18-06 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission - Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2018
Skyway Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at
7:00 pm by Commission Vice Chair Erin Kolb.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, David Pascoe, Andy Leipold, Patrick Rosenquist,
and Erin Kolb. Also present were John Elholm, Brad Fortin, Deputy Chief Doug Leslin, and Scott Berggren
from the City Staff.
Introductions were made of the Commission members and City Staff.
Deputy Chief Doug Leslin gave information on the Skyway neighborhood. There is not a lot of police
calls to the neighborhood. The Police Department is continuing to do outreach to members of the
community through activities & events.
Ms. Anne Norris provided information on current and upcoming city projects. There are a lot of exciting
things happening in the city.
Mr. Brad Fortin highlighted recent and upcoming park projects.
Mr. John Elholm presented on upcoming Welcome and Becker park projects
Mr. Berggren gave an update on what the Recreation Department is working on. He highlighted current
programs and encouraged residents to visit the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center.
There was a resident comment on a recent dog attack at the Bassett Creek Park. Discussion of this topic
was moved to the business portion of the commission meeting.
Ms. Haney presented awards to the 2018 Crystal Frolics Button Contest Winners.
A resident received a Crystal Community Center activity gift certificate in a drawing.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
June 6, 2018
Skyway Park
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:37 pm by
Commission Vice-Chair Erin Kolb.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, David Pascoe, Andy Leipold, Patrick Rosenquist,
and Erin Kolb. Also present were Nancy LaRoche with the City Council and Anne Norris, John Elholm,
Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Lori Merriam, Meredith Torres-Walsh and Tiffany Kovaleski
There was public comment surrounding an incident outside the Bassett Creek Dog Park, where
two dogs were involved. The incident caused the death of one of the dogs. The conversation of
this topic was moved to Item 5C of the agenda.
Mr. Pascoe made a motion to approve the May Park and Recreation Commission minutes; Mr.
Rosenquist seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for April were
approved as written.
There was no Chairperson’s Report
Mr. Elholm gave an overview of the upcoming park tour that will take place on June 20. The
tour will highlight parks in Plymouth, Hopkins & St. Louis Park.
Mr. Elholm also gave updates on current park projects in the city. There was a groundbreaking
at Welcome Park prior to the Commission meeting this evening. In addition, the City Council
approved the purchase of new hockey boards and lights to complete the Welcome Park project.
Construction for Welcome Park will begin in July. He also gave an update on the progress at the
MAC Wildlife Area. The boardwalk is coming along. Staff is planning for the grand opening of
the park on September 8 & 9, which will be done in cooperation with Three Rivers Park District.
Staff will be reviewing the 50% plans for the Becker Park project in the coming weeks.
Ms. Kolb led a discussion on the Bassett Creek Dog Park. A number of suggestions were given
on how to reduce serious issues from happening in the future. A few suggestions included
creating better rules, regulation on breeds of dogs, separate parks for small and large dogs,
permitting dogs, etc. Staff will look into these items further and report back at the July
commission meeting.
Ms. LaRoche gave the City Council Report. The city is having a discussion about selling surplus
land. They are also working on the 10-20 year comprehensive plan, which will include more
parks related information thanks to the Parks System Master Plan. The City Code review
process is moving right along as is the 2019-20 budget process.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 June 6, 2018
Mr. Pascoe gave the Crystal Fund Report. He reported that the plant sale held in May went
well. Also, planning has begun for the beer and wine event in January 2019.
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director Report. He tipped his hat to the Recreation staff for all the work
they have done in preparation for summer. He also mentioned that the recreation staff will be
working on trimming up the fall brochure to ensure they can fit new programs & events.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. She solicited help from other commission members to
volunteer at various activities.
In other community activities, the Light of Crystal will be holding their Half Way Happy Hour on
June 15 with pizza in the park. They will also be hosting Pizza in the Park events throughout the
summer.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder