Loading...
05-09-2007 PR MIN• MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007 Members Present: Chair Nystrom, Commissioners Anderson, Boese, Larson and Schuldt Members Absent: Commissioners Paige and Polston-Rork Staff Present: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner; Ross Demant, Recreation Coordinator; Tonya Love, Recording Secretary 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 Nystrom. 2. Consider May 9, 2007 Parks & Recreation Commission A enda MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY • COMMISSIONER SCHULDT TO APPROVE THE MAY 9, 2007 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3. Consider Minutes of April 11, 2007 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting MOVED BY COMMISSIONER SCHULDT AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BOESE TO APPROVE THE APRIL 11, 2007 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend May 21, 2007 City Council Meeting and May 8, 2007 Planning Commission Meetings 4.1. May 21, 2007 Citv Council Meeting Commissioner Larson will attend the May 21, 2007 City Council Meeting. 4.2. May 8.2007 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Larson will attend the May 8, 2007 Planning Commission Meeting. • 5. Open Mike Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9, 2007 Page 2 Leah Studdacker, 19680 Ironton Circle NW; Oakhill homeowner heading up a • "Build a park campaign" for the Oakhill neighborhood. Ms. Studdacker shared that they were told 5 years ago when they purchased their lots that a park would be built in the neighborhood. Ms. Studdacker stated that the developer had shared plans of a future .park and would like to city staff to move forward on building a neighborhood park. Commissioner Anderson recommended adding this as an agenda item in June. 6. Recreation Manager's Report -Bill Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that staff is working on curriculum for Lions Academy Camp, Flag Football has started, and a new Sand Volleyball League will be offered due to the bowling alley closing. Mr. Maertz stated that the Senior Center staff is working with the YMCA staff to offer new courses. 7. Director's Report -Bill Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the YMCA Lease • Agreement was not approved at last weeks City Council meeting due to not having a full quorum. Mr. Maertz shared that there will be an 8000 square foot gym, separate restrooms and adjacent office for city staff to provide programming during allocated times. Commissioner Nystrom asked if there will be room for spectator seating in the gym. Mr. Maertz stated that there will be seating when using the full court, if the gym is divided then seating will only be on the ends. Commissioner Nystrom asked if any attempt will be made to incorporate similarities to the new library building. Mr. Maertz shared that the architect has been Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz given the specs to reference the other buildings in style and colors. Commissioner Boese asked if there would be fencing around Splash Park. Mr. Maertz stated that there would be 4 foot fencing. 8.1. Communi Events - Hinote Hero's Charity Benefit • Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9, 2007 Page 3 • Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that Brian Thompson from Hinote Hero's Charity is requesting special use of Orono Park on Juy 28`~ fox a fundraiser. Hinote Hero's is a charity that raises money for the Children's Hospitals in Minneapolis and Denver. Hinote Hero's Local Event Coordinator, Brian Thompson shared that the benefit went smoothly last year and was a success with approximately $30,000 in profit for their charity. Mr. Thompson stated in exchange for waiving any park use fees Hinote Hero's will assist the Parks and Recreation Department in advertising and promoting their recreation opportunities. The Parks and Recreation Commission approved and waived fees in 2006. Mr. Thompson stated they would like to use an event tent by Kuss Field for hosting dinner. Last year the dinner was held at the Elk River Bowling Alley however that has since closed. Mr. Thompson shared that they were expecting 115 people for the event and 130 people for dinner. Commissioner Anderson stated the Hinote's Hero staff should work with city staff • in placement of the tents to prevent damaging any underground watering system. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER SCHULDT TO WAIVE PARK RENTAL FEES FOR HINOTE HERO'S CHARITY EVENT ON JULY 28, 2007. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 8.2.A Land Use Cases -None 8.3.A. Policy Issues -Archery Range at Alba Ridge Parks and Recreation Coordinator, Ross Demant shared that Bruce Dryden has requested the City of Elk River to consider constructing an archery range in one of the parks. Staff considered the north side of Alba Ridge as a proposed location. The north side of the park is separated by about 250 yards of wetland and green space. There is room to expand the park if use of the range increases. Mr. Demant shared that it will cost approximately $2,000 for the construction of a shooting stand and archery targets. If constructed the city would propose charging a $5 daily use fee and $30 annual use fee. Sponsors would be pursued and the DNR has up to $5,000 of grant money available as of May 2, 2007. • Commissioner Nystrom asked what kind of topography was in Alba Ridge Park. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes May 9, 2007 Page 4 Mr. Demant stated that the area where the range would be located was previously a • field. Commissioner Larson asked what kind of risk management polity would be put into place. Mr. Demant stated that there would be onsite registration similar to Hillside Park and staff would research what other archery facilities offer. Commissioner Anderson asked if there would be an adopt-a-park group to help with maintenance of the archery range. Mr. Demant shared that there would be a volunteer group to help with maintenance. Bruce Dryden, 19323 Upland St. Elk River, MN has a petition for an archery range and has looked at the possible site with city staff and believes it to be an acceptable site. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CARSON TO CONSIDER BUILDING AN ARCHERY RANGE IN ALBA RIDGE PARK. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 8.3.B Orono. Park Master Plan • Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an updated concept plan of Orono Park based on feedback from the April Parks and Recreation Commission workshop. Mr. Maertz shared issues to consider regarding the concept plan. First, the parking plan assumes that parking will be available on what is fairgrounds property, second, the location of the tennis courts may cut off views to the lake fro the YMCA building, third, that there may be options for future shared parking with the YMCA and lastly consider any additional amenities as potential options. Commissioner Larson stated that there should be adequate space to cross Gary Street safely. Commissioner Anderson stated that he liked the updated concept plan and that the plan should be confined to city property while ghosting in the possible options of acquiring or using Sherburne County fair grounds. 8.4.A. Discussion Items -Ordinances related to dogs Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz discussed raising awareness of the current City of Elk River ordinances related to dogs. These ordinances pertain to • dogs in public areas and include city parks. Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5 May 9, 2007 • Mr. Maertz stated the ordinances; dogs and other pets must be on an 8 foot leash or shorter and under control at all time and the handler of each pet shall pick up and dispose of all animal waste in proper waste receptacles. Violation of either will be $100 fine. Mr. Maertz stated that the increasing amount of dog waste found in city parks indicates that the pet waste ordinance needs to be enforced more rigorously. Staff is preparing signs with the ordinance language on them and once they are installed the Chief of Police will direct officers to begin focused enforcement in city parks. Mr. Maertz shared that there is currently an off-leash dog park in Lions Park and staff recognizes the need for an additional, larger off-leash park with trails and a water feature. 9.1.A. Land Use Cases -None 9.2.A. Park/Trail Development -Highlands East Restoration Project Update Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that work is substantially complete and staff will be submitting for reimbursement from the Department of Natural Resources for $6,000. • 9.2.B Downtown Park Update Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the park completion date is May 31 and is currently on budget. Mr. Maertz shared that there will be a community bulletin board and June 21 will be the Grand Opening with Bill Isles playing at 7pm. 10.1. Update Apri116, 2007 City Council Meeting- None 10.1. Update April 10.2007 Planning Commission Meeting- None 11. Other Business -None 12. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:54 pm. Res ectfully ubmitted, ~~~ Tonga Love • Recording Secretary