19-10 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
October 9, 2019
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by
Commission Chair Lori Merriam.
Commission members in attendance were: Lori Merriam, Dave Anderson, Andy Leipold, Erin
Kolb, Lynn Haney, Jesse McCaffrey, and Meredith Torres-Walsh. Also present were Nancy
LaRoche, Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent were: Terencio Safford
Tony Sumnicht, Crystal Resident, was also in attendance for the meeting.
There was no public comment.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to approve the September Park and Recreation Commission minutes as
written; Ms. Torres-Walsh seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes
for September were approved as written.
There was no chairpersons’ report.
A Becker Park construction update was given by Mr. Elholm. He showed a number of different
pictures that provided a snapshot of the progress of the Becker Park project. Soon he will be
going to the Council to seek approval for the purchase of 25 benches that will go into the park.
Other site amenities will be ordered over the next few months.
Mr. Elholm led a discussion on our current smoking policy in parks, as we look to update our
park rule signs. Mr. McCaffrey provided information from Minneapolis, which has a more
restrictive policy. Many commissioners shared their opinion on the policies. Mr. Elholm will
work with staff to update the policy based on the discussion and present it back to commission
members for the November meeting. The commission continued to be in favor of having a
more positively written rule around smoking on the rule signs.
Ms. LaRoche gave the City Council report. The builder of the three houses going in Iron Horse
park has changed.
Mr. Elholm gave the Crystal Fund report. The Crystal Fund’s meeting in September had new
members present. Their main focus will be planning the 2020 Cheers to Crystal event on March
20. A couple commission members indicated they may contact an alcohol distributor and/or
Total Wine to try and add a wine element to the 2020 event.
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation
programming. Both referred to the monthly reports provided in the packet.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 October 9, 2019
Mr. Elholm’s Director’s report included an update on 2020 park projects. In addition to updates
to Iron Horse and Bass Lake parks, grants will also be sought to help fund two additional
projects. This includes a play area and soccer field project at Fair School Park and a hockey rink
a North Lions Park. The school district will also be providing funds for the Fair School Park
project.
Mr. Elholm shared a graphic from his time at the NRPA conference in Baltimore. The graphic
displayed research showing the importance of parks, and how 85% of people consider park and
recreation amenities important factors when choosing a place to live. He thanked the Parks &
Recreation Commission for their efforts in promoting parks in Crystal.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The City and Crystal Frolics Committee will continue to
work together to plan the 2020 Crystal Frolics.
Ms. Kolb mentioned a fundraiser for Leo the police dog would be held at Pizza Ranch on
October 21.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Leipold seconded the motion. The motion was
approved.
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder