2010.08.04 PRC MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
August 4, 2010
Lions Valley Place Park
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm
by Chairperson Lynn Haney. Commission members in attendance were: Mr.
Schuneman, Mr. Jungroth, Mr. Lehnertz, Ms. Merriam and Ms. Sodd, Also present
were: Mr. Selton, Council Liaison; Council member Anderson, Deputy Police Chief
Fealy, Police Sergeant Leslin, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff.
Additionally, a number of residents from the Lions Valley Place Park neighborhood were
in attendance at the park meeting. Members from the dog park committee attended the
business meeting.
Ms. Haney welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.
Ms. Hackett gave a brief update on city projects. Deputy Chief Fealy reviewed calls for
service, a variety of public safety programs and volunteer opportunities.
Mr. Rauen reviewed the Long Range Plan for Lions Valley Place Park.
Lions Valley Place Park residents made the following comments:
• Concern expressed about the 3 lanes on 36th with no stop sign on Louisiana.
• Compliments for the Police Department on being responsive to neighbor calls
regarding juveniles at the park.
• Residents would like more warming house hours.
• Would like the rink lights to be on a timer so skating does not have to stop when
the warming house closes.
• The tennis lights often do not work
• Can the porta potty be staked down – it is often tipped over
• Likes to see the soccer field being used – it brings people to the park and keeps
the vandals away
• Likes the Bassett Creek disc golf course
• Compliments on the trail around the park – it is well used
• Question on park closing time (10pm) – question on what to do if people are in
the park after 10pm (call 911)
• Park is fantastic
• Compliment to the Commission for holding the neighborhood meeting
A door prize drawing was held. The residents were thanked for their comments. The
neighborhood meeting was adjourned at 7:43pm.
The Commission business meeting was called to order at 7:48pm by Chairperson Lynn
Haney.
Representatives from the dog park committee asked the Commission to consider some
rule changes for the dog park. There have been 2 incidences where young children
were in the dog park and created a potentially unsafe situation. The Commission was
asked to consider not allowing children under age 6 and children ages 7 – 12 must be
closely supervised by an adult. Also, they requested that a no food rule be printed on
the rule sign. In addition, the group would like another larger rule sign inside the dog
park, they feel the current one outside the park is too small and the rules are not read by
participants. The Commission asked the committee to submit a draft of a sign with the
rule changes for their consideration.
The Commission discussed the Memorial section of the policy on naming park facilities.
The section does outline the process needed to put a memorial inside a park and the
Commission felt that the process was complete. The memorial bench program is not
part of the section and should be included. Replacing bench plaques was discussed. It
was felt that the city should replace the plaques on a request basis.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission of the Crystal Lake Regional Trail project that will
run alongside Highway 81 to Elm Creek Park. An open house is planned for late
September. Ms. Hackett will get more information to the Commission as it becomes
available.
The Commission reviewed possible sites for a community garden. Several park areas
were reviewed, in addition Ms. Hackett reported that Brooklyn Park may be willing to co-
sponsor on park land on the border. The Commission would like to investigate Iron
Horse, Skyway and Lions Soo Line as potential sites. More information will be available
at the next meeting.
The Commission discussed the work session with the City Council regarding the disc
golf course expansion. The meeting is planned for the second Thursday in October.
Construction on the Twin Oak pond is underway. Mr. Mathisen is working on plans to
move the POW-MIA memorial. It was suggested that Mr. Mathisen contact Randy
Eberling from the VFW regarding moving the memorial.
Mr. Selton reviewed the last City Council meetings. Striping to 3 lanes for 36th Avenue
and Douglas Drive was discussed. Police union 44 contract was settled. An election
ordinance was changed as per the new dates for the primary election.
Ms. Haney updated the Commission on the Crystal Frolics events. All events went well
and several were larger than in the past. Food/beer booths were down in revenue.
More buttons were sold than in the past.
Mr. Jungroth reported on the Crystal Business Association speaker and the upcoming
networking event.
The monthly reports were given highlighting major activities.
The minutes were corrected.
There was not a Chairperson Report.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:09pm
Gene Hackett
Recorder