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Park&Recreation Commission Minutes Page 4 <br />April 10,2013 <br />Mr. Hecker explained that the resolution is to inspire changes in youth sports to make the <br />experience safe,positive and fun. A guiding principle aimed at enhancing the overall youth <br />sports structure,as well as reinforces our community's commitment to ensure that every <br />program is held to the highest standard and conducted in the appropriate manner. This <br />resolution will become a preamble to the Field Use Allocation Policy. <br />MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK AND SECONDED BY <br />COMMISSIONER HOLMGREN TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION <br />TO APPROVE THE YOUTH SPORTS RESOLUTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-2. <br />7.D. Field Use Allocation Policv <br />Parks and Recreation Director,Michael Hecker presented the updated Field Use Allocation <br />Policy, outlining the allocation procedures for the permitted use of City of Elk River athletic <br />fields. It is also to ensure that all youth organizations and city programs using city fields are <br />following guidelines that will protect the safety of youth in our community. <br />Commissioner Anderson expressed concern over number four on page 12 explaining it <br />should say`anytime during the year'. <br />Mr. Hecker stated it can be changed to state `anytime during the year'. <br />Mr. Hecker shared a slide show to present and review the classifications of the groups and as <br />a staff and department there are three priorities; first to maintain what we have, second to <br />preserve open space and lastly to take of the youth. <br />City Administrator, Cal Portner expressed his concern about having two groups being equal <br />in the Priority 1 group. <br />Recreation Manager, Steve Benoit explained how the field allocation process would work <br />and that it would be keeping the community's youth best interest in mind and that there <br />would be an opportunity for a grievance process. <br />Commissioner Holmgren asked if the grievance process was in the policy. <br />Mr. Hecker stated that it was not and staff would be adding it tonight. <br />Mr. Portner explained that scheduling of fields is one issue and field needs are another issue. <br />Use of fields is what policy covers; city tax dollars support the maintenance of the fields. <br />City can coordinate to meet the needs of all, cannot leave anyone out as we need to meet the <br />need to serve the underserved. <br />Mayor Dietz asked if this policy will create big changes for the youth sports and if there are <br />current city programs we offer that will compete for field usage. <br />Mr. Hecker stated that current programs serve about 400 youth and are feeder type <br />programs for the youth associations.