2009.07.08 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes July 8, 2009 The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice Chairperson Jenny Kalvik. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Josephs, Mr. Lehnertz, Ms. Sodd, Mr. Schuneman, Mr.Mueller, and Mr. Jungroth. Also present were, Ms. Moore, Council Liaison; Ms. Norris, Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Banick, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. Residents were also present. Ms. Kalvik gave the purpose of the meeting. Introductions were made. Mr. Mathisen talked about several projects that were happening throughout the City. Mr. Banick reviewed the public safety statistics for the area. He also informed the group of upcoming events such as Night to Unite and Citizens Police Academy. Ms. Kalvik opened the meeting to resident comment:
• Ms. Jorgens from Memory Lane conservation area requested a park sign. A sign would delineate the area. The neighborhood received a $500 grant from the Crystal Fund for Community Projects to help defray the cost of the sign. The Commission designated Memory Lane as a conservation area and has not planned any development there. Mr. Mathisen thought that a sign could attract additional users to the park that would negatively impact the conservation purpose of the park. Ms. Jorgens reported that the neighbors are motivated to further improve the Memory Lane area with plantings. She felt an unobtrusive sign similar to the one at Fred Sims Park in New Hope would work well. The location of the sign would be off Louisiana Avenue. Mr. Rauen will get some cost estimates for the sign and bring them to the next meeting. This concluded the neighborhood meeting. The neighborhood meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm.
The regular Commission Meeting was called to order after at 7:50pm by Vice Chairperson Jenny Kalvik. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Josephs, Mr. Lehnertz, Ms. Sodd, Mr. Schuneman, Mr. Mueller, and Mr. Jungroth. Also present were, Ms. Moore, Council Liaison; Ms. Norris, Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. Discussion regarding implementation of part of the Long Range Plan was held. Since Lions Valley Place is slated to be the city-wide winter facility, does it make sense to replace the hockey boards at Bassett Creek? Mr. Mueller and Mr. Jungroth thought that it made more sense to take the new hockey boards and plan for a second rink at LVP. In addition, the Commission discussed maintaining secondary rinks. It was discussed that some of those would not be maintained in the future. The plan would be:
• Hockey rinks at Lions Valley Place (1 now/2nd one to be developed), Welcome, Broadway, and Twin Oak
• General rinks at Lions Valley Place, Welcome, Broadway, Twin Oak and Forest
• Supervised rinks would be at: Lions Valley Place, Welcome and Broadway
• Rinks would not be flooded at: Lee, Crystal Highlands, Bassett Creek or Iron Horse
Moved by Mr. Jungroth and seconded by Mr. Lehnertz to
recommend that implementation of the Long Range Plan
begin with the establishment of Lions Valley Place as the
primary winter facility in Crystal by constructing 2 hockey
rinks as funding permits and restructure the locations of the
other city rinks as stated. Motion carried – unanimous. In addition, discussion continued on locating the dog park back to the Bassett Creek hockey area with permanent fencing. In addition, a resident requested to have some kind of dog run at Crystal Highlands Park. This will be discussed at a later meeting. Ms. Hackett reminded the Commission that further discussion of the implementation of the Long Range Plan will be held in October. Ms. Norris reviewed the 2010 city budget request. The unallotted funds will negatively impact the city operation. Staff is working on the budget for work sessions with the City Council in August. Mr. Mathisen informed the Commission of the Surface Water Management Plan. Ms. Moore gave the City Council report:
• Highlighted projects that Mr. Mathisen reviewed earlier.
• West Metro Fire District will reduce their budget by 5%.
There was not a Crystal Frolics report. A meeting is scheduled for Monday July 13. There was not a Crystal Business Association report. Monthly reports were given, highlighting major activities. The June minutes were approved. Commissioners were reminded of the next meeting: 7 p.m. on August 5 at Twin Oak/POWMIA Park. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm. Gene Hackett Recorder