7.0. SR 04-22-2002City
Item # 7
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Mayor and City Council
Park and Recreatio~ommission
Michele McPhersoh~Director of Planning
DATE:
April 22, 2002
SUBJECT: Agenda Topics
Presentation By Mike Nizolek
Mike Nizolek will be present to provide a short presentation on environmental issues to the
Park and Recreation Commission and City Council. His presentation slides are attached.
Overview
The Park and Recreation Commission identified the following items for discussion with the
City Council:
Formation of a Park and Recreation Department · Park and Recreation Director Position Description
· Reorganization of Staff
· Budget Issues
°
Regulation of Off-Road Vehicles · Snowmobiles
· ATV's (All-Terrain Vehicles)
3. YMCA Update
Attachments
· Park and Recreation Director Job Description
· April 5, 2002 Memo from Personnel Committee
· Snowmobile Map
· February 25, 2002 E-mail from Assistant Chief Beahen re: ATV Regulations
Memo to City Council/Park and Recreation Commission
April 22, 2002
Page 2
* Sherburne County ATV Ordinance, Revised
Formation of a Park and Recreation Department
Park and Recreation Director Job Description
During the 2001 joint meeting between the Park and Recreation Commission and the City
Council, the formation of the Park and Recreation Department was discussed, including the
addition of a Park and Recreation Director. Since that time, staff has prepared and the
Commission has reviewed, the attached Park and Recreation Director position description.
The Personnel Committee has also reviewed the position description and has identified the
pay grade where this position would be placed. Pay Grade ?E has been identified as the
level this position would be placed at, which has a current salary range of $50,494.83 to
$66,447.75 per year.
Staff Reorganization
Issues that are pointed out be the Personnel Committee as well as the job description itself,
include the potential need to reorganize current staff including those at the ice arena, the
senior center, and the park foreman. Work needs continue to regarding this issue and the
impact to current staff and salaries.
Budget Issues
The Commission is concerned about the long-term funding of parkland acquisition, park
development, park maintenance, and equipment replacement. The Commission is aware
that the park dedication fund is substantially funded through the growth of the City in terms
of residential and commercial/industrial subdivisions. Park fees are the primary source of
park development, equipment replacement, and land acquisition. There is however, a limited
amount of growth potential within the City for higher density developments, which currently
provide a large contribution of cash to the park dedication fund. At some point, this source
of funding will cease to exist in large quantities.
The Commission is interested in the following:
Is the Job Description what the City Council had in mind for the Director
Position?
How does the City Council feel about the reorganization of current staff?
What ideas does the City Council have regarding long-term funding for
parkland acquisition, park development, and equipment replacement?
Regulation of Off-Road Vehicles
Snowmobiles
It is the Commission's understanding that the Council has received a number of phone calls
regarding the regulation of snowmobiles, specifically, those areas in the rural part of the City
south of County Road 33 where snowmobiling is currently prohibited. Residents have also
attended Open Mike to express their opinions regarding snowmobiling within the City limits.
Prior to re-establishment of the Snowmobile Task Force, staff and the Commission would
S:XPLANNING\MICHMCXPLREPRTS\JointMeeting.doc
Memo to City Council/Park and Recreation Commission
April 22, 2002
Page 3
like to establish with the City Council general parameters that will become the foundation of
a revised snowmobile ordinance and trail map. Specific items to discuss include
2.
3.
4.
5.
A through-City trail
Snowmobiling within the Urban Service District
Rural snowmobiling limits
Trailheads
Publicity and public education
Ali-Terrain Vehides
The Sherburne County Board of Commissioners recently adopted requirements for the use
of all-terrain vehicles and all-terrain vehicle tracks (attached). Currently, the City of Elk
River has no regulations for all-terrain vehicles; however, the use of all-terrain vehicles is
increasing within the City limits. As with snowmobiles, staff and the Commission would like
to establish general parameters, which can become the foundation of an ordinance regulating
all-terrain vehicle use within the City limits.
YMCA Update
The Commission would like Mayor Stephanie Klinzing to provide an update on the progress
with the YMCA.
S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\PLREPRTS\JointMeeting.doc
City of Elk River
Park and Recreation Director
t aver Position Description
Department: I Immediate Supervisor:
Park and Recreation I Cit7 Administrator
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: I Last Updated: (date)
Exempt I 2/27/02
Positions Supervised:
Recreation Manager, Recreation Programmers, Secretarial Staff, Facility Coordinator, Park Foreman,
Ice Arena Staff, Senior Citizen Programming Staff, Library Staff, Park Planner
Position Summary
The Park and Recreation Director is responsible for the oversight of park planning, maintenance
and recreation programming. This position reports to the City Administrator and is responsible for
the development and implementation of the Master Park Plan, Park Capital Improvement
Plan/Budget, and the bud[et for operation of the department.
Essential Functions
1. Develops and administers, in conjunction with others, the City's park and recreation system
and programs
A. Oversees the preparation of recreation programs and services.
B. Coordinates construction and maintenance of park facilities.
C. Oversees scheduling and use of park facilities.
Develops and implements the City's Master Park Plan
A. Plans, directs, and presents the development/revision of Master Park Plan.
B. Updates portions of the Master Park Plan.
C. Coordinates review of land use applications (subdivisions) for consistency with the
Master Park Plan.
D. Monitors trends in parks and recreation for inclusion in the Master Park Plan.
E. Prepares and implements Capital Improvements Plan and Budget.
F. Coordinates long-range regional park planning with other jurisdictions.
G. Coordinates implementation activities with local associations and other
jurisdications.
H. Prepares and submits grant applications for the acquisition of land and the
development of parks.
Coordinates activities for the Park and Recreation Commission.
A. Oversees and participates in preparation of agendas and agenda materials.
B. Schedules meetings.
C. Coordinates Capital Improvement budget development for parks.
D. Attends appropriate park development meetings.
o
Oversees the provision of recreational programming to City's residents.
A. Keeps current on new developments in the park and recreation field.
B. Encourages creative thought for new program opportunities.
C. Explores partnership opportunities to expand program offerings.
Page 1
Performs communication activities.
A. Composes documents and edits written materials.
B. Writes routine correspondence and reports.
C. Delivers presentations to various internal and external groups to provide
information, encourage use of services, request approval.
D. Receives and responds to requests for information and complaints.
Performs administrative duties.
A. Assists in developing and monitoring departmental budget.
Performs personnel activities.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Oversees and conducts employee training.
Delegates work and schedules employees and volunteers.
Assesses and manages employee performance.
Assists/initiates employee selection activities.
Performs timely annual performance reviews of all employees supervised.
Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
[] Skill to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of groups.
[] Skill to research and conduct studies related to park and recreation trends and issues.
[] Ability to manage several projects at one time.
[] Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Council, Park
and Recreation Commission, developers, residents, community groups, youth associations,
and other employees.
Ability to supervise staff and motivate employees to work to their full potential.
[] Ability to remain up to date on professional knowledge and skills.
Ability to review and update plans.
[] Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Physical Education, Public
Administration, or related field
Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources Management with a minimum of 5 years experience
in a municipal park department, 3 years of which as a supervisor.
[] Bachelor's of Science Degree Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services
[] Five years experience in municipal parks and recreation with progressive supervisory
experience
Five years experience in parks development, planning and land acquisition
Grant writing experience
Experience working with citizen groups or volunteer organizations
Page 2
Park and Rec Dir Pos Des Draft.doc
Preferred Qualifications
u Master's Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Physical Education, Public
Administration, or related field
u Master's Degree in Natural Resources Management with a minimum of 5 years experience in
a municipal park department, 3 years of which as a supervisor.
Master's of Science Degree Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services
Xxxxxx
[] Xxxxxx
Page 3
Park and Rec Dir Pos Des Draft.doc
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Michele McPherson, Director of Planning
Personnel Committee - Sandy Peine, Dave Potvin, Bruce West,
Lori Johnson
April 5, 2002
Park and Recreation Director
As requested, the Personnel Committee has reviewed the proposed Park and Recreation
Director position to determine its placement in the City's pay structure. The Committee's
review was based on the proposed position description and the assumption that the Park
and Recreation Director will have responsibility for all aspects of the City's park and
recreation programs including park maintenance and planning as well as direct oversight of
the recreation, ice arena, and senior citizen depax-mxents. Minimum requirements for this
position include a bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of demonstrated
experience. Data from other cities was also used to determine where this position should fit
into the City's pay plan.
Based on the above information, the Committee recommends that this position fall in pay
grade 7E (currently $50,494.83 to $66,447.75 per year). Consistent with past practice, the
Committee did not assign a point value and recommends that the position be reviewed
within one year of being filled.
The Committee will present its recommendation to the City Council for consideration once
this position has been approved. Of course, any changes made to the position description
prior to final approval will need to be reviewed by the Personnel Committee to ensure that
the Committee's recommendation reflects the changes.
Finally, the Committee also discussed, at length, the fact that other positions will be affected
by the addition of this new deparu~ent head position. Any current supervisory or
department head position that will be supervised by the park and recreation director and
possibly the positions currently overseeing other duties that will be transferred to the park
and recreation director may have corresponding changes made to their position descriptions.
The Committee did not attempt to determine what those changes may be or how they would
affect current employees, but wanted everyone to be aware of this issue so it can be
addressed.
Mcpherson, Michele
From: Beahen, Jeff
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2002 3:30 PM
To: Mcpherson, Michele
Cc: Zerwas, Tom
Subject: ATV's
I have done some research on ATV use and the law in our city. As you are already aware, ATV use is prohibited by
ordinance on property other than your own unless you have written permission. The rest of our ordinances really don't deal
with much else as far as ATVs are concerned.
State law allows the ATV's to be used, when legally registered according to 84.922, within public road right-of-ways
subject to the limitations under the motor vehicle codes. They can't be driven within the right-of-ways of any trunk, county
or county state-aid highway from April 1 to August 1 unless the ATV displays agricultural registration, except pursuant to
regulations made by resolution of the county board. They can also not be operated on the inside bank or slope of the right-
of-way of any trunk, county or county state-aid highway except when making a direct crossing or avoiding obstacles.
In other words, the legal place to ride on Cty. Rd 30 would be the slope closest to the complainant's home from our latest
snowmobile meetings.
They can't be operated on state snowmobile trails, state parks and wildlife management areas. They also can't be
operated on a public roadway unless they were registered as a motor vehicle prior to 1985. (ATV's are not deigned for use
on a roadway - thus they can't be registered anymore as a motor vehicle)
In short, nothing in our ordinance nor in state law prohibits a DNR registered A-I'V from being operated within public road
right-of-ways except during those agricultural provisions I listed above or in the inside slope as also mentioned. To prohibit
the use entirely would require an ordinance such as our snowmobile ordinance. If this comes up however we would be
wise to include a provision for agricultural and business use as they are used in both applications. (Farm transport/chores
and then utility use like Connexus for checking poles and right-of-ways)
._.Just a FYI in case it comes up at open mic tonight!
Jeff
Attached is a copy of the current and proposed regulations on motor sport vehicle
tracks.
CURRENTLY ( a conditional use Permit in the Zoning Ordinance):
A conditional use permit is required through the County Zoning Office for all private tracks. It requires a
public heating in fi:ont of the Planning Advisory Board with their recommendation going to the County
Board for final approval, or denial. The landowner must meet the following: · An applicant must have a minimum of 20 acres;
· a 1,000 foot setback fi:om the nearest residence and/or livestock shelter;
· no more than two vehicles on the track at one time;
· can not be located in a residential subdivision;
· can only be used by the property owner and family residing on the property;
· a single day special event would require a special permit;
· 50 foot setback from the track to the property line.
PROPOSED ( a stand-alone ordinance -C.U.P. Section 16, Subd 2, Item 25a. and related
references should be removed from the Zoning Ordinance):
A stand-alone ordinance enforced by the Sheriff's office. No permit required if the landowner can meet:
· a 1,000 foot setback to neighboring residences and livestock shelters;
· a 50 foot setback from the property line;
· is not in a residential subdivision.
If a landowner can not meet the permitted criteria, they may apply for a license if: · they can meet a 25 foot setback from the property line;
· a setback yet to be determined from the nearest residence and livestock shelter;
· meet specific hours of operation; have no more than two vehicles nmning at one time;
· no more than 2 vehicles on the track at one time;
· they agree to mitigate for noise and dust.
zoN G. OR])] ANCE
Ord/nance shall be amended by adding'the £o~loyring to:
Section 7 Agricultu~ District SuM 3'Conclitional Uses
Section 8 General Rural Distr/ct SuM 3 Conditional Uses
Section t 1
Section I2
Section 16
Indu.~aI District Subd 3 Conditi6nal Uses
Hea,o, Industrial_District Subd 3 Conditional Uses
(~onditional Uses Subd ~
M6torsport. Facilites and tr.acks, previously c6vered under "Activities
R~quiring Rural Isolation, .a P~-ivate. Tracks and sites for d/fi' bikes, all t6rmin
vehicles, "mud ~_w, ks'_.',xace cars and similar vehicles.
A. The .use of the facility is limited to the Property owher and immed/ate family wt~o riside
on the property. '
B. The.facility is not allowed in a residential plat.
· C. The facility must be located on a minimum of 20 acres.
D. The County may limit the days and hdurs of ope. ration.
E. The facility m'~tlx~ located a tala{mum eli,000 re. et from any residence ~xcept that of
the evener. '
F. The facility must be located a m{nlmum of 1,000'feet from a livestock facility except that
of the owner.
G. Landowners wishing to hold a single day or week-end motor sport event or permit
h0,.a wi? g_to s .h a e iai event in 0fthek pe t amits may apply
an ~ccas~onal Special Events" Conditional.Use Permit (Sec 16, $ubd 2 26) ·
H. lq'o more than two vehicles may operate at one time.
I. A 50 foot setback must be maintained from th~ track and prop~'y line.
~is provision was pa~ed by the Sherbume County Board of Commisddners on the l0n day of
July, 2001 and is duly filed wi~h Sherbumo County Auditor.
COLLEEN A. KIFFMEYER mc this / ~g day o.f.~. 2001. · ·
'Drafted by the Sherburae County
Zo~Jng Office
Sherbume County Government Center-
DRA'FT --PROPOSED BY MOTOR SPORT COMMITTEE-Revised by Planning Commission 3-21-02
MOTOR SPORT FACILITY ORDINANCE
This ordinance covers motor sport activities, which include operation of dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles,
mud trucks, and racecars used for recreation on private property in the unincorporated areas of the
County.
Subdivision 1. Definitions:
Track:
A course built for the operation of motorized vehicles which operate in a repetitive, continuous
manner or an area where recreational motorized vehicles, through their repetitive use have altered
or changed the natural contour of the landscape and created a clearly identifiable track.
Subdivision 2. Permitted sites
Sites which meet the following criteria are permitted uses in Sherburne County, unless prohibited by a
more restrictive ordinance through another municipality:
1. The parcel of land is not in a residential subdivision.
2. The track must be located a minimum of 1,000 feet from any residence, except that of the owner.
The track must be located a minimum of 1,000 feet from a livestock shelter and/or or arena, except
that of the owner.
Landowners wishing to hold a single day or week-end motor sport event must apply for a special
conditional use permit.
5. There must be a 50' minimum setback from a track to the property line.
Subdivision 3. License
Sites that do not meet the minimum criteria for a permitted use, may not operate without a license from
the Sherbume County Sheriff. Approval of this license is subject to an investigation and may include
restrictions deemed necessary by the County Sheriff. A motor sport license, as referred to in this
ordinance is valid for one year. The license will be renewed without charge on a yearly basis, contingent
on a satisfactory review.
The initial license fee will be set yearly by the Sherbume County Board of Commissioners
Minimum criteria for obtaining a license include:
1. A 25' setback Will be maintained from the track and the property line.
2. A 500 setback must be met from the track and the nearest residence, excluding.that of the owner.
A 500 setback must be met from the track and a livestock shelter and/or arena, except that of the
owner.
Hours for operating the recreational vehicle will be limited from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturdays from 1:00 p:m. to 3:00 p.m.
DRAFT --PROPOSED BY MOTOR SPORT COMMITTEE ,Revised by Planning Commission 3-21-02
No more than 2 vehicles running on a track at one time.
The landowner must take steps to mitigate for dust and noise at the track.
Additional restrictions may be imposed upon issuance of a license. Each license will be reviewed for
minimum criteria and for the site's specific situation. The application will be reviewed by a committee
of three, comprised of an investigating officer fi.om the County Sheriff's Department and 2 people
appointed by the County Board. The committee will make a recommendation to the Sheriff for his
consideration when determining whether a license should be issued. Failure to abide by conditions set
forth in the license, will be just cause for automatic revocation of the license.
Subdivision 4. Violations and Penalties
Any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision hereof or who shall fail to comply with any
provision hereof or who makes false statements in any document required for submission under the
provisions thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished
pursuant to 1aw.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
· Cycle Nutrients
· Moderate Climate
· Control Water Flow (Flooding)
· Water Purification and Recharge
· Preserve Genetic Resource
· Provide Aesthetic Beauty
· Produce Food
· Produce Biomass Fuel
· Produce Construction Products
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
TONIGHT'S FOCUS
· Cycle Nutrients
· Moderate Climate
· Control Water Flow (Flooding)
· Water Purification
· Preserve Genetic Resource
· Provide Aesthetic Beauty
ECOSYSTEM
· An ecosystem is a community of organisms and its
physical environment.
