2011.05.04 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
May 4, 2011
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm
by Chairperson Lynn Haney. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Merriam,
Mr. Lehnertz, and Mr. Jungroth. Also present were: Ms. Moore , City Council Liaison;
Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. Also attending was
Michelle Sloth, a candidate for a Commission vacancy and Tom Abbott , a Bassett
Creek Park neighbor.
Introductions were made.
The minutes were approved as sent.
This month’s agenda packet was sent via email. There was a problem with the
attachments being too large for people’s mailboxes. It was suggested to send the
minutes separately from the packet. Ms. Hackett is investigating if the packet can be
placed on the web and then members can view/print it from there.
The format for the outdoor meetings was discussed. It was decided to leave the present
format in place.
Mr. Abbott addressed the Commission on concerns regarding rule violations at the dog
park. The concerns included:
More dogs per handler than allowed
Dogs off leash before they get to the dog park
Lights are on during day light hours
Ms. Haney suggested calling 911 if he sees any rule violations. Officers may not
respond each time, but it does establish a pattern. Mr. Abbott said that weekdays
between 4:30 – 6 are the worst times. Mr. Rauen will fix the light timers for summer
hours. Mr. Abbott asked about future training for dog park users. That was done last
year when the park opened; it can be suggested to the dog park group.
Ms. Hackett has secured use of a laptop/lcd projector and use will begin in October
when the Commission comes back inside for meetings.
The Commission discussed Arbor Day ideas as the current format has low attendance.
The Commission would like to see more kids there. Ms. Moore said she could publicize
it when she talks to area 5 th graders on the watershed. Prizes may help too. Further
discussion will be held in January 2012.
Mr. Mathisen informed the Commission of the history of the Bassett Creek material
storage area. The area was selected because of it being a hangout for teens which
became a headache for the police. There isn’t another area in the city that would work
at this time – all other park locations are in highly residential areas, the Public Works
garage area is not big enough. There may be some private property for sale that would
work, however the City Council would have to discuss this. Mr. Mathisen suggested
scheduling a work session with the City Council on this topic.
Ms. Hackett updated the Commission on the possibility of Robbinsdale purchasing
recreation services from Crystal. More work is to be done before the proposal is brought
to the Commission and City Council
Mr. Rauen reviewed the Friends Fond of the Pond project at Memory Lane Park. They
developed a planting plan and working on implementation. Their next meeting is
Saturday May 21 at 10am at Forest School.
Mr. Rauen discussed the draft Park Shoreline Planting Policy document with the
Commission. The plan includes definitions of the various bodies of water and the role
they play within the city. Other components of the plan call for:
Effective buffer strips – size determined by the available space and pond
purpose
Viewing areas
Education
The Commission thought a “marketing” component should be added to inform the public
of the purpose and benefits of having buffers as well as the maintenance plans such as
controlled burns. Ms. Moore said the DNR had a good publication and they could be
contacted about linking the city website to it. A proposed part-time staff position was
discussed to perform maintenance and upkeep of the buffer areas/rain gardens. There
was discussion regarding using plant materials or leaving the areas to go to seed is best
to establish a buffer. Mr. Rauen will work on adding an implementation plan and then a
work session with the City Council can be planned.
The monthly reports were reviewed, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Moore gave the City Council report:
· Sumter sidewalk will not be installed due to public feedback
· New alley project at Lee and Major avenues
· Phase 11 street project is underway
Ms. Haney reported on the Crystal Frolics Committee. A smaller scale parade in the
park is planned since the permit was not granted by the county to have a big parade in
the street. Fireworks will be moved. The Grand Marshall is Jerry Holm – Mayer Electric.
Mr. Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Association report. On May 19 th there will be a
Crime Prevention Board fundraiser. The July meeting is at Becker Park.
The next meeting is the first outdoor meeting of the season at Twin Oak Park – for the
Twin Oak and Lions Soo Line neighborhood.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:37pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder