2012.10.03 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
October 3, 2012
Becker Park Neighborhood Meeting
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. Sodd, Ms. Haney, Ms. LaRoche, Mr. Lehnertz and Mr. Moewes-
Bystrom. Also present were: Ms. Deshler, City Council Liaison; Lieutenant
Oyaas, Ms. Norris, City Manager, Mr. Rauen and Mr. Berggren from the city staff.
In addition members from the Becker Park neighborhood were in attendance.
Also attending were Laura Libby and Diane Sannes, representing a farmer’s
market and Guy Mueller, Tom VanHausen and Michelle Strand representing
Crystal Fund for Community Progress and Friends Fond of the Pond.
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.
Residents from Becker Park made the following comments:
• Curious if there is a buyer for the Thriftway site
o There has been some interest, however nothing is finalized.
• Request for more police presence. Walkers have found things like knives
in the park.
• Concern regarding the parking lot lights aren’t bright enough for evening
walking.
• Question regarding the park usage – it is only adult softball/would like to
see more children oriented activities here.
• Request to bring back skating.
• Question regarding building use – request to relocate more activities here
from the CCC.
o Residents were reminded that the building is available for rentals.
• Suggestion to hold a pond hockey tournament in Crystal
• Request for a crosswalk and/or stoplight at Elmhurst for walkers to access
the park easier from the north.
• From North Lions Park: question regarding some tree branches being cut.
• From North Lions Park: question regarding drainage on the trails.
The residents were thanked for the comments. This portion of the meeting was
adjourned at 7:32pm.
The business meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation Commission was
called to order at 7:40pm.
The Commission heard from Laura Libby who requested the Commission’s
sponsorship/assistance in establishing a farmer’s market in Crystal. She felt that
there is a need for additional venues for this activity as the New Hope and other
surrounding markets were full. The Commission indicated that it will be difficult to
find a time/day that does not conflict with other established markets. The
Commission felt that they were not interested in being a co-sponsor but
encouraged Ms. Libby to work with the Recreation Department and use the
special event in parks ordinance to have it at either Becker Park or the CCC.
She was also directed to the VFW Auxiliary who was working with the city last
year to plan such an event; however the city requirements are different for
holding the event on private property.
Mr. Mueller presented the Phase 2 plan for Memory Lane Park. The Friends
Fond of the Pond group had visited the Commission in April but the Commission
wanted to hold off with a recommendation until the Shoreline Policy for public
Lands was adopted. Now that the Shoreline Policy is adopted, the Commission
found the Phase 2 plan was consistent with the policy guidelines. Mr. Mueller
addressed maintenance concerns and said the FFOP group would commit to 5
years of maintenance and after that time, the City can evaluate the level of
success of the project and the level of maintenance that the city will provide.
Moved by Ms. Sodd and seconded by Ms. Haney to recommend
to the City Council that the since Phase 2 of the Memory Land
Park Pond restoration project as presented by the Friends Fond
of the Pond is consistent with the Public Property Shoreline
Maintenance Policy and that the group will guarantee
maintenance of the area for 5 years, that they be allowed
to proceed with Phase 2 of the project.
Motion carried – unanimous
Ms. Hackett reported that the Human Rights Commission is interested in
cooperating with this Commission on a special event as well as doing some
volunteering at some of the Commission events. More information will be
available later.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the preliminary pool report summarizing the pool season
operation and budget. The Commission hopes that even though the concession
stand lost money, that the City Council will allow it to operate again next year.
Ms. Norris reported that staff has been in discussion with an architect regarding
program ideas for renovating the building at Becker Park.
There was not a Chairperson Report.
Ms. Deshler reviewed City Council meetings to date. The Council has been
working on the budget. She informed the Commission of some upcoming
events.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics Report. The event lost money this year. The
shorter hours did have an overall effect on the revenue.
Ms. Deshler informed the Commission of the CBA networking event to be held on
December 19.
The monthly reports were given, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Norris awarded Mr. Jungroth a plaque for his years of service to the City.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Mr. Jungroth reminded the Commission that they need to keep the Bassett Creek
dirt stockpile area in their minds as the City Council discusses a Public Works
building project.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:31pm.
Gene Hackett