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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes August 9. 2000 Page 4 . and size of budget. Chair Kuester noted that Vice Chair Pederson has offered to draft the survey when questions have been determined. Commissioner Westrum felt it was important to distinguish "built-out" cities versus "growth" communities when determining which cities to survey. Commissioner Peterson felt it was important to find out from the communities which have separate departments, at what point they made the separation, and what benefits have been gained through the process. Commissioner Westrum suggested that the survey also ask how the separation of the two departments was funded and at what cost. Commissioner Huberty suggested that Mr. John Guebar be contacted. She explained that she met Mr. Guebar at an MRP Conference. Mr. Guebar helps cities structure park and park/recreation departments. Commissioner Peterson stated he would like to know what was the driving force in creating separate departments. Ms. McPherson felt that Mr. Guebar would have this type of information in his data base. . Chair Kuester asked if Phil Hals was comfortable with the Commission pursuing this issue. Mr. Hals questioned what the Commission hoped to gain from creating separate departments. Chair Kuester stated that he felt that at some point the size and rate of growth in Elk River. separation of the departments would be warranted. He stated that he was unsure at what point that change would need to be made; if the city should wait until the street/park department and recreation department became so overloaded they could not keep up, or a crisis situation arose. He questioned how far Mr. Hals felt his department could be stretched to keep up with the demands. Commissioner Huberty stated that the Commission needs to determine if they are considering a "parks" only department or if it would be "park and recreation" which would include programming. Commissioner Dana Anderson noted that he was aware the City Council discussed the possibility of a park and recreation department when the changes were happening in the community recreation joint powers structure. He stated that making this type of change in structure would need to be planned into the City's budget well in advance. He did not feel it was fair to the Planning Department nor Mr. Hal's department to stretch them in so many different directions. Commissioner Sladek indicated that in the City he works for, the parks department works with community recreation, and does its own planning, grants and maintenance. He felt it is more appropriate for a parks department to do their own planning, rather than imposing park planning on the City's planning department. . Commissioner Peterson felt that a full-time parks director would be able to oversee work being done, and to pursue grants. Phil Hals stated that there are very few grant opportunities available at this time.