2011.10.05 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
October 5, 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. Lehnertz and Ms. LaRoche. Also present were:
Ms. Moore , City Council Liaison; Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city
staff.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Haney gave the Chairperson’s report. Ms. LaRoche was introduced as the newest
Commission member. With Mr. Schuneman’s resignation we still have 3 openings.
Commission members were asked to try to recruit members. We need a member from
Ward 2. Ms. Hackett will have Scott put this on Face Book.
Ms. Haney led the review of the updates to the 2011 work plan. Further work needs to
be done on some projects. Teen programming was discussed. A coop with Crystal
Police was mentioned as well as developing more safety pamphlets. Geocaching was
suggested as a programming idea.
The outdoor meetings were reviewed. Attendance at all meetings was good. Residents
seemed positive about their parks. The Commission asked to be updated quarterly on
outdoor meeting items as they are brought up and completed by city staff.
Active Living Hennepin County will provide Crystal with bike racks – they will be placed
at Lions Valley Place and Bassett Creek Parks. A thank you will be sent.
The Commission reviewed the Forest soccer field reservation policies and procedures.
The Commission discussed an addendum to the Dog Park rules because some cities
are not providing dog licenses. Since the intent of a dog license is to prove rabies
vaccination, the Commission thought that a dog having a rabies tag would also be
sufficient. Changing the sign could be expensive, so an additional sign could be made
and placed below or near the main sign. The wording would be: In lieu of a dog license,
a proof of rabies vaccination is sufficient (or words to that effect). Mr. Moewes-Bystrom
will update the dog park Face Book page.
The Commission discussed the food vending at the pool. Ms. Hackett reviewed the
memo she wrote outlining the 2011 pool vending, the service issues and steps being
taken to correct them for the 2012 pool season. The Commission’s concern was the loss
of service and product choice, loss of patrons to other facilities with full concession
stands and the loss of jobs for kids. Commission members that were involved with the
pool referendum felt the concession stand was a selling point as part of the referendum
and the service should be continued. Other ideas for operating the stand were
suggested such as a private vendor or leasing it to an organization. The Commission
would like to further discuss this with the City Council. Ms. Hackett will talk to Ms. Norris
about scheduling a work session.
The monthly reports were reviewed, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report. A meeting with Ms. Norris and Chief Banick
is planned for later this month.
Ms. Moore gave the City Council report.
There was not a Crystal Business Association report.
The Commission discussed the September City Commission event. They liked the
opportunity to socialize and network but would have added a short program with
recognition and thanks for each Commission. It was suggested to hold it at Becker Park
next year – maybe earlier in the year so weather would not be a factor.
The next meeting is November 2 at the Crystal Community Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder