17-04 Approved Commission Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
April 5, 2017
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by
Commission Chair Guy Mueller.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, Guy Mueller, Meredith Torres-Walsh,
Lori Merriam, David Pascoe, Mark Novak and Andy Leipold. Also present were Olga Parsons
from the City Council; and Scott Berggren, Brad Fortin and John Elholm from the city staff.
There was no public comment
Ms. Torres-Walsh made a motion to approve the March minutes; Mr. Pascoe seconded the
motion. The minutes for March were approved as written
Mr. Mueller gave the Chairpersons Report. The Bassett Creek dredging project has been put on
hold due to cost. The project came in 3 times over budget, based on the vision that had been
presented previously. Mr. Mueller also noted that the project would only provide modest water
quality improvements; therefore the bulk of the funding is going to other projects.
Mr. Elholm provided the commission with an in-depth recap of master planning efforts
completed to date; as well as recommendations for the future. The presentation included
information gathered through open houses, public input and national statistics; and thoughts
on location of planned amenities in community and destination parks. Concepts for the city’s 4
community parks were presented; along with a concept for Becker Park - which is a destination
park. Mr. Elholm discussed that the next steps will include bringing this information to the City
Council in a work session, followed by preparation of more detailed designs. The City Council,
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and public will continue to be involved as the plan is
developed.
Only 5 Crystal Frolics button designs were submitted, so the deadline for the contest was
extended to May 2.
Ms. Parsons gave the Council Report. She discussed some details of the EDA Revitalization
project for the stretch of Bass Lake Road near Becker Park. The streetscape project has been
funded with Crystal and Hennepin County splitting the cost 50/50. Ms. Parsons also mentioned
that there will be an incentive for the businesses on Bass Lake Road to update their exterior
facade. She also discussed the high demand for Crystal housing and how this is just another
reason to be excited about living in Crystal.
Mr. Mueller gave a Crystal Fund report. The fund provided a donation for the upcoming Bee-
Friendly event. The Crystal Fund is also putting much energy into a plant sale on May 20; that
will be held at the Crystal Community Center.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 April 5, 2017
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance, and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming. They both made reference to information reported in the commission packet.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. He reported that we are still hiring for summer positions
through the Recreation Department and at the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. He encouraged
the Commission members to help spread the word.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report based on information that was put in the Commission
packet. The Frolics Committee has a goal of raising $25,000 of the $75,000 needed to run the
2017 celebration.
Upcoming events in April include: CBA Business Expo (April 22)
Ms. Merriam made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Leipold seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 3, 2017 at 8:00pm – at Yunkers Park. The meeting will
be preceded by the City’s Arbor Day Event at 6:00pm and a neighborhood meeting at 7:00pm.
John Elholm
Recorder