16-07 Approved Commission MinutesMinutes: July 2016 1
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
July 13, 2016
Becker Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Becker Park neighborhood meeting was called
to order at 7:02 pm by Chairperson Nancy LaRoche. Commission members in
attendance were: Lynn Haney, Lori Merriam, Meredith Torres-Walsh, Tom Jungroth,
Lassana Bamba Jr and Guy Mueller. Also present were Elizabeth Dahl, Council
Liaison; Lei-Lani Fischer, Brad Fortin, Scott Berggren, John Sutter, Anne Norris, and
Pete Underthun from the city staff.
Introductions were made and Commissioner LaRoche outlined the purpose of the
neighborhood meetings.
Mr. Sutter reviewed various city projects including the addition of 24 new home sites,
the street reconstruction project in the Twin Oak neighborhood and gave updates on the
retail area of Bass Lake Road and West Broadway.
Lt. Underthun gave a brief overview of the Police Department’s Crime Prevention Board
and notified residents that signs were available at the Police Department. He also
highlighted upcoming city events: Night to Unite, Crystal Frolics, Run for Rocco 5K and
the Antique Car Run. He encouraged residents to check out the Police Department’s
Facebook page and Nextdoor.com. He addressed residents’ concerns about fireworks
and stop sign violations
Mr. Fortin reviewed various park projects including a new picnic shelter at Yunkers
Park, the removal of the tennis courts at Bassett Creek, and the addition of an irrigated
soccer field at Welcome Park. Future plans at Bassett Creek Park include a kid’s
fishing pond. He will be working with the DNR to provide a fishing pier and fishing
equipment.
The residents were thanked for their attendance.
The neighborhood portion was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
The Park and Recreation Commission business meeting was called to order at 7:48 pm.
The Commission discussed the June 2nd Becker Park Stakeholders meeting at the
Crystal Community Center. The result of the meeting was to formulate a vision
statement. The final report will be sent out. The next step in the process is to develop
outreach materials to get a survey out to the residents.
The Commission reviewed section 815 of the city code. The Commission’s suggested
updates will be given to Ms. Norris to be addressed by the City Code Task Force.
There was not a Chairperson report.
Minutes: July 2016 3
There was not a City Council report.
Commissioner Haney gave an update on the booths that will be participating in the
family festival at the Crystal Frolics. The following Commission members volunteered
for the Family Festival event: Lori Merriam, Nancy LaRoche, and Meredith Torres-
Walsh. The following Commission members volunteered for the Fun Run: Lori Merriam
and Nancy LaRoche.
Commissioner Mueller gave a Crystal Fund report which included a request to have a
Little Free Library at Kentucky Park. There was a discussion about placement of the
Little Free Libraries and what to do when they are damaged. The consensus was that
the Little Free Libraries would be less vandalized and better monitored if they were on
personal property.
Commissioner Merriam motioned to approve the June minutes. The minutes for June
were approved as sent.
Other Business, Ms Norris announced the hiring of John Elholm as the Recreation
Director. John will start his position on July 25. Mr. Fortin said that signs will be posted
at Bassett Creek Park about the removal of the tennis courts, and will use social media
outlets to notify the residents.
Commissioner Jungroth made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Commissioner Torres-
Walsh seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
Lei-Lani Fischer
Recorder