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2009.08.05 PRC Minutes 1 Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes August 5, 2009 Twin Oak Park The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Lori Merriam. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Josephs, Ms. Haney, Ms. Sodd, Mr. Schuneman, Mr.Mueller, and Mr. Jungroth. Also present were, Ms. Moore, Council Liaison; Mr. Selton, City Council; Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Oyaas, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. Residents were also present. Ms. Merriam gave the purpose of the meeting. Introductions were made. Mr. Mathisen talked about several projects that were happening throughout the City. He updated the residents on the Twin Oak Pond project. Construction will start in 2010. The pond will clean storm water running into Twin Lake. Mr. Oyaas reviewed public safety information for the area. Ms. Merriam opened the meeting to resident comment: · A question regarding the safety of the pond was asked: Mr. Mathisen said that the pond is not a deep hole and water should drain quickly from it. He added there really haven’t been any safety concerns with similar projects. · A resident was concerned about swamp odor from the pond: Mr. Mathisen said that the pond is close to the water table making it almost spring fed. In addition there will be shoreline plantings for filtering. · The Commission thanked the VFW for their work in cleaning and sprucing up the park building. The VFW adopted the park. · Cars parking in the park have been a problem. There is confusion whether it is allowed to park in the park or not since the paved driveway is there: The Commission felt signage is needed there. · Request to open the warming house. Several adults volunteered to meet with the Recreation Department to discuss staffing the building. · The Park Department received complements on their ice maintenance. · Residents were concerned about traffic issues on W ilshire Blvd. Cars do not stop for the stop signs and speeding down Wilshire. Many cars do not make the turn at the park and end up in resident’s yards. Mr. Mathisen will look at the street to see if any changes can be made and Mr. Oyaas will refer this issue to the traffic officer. 2 · There was a question about no allowing parking on Scott and Wilshire as it makes the road narrow. Mr. Mathisen will look into no parking · Kids hang out after 10pm Residents were instructed to call 911. · A comment was made about scooters driving erratically on the roadway. Scooters are allowed on roadways This concluded the neighborhood meeting. Residents were thanked for their attendance. The neighborhood meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm. The regular Commission Meeting was called to order after at 7:55pm by Chairperson Lori Merriam. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Josephs, Ms. Haney, Ms. Sodd, Mr. Schuneman, Mr. Mueller, and Mr. Jungroth. Also present were, Ms. Moore, Council Liaison; Mr. Selton, City Council; Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Oyaas, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. Also present were: Jan Jorgens, Tom VanHousen and Marjorie O’Connor from the Memory Lane pond neighborhood. The Commission discussed placing a sign at the Memory Lane pond area. Mr. Rauen showed a concept sign and location. The sign will say “Memory Lane Pond”. It will be placed so it will not block the view of the water for any residents. Mr. VanHousen thought that there may be a group of residents that would want to do some projects in the Memory Lane pond area. He also asked of the city property on 44 th was park of the park and if it is not, could it be. He thought the pond area should have 1 PID and thought there could be more development such as a trail, improving the vegetation and a rain garden. The neighbors are concerned about the geese in the area too. Mr. VanHousen thought hat the Crystal Fund would pay for part of the improvements. Ms. Merriam asked the residents to develop a plan and bring it back to the Commission at a later date for further discussion. Moved by Ms. Kalvik and seconded by Ms. Josephs to place a sign as discussed at the Memory Lane Pond area. Motion carried – unanimous . Mr. Rauen will work with Ms. Jorgens and the other residents on the sign placement. Ms. Sodd mentioned that the family of Rita Nystrom may want to do some kind of memorial for her. Ms. Hackett will forward the Commission policy on renaming park facilities and donations for memorials. Ms. Sodd and Ms. Haney informed the Commission that there have been complaints regarding use of the pool deck chairs by youth. In the past youth 3 were not allowed the deck chairs but with the re-opening of the pool, it was thought that there was enough deck chairs for all who wish to use them. It appears that this year that there is not. Ms. Sodd and Ms. Haney asked to re- instate the adult use policy for next year. Ms. Hackett said that will be done. Ms. Moore gave the City Council report: · Several appointments were made. · A kennel license was approved · There was no changes to the cell tower ordinance · Bonds for the highway 81 project were approved · Recognitions were held for the Cavanagh neighborhood rain gardens Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report: · The run was one of the biggest ever – 140 participants · The Splash Bash was not well attended – it was cold · The Skate Park event went well – lots of participants and spectators · The Dunk Tank raised over $200 · There were some arrests Ms. Haney thanked all of the Commission volunteers for their hard work. Mr. Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Association report: · Humana hosted the last meeting at their site. · There are a couple of socials coming up. The Park Department Monthly report was given, highlighting major activities. Ms. Hackett will distribute the Recreation/CCC reports with the next Commission packet. There was not a Chairperson’s report. The July minutes were approved. Commissioners were reminded of the next meeting: 7 p.m. on September 2 at Becker Park. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm. Gene Hackett Recorder