09-14-2005 PR MIN
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2005
Members Present: Chair Polston-Hork, Commissioners Anderson, Kuester, Niziolek,
Nystrom and Peterson
Members Absent: Commissioners Paige
Council Liaison: Council Member Gumphrey
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 6:31 p.m. by Chair Polston-Hork.
2. Consider September 14, 2005 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 PARKS
& RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Minutes of August 10, 2005 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 10, 2005 PARKS
AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend September 19, 2005 City Council Meeting and
September 27, 2005 Planning Commission Meetings
4.1. September 19, 2005 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Nystrom will attend the September 19, 2005 City Council Meeting.
4.2. September 27, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting
Commissioner Niziolek will attend the September 27, 2005 Planning Commission
Meeting.
5. Open Mike
None
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September 14, 2005
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6. Recreation Manager’s Report – Bill Maertz
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz thanked the Lions Club who donated 30
tickets to the Twins game on August 21 as well as a bus to the children who participated in
Lions Den Camp.
Mr. Maertz shared programs offered in August. Adult and youth fitness classes, recreation
classes, outings, basketball camp and firearm safety were among the many offered.
Mr. Maertz shared that the Relay for Life was a success. The Wellness Committee is
switching gears and will become the Health Rewards Program Committee.
Mr. Maertz stated there was 7 hours of bandshell use, 31 hours of park and shelter use, 41
hours of street use for block parties, 330 hours at indoor facility use and 365 hours of
athletic facility use.
Mr. Maertz shared that we collaborated with several area businesses to provide a Fitness Fair
held in the parking lot at Anytime Fitness in August.
7. Director’s Report – Bill Maertz
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared 2005 Parks Capital Improvement
Project update.
Mr. Maertz stated that the 2006 grant application deadlines are nearing and that if any
commissioners know of any potential property for future acquisition to let him know.
Mr. Maertz shared that the Rotary Club is looking at Lions Park as a potential site to host
the Taste of Elk River Fundraiser. There would be an expected attendance of about 1500
people. Staff is in favor of co-sponsoring the event if Lions Park is chosen as the host site.
Fees could be waived since the money raised will benefit a project in Elk River or hurricane
relief.
Mr. Maertz shared with the Parks and Recreation Commission the revised project budget for
the acquisition of the Top of the World Park. Tiller Corporation has agreed to new
boundaries, which will enhance the purchase by allowing an entrance at the north end of the
park.
Mr. Maertz shared that since the Senior Outings have been added to the Program Guide
they have been successful in filling the outings.
8.1.Community Events – Fright Night
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the 4 annual Fright Night is
th
October 29. Recreation Coordinator, Ross Demant is looking for more volunteers to help
th
with this event, which brings in around 700 participants.
Commissioner Peterson arrives.
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September 14, 2005
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8.2.A. Land Use Cases - Van Den Berg Addition
Request for a Preliminary Plat for Van Den Berg Addition.
Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Parks Planner shared information regarding a request for a
preliminary plat for Van Den Berg Addition. Staff recommends park dedication in the form
of cash.
Commissioner Anderson asked what access would be available from the east or west and
what the status of the park boundary signs were.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that there is an outlot in Trout Brook
South for access to the park and that the developer will be putting in park boundary signs.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO ACCEPT PARK DEDICATION IN CASH.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
8.3.A. Policy Issues – Orono Softball Complex Advertising Signs
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that Recreation Coordinator, Ross
Demant is exploring the potential of selling advertising space on the outfield fence at the
Orono softball complex. Standards would be developed regarding what type of products
and services would be permitted. Staff is looking for direction from the Parks and
Recreation Commission as to whether outfield fence advertising is an appropriate revenue
source.
Commissioner Peterson sees no reason why not to explore this option.
Commissioner Anderson stated he would be willing to help and thought the first use of the
revenue should be to install a taller fence.
Commissioners Kuester, and Nystrom agreed it would be a good idea.
8.3.B. Woodland Trails Entrance Sign Change
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared with the Commission that due to the
initial plan going over budget staff has reworked the design of the Woodland Trails entrance
sign to stay on budget.
Chair Polston-Hork shared that Commissioner Paige likes the design of the sign and would
like to see a fieldstone foundation wall around the sign to hold landscaping.
Commissioner Nystrom asked what the sign would be made of.
Mr. Maertz stated the sign would be made of cedar.
Commissioner Niziolek stated that the sign may give the appearance that golf course is part
of the park and if there could be a oak tree planted as a back drop that might help.
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September 14, 2005
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Mr. Maertz stated he would talk to the current tree contractor to have some larger trees
planted.
Commissioner Niziolek asked is the sign could be farther down the entrance road, near the
house.
Mr. Maertz stated that the sign could be moved once the house is removed.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KUESTER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK THAT THE NEW ENTRANCE SIGN AND
FIELDSTONE FOUNDATION BE INSTALLED AT THE ENTRANCE OF
WOODLAND TRAILS PARK. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
8.4.A Discussion Items – Park name for Top of the World/Woodland Trails Complex
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz asked the Commissioners for feedback
regarding the naming of the Top of the World park addition to the Woodland Trails Park.
Commissioner Kuester stated it should have one name for the whole park along with titles
for the loops within the park.
Commissioner Nystrom stated that Minneapolis parks has one name with sub-divisions.
Commissioner Niziolek agreed with the concept of one park name and developing sub-titles
for within the different areas of the park.
9.1.A. Land Use Cases
None
9.2.A. Park/Trail Developments – 2006 Park Projects
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz asked the Parks and Recreation
Commissioners to start prioritizing 2006 park projects. Some projects to keep in mind are
Rivers Edge Commons Downtown Park, Kliever Lake Fields and Meadowvale Heights Park.
9.2.B. Interpretive Signage at Woodland Trails
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an update on the interpretive signage at
Woodland Trails.
Commissioner Kuester asked if there would be any room in the master plan for a sign on the
railroad history.
Mr. Maertz stated that would be an excellent idea, and in addition the main kiosk will have
historic aspects.
10.1. Update August 15, 2005 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Peterson provided an update from the August 15, 2005 City Council meeting.
Pinewood Golf course was tabled and will be decided upon in October. There will be an
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easement for a future trail at Kingdom Hills estate; the developer will not be required to put
in the trail now.
10.2. Update on August 23, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting
There was no update presented.
11. Other Business
None
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:23 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Tonya Love
Recording Secretary