2015.03.04 PRC MinutesMinutes: March 2015
[1]
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
March 4, 2015
Crystal Community Center
Approved April 1, 2015
The Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm
by Chairperson Erin Kolb. Commission members in attendance were: Lori Merriam,
Lynn Haney, 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. Guests included: ReNae Bowman representing the Environmental Quality
Commission and Troy Gilchrist from the City Attorney’s Office.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Introductions of guests and Commission members were made.
Ms. Bowman informed the Commission of the “Tech Dump” that was taking place in the
pool parking lot on Saturday April 12. She asked the Commission members to help
publicize the event.
Mr. Gilchrist instructed the Commission members on the state Open Meeting Law and
it’s implication for the Commission. Items discussed included the components of the law
as well as various situations such as sub-committees, email and social media.
The Commission discussed food and beverage at the Community Center. Mr. Gilchrist
gave a summary of the state laws regarding food, catering and alcoholic beverages. The
current CCC policies meet state laws and county ordinances where applicable. Other
policies were written based on the level of risk and exposure that could put the city open
to potential lawsuits and its reputation in jeopardy. Currently these policies are very
conservative. The Commission discussed the merit of more restrictive policies versus
lost revenue and customer service. The main issues for food service without alcohol are:
allowing pot luck type events
ability to utilize commercially prepared food and;
utilize any caterer – not just those on the preferred caterer list, all which are
currently not allowed. Commission discussed having less restrictions on smaller groups
and directed staff to research such a proposal for review at the next meeting.
Commission members understood the state laws regarding alcohol service and weren’t
looking to change those policies.
The website sub-committee is meeting at 6pm on Wednesday April 1.
The Commission discussed Long Range Plan priorities. More discussion is needed at
the next meeting but items including Becker Park renovations and Yunker Park updates
came out with high ratings.
The Commission reviewed the agenda items for the March 12 work session.
Continued
Minutes: March 2015
[2]
Staff gave the monthly reports, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Dahl gave to City Council report. The Council voted to pay cash for the Public Works
building. There is an information meeting on the railroad project on Saturday.
Ms. Haney informed the group that the Frolics button contest flyers are out. The
Commission will judge them at the next meeting.
Mr. Jungroth reported on the last Crystal Business Association meeting. The Recreation
and Parks Department will host the meeting on May 20.
Mr. Fortin updated the Commission on the construction of the new Public Works
Building.
Commission members were reminded of the bowling fundraiser for the Crystal
Fund/Light of Crystal.
Mr. Jungroth said that the School District 281 Empty Bowls event was a huge success.
The Crystal Police are doing a charity basketball event on April 11.
March is West Metro Food Drive month.
Next month’s meeting is Wednesday April 1 – the web subcommittee meeting will start
at 6pm. The Forester will give his annual report at the regular meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder