08-09-2006 PR MIN• MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2006
Members Present: Commissioners Anderson, Nystrom and Peterson
Members Absent: Chair Polston-Rork, Commissioners Kuester, Niziolek and Paige
Staff Present: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director; Michele Bergh, Recreation
Manager; 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 6:35 p.m. by Commissioner Peterson.
2. Consider August 9, 2006 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda
Due to the lack of quorum, it was the consensus of those present to proceed with an
informational meeting. '
3. Consider Minutes of June 14, 2006 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
• Due to lack of quorum, the June 14, 2006 Parks & Recreation Commission minutes will be
considered at the September meeting.
4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend August 21, 2006 City Council Meeting and
August 22, 2006 Planning Commission Meetings
4.1. August 21.2006 City Council Meeting
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz will attend the August 21, 2006 City
Council Meeting.
4.2. August 22, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz will attend the August 22, 2006
Planning Commission Meeting.
Open Mike -None
6. Recreation Manager's Report -Michele Bergh
Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager presented to the Commission that the Parks and
Recreation Department scheduled 937 hours of ball field use, 70 hours of soccer field use,
115 hours of park use, 172 hours of indoor facility use and 512 hours of park shelter use.
• Ms. Bergh shared that the mold abatement at Lions Park Center is complete and the rebuild
will hopefully be complete by the end of August.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
August 9, 2006
Page 2
Ms. Bergh reported that the Fall Program Guide has been delivered and additional marketing
has been done for other various programs.
Ms. Bergh shared that the school district is reviewing their current flyer distribution polity.
and may decide not to allow outside organizations to distribute flyers within the schools.
Staff has written a letter to the School Board asking for their support in continuing to allow
us this privilege. Without it, we will be challenged to get information to parents and their
children.
Ms. Bergh shared that the Senior Center created a cookbook and is taking orders.
Director's Report -Bill Maertz
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an update regarding Pinewood Golf
Course.
Mr. Maertz shared that there was camping at Orono Park over July 4~ holiday and would
like some feedback on implementing a no overnight camping policy at Orono Park.
Commissioner Anderson suggested designating the area by the water tower for the carnival
workers.
Commissioner Peterson questioned why they do not camp at the local campground.
Mr. Maertz stated that there is a lack of clear direction and a policy should be worked out •
with Elk River Chamber who organizes the holiday event.
Mr. Maertz shared that there were 35 National Night Out parties around the city.
Mr. Maertz stated that the Babcock Park agreement have been sent out and a park sign will
be installed.
Mr. Maertz shared an update regarding the Park Dedication Fund.
8.1. Community Events -Downtown Block Party
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared a request by the downtown businesses
to use the downtown park for a block party.
Commissioner Peterson supports the event as long as proper paperwork is submitted
8.2.A Land Use Cases
Due to a lack of quorum. the Land Use Cases were not discussed.
8.3.A. Policy Issues -Playground at Twin Lakes Elementary
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared information regarding a request for •
finandal help to fund a playground at the new Twin Lakes Elementary. Staff is looking for
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3
August 9, 2006
• direction on consideration of using park dedication funds to help fund a playground at Twin
Lakes Elementary.
Commissioner Anderson asked who would maintain it.
Mr. Maertz stated the school district would maintain it; the City's role would only be to help
finance the project.
Commissioner Nystrom asked about the possible jointly owned activity building between the
city and the school district that had been discussed in the past.
Mr. Maertz stated that the school was too far along in planning and construction however,
the construction of the middle school in the same area will offer another opportunity to
follow through with an activity building.
Commissioner Peterson stated it would be a good idea to help finance the playground, area
residents will enjoy the amenity in their neighborhood.
Commissioner Anderson stated he would like to see a proposal put together for the 2007
budget.
8.3.B. Appraisal of Gruys Property
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared information regarding a request to
• purchase Gruys property for parkland. To move forward the property will need an
appraisal.
Commissioner Anderson stated the Commissioner Kuester had shared prior to the meeting
that he would like to get the property appraised.
Commissioner Peterson stated that along with a land appraisal there should be development
study due to the large area of wetlands.
8.3.C. Request by National Mountain Bike Patrol
Michele Bergh, Recreation Manager presented to the Commission a request from the
National Mountain Bike Patrol to assist in patrolling the Hillside Park. The agreement
would include free passes for the patrol members who would report any crime, vandalism or
injuries.
Commissioner Peterson asked if they would work regular hours.
Ms. Bergh stated that Ross Demant, Recreation Coordinator would work with the patrol
members regarding the hours they would patrol the park and setting up a uniform or badges.
Commissioner Anderson asked if it could be a part of the Adopt-a-park program.
Ms. Bergh stated she would add it into the proposed agreement.
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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
August 9, 2006
8.4.A. Discussion Items -Update Park System Master Plan
Page 4
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the Park System Master Plan needs
to be updated with current and future growth needs and if a referendum will be needed to
attain those goals. Would like to work on a long range plan in 2007.
Commissioner Peterson stated he would support having neighborhood meetings to educate
the residents about the Park System Master Plan and its benefits.
Commissioner Nystrom asked if it would be possible to have a consultant help with the
meetings or do a survey.
Mr. Maertz stated that a consultant could be brought in to draw up the plans and help run
meetings and do a more scientific poll.
9. Information/Update Items
9.1.A. Land Use Cases -None
9.Z.A. Park/Trail Development
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared an update regarding the 2006
neighborhood park improvements.
10.1. Update June/July, 2006 City Council Meeting
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the Rivers Edge Park bids were
high and the park was redesigned. Bid opening for the redesigned plan is August 22, 2006.
10.1. Update June/July, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting
There was no update presented.
11. Other Business
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:10 pm.
Respectfully su_ omitted,
Tonya Love
Recording Secretary
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