2014.03.05 PRC MinutesMinutes: March 2014 [1]
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
March 5, 2014
Crystal Community Center
Tree Board Meeting Minutes:
The Crystal Tree Board meeting was called to order at 6:32pm by Chairperson Erin Kolb.
Members present were: Tom Jungroth, Steve Hildre, Lori Merriam, Lynn Haney,
Michael McClain and Lassana Bamba Jr.. Also present were: James Burks, City Forester,
Rick Rauen and Gene Hackett from the Department staff.
Introductions were made.
James Burks presented the Forestry year-end report for 2013 and the work plan for 2014.
The Emerald Ash Borer is still a threat but so far hasn’t hit our area. In preparation,
James plans to treat the ash trees at the Community Center. The other area with a large
number of ash trees is Becker Park. Pre-disease removal is being considered. Lori
Merriam asked if those trees could be treated instead of removed. Lynn Haney added
that they are the only source of shade during the Frolics. James will review his budget
and see if treatment would be possible. He will report back to the Commission.
Plans for Arbor Day were discussed. The event will be held May 7 at North Lions Park.
Tentative plans call for: invitations to the Mayor and Council; Arbor Day proclamation;
the poster contest/awards to the winners; fun facts scavenger hunt; tree giveaway;
speakers on:
Park Pride Program – Scott Berggren
North Lions – Community Garden Site – Scott Berggren
Water quality enhancement (North Lions pond) – Tom Mathisen;
Rain Gardens – Janet Moore?
Native Landscape - ???
Chimney Swift House - ???
Tree Planting
The Shingle Creek Clean-up will be part of the event. Refreshments will be served.
James outlined the requirements for Tree City. They are:
Tree Board/Forestry Department
Tree Ordinance – planting, maintenance and removal of public and private trees
Arbor Day Celebration
Budget of at least $2 per capita
The Tree Board meeting was adjourned at 7:15pm.
Minutes: March 2014 [2]
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
March 5, 2014
Crystal Community Center
Regular Meeting Minutes:
The Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting was called to order at 7:15 pm by
Vice Chairperson Erin Kolb. Commission members in attendance were: Lori Merriam,
Lynn Haney, Stephen Hildre, Michael McClain, Lassana Bamba Jr., Tom Jungroth and
Aviva Hillenbrand. Also present were Rick Rauen and Gene Hackett from the city staff.
Also attending were Rebekah Daly (Crystal Fund for Community Progress) and Carolyn
Maristany (Crystal resident).
Introductions were made.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Rebekah Daly from the Crystal Fund updated the Commission on the Little Libraries
project. She has gotten potential sponsors from Lions Valley Place, Yunkers, Forest, Fair
and the CCC. Neill School indicated that they would like one at the school but since this
is a park project, she will see if they would like to sponsor a park instead. She has
received a building kit and someone is putting it together. It should be completed for the
April meeting.
Tom Jungroth reported that he received an email from Chuck Kennedy that the Disc Golf
group is definitely interested in the disc golf course expansion. They will provide labor
and materials for the upgrade if the City Council approves it. Discussion on this will take
place at the March 13 work session.
The 2014 work plan was discussed and finalized.
Moved by Ms. Merriam and seconded by Ms. Haney to
recommend acceptance of the Park and Recreation Commission’s
2014 work plan. Motion carried – Unanimous.
The agenda for the March 13 work session with the City Council was reviewed and
updated.
The results from the Park and Recreation section of the 2012 city survey were reviewed.
The information may help the discussion on the update of the Long Range Parks plan.
The Commission tabled fundraising discussion to a later date to be determined.
Staff gave the monthly reports, highlighting major activities.
Mr. Rauen announced his retirement effective March 28. Commission members wished
him well.
Minutes: March 2014 [3]
Casey Peak was not in attendance so there was not a City Council report.
Lynn Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report. She met with city representatives to talk
about the carnival hours/rule changes. That is still in negotiations. The music is booked
except for Sunday afternoon. Pathway parade sponsors are being recruited. Parking lot
spots will be numbered again this year. A La Crosse clinic is planned for Thursday. The
Crystal Frolics is on Facebook.
Tom Jungroth reported that the last Crystal Business Association meeting was a “State of
the City” report by Mayor Adams. The next meeting is March 19 at Herzing College.
The Empty Bowls event on March 11 was announced. It is at Sandburg Learning Center
from 4 – 7pm.
Commission members were reminded of the work session on Thursday March 13 at 7pm
at City Hall.
The next Commission meeting is April 2 at 6:30pm at the Crystal Community Center.
The Long range Plan will be the main topic of discussion. A light supper (pizza) will be
provided.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder