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. . . Elk River city Council Meeting August 2, 1993 Page 2 to commissions and boards and found that none of them allowed such appointments. She further stated that she felt the Park and Recreation Commission did an excellent job and that she had no problems with the current Park and Recreation Commission, however, she felt that since the Commission had an influence on the spending of monies, it was not fair to the taxpayers in Elk River to have someone outside the City making recommendations for them. Councilmember Scheel also stated that she felt a resolution should be made to cover all appointments to boards and commissions with the City of Elk River, restricting non-residents from serving. Mike O'Brien, Park and Recreation Commissioner, gave a brief history of the changes that have taken place to bring the Commission to its present involvement in the area recreation program. Mr. O'Brien explained that the Park and Recreation Commission is also becoming involved in the review of plats for park land. He stated that the Commission has a difficult time attracting members and would not want to see restrictions placed on applicants regarding residency. He stated that he felt they have a good working system and he didn't want to jeopardize the progress the Commission is making. Councilmember felt it was further stated regarding how the recreation ordinance. Farber stated that when this discussion first came up, he something that definitely needed to be looked at. He that he now feels that the situation is unique, the various groups and communities came together to make program and that he was not in favor of changing the Councilmember Scheel stated that perhaps park and recreation would have to be split since parks involves the acquisition of property. She indicated that although park land is acquired through dedication fees, it was her opinion that decisions should be made by residents representing the City of Elk River. Councilmember Dietz stated that the current ordinance limits the appointment of two non-residents to the Park and Recreation Commission and he did not see a problem with that number on an eight-member Commission. Councilmember Oietz further stated that it was his recollection that Dana Anderson of Otsego was recruited to the Park Commission for lack of other applicants. Also, he stated that Dave Anderson does not technically live in the City of Elk River, but a price tag cannot be placed on the amount of money he has saved the City and the business that has been brought to Elk River through his efforts. Councilmember Dietz stated that he felt that if it was not for Dave's efforts, there would not be a softball complex with lights. He expressed his feeling that he was not in favor of changing the ordinance at this time and that the Commission is a transition period, with the recreation program shifting to the District #728 Area Recreation Program and the Commission's involvement in the review of plats for park land in new developments. He stated that although the Commission makes recommendations to the Council regarding how money is spent, the City Council makes the final decision.