Laserfiche WebLink
hi Request for Action <br /> River <br /> To Item Number <br /> Parks and Recreation Commission 6.2 <br /> Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by <br /> Discussion Item July 9,2014 Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director <br /> Item Description Reviewed by <br /> Metal Detecting Policy Cal Portner, City Administrator <br /> Reviewed by <br /> Action Requested <br /> No action requested. Discussion of the request to permit metal detecting in city parks. <br /> Background/Discussion <br /> During the open forum portion of the meeting last month,Mr. Steven Shoemaker presented to the <br /> Commission information on metal detecting. The letter and information that he passed out is attached. <br /> Mr. Shoemaker's letter outlines the benefits of metal detecting. He shared that there are clubs all over <br /> the state and many parks permit metal detecting. He requested the commission remove the ban on metal <br /> detecting and replace it with a permit policy. Currently the city has no ban on metal detecting. <br /> Staff surveyed area park agencies and found that 11 counties and nearby cities either specifically allow <br /> metal detecting or do not have a policy prohibiting metal detecting. Three Rivers Parks and Minnesota <br /> State Parks do not allow metal detecting. The Minnesota Land Trust is also silent on the issue,indicating <br /> that it is an acceptable activity at Bailey Point,as long as the proper tools and rules are followed. <br /> Mr. Shoemaker stated that Ramsey County Parks and Recreation allows metal detecting by permit. The <br /> Ramsey County policy is also attached. Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Director Jon Oyanagi <br /> indicated that their policy works well. If the City of Elk River decides to allow permits for metal <br /> detecting,the Ramsey model would be a good one to follow. <br /> Staff recommends that the Commission discuss the information outlined in the attachments. Any new <br /> park rules,permits and/or ordinances should not be considered until later in the year when all of the <br /> current ordinances are planned to be reviewed by staff and the Commission. <br /> In the meantime, staff and volunteers can encourage those who want to do metal detecting to follow the <br /> Treasure Hunters Credo as outlined in the Ramsey County policy. <br /> Financial Impact <br /> None at this time. <br /> Attachments <br /> • Steve Shoemaker Letter to the Commission and Metal Detecting Information <br /> • Ramsey Parks and Recreation Department Metal Detecting Permit and Credo <br /> PTIMEREI IT <br /> LNAIURE <br />