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09-05-1990 PR MIN . . . MEETING OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1990 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman O'Brien, Dave Anderson, Byron Houghtelin, Todd Mixer, Barb Northway, Clete Lipetzky, and Marilyn VanPatten MEMBERS ABSENT: Rolfe Anderson ALSO PRESENT: Charlie Blesener, Community Education; Phil Hals, Park Superintendent; and Pat Klaers, City Administrator 1. Call Meetin~ to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair O'Brien. 2. Consider 9/5/90 Park and Recreation Commission A~enda BYRON HOUGHTELIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE 9/5/90 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. BARB NORTHWAY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consider 8/1/90 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes It was noted that the second motion under Item #6.B. contained the word "soccer" to describe the future fields behind Parker School and that this word should be deleted from the motion. Discussion also took place regarding Class I I gravel to be laid on the railroad trail, as indicated on page 3 of the 8/1/90 minutes. It was noted that the minutes are cor~ect, but that this issue would get additional discussion at this meeting under Phil Hals Update-Item #6.B. BARB NORTHWAY MOVED TO APPROVE THE 8/1/90 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES AS AMENDED. DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 4. Open Mike There was nobody present for this agenda item. 5. General Discussion on the Park and Recreation Master Plan The City Administrator indicated that the City Council will hold a public hearing on the Master Park and Recreation Plan during its September 17, 1990, City Council meeting. The City Administrator stated that the Planning Commission had reviewed this plan at its August 28, 1990, meeting during a public hearing. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the Master Park and Recreation Plan to the City Council. It was also indicated that there Park and Recreation Commission Minutes September 5, 1990 Page 2 . -------------------------------------- were a number of citizens from the northeast section of the community, in the area of the proposed area wide park, who were in attendance at this Planning Commission meeting and who were strong opposed to the proposal. It is anticipated that these same property owners will be in attendance at the City Council meeting on 9/17/90. The Commission indicated that they would be in attendance at this meeting. The Commission discussed how the Master Park and Recreation plan would be implemented once it receives City Council approval and becomes incorporated into the City comprehensive plan. The Commission stressed the need for additional staff at the City level to help implement the plan. The need for a City staff member is highlighted by the work required under the recommendations listed in the appendix (City policies and ordinances). These recommendations talk about additional ordinances being required at the City level; cooperation needed between the City and County; and the need for additional cooperation between the City and the School District. The reorganization of the City recreation program received further discussion by the Commission. Currently, the City has the School District administer its City recreation program which somewhat functions as a School District Recreation program. . In regards to the recreation program, the Commission stressed cooperation with neighboring governmental jurisdictions, especially Otsego when it becomes a City instead of a Township. It was noted that addi tional financial help is needed by other governmental agencies in order for a School District wide recreation program to continue to meet the needs within the area and that it may be impossible for the City to create only a City recreation program. . The Commission discussed financing the improvements as outlined in the Master Plan. These improvements include the acquisition of land for parks and trails and the development of these properties. A large sum of money is going to be required in order for total implementation of the plan and it was noted that the most likely possibility for obtaining sufficient funds for implementation of the plan would be through a public referendum. Discussion took place about having a bond issue go forward in combination with a community center bond issue. It is likely that the Community Center Task Force would be requesting some type of bond issue within the next few years. The Commission stressed the need to obtain park land now and that the development of the park land can take place at a later date. This was a concern as it relates to flat open recreation land and land within the more urbanized area of the community. Obtaining land in the more undeveloped areas is a lower priori ty than the development of existing parks. The obtaining of funds from NSP or UPA for a park program was discussed, as these two industries are the largest and most visible within the community. Park Dedication fees was also discussed as was the City Council action on 8/20/90 regarding a request for industrial property development by John Plaisted. The Commission expressed its concern over obtaining park dedication funds as currently required by the City ordinance. It was the consensus of the Park and Recreation Commission to invite the City Council to the November 7, 1990, Park and Recreation . . . Park and Recreation Commission Minutes September 5, 1990 Page 3 -------------------------------------- Commission meeting in order to discuss plans to implement the Master Park and Recreation Plan. The last joint meeting with the City Council was held on 4/30/90 when the proposed Master Plan was reviewed. Miscellaneous topics discussed by the Commission include: - Orono Lake - Future dredging of this lake; the funding of this project; the silt level within the lake; and the issue that this lake is actually a river. - Park and Recreation Commission Conferences and Work Sessions - The Commission requested input from Bill Sanders regarding available work sessions or workshops for the Commission and it was noted that funds are available for the Commission to attend such sessions. - Volunteer awards - The Commission expressed its desire to make an award for special volunteers as it relates to park and recreation activities. Trails - It was noted that the old railroad trail receives limi ted use in its current condition and that there are not sufficient funds available to Class II gravel the entire trail. By consensus of the Commission, it was agreed upon that the Park Crew should only do grader work on the trail this year and that this is an adjustment from what was discussed at the 8/1/90 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. 6.A. Charlie Blesener. Community Education Director Update Char lie Blesener updated the Commission on recent summer acti vi ties and stated that the programs were better received than in previous years. Charlie also provided a brief update on proposed winter and fall recreation activities including skating at the Hockey Arena. It was noted that construction of a new Handke pit warming house would not take place until at least 1991. 6.B. Phil Hals. Park Superintendent Update Phil Hals updated the Commission on plans for outdoor winter skating at Lion's Park this upcoming winter season; the damage at Lion's Park by the horses at the recent Janie Fricke concert sponsored by the Rotary; the need for a park shelter usage plan and deposit (Phil will develop such a plan and present it to the Commission); the Lion's Club and its golf cart use of the trail for a one time picnic; and past and future improvements at the old railroad depot site. . . . Park and Recreation Commission Minutes September 5, 1990 Page 4 6.C. Pat Klaers. City Administrator Update Pat Klaers updated the Commission on the proposed 1991 Park and Recreation budgets and the actual available revenues for the 1990 Park and Recreation budgets. It was noted that actual capital outlay funds are going to be less in 1990 than what is in the adopted budget and that the 1991 proposal will be less than what is in the 1990 adopted budget. This decrease is due to a reduction in Landfill funds being available for park capital outlay improvements. A brief discussion took place regarding the storage of youth recreation supplies during the off season and whether or not any City facility was available for this purpose in order to save these groups some funds. 7. Other Business Dave Anderson updated the Commission on the fact that the Ski Club has purchased the mowers which were funded by the Ci ty and that the Ski Club has mowed all of the existing trails in the Woodland Trails Park and golf course vicinity. It was noted that this project will save the City crew a great deal of time. 8. Adjournment There being no further business, CLETE LIPETSKY MOVED TO ADJOURN THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING. TODD MIXER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. The meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission adjourned at app~oximately 9:40 p.m. Respectfully su itted, ?}J .~,-- Patrick K ers City Administrator