20-08 Approved Commission Minutes
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
August 5, 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, Chair, Jesse McCaffrey, Vice Chair, Shaz
Ahmadi, Secretary (by phone), John Budziszewski, Council Liaison, Dave Anderson, Joyce
Cooper, Erin Kolb, Andy Leipold, Tony Sumnicht, Meredith Torres‐Walsh. Also present were city
staff members John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Lei‐Lani Fischer.
Commission members not in attendance were: Lori Merriam
Community members in attendance: none
There was no public comment.
Ms. Torres‐Walsh made a motion to approve the July Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Mr. Leipold seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for July were
approved as written.
There was no Chairperson’s report.
The commission discussed the Becker Park tour held on July 15, 2020. There were positive
comments on how the park was being used. However, concerns were also raised about the lack
of social distancing and the lack of masks being worn. Other concerns mentioned were reports
of climbing on the sun sails, the need for screening at the back of the stage for performances
and the process for reserving or holding tables for groups. Mr. Elholm mentioned that signage
continues to be updated at the park to communicate that tables should not be moved and that
park spaces should be shared with other park visitors.
Mr. Elholm presented initial thoughts on potential rule or code changes that relate primarily to
Becker Park. Some of the items discussed include bounce houses, generators, grills under
shelters, glass containers, food trucks and park hours. This was an initial discussion to get
feedback, with input from the police department and others needed before any changes are
recommended. Draft changes to rules or changes to code will be presented at a future
commission meeting.
There was a discussion on having commission members visit Neighborhood Parks and provide
feedback on what they saw. Some potential questions to answer were proposed by staff, with
commission members recommending the addition of a few others. Each commission member
was assigned a park to visit and report back on.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 August 5, 2020
Park assignments:
Bass Lake ‐ Andy Broadway ‐ Shaz Cavanagh ‐ Jesse
Crystal Highlands ‐ Lynn Forest – John Iron Horse ‐ Tony
Kentucky ‐ Lori Lee ‐ Tony Skyway ‐ Joyce
Sunnyview ‐ Dave Twin Oaks – Meredith Yunkers ‐ Erin
It was suggested for the next round of visits to go to the Nature Preserve areas.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on park projects. Becker Park has a new bike fix‐it station and
‘Becker Park’ monument sign. At Iron Horse Park, the shelter and trail have been completed.
The city council approved the purchase of LED lights and dasher boards for the North Lions Park
hockey rink. The council also approved the purchase of playground equipment and surfacing for
Fair School Park. There was discussion on the color scheme concept for the play area surfacing,
with the ‘river’ theme being the most liked. At Valley Place Park, the parking lot removal is
complete and has been seeded for green space.
Mr. Budziszewski provided a city council update. The Blue Line light rail project is exploring
options other than using the BNSF rail corridor; and the City Council is working on the 2021‐
2022 budget. He also provided an update on economic development projects.
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Ms. Fischer for recreation
programming. They both made reference to information presented in the commission packet.
Mr. Elholm gave the director’s report. The Recreation Department was awarded a 2019 MRPA
Award of Excellence for the African Drum & Dance Jamboree. The award will be presented at
the August 18 City Council meeting. The new hire for the Recreation Supervisor position will
start on September 9.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The 2020 Crystal Frolics buttons are being sold for $5,
with proceeds going to the NEAR food shelf.
There were no new updates from the Crystal Fund.
Other updates included a reminder of the primary election on Tuesday, August 11. The Crystal
Community Center will host four precincts for elections in 2020.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 3 August 5, 2020
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Torres‐Walsh seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
John Elholm, Recorder