23-05 Approved Neighborhood and PRC MinutesCrystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission - Neighborhood Meeting Minutes
May 3, 2022
Winnetka Hills Park
The Parks and Recreation Commission Neighborhood Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm
by Commission Chair Tony Sumnicht.
Commission members in attendance: Tony Sumnicht (Chair), Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair), Dave
Anderson Lynn Haney, Jennifer Zielinski. Also present were Traci Kamish, Council Liaison; Adam
Bell, John Elholm, John Sutter, Chief Revering, Mark Ray, Brad Fortin, and Stacy Chouinard from
the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Shaz Ahmadi.
Introductions were made by Park and Recreation Commission members and City staff.
John Sutter provided information on current and upcoming city projects.
Mark Ray reviewed construction projects in the city.
Chief Revering informed residents of how the department is supporting the community.
John Elholm presented information on upcoming park projects.
Brad Fortin highlighted recent and upcoming park maintenance activities.
Stacy Chouinard gave an update on programs and events in the Recreation Department.
A resident received a Crystal Community Center activity gift certificate in a drawing.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.
John Elholm
Recorder
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes
May 3, 2023
Winnetka Hills Park
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Commission
Chair Tony Sumnicht.
Commission members in attendance: Tony Sumnicht (Chair), Jesse McCaffrey (Vice-Chair), Dave
Anderson, Joyce Cooper, Lynn Haney, and Jennifer Zielinski. Also present were Traci Kamish, Council
Liaison; Adam Bell, John Elholm, Brad Fortin, and Stacy Chouinard from the City Staff.
Commission members absent: Shaz Ahmadi
Member of the public present: Burt Orred, Crystal resident.
Ms. Zielinski made a motion to nominate herself as the commission secretary. Ms. Haney seconded the
nomination. No other nominations were made.
Mr. Zielinski was elected as the 2023 Park and Recreation Commission Secretary.
Public comment was heard from Burt Orred with the Shingle Creek Watershed District. He encourages
people to take care of the east and southwest corners of the Shingle Creek Watershed. Those areas
accumulate a lot of trash. His efforts are focused on buckthorn removal.
Ms. Haney made a motion to approve the April Tree Board Minutes. Jennifer Zielinski seconded the
motion. The April Tree Board Minutes were approved as written.
Mr. McCaffrey made a motion to approve the April Park and Recreation Commission minutes; Lynn
Haney seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission minutes for April were approved with
a spelling error fixed.
Mr. Sumnicht gave the chairperson’s report. He shared photos from a recent visit to a park in Ohio. The
park had an arboretum with signs identifying types of trees, stone benches and a dog shaped bike rack.
Commission Members reviewed and voted on the Crystal Frolics button designs for 2023. Award
winners will be presented with a gift certificate and ten buttons of their specific design at the June
neighborhood meeting.
Ms. Haney made a motion to award 1st place to design #4, 2nd place to design #6 and 3rd place to design
#1. Ms. Zielinski seconded the motion. The button contest winners were approved.
Discussion took place on the upcoming Commission Tour taking place Wednesday, June 21. The
commission expressed an interest in visiting 4-season community buildings and larger picnic shelters in
preparation for these types of facilities being added in Crystal.
Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 May 3, 2023
Mr. Elholm provided an update on park projects scheduled for 2023. The second abutment was poured
at Bassett Creek Park. The Dog park trails are marked and the water line has been dug in. The South
Parking Lot at the Crystal Community Center has been removed and work is ongoing. Pickleball courts at
Becker Park are complete including the lighting. Contracts are in place for trails in Welcome, Broadway
and Crystal Highlands Parks. A grant application has been submitted for Welcome Park. Improvements
at the pool are being discussed as part of the bonding bill.
Ms. Kamish presented the Council Report. Taji Onesirosan joined the City Council. An eight-unit
townhome and apartments will be coming to Crystal.
Mr. Fortin gave a report for park maintenance.
Ms. Chouinard gave a report for recreation programming, including information on 2022 participant
data.
Mr. Elholm gave the Director’s report. The pool manager position has evolved into three positions on
the following focus areas; Lifeguards, Lessons and Guest Services. Crystal is partnering with other cities
for a Hennepin County grant application to train more lifeguards.
Commission members discussed items during the open forum, giving input, asking questions, and
commenting.
Mr. Sumnicht gave a Crystal Frolics report. The Crystal Frolics Committee secretary position is open.
They are focusing on raising funds and updating the website.
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 8:35 pm.
John Elholm, Recorder