18-12 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
December 6, 2018
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm by
Commission Chair Lori Merriam.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, Lori Merriam, David Pascoe, Andy
Leipold, Meredith Torres-Walsh and Patrick Rosenquist. Also present were Olga Parsons,
Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Erin Kolb and Tiffany Kovaleski
There was no public comment.
Mr. Pascoe made a motion to approve the November Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Haney seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for November
were approved as written.
There was no Chairperson’s Report
Mr. Elholm gave a project updates on the Becker Park project. The City Council authorized City
staff to go out to bid for the project. Bids will be due by January 23, with construction
beginning in March or April of 2019. Mr. Elholm discussed project estimates as it relates to the
work being done, as well as the revenue sources for the project. Ms. Haney asked whether
winter skating would be happening at Becker Park. Mr. Elholm explained the details in the park
that would allow for winter activities to be a part of Becker Park programming.
Ms. Kovaleski was recognized for her work on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.
A certificate was presented.
Mr. Elholm presented possible outdoor meeting dates for 2019. The commission reacted
positively to the locations chosen.
Ms. Parsons presented the council report. The 2019 budget was approved, along with the
preliminary projections for the 2020 budget. The update of the city code has been completed.
The document is now more accessible and easier to read. Ms. Parsons talked about a few traffic
control changes that have been made throughout the City. Many of the changes included
removing stop signs. The changes made bring Crystal up to state standards for required traffic
controls. Traffic counts and police patrols will be monitoring traffic over the next year to give a
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 December 6, 2018
better picture of how these changes are working. In conjunction with traffic control the City is
also educating pedestrians on the importance of being visible while out at night. Reflective
yellow vest are recommended to be worn in the evening.
Mr. Pascoe gave a Crystal Fund report. The Cheers to Crystal event has been moved to March
15. The committee is in the process of identifying a lead sponsor and breweries.
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming. They both made reference to information presented in the commission packet.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. He provided updated bylaws to the commission that
reflected January as the month to do elections, as opposed to December. The commission
would like to revisit the bylaws for terms of service, to make it easier to understand. Mr. Elholm
also touched on upcoming events happening in 2019. The Crystal Ball will be held in February,
and the Cheers to Crystal event will be in March. Information on Cheers to Crystal can be found
online at www.cheerstocrystal.com. Finally Mr. Elholm mentioned some of the room updates
that were happening at the Crystal Community Center. Some updates include new flooring,
room signs, room names and room amenities.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The committee is working on set-up options for 2019 at
Welcome Park. Only two softball fields will be used next year, with the third ballfield being the
location of potential activities such as bounce houses, craft shows, music and climbing wall.
Mr. Pascoe made a motion to adjourn the December Park and Recreation Commission meeting;
Mr. Leipold seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder