05-11-2005 PR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes Page 3 May 11, 2005 ------------------------------------ 8.3.A. Policy Issues – Request by Elk River Rotary Club for financial assistance with Handke Project. Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared with the Commission that the Elk River Rotary Club is in its final stage of working on the restoration of Handke Stadium. The estimated cost of the final phase is $50,000. The Rotary is requesting the Park & Recreation Commission consider using $10,000 of park dedication funds to assist with this project. Mr. Maertz shared that the City of Elk River has participated financially in the project in the past and there is a precedent in using park dedication funds on school district property. The lights installed at Handke in the winter of 2004/2005 were paid for with park dedication funds. The Parks and Recreation Department operates the warming house and maintains the rinks, which received over 6,000 visits last year. Mr. Maertz introduced Tom McNair and Bob Maxwell of the Elk River Rotary Club who shared an update on how the renovation of Handke Stadium has gone and what is left to finish. Commissioner Niziolek stated he would like to approve assistance towards efforts of finishing Handke Stadium. Commissioner Nystrom stated he appreciates the work that has been done and it is a great program. MOVED BY COMMISSIONER NYSTROM AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NIZIOLEK TO USE $10,000 OF PARK DEDICATION FUNDS TO ASSIST WITH THE FINAL PHASE OF RESTORATION OF HANDKE STADIUM. MOTION CARRIED 4-0 8.3.B. Relocation of Downtown Gazebo Director of Parks and Recreation, Bill Maertz shared that the downtown gazebo is scheduled for demolition as part of the downtown redevelopment project. The City’s Economic Development Director has asked Parks and Recreation staff as to whether there is interest in moving the gazebo into a city park. The gazebo is not a historic structure; it is less than ten years old. Mr. Maertz shared that staff has identified three spots for the gazebo, one being near the volleyball courts at Orono Park, the second would be near the parking lot by the Lake Orono and the third is near the senior center. Mr. Maertz also shared that the staff is not convinced that the structure will be able to be moved intact and has received estimates of what it would cost to move the gazebo. The cost will be any where from 8,000 to 10,000 to move the gazebo. Mr. Maertz shared that Commissioner Paige, who is unable to attend tonight; emailed him that he believes it is not the most desirable structure architecturally and that he would not be in favor of it being in a city park. Commissioner Peterson asked what would happen if the Parks and Recreation Commission does not deal with moving the gazebo.