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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes March 9, 2011 Page 3 Elk River resident, Todd Raymakers, 10725 186`h Circle NW; President of Elk River Youth Football Association (ERYFA) expressed his concern that city fields may be taken away from the ERYFA in order fox the city's flag football program to expand. Mr. Raymakers explained that the ERYFA is anon-profit organization run by volunteers and is a feeder program for the Elk River High School program. Elk River resident, Tyler Hemmesch, 1332 5`° St; 2007 Elk River graduate and ERYFA volunteer shared how the football association impacted his life by keeping him involved, goals and lessons all while maturing. Elk River resident, Craig Hemmesch, 1332 5`" St; Past President of ERYFA shared that he had three sons go through the football program, a great family sport and with last fall's Varsity programs issues it is important to support the organization more than ever. Elk River resident, Bob Schilz, 18499 Olson Circle NW; Vice President of ERYFA shared that he would hate to see the fields taken away from the football association and impressed with how organized and the sense of community the association has. Elk River resident, Mike Brown, 11360 193"' Ave. NW; shared that he has been involved with ERYFA, it is a great group and the money is always put back into the group, cost is kept low for all to be able to afford. Mr. Raymakers expressed that taking away fields from ERYFA will affect the community being the association is a mentoring program teaching them the best life skills they can. Commissioner Niziolek expressed supporting the volunteer and non-profit group in our town. More than football, they make Elk River special. Commissioner Jakex stated that it was helpful to hear from the ERYFA and hope to not lose focus that it is not that the commission is against ERYFA. Issue is how to allocate fields and come up with a creative solution. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JAKER TO RECOMMEND THE YOUTH ASSOCIATIONS HAVE FIRST PRIORITY AND RECREATION PROGRAMS HAS SECOND PRIORITY. MOTION CARRIED 6-0 8. Information/Update Items 8.1. Community Events Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit showcased the 2011 Shiver Elk River Community Event on March 12, 2011. This event took place at Lions Park, Handke Ice Rink and Orono Park.