2022.07.14 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: July 8, 2022
City Council Schedules and Agendas for Regular Work Session
and Joint Work Session with Parks and Recreation Commission
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Council Chambers/Zoom
Time Meeting Location
6:30 p.m. City Council regular work session to discuss:
1. Quarterly police update.
Council Chambers/
Zoom
Immediately
following the
regular City
Council work
session
City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission joint work
session to discuss:
1. Crystal Cove Aquatic Center.
2. Bassett Creek Park.
Council
Chambers/Zoom
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter, the
regular work session of the Crystal City Council was held on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at ____ p.m. in the
Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota and via Zoom.
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter, the joint
work session of the Crystal City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission was held on Thursday, July 14,
2022 at ____ p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota and via Zoom.
The public may attend the meetings via Zoom by connecting to them through one of the methods identified on the
Notice of July 14, 2022 Regular Work Session and Joint Work Session with Parks and Recreation Commission.
I. Attendance
Council members
____ Parsons ____ Adams ____ Banks ____ Budziszewski ____ Cummings ____ Kiser ____ LaRoche
Staff
____ Norris ____ Revering ____ Hubbard ____ Underthun ____ Elholm ____ Ray ____ Sutter
Parks and Recreation Commission
____ Ahmadi ____ Anderson ____ Cooper ____ Eidbo ____ Haney ____ Kolb ____ McCaffrey
____ Onesirosan ____ Sumnicht
II. Agendas
The purpose of the regular work session is to discuss the following agenda item:
1. Quarterly police update.
The purpose of the joint work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. Crystal Cove Aquatic Center.
2. Bassett Creek Park.
III. Adjournment
The regular work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
The joint work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the city clerk at
(763) 531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: July 8, 2022
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSIONS
NOTICE OF JULY 14, 2022 REGULAR WORK SESSION
AND JOINT WORK SESSION WITH PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Crystal City Council will hold a regular work session on Thursday,
July 14, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. at Crystal City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota and via Zoom.
Immediately following the regular City Council work session, the Crystal City Council and Parks and
Recreation Commission will hold a joint work session at Crystal City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal,
Minnesota and via Zoom.
The public may attend the meetings via Zoom by connecting to them through one of the methods
identified below.
Topic: City Council Regular Work Session
Time: July 14, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: City Council and Parks and Recreation Joint Work Session
Time: Immediately following the regular City Council work session. Central Time (US and Canada)
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4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Memorandum
DATE: July 7, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
Anne Norris, City Manager
FROM: John Elholm, Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Crystal Cove Aquatic Center
The Crystal Cove Aquatic Center was built in 1968. However, most of the pool structure(s)
and all of the mechanical systems were replaced in 2005. The deep end of the pool is the
original structure. The pool has been losing water in recent years, so a study was conducted
early in 2021 to review the pool’s condition. The study reported that the items replaced in
2005 are still in great condition, but the deep end is at the end of its life. A summary of the
findings is included as ‘Attachment A’
Based on this report, staff included capital projects in the long-term plan that would replace
the deep end of the pool and make improvements to the entrance of the building. These
potential projects were reviewed by the city council in work sessions on November 2 and on
December 2. They were also reviewed in a joint city council / park and recreation commission
work session on January 19. At the joint work session:
• The park and recreation commission was asked to review what the best use of the
space is – replacing the pool or moving on to something else. At the commission’s
February 2 meeting, members studied the issues raised during the joint work session.
At the end of a lengthy discussion, they passed a motion recommending “the city
move forward with the proposed Phase 2 improvements at the Crystal Cove Aquatic
Center”. Notes from this meeting are included as ‘Attachment B’.
• Staff was also asked to determine what the general public thought about making
improvements to the pool. Approximately 18 years ago, a citywide referendum
passed that supported making capital improvements here. Since any other type of
facility would require these improvements to be removed, and would eliminate the
city’s ability to teach kids how to swim, a survey was conducted to see if these types
of services were still important today. The survey looked only at interest in the pool,
since determining other types of uses cannot be determined through a survey.
