2013.05.01 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Minutes
May 1, 2013
Twin Oak POW-MIA Park
The Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at
7:10 pm by Chairperson Tom Jungroth. Commission members in attendance
were: Ms. Sodd, Ms. Haney, Ms. Hillenbrand, Ms. Merriam, Ms. LaRoche, and
Ms. Kolb and Council Liaison Budziszewski. Also present were: Chief Revering,
Mr. Mathisen, Mr. Rauen and Ms. Hackett from the city staff. In addition,
neighbors from the Twin Oak POW -MIA Park area were present.
Mr. Mathisen reviewed city projects in progress and in planning. Projects include:
street reconstruction, alley rebuilding, the back-up water system and installation
of a generator for the Community Center.
Chief Revering informed residents of Police Department projects including
training of the new K9 Officer, receiving the MADD Award for drunken driving
enforcement, one officer receiving a medal of honor and the upcoming Citizens
Police Academy. She informed residents that there have been quite a few thefts
from autos in this neighborhood. She summarized home safety tips for residents.
She also highlighted the Neighborhood Watch program.
Mr. Rauen highlighted current and planned park projects for this park, including
the pond project, a permanent hockey rink, removing the aglime from the ball
field to make that area green space.
Residents made the following comments:
• When are the park benches around the pond going to be installed?
Installation is planned for this spring. There is concern regarding
possible vandalism to the benches.
• Could the hockey rink have better turf inside for the non-skating months?
It gets muddy.
Turf is difficult to establish because of the winter rink flooding
• Could the playground be better maintained? It is used heavily.
More inspections will be scheduled. Residents are urged to call if
they notice vandalism or broken equipment.
• A No Smoking sign is needed by the basketball courts.
Park maintenance can install one.
Mr. Eberling from the VFW talked about the recent vandalism to the park sign.
The VFW also plants the flowers by the flagpole. He asked residents to help
report vandalism.
The VFW has adopted the park through the Park Pride program.
The neighborhood portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm.
The Commission business meeting was called to order at 7:55pm.
Mr. Rauen updated the Commission with new information regarding the fishing
pier. To make the commercial pier ADA accessible, it will cost an additional
estimated $200. The pier would be 32 feet long in 4 sections and roll out into the
lake. Estimated cost is $7500. Winter storage still needs to be determined,
however the rollout may be easier to move and store off-site. At this time, no
money is budgeted for the project. There may be an opportunity to sell the
existing pier (or parts of it to help recoup some costs). Ms. Haney offered that the
Crystal Frolics may be willing to loan the money for the dock. It was suggested
to apply for a grant that may be available. The City Council still needs to endorse
the project.
Moved by Ms. Haney and seconded by Ms. Merriam to recommend to the
City Council that since the fishing pier is a community asset to maintain,
the Commission prefers to determine funding to install a purchased roll-in
ADA accessible pier to the Fairview Avenue easement on the lake.
Motion carried – Unanimous.
Ms. Hackett reported that there were no new updates on the Becker renovation
plans.
Commission members were reminded of the upcoming city tour.
The Commission discussed the possibility of providing a small sliding hill at Twin
Oak. Mr. Rauen was concerned that there wasn’t space for it. Mr. Jungroth said
he was thinking of a larger berm type structure about 6 feet tall. The
Commission would like staff to survey the residents to see if this is something
that they would like to see at the park and if they would be willing to give up
some of the green space for it.
Mr. Budziszewski gave the City Council report citing many projects that were
approved.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report. Sponsorship donations are coming in.
Ms. Kolb and Ms. LaRoche offered to help with sponsorships.
Mr. Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Report. Almstad’s Super Valu sponsored
the last meeting. An evening social is planned. May 15 is the Police Board’s “Jail
and Bail”.
The monthly reports were given highlighting major activities.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Kolb reported that she had difficulty navigating the Parks section of the city
website. Ms. Hackett said that the Parks section is scheduled to be updated next
with new pictures and text.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm.
Crystal Frolics button contest judging was held after the meeting.
Lori Merriam/Gene Hackett
Recorders