16-01 Approved Commission MinutesMinutes: January 2016
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Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
January 6, 2016
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm by
Chairperson Nancy LaRoche. Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney,
Tom Jungroth, Erin Kolb, and Lassana Bamba Jr.. Also present were Elizabeth Dahl,
Council Liaison; Brad Fortin, and Gene Hackett from the city staff. Also attending was
Tom Van Housen, representing the Crystal Fund for Community Progress.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. LaRoche announced that Commission applications are taken through January. Ms.
Hackett will email Mr. Bamba the link to the application. Three Commission members
attended the joint meeting with the Planning Commission on the Blue Line Station
Planning. The Winterfest event went well.
Mr. Van Housen gave the Commission some background on the Crystal Fund for
Community Progress. They have funded several projects including the Little Libraries
and the Memory Lane restoration. Their focus is projects that will make a difference in
the community. To achieve that goal, they would like to raise more funds for park
projects. They would also like to encourage more volunteers to be active in these
projects. He reported that the group is working on various P.R. materials to bring
awareness of the group’s goals and for fundraising. Staff prepared a short list of park
projects that range from low to major funding for the group to consider. Mr. Van Housen
will bring that back to the group.
As per the information in the Commission packet, Ms. Dahl reviewed the Council level
discussion regarding Blue Line/Becker Park plans. She stressed that the Council is
looking for a long term vision for the park. The proposed water storage project grant may
add some extra money to park redevelopment. She stressed that the Commission will be
active in the park planning. Staff will write an RFP to obtain park design services. The
LRT station planning group will show a green box where the park is – no park option
plans will be shown on the maps. An additional Blue Line meeting is scheduled for
Monday January 25 at the CCC. The City Council will be going through the municipal
consent process within the next few months.
The Commission approved 2016 meeting dates and outdoor meeting locations.
The Commission and the City Council will meet on Thursday February 11 in a work
session to discuss the 2016 work plan and long range plan and projects. The
Commission will review the agenda at the February 3rd meeting.
Ms. Hackett presented the work that the Recreation staff ha been doing on their Long
Range Plan. The presentation included results from a community and a city survey.
Results will be used for future planning for the Recreation Department.
Minutes: January 2016
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The Commission discussed 2016 work plan items. Ms. Hackett will put together the list
for presentation/review at the February Commission meeting.
Staff gave the monthly reports, highlighting major activities.
Ms. Dahl highlighted the last City Council meeting. Discussions included the Blue Line.
Staff liaisons to Commissions were selected. Ms. Dahl will remain with this Commission.
Crystal Frolics did not meet. Their next meeting is January 18 at the VFW.
The CBA had a holiday party. Their next meeting is January 20 at City Hall.
The Light of Crystal halfway happy hour is January 15 at Buffalo Wild Wings.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:38pm.
Gene Hackett
Recorder