21-07 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission - Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2021
Cavanagh Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm
by Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Tony Sumnicht (Vice Chair), Dave
Anderson, Joyce Cooper, Forest Eidbo, Lynn Haney and Erin Kolb. Also present were David
Cummings, Council Liaison; Anne Norris, John Elholm, John Sutter, Chief Stephanie Revering,
Brad Fortin, and Lei-Lani Fischer from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Shaz Ahmadi.
Introductions were made by Park and Recreation Commission members and City staff.
Ms. Anne Norris informed residents that the council is currently working on the 2022 budget.
She also updated residents on the construction of the new Police Department building and
made them aware that the city received a 4 million dollar grant for that project.
Mr. John Sutter provided information on current and upcoming city projects.
• Blue Line: informed residents that there will be a public input meeting at Becker Park.
Chief Revering encouraged residents to call 911 with concerns. She also encouraged residents
to lock their vehicles to prevent auto thief. She informed residents about upcoming Police
Department events: Junior Police Academy, Citizen’s Police Academy, and Minnesota Night to
Unite.
Mr. John Elholm presented information on upcoming park projects.
Mr. Brad Fortin highlighted recent and upcoming park maintenance activities.
Ms. Fischer gave an update on programs and events in the Recreation Department. She
highlighted current and upcoming activities. She informed the residents about the Edible
Courtyard at the Crystal Community Center and encouraged residents to take some of the
produce from that day’s harvest.
A resident received a Crystal Community Center activity gift certificate in a drawing.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
July 7, 2021
Cavanagh Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:50 pm by Commission
Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Tony Sumnicht (Vice Chair), Dave
Anderson, Joyce Cooper, Forest Eidbo, Lynn Haney and Erin Kolb. Also present were David
Cummings, Council Liaison; Anne Norris, John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Lei-Lani Fischer from the
City Staff.
Commission members absent: Shaz Ahmadi.
Member of the public present: Rachel Braaten
Public Comment: Ms. Braaten demonstrated the buckthorn removal tool she uses for
buckthorn removal at Bassett Creek Park.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to approve the June Park and Recreation Commission minutes as
written; Mr. Sumnicht seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for
June were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the Chairperson’s report. He commented on how much he enjoyed
volunteering for the Young Mudder event on Saturday, June 12. He also enjoyed the Farmer’s
Market at Becker Park.
The commission discussed current projects and are happy to see the improvements that are
being made. They were informed about a $100,000 grant from the MN DNR for Pickleball
Courts at Becker Park. They discussed their dog park visits and went over survey submissions
received so far. Additional discussion will occur at the August meeting.
Mr. Cummings presented the City Council Report. The City Council is working on the 2022
budget and capital improvement projects. He noted that there is positive feedback on the park
improvements that are being made.
Reports were given by Mr. Fortin for park maintenance and Ms. Fischer for recreation
programming.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 July 7, 2021
Mr. Elholm reported that the old play area equipment from Becker Park donated to Kid’s
Around the World was installed and is now being used in Ecuador. He informed the commission
that there will be a commission table at the Frolics Craft and Business Fair.
Ms. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee is looking for
commission help for the Family Festival. She also updated the commission on other Crystal
Frolics activities, including the Search for the Crystal Ball, Welcome Park neighborhood clean-up
and the shuttle that will run between Welcome and Becker Parks.
Crystal Fund Report: Mr. Elholm said that there is no report, they are off for the summer and
will reconvene in the fall.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Kolb seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder