2013.04.03 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
April 3, 2013
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at
7:04 pm by Vice Chairperson Jennifer Sodd. Commission members in
attendance were: Ms. Haney, Ms. Hillenbrand, Ms. Merriam, Ms. LaRoche, and
Ms. Kolb. Also present were: Boy Scouts from Troop 542; Mr. Berggren, Mr.
Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff.
Mr. Berggren demonstrated the use of “Dropbox” for sharing Commission
documents. The Commission thought that “Dropbox” may be useful. Ms.
Hackett will begin to use it for communications to the Commission and it can be
re-evaluated at a later date.
The minutes were approved as sent.
The Commission notebooks were updated with the final 2013 work plan.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission of a staff memo to the EDA regarding
using the EDA owned lot at 4720 Douglas Drive for expansion of the CCC
parking lot. The EDA asked staff to track parking throughout the season and see
how often the need for additional parking arises before they make a final
decision. This item was then tabled until fall.
The Commission discussed the next steps in developing an action plan for the
fishing pier. Mr. Rauen shared the information he received regarding the
purchase of a different type of pier. The cost is significant to make all the ADA
adaptations needed. Funding sources were discussed – staff will check into
grant opportunities. One company that was contacted may give us a trade-in for
our old pier. MNCOR (another vendor) has so many orders that they are not
available to talk until mid-summer. Ms. Haney thought that the old pier should be
put out at Twin Lakes Shores until a plan can be finalized. Ms. Hillenbrand and
Ms. Kolb thought that this would end up being an expensive operation and
difficult for maintenance staff. Ms. Merriam said we should wait until we have a
definite plan. More discussion will take place next month.
Ms. Hackett and Mr. Rauen updated the Commission on staff/architect
discussions regarding Becker Park renovations. Commission members offered
additional ideas/suggestions. Ms. Hackett will send a list for Commission review
and use for future discussions at the staff level and to update the Commission.
The project will have to be prioritized and phased in.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission that Daisy’s Dream Park was cancelled
due to health issues of the organizer.
The monthly reports were given highlighting major activities.
There was not a City Council report as Mr. Budziszewski was attending the City
Council meeting.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report. The website has been updated. There
is sponsorship information on the website. The pathway parade will beheld
Sunday afternoon as an alternative to the big parade. The theme is “American
Pastimes”. They are looking for entries that will bring decorated bikes and
wagons and march in the parade. The button contest will need judging after the
Twin Oak meeting next month. There will be 2 nights of fireworks (weather
permitting)
There was not a Crystal Business Association report.
Commission members were informed of the upcoming city tour. Announcements
will be mailed within the next week.
The next Commission meeting will be May 1, 2013 at 6:00pm for the Shingle
Creek Clean-up, 6:30pm for Arbor Day and 7pm for the regular meeting.
Everything will be held at Twin Oak Park
The meeting was adjourned at 8:31pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder