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2023.04.05 PRC Packet Crystal Community Center AGENDA April 5, 2023 6:45 pm Tree Board Meeting Agenda 1. Call the Meeting to Order 2. Crystal Forestry Annual Report 3. Tree City, USA 4. Arbor Day Event Planning • Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 • Location: Winnetka Hills Park • Tentative Schedule: • 6:00 pm – Park clean-up & tree distribution begins • 6:30 pm – Mayor’s proclamation reading • 6:35 pm – Overview of the health of Crystal’s urban forest • 6:40 pm - Tree Planting (Northern Red Oak) • Refreshments • Donations • Promotion 5. Adjournment Next meeting date: April 3, 2024 @ 6:45pm At the Crystal Community Center 4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696 Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov April 5, 2023 Crystal Forestry Report Forestry Department Annual Report: -Forestry operations are the responsibility of the Parks department. Those duties include: • Tree inspections • Manage contractual forestry operations • Tree removal • Tree trimming • Annual Arbor Day celebration • Maintain certified tree inspector licensing -Long grass complaints are being handled by the Public Works department. -EDA lot management and the cutting of long grass complaints are being coordinated Through Public Works and work will be contracted out. -City staff and contractors removed 225 trees in 2021/22 (78 of these trees were hazardous). -Removed boulevard trees are not being replaced, homeowners are given the option to have a tree planted on their private property. -Trees removed on city and private properties are being replaced with a wider diversity of specimens. A wider variety of trees lead to a healthier urban forest and provides disease resistance. -Staff is undergoing continuous training as it pertains to Emerald Ash Borer, Dutch Elm disease And Oak Wilt. -Staff is exploring available grants to help offset the costs associated with EAB 2023 Arbor Day Plans: -Arbor Day will be celebrated 5/3/2023 at Winnetka Hills Park. -Winnetka Hills Park was selected as the host site due to extensive renovations that include a new playground, trail and multi-use sports court -Park cleanup begins at 6:00. -Arbor Day event begins with a reading of the proclamation by the mayor (6:30). -Parks department will talk about the state of the urban forest. -Emerald Ash Borer update. -There will be a tree giveaway to the first 40 guests. (First come first serve basis) -Parks department will talk about and demonstrate proper tree planting techniques. -A new tree will be planted in recognition of Arbor Day. (Northern Red Oak) AGENDA April 5, 2023 Crystal Community Center – 4800 Douglas Drive 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 (60 minutes) a. 2023 Bus Tour Discussion b. Current Project Updates c. Aquatic Center Updates 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: May 3, 2023 – Winnetka Hills Park • 6:00 p.m. - Arbor Day • 7:00 p.m. – Neighborhood Meeting • 7:45 p.m. – Commission Meeting MEETING OVERVIEW April 5, 2023 Crystal Community Center – 4800 Douglas Drive 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 – March 1, 2023 4. Chairperson’s Report 5. Commission Business / Discussion John Elholm: Introduce Business Items a. 2023 Bus Tour Discussion b. Current Project Updates c. Aquatic Center Update 6. City Reports Traci Kamish: City Council Report Brad Fortin: Project/Maintenance Report Scott Berggren: Program Report John Elholm: Director Report 7. Community Reports Tony Sumnicht: Crystal Frolics Report Lynn Haney: Crystal Fund Report Commission Members: Other community activities and events 8. Adjournment Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes March 1, 2023 Crystal Public Works Shop The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Commission Chair Tony Sumnicht. Commission members in attendance: Tony Sumnicht (Chair), Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair), Taji Onesirosan (Secretary), Shaz Ahmadi, Dave Anderson, Joyce Cooper, Lynn Haney, and Jennifer Zielinski. Also present were John Budziszewski, Council Liaison; John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Scott Berggren from the City Staff. There was no public comment. Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the February Park and Recreation Commission minutes; Mr. Onesirosan seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for February were approved as written. Mr. Sumnicht gave the chairperson’s report. During the open forum, he would like each commission member to share things they are passionate about within parks and recreation. The Commission Members reviewed and voted on the Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award nominations. Award winners will be recognized at an upcoming Crystal City Council Meeting. Five neighbors were recommended for the award – names were redacted during the selection process, so names are not included in the motion. Ms. Haney made a motion to approve five neighbors as winners of the Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award; Ms. Zielinski seconded the motion. The Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors Award winners were approved on a voice vote, with 7 voting ‘aye’ and 1 voting ‘no’. Mr. Elholm provided an update on park projects scheduled for 2023. On February 7, the city council approved contracts for the Bassett Creek Park pedestrian bridge, Bassett Creek Park dog park and Grogan Park parking lot. A pre-construction meeting was held between City staff and contractors working on these projects on March 1. On February 7, the city council also approved contracts to purchase and install the play area for Broadway Park and picnic shelters for Broadway Park and Crystal Highlands Park. We are still awaiting the selection results of a Hennepin County Youth Sports Grant for the Welcome Park project. City council approval of contracts for the purchase and installation of the play area and fitness pod for Welcome Park will be sought on March 21. City staff received the specifications for the poured tee pads at the Bassett Creek Disc Golf Course. New baskets for the course were ordered. A few existing baskets will be re-installed in parks throughout the Crystal park system. Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 March 1, 2023 Commission members discussed items during the open forum, giving input, asking questions, and commenting. Mr. Sumnicht led a roundtable discussion where everyone shared their individual passion for parks and recreation. Common themes from the discussion included equity in parks, awareness of parks, health and fitness, importance of trails, mental health, teen programming, getting youth outside, senior programming, accessibility and support of the ecosystem. Mr. Budziszewski presented the council report. The city is seeking applications for an opening on the city council. They also approved several purchases for upcoming park projects. Mr. Fortin gave a report for park maintenance. Mr. Berggren gave a report for recreation programming, including information on brochure development and data from spring/summer registrations. Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. During an upcoming workshop organized by the Robbinsdale Area Schools, he will present with Michelle Margo (affiliated with Minnesota State Mankato) about parks and recreation as a profession to interested students. Mr. Sumnicht gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee is discussing adverting options with the Sun Post. Mr. Elholm gave the Friends of Crystal Parks report. They are planning for their annual plant sale on May 20. Ms. Haney made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. McCaffrey seconded the motion. The commission adjourned the meeting at 8:54 pm. John Elholm, Recorder CRYSTAL COVE AQUATIC CENTER CONTACTS:CONTACTS: • Aff ordable swim lessons. - Scholarships available. - About 450 students per year. • Hosts NHCP Swim Club. • Summer Adventure Club locaƟ on. • Birthday party packages off ered. • Cooling place on hot days. • Employs 60 staff members. SERVICES:SERVICES: The oldest part of the Crystal Cove AquaƟ c Center’s pool is leaking and needs to be replaced. Because of the cost, the Crystal City Council spent a year determining whether the pool should be repaired or demolished. The city conducted a community-wide phone survey and public outreach (focus groups, table at events, online survey and more). WHY IS FUNDING THIS PROJECT IMPORTANT? • Drowning is the leading cause of death in kids ages 1 - 4. • Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death in kids ages 5 -14. • The pool is a welcoming place to learn about water safety: - Aff ordable swimming lessons. - Zero depth (wading) pool. • The pool is an important resource for the region. - Approximately 65% of lessons are for non-Crystal residents. The Crystal Cove Aquatic Center in Crystal, Minn., has been a ﬁ xture of the Crystal community for more than 50 years. • Pool built in 1968. • Two-thirds of pool rebuilt in 2005. • Main pool container has not been rebuilt and is more than 50 years old. • The main pool container has a signiﬁ cant leak. • In 2021, a consultant reviewed the pool and found most of it to be in “great” condiƟ on, including its ﬁ lters. HISTORY:HISTORY: • The main pool stucture is at the end of its life, according to the 2021 consultant review. • If the main pool structure is not replaced, the enƟ re aquaƟ c center would close and important water safety services (above) would end. CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION: SURVEY RESULTS (2022): 85% of residents support repairing the pool, according to a phone survey of 400 residents. 95% of the general public supports repairing the pool, according to 365 online and in-person surveys. CRYSTAL DEMOGRAPHICS • First-Ɵ er suburb of Minneapolis. • Total populaƟ on: 23,300 residents. • 63% of students in Crystal general public schools qualify for free or reduced lunch. • 30% of residents are non-white. PROJECT COST Replacment of the main pool, add features, shade, etc. John Elholm RecreaƟ on Director john.elholm@crystalmn.gov 763-531-1150 Adam R. Bell City Manager adam.bell@crystalmn.gov 763-531-1140 City of Crystal.............$3 million. State Bonding.............$2.35 million. Total Project...............$5.35 million. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Monthly Maintenance Report March, 2023 Vandalism: • Disposal of furniture at Iron horse Park Projects: • Removal of Emerald Ash Borer infected trees • City wide inspection of diseased trees • Installation of LED lighting and updated control system for Becker park courts • EDA house clean-ups • Assemble benches, picnic table and various site amenities for park projects • Snow removal • Municipal building maintenance • Playground inspections and repairs • HVAC maintenance at city buildings • Tree Inspector recertification • HVAC upgrades at Valley Place building (new furnace and a/c) • Garbage pick-ups • Coordinate 2023 park, building and forestry projects • Facilitate re-keying operations at City Hall (CCC in 2024) Future: • Ash tree removals and tree trimming • Playground inspections • Interior building painting at Public Works/City Hall • Trash removal • Plow damage repairs • Service seasonal equipment • 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 playground inspectors (three-year rotation) • Playground removal at Broadway Park • Soffit and fascia replacement at Welcome Park 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 A P R I L 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. Park Preparations Park staff has been preparing for spring/summer operations as things warm up. Seasonal equipment, such as lawnmowers, are being tuned up. Picnic tables and benches have also been assembled to be placed in parks. Community Center Tree Removal Many trees had to be removed in and around the south parking lot at the Crystal Community Center to prepare for the lot's reconstruction. New trees will be planted as part of the construction project. Pickleball Lights Updated LED lights and lighting system were installed at the Becker Park pickleball courts. The new system will be more energy efficient and provide more reliability for players to play later in the evening. Meeting Room TV A new 75" television and speaker were installed in the Valley Room at the Crystal Community Center. The tv will be great for showing presentations during meetings or displaying slideshows during party rentals. P R O G R A M S U M M A R Y A P R I L 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. Winter Volleyball The adult volleyball season will come to a close in the month of April. We saw a record number of teams this year in our leagues and have quite a few individuals who play open-gym volleyball each week. Edible Courtyard Even though the snow is plentiful, volunteers will begin planting the first seeds in the Edible Courtyard in mid- April. The garden beds are covered with plastic to create a greenhouse effect to warm the soil for early planting. The end-of-year recital for the Crystal Dance Program happened on April 2nd at Maple Grove Middle School in front of family and friends. Dancers have been perfecting their routines since September 2022. The warming houses closed in February. This year, we recorded over 1900 users, with over 1600 visiting Valley Place Park. The five-year average for recorded attendance is just over 1775 participants per year. Youth Dance Warming House Wrap-up