16-11 Approved Commission Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
November 2, 2016
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm.
Commission members in attendance were: Nancy LaRoche, Erin Kolb, Lynn Haney, Mark Novak,
Meredith Torres-Walsh, Lori Merriam and Guy Mueller. Also present were Scott Berggren, Brad
Fortin and John Elholm from the city staff; and visitor James Einfeldt-Brown.
Mr. Einfeldt-Brown commented during the open forum time. He is currently on the planning
commission and community outreach task force. He stated he was in attendance to get to
know the Park & Recreation Commission better.
Commissioner Torres Walsh made a motion to approve the October minutes; Commissioner
Muller seconded the motion. The minutes for October were approved as written
Commissioner LaRoche gave the chairperson report. She mentioned that interviews will start
soon to fill the open seats on the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. She added that
the term for Commission Members Merriam, Mueller and Hildre was up; and they would need
to submit an application if they wish to be considered for re-appointment.
Mr. Elholm discussed the park system and Becker Park master plans. Proposals were received
from two firms, with the lowest cost and best value proposal being received from WSB and
Associates (WSB). WSB also offered to provide further schematic/detail information at the five
other community parks, recognizing that these parks have the highest use and are the likely
location of more community-oriented development. Staff is recommending that this additional
work be done at three of the community parks (Bassett Creek, North Lions & Welcome) with
the others being a potential addition as initial information from the system planning process
becomes available. Commission members supported this approach. Mr. Elholm will be
bringing the recommendation to hire WSB to the November 15 Council Meeting.
Mr. Elholm led the Commission through the review of their 2016 work plan. Most of the items
are either complete, are ongoing or will be completed in conjunction with the Parks System
Master Plan.
The Light of Crystal is interested in providing expanded LED lighting outside the Crystal
Community Center this holiday season. Mr. Smith from the Light of Crystal is working on
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 November 2, 2016
securing additional lights as well as a bucket truck and volunteers to help with the project.
Commission members are welcome to assist.
Mr. Berggren discussed the upcoming Winterfest celebration at the Crystal Community Center.
The event will be held on Saturday, December 3, and a volunteer sign-up sheet was circulated
at the meeting.
Mr. Elholm gave a report on a recent presentation to the City Council. Both the Crystal Little
League and Armstrong Cooper Youth Baseball are requesting funds for equipment through the
Hennepin Youth Sports Program. The City Council passed resolutions in support of these
applications.
Mr. Mueller gave a report for the Crystal Fund, which included discussion on possible locations
for a fundraising plant sale they would like to run on May 20, 2017. The Crystal Fund is also
looking for other ways to raise funds, as well as gain new members.
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance, and Mr. Berggren for park
programming. They both made reference to information reported in the commission packet.
In other business, Ms. Haney discussed the Crystal Ball; an event sponsored by the City of
Crystal Outreach Taskforce. The event will be held March 18, 2017, and planning efforts are
underway.
Ms. Torres-Walsh made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Commissioner Merriam seconded the
motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 7 at 7:00 pm – at the Crystal Community Center.
John Elholm
Recorder