· Prefix "eco" comes from oikos which means house
or home.
· The suffix "system" means a group of
interactions.
2
COMMUNITY
What makes a successful community?
DIVERSITY
INCREASE IN
PRODUCTIVITY
THROUGH
Research on prairies by David
Tillman indicates that by
maintaining 16 prairie species
productivity is 2.7 times higher.
3
INCREASE IN STABILITY
THROUGH BIODIVERSTIY
Research on prairies illustrates that
systems with the greatest diversity were
more productive non diverse than when
stressed by drought.
DECREASE IN DISEASE
THROUGH DIVERSITY
The spread and impact of disease is
directly related to species and genetic
diversity.
4
CONNECTIVITY
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
The corridors connecting communities provide
communities the opportunity to be productive
and stable.
The corridors provide the opportunity for a
community to maintain diversity in terms
of species and genetics.
RESOURCES
COMMUNITY
LIMITED BY RESOURCES
Community productivity is limited by the resources
that they possess.
Ecosystems have mastered the use of limited resources
by utilizing cycles (recycling).
Cycles are like tires they only
function effectively if they are
balanced.
6
CYCLING NUTRIENTS
· Carbon is recycled most effectively through
diverse ecosystems.
· Nitrogen is naturally cycled through an
ecosystem however, too much can disrupt
the natural balance.
· Phosphorus is naturally cycled through an
ecosystem however, too much can disrupt
the natural balance.
VALUE OF AN
ECOSYSTEM FROM A
CARBON CYCLE
PERSPECTIVE
CARBON CYCLE
................ '"--{'~ .....
CARBON DIOXIDE SOURCE
· Burning Fossil Fuels
· Respiration
Respiration
Respiration is balanced by
photosynthesis.
Fossil Fuels
Carbon dioxide from fossil fuels can
be sequestered through photosynthesis
but the equation is not balanced
because it was derived from the earth.
8
HOW MUCH CARBON
DIOXIDE ARE WE TALKING
ABOUT?
19 Pounds per Gallon of Gas
How much Carbon Dioxide do
we produce?
9
EXAMPLE
An individual travels about 13,000 Miles per year.
7,000 miles is through walking, biking and running.
This carbon dioxide production is balanced by
photosynthesis of the plants consumed by the person.
5,000 miles is through the use of an automobile.
This carbon must be removed by a plant or some
new technology to keep the cycle in balance.
If an ecosystem was financially
compensated for their ability to
sequester carbon how much
would it be worth.
Carbon Sequestration
· 1 Hector of our native landscape can sequester
between 1.5 and 3 tons of carbon a year.
· Sequestration of one ton of carbon has an
estimated market value of $100 to $300. (Of
course there is no market today but then
humanity is just starting to address the issue of
carbon dioxide emissions.)
10
This means that our preserved
native landscape parks have a
value in carbon sequestration of
$10,000 per 1 O0 acres a year.
($100 per acre per year.)
This is the ecosystem value for
carbon sequestration.
Imagine the value when
you take into account
all of the other
services of a native
ecosystem.
NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS
PAST
PRESENT
FUTURE
11
NATIVE VEGETATION OF SHERBURNE COUNTY
NATIVE VEGETATION OF ELK RIVER
Elk River Native Plant Communities 1993
12
Elk River Native Plant Communities 1993
North Half
Elk River Native Plant Communities
Lost Since 1993/ ~
IEIk River Native Plant Communities
Lost Since 1993 ·
13
IEIk River Native Plant Communities
Preserved [] ]
IEIk River Native Plan~ Communities
Preserved ~
Elk River Native Plant Communities
Lost If We Don't Act /
14
~'~'T'""~-~,~ t?'~ '~ 'l
Elk ~ver Native Plant Communifi~
I
Lost If We Don'tAct ~ I
I
Elk River Native Plant Communities
Lost If We Don't Act ·
15
WATER PURIFICATION AND RECHARGE
16
17
04/22/2002 23:49 FAX
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RE RESORT & SPA
2601 PALM-AIRE DRIVE NORTH
POMPANO I~EACH, FL 33069
PHONE: 954-972-3300
FAX: 954-968-271
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