Understanding interest in other types of facilities would require a lengthier community
engagement process. The survey showed that 89% of residents consider it important
for children to learn to swim early, and 85% of residents support replacing the old pool
structure. Survey results were presented to the city council at a work session on June
7, 2022 and are included here as ‘Attachment C’.
At the June 7 work session, a question was raised about hours the pool is open. In addition
to open swim hours; the pool is open for swim lessons, NHCP swim club, and times for
specific groups. A summary of these hours is included here at ‘Attachment D’.
At this point, there appear to be two options.
1.Move forward with planning for Phase II improvements as recommended by the Park
and Recreation Commission and supported by the community-wide survey. If started
soon, construction documents could likely be prepared for bidding early in 2023 – for
construction starting late summer of 2023.
2.Conduct a community engagement process to update the city’s park system master
plan - to specifically address the pool. While the current master plan states, “There
are no necessary recommendations for improvements at this time” for the Grogan
Park campus, the plan was completed 5 years ago - so information on this campus
could be updated. This process involves extensive public engagement and would
take approximately 1 year to complete.
Park and recreation commission members will be attending the July 14 work session to hear
the council’s comments and to be part of this discussion. Staff is seeking direction on which
option above to pursue.
Summary
In USAquatics’ professional opinion, the swimming pool
structure is at the end of its life.
The equipment for the swimming pool is overall, in great
condition.
The wadding pool structure is in great condition only needing
cosmetic repairs.
The equipment for the wadding pool is in great condition.
The water slide could use minor cosmetic work.Attachment 'A'
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Memorandum
DATE: February 4, 2022
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager
FROM: John Elholm, Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Crystal Cove Follow-up
The Crystal Park and Recreation Commission (PRC) held their regular monthly meeting on
Wednesday, February 2, 2022. The commission spent a significant portion of the meeting
discussing the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center and the joint Council/Commission work session
held on January 19, 2022. Key items from the PRC meeting:
•They had a review of why communities offer swimming services. The CDC reports that
swimming is the second leading cause of unintentional death among children in the
United States. In addition, National Recreation and Park Association research (2019)
indicates that 95% of Americans believe it is important for children to learn how to swim.
•They reviewed different ways communities can provide these services; from natural
beaches to indoor pools. The commission looked at the feasibility of using Twin Lake
for swimming. However, Twin Lake is an impaired water; and does not have a sand
beach, restrooms, parking and other amenities needed to make the lake a viable option.
With the majority of the Crystal Cove facility in good condition, staying with this option
seemed the most cost-effective if the city continues to provide swimming services.
•They talked about whether a 10 or 11-week season was better than no season. The
PRC discussed that in 2004, voters approved a referendum for the pool, knowing it was
a 10 or 11-week season. New Hope recently built a $12 million pool knowing it is a 10
or 11-week season. Members also noted that Crystal Cove serves over 26,000 people
with this schedule. Other outdoor pools typically have the same 10 or 11-week season.
•They discussed the pool hours offered at Crystal Cove and compared them to 7 similar
outdoor pool facilities. In 2021, our summer brochure indicated short open swim
sessions with a designated cleaning time (closed) between these sessions. The
variable hours were due to COVID-19 restrictions still being in place at the time of
publication. Hours for 2022 are similar to other outdoor pools around the metro area.
Attachment 'B'
•The commission discussed the importance of having lower cost, close to home
services like this for residents. They reviewed origin data for annual pool pass
holders and swim lesson participants. Most Crystal Cove use comes from the
Crystal/Robbinsdale area. They also reviewed fees charged to use the pool and
how they compare to other outdoor pools. They noted that Crystal Cove’s prices
are lower than several others, which helps encourage our community members to
swim. Even with the lower fees, the pool regularly covers program costs.
•Recent capital improvements at the pool were discussed, along with the 2021 study
indicating that most of the pool facility is in great condition. Recognizing the relatively
high dollar value of the existing pool investments; they discussed the benefits of adding
to these investments as opposed to doing something else. One member noted that
adding $3.45 million to the existing facility would result in an even higher value facility.
Doing something else would result in a project less than a $3.45 million value, as
demolition of the existing facility would reduce the funds available for construction.
•Options for moving forward were presented by City staff. The commission talked about
hiring a market and research firm to determine whether citizens would like to see
improvements made at the pool. They also discussed that if polling says the pool is no
longer desired, a public master planning process would be needed to determine what
other type of facility should be considered. This would be a similar, but possibly smaller
scale, project to the parks system master plan completed 5 years ago. The master plan
took approximately 1 year to complete, and determined types of recreation facilities that
should be offered in Crystal. No changes were proposed for Grogan Park at that time.
•After a thorough discussion of these topics, commission members felt that continuing to
invest in the existing pool would be the best way to use the proposed capital funds.
Ms. Haney made a motion to “Recommend the city move forward with proposed phase
2 improvements at the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center”. Mr. Eidbo seconded the motion.
The Park and Recreation Commission approved the motion as presented, with all
commission members present voting in favor of the motion.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
THE MORRIS LEATHERMAN COMPANY
2022 City of Crystal Swimming Pool Study
Findings and Implications
Findings:
City Demographics:
The City of Crystal remains a maturing community with an ever-changing group of newcomers who add
a dynamic to the population. The median longevity of adult residents is 14.4 years. Twenty-one percent
of the residents lived there for five years or less, and 19% resided there for 30 years or more. Thirty-one
percent of city households have seniors – predominantly senior couples. Twenty-four percent of Crystal
households are composed exclusively of seniors. Twenty-four percent of city households contain school-
aged children, while 13% include preschoolers and infants. Twenty-seven percent of the sample resides
in Ward Two, while 23% live in Ward Four. Twenty-five percent each reside in Ward One or Ward Three.
The median age of respondents is 47.0 years old. Twenty-eight percent of the sample is less than 35
years old, while 26% are 65 or older. Sixty-seven percent self-classify themselves as "White." Eighteen
percent are "African-American," and eight percent are "Hispanic-Latino." Five percent call themselves
"Asian-Pacific Islander." One percent is "Native American," while one percent is "Multi- or Bi-racial."
Women and men are equally represented in the sample.
Quality of Life and Home Values:
Eighty-five percent think parks, trails, and recreation facilities are "important" to their quality of life in
the City of Crystal; 46% view them as "very important." Only 15%, low compared to other suburban
communities, see them as "not important."
Ninety-three percent think investments in local parks, trails, and recreation facilities are "important" to
their home values; fifty-seven percent see them as "very important." Only seven percent disagree.
Children Learning to Swim at an Early Age:
Eighty-nine percent consider it "important" for children to learn to swim early; fifty-six percent see it as
"very important." A relatively small 11% see it as "not important."
Users of the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center:
Fifty-seven percent report household members have used the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center in the past;
forty-three percent have not done so. Eighteen percent of city households say they are "frequent
Attachment 'C'
City of Crystal
2022 Aquatic Facility Survey
May 2022
2
users," 23% are "occasional users," and 16% use the facility "rarely." Ninety-three percent rate their
experiences at the Aquatic Center as "excellent" or "good;" only six percent view them as "only fair" or
"poor." The dissatisfaction with the experience stems from two causes: "aged facility needs upgrading"
and "crowded, particularly with too few seats and tables."
Crystal Cove Aquatic Center Renovations and Improvements:
The survey initially reminded:
In 2005, the City of Crystal passed a park bond referendum to upgrade the Aquatic Center by
adding a zero-depth pool, filtration system, drop slide, and water walk. The main swimming pool
and diving well, which were not part of the 2005 improvements, are now leaking and need to be
replaced.
The survey next told respondents:
The cost of replacing the 50-year-old pool and diving and making security improvements to the
Aquatic Center's entrance is three million dollars. The City has money set aside for this work, so a
property tax increase would not be necessary.
Respondents were asked if they would support or oppose these improvements. The table below shows
the results:
Opinion Percentage
Strongly support 23%
Support 62%
Oppose 10%
Strongly oppose 1%
Unsure/Refused 5%
By a super-majority of 85%-11%, with five percent undecided, Crystal residents support the City
replacing the old swimming pool and diving well and making security improvements at the Aquatic
Center. Intense opinions favor supporters over opponents.
Respondents providing an opinion were asked for the reasons for their judgments. The table below
shows the reasons given by both supporters and opponents:
Reason for Decision Percentage
Supporters
Community Asset 24%
Suitable for children and families 24%
Improvements are needed 20%
Will not increase taxes 13%
Swimming lessons are important 3%
Cost is reasonable 2%
Need security updates 2%
City of Crystal
2022 Aquatic Facility Survey
May 2022
3
Opponents
Do not use 4%
Total cost too high 3%
There are higher priorities 2%
Scattered 3%
Most supporters state one of four reasons for their decision: "community asset," at 24%; "good for
children and families," at 24%; "improvements are needed," at 20%; "will not increase taxes," at 13%.
The small number of opponents either "do not use the facility" or object to the "high total cost."
Opponents were asked a follow-up query: "If you knew the Aquatic Center would have to be closed if
the pool was not replaced, would you still oppose the project?" Fifty-five percent "would," 30% "would
not," and 16% are "unsure." Under this circumstance, the new super-majority becomes 88%-8%, with
five percent unsure.
Conclusions:
1.Compared with residents of other inner-ring suburban communities, parks, trails, and recreational
facilities play a huge part in the quality of life and connection to home values.
2.The Crystal residents' rating of the importance of children learning to swim at an early age is much
higher than expected, given household demographics. The Aquatics Center has a direct benefit to many
residents, regardless of the current presence of children in their homes.
3. Usage rates of the Crystal Cove Aquatics Center are high, and users' favorable ratings of their
experiences are essentially unanimous. The only dissatisfaction noted stems from a lack of updating and
congested spaces.
4.Eighty-five percent support the proposal to replace the old swimming pool and diving well and
improve security. If not doing so would close the facility, support increases to 88%. Additionally, every
major demographic group in the City of Crystal posts a solid majority in favor of the proposal.
5. City decision-makers should move forward on this project considering the widespread support and
lack of opposition to making these renovations and improvements.
Methodology:
This study contains the results of a telephone survey of 400 randomly selected residents of the City of Crystal. Survey responses
were gathered by professional interviewers across the community between March 31st and April 8th, 2022. The average
interview took four minutes. The non-response rate was 4.0%. All respondents interviewed in this study were part of a
randomly generated sample of adult residents of the City of Crystal. In general, random samples such as this yield results
projectable to their respective universe within ± 5.0 percent in 95 out of 100 cases.
Crystal Cove Aquatic Center Hours
The Crystal Cove Aquatic center provides opportunities for residents to feel comfortable around
water, improve swimming skills and gather with other community members.
Swim Lessons:
Swim lessons are an important component of the aquatic center’s water safety program.
Lessons are offered 4 time periods per day, Monday-Friday mornings; with 4-5 classes offered
each time period. Time allocated for swim lessons is 20 hours per week.
Little Splashers:
Those 7 and younger sometimes have trouble navigating the pool when older youth are
present. The pool opens early on Saturdays for just this younger age group, so they can use the
zero-depth pool with their parent. This amounts to 1.5 hours per week.
