01-13-2010 PR MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2010
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Jaker, Niziolek, Nystrom and
Peterson
Members Absent: Commissioner Boese
Council Liaison: Councilmember Zerwas
Staff Present: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director; Chris Leeseberg,
Planner/Park Planner; Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager; Tonya
Love, Recording Secretary
Call Meeting To Order
2.
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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 Anderson.
Consider~anuary 13, 2010 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER PETERSON TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 13, 2010
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED
5-0.
Consider Minutes of November 18, 2009 Parks & Recreation Commission Meetin
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER JAKER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER NYSTROM TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 18, 2009
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Parks & Recreation Commissioner to attend January X010 City Council Meeting and
February 2010 Planning Commission Meeting
4.1. anuary 19, 2010 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Anderson will attend the January 19, 2010 City Council
Meeting.
4.2. Februarv 9.2010 Planning Commission Meeting
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
January 13, 2010
Page 2
Commissioner Boese will attend the February 9, 2010 Planning Commission
Meeting.
Open Mike
ISA Director; Derrik Boella presented the Parks and Recreation Commission with
the Adult Complex Award of the year.
Recreation Manager's Report -Steve Benoit
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit shared that the Intramural Basketball league is
being held at the YMCA gym and that there are 56 youth enrolled.
Mr. Benoit shared the Senior Center monthly report.
7. Director's Report -Bill Maertz
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that there are now nine outdoor
rinks that the parks maintenance staff are currently maintaining.
Mr. Maertz shared that Special Events programming will be downscaled due to
reductions in the programming budget.
Mr. Maertz thanked the maintenance staff in working during their holiday due to the
holiday snow storms.
Mr. Maertz stated that staff is preparing applications for the Solar Energy Legacy
Grants that would be for solar powered lights and crosswalk lights for the Great
Northern Trail. The Ice Arena Commission has also recommended using money in
reserves to match an Energy Efficiency Grant.
8. Action/Discussion Items
8.1. Discussion Issues
8.1.A Tobacco Free Parks & Recreation
Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the current tobacco use
policy for Elk River Parks and Recreation Facilities prohibits tobacco use within 50
feet of youth activities. Since the policy was adopted, recent research has shown that
second hand smoke levels in outdoor public places can reach levels as high as those
previously found in indoor facilities. Staff would like feedback from Commission as
to whether the tobacco use policy should be reviewed and potentially changed to
create a tobacco free parks and recreation system. If there is interest, staff will
research and prepare some sample policies for the commission to review.
Commissioner Peterson stated that he supported a tobacco free parks and recreation
system.
Park & Recreation Commission Minutes
January 13, 2010
Page 3'
Commissioner Jaker stated that there was good information shared in the packet and
would support looking at the policy.
Mr. Maertz stated that we do not have the resources to police and enforce this
policy, however this will give park users the ability to ask others to stop smoking in
the parks.
Commissioner Nystrom stated he supported a tobacco free parks and recreation
system.
Commissioner Anderson stated that alternative options should be looked at
regarding the Adult Complex areas, such as possibly implementing a 10 ft. smoking
area.
Mr. Maertz stated that staff will look at all possible solutions, however would like to
advocate going all the way with a no smoking across the board.
Information/Update Items
9.1. Volunteer of the Month
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit recognized Darlene Nickols as this month's
Volunteer of the month.
9.2. Community Events
Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit showcased the Holiday Downtown event in a
power point presentation.
9.3. Park Highlights
Planner/Parks Planner, Chris Leeseberg showcased the Outdoor Ice Rinks in a
power point presentation.
9.4. Adopt-A-Park Update
Planner/Parks Planner, Chris Leeseberg shared that there are several parks still
available for adoption with the Adopt-A-Park Program.
10.1. Update December, 2009 City Council Meeting- None
10.2. Update December, 2009 Planning Commission Meeting -None
11. Other Business -None
12. Adjournment
Park & Recreation Commission l~finutes
January 13, 2010
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There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:23pm.
Minutes epared b ya Love.
Tina-Allardl, Ci
ave Andersen
Page 4'
Parks and Recreation Commission Chair