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Item: 7 <br /> ElkMemorandum <br /> River <br /> To: Parks and Recreation Commission <br /> From: Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation Director <br /> Date: November 14, 2018 <br /> Subject: Director's Report <br /> This report is a monthly highlight of department activities related to collaborations, strategic <br /> planning, staff changes/developments, and park operations. <br /> Sales Tax Referendum Plan Authorized on Election Day <br /> Elk River residents overwhelmingly authorized a half-cent sales tax on Election Day to pay for$35 <br /> million of park and recreational facility improvements. Voters cast 6,830 votes or 65%in favor of <br /> the Active Elk River plan,while 3,702 votes or 35%voted against it. <br /> The organized effort"Vote Yes! For an Active Elk River" assisted as an advocacy group to get <br /> citizens and sports organizations to understand the benefits of supporting the referendum. The <br /> neighborhood canvassing and yard signs, and various promotions ensured strong support. <br /> The city's communication effort included ActiveElkRiver.com microsite,printed materials, a <br /> citywide mailing, social media and presentations to inform the public to help voters understand the <br /> referendum and city's ballot question. We will continue using ActiveElkRiver.com to provide <br /> updates on the projects as they come to fruition. <br /> The next step is for the state legislature to approve the referendum. This has to happen before city <br /> staff can begin work. As a reminder, the Active Elk River Plan includes the following: <br /> • Multipurpose Facility and Lion John Weicht Park $26 Million <br /> • Senior Facility $1.5 Million <br /> • Lake Orono Dredging $1 Million <br /> • Trails $2 Million <br /> • Orono Park $2.5 Million <br /> • YAC $2 Million <br /> PONEREO Rr <br /> N:\Departments\Parks and Recreation\Commission\Packets\2018\11-14-18 PRC Packet\Director's Report 11-14-18.docx NATURE <br />