2013.08.07 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
August 7, 2013
Iron Horse Park
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at
7:04 pm by Chairperson Tom Jungroth. Commission members in attendance
were: Ms. Sodd, Ms. Haney, Ms. Merriam, and Ms. Hillenbrand. Also present
were: City Council Liaison John Budziszewski, City Manager Anne Norris, Mr.
Rauen, and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. In addition, neighbors from the Iron
Horse Park neighborhood were present.
Ms. Norris reviewed city projects in progress and in planning including the street
reconstruction taking place in this neighborhood. Other projects include the
annual budget and an ordinance to allow backyard chickens.
Residents made the following comments on the park/programs:
• Problem with the wooded area in New Hope – kids hangout there, there
are lots of deadfall trees that are hazardous, noxious weeds.
Residents were instructed to call 911 if they see vandalism; call
New Hope to complain about the property. Ms. Norris will talk to the
New Hope City Manager.
• Question about developing the wooded area
The property is in New Hope and privately owned. Crystal does not
have knowledge of any immediate plans
• People don’t use the skating rink, can it be a year-round dog park (or
expand the area into a year-round dog park)?
Residents were asked for their emails so that the city could share
the information on how the Bassett Creek Dog Park was started as
it was a neighborhood want. City staff would be willing to help if
there was an organized group that could fundraise (about $10,000).
• Would New Hope be interested in partnering on a dog park and use the
wooded area?
The woods are privately owned but we can ask.
• Could some benches and shade be included for the existing dog park
area?
Staff will look into benches - the park could be expanded to include
some of the shaded areas in the park.
• Teenagers hang around in the park
Call 911
• Resident comment said they like having the skating rink in their
neighborhood. Added that the ice hasn’t been too good the last couple of
years.
The weather has not been good for ice. This rink is one of the
oldest and needs to be rebuilt.
• The playground is used – lots of new families moving into the
neighborhood.
Residents were instructed to call the Parks Department if there is
damaged or broken equipment.
• The hole in the fence was mentioned
Parks has tried repairing it and it gets cut so it is left as is
• Comment about train whistles
The city has a quiet time but the trains do not have to follow it.
• Question regarding care of the sod from the street project.
Residents were asked to keep watering it.
• Suggestion for single adult events
Staff will look into it – it may be an opportunity to coop with
Community Ed.
• Gang symbols in the park
Report to Police and the Parks Department.
The residents were thanked for their comments and the neighborhood portion of
the meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm.
The Commission business meeting was called to order at 7:50pm.
The July pool concession report was distributed.
Mr. Jungroth reported he had no new information.
Mr. Budziszewski gave the City Council report. The City Council developed a
press release in regards to the protest a City Hall, reviewed MAC park storm
damage reports, the backyard chicken ordinance had its first reading and the
Cavanagh Senior Housing project may need some re-working.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report:
• The Crystal Ball was found Friday.
• Race had a good turnout – about 125. A new coordinator is needed. Mr.
Budziszewski knows someone who may be interested.
• The Skate Park event started but was rained out and moved to Sunday
August 4.
• Pool event was cancelled due to rain and cool weather.
• Scavenger Hunt had 22 kids which was down from last year, but the
weather was cold and rainy.
• The senior card tourneys went well.
• The softball tourney had a couple of incidents including an assault and a
broken windshield.
• The pathway parade went well –it will be bigger and better next year as
the Committee would like to advertise a kiddie parade in the Park and
Recreation brochure.
• Most food booths did OK.
• Suggested that the fencing by Bass Lake Road and Sherburne be higher.
Mr. Jungroth and Ms. Norris gave the Crystal Business Report. Ads for the
tabloid were solicited. The next meeting is August 21 at Crystal City Hall.
The monthly reports were given highlighting major activities.
The minutes were approved as sent.
The next meeting is September 4 at Crystal Highlands Park.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder