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16-05 Approved Commission Minutes[1]     Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission May 4, 2016 North Lions Park The North Lions Park Neighborhood meeting was called to order at 7:22 pm by Chairperson Nancy LaRoche. Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, Erin Kolb, Stephen Hildre, Lori Merriam, Guy Mueller, Mark Novak, Meredith Torres- Walsh. Also present were Elizabeth Dahl, Council Liaison and Mayor Jim Adams, Council Members: Julie Deshler, Jeff Kolb, Olga Parsons, Casey Peak. City staff: Lei- Lani Fischer, Brad Fortin, Mark Ray, and Chief Revering. Introductions were made of the Park and Recreation Commission, City Council, and City staff. Neighborhood Business Mr. Fortin updated residents on future improvement to North Lions Park to include a multi- sports hard surface court, park building improvements, and irrigated ball field. Other parks projects include a new sun shelter at Yunkers Park. Removing tennis courts at Welcome and adding an irrigated athletic field. Chief Revering gave residents an update from City Manager Anne Norris that included information on phase 15 reconstruction project in the Twin Oak neighborhood, the June 3rd CP quite zone meeting, West Metro Fire Rescue District Open House on Saturday, June 4, and Music in the Park kick off on May 18. Chief Revering gave the residents an update on the Police Department. The Police Department is in the process of hiring another officer which will bring the force up to 31. The Crime Prevention Fund will be doing a Jail and Bail fundraiser on May 18. The Minnesota Night to Unite will be August 2 and include a Police Department Open House. Chief Revering also informed residents that in the last year there were 120 calls for service in this area. A resident asked when the Outreach Office was open? Chief Revering informed the residents that the Outreach office is primarily used for meetings and training, and by officers to have a presence in the area. The Outreach office does not have set staffed hours. Chief Revering thanked K-9 Rocco for coming out to the Arbor Day event. Ms Fischer gave the Recreation Department update. Pool is getting a fresh coat of paint on the pool building. Pool passes still available at a discounted till June 8. Everyone was invited to attend the Vehicle Fair event on Saturday, May 14 at the Crystal Community Center. Council member Deshler informed residents about the Crystal Airport Open House on June 18 and that the airport will also host Saturday Night-Hanger Dance. Commissioner Haney informed residents about the Crystal Frolics event. This year’s event will include a Waterball fight hosted by West Metro Fire. There are plenty of family friendly events and two nights of fireworks. Council member Dahl informed the residents about the Bee Friendly event on Saturday, May 7 at 8:00 am at Becker Park. Council Member Dahl then did the door prize drawing for the Recreation Department gift certificate valued at $25. [2]     Commission Business Meeting The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm by Chairperson Nancy LaRoche. Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, Erin Kolb, Stephen Hildre, Lori Merriam, Guy Mueller, Mark Novak, Meredith Torres- Walsh, Also present were Elizabeth Dahl, Council Liaison; Lei-Lani Fischer and Brad Fortin, from the city staff. There was a discussion on Becker Park planning facilitation meeting. Overall the commission was impressed with the facilitation. The next meeting for Becker Park will be June 2 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Crystal Community Center. Chairperson LaRoche gave an updated on the Welcome Park meeting. The turnout was not as good as they hoped for. Commissioner Haney stated that she and her Welcome Park neighbors were concerned about the lack of input on the changes to the park, especially the removal of the tennis court. She noted that other parks with major changes had opportunities for input from the residents. There was discussion on how to include residents when major amenities in a park are being removed or replaced with another amenity. There was continued discussion on how to improve communication with residents on future park improvement projects. Ms. Fischer suggested having an article in the recreation brochure on the Welcome Park improvements. Chairperson LaRoche updated the commission that the By-Laws have been sent to the City Attorney. The City Council update from Council Member Dahl included information on Citizen Outreach efforts and recognition of La Veta Zwack for her 25 years of volunteer service with the Crystal Friendship Center. Commissioner Mueller stated that there were no new updates for the Crystal Fund. Commissioners thanked the Crystal Fund for purchasing the trees for the Arbor Day tree give away. Commissioner Haney made a motion to approve the April meeting minutes as sent. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kolb. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Haney asked if there was hockey rink at North Lions Park for dogs to run loose. Chairperson LaRoche asked if there was a Dog Pickup station at North Lions Park. Mr. Fortin stated that there was no hockey rink at this location and that the park currently does not have a Dog Pickup station. Next Commission Meeting is Wednesday, June 1 at Becker Park. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm. Lei-Lani Fischer Recorder Minutes: May 2016 [3]