Loading...
2014.09.03 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission September 3, 2014 Lions Valley Place Park The Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by Secretary Lorie Merriam. Commission members in attendance were: Lori Merriam, Lynn Haney, Tom Jungroth, Steve Hildre, Lassana Bamba Jr., and Michael McClain. Also present were Casey peak, City Council Liaison ; Deputy Police Chief Mike Meehan, Police Sgt. Tracie Lee - Faust and Gene Hackett from the city staff; and residents from the Lions Valley Place Park neighborhood. Ms. Merriam welcomed everyone and gave the background of the outdoor meetings. Introductions were made. Mr. Peak reviewed city projects in progress and in planning including the new Public Works building, the Cavanagh and upcoming streets projects. Deputy Police Chief Meehan updated the residents on crime prevention and safety. He mentioned that there had been some garage and car beak-ins in the neighborhood and asked residents to be watchful and not leave cars and garages unlocked. Residents were asked to call 911 if they see suspicious behavior in the park or in their neighborhood. He informed the residents about the online “Next Door” program. A resident suggested that police should watch the stop sign at 32nd and Jersey in the early mornings as many cars don’t stop. Residents made the following comments on the park/programs: • Pathway needs repairs. Ms. Hackett reported that micro sealing will be done later in September. • Many (more than ½) of the residents expressed concern regarding the flooding problem from the 2nd hockey rink – water from rink flooding and then from melting flows north across the pathway to the creek, then freezes and makes it treacherous for walking in that area. Staff is aware of the problem and is looking for a solution. • The culvert under Hampshire is too small to handle the run off from the melting snow and ice rinks and it backs up into the park along the creek and into backyards along Valley Place (lower end - toward Hampshire Avenue) • The blue temporary fence (that blocks the sliders from crashing into the hockey rink) looks terrible (it was all mashed down) – can it be replaced with something better or removed in the spring? • There are 2 ash trees that were marked last year by the Forester that haven’t been taken down – resident was wondering what was happening with those. The trees are in the park behind 7009 Valley Place. The City Forester will be informed. • Resident had concern regarding the maintenance of the rain garden on Hampshire – he said that the lot is mowed by a contractor and was wondering why the city crew doesn’t mow it when they are doing the park. The property isn’t it park property –it is still EDA property and many EDA lots are mowed by a contractor. Minutes: September 2014 [1] • Apparently vehicles have been driving on the pathway – are there signs posted that say no motorized vehicles? • More than half mentioned that they would like the volleyball court back. • Lighting the pathways came up – it’s on the Commission wish list too. The door prize was awarded and residents were thanked for their comments. The neighborhood portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm. The Commission business meeting was called to order at 7:50pm. The Commission reviewed the July Pool Concession Report. Ms. Hackett informed the Commission about “Next Door” and encouraged their participation in their neighborhood group. It’s a good way to communicate to residents if park issues come up in any discussions. The commission can communicate concerns to staff and then back to the residents. The busking event was discussed. It went well but was not very well attended. Councilmember Peak has some ideas for next year and the Commission discussed combining the event with another one such as the Lions Corn Feed. It was discussed that maybe a weekend time frame would be better. There was not a Crystal Frolics report as the group has not met. Mr. Jungroth reported on the last CBA meeting at Go Chiropractic in Robbinsdale. Staff gave the monthly reports, highlighting major activities. The minutes were approved as sent. The next Commission meeting is October 1 at the CCC The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm. Gene Hackett Recorder Minutes: September 2014 [2]