22-12 Approved Commission MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
December 7, 2022
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by
Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey.
Commission members in attendance : Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Shaz Ahmadi (Secretary), Dave
Anderson, Joyce Cooper, Forest Eidbo, Lynn Haney, Erin Kolb, Taji Onesirosan, and Jen Zielinski.
Also present were David Cummings, Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott
Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members not in attendance: Tony Sumnicht
There was no public comment.
Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the November Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Ahmadi seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for November
2 were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey gave the Chairperson’s report. He gave a brief presentation on equality, equity
and justice. He defined each and highlighted where the City of Crystal excels with equitable
parks and programming. He then encouraged dialogue with the commission members in
attendance.
Mr. Elholm recognized Ms. Kolb and Mr. Eidbo for their commitment to the Parks & Recreation
Advisory Commission. Both are moving on to other roles in our community. Ms. Kolb had
served on the park and recreation commission for nearly 10 years and Mr. Eidbo for over 1 ½
years. A certificate of appreciation was presented to each of them at the meeting. Much was
accomplished during their time on the commission.
Mr. Elholm gave an update on park planning efforts for 2023; including the Bassett Creek Park
bridge, dog park, and disc golf course; and the community center parking lot. The lights for the
Becker Park pickleball courts were ordered and will be installed over the winter to avoid
damaging the turf/courts. The commission reviewed and chose color options for the play area
at Broadway Park (#2 with plastic from #3 and blue surfacing), and Welcome Park (#3 with
posts from #2 and blue surfacing). Mr. Elholm engaged in additional public input sessions on
the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. A meeting with the commission and city council is tentatively
scheduled for January 12; to discuss the aquatic center / Grogan Park campus further.
Mr. Elholm led the commission in a discussion of meeting dates for 2023. No issues were raised
on the proposed dates and locations presented by staff. The Commission will vote on a final
2023 schedule at their January meeting.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 December 7, 2022
Commission members discussed items during the open forum, giving input, asking questions,
and commenting. One suggestion was to create an updated quick reference page for 2023 park
and facility projects.
Mr. Cummings presented the City Council report. The Council approved the 2023/24 budget
and the contract for the new City Manager, Adam Bell. Mr. Bell will begin working for the City
on January 17.
Mr. Fortin gave reports for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation programming.
Mr. Elholm gave a Director’s Report. Ms. Haney will receive the Park and Recreation
Board/Commission Award from MRPA at a luncheon on January 13. This award is given to one
member of a citizen’s advisory or policy-making board in the parks and recreation field.
Mr. Haney gave a Crystal Frolics report. Planning for the event in 2023 has begun.
Mr. Elholm gave a Friends of Crystal Parks Report. They are planning the Cheers to Crystal beer-
tasting event on March 10, 2023, and have secured a few breweries.
Ms. Kolb made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Eidbo seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder