07-09-1997 PR MIN - SPECIAL
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1997
Members Present:
Chair Dana Anderson; Commissioners Huberty, Dave Anderson,
and Westrum. Commissioner Madsen arrived at 7: 15 p.m.
Commissioner Kuester arrived at 7:17 p.m. Commissioner Clair
Olson arrived at 7:20 p.m.
Members Absent:
Commissioner Rolfe Anderson
Staff Present:
Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent. Pat Klaers, City Administrator;
Lori Johnson, Assistant City Administrator; Debbie Kleckner,
Recording Secretary
Also Present:
Jim O'Meara, Briggs and Morgan
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T." ,"',:YCOU'MeEHihaTO order: ,,' "
ADD ITEM 2.A. - OPEN MIKE
COMMISSIONER WESTRUM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
2,a,: "OOeIlMlke',
Lisa Gilliam, 11018 1961h Avenue, asked for an update on Hillside 5th park. Chair
Anderson indicated the Commission is considering a half basketball court, sand
volleyball court and some playground equipment for the site. Phil Hals noted he
has been trying to contact the property owner regarding the pond. Ms. Gillion
questioned why a basketball court is necessary. Phil indicated basketball is
something for the intermediate age kids to do. Chair Anderson indicated the plan
has not, been finalized. Ms. Gillion indicated she does not oppose a sand
volleyball court but does not want a basketball court. N Members of the
Commission expressed their willingness to work with the residents to make the
park something they would all be happy with. Chair Anderson indicated the
Commissioners will visit the park site before a final recommendation will be made.
He noted site preparations also need to be completed before any action will be
taken.
3~)bi$t:U$siohon 'Proposed Outdoor Parl<:dndRecreatiOri Referendum Bond ,,',
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Pat Klaers, City Administrator, indicated Jim O'Meara was present to discuss
financial issues related to the bond referendum. Lori Johnson noted issues to be
discussed include finances, budget. and structuring the bond issue.
Jim 0' Meara, of Briggs and Morgan, reviewed the bonding process. He
indicated the bond issue would be limited to the dollar amount on ballot plus a
maximum of 2% for costs associated with sale of the bonds.
Chair Anderson provided a list of projects proposed to be covered by the
referendum. He indicated the Park and Recreation Commission has considered
separating out the pool. Chair Anderson indicated the proposed swimming pool
was not included in the recently updated Comprehensive Park Plan and it
appears the cost may be too high to include it in the referendum.
Pat indicated Decision Resources suggested having a separate question on the
ballot for a pool. Decision Resources felt if the first question fails, then the pool
vote would not be considered. The first question would be the $2.1 million for
trails, outdoor playground equipment. etc. and the second question would be for
the pool only. Mr. O'Meara indicated he had no problem with two separate
questions but had concerns with tying the two questions together. Pat indicated
the Park & Recreation Commission needs to decide whether or not to include the
pool question.
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Lori indicated if net tax capacity changed, would there be more money
available. If there is an increase in number of households, the average tax
payer's share would go down. Lori Johnson indicated the original proposal was
based on net tax capacity and a 15 year term. Dave questioned if it would be
possible to try another referendum in the future. Lori stated it could be done. Lori
explained that a $3 million bond issue spread over 15 years would exceed the
target amount of $22 to $23 tax increase per average household per year.
Pat Klaers indicated September 23rd has been targeted for the special election
date. Jim O'Meara indicated the Council must call the special election and
authorize the sample ballot. Pat indicated the Park & Recreation Commission
plans to present the proposal to the Council on July 21 s ,
Jim indicated may need to combine whole amount. The community needs to
The Commissioners and staff discussed the proposed park improvements and
costs associated with the referendum. Lori Johnson will continue to refine the
bond cost estimates and projected tax impacts.
Discussion followed regarding whether or not to include a question on the ballot
for a pool.
The Commissioners were in agreement to go ahead with the park bond
referendum, and to research the pool issue for a possible second referendum in
the Spring of 1998.
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The Park and Recreation Commission will meet July 16th, July 23rd and August 5th.
The August 5th meeting will be an organizational meeting for the park bond
referendum.
Julv 16th Park & Recreation Commission Meeting - The Park & Recreation
Commission will discuss the proposed outdoor park and recreation referendum
bond. Also, Commissioner Kuester will provide a report regarding the Planning
Conference he attended in San Diego.
Julv 21 st Citv Council Meeting - A public hearing will be held regarding the
updated Comprehensive Park Plan.
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER MADSEN MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Park & Recreation Commission adjourned at 9: 17 p.m.
RenctfUlly sUbmitte~,
/J) J/;u~
Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary