20-04 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
April 1, 2020
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by
Commission Chair Lynn Haney.
Commission members in attendance were: Lynn Haney, Lori Merriam, Joyce Cooper, Shaz
Ahmadi, Tony Sumnicht, Erin Kolb, Jesse McCaffrey, Meredith Torres-Walsh and Dave
Anderson. Also present were John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission Members not in attendance were: Andy Leipold
There was no public comment
Ms. Merriam made a motion to approve the March Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Mr. McCaffrey seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for March
were approved as written.
Ms. Haney thanked everyone for making the zoom meeting. She commented that the May
meeting will also likely be held the same way.
The Commission Members voted on the Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award nominations.
Each member ranked their top two nominations. A tally was kept by City staff to rank the
winners. Award winners will be recognized at an upcoming Crystal City Council Meeting.
Three neighbors receiving the award based on votes are:
• Peg Tutila
• Ray Pontius
• Jim Decker
Ms. Kolb made a motion to approve the winners for the Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors
Award; Mr. McCaffrey seconded the motion. The Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award
winners were approved as voted on.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on the changes the Parks and Recreation Department are
making due to constantly changing COVID-19 situation. The CCC is closed, with the exception of
essential services like senior food programs and blood drives. As many programs and events
have been canceled or postponed, staff is finding ways to deliver opportunities to customers
virtually. Most staff are currently working from home, and when they are able to return to the
office will work a rotating schedule - so only half the staff is in the office at one time.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 April 1, 2020
Parks remain open throughout the City, including playgrounds, hard surface courts and sport
fields. Signage has been installed reminding people to use social distancing, wash hands and
discouraging them from using play areas. There was a discussion about play areas as well as
the signage being used remind visitors how to use the parks safely. A desire was expressed by
the commission to install larger signs with easier to read text. Staff will work on creating
improved signage related to COVID-19 for the parks in Crystal.
Mr. Elholm gave a status update on current park projects that are still happening.
• New rules and park signs will be going in soon
• The upgrades to North Lions Park will continue into late summer. Mr. Sutter was able to
secure a block grant to help fund the project.
• At Iron Horse Park, the hockey rink has been removed and the shelter is on order. Plans
are being made for the paved trail.
• The deadline for the Fair School Playground grant has been pushed back to May 11.
Commission members had a discussion on possible fundraising ideas for the scholarship fund.
Many of the ideas involved leveraging local businesses to create opportunities to help with
funding. They will continue to discuss the plan, and come up with ideas as the year goes on. The
uncertain times because of COVID-19 make planning difficult at this time.
Ms. Kolb talked to the commission about forest bathing, which is a form of guided meditation
through the forest. Commission Members were interested in learning more about low cost
ways to incorporate mental health programming within nature.
There was no council report.
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 congratulated Mr. Fortin on being recertified as a
Playground Safety Inspector.
Mr. Elholm and Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. A few sponsorships and food vendor
applications are coming in for the 2020 festival. Things have been slow based on the corona-
virus pandemic. The decision was made to hold fireworks at Welcome Park on Friday night, and
host a light show at Becker Park on Saturday night.
Mr. Elholm gave a Crystal Fund report. The Crystal Fund has postponed their Cheers to Crystal
Event and canceled their Plant Sale event do to COVID-19.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 3 April 1, 2020
Ms. Cooper has been making masks at home. She will provide masks to the Public Works
department for their workers to use out in the field. Ms. Cooper is also seeking additional fabric
and elastic to make more masks. Her goal is to make 2500.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Torres-Walsh seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder