2011.11.02 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
November 2, 2011
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm
by Chairperson Lynn Haney. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Merriam,
Ms. Sodd, Mr. Moewes-Bystrom, Mr. Jungroth and Ms. LaRoche. Also present were:
Ms. Moore, City Council Liaison; Ms. Hillenbrand, Commission applicant; Ms. Perttula
and Mr. Norling from Crystal Little League; Mr. Gallop from MUSCO Lighting; Mr.
Mathisen, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff.
Introductions were made.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Mr. Norling and Ms. Perttula made a presentation regarding lighting 2 of the baseball
fields (Major and A Minor Fields) behind the Community Center. With not having lights,
the games must start at 5pm which makes it difficult for working families to get there on
time. In addition, the first games must have time limits in order to get the second games
in by dark so only 4 innings are played which does not give the youth adequate time to
utilize their skills in a game situation. Also, some coaches use the time limit to their
advantage and try to stall. The evening games are sometimes called because of
darkness and there is a safety concern that as dusk approaches, the ball becomes more
difficult for the players to see. Lights would enable the League to insure adequate
playing time for all the children. The league would also be able to attract tournaments
that would bring visitors and revenue to the city businesses and facilities. Lights would
be off by 10pm at the latest. Most programs that have lights have an agreement with the
city that specifies the times that the lights must be turned off. Ms. Haney expressed a
safety concern over children leaving the fields after dark and/or children waiting for rides
in the dark. Mr. Norling replied that Board members are always on site until all children
are picked up and not too many children ride bikes to the fields any more.
The construction cost of the lights is $180,000 total. The League intends to apply for a
Hennepin Youth Sports grant and others that may be available to them. They would be
responsible for raising the matching funds and for the operational and maintenance
costs. They do not intend to ask the city for any financial assistance. Operational costs
are about $3 per hour per field. The bulbs are to last 25 years, however after 5000
hours of use, MUSCO replaces all bulbs as a part of their warranty. They also offer a
lease to buy program.
A concern was expressed for the neighborhood surrounding the fields. The National
Little League Association has standards that must be used for lighting – 50 foot candles
for infield and 30 foot candles for outfield. Mr. Gallop distributed some night photos of
fields lit to this standard. These photos showed little light spillage into the surrounding
areas. As an addition, he mentioned that MUSCO did the lights for pool when it was
renovated and asked if there had been any lighting complaints (there have been none).
There was concern regarding parking if tournaments were held.
The Commission felt it would be important to include the neighborhood surrounding the
fields on any further discussions before making a recommendation. The Commission is
meeting with the City Council on November 10 and will inform them of this potential
project to make sure that they would be OK with holding a neighborhood meeting.
The Commission wanted to clarify the use of the fields behind the Community Center as
it was heard that neighborhood children were being asked to leave. Mr. Norling
explained that a neighbor has had issues with the balls hitting his house and doing
damage. Little League does not have a problem with the neighbors using the field but
this neighbor will call the police if there are balls hit into his yard.
Ms. Haney reviewed the tracking grid from the outdoor meetings with the Commission. It
will be reviewed quarterly and some items may be placed in the Long Range plan
(pending upcoming discussion in December or January).
Mr. Rauen reviewed the revised park shore land management plan. He included a
timeline and implementation plan for each area. The Commission liked the plan and will
consider adopting it at the December meeting. Providing delineation markers and/or
educational signs was discussed for some areas. Moving the fishing pier to Twin Lake
Shores was discussed. There was discussion as to how this would impact the
neighborhood. Ideas that included education on shoreline maintenance, restoration and
moving the fishing pier for a neighborhood meeting were discussed. The Commission
will discuss this at the December meeting. It was suggested to have Arbor Day at Twin
Lake Shores.
The Commission will meet with the City Council on Thursday November 10 to discuss
re-opening of the Concession Stand at the pool. They will also talk to the Council about
having a neighborhood meeting for the Little League lights.
The monthly reports were reviewed, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report. There are still in discussion with the City
Manager over proposed changes to the Frolics format. New wood snow fencing is
needed for the carnival area.
Ms. Moore gave the City Council report.
Mr. Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Association report.
Commission members signed up to work at Winterfest on December 2 from 10am –
Noon. Scott will send out reminders to everyone who signed up.
Commission elections will take place at the December meeting.
The next meeting is December 7 at the Crystal Community Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:04pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder