2015.02.04 PRC Minutes Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
February 4, 2015
Crystal Community Center
*Approved March 4, 2015
The Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm
by Chairperson Erin Kolb. Commission members in attendance were: Lori Merriam,
Lynn Haney, Nancy LaRoche, Lassana Bamba Jr., Michael McClain, Steve Hildre and
Tom Jungroth. Also present were Elizabeth Dahl, Council Liaison; Brad Fortin, and
Gene Hackett from the city staff. Rebekah Daly from the Crystal Fund for Community
Progress was also in attendance.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Kolb gave the Chairperson’s Report. The 2015 work plan was reviewed.
Moved by Ms. Haney and seconded by Ms. LaRoche to approve
the 2015 work plan. Motion carried – unanimous.
She mentioned that the Commission sponsored Little Library at the CCC is low on books
and asked the Commission members to restock. She informed the group of the Crime
Prevention Board’s upcoming events:
Jail and Bail
Run for Rocco
Steak Fry
The Commission decided to add an agenda item “Community Business” to each agenda
to inform the group of these types of activities.
Rebekah Daly from the Crystal Fund and Light of Crystal met with the Commission to
discuss potential sponsorships of park items. Ideas include: bocce at Bassett Creek
Park, Yunker Park sun shelter, park benches, landscaping projects, and bulletin boards
in parks. Ms. Kolb asked if the Crystal Fund group prefers to fund several smaller
projects or 1 or 2 larger projects. She will ask the group and see if they have a
preference. Ms. Haney suggested that some of the projects would have a place to put up
a plaque to recognize the group. Ms. Daly said that they are not looking for P.R. type of
projects – they just want to make Crystal a great place to live. Ms. Kolb said the
Commission would have a better idea of projects when they have the long range plan
discussion later, then Ms. Daly could come to a future meeting. Ms. Daly also talked
about fundraising and invited the Commission to the bowling fundraiser in March.
Ms. Hackett gave the Commission members a brief overview of the city budget process
for the PIR (Capital Improvement) fund and the General Fund.
The Commission previewed the March City Council work session agenda. The meeting
is Thursday March 12 at 6:30pm. Members who indicated they would be able to attend
are: Ms. Kolb, Ms. Merriam, Ms. Haney, Ms. LaRoche, Mr. Jungroth (if in town), Mr.
McClain and Mr. Hildre.
The Commission scheduled their park tour for Wednesday May 6. The City Council will
be invited.
Minutes: February 2015
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Mr. Berggren worked on a park map prototype for the website. The committee gave him
some good feedback and will meet soon. Ms. LaRoche will talk to the person who was
interested in taking park pictures for the web.
Ms. Hackett will have catering information for the next meeting.
The Commission discussed Long Range Planning priorities. The group found it difficult
to use the rating scale that accompanied the survey. The survey will be revised and Mr.
Fortin’s projects added. Members were interested in projects that were more citizen
driven. Ms. Hackett will review the outdoor meetings and add those projects to the list.
The survey will be re- rated by Commission members for discussion at the next meeting.
Staff gave the monthly reports, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Dahl gave to City Council report. The Council is concerned about the railroad plans
to expand the track in the West Broadway area. Council meeting security is also a big
issue.
The Frolics Committee did not meet.
There was no report from the Crystal Business Association.
Mr. Fortin updated the Commission on the construction of the new Public Works
Building.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:58pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder
Minutes: February 2015
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