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10-05-2022 PRMINMeeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission Held at the Elk River City Hall Wednesday, October 5, 2022 Members Present: Chair Williams, Commission members Anderson, Holmgren, Loidolt, and Rathbun Members Absent: Niziolek and Soltvedt Council Liaison: Ms. Wagner Staff Present: Economic Development Director Brent O’Neil, 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 10/05/2022 Agenda Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Anderson to approve the October 5, 2022, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting agenda. Motion carried 7-0. 4.1 Consider 09/14/2022 Regular PRC Minutes Moved by Commissioner Rathbun and seconded by Commissioner Holmgren to approve the following September 14, 2022, Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes. Motion carried 7-0. 5. Open Forum - None 6. Presentations - None 7. Discussion Items 7.1 HRA Property Downtown Mr. Brent O’Neil shared he is representing the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) as the Executive Director. The HRA signed a purchase agreement to buy Elk River Meats. The HRA owns the two parcels to the east of the building with surface parking so now there will be 3 parcels owned by the HRA. They wanted Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 October 5, 2022 ----------------------------- to think about additional uses and the vision for the parcels. Some of the feedback they’ve received from Downtown Elk River Business Association (DERBA) and others are public restrooms, downtown and pedestrian amenities, changing room for bands or weddings, more green space, plaza, redevelopment, and parking. The HRA requested they come to the Parks and Recreation Commission to start talking about these potential activities and how they might fit the need of HRA and EDA as well as joint partnerships. Councilmember Wagner shared she is member of Downtown Elk River Business Association (DERBA) and HRA and is also a downtown business owner. She doesn’t think the building should be knocked down just for a parking lot. We are a community that has bigger ideas and can do something special for the downtown, as well as the entire community of Elk River. With the dock at Rivers Edge Commons Park we can now bring dock users into downtown dining and shopping district. Mr. O’Neil shared some of these things overlap but he wanted to share some of the needs they’ve heard and know the Commission is considering for Rivers Edge. Tonight is considered an introduction and we welcome any feedback you have on the process and look forward to coordinating with the Parks & Recreation Commission. Commissioner Rathbun shared during travels he’s been to smaller towns that have nice public restrooms. The addition of public restrooms is a top priority for the users of the Farmers Market and Rivers Edge Commons Park. Don’t take away parking but maintain the parking that is already there and incorporate a plaza or green space. Commissioner Anderson asked if the restroom need is seasonal or year-round. He stated it’s a small space, so you’ll need to be creative but feels a restroom and plaza are needed. Councilmember Wagner stated it is a year-round need. Commissioner Holmgren asked if the existing building would stay or be rebuilt? It would be rebuilt. Mr. Hecker shared the park master plan for Rivers Edge Commons Park has a plan for a restroom and changing area. Craig Murphy, owner of the theater building, is open to having a changing room and restroom for the band in his building. The trailer we use for a changing area for bands has been used about 12 years and has expenses to maintain every year. We would like to look at an alternative for the trailer. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 October 5, 2022 ----------------------------- Chair Williams asked what they need from the commission. Mr. O’Neil shared he is encouraged by the feedback and potential work together on them. He would like the commission and HRA to work together on joint planning. Councilmember Wagner shared the idea of this area being a plaza is not new. It has been talked about with DERBA for quite some time. Some businesses near Rivers Edge Commons Park are utilized by wedding parties and guests for changing and restrooms. Commissioner Loidolt asked who will fund this. Councilmember Wagner stated that’s why we are here. HRA will own the property and handle the demolition. We need to plan what to do with the property and how to do it. Consensus from Commissioners is for Mr. Hecker and Mr. O’Neil to work together on a plan. 8. Action Items 8.1 Park Improvement Fund and Park Dedication Projects Mr. Hecker shared his staff report and the changes that were made to the spreadsheet. • Moved YAC two stall garage park maintenance to Park Dedication from Park Improvement. • Lions Park Shelter replacements is $300,000 for 2026 which puts the fund in a negative balance. Will need to look at that in the next year or two and hopefully some other funding possibilities will be available. Mr. Hecker shared the Lions Park playground concepts for $200,000 and suggests getting feedback from the public and Boys and Girls Club on the concepts. He shared the shade structures and explained they are easier to put up and take down than a netting system. Commissioner Rathbun asked if shade structures are removed for the winter. Mr. Hecker shared they will be removed. Staff thinks it would be easier to remove shade structures versus a netting system. Commissioner Loidolt asked if the 2-stall garage at YAC will be adequate for the Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 October 5, 2022 ----------------------------- future or will it be outdated in 5 years. He suggests making it larger for future expansion for associations and staff. He stated the disclaimer states the fabric is not rated for projectiles such as baseballs and there is a possibility of damage occurring. He thinks the joined triangle sails may be a better option because if there is damage, you only need to replace that section instead of the whole shade structure, such as the 55x75 Super Hip style. Mr. Hecker will get more quotes for the garage. He asked the commission if they’d like $144,000 put in as the higher end pricing for the shade structure and then we can pick the design later. Commissioners agree to put $140,00 in the spreadsheet for shade structures. Councilmember Wagner asked for clarification regarding the location of the nets. The shade structures will be over the playground which is between YAC fields 3 and 4. The shade structures are to protect from fly balls and provide shade. Chair Williams suggests putting $140,000 as a placeholder and do more research on the shade structures. Moved by Commissioner Loidolt and seconded by Commissioner Rathbun to recommend to City Council to accept the Park Improvement Fund and Park Dedication projects for 2023 as amended. Motion carried 5-0. 9. Parks and Recreation Director Update Mr. Hecker shared his staff report. Dave Roedel will attend the November 9 meeting regarding County Rd 44. Commissioner Anderson asked about the status of the skate park lights. Mr. Hecker shared there is a delay for the lights due to supplies. Hopefully they will be installed in November. The grass seeding was done a few weeks ago at Orono Park. Commissioner Anderson shared the Orono park sign is complete. Andy Schumacher, Eagle Scout, did a great job. Commissioner Loidolt thanked staff for getting Woodland Trails Regional Park ready for the Thumbs Up 5k. It was a great event. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5 October 5, 2022 ----------------------------- 10. Announcements 11. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Williams adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission work session at 7:18 p.m. Minutes prepared by Ali Wallace. ___________________ David Williams, Chair _____________________ Tina Allard, City Clerk