2013.03.06 PRC Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
March 6, 2013
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at
7:03 pm by Chairperson Tom Jungroth. Commission members in attendance
were: Ms. Haney, Ms. Hillenbrand, Ms. Merriam, Ms. LaRoche, and Ms. Kolb.
Also present were: Mr. Budziszewski, Council Liaison, and Mr. Rauen and Ms.
Hackett from the city staff.
Ms. Kolb was welcomed to the Commission.
Mr. Berggren was not in attendance and will do his presentation next month.
The minutes were approved as sent.
The Commission notebooks were updated.
The Commission finalized the 2013 work plan.
Ms. Hackett reported that the Crystal Fund for Community Progress is changing
their focus to be a fundraising component for Crystal parks. They decided that
their group can better serve the community by funding park projects. They want
to work with the Commission after they get reorganized. More information will be
available later.
Shingle Creek Clean-up and Arbor Day were discussed. The event will be at
Twin Oak Park and feature the park/pond clean-up, poster contest, speakers and
tree giveaway. It was suggested that James provide a handout for each of the
giveaway trees. It was also suggested that the poster contest start with a tree
similar to the Start Tribune Turkey Coloring Contest.
The Commission reviewed the Shoreline Policy implementation plan memo. Staff
will put it together with the plan and forward it to the City Council.
The Commission discussed the results of the fishing pier/Twin Lake Shores
survey. Ms. Merriam expressed concern that the survey started a precedence
regarding resident input on various city projects. She asked if there were
guidelines developed regarding what projects were going to be surveyed. Ms.
Haney felt that if the city had listened to the 8 houses back when the park was
first being considered, that it would never have been built. The 8 homeowners
have been against use of the city property for many years. She added that the
Commission and Council need to think about the whole city and all residents
should have access to the lake through using the city property. Additional
Commission comments were made regarding:
· why the survey was only for the 8 houses and not the whole
neighborhood,
· the premise of only asking the 8 houses seemed to give them the power
for a project that would benefit the whole neighborhood/city,
· the survey questions seemed incomplete - based on previous experience
with the 8 houses, the survey outcome could be predicted,
· How much did the survey cost – felt that city money could be used for
other projects.
The Commission discussed an action plan. Items would include:
· Beginning this spring, Twin Lake Shores shoreline maintenance should be
a priority,
· Determine a location for the pier – Fairview Avenue was suggested
· Determine how to handle winter storage,
· Hold a neighborhood meeting that shows the location plan and answers
resident questions
Mr. Rauen said that winter storage is the biggest obstacle as keeping the pier on
site will be ugly and moving it to an offsite could damage it as well as be time
consuming. He mentioned he thought about getting some kind of dock on wheels
that would be easy to put in and pull out. It would have to be commercial grade
and handicap accessible. Ms. Merriam thought that Rick should pursue that idea
and get some costs. If the roll-in dock idea works, Mr. Rauen suggested moving
the pier to Bassett Creek Park or selling it. The Commission liked the idea of
moving the pier to Bassett Creek Park if there was an alternative dock option that
would work at Twin Lake Shores. Mr. Rauen will bring more information to the
April meeting so the Commission can further discuss an action plan.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission of the Cookie Cart project focus groups
that are scheduled in April. It was suggested to send information to the Crystal
Business Association.
The monthly reports were given highlighting major activities.
Mr. Budziszewski gave the City Council report. New Commission members
were appointed and several resignations were received from the Human Rights
Commission. A payment agreement was worked out with Big Louie’s. An alley
project was approved. Budget adjustments were made. Ms. Bowman announced
her resignation from the West Metro Fire Board, Mr. Budziszewski will replace
her.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report. There will not be a parade although
the committee is looking into an alternative event for Sunday afternoon. There
will be 2 nights of fireworks (weather permitting). They are waiting on
confirmation of the Sunday band – a Rolling Stones tribute band.
Mr. Jungroth reported on the Crystal Business Association meeting that was held
at the VFW. They have installed a high tech meeting room that is available for
groups. Their next meeting is March 20.
The next Commission meeting will be April 3, 2013 at 6:30pm for the Tree Board
and 7pm for the regular meeting. All meetings held at the Crystal Community
Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:46pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder