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2015.07.08 PRC Minutes Minutes: July 2015 [1] Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission July 8, 2015 Yunkers Park Approved 8/5/15 The Parks and Recreation Commission Yunkers Park neighborhood meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by Chairperson Erin Kolb. Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, Lori Merriam, Steve Hildre, Lassana Bamba Jr., Tom Jungroth and Nancy LaRoche. Also present were Elizabeth Dahl, Council Liaison; Brad Fortin, Gene Hackett, Anne Norris and Mike Meehan from the city staff. Also attending were residents from the Yunkers Park area. Introductions were made and Ms. Kolb outlined the purpose of the neighborhood meetings. Ms. Norris reviewed various city projects. Deputy Chief Meehan gave a brief overview of the crime statistics for the neighborhood. This is one of the safest areas in Crystal – little crime is reported. Residents made a comment that neighborhood children climb on the building roof. It was suggested that the neighbors call 911 as it is not for emergency use only. There was a question regarding garage thefts. D.C. Meehan reported that it hasn’t been much of a problem this year. Mr. Fortin informed residents of the plans to remove the park building and replace it with a sun shelter that would have a drinking fountain and electricity so neighbors could use it for picnics. The skating rink lights would be removed and the pathway extended. Residents favored the plan. Residents made the following comments on city and park projects/facilities:  Asked about skating coming back: Skating will not be back because the low area is much too wet and doesn’t lend itself to making ice very well and there may be additional pond work in the future.  Request for a porta potty in the park: Recreation will be asking for additional funds in the 2016 to provide porta pottys on a limited basis.  Ballfield is wet all the time – is there a possibility to move it? Parks will look into it – there may not be enough space though.  Damage to the culvert – Utilities is looking into it and possible changes (Arcola Ponds Study)  Love the Crystal Cove pool  Recreation has a good variety of activities  Like the Disc Golf – asked about the new holes: The Disc Golf is working on clearing the new hole area. They hope to be done later this summer. Minutes: July 2015 [2]  Request for an additional park sign off Yukon near the driveway intot he park. Parks will look into it.  Question regarding the location of the geo-cache in the park.  Several residents commented that they appreciated the Commission coming to the park and appreciated getting the meeting notice in the mail.  There was a question regarding the length of time a dumpster can remain in a front yard. Ms. Norris will check on it.  Someone asked about single collection for garbage. Ms. Kolb thought that this had been discussed in the past and was decided not to go to organized collection; however a neighborhood could decide to do it all together. Mr. Jungroth informed the residents of the upcoming Crystal Frolics celebration and the button drawings. A resident asked about the Crystal ball Hunt. The first clue is posted in the SunPost and then clues are posted at the CCC, Becker, Lions Valley Place Park and Associated Bank. Residents commented that the SunPost was not delivered to the neighborhood. Ms. Haney gave them the contact number to call. Ms. Kolb and Ms. Dahl told the residents about Next Door – a social media site to connect neighbors. The Recreation Department is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and monitors Next Door although the Commission members usually contacts the Department is there are park questions on there; the Police Department is on Facebook, Twitter and Next Door and the City has a Facebook page. The residents were thanked for their attendance. The neighborhood portion was adjourned at 7:50pm The Park and Recreation Commission business meeting was called to order at 8:05pm. The Commission reviewed the Dog Park User group meeting minutes. Suggested rule changes were discussed: Change to allow 3 dogs per handler? – No keep it to 2 No personal dog toys – use dog toys provided No strollers allowed – park them outside the fence Delete the no grooming rule Call 911 to report incidents If possible, add a QR code to report comments and concerns The problems seem to stem from people not watching their dogs. Discussion was held on how to get participants to feel comfortable about sharing the rules with other users. Minutes: July 2015 [3] Mr. Jungroth suggested that the new rules sign be written in more of a positive tone. Mr. Fortin suggested a Do’s and Don’ts type of sign. Ms. Hackett and Mr. Fortin will work on a rule sign for review at the next Commission meeting. Commission Crystal Frolics event workers were reviewed: 5K Nancy and Lynn Scavenger Hunt: Nancy, Steve (Saturday) and Erin (Sunday) Mayor’s Dunk Tank: Doesn’t need any help Crystal Ball Hunt: Tom J and Lynn will write the clues. Zumbathon was added as a Commission event. Ms. Dahl informed the Commission of a meeting held with the Recreation staff in regards to fundraising. Several ideas were discussed including “Round Up” and a “Friends of the Park” membership. Staff will do more research on these and report back later in the year. Mr. Jungroth wanted donated funds to be used for specific projects above and beyond what is in the budget. Ms. Dahl said that one idea included making a list of items and prices so some people may choose to donate towards a certain item on the list. Ms. Hackett informed the Commission of the Bassett Creek playground dedication event on July 29. Commission members are invited to help with refreshments. Ms. Kolb gave the Chairperson report. She thanked Commission members for their involvement in the group especially with the long meetings that were held earlier this year. Ms. Haney suggested that members pitch in for pizza or other food when we know there will be a long meeting. Ms. Dahl reported on the latest City Council actions. They are looking at retooling some of the Commissions and inviting more participation from sub- committees, task forces and affiliates. The Council will hold a first reading of an ordinance eliminating the point of sale house inspections. The Task Force on the City Code had a first meeting. Ms. Haney reported that the Crystal Frolics booths are all sold out. Button giveaways have started. Fireworks are scheduled for 2 nights. A mandatory meeting will be on July 13 to finalize all events and hand out yard signs. She is looking forward to the new Family events on Sunday. Mr. Jungroth informed the Commission that the last CBA meeting was held at North Ridge Care Center. They are looking to be more involved in the Minutes: July 2015 [4] community. The group has 50 members now. The next meeting may be at Becker Park; if not available it will be at City Hall. Staff gave the monthly reports, highlighting major activities. Mr.Fortin was thanked for his hard work as comments were made that the public is beginning to notice park improvements. The June minutes were approved as sent. The meeting was adjourned at 9:16pm. Gene Hackett Recorder