1990 PRC MinutesCRYSTAL PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Minutes
January 3, 1990
The regular meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by
Chairperson Bill Gentry. Members present were:
Mr. O'Reilly, Ms. Spaulding, Mr. Sochacki, Ms. Moucha,
Mr. Theisen and Ms. Pitts. Also present were: Mr. Irving,
council liaison, Mr. Grimes, councilmember, and Mr. Brandeen
and Ms. Hackett from the department staff.
Mr. Irving was welcomed as the new City Council liaison
member.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the monthly report highlighting major
activities. The winterfest evaluation was reviewed. More
holiday decorations at Becker Park was discussed.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the plans for Lions Sno Fun Day. The
following members offered to help: Ms. Saunders, Mr.
Gentry, Ms. Pitts, Mr. O'Reilly and Mr. Sochacki.
The 1990 committee assignments were discussed:
Long Range Planning: Gentry, O'Reilly, Theisen,
Moucha, and Spaulding
Special Events/Promotions: Reid, Saunders, Sochacki
and Pitts.
Committee meetings will be held at next month's meeting from
7-7:30 p.m.
Mr. Brandeen reviewed the 1989 Swimming Pool Report. Season
ticket rates will be discussed at the February meeting. The
department will conduct a survey of neighboring communities'
season ticket rates for 1990.
The Community Center dedication program was discussed. The
sub -committee will meet January 10. The donation letter was
reviewed. Mr. Brandeen will attend the January 11 business
association meeting to discuss grand opening plans and
donation opportunities.
Mr. Brandeen reviewed plans for the water slide. Bid specs
will be available in mid-January with the award decided in
mid-February. Mr. Brandeen reviewed the slide rates.
The Commission discussed a resolution honoring Mark Hoffmann
for his service to the commission and the city.
Moved by Mr. O'Reilly and seconded by Ms. Moucha to
recommend to the Council the resolution honoring
Mark Hoffmann.
Motion carried -unanimous.
Mr. Sochacki informed the Commission of a walking program
he organized for residents of his building. Mr. Brandeen
suggested that his program be adapted to the Community
Center.
Mr. Theisen discussed the possibility of holding a fund-
raising race in Crystal for Dick Beardsley. Several organi-
zations are investigating the possibility of having these
races as fundraisers to assist the Beardsley family with
medical expenses. The race would be separate from the
Frolics. The organizers are still investigating possible
sites. Mr. Theisen will update the Commission if Crystal
is considered as a site.
The Commission will discuss 1990 summer meeting locations at
the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Hackett
Recorder
CRYSTAL PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Minutes
February 7, 1990
The regular meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by
Chairperson Bill Gentry. Members present were: Ms. Reid,
Ms. Moucha, Ms. Pitts, Ms. Spaulding, Ms. Saunders, Mr.
Irving, council liaison; Mr. Monk, city engineer; Mr.
Brandeen, Ms. Hackett and Ms. Hinz from the department
staff.
Ms. Hinz was introduced as the new department Program
Supervisor - a permanent part-time position.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the January monthly report,
highlighting major activities. The 4th quarter report was
also reviewed. Ms. Hackett distributed copies of the year
end report. Mr. Theisen commended the staff on the overall
recreation program.
Mr. Monk made a presentation regarding the Yunker Park
drainage system. He reviewed the problems that had occurred
and the possible solutions that were discussed. At this
time Mr. Monk recommends to construct a 2 -foot berm along
the southern park boundary with a swale to the street to
hold water within park boundaries. New Hope residents (3)
along the southern boundary attended this meeting and felt
that this may help the flooding problem with the exception
of the 11100 year rain".
Moved by Ms. Reid and seconded by Mr. Theisen to
recommend to the Council the acceptance of the Yunker
Park drainage construction plan as presented by
Mr. Monk.
Motion carried -unanimous.
Mr. Brandeen reviewed results of
Mr. Brandeen recommended raising
help cover the expected increases
The proposed new rates are:
Resident family
Resident single
Non-resident family
Non-resident single
Daily admission
a swim pool rate survey.
season tickets rates to
in staffing and chemicals.
$36.00
$23.00
$46.00
$28.00
$ 2.00
Moved by Ms. Pitts and seconded by Ms. Moucha to
recommend to the Council the 1990 swimming pool rates
as stated.
Motion carried -unanimous.
Ms. Reid reviewed the last Crystal Frolics meeting. All
of last year's events will be held. A bike race will be
an added event. The Frolics committee plans to ask the
Council to support the parade as they have in the past. The
Committee is discussing changing the Sunday schedule in
regards to the Celebrity Softball game, coronation and
championship games.
The discussion concerning the Babe Ruth use of North Lions
Park was postponed as a written request has not been
received.
The Commission discussed the Crystal -New Hope Swim Club
request to use the pool for a swim meet July 27-29.
Moved by Ms. Moucha and seconded by Mr. Theisen to
recommend to the Council that the Crystal -New Hope Swim
Club be allowed use of the Crystal Municipal Pool July
27-29.
Motion carried -unanimous.
The Commission set the summer meeting schedule:
June 13 Welcome Park
July 11 Crystal Highlands Park
August 1 Iron Horse Park
September 5 MAC Park
The plans for the Community Center dedication were
discussed. Ms. Hinz reviewed the progress made on planning
events. The sub -committee will meet Tuesday, February 13.
Dog problems in the park were discussed. Bassett Creek Park
is heavily used by dog owners who do not follow ordinances.
The Commission discussed doing more promotion on this
problem. Flyers will be distributed through schools and
articles submitted in the City Newsletter. Another
suggestion is to ask Chief Mossey if the CSO's can patrol
park areas and watch for dog violations.
The Commission sub -committees will meet at the next meeting.
The Sno Fun Day will be cancelled due to lack of snow.
Mr. Brandeen informed Commission members of the MRPA
Conference to be held Feb. 28 -Mar. 2 in Bloomington. Anyone
wishing to attend should contact Mr. Brandeen.
The bid opening for the waterslide is February 13 and the
recommendation will be discussed at the February 20 Council
meeting.
Mr. Brandeen informed the Commission members of the $8,.200
donation to the department from Celebrity Bowl.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Hackett
Recorder
CRYSTAL PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Minutes
March 7, 1990
Committee meetings were held 7-7:45 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by
Chairperson Bill Gentry. Members present were: Mr.
O'Reilly, Ms. Reid, Ms. Pitts, Ms. Saunders, Ms. Moucha
and Mr. Theisen. Also present were: Mr. B_randeen and Ms.
Hackett from the department staff.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the monthly report highlighting major
activities.
Mr. O'Reilly reviewed the February Crystal Frolics committee
meeting. The 1989 event budget was reviewed and the
proposed 1990 budget was discussed. The city may not be
able to assist the Frolics Committee with funding as has
been done in the past. The Committee discussed raising the
queen sponsorship fee.
The Commission sub -committee on the Grand Opening discussed
their last meeting. The invitations and the program will be
finalized. The next meeting is March 13.
Ms. Moucha suggested the Commission sponsor a 1990 Park
Awareness Week as was done last year. Local scout groups
will be contacted. This event will be held in May possibly
to tie in with Arbor Day. Mr. Brandeen will contact scout
groups. The Commission will discuss this in detail at the
April meeting.
Mr. Gentry suggested that the following articles be
incorporated into the Park & Recreation Spring/Summer
newsletter:
1. Dog problems
2. Park Awareness Week
3. Vandalism costs
Ms. Hackett updated the Commission on the progress of the
_joint summer programs between the School District and the
cities.
Mr. Gentry informed the Commission of the proposal
concerning outdoor phones in parks that was discussed at a
neighborhood watch meeting. These phones would be useful to
get emergency assistance when the park buildings are closed.
Mr. Brandeen said the cost is $48 per month per phone. Only
Becker Park has a year-round phone. Discussion centered
around the costs involved and the possibility of vandalism.
At the conclusion of discussion, the Commission decided that
due to costs involved, this project would not be pursued.
Mr. Brandeen reviewed ideas on marketing the Waterslide. A
discount coupon will be offered in the summer newsletter.
Brochures will be printed. Group rates will be offered. A
"Name the Waterslide" contest will be organized.
Mr. Brandeen informed the Commission that Mr. Sochacki
resigned from the Commission.
The Commission discussed the city park map and the Grogan
Park site. Currently the park is known as Grogan Park, site
of the Crystal Municipal Pool. The Commission decided to
expand the park and sign it: Grogan Park - site of the
Crystal Community Center and Crystal Municipal Pool.
Ms. Reid reviewed the MRPA Conference panel discussion that
she and Councilmember Grimes were participants. The session
was well received. She suggested that a topic of
"Successful Bond Issues" be included in a future MRPA
Conference.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Hackett
Recorder
CRYSTAL PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Minutes
April 4, 1990
The regular meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by
Chairperson Bill Gentry. Members present were:
Ms. Saunders, Ms. Pitts, Ms. Reid, Ms. Spaulding, Ms.
Krogstad, Mr. Theisen, Mr. O'Reilly and Ms. Moucha.
Also present were: Mr. Irving, council liaison, and
Mr. Brandeen and Ms. Hackett from the department staff.
Mary Krogstad was welcomed to the Commission. The newest
Commission member, Rollie Smothers, was unable to attend.
The Commission reviewed the Community Center Grand Opening
Dedication Week plans. To date, $6,800 have been received
in donations for the events. The sub -committee set their
next meeting for April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Mr. Brandeen updated the Commission on the Community Center
construction progress. The bathroom problem in the senior
citizens meeting area has been resolved.
Ms. Hackett reviewed summer recreation programs to be held
at the Community Center.
Mr. O'Reilly reported on the last Crystal Frolics Committee
meeting. The events are finalized. The committee will sell
ads for a tabloid. The prices have increased over last
year's. The raffle tickets are ready to go, but the group
now needs a license to distribute them. The carnival is
confirmed. Doyle's Lanes will sponsor the sky divers. The
K.C.'s may sell concessions at Welcome Park. The Crystal
Frolics Committee treasury balance is $12,750 (approximate).
The Commission discussed Park Awareness week. Mr. Brandeen
has been in contact with several scout troops and cub packs
interested in a park clean-up for April 22 - Earth Day. The
Commission decided that the Earth Day clean-up would be in
lieu of a Park Awareness week in May.
Each Commission sub -committee summarized the results of
their meetings held last month.
Long Range Planning: Updated 5 -Year Plan. Year 1991
was revamped and several items were moved to 1995.
Public Relations/Special Events: Discussion was held
concerning upcoming events and ways to publicize them.
Promotional items were also discussed.
Mr. Brandeen informed the Commission of the City Council's
decision regarding the 5 -Year Plan. There is a concern over
money available since the State may cut additional city/
state aids money. The Council decided to fund the play-
ground equipment at three parks as stated in the 1990
request. The other items are placed on hold at this time.
The Commission discussed re -prioritizing the remaining
items. Items #2 (Golf Course Feasibility Study) and #3
(Wildlife Intrepretive Study) are still considered priority
items by the Commission. The Commission will wait until
State aid funding is known to request these items. Items
#4 (Bassett Creek Picnic Bldg.) and #5 (Bassett Creek Night
Light) were deleted by the City Long Range Planning
Commission. Mr. Irving suggested combining the night light
with parking lot terracing in 1991. Mr. Brandeen will
prepare a full explanation of requested items and present
that to the Council.
Metro -wide publicity for the waterslide was discussed.
Ideas were brainstormed:
Mpls.-St. Paul Magazine
Posters in local businesses
Advertise on the inside of buses
Flyers to other cities, churches, daycare centers,
etc.
Promotions thru radio, TV, CATV
Newspaper ads
Flyers at summer school registration
Use the Miracle video tape on CATV
Talk radio
Waterslide construction begins May 1.
Mr. Gentry asked about the status of the facility use
requests by the Babe Ruth and the Lions Club. Mr. Brandeen
informed the Commission that a written request has not been
received from the Babe Ruth and that the Lions have not
supplied the additional information requested by the Commis-
sion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Hackett
Recorder
Crystal Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
Grand Opening Sub -Committee
Minutes
April 17th, 1990
The Grand Opening Committee met on Tuesday, April 17th, 1990
to discuss the Grand Opening schedule of events. Members
present were: Ms. Moucha, Mr. Gentry, Ms. Saunders, Mr.
O'Reilly, Mr. Theisen, Ms. Reid, Ms. Pitts and Mr. Brandeen,
Ms. Hackett, Ms. Hinz from the department staff.
Ms. Hinz reviewed the finalized events.
The Sub-Committe reviewed the list of non-profit agencies to
be invited to the Community Information Fair during the Open
House.
Mr. O'Reilly and Mr. Theisen will co-chair the
responsibility of finding a celebrity basketball team to
play the Minnesota Viking Basketball Team on Family Night.
Council members, civic groups and the City Manager will be
invited to play. The team will be made up of players who
want to have fun and don't get too serious. We will need 20
people to fill the team.
Committee reviewed the updated donation list and the
expenditures during the Grand Opening. Projected
expenditures $9360.00. Projected income $10,700.00
The decoration proposal from Big Top Balloon was reviewed.
The projected decoration expenditures is $1500.00. The
Committee discussed and approved the black and white color
scheme for the Grand Opening events. Gene and Renee to meet
with Big Top Balloon to finalize decorations for the Grand
Opening.
Committee reviewed and discussed the Pepsi Grand Opening
Proposal.
Refreshments were discussed. Popcorn and pop will be
available during the Open House for $.25 and pop will be
available during the rest of the Grand Opening week for
$.25. Pepsi will provide 500 logo cups. We will be
purchasing additional logo cups.
Pepsi will donate doorprizes for the Grand Opening. The
prizes will be distributed during the Waterslide Dedication,
The Open House, and Teen Night.
Committee approved the copy for the giveaway ma:net.
The start and end times will be added to the d_-nner ticket.
Gene will check to see if the printing on the :=cke:. can be
done in script form.
The finalized dinner menu was reviewed. The cc-st for the
dinner will be $9.89 per person.
The Grand Opening invitation was reviewed and iinalzed.
Printing on the invitation will be done in script. The
invitation will be ready on May 1st, 1990.
The committee discussed the possibility of going wi `h
Complete Beverage Service. The company would provide
bartenders, insurance, beverages and delivery. Gene and
Renee will meet with Complete Beverage Service :o receive
further details on what their service provides.
The sub -committee discussed and approved Paddle Tennis for
Adult Recreation Night and the CrossTrailors fcr the open
House.
The next topics of discussion will be the duty roster and
the dinner giveaway.
The next Sub -Committee meeting will be May 1st,. 1990 at
Becker Park. Please bring helpers to address envelopes.
CRYSTAL PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Minutes
May 1990
The regular meeting of the C
Advisory Commission was call
Chairperson Bill Gentry. Me
Ms. Moucha, Ms. Saunders, Mr
Theisen, Mr. O'Reilly and Ms
Mr. Irving, council liaison,
Hackett from the department
rystal Park and Recreation
ed to order at 7:10 p.m. by
tubers present were: Ms. Reid,
. Smothers, Ms. Pitts, Mr.
. Krogstad. Also present were:
and Mr. Brandeen and Ms.
staff.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the monthly report highlighting major
activities.
The Commission reviewed the Community Center dedication
plans. The invitations are ready. Events are finalized.
The magnet giveaway has been ordered. A decision will be
made later in regards to beverages for the dedication din-
ner. The sub -committee set their next meeting.
The Commission"discussed the concept of "Parties in the
Park" as suggested by Yunker Park resident, John Post. The
concept involves selecting a liaison at each park location
who would plan a neighborhood get together to take place at
the park. The neighborhood group would decide what type of
event would be planned. Events could include anything from
an informal coffee to a block party. Mr. Brandeen said that
this had been done before in 1976 during the Bicentennial
and was successful. Mr. Gentry felt that this program would
would bring about better park awareness and resident
involvement. The greatest task would be to find the liaison
for each park. Mr. Brandeen suggested scheduling an infor-
mational meeting and try to target a few park areas as :a
pilot project. Mr. Gentry suggested having this as an
agenda item at the outdoor park meetings and trying those
locations as pilot projects. The outdoor meetings will be
held at: Welcome, Iron Horse, Crystal Highlands and MAC
parks. A theme for the project was suggested: "The Parks
are Yours... Celebrate Parks."
Mr. Brandeen reviewed the plans for the new playground
equipment at North Bass Lake, Skyway and North Lions parks.
Bids will be awarded in late May and construction will
begin later this summer.
Mr. Brandeen distributed booklets describing in detail the
1990 request for 5 -Year Plan items. The Council decided to
wait with funding decision until the state legislature
decides on aids to cities. The Commission reviewed the
booklets. Mr. Brandeen and the Commission will make the
presentation of this information to the Council at a later
date.
Mr. Brandeen updated the Commission on the Community Center
construction. The department moved today. Several areas
of the building are still under construction and are not
ready for occupancy.
Mr. O'Reilly reviewed the last Crystal Frolics meeting.
Several items were discussed:
- Queen candidate fee was raised to $150.
- $4,500 in softball prize money will be awarded.
- The parade has 51 applications - no marching bands.
- The raffle is in doubt as there is licensing problems
so other alternatives are being considered.
- Events planning is going well.
- Ads for the brochure will be sold - help is needed.
Promotional items for the waterslide and Community Center
were discussed. T-shirts and hats are being considered.
Department staff will gather information on design. Some
costs were discussed.
Mr. Smothers informed the Commission that the Lions Club
may provide transportation for seniors from Calibre Chase
to attend the Senior Day for the Community Center Grand
Opening.
The next meeting will be June 13 at Welcome Park.
Mr. Gentry informed the Commission that Hennepin Parks
closed the French Park playground because of safety
concerns.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Hackett
Recorder
CRYSTAL PARK AND RECREATION
Minutes
September 5,
ADVISORY COMMISSION
1990
Commissioners toured MAC Park prior to the meeting.
The regular meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission was called to order at 8:05 p.m. by
Chairperson Bill Gentry. Members present were: Mr.
O'Reilly, Ms. Moucha, Ms. Spaulding and Mr. Theisen.
Also present were Mr. Grimes, city councilmember, and Mr.
Brandeen and Ms. Hackett from the department staff.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the monthly report, highlighting
major activities.
Mr. Brandeen reviewed the Swimming Pool preliminary
financial report. The report will be updated as expenses
are updated with current billings.
Commission members discussed the informational document con-
cerning our Commission. Mr. Dulgar suggested that other
" commissions may use this as a format to prepare a similar
type.
Moved by Ms. Spaulding and seconded by Mr. O'Reilly to
recommend to approve the concept of an informational
document concerning the Park and Recreation Commission
and to approve the specific document as presented and
forward it to the City Manager to be included with
Park and Recreation applica"t"ions.
Motion carried -unanimous.
The Commission discussed the 5 -Year Plan presentation made
to the City Council. Mr. Grimes informed the Commission
that opportunities for discussion of the city comprehensive
plan will be scheduled in October. Commissions will be
invited. A discussion and review of the 5 -Year Plan will be
placed on the October agenda.
Mr. O'Reilly updated Commission members on the Human Rights
Day event.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission of department -sponsored
Halloween events and asked for assistance at these events.
Publicizing city events was discussed. A variety of types
of signs, banners, etc. was mentioned. Mr. O'Reilly
suggested that the city needs a publicist who could co-
ordinate publicity for all civic functions. Twin West
Chamber was suggested as a contact for publicity. This
item will be further explored at a future meeting.
Mr. Gentry read a thank -you from the Crystal Frolics commit-
tee.
Mr. Brandeen informed commissioners of the bid opening for
playground equipment for three areas: North Lions, North
Bass Lake and Skyway parks.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Hackett
Recorder
CRYSTAL PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Minutes
October 3, 1990
The regular meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by
Chairperson Bill Gentry. Members present were: Mr.
O'Reilly, Ms. Spaulding, Ms. Pitts, Mr. Smothers, Ms.
Saunders and Mr. Theisen. Also present were: Mayor Herbes;
Mr. Irving, council liaison; Ms. Warner and Ms. Museus from
the City Human Relations Commission; and, Mr. Brandeen and
Ms. Hackett from the department staff.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Warner and Ms:--Mus-eus-reviewed plans for the October 20
Human Rights Day. The Park and Recreation Commission will
assist with this event. Entertainment, crafts and food are
planned.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the monthly report highlighting major
activities.
The Commission discussed the organization of a marketing
sub -committee for park and recreation events. This group
will be a committee of the whole and will meet at 6:30 p.m.
every other month. Further discussion focused on the need
for a publicist for the entire city. Someone who would work
with city events, community and business groups to publicize
the city. Mr. Irving suggested that this concept should be
defined more clearly and then brought to the City Council
for discussion. The sub -committee will meet at 6:15 p.m.
on November 7 to discuss these items:
1. Marketing the pool/waterslide facility for 1991
2. Role of a publicist for city functions
Mr. O'Reilly reviewed the last Crystal Frolics meeting.
Events were reviewed and suggestions made. Areas of con-
cern included Budweiser publicity and the problem of some
residents not able to get into their homes during the
parade. These matters will be handled differently for
1991. The Lions plan to sponsor the fireworks next year.
Ride tickets will be pre -sold.
The Commission discussed neighborhood meetings. Many posi-
tive comments were heard this year. A police officer should
attend each meeting since many comments concern police
matters. The Adopt -A -Park concept needs to be marketed and
publicized more. It was suggested that the Commission meet
at Becker Park for one of the meetings in 1991.
The 5 -Year Plan was discussed. The changes made by the sub-
committee were reviewed.
The Commission discussed "Frisbee Golf." Mr. Brandeen pre-
sented a site plan for a practice course at Bassett Creek
Park. This course would have nine "holes" and cost around
$400 to construct. If this practice course was constructed
and proved to be heavily used, then a regulation course may
be constructed. Mr. Gentry reported that he has been to the
course at Lone Oak and has seen 20-30 people on the course
at various times during the day. This type of activity
increases the number of people in the park and cuts down
vandalism. The Commission felt that this may make a good
pilot project. Mr. Brandeen will get more information on
specific details such as equipment and design.
Mr. Brandeen informed the Commission of the Council's action
regarding the concrete slab dance floor at Becker Park. The
Council has referred this matter back to the Commission for
a recommendation.
Moved by Mr. Smothers and seconded by Ms. Saunders to
recommend to the Council the acceptance of the $3,000
donation from the Lions Club to be used for a concrete
slab dance floor at Becker Park.
Motion carried - unanimous.
Mr. Irving felt the Council had some concerns about the
construction of the dance floor. The concerns include:
safety factors, location of the slab, effect on park use,
specs and drawing of the slab. Mr. Brandeen will prepare a
drawing for the Commission to review at their next meeting.
Mr. Brandeen will prepare a drawing for the Commission to
review at their next meeting.
Moved by Mr. Smothers and seconded by Mr. Theisen to
recommend that the Park & Recreation Director prepare
a sketch of the dance floor area for the next meeting;
and, if accepted, send it along with a recommendation
and a copy of the previous motion to the Council.
Motion carried - unanimous.
Mr. Smothers informed the Commission that the Crystal Lions
Club will discuss sponsorship of the hayrides for Winter -
fest.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Hackett
Recorder
CRYSTAL PARK AND RECREATION
Minutes
November 7,
ADVISORY COMMISSION
1990
The regular meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission was called to order at 7:09 p.m. by
Chairperson Bill Gentry. Members present were: Mr.
O'Reilly, Ms. Pitts, Mr. Smothers, Ms. Reid, Ms. Saunders,
Ms. Spaulding and Mr. Theisen. Also present were: Mr.
Brandeen and Ms. Hackett from the department staff.
The minutes were approved as sent.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the monthly report, highlighting major
activities.
A new agenda item, "Chairperson's Report", was added to the
agenda. Mr. Gentry thanked Commission members and staff for
their help with Human Rights Day. The Park and Recreation
Commission will continue its involvement with the Human
Relations Commission for future events of this type. Mr.
Gentry also asked for Commission input regarding making a
recommendation to the Council about having the Park and
Recreation Commission provide concession stands for various
Community Center events and then using the profits to estab-
lish a fund for park and recreation or other projects that
are not budgetted. The Commission discussed this concept
and decided to table further discussion until an opinion
from the city finance director can be obtained.
Mr. Brandeen distributed copies of the revised 5 -Year Plan.
The Commission discussed the Lions Club donation of a con-
crete slab for a dance floor at Becker Park. Mr. Brandeen
distributed drawings of the area with the slab drawn in.
The Commission discussed the diagram. The concrete will be
4" thick and could be tinted green; the benches will not be
affected.
Moved by Mr. Smothers and seconded by Mr. Theisen to
recommend that the drawing of the concrete slab dance
floor for Becker Park be submitted to the Council for
action.
Motion carried - Unanimous.
Mr. O'Reilly reviewed the last Crystal Frolics committee
meeting. The Commission discussed assisting with the
Honored Seniors program for the Frolics. The funding will
come from the Frolics Committee. The Commission agreed to
take on this event. A sub -committee will be formed and
Jeanne Fackler from staff will assist. The Crystal Frolics
Committee discussed solutions for some of the problems that
occurred during last year's event and are confident their
solutions will rectify the problems. Other events were
discussed by the Frolics Committee.'
Mr. Brandeen discussed highlights of the 1991 budget for all
divisions of the Park and Recreation budget.
Mr. Brandeen distributed the final report on the swimming
pool/water slide income and expenses.
The Commission discussed the construction of a marquee at
the Community Center. The estimated cost is $15,000. It
was suggested to write a letter to various local groups
soliciting donations.
Moved by Mr. Smothers and seconded by Ms. Reid to
recommend soliciting of private funds from local civic
groups for the construction of an events marquee to be
located at the Community Center.
Motion carried -unanimous.
The Commission was informed that the current city sign
ordinance states that one address is allowed only three
temporary sign permits per year. The Commission felt that
since both public and private groups are using the Center
for their events and may want to advertise these events, the
ordinance is restrictive.
Moved by Mr. Smothers and seconded by Mr. O'Reilly to
recommend the sign ordinance be revised to make pro-
visions for portable signs announcing Community Center
events in excess of three times per year and that the
revision would be in effect until a marquee is con-
structed at the Community Center.
Motion carried -unanimous.
Mr. Brandeen informed the Commission that the approved play-
ground equipment is being installed at North Lions, North
Bass Lake and Skyway parks.
Mr. Gentry asked about the "job description" for Park'Com-
mission positions. Mr. Brandeen reported that the City
Manager has reviewed it, and it will go to the Council for
review - then be available for applicants.
The Commission was reminded of elections to be held in
December.
The Commission discussed the possibility of hosting an
annual community dinner dance at the Community Center.
After discussion, the Commission decided if the Council
would fund an event of this type or if all costs were paid
by the events participants, then the Commission would org-
anize the dinner dance. Mr. O'Reilly suggested that the
annual Commission recognition dinner be held at the Center
and it could be combined with a dance. If this was
successful, then it could be opened to the community.
Mr. Brandeen distributed a golf article for informational
purposes.
Ms. Hackett informed the Commission of a bowlathon to
benefit West Hennepin Community Center. Commissioners are
invited to get pledges and bowl.
