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04-08-2009 PR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2009 Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Boese, Jaker, Larson, Niziolek, Nystrom and Peterson Staff Present: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director; Chris Leeseberg, Planner/Park Planner; Steve Benoit, 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 Anderson. 2. Consider April 8.2009 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz added Item 8.1.B. Community Gardens MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CARSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO APPROVE THE APRIL 8, 2009 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consider Minutes of March 11 2009 Parks & Recreation Commission Meetin MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JAKER AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO APPROVE THE MARCH 11, 2009 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. Parks & Recreation Commissioner to Attend Apri120 2009 City Council Meeti~ and May 12.2009 Planning Commission Meetings 4.1. Apri120.2009 ity Council Meeting Commissioner Niziolek will attend the Apri120, 2009 City Council Meeting. 4.2. Mav 12. 2009 Planning Commission Meeting Commissioner Nystrom will attend the May 12, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting. Page 2 of 4 4.3. Election of Chair and Vice Chair MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO ELECT COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AS CHAIR OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BOESE TO ELECT COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK AS VICE CHAIR OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Open Mike -None 6. Recreation Manager's Report -Steve Benoit Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared that the department participated in the Elk River Business Expo on Sunday, March 29`h. The Business Expo is a great opportunity to educate the community about the extensive recreational offerings available. Mr. Benoit shared the Senior Center Coordinator's and Arena Manager's staff report. 7. Director's Report -Bill Maertz Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared the staff collaborated in organizing the Elk River Youth Expo held April 4`h. This event brought together multiple groups that provide healthy activities and options for youth in the Elk River area. Mr. Maertz stated that staff has been working on finding a sponsor to fund expanded hours at the Activity Center. Mr. Maertz also shared that staff has been researching the issue of eliminating dog waste in the parks and implementing tri-folds and posters out in the parks to educate area residents. Action/Discussion Items 8.1.A. Use of Athletic Field Facilities by Private, For-Profit Organizations Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared that the department has received several requests from private, for-profit organizations wishing to rent City of Elk River athletic facilities for the purpose of operating tournaments for profit. Currently we do not have an in-take process in place to accommodate these types of requests. Staff is looking for feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission on the best direction in handling these requests. Page 3 of 4 Mr. Benoit shared that these are private, for-profit groups; most participants in these programs would likely reside outside of Elk River. In some cases these organizations may offer activities that duplicate programs already offered through the Parks and Recreation Department and our current field use application form and fee structure was set up with the intent of accommodating non-profit youth organizations. Renting to these types of groups would have the benefit of additional rental revenue as well as the economic value of bringing participants into the Elk River community for an event. Commissioner Jaker shared that renting out the fields could have an economic benefit to the community however, wondered if there is a resident versus non- resident fee structure. Commissioner Nystrom asked if there would be openings to accommodate renting to such groups. Mr. Benoit stated that the priority users have been accommodated for this year and that a timeline would need to be created for future scheduling purposed to be able to accommodate our programs and then priority users and so on. Commissioner Peterson brought up the liability issues with renting to outside user groups and that the group should not be in direct competition to what we offer. Commissioner Anderson shared an explanation as to the low cost of renting to the local associations. These groups were instrumental with building and developing the facilities. Mr. Benoit stated that implementation would take place for 2010 and more research will take place. 8.1.B. Community Gardens Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that Kathy Held, U of M Extension has a grant and is interested in coordinating a community garden in Elk River and looking fora 1 acre area to host it. Commissioner Niziolek asked if it would be fenced. Mr. Maertz stated that the community garden will be handled by the U of M Extension Service and the City would only provide land and possibly a water tank. Commissioner Anderson stated that it would be nice to see it centrally located within the city. Commissioner Larson shared that Orono Park may be good location 9. Information/Update Items Page 4 of 4 9.1. Community Events Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit showcased the Golden Gonza Egg Hunt in a power point presentation. 9.2. Park Highlights Planner/Parks Planner, Chris Leeseberg showcased the Pinewood Golf Course in a power point presentation. 10.1. Update March 16, 2009 Citv Council Meeting- None 10.2. Update April 14 2009 Planning Commission Meeting- None 11. Other Business - None 12. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:18pm. Minutes prepared by Tonya Love. Tonya Love Parks & Recreation Recording Secretary > -~ ,~ Dave Anderson Parks and Recreation Commission Chair