20-06 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
June 3, 2020
Zoom Online Meeting
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, Andy Leipold, Tony
Sumnicht, Erin Kolb, Shaz Ahmadi, Meredith Torres-Walsh and Dave Anderson. Also present
were John Budziszewski, Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Scott Berggren from the
City Staff.
Commission Members not in attendance were: Joyce Cooper, Jesse McCaffrey
Public comment was given by Anna Lotzer – 3140 Idaho Ave. N. and Julie Jackson – 3126 Idaho
Ave. N. They joined the call to discuss the removal of the parking lot on Hampshire Ave. N.
They’ve noticed an increase in traffic parking on the street, which concerns them due to the
number of kids in the area.
Removal of the eastern most parking lot at Valley Place Park was recommended in the Parks
System Master Plan, where much public input was received. The removal of the parking lot is
nearly complete so will continue. Additional improvements are proposed for Valley Place Park,
and Ms. Lotzer and Ms. Jackson were encouraged to get involved as these plans are developed.
Ms. Torres-Walsh made a motion to approve the May Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Kolb seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for May were
approved as written.
There was no chairpersons report.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on the changes the Parks and Recreation Department are
making due to the continually evolving COVID-19 situation. Parks remain open, and we are
seeing increased use. More park COVID-19 signs were ordered and installed. The decision was
made to close the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center for the 2020 season. The splash fountain at
Becker Park will be turned on when state guidance permits.
Mr. Elholm provided information on how COVID has affected what is offered in the Recreation
Department. The Community Center remains closed for rentals, so our evening/weekend
building staff have not been able to work since March. We will continue to follow state
guidance when making decisions on opening facilities and resuming in-person programs. In the
meantime, staff is creating new opportunities for participation, and park projects are
continuing to move forward, which is keeping staff busy.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 June 3, 2020
There was a discussion about the City starting the two-year budget process. Mr. Elholm showed
a timeline for budget development and the types of projects proposed from the master plan. In
addition to new items, improvement of parking lots will also be considered. There was some
discussion about the restrooms at Becker Park and the desire to add additional restroom
buildings in the future.
The commission discussed the possibility of holding park tour in June like they do during a
normal year. They decided not to have a tour in June due to COVID-19. They will discuss the
potential of a visiting a site in July – possibly Becker Park. The subject will be revisited at the
July meeting.
Mr. Budziszewski gave the City Council report. The Council had their first meeting since the
murder of George Floyd, where a conversation on the healing process began. The Council has
also been working on fee adjustments to help residents and businesses get through the
pandemic as well as the 2021-22 budget.
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. Our Recreation Supervisor, Marcia, who oversees our
55+ programs will be retiring at the end of September. We will begin the interview process for
her replacement in June.
Mr. Elholm and Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. There were 150 Crystal Frolics buttons
made for 2020. Each button will be sold for $5, with proceeds going to the NEAR Food Shelf.
Mr. Elholm gave a Crystal Fund report. The Crystal Fund is moving the Cheers to Crystal event
to November 6, 2020. There next plant sale will be May 22, 2021.
Ms. Torres-Walsh made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Kolb seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder