11-14-2007 PR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007
Members Present: Chair Nystrom, Vice Chair Paige, Commissioners Anderson, Larson
and Scheldt.
Members Absent: Commissioners Boese and Polston-Rork.
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 6:31 p.m. by Chair Nystrom.
2. Consider November 14, 2007 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER SCHULDT AND SECONDED BY
. COMMISSIONER CARSON TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 14, 2007
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
4-0.
3. Consider Minutes of October 10, 2007 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER CARSON TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 10, 2007
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend November 13, 2007 City Council
Meeting and December 11, 2007 Planning Commission Meetings
4.1. November 13, 2007 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Anderson will attend the November 13, 2007 City Council
Meeting.
4.2. December 17, 2007 Planning Commission Meeting
Commissioner Larson will attend the December 17, 2007 Planning
• Commission Meeting.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
November 14, 2007
Page 2
5. Open Mike •
Grace Ostien, 20842 Concord St. Elk River. Ms. Ostien shared that her carriage
wheel base is 5 feet across and is concerned of not being able to drive horses in the
ditches of County Road 33 any longer due to the fencing that was put up around the
ends of the pedestrian tunnel
Commissioner Anderson requested that this topic be on the December agenda with
an update of progress.
Rose Allison, 21380 Vernon St. NW. Elk River. Ms Allison shared. her request that
the northern portion. of the railroad trail north of CR 33 continue to be a multi-use
trail and encourages staff to incorporate horses into future plans.
6. Recreation Manager's Report -Tonya Love
Recreation Administrative Coordinator, Tonya Love shared that the Fall Colors
Canoe Trip had 8 couples for the first annual event.
Ms. Love shared September recreation programs, facility use and marketing efforts.
Ms. Love stated that staff is introducing many new programs such as Skating under
the Stars, Bead Day, Snow Football, Family Cardboard Sled Races, Scrapbooking
Retreat, Jazzercize Lite and anon-school day Pirate Island Camp in the upcoming
Program Guide.
Ms. Love shared that Senior Center coordinator; Sue Kostanshek continues to work
with the YMCA to offer the Silver Sneakers program and has progressed steadily
forward in moving into the new site on Proctor Avenue; the Activity Center.
Ms. Love stated that there are 88 Keys sponsored for purchasing a baby grand piano
for the new activity center.
7. Director's Report -Bill Maertz
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared a YMCA construction update.
Mr. Maertz shared that the Elk River Library Grand Opening had an estimated 1000
people tour the new facility on October 13 and has seen an increase in circulation
since the grand opening.
Mr. Maertz shared that work continues to progress with converting the old library to
an activity center. Estimated opening date is December 1S` with a grand opening
celebration in the spring of 2008.
Mr. Maertz shared an update regarding the Youth Athletic Complex improvements •
an that the purchase of the Malmstrom property was completed on November 15`
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
November 14, 2007
•
8.1. Discussion Items -Community Events
Elk River Parks & Recreation Director Bill Maertz shared an update on the 8~'
Annual Fright Night which took place on Saturday, October 27. There were
approximately 1,000 participants and volunteers.
8.2.A. Policv Issues - 2008 Park Capital Improvement Plan
Elk River Parks & Recreation Director Bill Maertz shared a draft 5 year park
dedication budget. The budget contains park dedication revenue estimates as well as
a schedule of proposed projects.
9.1. Update October 15, 2007 City Council Meeting -None
9.1. Update November 13.2007 Planning Commission Meeting- None
10. Other Business -None
11. Adjourn to Capital Planning Workshop
Commissioners discussed the 5-year park dedication budget and the long term goals
• of the park system. Director Maertz discussed funding sources for various large
capital projects. Commissioner Paige questioned whether there was the potential for
a referendum to fund park development. Commissioners suggested the following
projects:
• Trails
• Orono Park Redevelopment
• Lights for the Youth Athletic Complex
• Soccer/Football Fields
• Girls fast pitch complex
• Improvements to the new senior activity center
• Ice arena expansion
• Land acquisition
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SCHULDT TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY
COUNCIL THAT A REFERRENDUM BE HELD, TO FUND UP TO,
BUT NO MORE THAN, $8 MILLION IN TRAIL AND PARK
IMPROVEMENTS AND LAND AQUISITION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0
WITH COMMISSIONER CARSON ABSTAINING.
Commissioner Nystrom requested that staff study whether a refrigerated rink at
Handke could fit within the $8 Million.
•
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4
November 14, 2007
•
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Res ectfullya submitted,
Tonya Love
Recording Secretary
•