2012.04.04 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
April 4, 2012
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm
by Chairperson Tom Jungroth. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Merriam,
Ms. Sodd, Mr. Moewes-Bystrom, Ms. Haney, Mr. Lehnertz and Ms. LaRoche. Also
present were: Ms. Deshler, City Council Liaison; Ms. Moore, City Council; and Mr.
Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. In addition members of the Crystal Fund for
Community Progress: Mr. Mueller, Ms. Jorgens, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Van Hausen; and Ms.
Pickering were in attendance.
The March minutes were approved as sent.
Mr. Mueller gave background information on the organization and programs of the
Crystal Fund for Community Progress. They provided the sponsorship and matching
funds for the first grant received by the Friends Fond of the Pond (FFOP) groups for
Memory Lane Pond area. They recently received a second grant on behalf of the FFOP
who wish to implement phase 2 of their plan for the pond. Phase 2 would be to restore
the shoreline along part of the south side of the park sign off Louisiana Ave. The
$10,500 grant will be awarded in July 2012 and they have over a year to complete the
project. Ms. Haney informed the group of the draft park shoreline property policy and
that the Commission wants to make sure that their plan is compliant with the policy. The
main concern is maintenance of the area as the policy calls for minimum maintenance
for most shoreline areas including Memory Lane Pond. The draft policy is currently
under review and may not go into effect until late summer/early fall. There was
discussion regarding the hand planted plants as they may require more maintenance
than just letting the natural ground cover grow. Ms. Jorgens stated that she was
finalizing plans with several neighbors to provide on going maintenance until the
shoreline is established.
Moved by Ms. Haney and seconded by Mr. Lehnertz to recommend to the
City Council that the Crystal Fund for Community Progress and the Friends
Fond of the Pond continue with Phase 2 of their shoreline restoration
project.
Motion carried – unanimous
The group was informed that they will still need to review the project with the City
Council after the shoreline policy is adopted later this year.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Mr. Jungroth suggested that a hard copy of the packet be available t meetings for
visitors/guests.
Mr. Rauen informed the Commission that a boardwalk at the current location of the
fishing pier would cost about $1200. Ms. Moore reported that due to discussions with
MAC, the boardwalk at MAC Park may be removed and those pieces would be available
for use elsewhere. The Commission decided to wait until after the Twin lake Shores
neighborhood meeting to take action on the fishing pier.
Commission members were reminded of the Little League appearance at the April 17
work session with the City Council.
The Commission discussed developing a policy for the stage at Becker Park since some
use requests do not fall under the Special Event ordinance. Ms. Hackett reviewed an
informational memo regarding other cities’ policy.
Moved by Ms. Merriam and seconded by Ms. LaRoche to develop a use
policy for the Becker Park stage as part of the special event policy and
procedures.
Motion carried – unanimous .
Staff will draft a policy and send it out to the Commission for review. The City Council will
be informed of the policy also.
The Commission will take a tour of Becker Park and have a short business meeting on
Wednesday May 2 at 7pm at Becker Park. Arbor Day posters and Crystal Frolic buttons
entries will be judged.
The EQC will schedule a date to meet with the Commission to discuss organized
collection later this year.
The monthly reports were given, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Deshler briefly discussed Council activities including: redistricting for elections,
Forest street reconstruction, west metro fire meetings and the Becker Fence project that
was denied. Becker Park was suggested as a site for the Commission recognition.
Ms. Haney informed the Commission of the highlights of the last Crystal Frolics meeting.
There will be a kid’s scavenger hunt. Mat and Jennifer will serve as parade judges. The
Crystal Lions are the Grand Marshalls. Crystal Little League may do a food booth.
The Crystal Business Association met at the new Signcrafters office, their next meeting
is April 18. They will be involved with the Airport Open House this year. Mr. Jungroth
announced another airport event on April 21.
The next meeting is May 2 at 7pm at Becker Park for a tour and short business meeting,
then the Arbor Day, Shingle Creek Clean-up and Twin Lake Shores Park neighborhood
meeting on May 9 at Twin Lake Shores Park.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:21pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder