2013.07.10 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
July 10, 2013
Cavanagh 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. LaRoche, and Ms. Kolb. Also present were: City
Council Liaison John Budziszewski, City Manager Anne Norris, Police Chief
Stephanie Revering, Mr. Mathisen, and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. In
addition, neighbors from the Cavanagh Oaks neighborhood were present.
Mr. Mathisen reviewed city projects in progress and in planning. Projects include:
street reconstruction and alley rebuilding. Mr. Mathisen updated the residents
and Commission on the recent storm damage resulting in a major construction
project in Robbinsdale and other storm related problems.
Ms. Norris informed the residents of the Cavanagh senior housing project.
Construction may start as early as September.
Chief Revering talked about neighborhood safety, the upcoming police academy
and the new K9 Officer. She informed residents of the small amount of crime in
the neighborhood but added theft from auto has been a problem.
Residents made the following comments on the park/programs:
• Question regarding the mowing schedule – resident felt the park was not
mowed often enough.
• Request to move the bench at Twin Lake Shores because the view is
blocked by tall grass and weeds. Resident felt that the bench should be
placed higher – near the park boundary. This may be moved with the Twin
Lake Shores dock.
• Question regarding the volunteer trees at Twin Lake Shores. Some have
been removed but there are still more remaining.
• Resident felt the no mow buffer zone isn’t useful since there is a storm
water drain that flows right into the lake.
• Question regarding a creative use for wood chips as this resident will
have quite a few from storm damage.
• Request to investigate stocking the lake.
• Question regarding carpenter ants/emerald ash borer
• Compliment was given on the new gates at the dog park.
Residents were asked for their suggestions for park development after the senior
housing is built:
• Keep 1 ball field – or make it green space with a backstop
• Trails/pathways for walkers and bikes
• Small amphitheatre
• ½ court basketball court
• Lighted hockey rink (or use lake?)
• Park shelter building
• Dog Park
• More trees
• Keep the green space multipurpose – this person liked the activity at the
park such as rugby, ultimate frisbee and soccer
The Commission will consider these comments as planning progresses and keep
the neighborhood informed.
One resident asked regarding the status of the fishing pier. The Commission has
worked to come up with a plan that was recently discussed by the City Council.
If approved, a new pier will be purchased and located at Twin Lake Shores park.
This pier will be easy to removed and stored off site for the winter. A detailed
plan will be mailed to residents when the 2014 budget is approved. Those in
attendance thought the plan was good and looked forward to having the fishing
pier back. This would tie into moving the bench on Fairview as the pier would be
located near the Fairview easement.
The residents were thanked for their comments and the neighborhood portion of
the meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm.
The Commission business meeting was called to order at 7:55pm.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission that the Famer’s Market is up and running
at the CCC.
The June pool concession report was distributed.
Mr. Jungroth gave the Chairperson’s report and said that the Yellow Ribbon
dinner was well attended. He added that he had Crystal Frolics buttons with him
if anyone was interested in buying one.
Mr. Budziszewski gave the City Council report. The Fire District budget was
approved, EDA lots are selling and the Council was updated on storm issues and
damage. Discussion was held on how to better get the word out to residents
regarding the water issues that occurred.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report:
• Fireworks have been approved for both Friday and Saturday nights.
• Commission members were asked to recruit for the pathway parade.
• There will be a skate park clinic.
• She requested that the pancake breakfast be put on the marquee
• Crystal ball clues need to be written
• Tabloid is going well
• Tent issue is resolved.
Commission members offered to help:
• Scavenger Hunt (Nancy): Jennifer (and Ryan) Sodd
• 5K: Lori, Jennifer, John B.
• Splash Bash: Lori, Jennifer
Mr. Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Report. Frolics sponsorships were
solicited.
The monthly reports were given highlighting major activities.
The minutes were approved as sent.
The next meeting is August 7 at Iron Horse Park.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder