2009.10.07 PRC Minutes
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Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
October 7, 2009
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at
7:04 p.m. by Chairperson Lori Merriam. Commission members in attendance
were: Ms. Josephs, Ms. Haney, Ms. Sodd, Mr. Lehnertz, Ms. Kalvik, Mr. Mueller,
Mr. Schuneman, and Mr. Jungroth. Also present were, Ms. Moore, Council
Liaison; Ms. Norris, City Manager; Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett
from the city staff. Also in attendance were residents representing interests for a
dog park and another group representing interest in expanding the disc golf
course.
The dog park group made a presentation to the Commission requesting a
permanent dog park site. The area between the ball fields at Bassett Creek was
heavily used and users were disappointed when it was moved back to the
hockey rink. The hockey rink area is small and it gets too crowded during peak
times, the ground cover is too weedy and the big dogs can jump the fence. The
group collected 288 signatures from residents and non-resident who would like to
see a larger, permanent dog park area, at Bassett Creek if possible. The
representatives informed the Commission that the user group takes responsibility
for clean-up and policing the area and it has become a great social community.
The group proposed:
Larger area
Fenced – at least 5 feet high with a double gate
Grass or better ground cover
Signage
Lighting (maybe a future development)
The group is willing to do some “sweat equity”
The Commission gave the group some of the history surrounding the search for a
permanent dog park, including the neighborhood surveys that were done. The
temporary dog parks were used as an opportunity to get the neighborhood used
to the idea as well as act as a try-out for the city to see what problems came up.
There is not a budget for this project, so fundraisers would need to be held. The
city has some fencing that was purchased a few years ago. Location was
discussed. One idea would be where the hockey rink is now but expand the site
since the hockey rink will be removed. Mr. Mueller suggested Bassett Creek
extension on “table top mountain”.
A sub-committee of: Mr. Rauen, Ms. Haney, Ms. Kelvik, Ms. Josephs and
representatives from the group will set up a meeting and work on the details. The
Commission will continue discussion at the November meeting.
The disc golf group made a presentation to the Commission to expand the
current disc golf course from 12 to 18, 21, 24 or 27 holes. The group expressed
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that 21 holes would be their preference. A bigger course would let them host
bigger events. In order to do this, they propose to add holes into the woods area
but to make it as non-evasive as possible. To make this possible, the group
would be willing to clear buckthorn through the fairway areas. They would do
their own fundraising and installation. The city would provide maintenance and
collect the garbage. They would solicit sponsors for the holes through the
Crystal Business Association. Ms. Merriam suggested that the group:
o Provide the Commission with site maps: existing vs. planned for
18,21,24 and 27
o Provide separate proposals for each of the options.
The whole Commission will discuss the expansion of the course and how it
relates to the other park uses and users. A motion was made to start a
subcommittee to review the proposals, however Ms. Merriam felt that the
Commission needed to have the philosophical discussion concerning expanding
the course before specific plans were reviewed. A couple of disc golf
representatives could attend the November meeting to address questions that
the Commission may have. Commission members: Jungroth, Haney, Sodd and
Staff Rauen indicated that they would be willing to be on a committee if one is
formed.
Ms. Norris presented the proposed 2010 budget and changes that affect park
and recreation services. The City Council tried to maintain current service levels
as much as possible and restore the PIR projects that were cut for 2009. The
Commission discussed expanding the adopt a park program to include
volunteers to do park work such as weeding, mowing, etc. There may be some
liability issues, but may be worth looking to.
The Commission reviewed the outdoor meetings and action items.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission of the grant cycle for the Hennepin County
Youth Sports Facilities.
Moved by Ms. Haney and seconded by Mr. Jungroth to recommend
that staff pursue an application for the Hennepin County Youth
Sports Facility grant. Motion carried – unanimous.
Mr. Rauen informed the Commission of the memory Lane Pond clean-up this
weekend. Neighbors would like to put in a small garden. The Commission
expressed concern over maintenance and who would provide it. Ms. Moore said
she would get more details for the Commission.
Mr. Rauen told the Commission that the Lions Club decided to reduce their
commitment to the North Lions Park pond project since the cost and labor
involved may be out of their reach. They will consider other projects there as their
funds and time permit.
Ms. Moore gave the City Council report:
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· Council reviewed Bottineau Blvd proposals
· The petition for having Highway 81 funding on the ballot was not
accepted.
· Approved changes to city policy on tuition reimbursement
· Made appointments
· Approved fee schedule
· Changed polling place to save money
There was not a Crystal Frolics report.
Mr. Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Association report:
· The general business meeting is at Calibre Chase
· The Crystal Care Center networking event was a success.
Ms. Merriam gave the Chairperson report:
· The EQC is interested in assisting with the adopt a park program.
The Recreation Monthly report was given, highlighting major activities.
The minutes were approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:47pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder