Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/12/2009

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Motion by Commissioner Shryock, seconded by Commissioner Backous, to authorize staff to draft a letter of support for Elk River's trail proposals. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Johns, Commissioners Erickson, Backous, Barr, Hansen, and Shryock. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner LaMere. COMMISSION/STAFF INPUT . Status of Sunfish Lake Park Parks Supervisor Riverblood reported that the City Council authorized staff to go out for bids on the Sunfish Lake Park project. He stated that bids are due from contractors by March 11 th, and advised that detailed numbers could be provided to the Commission at the March 1 ih meeting. He reported that the City Council would then review those numbers and the recommendation from the Commission at their following March meeting. · Youth Athletic Associations Meeting - Year in Preview Parks Supervisor Riverblood advised that there is an upcoming meeting for the youth athletic associations where the discussion will be focused on the year in preview. He advised that it is a great opportunity to collaborate with the many youth associations involved in the City. He advised that within Ramsey there is the Anoka Ramsey Youth Athletic Association, Saint Stephens School, and PACT Charter School. He stated that more than 4,000 young people are being served by these youth sports and associations, mostly Ramsey residents but also residents from Anoka and the City of Nowthen. Commissioner Barr added that they also serve Saint Francis, and Coon Rapids. He thought that was a testament to the program in Ramsey and how it is run. He reminded the Commission that Commissioner Hanson is the Field Coordinator for ARAA. Other Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated that the Commission would see a presentation from the Ramsey Foundation at the March meeting. Chairperson Johns advised that she had seen an advertisement that the Ramsey Foundation is going to hold outdoor concerts at Central Park through the summer, from the months of June through September. She advised residents to watch for more information in the upcoming months. Commissioner Shryock advised that the Fourth of July event, previously held in Elk River had been supported by the business community. She advised that it was mostly likely not going to continue this year and thought it would be a good opportunity to draw people into the City of Ramsey and the parks. She asked residents to come to the Commission meetings and bring their positive or negative feedback, and advised that letters and emails could also be sent. She advised that the new Mayor is also going to hold informal chat sessions with residents. She thought it would be a good opportunity for residents to come and become familiar with the Mayor and Council. She stated that Park and Recreation Commission/February 12, 2009 Page 6 of 7