2023.03.01 PRC Packet AGENDA
March 1, 2023
Crystal Public Works Shop – 5001 W. Broadway Ave. North, Crystal MN, 55429
7:00 pm Regular Meeting Agenda
1. Call the Meeting to Order / Introductions
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Chairperson’s Report
5. Commission Business / Discussion (45 minutes)
a. 2023 Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award
b. 2023 Park & Recreation Projects
6. Commission Open Forum (10 minutes)
7. Commission Reports (15 minutes)
a. City Council Report
b. Project/Maintenance Report
c. Program Report
d. Director Report
8. Community Reports (10 minutes)
a. Community Activity/Event Reports
• Crystal Frolics Report
• Crystal Fund Report
b. Citizen Contacts
c. Other Community News Items
9. Adjournment
Next meeting date: April 5, 2023 – Crystal Community Center
MEETING OVERVIEW
March 1, 2023
Crystal Public Works Shop – 5001 W. Broadway Ave. North, Crystal MN, 55429
Contact John Elholm – john.elholm@crystalmn.gov or 763-531-1150 if you cannot attend.
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING – 7:00 PM
1. Call the Meeting to Order and Introductions
Tony Sumnicht will call the meeting to order
2. Public Comments
Citizens may bring items of concern related to parks and recreation to the attention of
the commission. Speaking time may be limited and no action will be taken.
3. Approval of Minutes – February 1, 2023
4. Chairperson’s Report
5. Commission Business / Discussion
John Elholm: Introduce Business Items
a. 2023 Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award
b. 2023 Park & Recreation Projects
6. Commission Open Forum
A time for commission members to share their thoughts and ideas about parks and
recreation in Crystal.
7. City Reports
John Budziszewski: City Council Report
Brad Fortin: Project/Maintenance Report
Scott Berggren: Program Report
John Elholm: Director Report
8. Community Reports
Tony Sumnicht / John Elholm: Crystal Frolics Report
Lynn Haney / John Elholm: Crystal Fund Report
Commission Members: Other community activities and events
9. Adjournment
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
February 1, 2023
Crystal Community Center
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by
Commission Chair Tony Sumnicht.
Commission members in attendance: Tony Sumnicht (Chair), Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair), Shaz
Ahmadi, Dave Anderson, Joyce Cooper, Lynn Haney, and Jennifer Zielinski. Also present were
John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott Berggren from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Taji Onesirosan (Secretary).
Member of the public present: Jan Jorgens, Crystal resident.
Ms. Jorgens provided information regarding prairie plants not doing well, and black walnut
trees that may be part of the issue, in Memory Lane Natural Area.
Mr. Anderson made a motion to approve the January Park and Recreation Commission minutes;
Ms. Zielinski seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for January
were approved as written.
Mr. Sumnicht gave the chairperson’s report. He would like each commission member to bring
three things related to parks and recreation that they are passionate about to the next meeting.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on park projects scheduled for 2023. New lighting for the
Becker Park courts have been ordered and will be installed over the winter. Bids for the Bassett
Creek Park pedestrian bridge, Bassett Creek dog park and Grogan Park parking lot were opened
and reviewed on January 31. City council approval of contracts for these projects will be sought
on February 7. Also, city council approval of contracts for the purchase and installation of the
play area for Broadway Park, picnic shelter for Broadway Park and picnic shelter for Crystal
Highlands Park will be sought on February 7. Near final plans for trails, sidewalks, patios, etc.
for Welcome Park, Crystal Highlands Park and Broadway Park were reviewed by the
commission. There was some discussion on the layout for Broadway Park, and whether the
trail should loop around the park or just along one side. Both options would connect all new
park features. The commission’s preference was for the loop trail, if possible. Design work also
continues for improvements at the disc golf course in Bassett Creek Park.
Mr. Elholm provided an update on the future of the Crystal Cove Aquatic Center. Staff received
a proposal from WSB to build on public engagement received to date; by moving on to concept
planning for the aquatic center. This agreement will be brought to the city council on February
7 for review and potential approval.
There was no open forum discussion.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 February 1, 2023
There was no council report.
Mr. Fortin gave reports for park maintenance and Mr. Berggren for recreation programming.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. Ms. Haney received the Park and Recreation
Board/Commission Award from MRPA at a luncheon on January 13.
Mr. Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. The Cheers to Crystal event for 2023 was
canceled. Plans are underway for the plant sale on May 20.
Mr. Sumnicht gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee seeks a secretary and
additional volunteers to help with this year’s event.
Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Ms. Zielinski seconded the motion.
The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:24 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder
Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors
2023
Nominee Names Neighbors Address Essay
Nominee #1
A & B
3501 Perry Ave. N. A, B and their sons are always helpful when others are in need, despite personal
challenges. They often clear snow from the entire block's sidewalks and help
neighbors clear their driveways. They are always ready with a smile and wave when
they see you. I consider myself very lucky to have such wonderful neighbors.
Nominee #2
C & D
(3 nominators)
5224 52nd Ave. N. We have lived on 52nd Av for 23+ years and C & D have faithfully cleared the fire
hydrant in their yard each MN winter without complaint to keep us all safe in case of
emergency. This is just one example of what makes C and D great neighbors. We love
our neighbors!
Nominee #3
E
3239 Edgewood Ave. N. E is an exceptional neighbor. He has been helpful to me over the past 15 years. I have
asked for E’s help at different times with things around the house and he has never
once turned me down. Here a just a few of the many things he has helped me with:
He helped repair my kitchen faucet and my vacuum cleaner. He put a new back on a
dresser I bought, he installed new door locks and assembled an elliptical. E always
does the work with a cheerful attitude and will not accept payment for the work he
has done. Recognizing E in this capacity will help me in thanking him for his kindness
and faithful help whenever I needed some assistance over the years. I believe E is one
of God’s Angels!
Nominee #4
F & G
4141 Kentucky Ave N. F and G spread joy in the neighborhood in so many ways. I met F because she was
sharing some of her gorgeous perennials, which was the start of our beautiful
friendship. She also loves to get to know everyone she passes on her daily walks, and
leads a Step To It team every year, which culminates in a party in her backyard; G
doing the grilling and neighbors getting to know each other. F and G give extra care to
their 90+ year old neighbors and love to spoil the neighborhood kids. They also
organize neighborhood parties in the cul-de-sac and everyone is welcome. My family
(and my yard thanks to the gorgeous plants they provided) are better for knowing
them. They make this neighborhood extra special.
Nominee #5
H & I
3257 Welcome Ave N Our neighbors, H and I, are always around when we need a helping hand. Whether it
be borrowing a tool, helping with the dogs, or blowing our driveway when our
snowblower breaks down. They go above and beyond to support our family and have
made our move to Crystal a welcoming experience. They deserve recognition for their
exemplary kindness. They help make our house a home and we are continuously
grateful for their neighborliness and friendship!
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
Monthly Maintenance Report
February, 2023
Vandalism:
• Disposal of furniture at Bassett Creel Park cul-de-sac off of 29th Ave.
Projects:
• Removal of Emerald Ash Borer infected trees
• City wide inspection of diseased trees
• Ice rink maintenance
• EDA house clean-ups
• Snow removal
• Municipal building maintenance
• Solicit quotes for 2023 Park Improvement projects
• Playground inspections and repairs
• HVAC maintenance at city buildings
• Pesticide applicator recertification
• Garbage pick-ups
• Coordinate 2023 park, building and forestry projects
• Facilitate re-keying operations at City Hall (CCC in 2024)
• Ordered spring annual flowers for planters
• Ordered Arbor Day trees
Future:
• Ash tree removals and tree trimming
• Snow removal
• Playground inspections
• Interior building painting at Public Works/City Hall
• Trash removal
• EDA house and property clean-ups
• Building maintenance
• HVAC upgrades at Valley Place warming house
• Replace soffit and fascia at Welcome Park warming house
• HVAC upgrades at Public Works
• Order replacement park trees through Hennepin County tree sale
• Recertify 5 tree inspectors
• Recertify playground inspectors (three-year rotation)
4800 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55429-3553
Tel: (763) 531-0052 • Fax: (763) 531-0949 • www.crystalmn.gov
P R O J E C T S U M M A R Y
M A R C H 2 0 2 3
Below is a highlight of the projects that will be happening in
the City of Crystal. These projects will be taking place at
numerous parks and buildings throughout the city.
Thinking Spring
With skating and sledding areas beginning to melt, it is
time to think about spring. Flowers have been ordered for
planting at City buildings and in streetscapes. Trees have
also been ordered for Arbor Day.
New Picnic Shelters
New park shelters at Broadway and Crystal Highlands will
be installed in 2023. The shelters will be similar in size and
design to other neighborhood park shelters. Each will hold
four picnic tables.
Play Area Ordered
Thanks to a Community Development Block Grant,
Broadway Park will receive a new play area this year. The
play area has been ordered and will be installed later this
summer.
Disc Golf Baskets
When the disc golf course at Bassett Creek Park is
completed later this year, it will have eighteen holes. New
baskets have been ordered, and the course layout is being
finalized.
P R O G R A M S U M M A R Y
M A R C H 2 0 2 3
Below is a highlight of the programs offered by the Crystal
Recreation Department. Occasionally we will recap some
key special events we offer.
Spring/Summer Brochure
The most recent issue of our seasonal brochure is out,
and registrations have been coming in. Our many
offerings will make Crystal a popular destination this
summer and showcase many ways to stay active.
Donut Talk
Listen to local women in leadership as we celebrate
Women’s History Month. Hear from New Hope Mayor
Kathi Hemken, West Metro Fire Chief Sarah Larson, and
Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering.
This year we'll offer extended trips for those seeking to
travel further with a group. Our trip vendor, Jeanie's
Journeys, will hold an informational meeting in March.
One upcoming trip is to Door County to see fall colors.
No school, no problem! We have your youth covered
over Spring Break this month with a collection of
classes; including musical theatre, gardening, painting,
or robotics.
Extended Trips
Spring Break Classes