INFORMATION #1 07-10-2006
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14,2006
Members Present:
Chair Polston-Hork, Commissioners Anderson, Kuester, Nystrom,
Niziolek, Peterson and 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 6:30 p.m. by Chair Polston-Hork.
2. Consider June 14.2006 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PAIGE TO APPROVE THE JUNE 14, 2006 PARKS &
RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Minutes of May 10. 2006 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER KUESTER TO APPROVE THE MAY 10,2006 PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 6-
o.
4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend July 17. 2006 City Council Meeting and July 11.
2006 Planning Commission Meetings
4.1. July 17. 2006 City Council Meeting
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz will attend the July 17, 2006 City
Council Meeting.
4.2. July 11. 2006 Planning Commission Meeting
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz will attend the July 11, 2006 Planning
Commission Meeting.
5. Open Mike
Steve Bass, 10584 184th Ave. NW, Elk River; with the Trott Brook Single Family
Homeowners Association.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
June 14,2006
Page 2
Mr. Bass would like the Park and Recreation Commission to consider a change to how the
Trott Brook Barn keys get distributed to organizations that use the facility monthly. The
homeowners association surrounding the park would like to help in any future development
of Trott Brook Park.
Commission Anderson stated that feedback and ideas are always welcome.
6. Recreation Manager's Report - Michele Bergh
Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager presented to the Commission that the Parks and
Recreation Department scheduled 538 hours of ball field use, 159 hours of soccer field use,
84 hours of park use, 195 hours of indoor facility use and 501 hours of park shelter use.
Ms. Bergh shared that there will be mold abatement at Lions Park Center and two employees
have been temporarily moved to City Hall.
Ms. Bergh reported that the Skate Patrol has been helping to remind users of the posted
rules and seems to have helped significantly.
Ms. Bergh shared that the Parks & Recreation Department held a Bike Rodeo on June 12
collaboratively with Sherburne County and the School District.
Ms. Bergh shared that there will be Utility and Bank Stuffers coming out regarding different
programming opportunities.
Ms. Bergh shared the Senior Center report.
7. Director's Report - Bill Maertz
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an update regarding the Park
Dedication fund balance.
Mr. Maertz shared that staff accompanied DNR staff on a pre awards tour of the wooded
golf course property and the Malmstrom property on May 25. Potential grant award for
these acquisitions is $675,000.
Mr. Maertz shared that City Council approved the maintenance agreement of Babcock Park
and once the State tears down the restrooms the agreement will begin.
8.1. Community Events - Geocaching Event
Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager presented information on the sport of Geocaching,
which is treasure hunting with a GPS. This sport will be a great tool to promote our parks
and activities for all ages, it will be highlighted in the fall Program Guide.
Commissioner Paige asked how many people are actively involved in Geocaching in Elk
River.
Ms. Bergh stated that there is no way to know how many people are involved in the sport
however, when on www.geocaching.com the Elk River sites are visited by many, including
families.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
June 14,2006
Page 3
8.2.A Land Use Cases - None
8.3.A. Policy Issues - Design Change: Rivers Edge Commons
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared a revised plan for the Rivers Edge
Commons. The low bid for the previous design was $265,000 over the estimated amount.
The revised plan eliminates the poured in place structural walls and amphitheatre seating.
The ally would remain open but constructed of pavers. Limestone block seating replaces the
concrete amphitheatre seats.
Commissioner Kuester stated that the amphitheatre was a critical piece of the park and
asked how it would be maintained.
Mr. Maertz stated that the original plan for seating was all-concrete and with the new
limestone block seating it will not be as hot and could be maintained with a mower.
Commissioner Nystrom asked if the mural would be covered by the trees.
Mr. Maertz stated that the trees selected were ornamental and would enhance the mural.
Commissioner Niziolek asked about snow removal in the ally.
Mr. Maertz stated that it would continue to be pushed off the bank at the end of the ally and
only the upper plaza would be maintained in the winter.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL APPROVAL
OF THE REVISED RIVERS EDGE COMMONS CONCEPT PLAN. MOTION
CARRIED 7-0.
8A.A. Discussion Items - None
9.1.A. Land Use Cases - None
9.2.A. Park Improvement Update
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an update regarding the 2006 park
improvements.
10.1. Update May 1. 2006 City Council Meeting
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the Rivers Edge Park bids were
high and he requested flOancial help from another source, however the council declined.
10.1. Update May 9. 2006 Planning Commission Meeting
There was no update presented.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
June 14,2006
Page 4
11. Other Business
Commissioner Anderson asked if staff could research into trails along County Road 30 and
Waco and if there are any opportunities to carry trail as far east to link with current system.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the Council did approve the
updated master trail plan.
Commissioner Niziolek brought up leafy spurge invasion along part of the Proctor trail and
a plan to fight it needs to be created.
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:17 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
~~
Tonya Love
Recording Secretary