05-21-1997 PR MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 1997 Members Present: Chair Dana Anderson; Commissioners Kuester, Dave Anderson, Huberty, Rolfe Anderson (7:20 p.m.) Members Absent: Commissioners Olson, Madsen, and Westrum Also Present: Council member Thompson Staff Present: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent and Pat Klaers, City Administrator 1 . Call Meetina to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the special meeting of the Elk River Park and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7: 1 0 p.m. by Chair Dana Anderson. 2. Decision Resources Presentation on Community Survey Bill Morris of Decision Resources reviewed the results of the Community Survey that was conducted in late April/early May. The study contains the results of a telephone survey of 400 randomly selected residents. In an overview statement, Mr. Morris indicated that it was a big surprise to see the support for a community center in Elk River. This support is counter to the metropolitan trend which is moving away from supporting community centers. Mr. Morris also indicated that there is strong support for outside recreation issues and that a bond referendum could be successful on this topic. In comparing the two issues. the support was higher for a community center, but there are some concerns that need to be looked at with this community center proposal. Mr. Morris indicated that he would comment on some general statistics, but would concentrate on the park and recreation and community center questions and leave the balance of the survey results to be presented later in a more comprehensive manner to the City Council. It was noted that what the residents liked best about Elk River is its location and "small town" feeling, and what the residents liked least about Elk River is its growth (Le., traffic and crime). The high number of "nothing" responsesto this like least question is unusual and it was noted that taxes are a low priority issue. The overall rating of the Park and Recreation facilities in Elk River dropped 14 percent from the 1989 survey and the total who found the facilities to be either good or excellent (66 percent) is very low in comparison to metropolitan area communities. The city received especially low rankings from new residents.