2011.12.07 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
December 7, 2011
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,
Ms. Sodd, Mr. Moewes-Bystrom, Mr. Jungroth, Mr. Lehnertz and Ms. LaRoche. Also
present were: Ms. Moore, City Council Liaison; Ms. Hillenbrand, Commission applicant;
Mr. Abbott, resident; Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Haney gave the Chairperson’s report regarding the work session with the City
Council. Mr. Jungroth and Ms. LaRoche attended the meeting as well. The discussion
on reinstating the pool concession stand went well and the Council requested more
information from staff. The Council also told the Commission they could work with Little
League on scheduling a neighborhood meeting for adding lights to the fields.
Mr. Abbott gave comments regarding the Bassett Creek Dog Park. His comments
concerned:
• Excessive barking
• People letting their dogs off leash before they get to the dog park
• The garbage is often full
• People take 3 or 4 mutt mitts
• The lights are available too late into the evening
• The lights are on too long – often people are only at the park for a short time but
the lights stay on for 30+ minutes
• The lights should be coin operated so kids don’t push them on
• The original dog park group said they would self police and it does not appear to
be happening.
He has called the police about the off leash and barking issues but when they come, the
people are gone. Mr. Abbott would prefer the pathways to be lit rather than the dog park.
Mr. Abbott was thanked for his comments. The Commission will continue to monitor the
dog park.
Based on the Commission appearance and a follow-up report prepared by staff, Ms.
Hackett reported that the City Council agreed to re-instate the pool concession stand
with limited product. The operation will be monitored throughout the season. A mid
season report will be prepared.
Mr. Rauen reviewed the revisions to the Park Shore land policy. Additions included
reference to the Surface water Management Plan, listing control of noxious weeds
sucker trees and weed management in the buffer areas. An educational piece will be
written for the spring-summer brochure.
Moved by Ms. Haney and seconded by Mr. Moewes-Bystrom to
recommend the acceptance of the Park Shore Land Policy document.
Motion carried - unanimous.
Ms. Hackett reported that the Fond of the Pond group will come to a future Commission
meeting to discuss Phase 2 of the project at Memory Lane Pond.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission that representatives from Crystal Little League
will attend the January meeting to discuss holding a neighborhood meeting for adding
lights to the ball fields behind the Community Center.
The Winterfest event was reviewed. There was an excellent turnout – 600+. The
Commission wanted to thank Ms. Moore and Ms. Deshler for attending and helping out.
More games could be added. We must remember that Crystal Super Valu is now
Almsteads Fresh Market.
The Commission discussed the Arbor Day event. The Commission discussed having it
at Twin Lake Shores Park to educate residents about the shore land policy. Ms. Moore
could speak as well as someone from Prairie Restoration (or another company) and/or a
Master Gardener. In addition, the Commission and residents could discuss moving the
fishing pier to the park site. Since it wouldn’t be appropriate to plant a tree at this park,
seedlings could be given away. It was decided to try a weeknight to see if there would
be a better turnout. It was decided to reschedule the May meeting to May 9th and have
this event as part of the outdoor meeting schedule. More discussion will be held to plan
this.
2012 officers were elected:
Chairperson Tom Jungroth
Vice Chairperson Matthew Lehnertz
Secretary Jennifer Sodd
The monthly reports were reviewed, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report. The hours will be different as per the request
from the City. There will be a parade in 2012.
Ms. Moore gave the City Council report. The 2012 budget was passed. Work is starting
on the 2012 street reconstruction program. A work session with New Hope was held
regarding West Metro Fire.
Mr. Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Association report. Ms. Moore was the speaker.
The next meeting is January 4 at the Crystal Community Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:29pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder