2014.11.05 PRC MinutesMinutes: November 2014
[1]
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
November 5, 2014
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by
Chairperson Jennifer Sodd. Commission members in attendance were: Lori Merriam,
Lynn Haney, Nancy LaRoche, Erin Kolb, Michael McClain and Tom Jungroth. Also
present were Casey Peak, Council Liaison; and Mark Gaulke, Tom Mathisen and Gene
Hackett from the city staff.
The minutes were approved as sent.
There was not a Chairperson’s Report.
Ms. Hackett announced that a new Park Superintendent has been hired. Mr. Brad Fortin
comes to Crystal from White Bear Lake and before that, Robbinsdale. He has over 15
years’ experience in the job. Brad’s start date is November 24.
Ms. Hackett updated the Commission on the Hagemeister Pond Preserve and the dog
problem. At this time, the dog owner has not been caught. The Animal Control Officer
and CSO’s will continue to check the park. Commission members decided not to take
any action at this time regarding making the park “dog free”. Staff will continue to
monitor the situation.
The Commission reviewed the second part of the Long Range Plan discussing revisions
to various sections. Now that revisions are complete, Ms. Hackett will compile the
revisions into an updated document for review at the December meeting.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission of the GameTime grant for the Bassett Creek
playground. A drawing of the new equipment was included in the packet. Staff also
applied for the Hennepin Youth Sports program grant for the Bassett Creek playground.
Awards for that grant will be announced in December.
The Dog Park Committee discussed possible uses for the $800+ they have in their fund
(being held by the Crystal Fund for Community Progress). They may be coming to a
future meeting with some ideas for improvements to the dog park.
Mr. Peak made a suggestion to the Commission to plan a “Crystal Ball” fundraising
event. The Commission could work with the Crystal Fund for Community Progress or the
Crystal Business Association to plan such an event.
Staff gave the monthly reports, highlighting major activities. Mr. Mathisen gave the
Public Works report and informed the Commission of his retirement on December 5. Mr.
Minutes: November 2014
[2]
Gaulke gave the Parks report, updating the Commission on the renovations at Skyway
Park.
Mr. Peak gave the City Council report. There will be 3 new City Council members in
2015. The Council has been working on the 2015 budget and several Public Works
projects.
Ms. Haney gave the Crystal Frolics report. The group is looking for more Sunday
activities that will attract families to the park. They are looking at the Teddy Bear Band,
Petting Zoo, etc. They are discussing doing something different with buttons and offering
special promotions as well as seller incentives.
Mr. Jungroth reported on the last CBA meeting. The group now has 52 members. The
website has been revamped. They are hosting a social at Buffalo Wild Wings on
November 12.
Ms. Haney informed the Commission of the Crime Prevention Board’s plan to hold a
“Run for Rocco” fundraiser sometime next year.
The next Commission meeting is November 3 at the CCC. Elections will be held. Ms.
Sodd indicated that she does not wish to serve a second term as Chairperson.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder