10. PRSR 10-09-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Center for Community Committee Minutes of Meeting on Thursday, August 29, 2002, 4:00 p.m. Elk River Senior Center Dining Area, Elk River Present: Don Heinz man, Cari Rock, Suzanne Kostanshek, Bob Olson, Tricia Sanford, Barbara Kreuser, Gene Rick, Louise Kuester, Charlie Blesener, Isobel Stander, Elaine Anderson, Darlene Solberg, Rachel Leonard, Pat Feit, Jane Lindenfelser, Lois Swanson, Cliff Lundberg, Sharon Tracy, Jim Mulroy, and Tony Darkenwald. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Don Heinzman, Chair. The minutes of the May 16, 2002 meeting were approved as printed. Don Heinzman introduced new people attending and thanked our host Suzanne Kostanshek, Director of the Elk River Senior Center. Don brought the group up to date on the origins and activities of this committee and explained that the three priority space needs identified in our community by the Operation ER process were the arts, seniors and youth. Family/Art Center: Tricia Sanford, of the Elk River Area Arts Alliance presented a new PowerPoint presentation on the ERAAA and the Family & Arts Center. She asked for feedback on the presentation. It was noted that this is a place for intergenerational activities, which is desirable. It was also noted that the Family & Arts Center partnership was a result of discussions in Operation ER Center for Community committee meetings. Furthermore, lack of community gathering space was identified as the #1 issue in our community during Operation ER's "Great Conversation" town meeting last year. Questions about Handke School followed. Charlie Blesener explained that currently about 1/3 of the building is being used by ECFE, Community Education and Headstart. Community Education funds two-thirds of the operations of the building out of Fund 4. If Handke was totally used for a community center, it would be substantially removed from the general fund. The school district would continue to be involved in the maintenance of the building. It was suggested that the presentation be seen by the ECFE board for their input. The school board will also be invited to view the presentation. Plans are to take it to numerous community organizations and focus groups to garner support for the concept and invite discussion. Facilities for seniors: Suzanne Kostanshek introduced members to the Senior Center and invited them to tour the new facility following the meeting. She noted that there are many activities offered by the Senior Center currently, but there are some needs that could be met in another facility. Currently the Senior Center has two kilns and offers classes in pottery. Their dance team, The Foxy Trotters, currently practice on concrete floors and would prefer a sprung floor. The Senior Center has a long history of collaborating with Community Education in programming. There are some male seniors who would prefer an alternate site for general socializing. The pool table at the center is used frequently. It was noted that with the new "baby boomer" generation, there will probably be new needs for facilities and programming. The Lions Park Center is being used for some programs, but it is difficult to schedule on a regular basis. Monticello Community Center was cited as an example of identified space that is exclusively for seniors in a multipurpose building. It was noted that many seniors like to interact with other ages but there is also need for exclusive space. Rachel Leonard noted that Sherburne County, one of the fastest growing counties in the country, has 30% or more aged 20 or under. There are three generational families living in our area. Our libraries, public space and educational facilities are more important than ever.