Mr. Brandeen distributed a graph of the incidence of tree
.disease for informational purposes.
Mr. Brandeen distributed a flyer on park vandalism that
will be used by the police department.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Hackett
Recorder
CRYSTAL PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Minutes
December 5, 1990
The regular meeting of the Crystal Park and Recreation
Advisory Commission was called to order at 7:05pm by
Chairperson Bill Gentry. Members present were: Ms. Reid,
Mr. Smothers, Ms. Saunders, Mr. O'Reilly, and Mr. Jungroth.
Also present were, Mr. Irving, council liaison; and Mr.
Brandeen and Ms. Hackett from the department staff.
Mr. Jungroth was introduced as the newest member to the
Commission.
The November minutes were approved as sent.
There was no Chairperson's report.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the monthly report highlighting major
activities. Included was information regarding Community
Center rental activity. Ms. Hackett will try some different
formats regarding reporting of Community Center usage; then
the Commission can decide which format reports the most
information.
Mr. Brandeen reported on his appearance before the City
Council regarding:
Becker dance floor: Council requested more
detailed information.
Community Center marquee: Council approved this
purchase with the funds coming from
charitable gambling.
Sign variance for Community Center: Council waived
the current restrictions of 3 signs per
address until the marquee is constructed.
Ms. Hackett presented a report on Community Center activity
and proposed Community Center rental rate category changes
and rate increases. The Commission will review this
material and discuss it at the January meeting.
Ms. Hackett reviewed the plans for Winterfest. Commission
members will help with these events as well as the Holiday
Lighting Contest judging.
Ms. Hackett reviewed preliminary plans for the Lions Snow
Fun Day. More detailed plans and a sign-up sheet for
helping will be at the January meeting.
Mr. Gentry and Mr. O'Reilly summarized the results of the
Marketing Sub -Committee. Bill O'Reilly was selected as
chair for the sub -committee. The focus of the committee
will be on the pool/waterslide. Ideas include marketing
birthday parties, co -sponsorships with local businesses and
special events with radio stations. The sub -committee will
also work on city-wide event publicity. The next sub-
committee meeting will be at 6:15pm January 2.
1991 officers were selected:
Chair Bill Gentry
Vice Chair Bill O'Reilly
Secretary Janell Saunders
Frolics Committee Liaison: Bill O'Reilly and Marlyn
Theisen.
Mr. Smothers distributed a copy of the letter sent last year
by the Lions Club president requesting free use of the
Community Center for their donation of $40,000 to the
kitchen. In December 1989, the Commission sent a letter
back to the Lions asking for more detailed information and
did not receive an answer. Mr. Smothers explained that the
request would be for 5 days per year, but the dates are not
set until the new President takes office. Mr. Smothers
asked the Commission to consider this request at the January
meeting. The Lions asked the Council to waive the fee for
the November 1990 Lions Pancake breakfast, but would not
make a change in the fee schedule.
Mr. Irving informed the Commission of volunteer
opportunities with the International Special Olympics to be
held in the Twin Cities area in the summer of 1991. Crystal
has been assigned to the Mexicican athletes (56 kids).
Volunteer opportunities include: promotion of Special
Olympics events and promotions to invite spectators to
Special Olympic competitions. Mr. Irving will inform
Commission members as more information is available. Mr.
Gentry suggested that Mr. Irving also contact the Human
Relations Commission for their assistance.
Moved by Mr. Smothers and seconded by Mr. O'Reilly to
recommend the formation of a joint committee with the Human
Relations Commission to assist with the promotion of the
Crystal assignments for the Special Olympics contingent on
the Human Relations Commission interest and agreement.
The Commission was informed that the Council will discuss
changes in the limitation of terms for Commissioners at
their next meeting.
Mr. Smothers informed the Commission of the Adopt a Highway
program. The Crystal Lions and their sponsored Scout group
have adopted Hiway 81 from the Robbinsdale to the Brooklyn
Park border.
The next meeting will be January 7, 1991.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:06pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gene Hackett
Recorder