06-13-2007 PR MIN• MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2007
Members Present: Chair Nystrom, Commissioners Anderson, Boese, Larson, Polston-
Hork, Paige and Schuldt
Staff Present: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director; Chris Leeseberg,
Planner/Park Planner; Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager; 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-Hock.
2. Consider June 13, 2007 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PAIGE TO APPROVE THE JUNE 13, 2007 PARKS &
• RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Minutes of Ma 9 2006 Parks & Recreation Commission Meetin
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SCHULDT TO APPROVE THE MAY 9, 2006 PARKS
AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend June 18 2007 City Council Meeting
and une 12.2007 Planning Commission Meetings
4.1. June 18, 2007 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Boese will attend the June 18, 2007 City Council Meeting.
4.2. June 12.2007 Planning Commission Meeting
Commissioner Boese will attend the June 12, 2007 Planning Commission
Meeting.
5. Open Mike -None
• 6. Recreation Manager's Report -Michele Bergh
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
June 13, 2007
Page 2
•
Recreation Manager, Michele Bergh shared that the Elk River Farmers Market
started on June 7a'. There axe 13 vendors currently selling vegetables, coffee drinks,
bottled water, smoothies, salsa, flowers, alpaca items and soap.
Ms. Bergh shared that the Summer Kickoff event was another big success with
approximately 200 people in attendance.
Ms. Bergh stated that the 2na annual bike rodeo was on June 11a' which was well
attended.
Ms. Bergh shared that Safety Camp was well attended this year and the highlight for
many of the participants was the helicopter landing in the park.
Ms. Bergh shared that this is our first year for successfully running a sand volleyball
league. There axe 8 teams playing at the Orono Courts.
Ms. Bergh stated that there were 3 staff members that attended a training session
offered. by Minnesota Parks and Recreation Association on June 2na
7. Director's Report -Bill Maertz
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an update on the final checklist •
for River's Edge Commons Park.
Mr. Maertz shared that the preliminary bid packets for the YMCA will be mailed out
next week.
8.1. Community E,~vents
8.1.A Major Park Use -Holiday Inn, Otsego
Recreation Manager, Michele Bergh shared staff had received a request to use Orono
Park on Sunday, July 29a' for a company picnic with an estimated 200 people in
attendance. Staff recommends allowing the use for the $40 shelter fee.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK TO SUPPORT STAFF`S
RECOMMENDED FEE OF $40 WITH A REMINDER OF PARK USE
RULES. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
8.1.B Major Park Use - Meadowvale Elementary
Recreation Manager, Michele Bergh shared staff had received a request to use
Woodland Trails on Saturday, October 6a' for a race from Meadowvale Elementary •
with an estimated 500 people in attendance. Staff recommends allowing this use at
no charge.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
June 13, 2007
•
Page 3
Ms. Bergh stated that they have additionally requested permission to use an ATV and
trailer to transport signs, tables, banners and garbage cans to each checkpoint. Our
current policy does not permit motorized vehicles on the trails.
Commissioner Anderson asked what part of Woodland Trails would be utilized.
Meadowvale Representative, Jennifer Foss shared that it would be the straight paved
portion, which is about 1 mile into the park, and then back out to starting point..
Commissioner Nystrom asked how the event staff would handle 500 people in that
one area of the trail.
Ms. Foss stated that participants would come and go during the event times to walk
or run the 2 miles.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER BOESE TO SUPPORT STAFF`S
RECOMMENDATION TO USE WOODLAND TRAILS PARK AT NO
CHARGE WITH A REMINDER OF PARK USE RULES INCLUDING
USING PAINT THAT WILL WASH AWAY TO MARK TRAILS. MOTION
CARRIED 7-0.
• Commissioner Nystrom asked for clarification re din the use of an ATV. What
l~ g
the purpose would be, location of use and how long the use of an ATV would be
needed.
Ms. Jennifer shared-that there will be 3 checkpoints along the race route for water
and first aid. The ATV would be used to haul the big jugs of water during set up and
take down times only.
Commissioner Paige suggested using a small pick up truck due to historically having
problems with ATV use in the park.
Commissioner Anderson agreed that the group could use a small truck since there is
enough truck use with Park Maintenance and Police Patrol within the park. The
truck would need to be driven slowly and marked with a city logo magnet or flag.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER PAIGE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK TO ALLOW USE OF A SMALL
TRUCK FOR SET UP AND TAKE DOWN TIMES FOR THIS EVENT IN
WOODLAND TRAILS PARK. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
81.C Pinewood Open Flyer
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
June 13, 2007
Page 4
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that there is still availability for
participants in this years Pinewood Open. $20 of the fee will go to CAER's food
shelf.
8.2.A Land Use Cases -Spectrum High School/Pintail Estates First Addition
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz presented information regarding a
request from Spectrum High School to consider waiving park dedication fees for
Pintail Estates First Addition and enter into a "joint park' agreement. 'This proposal
would create ball fields which would be shared by the school and the City of Elk
River.
Mr. Maertz shared that the waiver would be based on ten percent of the land value
of Block 1, the park dedication fee would equal approximately $90,000. Outlot A is
approximately 18 acres of which 8.7 are suitable for active recreation.
Mr. Maertz shared that staff recommends entering into negotiations with Spectrum
High School to create an agreement for joint use of Outlot A. If the fields are
designed cooperatively, constructed by the school, and maintained by the city there is
the potential for a mutually beneficial arrangement that would merit the waiver of
park dedication fees related to this specific plat.
Commissioner Polston-Hork shared that it sounded like a good agreement and •
wondered if any precedent had been set in the past.
Mr. Maertz stated that the Twin Lakes Elementary agreement did. not go through.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER POLSTON-HORK AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PAIGE TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO HAVE
STAFF NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT TO CREATE A "JOINT USE"
PARK AND HAVE IT TIE MORE DIRECLTY INTO THE
INVESTMENT THE SCHOOL MAKES INTO THE FIELDS. MOTION
CARRIED 7-0.
8.3.A. Policv Issues - None
8.4.A. Discussion Items -River's Edge Commons Splash Park Information
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz presented information to raise
awareness of the MN Department of Health required signage for public pools, which
includes the splash park at River's Edge Commons. Domestic animals will not be
permitted in the upper plaza area where the splash park is located due to cleanliness
and health reasons and there is no smoking within 50 feet of children's play area in
city parks.
9.1:A. Land Use Cases -Trail Right of Way
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 5
June 13, 2007
• Planner/Parks Planner, Chris Leeseberg shared information regarding right of way
for trails and easements along county roads. Staff met to discuss and clarify two
issues:
1. If the County Road has or will have a Rural Section, the County indicates
there is not enough space for trails in the 100-foot right-of--way, as this area
potentially will be needed for ditches and side slopes
2. If the County Road has or will have an Urban Section (curb and gutter), a
trail typically can be situated with the 100-foot right-of--way.
a. The City will contribute considerable amounts financially to
convert the County Road to an Urban Section.
Commissioner Anderson asked if we would take easements on both sides of the
road.
Mr. Leeseberg shared that we would take easements on both sides of the road due to
it not being guaranteed that the trail will be on one side, so it would be an insurance
polity to have an easement on both sides.
9.2.A. Park/Trail Development - Meadowvale Heights Park Playground Location
Planner/Parks Planner, Chris Leeseberg shared information regarding installing a
• playground in Meadowvale Heights Park. The park does not have an approved plan
recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission at this time. Staff would
like feedback from the commission regarding the resident's request in May to install
a playground.
Commissioner Anderson shared the history of the how the park was developed and
where the original playground was supposed to be located.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz stated that staff would investigate
different playground structures and the wetland area.
9.2.B Youth Athletic Complex
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared feedback from the City Council
at the June 4, 2007 joint council/park commission meeting. Staff will begin
preparing an updated master plan for the Youth Athletic Complex with a specific
focus on solutions to known park deficiencies including the common spaces
between the fields, parking areas and visitor amenities.
Commissioner Anderson stated that planning for the need of water at the site and
how it drains is an important aspect.
10.1. ,U~date May 21, 2007 City Council Meeting
Park & Recreation Conunission Minutes
June 13, 2007
Page 6
Commissioner Boese shared that City Council approved Spectrum High School's •
new building site.
10.1. Update May 8, 2007 Planning Commission Meeting- None
11. Other Business -None
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:50pm.
Res ectfullyo ,submitted,
Tonya Love
Recording Secretary
•
•