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2012.06.06 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes June 6, 2012 Bassett Creek Park Neighborhood Meeting The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm by Chairperson Tom Jungroth. Commission members in attendance were: Ms. Sodd, Mr. Moewes-Bystrom, Ms. LaRoche, Ms. Haney, and Ms. Hillenbrand. Also present were: Ms. Deshler, City Council Liaison; Mr. Anderson, and Mr. Hoffman, City Council; Deputy Chief Fealy, Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. In addition members from the Bassett Creek Park neighborhood were in attendance. Introductions were made. Mr. Jungroth gave the purpose of the neighborhood meetings. Mr. Mathisen gave the residents an update of various city projects. Deputy Chief Fealy summarized police department activities and gave residents information on calls for service in their area. Mr. Jungroth opened the meeting to comments on the Shoreline Maintenance Policy. Residents made the following comments: · Would like to be able to see the water on all ponds – have vistas · Will the brush, bushes and weeds be cut back on the pond at 29thand Brunswick · Would like to see the water from their house (29 th and Brunswick Pond) – resident used to cut the weeds and would like the city to do it now as the growth is 15 feet high. Resident would like a view of the pond. · Prefer taller vegetation around the ponds – attracts more wildlife · Remove willows and buckthorn around ponds · What will be the standard for the vegetation? What height will the vegetation be maintained at? What weeds will be controlled? Make the policy and standards the same across the city. · Mr. Rauen distributed pictures of the proposed plan for the 2 ponds at the park. Residential areas will have a view. The buffer width may vary depending on the pond. · Resident (Mr. Mueller) has pictures of a restoration project in Golden Valley and residents remarked that they liked it. · Like to see it back to nature · It will be a big challenge to keep the volunteer trees in check. · Request for a bench by the pond on 29 th and Brunswick. Residents made comments on other park and recreation items: · Playground drainage – still standing water – pump does not appear to be working. Public works is continues to look into this matter. · Is the pond ever dredged? Mr. Mathisen explained the issues surrounding dredging. · Bocceball – residents felt this would be a nice addition to the park. There was discussion whether it should go by the volleyball courts or by the picnic area. There was a concern over the cost involved. · Resident suggestion of a community picnic as a fundraiser for park improvements. · Question regarding removing the geese. · Belzer garden is beautiful. · Question on how to donate a bench. Residents made comments on other items: · Speeding on Welcome Avenue and down 32 nd – stop signs are ignored. The residents were thanked for the comments. This portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm. The business meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation Commission was classed to order at 7:56pm. The Commission reviewed the Arbor Day event. The event ran well although by combining it with the meeting made for a long night. They liked having it on a weekday evening. It was suggested that the forester have a printout of the trees available for residents and their care. The resident concerns at 4934 Quail were discussed. The concerns were that the shoreline weed trees were unsightly and a safety issue. The Commission discussed that they would like to get them maintained/removed as soon as possible. Mr. Rauen reported that someone has been cutting them down now. Some Commission members felt that the resident should be allowed to do this in order to get het weed trees out now while others felt that the shoreline policy needed to be in place and any work that a resident would do would need to be consistent with the policy and under the supervision of the parks department. The consensus was that Mr. Rauen should get this on the work schedule as soon as possible as the city had a responsibility to maintain the park. It was suggested that clearing this area could be an Eagle Scout project. Ms. Deshler questioned whether there were too many parks if the city has trouble maintaining them. She added that the Commission could determine how many parks realistically could be maintained with the given staff and budget and the others sold off for development. Commission members felt that the parks were being maintained however there were specific areas were maintenance was difficult or had been deferred. The Commission was not ready to reduce the number of parks. The Commission discussed the location of the fishing dock. Generally, the Twin Lake shores residents seemed positive about relocating it to the park. What is the next step? There was discussion concerning that the dock cannot be decided until the shoreline policy is in place. Ms. Deshler will check to see if that is the case. Moved by Ms. Sodd and seconded by Ms. LaRoche to relocate the fishing dock to the Fairview easement at Twin lake Shores Park. Motion carried – unanimous . Mr. Rauen reported that there has been some vandalism at Twin Lake Shores Park – concrete and trash were dumped there. He has a concern for the fishing dock if relocated at this time. The Commission was informed of the city’s purchase of the back portion of Randy Hull’s property adjacent to Hagemeister Pond Preserve. The new property boundary will be fenced to delineate it. A few neighbors at Hagemeister are planning to purchase a bench for the park. Mr. Mueller discussed the involvement of the Crystal Fund in park projects – they are considering funding 1 of these 3 projects: bocce court at Bassett Creek, Becker landscaping improvements and Yunkers Park sun shelter. Commission members felt that the bocce court would be their priority. Ms. Haney said that the horseshoe courts at Becker Park need to be maintained as they are an eyesore. The Commission talked about other Becker Park improvements to make the building more marketable. Ms. Hackett reported that city staff met and also toured the building and will look at a plan for the renovations/upgrades. Mr. Jungroth gave the Chairperson Report – he apologized for missing the May meeting. Ms. Deshler gave the City Council report. Most of her report was given by Mr. Mathisen at the beginning of the meeting. She added that the Council will vote on June 19 on a resolution to continue the West Metro Fire District. Ms. Haney gave an update on the Crystal Frolics Committee. Commissioners volunteered for the following events: · 5K: Chris, Jennifer, Aviva, Lori(?), Gene · Splash Bash: Jennifer · Parade: Jennifer, Matthew(?) · Scavenger Hunt: Nancy She will send an email to Commission members regarding the volunteer help for various events. A soccer clinic is planned at Forest on the Thursday of the Frolics. All permits have been approved. The Crystal Business association heard the state of city given by the Mayor. The monthly reports were given, highlighting major activities. The minutes were approved as sent. The meeting was adjourned at 8:38pm Gene Hackett Recorder