2012.08.01 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
August 1, 2012
Lee Park Neighborhood Meeting
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at
7:05 pm by Chairperson Tom Jungroth. Commission members in attendance
were: Ms. Sodd, Mr. Moewes-Bystrom, Ms Hillenbrand, Ms. Haney, Ms. LaRoche
and Ms. Merriam. Also present were: Ms. Deshler, City Council Liaison; Mr.
Anderson, City Council; Lieutenant Oyaas, Ms. Norris, City Manager, Mr. Rauen
and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. In addition members from the Lee Park
neighborhood were in attendance. Also attending (later) was Mr, Mueller, City
Council candidate.
Introductions were made. Mr. Jungroth gave the purpose of the neighborhood
meetings.
Ms. Norris gave the residents an update of various city projects.
Lieutenant Oyaas summarized police department activities and crime statistic
information.
Residents from Lee Park made the following comments:
· Lots of small children use the park
· On July 4 th there were many people in the park shooting off fireworks.
· The park needs more attention to upkeep – plant/landscape area is
overgrown; thistles are in the park too.
· Another resident also voiced concern about maintenance of the park.
o Residents were told about the Adopt a Park program
· People in the park after 10pm
o Call 911
· Resident comment felt there were no police patrols in the area
· Kids hang out
o If after 10pm, call 911
· Question regarding more safety lighting
· Resident concern regarding derelict properties
o Residents were informed as to how to make a complaint by phone
or via the website – everything is kept anonymous
· Alley reconstruction workers left lots of litter and debris each day; also
piles of dirt where grass used to be
o Areas will be reseeded in the fall
· Question who to call regarding park maintenance issues, vandalism, etc.
o Call Park Maintenance
· Request to have another tree planted in the park
· Question if there will be an ice rink – grass grows better without flooding it
o Not flooding this park
· Resident commented on the drain in the park – it could be a hazard
o Park maintenance will look at it
· Residents mentioned that the park is used by a lot of kids
The residents were thanked for the comments. This portion of the meeting was
adjourned at 7:40pm.
The business meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation Commission was
classed to order at 7:45pm.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the City Council work session regarding the public property
shoreline policy. The resident comments were reviewed and the City Council
was asked for additional input on the policy but had none. The Commission is
asked to make a recommendation on the policy and forward it back to the City
Council for action.
Moved by Ms. Sodd and seconded by Ms. Hillenbrand to
recommend to the City Council to adopt the Public Property
Shoreline Policy . Motion carried.
Aye: Sodd, Hillenbrand, Moewes-Bystrom, LaRoche, Merriam
Nay: Jungroth, Haney
Before the vote was taken, the Commission discussed the implementation of the
policy and concern was voiced regarding the availability of funds to properly
create and maintain the various buffer areas to the standards listed in the policy.
There were feelings that the policy would hold park maintenance to a standard
that perhaps could not be attained. Maintenance of what is there now is difficult
with the small park maintenance staff and limited resources.
Some Commission members felt that without the policy nothing will be done to
create and maintain the buffer areas that are there now and those to be
established in the future. Besides setting a standard for protecting water quality
and restoring natural habitat, the policy sets goals to be achieved through
budgeting staff and resources.
Other Commission members were concerned that the policy and implementation
does not address the concerns of the Twin Lakes Shores Park neighbors. They
want to be able to see the lake without 5 foot tall weed trees in the sightline.
Park maintenance has not been able to keep up with the existing buffer
maintenance. One solution would be to mow to the lake and just make it part of
the regular mowing routine. Others felt that defeats the purpose of trying to filter
the water especially since we want to educate the residents and do not want
them to mow to the water – it would set a bad example. Others felt that the buffer
that is there now is mostly weeds/weed trees and does not set a good example
for a shoreline policy. Mr. Rauen pointed out that it will cost several thousands of
dollars to do the Twin Lake buffer correctly and then additional funds for yearly
maintenance. Ms. Deshler informed the Commission that those funds may not
be available as the City budget is very tight.
Mr. Rauen was asked how the buffers at various locations are currently being
maintained. Generally they are mowed 2 times per year and volunteer trees are
removed as time permits. There was concern that this maintenance plan would
leave Twin Lake Shore to revert to the issues that were brought up at the
neighborhood meeting.
Additional comments were expressed regarding Twin Lake Shores and how to
address the neighbor’s concerns. Since the buffer extending from shore to the
trail cannot be maintained properly, there was discussion concerning just leaving
a 5 foot buffer, and have the area between the trail and buffer be mowed turf.
Moved by Ms. Haney and seconded by Ms. Merriam to
recommend that Twin Lake Shores be listed as a priority for
maintenance for a 5 foot buffer with all buffer vegetation at
3 feet or lower and mowed turf from the trail to the buffer until the
shoreline policy can be formally implemented with resources clearly
identified and funded.
Ms. Haney withdrew her motion in favor of another motion:
Moved by Mr. Moewes-Bystrom and seconded by Ms. LaRoche
to recommend that as soon as possible, Park Maintenance mows
to leave a 5 foot buffer zone with all buffer vegetation at
3 feet or lower between the shore and the trail
and maintain the area between the trail and the buffer as turf.
Motion carried – unanimous.
All Commission members felt strongly about trying to remedy the Twin Lake
Shores residents issues with an unmaintained buffer area while balancing the
need for water quality. It is hoped that the shoreline policy will be used as a
guide to direct staff in creating the buffer areas and then to the City Council to
allocate the needed resources. Staff will need to work on an implementation plan
to phase in buffer zones and the funding of them.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission of the City Council discussion on the
location of the fishing pier. The Commission decided to wait until winter to further
discuss this item.
Mr. Rauen and Mr. Mueller reported that the Crystal Fund is considering a $500
donation to the Bocce courts construction.
Mr. Jungroth did not have a Chairperson Report.
Ms. Deshler gave the City Council report. She reminded people to vote on
August 14 for the primary. The City Council is working on the budget.
Ms. Haney said the Crystal Frolics events went well. Financial reports are not
ready yet.
The monthly reports were given, highlighting major activities.
The minutes were approved as sent.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55pm
Gene Hackett
Recorder