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10-12-2005 PR MIN MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2005 Members Present: Chair Polston-Hork, Commissioners Anderson, Kuester, Niziolek, Nystrom, Paige and Peterson Staff Present: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner; Tonya Love, Recording Secretary 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 6:32 p.m. by Commissioner Paige. 2. Consider October 12, 2005 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 12, 2005 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider Minutes of September 14, 2005 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend October 17, 2005 City Council Meeting and October 25, 2005 Planning Commission Meetings 4.1. October 17, 2005 City Council Meeting Commissioner Niziolek will attend the October 17, 2005 City Council Meeting. 4.2. October 25, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Paige will attend the October 25, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting. 5. Open Mike None 6. Recreation Manager’s Report – Bill Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that dodgeball has made a successful comeback for both adults and children. Staff is also working on offering free disc golf kits Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 2 October 12, 2005 ------------------------------------ available to use when Lions Park Center is open. This game can be played year-round and would be a great activity for the middle and high school teens that frequent Lions Park. Mr. Maertz shared programs offered in September. Adult and youth fitness classes, recreation classes, adult volleyball and the Arena dance were among the many offered. Mr. Maertz stated there was 65 hours of park and shelter use, 59 hours of indoor facility use, 198 hours of soccer field use and 230 hours of athletic facility use. Mr. Maertz shared that the third annual blood drive will be on October 28. 7. Director’s Report – Bill Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz reported that the ice arena roof sustained significant hail damage from the September 12 storm and staff is in the process of getting it th replaced. The roof repairs are covered by insurance. Mr. Maertz shared the effects of the September 12 storm on the park system. th Mr. Maertz shared that the ice arena concession stand has been open since the third weekend in September. Chair Polston-Hork and Commissioner Peterson arrived. Mr. Maertz shared that the erosion blanket placed at YAC has helped. Mr. Maertz shared with the Parks and Recreation Commission that there would be a downtown park sign similar to the other downtown project signs installed and the developer has agreed to pay for half the cost. Mr. Maertz shared that the Senior Outings have been successful in filling. Commissioner Kuester asked if there would be any celebrations with the completion of several parks this summer. Mr. Maertz shared the staff has talked about doing a ribbon cutting ceremony in the spring. 8.1.Community Events – Fright Night Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the 4 annual Fright Night is th October 29 and registration is being taken at the Lions Park Center and online. th 8.2.A. Land Use Cases - None 8.3.A. Policy Issues – Trail Connection at Kliever Park Point Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared information regarding a request to pave a trail connecting Grant Court to 175 Avenue. The City obtained an out lot as a part of the th plat in Kliever Park Point. The homeowner adjacent to the out lot has requested a trail connection for this year, with the substantial grade change it is difficult for pedestrians to use. The total cost, which would also include a 24” culvert, would be $19,808. Staff is Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 October 12, 2005 ------------------------------------ looking for direction as to whether this project is an appropriate use of park dedication funds. Commissioner Paige asked the importance of the connection. Mr. Maertz stated it is a natural outlet to Filmore, if that is extended and it would be a nice walking amenity for neighborhood. Commissioner Anderson would prefer to have it paved next year. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER THAT THE KLIEVER PARK POINT TRAIL CONNECTION BE INSTALLED IN THE SPRING OF 2006. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 8.3.B. Potential Park acquisition in NE Elk River Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared with the Commission information regarding a potential purchase of a 20-acre parcel in NE Elk River. The property owner has indicated a willingness to receive payments over a 5-year period. Staff believes that the multiple options for recreation on this site make it worth considering and is looking for direction from the Commission on if purchasing the property should be pursued. Commissioner Kuester shared that after walking the property he thought it was suitable for our park system and would be a valuable addition. Commissioner Niziolek stated that after walking the property he would like to see it as part of our park system along with connecting it to a larger parcel of property. Commissioner Nystrom asked if the property was offered at going rates. Mr. Maertz stated the property owner is interested in selling at market value. Commissioner Paige stated he support pursuing the property. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE THAT STAFF ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY IN NE ELK RIVER WITH THE ABILITY TO MAKE PAYMENTS OVER A FIVE YEAR PERIOD OR MORE AND WITH THE NOTION TO GET PROPERTY TO THE NORTH. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 8.4.A Discussion Items – Library Project Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the Library Board is looking into the different possibilities of expanding the current library. A study will be conducted on the following options; expanding the current building, building new on existing site, move to vacant lot or locating it near Lake Orono between the lake and City Hall. 9.1.A. Land Use Cases None Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 October 12, 2005 ------------------------------------ 9.2.A. Park/Trail Developments – 2006 Park Projects: Proposed budget Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared a preliminary list of potential park improvements for 2006. Commissioner Paige stated that YAC is in need of shelters and grass between fields and thought the proposed line items are okay. Commissioner Nystrom asked if the downtown park would be constructed in one year and if the $600,000 listed in proposed budget would be enough. Mr. Maertz shared that it would be constructed next summer and the $600,000 will cover the type of construction that is planned. Commissioner Anderson asked the other commission members how much money they would be willing to spend concerning the proposed 2006 park projects. Commissioner Niziolek would like to see a quick acquisition of the NE Elk River property stating that with the value of land increasing it is important to be flexible. Commissioner Kuester stated he is comfortable with the proposed 2006 park projects. He would like to see YAC finished and noted that Meadowvale Heights has a lot of potential. Commissioner Peterson noted that there were a lot of parks completed in 2005 and when looking at the 2006 proposed park project budget the downtown park is skewing the numbers. Chair Polston-Hork is comfortable with the proposed 2006 park project budget and suggested to do the downtown park in sections. Mr. Maertz commented that with the cost of paving going up the downtown parks upper level and amphitheater could be done first and the river room later. Commissioner Peterson stated he is comfortable with the 2006 proposed park project budget. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE TO APPROVE THE 2006 PROPOSED PARK PROJECT BUDGET WITH FINAL APPROVAL WHEN ESTIMATES ARE FINALIZED. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 10.1. Update September 19, 2005 City Council Meeting There was no update presented. 10.2. Update on September 27, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting There was no update presented. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5 October 12, 2005 ------------------------------------ 11. Other Business None 12. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm. Respectfully submitted, Tonya Love Recording Secretary