2009.02.04 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
February 4, 2009
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. Haney, Mr. Jungroth, Ms. Josephs, Mr. Lehnertz and Mr. Mueller. Also present
were, Ms. Moore, Council Liaison and Mr. Berggren, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett
from the city staff. Also present was Scott Linge and Jan Jorgens from the Forest
Neighborhood.
Mr. Linge and Ms. Jorgens were welcomed to the Commission. Introductions were
made.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Mr. Linge and Ms Jorgens brought several discussion topics to the meeting
regarding the Forest Neighborhood Parks, which include Forest School and Memory
Lane. Mr. Linge mentioned the Giant Red Oak that was lost a couple of years ago,
and would like another one to be planted at Memory Lane. Mr. Linge would
purchase and donate the new Red Oak seedling to Memory Lane if the City would
plant the seedling. Mr. Rauen didn’t think it would be a problem to plant the tree.
Ms. Jorgens would like to see some new plantings along 42 nd near the Memory Lane
Pond where Buckthorn had been removed. Mr. Rauen would like to put a native
plant in the area, some suggestions included dogwood or sumac. Lilacs are an
option, but although they are not invasive, they are not a native plant. Dogwood
seemed to be a popular choice, as they would grow full, and create a nice barrier.
Mr. Rauen thought they would need to be attended to every 4-5 years. Commission
member Mueller who also is part of the Crystal Fund for Community Progress
(CFCP) said that group would be able to provide $1,000-$2,000 for the planting
project. Mr. Mueller invited Mr. Linge and Ms. Jorgens to the next meeting of the
CFCP
Ms. Jorgens also is requesting that weeping willows, similar to those at Bassett
Creek, be planted near the east bank of the pond. She commented that the park was
lacking trees. She will look to the City Forester to make recommendations.
The monthly reports were reviewed, highlighting major activities.
Mr. Linge and Ms. Jorgens would also like to see signs posted so people do not feed
the geese. Memory Lane has a lot of geese and they are ruining the brand new
sidewalks with their waste…causing it to be difficult for walkers to use the
sidewalk. They also expressed that the Forest Neighborhood residents pay taxes for
upkeep, but Memory Lane and Forest School Park do not see much attention.
over
They are requesting signage to provide some identity to both areas.
Ms Jorgens commented that there are also too many male ducks in the area. She
recommended having a nesting raft put in place to help balance out the gender
population. They will contact Ducks Unlimited or possibly a Boy Scout troop to
construct a nesting raft. They will also check City Ordinances to make sure a
nesting raft is ok. They also would like a map of Memory Lane which consists of an
aerial view, equipped with elevations, for future planning.
The Commission will participate in a Work session with the City Council after the
Councils regular meeting on March 17 th . Full participation from all Commission
members was encouraged.
The Commission had a discussion about possible policies to have when the City
encounters budget issues. Ms. Hackett mentioned that the City will loose $500,000+
from LGA in 2009 and a possible $1.1 million in 2010. In addition to this the City
was not paid their final payment of 2008 of $400,000.
The Commission agreed that the Parks & Recreation Departments should not make
unnecessary additions, but they all felt we needed to maintain as many services as
possible. Some other key points included:
· Maintaining the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center and Crystal Community
Center, not only because they are important to the City, but also to be
respectful to the referendums that were passed by the residents.
· Look at slowing down the Park Equipment replacement program.
o Kentucky is the next scheduled replacement…is it necessary?
o The cost of replacing is $50,000
o Mr. Rauen believes it would not pass ADA requirements.
· Commission would like to have safety as a priority
· Suggestions of raising Adult Fees was mentioned, although, they are raised
yearly.
· Maintain scholarships
o Pursue more sponsorships
· The Commission also discussed the importance of Recreation, and how it is
feasible to increase recreational opportunities for people. Both in the way of
new programs, and also keeping fees reasonable.
· Maintain Special Community Events
· The Commission would like to see a cost analysis on all the park buildings.
To see if we have options of saving money.
· Ms. Moore wondered if it would be possible to mow less
The Commission tabled the discussion regarding PIR and LRP until April.
Outdoor meetings set as follows:
June 3 – Kentucky Park
July 8- Fair School Park
over
August 5 – POW/MIA Twin Oaks Memorial Park
September 2 – Becker Park
The Disc Golf Association submitted a proposal to have a vending machine put at
hole 1 of the disc golf course, which would be stocked with equipment and snacks.
The Commission was not in favor of the proposal.
Mr. Rauen brought some sign suggestions per the Commissions request from the
January meeting. Mr. Rauen presented two options, one being a two post sign for
larger parks, and a one post sign for smaller parks. The commission liked the
options. Mr. Rauen would like to replace park signs as we need to, until all signs are
replaced. The Commission agreed on some design features that Mr. Rauen could
explore. Mr. Rauen will bring more options to the March Commission Meeting.
Ms. Merriam reminded the Commission about the Winter Spectacular on February
8th form 1:30-3:00pm
Ms. Merriam asked the Commission to approve the work plan.
Moved by Mr. Lehnertz and seconded by Ms. Josephs to
approve the 2009 work plan. Motion carried. Unanimous .
Ms. Moore gave the City Council report:
· Two new Human Rights Commission members
· Rain Garden and Fuel Stations will be put in at the Cub Foods parking lot.
· The City have purchase two new water heaters and a wood chipper
· Public works settled their contract
· Prescription Discount Card available for residents at City hall and the
Crystal Community Center
· Commission’s Dinner will be held around April 9 th , no specific date set.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report:
· Moving the parade from Sunday to Friday Evening is being discussed.
· Frolics Committee is hosting next CBA meeting on February 18 th at City Hall
· Associated Bank, who funds Crystal Ball Search and Skate park Competition
may not be giving as much money to the frolics in 2009.
· Committee still wants the Splash Bash to be free, if they cannot get a
sponsorship, the committee will subsidize it.
There was no CBA report
Monthly reports were given, including new Website statistics for the moth of
January. The Parks and Recreation page gets a lot of hits!
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.
Scott Berggren
Recorder