16-06 Approved Commission MinutesMinutes: June 2016 1
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
June 1, 2016
Becker Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Becker Park neighborhood meeting was called
to order at 7:01 pm by Chairperson Nancy LaRoche. Commission members in
attendance were: Lynn Haney, Lori Merriam, Steve Hildre, Mark Novak, Meredith
Torres-Walsh and Guy Mueller. Also present were Elizabeth Dahl, Council Liaison;
Brad Fortin, Scott Berggren, John Sutter, Anne Norris, and Lt. Hacker from the city
staff. Olga Parsons and Julie Deschler were also at the meeting representing their ward
as City Council members. Also attending were the Crystal Frolics button contest
winners and residents from the Becker Park area.
Introductions were made and Ms. LaRoche outlined the purpose of the neighborhood
meetings.
Ms. Haney awarded prizes to the 2016 Crystal Frolics button contest winners.
Mr. Sutter and Ms. Norris reviewed various city projects and answered questions
regarding some of the future development within Crystal.
Lt. Hacker gave a brief overview of the Police Department, answered questions about
crime statistics in the neighborhood and discussed some Police Department initiatives.
Ms. Deschler gave an update on the June Airport Open House
Mr. Fortin and Mr. Berggren reviewed various recreation programs and park projects.
The residents were thanked for their attendance.
The neighborhood portion was adjourned at 7:38pm
The Park and Recreation Commission business meeting was called to order at 7:43pm.
The Commission discussed the upcoming June 2nd Becker Park Stakeholders meeting
to be held at the Crystal Community Center. It was clarified that the meeting was not a
“design the park” meeting, but to help generate ideas and overall purpose for Becker
Park. The meeting is also not open for public participation, but their input will be sought
later.
Each member of the Commission in attendance was given a hard copy of section 815 of
the city code for review. They will bring their edits and questions to the July 13 meeting
for discussion. Ms. Norris talked about how City Policy should reflect the City
code. The purpose behind reviewing the City code is to update it, streamline it and
make it more comprehensive.
Minutes: June 2016 2
There was not a Chairperson report.
There was not a City Council report.
Ms. Haney reported that the Crystal Frolics will have a mandatory meeting to be held
later this month to finalize all events. The group is still working hard on
fundraising. Commission members will be asked to sign up to work various Crystal
Frolics events at the July Meeting including family fest and the 5K. Ms. Dahl said she
may be able to round up some community volunteers for the Frolics if needed. Ms.
Haney expressed concerns over the stability of the tents. She is worried that the
eyelets to hold down the tent are too small, and this may cause the tents not to be
insured. Mr. Fortin will contact Metro Tents to discuss options. Mr. Fortin would like to
see the BBQ food tent relocated to another area of the park to keep the workers from
trampling the new landscaping. Ms. Haney will talk to the group and address Mr.
Fortin’s concerns. Ms. Dahl volunteered to write the clues for the Crystal Ball Search.
Mr. Berggren asked the Commission about how they would like to review monthly
reports from the Recreation Department. The group likes to see comparisons of
program and event participation, but that could be done quarterly, instead of
monthly. The Commission wants to make sure these reports are useful for the
Recreation Department. For a monthly report they would like to see a bulleted list of
highlights from the past month.
There was no CBA report
Staff gave the monthly reports, highlighting major activities
Ms. Merriam would like to see the Parks and Recreation Department find other ways to
keep residents updated about park projects that are happening. Some ideas that were
given are as follows:
1. Updates posted on park building or kiosk
a. Mr. Fortin said an information Kiosk could cost around $400. One is being
installed at Yunkers Park
2. Signs on-site alerting residents to what is coming.
3. Upcoming projects put in newsletter or brochure
In other new, Mr. Fortin mentioned that they hired a new full-time staff person. Ms. Dahl
gave an update on the Bee-Friendly event where volunteers did some plantings around
Crystal’s business district. They had around 15 volunteers.
A citizen made comment on how nice the Crystal Cove building looked, and how he
enjoyed the Donut Talk series at the Crystal Community Center. He also commented
on how poor the vegetation looked on Broadway Ave, over by Steve O’s. He does not
feel it represents the City. Ms. Norris said she would speak with the City Engineer, but
explained that the area is supposed to be maintained by the County.
Minutes: June 2016 3
Ms. Torres-Walsh commented about the weeds over by her house that were getting out
of hand. Mr. Fortin will look into it.
An email was read from Mr. Jungroth regarding his thoughts on Becker Park.
The minutes for May were approved as sent.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:42pm.
Scott Berggren
Recorder