2009.06.03 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes June 3, 2009 The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chairperson Lori Merriam. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Haney, Ms. Josephs, Mr. Lehnertz, Ms. Sodd, Mr. Schuneman, Mr.Mueller, and Ms. Kalvik. Also present were, Ms. Moore, Council Liaison; Ms. Norris, Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Gustafson, Mr. Barland, Mr. Rauen and Mr. Berggren from the city staff. Residents present were Mr. Albert & Family 3857 Kentucky Ave, Ms. West 4110 Kentucky Ave., Mr. Draije 4131 Jersey Ave., Ms. Cardena 4001 Jersey Ave N and Ms. McKeen 4008 Idaho Ave N. This was the first neighborhood meeting of the year held at Kentucky Park The minutes were approved as sent. Ms. Merriam read the purpose of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission as well as the purpose of the neighborhood meeting. Ms. Merriam then invited the city staff present to address the neighborhood members about what was happening in the City of Crystal. Mr. Mathisen talked about the projects that were happening throughout the City, including:
• The largest street project so far which is taking place in the Welcome Neighborhood.
o $6.5 million street project
o Dry weather has allowed the street project to stay on task, but has been bad for the sod they put down after last years street project.
• They are in the process of updating water meters throughout the City. These new meters are read through radio frequency 4 times a day. The initial project is costly, but over time these meters will be more efficient and take less man power.
• There is seal coating happening in Crystal over by Cub Foods
• Ally projects over by New Hope Ice Arena
• They received a $50,000 grant to work on trees affected or susceptible to the Ash borer.
• The Kentucky Park playground project scheduled for 2009 was pushed to 2010 for budget reasons. OVER
Mr. Gustafson and Mr. Barland were present to talk about neighborhood watch. Some of the things they touched on were:
• Neighborhood traffic violations are one of the most common complaints
• Police Department has a total of 45+ staff and are in the process of adding a 30th officer along with CSO’s
• Kentucky Neighborhood is Located in the Brownwood Neighborhood and it is pretty quiet. A lot of the issues that occur come from City Hall and the Rockford Rd. Library which is also located in the Brownwood neighborhood.
• Mr. Gustafson also gave some statistics about crime in Crystal. But reminded residents to just be aware…not afraid. Ms. West relayed a story about the quick response of our 911 service and was very impressed. Ms. Merriam then opened the floor to residents.
• A young resident expressed interest in a water fountain at Kentucky Park. Ms. Haney told him it was not likely, but that if he was able to get some funding to do it, the possibilities would be more likely.
o Water fountains are a large expense
• Residents mentioned that the bees were bad in the sand around the playground. Mr. Rauen says they have tried quite a few remedies, but nothing has worked. He is apprehensive to use chemicals, because they are dangerous for patrons and don’t work very long. Mr. Rauen said that depending on what surface they put in when the new playground goes in, that may solve the problem.
• They would like to see benches and picnic tables in the park. Mr. Rauen said that when the new playground goes in, so will more permanent benches and tables. In the mean time Mr. Rauen will bring down a movable picnic table to the park.
• Some younger residents also expressed interest in permanent lacrosse nets, because they play a lot of games down there. This concluded the neighborhood meeting The regular Commission Meeting was called to order after a 5 minute break, by Chairperson Lori Merriam. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Haney, Ms. Josephs, Mr. Lehnertz, Ms. Sodd, Mr. Schuneman, Mr.Mueller, and Ms. Kalvik. Also present were, Ms. Moore, Council Liaison; Ms. Norris, Mr. Rauen and Mr. Berggren from the city staff There was no Old Business All commission members were presented with a copy of the PIR budget for 2010. Ms. Norris advised us that this was something that was not set in stone and could be changed. OVER
A quick overview of the PIR was given and a few questions were asked. Some of the bigger items in the budget were:
• Pool wants that had been deferred to 2010
Includes landscaping
• The playground at Kentucky Park
• Hockey Rink at LVP
• Parks needs a new truck for trash and garbage pick up
• Twin Lake Shores redevelopment Monthly reports were given, highlighting major activities. Ms. Moore gave the City Council report:
• The alley project and water meter replacement are moving forward
• The City charter was updated discussing residency and re-election
• The amount of spending required for special OK was raised to $25,000
• Lack of LGA is hurting and will continue to hurt the budget
• Comprehensive plan was sent to Met Council
• Bonestroo – is working on our storm water management plan
• Part of the roof up at City Hall is being replaced
• Auditor showed some discrepancies especially with the pool receipts. Ms. Norris mentioned that Ms. Hackett and Mr. Minnick are working through the issues with increased training. Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report:
• Ms. Haney solicited volunteers for various Frolics Activities (5K, Splash Bash, Parade, Skate Park, Dunk Tank)
• Sponsor info was sent out to members of the Crystal Business Association
• Ms. Haney will email Mr. Rauen their needs for the 5K race No Crystal Business Association report Mr. Rauen talked about the graffiti at Iron Horse park. The new drains for the pool are in. He also had the fence at Welcome Park installed. Other business included the discussion of the Metro bus that travels down Fairview Ave. The street is narrow, and it could cause issues while pool is open, especially with pedestrians. Ms. Merriam and Ms. Haney were given contact information from Ms. Norris, and they will contact Met Council. Commissioners were reminded of the next meeting: 7 p.m. on July 8 at Fair Park The meeting was adjourned at 8:11pm. Scott Berggren Recorder