Teen Moonlight Swim and After-Hours Rental:
A separate time is made available to teens on two Friday nights of the season. This is a special
2-hour time period where teens 12-16 can use the pool with youth in their own age group. On
other Friday nights and Saturdays, the pool is available for private rental in the same 2-hour
time block. There are 5 of these rentals so far. This averages 1.5 hours per week.
Swim Club:
The aquatic center also serves the New Hope, Crystal, Plymouth (NHCP) swim club for 5 weeks
of the summer. They meet at 6:30 a.m. each weekday; for two hours prior to swim lessons.
This averages 5 hours per week.
Open Swim:
Regular pool hours include 34 hours during the week and 14 hours per week on the weekends;
for a total of 48 hours per week. Due to a lifeguard shortage; evening hours on Monday -
Thursday have been shortened 1-2 hours each day, for a total of 7 hours. These are the lowest
use time periods for the pool. There are no weekend hour reductions; with total weekend
hours being 1 hour per day more than previous years. With this temporary reduction to start
the season, the current total is 41 hours per week.
Total Public/Group Hours at the Aquatic Center:
Hours Per Week (fully staffed): 76
Hours Per Week (reduced / lifeguard shortage): 69
Staff are present additional hours for set-up, trainings, etc.
Attachment 'D'
CCCRRRYYYSSSTTTAAALLL PPPOOOLLLIIICCCEEE DDDEEEPPPAAARRRTTTMMMEEENNNTTT
“Service with Compassion, Integrity, & Professionalism”
TO: Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Stephanie K. Revering, Chief of Police
CC: Anne Norris, City Manager
DATE: July 8, 2022
SUBJECT: WORK SESSION ITEM
___________________________________________________________________________
MMEEMMOORRAANNDDUUMM
The police department would like to provide you with our quarterly update on Thursday, July
14, 2022. We have several items to discuss, including a presentation from Lt. Pete Underthun
(who is also our Asst. SWAT Commander) regarding no-knock warrants.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Memorandum
DATE: July 7, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council
Anne Norris, City Manager
FROM: John Elholm, Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Bassett Creek Park Improvements
Several park improvement projects are planned over the next several years; with many of
them located at Bassett Creek Park. A review of these projects was provided during a council
work session on June 7. Additional information was requested on the prairie restoration
project, which is below and attached.
• Enhancing the natural character of Bassett Creek Park was identified as a priority
during the city’s park system master planning process in 2017.
• Staff began working with with Great River Greening on grant applications in 2020, and
a cooperative agreement is now in place to oversee the prairie restoration project.
The agreement goes through June 15, 2026; and includes 3 years of prairie
maintenance (until the prairie is established).
• Project Budget:
o Great River Greening $60,000
(Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant)
o Great River Greening $25,000
(Outdoor Heritage Fund Grant)
o City Operating Budget $11,000
(Over 3-5 years)
Total $96,000
At the Park and Recreation Commission’s July 6, 2022 meeting, they passed a motion
recommending “the prairie restoration project in Bassett Creek Park move forward, provided
proper chemical use signage is used”. Commission members will be attending the July 14
work session to hear the council’s comments and to be part of this discussion.
Bassett Creek Park Master Plan with Draft Improvement Dates 2023 2022 Dog Park 2022 Disc Golf - 2023 Prairie Restoration Begin 2022 Woodland Restoration Begin 2022 Building 2026 Basketball 2026 2027 Shelter 2028 Play Area 2035 Baseball Lights 2035 Shelter 2028 Volleyball 2028 Disc Golf - 2023 Bridge 2022
Bassett Creek Park – Disc Golf (Current Conditions)
Bassett Creek Park – Master Plan Concept Drawing
Prairie (Examples of Bassett Creek Park Seed Mix)
Bassett Creek Park – Disc Golf (Examples)
Bryant Lake Park (Three Rivers Park District)
Springvale Park (Isanti County)
Ü014028042056070
Feet
Bassett Creek Park - Turf Conversion
City of Crystal Basset
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Brunswick Ave N29th Place N29th Pla
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BWSR mix 35-621