2010.10.06 PRC MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
October 6, 2010
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm
by Chairperson Lynn Haney. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Merriam,
Mr. Schuneman, Ms. Sodd and Mr . Lehnertz. Also present were: Mr. Selton, Council
Liaison; Ms. Norris, City Manager; Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the
city staff. Additionally, Chris Moewes-Bystrom , Commission candidate, dog park users
and one resident from Bassett Creek neighborhood were in attendance.
Ms. Haney welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made.
Changes to the dog park rule sign were discussed. A suggestion was made at an earlier
meeting to not allow children under the age of 6. It is difficult to supervise a small child
and a dog at the same time. In addition, there is concern over a young child being
injured by the dogs as they chase and play. The City Attorney was contacted and said
that by doing that, the city may be in violation of age discrimination in providing public
parks facilities and that the city probably does not want to be a test case in this issue.
Other discussion included:
• Not allowing children under 6 during peak use times – 4 – 7pm. Staff will check
with the City Attorney on that.
• Hours will be listed on the sign: 6am – 10pm.
• The no food for dogs and humans will be added to the sign.
• Some of the other suggestions were considered wordy and will be re-worded or
changed.
• There was discussion on what is the definition of an aggressive dog. The dog
park users said that there is a pretty standard definition in terms of the dog park
and that they police it themselves.
• A tag line at the bottom of the sign will read “Your dog – your responsibility”.
• To anyone’s knowledge there has not been any dog bites at the park.
The group is having an event on October 9 at the dog park to do some education
regarding good dog manners in the dog park.
Mr. Tom Abbott, resident near Bassett Creek Park expressed comments regarding the
dog park:. People groom their dogs in the parking lot and the hair flies into his yard. He
would like the park to close at 8pm as the lights shine into his house. Mr. Rauen will
look into changing the way the lights shine as well as changing the light timer so that
they are on less than 45 minutes at a time. The light timer does not allow the lights to
come on before 4pm.
The group would like to place 2 signs – one outside as you enter and one inside the
park. They would like the signs to be at least 3x3 or 4x4. The draft wording will be given
to the City Attorney for review and reviewed with the City Council.
The Commission reviewed the Disc Golf discussion in preparation for the City Council
work session.
The Commission discussed the memo concerning Yunker Park building and the Long
Range Plan. The Commission decided that it would be difficult to make a general policy
concerning the future of park buildings and that each park building should be evaluated
individually. The Commission will consider establishing criteria such as: year built,
present condition, maintenance costs, program use, park location and other criteria yet
to be named; then evaluate each building individually. Concern was expressed about
removing buildings – that the city could not afford to replace them. The Commission will
begin this discussion next month with Yunker Park.
The Commission reviewed the memo from Ms. Norris regarding the use of EDA
properties for a community garden site. EDA property will not be available for this
project. Ms. Hackett reported that she met with Brooklyn Park and they are willing to
provide space for a joint community garden. The property is near the airport, about 1
block from Crystal. Ms. Hackett will meet with Brooklyn Park and bring more information
back to the Commission.
Ms. Hackett updated the Commission on the 3 Rivers Crystal Lake Regional trail project
and open house.
The Commission discussed the shoreline buffer for park property memo. State
regulations and local watershed districts are requiring cities to manage their storm water
run-off through planted buffers. The memo outlines how ponds would be classified and
then offers general maintenance guidelines. Each pond within the park system is
unique, so each pond will have it’s own buffer and maintenance plan decided by the
Parks Department. Criteria to be included in developing the maintenance plan are: park
location, park activities, proximity to homes, as well as additional criteria to be
established. Mr. Rauen will begin presenting plans at the next meeting. The Memory
Lane neighbors (Friends Fond of the Pond) are working on plans for that area, however
this plan must be brought before the Commission for approval.
Ms. Hackett reported that the City Council discussed extending the pool hours and
season. The Commission was supportive of this idea. Staff is working on a budget.
The minutes of August and September were approved as sent.
The monthly reports were reviewed, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Haney gave the Chairperson’s report:
• Ms. Kalvik will resign from the Commission at the end of the year.
• Mr. Moewes-Bystrom was interviewed for one of the Commission openings
• Mr. Lehnertz and Ms. Merriam were reminded to renew their application to
continue on the Commission.
Mr. Selton gave the City Council report:
• There have been work sessions on the 2010 budget.
• A City Charter change having to do with citizen referendums, is being considered
– the full Council is required for a vote.
• Discussions over locating cell towers at Cub and possibly other locations have
been held.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report:
• The big discussion item is where to have the parade route for 2011 since
highway construction makes the usual route unavailable.
Mr. Jungroth was not in attendance, however Ms. Haney reported that the Crystal
Business Association soiree was a very nice event.
The Commission was reminded of the work session on October 14. Ms. Haney, Ms.
Merriam, Mr. Schuneman and Mr. Jungroth will attend.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:38pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder