01-02-1997 PR MIN - SPECIAL
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
January 2,1997
Members Present:
Chair Dana Anderson(arrived at 7:20), Commissioners Dave Anderson"
Huberty, Kuester, Madsen(left the meeting at 7:10), and Olson.
Members Absent:
Rohlf Anderson and Westrum.
Staff Present:
Phil Hals, StreetlPark Department.
Others Present:
Jeff Asfahl, Community Recreation Director.
Pursuant to a due call and notice thereof, the meeting ofthe Elk River Park and Recreation
Commission was called to order at 7:05 pm by Commissioner Kuester, who explained that he had
worked with Chair Anderson to plan the format and agenda for the meeting. The agenda was
designed to accomplish the following: (1 )to assist Commissioners to better understand the bonding
process, (2) to reach general agreement about the time line and action steps required to hold a
bond referendum in 1997, and (3 )to brainstorm possible cost items which the Commission might
recommend to be included in the referendum.
Phil Hals relayed some general information about bond issues which he had received from City
Administrator Pat Klaers. According to Hals, Klaers suggested that the role of the Commission
was to make recommendations about what should be included in the bond issue, make a
recommendation concerning the date of the referendum, and solicit public support for the passage
of the referendum. Commissioners discussed the following points:
(1) Will there be a school related election in 97, and if so, when will it be? The Commission
was in general agreement that it will be best to keep the issues separate.
(2) Does the Commission work from what is needed, or from a set dollar amount in
determining what should be included in bond issue? The Commission was in general
agreement that it will start with need as defined and supported by the public.
(3)Should the commission a survey of the views of Elk River residents about
park and recreational priorities? The Commission was in agreement that a survey should be
conducted, and furthermore, that its focus should be on park and recreation issues only.
Chair Dana Anderson passed out a handout on Park Bond information prepared by Lori Johnson,
City Financial Officer. Ms. Johnson is available to meet with the Commission at a later date.
. Commissioners Dana Anderson and Kuester presented a draft outline( attachment 1) of proposed
action steps and time line for promotion of a bond issues. Commissioners were in general
agreement with the time line with the understanding that the Commission would make a "go" or
"no go" recommendation by no later than its June Meeting.
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The group then brain stormed its wish list for items to be included in the survey. They are not
ranked.
Skate board park
Outdoor swimming pool complete with gradual depth, wave pool, slides,
diving boards.
General skatinglhockey rinks at East and West outdoor locations.
Interpretative center, warming house, picnic shelters, lighted bike/ski trails for
Woodland Trails Park.
Swing sets/playground equipment/tennis courts for x neighborhood parks.
Paving for x miles of trail
Lighting, dug outs, concession stand, parking lot for Cass Ball Field
Shelter with bathrooms and roughed in concession area for Oak Knoll Park
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Indoor pool
Mountain bike trail system for Hillside Park
Feedback from skaters about temporary Handke Stadium warming house.
Bathrooms/changing rooms for Orono Park
Additional tennis courts as needed
In addition, Commissioners wanted questions pertaining to the following included in the survey:
Proposed Community Center
Proposed Riverwalk
Public input concerning long-term uses of Handke Stadium
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Motion to approach City Council with request to finance community parks and
recreation survey(Dave Anderson/Huberty) Passed 5/0
Motion to approve survey "wish list" for discussion with Decision Resources LDT
(Olson/Huberty) Passed 5/0.
Chair Dana Anderson adjourned the meeting at 8:50 pm.
1. Minutes taken by Commissioner Kuester