2014.07.09 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
July 9 , 2014
Fair Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by
Chairperson Jennifer Sodd. Commission members in attendance were: Lori Merriam,
Lynn Haney, Michael McClain, Tom Jungroth, Lassana Bamba Jr., and Erin Kolb. Also
present were Casey Peak, Council Liaison; Anne Norris, Doug Leslin, Officer Kusick
and K9 Officer Rocco, Mark Gaulke, Tom Mathisen and Gene Hackett from the city
staff; and residents from the Fair Park neighborhood.
Ms. Sodd welcomed everyone and gave the background of the outdoor meetings.
Introductions were made.
Mr. Mathisen reviewed city projects in progress and in planning including the new Public
Works building, various street and alley projects, Twin Lake Shores dock, solar project
and the emergency water supply.
Police Lieutenant Leslin updated the residents on crime prevention and safety. Officer
Kusick introduced Rocco to the group and told them about the new K9 program in
Crystal. Residents had several questions regarding safety, suspicious behavior and sex
offenders in their neighborhood. Residents were asked to call 911 if they see suspicious
behavior in the park or in their neighborhood.
Residents made the following comments on the park/programs:
• Gaulke Pond – litter and debris collects there. Is there any possibility of a city
effort to keep the pond area clean? Kids go down there to party and leave litter.
The pond is a storm water pond and “bounces” several feet with the heavy
rainfall we’ve had this spring and summer. It is hard to get to with city
equipment. The City has relied on volunteer groups to do a clean-up of
the area or a neighborhood to adopt the area. Staff will add it to the Park
Pride adoption list.
• Request for a sign noting that the playground is a city facility and is available to
the neighborhood during school hours.
• Loose dogs are a problem. Owners do not clean-up after them.
The residents were thanked for their comments and the neighborhood portion of the
meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm.
The Commission business meeting was called to order at 8:15pm.
Ms. Hackett suggested that the Long Range Plan discussion should be deferred until
October when the Commission meets back inside as discussion on revisions may be
lengthy.
Minutes: July 2014 [1]
Commission members enjoyed the park tour and thought it should be an annual event
instead of one of the summer meetings.
Ms. Hackett reported that Public Works will install the CCC Little Library within the
next few weeks. Commission members should bring books.
Frolics jobs and volunteers were reviewed.
It was suggested to have a summer activities booklet to give out along with the certificate
for the drawing at the outdoor meetings.
Ms. Sodd asked about the batteries for the defibrillator at the pool as the pool staff
contacted the WMFD for help. Ms. Hackett reported that the situation was remedied.
The Commission discussed Lions Soo Line Park in regards to replacing the playground
equipment or re-purposing the park as a community garden. The slide was removed
because it was broken. The Commission discussed keeping the park as is with
scheduling a playground replacement, making it a community garden or some type of
combination. Staff will look into costs associated with making the site a community
garden, so the Commission can discuss this in detail. Mr. Gaulke reported he was able to
find a replacement part for the slide so the equipment is in working order.
The Commission discussed ideas for the submitting an application for the Hennepin
Youth Sports facility grant. After discussion, it was decided to apply to help with costs
associated with replacing the Bassett Creek playground.
Councilmember Casey Peak gave the City Council report.
Lynn Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report.
Tom Jungroth gave the Crystal Business Association report.
Staff gave the monthly reports, highlighting major activities.
The minutes were approved as sent.
The next Commission meeting is August 6 at North Bass Lake Park. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:50 pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder
Minutes: July 2014 [2]