek asked if staff can create a policy regarding 5k events.
Mr. Hecker shared that staff will work on the policy, but it may not be ready next
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month.
Commissioner Anderson shared the policy could include a maximum number of
races for the year.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business, Chair Williams adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River Parks and Recreation Commission at 7:20 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Ali Wallace.
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David Williams, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk