18-08 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission - Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
August 1, 2018
Twin Oaks Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at
7:00 pm by Commission Chair Lori Merriam.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, David Pascoe, Meredith Torres-Walsh, Andy
Leipold and Lori Merriam. Also present were Anne Norris, John Elholm, Brad Fortin, Lieutenant Pete
Underthun, and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Introductions were made of the Commission members and City Staff.
Lieutenant Underthun gave information on the Twin Oaks neighborhood. Twin Oaks is generally a quiet
neighborhood, especially with the drug task force in the area helping things. He encouraged residents to
always use the 911 with any questions or concerns. There were resident concerns with traffic speed,
and Lieutenant Underthun will look into ways to address those concerns.
Ms. Norris provided information on current and upcoming city projects. Including the progress on the
Bass Lake Road streetscape project and a progress update on the 2019 & 2020 City budget.
Mr. Brad Fortin highlighted recent and upcoming park projects.
Mr. John Elholm presented on the MAC Wildlife Area, Welcome and Becker park projects.
Mr. Berggren gave an update on what the Recreation Department is working on. He highlighted current
programs and mentioned the fall brochure, which will be out to homes mid-August.
Resident questions were answered. There were 20 residents in attendance.
A resident received a Crystal Community Center activity gift certificate in a drawing.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
August 1, 2018
Twin Oaks Neighborhood
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:46 pm by
Commission Chair Lori Merriam.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, David Pascoe, Meredith Torres-Walsh,
Lori Merriam, and Andy Leipold. Also present were Olga Parsons from the City Council and
Anne Norris, John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Erin Kolb, Tiffany Kovaleski & Patrick Rosenquist
There was public comment surrounding the Bassett Creek Dog Park. The conversation on this
topic was moved to Item 5a of the agenda.
Mr. Pascoe made a motion to approve the July Park and Recreation Commission minutes; Ms.
Torres-Walsh seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for July were
approved as written.
Ms. Merriam gave her chairperson’s report, where she gave kudos to those who helped make
the 2018 Crystal Frolics a great event.
Mr. Elholm gave some updates on the Bassett Creek dog park. A new sign was hung at the dog
park, which is in addition to the current signage. The new sign highlights some of the important
rules that were expressed over past meetings. Mr. Pascoe reported that the Crystal Fund has
$800 in the Bassett Creek Dog Park fund. Some of that money could be used to provide more
visual barriers, as well as upgrade the gate into the park. Ms. Norris will work with Chief
Revering to provide additional police presence at the dog park.
Mr. Elholm gave an update on the progress of three different park projects. The recreation
department is working with Three Rivers Park District on planning a ribbon cutting and park
expo at MAC Park on September 8 and 9. The Ribbon cutting will take place at 1:00 pm on
September 8. The fence is being installed at Welcome Park, and the lights have been delivered
and will be installed and laser leveled soon. The Becker Park project is nearing 90% design. The
City will be hosting an open house at Becker Park on August 15. Mr. Elholm has been working
with the Kiwanis Club, TGK Auto, Buffalo Wild Wings and African Food and Gifts on a park
donation opportunities.
Ms. Parsons gave the City Council Report. The City Council is focusing on the bi-annual budget.
Ms. Haney would like Ms. Parsons to think about the Frolics as they go through the budget
process. Ms. Parsons also talked about the 3rd party consultant they had come in to discuss
options for a new police station.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 August 1, 2018
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director Report. He mentioned the upcoming fall brochure and an
upcoming Date Night Movie planned in September. The Community Development Department
is working to sell surplus park land to help fund future park projects.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The 2018 Crystal Frolics Festival was held July 26-29,
2018 and was a success.
In other community activities, the Light of Crystal will be holding their Half Way Happy Hour on
August 15 with Pizza in the Park. This will be happening during the Becker Park Open House
and Zumba in the Park on the same night at Becker Park.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the July Park and Recreation Commission minutes; Ms.
Torres-Walsh seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder