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Arena Commission Minutes Page 3 August 19,2014 returned.The results showed an interest in permanent bathrooms on trails,however the survey itself didn't address much with the Arena or Activity Center. There was also an online survey,as well as open public meetings,with the final one scheduled tomorrow,August 20. At this meeting members of the public will be able comment on the draft plan. Czech recommends members of the Elk River Youth Hockey Association as well as the Elk River Figure Skating club should attend to voice their opinions. Commissioner Holmgren notes the bathroom issue on the trails and in the parks was a big issue,however he believes that many of the youth athletic groups weren't aware that they should be voicing their opinions or that they would be affected. Arena Manager Czech states the Parks and Recreation Commission will have a meeting on September 10,where the plan may be discussed,but that August 20 is the last open meeting. Commissioner Ballenger notes The Elk River Youth Hockey Association has gotten the word out to it's constituents and requested as many people to attend the meeting as possible. Commissioner Holmgren states as a recreation person,he felt the responses from the surveys were very low from recreational families. He again notes that the youth organizations didn't realize the importance of it,and that if the Parks and Rec Commission only went by the surveys,it wouldn't be favorable for the facilities. Commissioner Ballenger notes that he felt the second online survey,was tailored more to the parks and trails,and unless the recipient specifically typed in"arena"it wasn't always an option. Arena Manager Czech states the online survey was open to all,not specifically Elk River residents. Commissioner Holmgren adds he believes the first survey was not a true representation of the communities'wishes. Arena Manager Czech states that City Administrator Cal Portner is looking at the RFP as far as what would be needed for an arena building that includes a community center and meeting rooms. Czech suspects there would have to be a referendum. Commissioner Holmgren notes when Parks and Recreation Director Michael Hecker talked to the Youth Baseball group, the communities that he used as comparables were Andover, Shakopee,Inver Grove Heights,Cottage Grove,Red Wing, Rosemount and South St. Paul. Holmgren suggested we look into those communities arenas to see what they have. I P O V I E R E D B I NATURE