Laserfiche WebLink
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes <br />October 9, 2024 <br />Page 2 <br />existing sponsorship agreement requirements. He shared that the existing welcome plaza proposal <br />appears to be a fancy driveway. He would be fine if it were scaled back to save money. <br />Chair Anderson said that the welcome plaza should be what the community wants and needs. Mr. <br />Hickman said that more shade would be great, but he does not know that everyone has time to lounge <br />on a welcome plaza. <br />Chair Anderson asked if Mr. Hickman would like to see more signage. Mr. Hickman said he is not <br />sure where any other signage would go or make a difference and that it isn't necessary. Chair <br />Anderson asked if doing other improvements to the fields would be okay like black top etc. Mr. <br />Hickman agreed that the paving of the parking lot etc. would be a nice way to use the money. Chair <br />Anderson confirmed that it is $35,000 coming in each year from the sponsorship agreement. <br />Chair Anderson said he thinks they should stay with a normal budgeting plan/cycle to bank the <br />money as it comes in and then discuss how to spend it. Commissioner Loidolt asked for clarification <br />on what the money can be used for. Mr. Shelby said the money goes into the park improvement fund <br />and can be used towards whatever we want. Commissioner Loidolt suggested meeting with the user <br />groups to see what they would like to use the money for and keep the money in the area that it is <br />being used for. Commissioner Loidolt said that one thing he would like to see is seating on the hill <br />like limestone block -potentially the ones from downtown that could be recycled. <br />Commissioner Varty suggested asking the user groups, such as Elk River Youth Baseball, what their <br />thoughts are and start making a list of amenities. Chair Anderson suggested that user groups and <br />parents provide the information and then it can be added to the regular budget line -item process. The <br />projects may not be done in year one but as the money comes in plans can be made for it to be <br />allocated for those wish list items. <br />Chair Anderson said that Mr. Hickman's needs should be considered too. Mr. Hickman suggested a <br />Welcome to Elk River sign with some trees over the main walkway entrance, so people know where <br />they are. He also suggested having their name on the concession stand. He also said that the <br />associations want storage so that could also be a consideration, such as an eight by ten garage. He <br />feels this is a potential need because they get approached a lot by the user groups for this type of <br />thing. Commissioner Goodwin asked the other commissioners if they feel this is a need as well. Chair <br />Anderson said he feels there is a need for storage and space for it. He asked for thoughts from staff. <br />Mr. Stremcha asked for clarification from Mr. Hickman if he felt a show floor space for furniture, etc. <br />is needed? Mr Hickman said they do not need something permanent because furniture might start <br />disappearing. He thinks it is easier to drop off furniture during major tournaments for use and display <br />and then pick it back up after. Mr. Hickman also said that $240,000 seemed like a lot of money for a <br />welcome plaza. <br />Chair Anderson asked the commission if they should invite the user groups in for a workshop. <br />Commissioner Loidolt said yes, he thinks that would be a good idea. <br />Mr. Stremcha asked the Commission if staff should have user groups submit a wish list by December <br />to be incorporated into the capital outlay plan beginning in 2026. The Commissioner's agreed. <br />Councilmember Beyer thanked Mr. Hickman for all he has done for the community. He also clarified <br />that the reason the welcome plaza project was stopped was because the council was concerned that <br />I011aFI 11 <br />NATURE <br />