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2026.01.07 PRC Packet AGENDA January 7, 2026 7:00 p.m. Location: Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN 55429 Regular Meeting Agenda – 7:00 p.m. 1. Call the Meeting to Order / Introductions 2. Election of Officers 3. Public Comments 4. Approval of Minutes 5. Chairperson’s Report 6. Commission Business / Discussion (45 minutes) a. 2026 Meeting Dates and Locations b. 2025 and 2026 Work Plans c. Bylaw Discussion d. 2026 Planning and Project Discussion 7. Commission Open Forum (10 minutes) 8. Commission Reports (15 minutes) a. City Council Report b. Project/Maintenance Report c. Program Report d. Director Report 9. Community Reports (10 minutes) a. Community Activity/Event Reports • Crystal Frolics Report • Friends of Crystal Parks Report b. Citizen Contacts c. Other Community News Items 10. Adjournment MEETING OVERVIEW January 7, 2026 7:00 p.m. Location: Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN 55429 1. Call the Meeting to Order and Introductions Jesse McCaffrey will call the meeting to order 2. Election of Officers 3. 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. 4. Approval of Minutes – December 3, 2025 5. Chairperson’s Report 6. Commission Business / Discussion John Elholm: Introduce Business Items a. 2026 Meeting Dates and Locations b. 2025 and 2026 Work Plans c. Bylaw Discussion d. 2026 Planning and Project Discussion 7. Commission Open Forum A time for commission members to share their thoughts and ideas about parks and recreation in Crystal. 8. City Reports John Budziszewski: City Council Report Brad Fortin: Project/Maintenance Report Michelle Margo: Program Report John Elholm: Director Report 9. Community Reports Michelle Margo: Crystal Frolics Report Lynn Haney: Friends of Crystal Parks Report Commission Members: Other community news and contacts 10. Adjournment Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes December 3, 2025 Crystal Community Center The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Commission Chair Jesse McCaffrey. Commission members in attendance: Jesse McCaffrey (Chair), Lynn Haney (Vice-Chair), Terri Schultz (Secretary), Dave Anderson, Joyce Cooper, J.D. Moore II, Sonja Roby, Deb Schaber, Angela Spores, and Kassidy Swanson. Also present were John Budziszewski from the City Council and John Elholm, Brad Fortin and Michelle Margo from the City Staff. There were no commission members absent. Recognition of Outgoing Commission Member Elholm and commission members thanked Kassidy Swanson for her years of service on the Crystal Parks and Recreation Commission. Her term ends December 31, and she has elected not to renew. Her insight into sustainability issues was particularly appreciated. Public Comments There was no public comment. Meeting Minutes Moore made a motion to approve the November commission meeting minutes; Spores seconded the motion. The Park and Recreation Commission meeting minutes for November were approved as written. Chairperson’s Report Chair McCaffrey gave a presentation on ‘Belonging in Crystal’. He discussed why belonging is important; and how creating welcoming places that foster shared experiences and purposes help connect the community. Commission Business / Discussion Elholm led a discussion on projects coming in 2026. The city will receive a $200,000 grant from the Hennepin Youth Activities program for improvements at Forest School Park. Voting on play area colors for both Forest School and Woodland Parks will occur at Winterfest. Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 2 December 3, 2025 Elholm also provided two options for the parking lot layout in Valley Place Park. One option had fewer stalls with a central ‘green’ area and the other had 9 more stalls and no central ‘green’ area. Commission members preferred a combination of the two concept drawings that would have wider drive lanes and no central island – which would aid in winter plowing. Elholm reported that the city council had recently adopted the 10-year capital plan. He reviewed park and recreation projects scheduled in the next 5 years. He also noted that a number of projects were planned for Bassett Creek Park in 2032. The city council will be considering different ways to fund this larger redevelopment project. The annual Winterfest event will be held this weekend (12/6). It will be held in the afternoon this year instead of in the morning. Winterfest will end with a tree lighting ceremony with the mayor at 5:00 p.m. Elholm confirmed commission member volunteers for the Winterfest event. There will also be a Santa Parade the same evening, which is being organized by the Police and Fire departments. Elholm discussed a possible meeting schedule for 2026. It includes Arbor Day at Twin Oaks Park, that may also include a ribbon cutting for the new play area. Other parks include locations where projects will occur in 2027, to provide an opportunity to received project input from neighbors. These locations include Valley Place Park, Iron Horse Park and Cavanagh Park. The commission discussed the draft schedule. The schedule will be brought back at the January commission meeting for final review. Elholm led a discussion on the Park and Recreation Commission Bylaws. More recent city commission bylaws had been reviewed since the last meeting, which were merged with the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) bylaws as a starting point. Input received from commission members at the November meeting were then incorporated, to create a first draft of new bylaws. Using this as a starting point, additional comments were received at the December meeting. Comments on changes included slight modifications to the commission functions, adding the secretary position back in, adding a reference to summer meetings (in parks), clarifying attendance procedures, and a few other minor text revisions. Recreation staff will take comments received during the discussion and develop a new draft – to be sent out with the January meeting packet. Commission Open Forum Commission members had an opportunity to discuss items during the commission open forum. Crystal Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes – Page 3 December 3, 2025 Commission Reports Budziszewski gave the council report. He discussed the addition of a city forester in 2026 (shared with Brooklyn Center), approval of the 2026 budget and long-term capital plan, addition of victim advocate and code enforcement positions, and an opportunity to add trees in the boulevard. Fortin gave a park maintenance report. He provided information and answered questions on current maintenance activities; including distribution of diseased tree letters, upcoming projects, rink flooding for skating by winter break and other items. Elholm presented the recreation program report and answered questions. He discussed the summer brochure and efforts that were being made to create stronger branding amongst all communication channels. Elholm provided a director report. He shared information on upcoming staff training from our state association on financial stewardship in parks and recreation and a certificate program from our national association on program evaluation. He also discussed the first season of the updated aquatic center; and answered questions in regard to attendance and length of the 2026 pool season. Community Reports Elholm reported on pending leadership changes on the Crystal Frolics Committee, and changes on when various parts of the event will be held. The Becker Park activities will be held in June with the Welcome Park activities being held in July. This will allow for better management of each event. The next committee meeting will be on December 15. Haney provided the Friends of Crystal Parks Report. The Friend’s group will be meeting again on January 15 (third Thursday). McCaffrey made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Spores seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 pm Terri Schultz, Secretary John Elholm, Recreation Director Approved: Date Time Place Notes January 7 7 p.m.Community Center February 4 7 p.m.Community Center March 4 7 p.m.Community Center April 1 6:45pm Community Center Tree Board @ 6:45; PRC @ 7 May 6 6:30 p.m.Twin Oaks Park Arbor Day @ 5:30 June 3 6:30 p.m.Valley Place Park 2027 Improvements June 17 TBD Start at Community Center PRC Tour of Various Parks July 1 6:30 p.m.Iron Horse Park 2027 Improvements August 5 6:30 p.m.Cavanagh Park 2027 Improvements September 2 7 p.m.Community Center Move after Labor Day? October 7 7 p.m.Community Center November 4 7 p.m.Community Center December 2 7 p.m.Community Center All Meetings are on Wednesday Nights Park and Recreation Commission DRAFT 2026 Meeting Dates PLANNING / DEVELOPMENT Approved 1/8/2025 Item Process: Status Crystal Cove Aquatic Center Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff 2024/25 Construction · Provide Input on Project Summer 2025 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration Twin Oaks Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff 2025 Construction · Provide Input on Project Fall 2025 Grand Opening · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration North Lions Park Soccer Field Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff 2025 Construction · Provide Input on Project Other Capital Improvement Projects · Receive Project Updates from Staff 2025 Construction · Provide Input on Projects Planning for Woodland Park Project · Receive Planning Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input as Plans are Developed Planning for Forest School Play Area · Receive Planning Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input as Plans are Developed Park Tour · Visit sites for project and program ideas Locations TBD · Discuss ideas and provide input 2025 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN Complete Complete Planning Complete - Moved to 2026 Complete - Grand opening in 2026 Complete Complete Complete PROMOTION / COMMUNITY OUTREACH Approved 1/8/2025 Item Process: Status Community Events and Programs · PRC Representation at Major P&R Events · Assist with Crystal Frolics Activities · Promote P&R at Non-City Activities Recognition · Select Neighbors Recog. Neighbors Awards · Select Crystal Frolics Button Design Awards · Select Capture Crystal Photo Contest Recreation · Provide Input on Programs Being Offered · Provide Feedback on Programs Attended Summer Meetings · Encourage Citizen Participation at Meetings 4 Neighborhood Meetings May: Sunnyview Park (Arbor Day) June: Fair School Park July: Forest School Park August: Woodland Park Partnerships · Support other Community Groups & Events Friends of Crystal Parks Crystal Frolics Committee, Inc. · Encourage Collaborative Fundraising · Explore Collaborations for Edible Landscapes · Explore Sustainability Partnerships Marketing · Promote P&R through Social Networks · Take Photos in Parks and at Events · Monitor Web Site, etc. for Corrections · Encourage Links to P&R Web Site Complete Complete Ongoing Ongoing Complete Complete 2025 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN Complete PLANNING / DEVELOPMENT Approved TBD Item Process: Status Twin Oaks Park Project (2025) Spring 2026 Ribbon Cutting Forest School Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input on Project Fall 2026 Ribbon Cutting · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration Woodland Park Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input on Project North Lions Park Soccer Field Project · Receive Progress Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input on Project Valley Place Park Parking Lot Project · Receive Planning Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input as Plans are Developed Other Capital Improvement Projects · Receive Project Updates from Staff 2026 Construction · Provide Input on Projects Planning for Valley Place Park Project · Receive Planning Updates from Staff 2027 Construction · Provide Input as Plans are Developed Planning for Cavanagh Park Project · Receive Project Updates from Staff 2027 Construction · Provide Input on Projects Planning for Iron Horse Park Project · Receive Planning Updates from Staff 2027 Construction · Provide Input as Plans are Developed Park Tour · Visit sites for project and program ideas Locations TBD · Discuss ideas and provide input 2026 DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN · Participate in Grand Opening Celebration PROMOTION / COMMUNITY OUTREACH Approved TBD Item Process: Status Community Events and Programs · PRC Representation at Major P&R Events · Assist with Crystal Frolics Activities · Promote P&R at Non-City Activities Recognition · Select Neighbors Recog. Neighbors Awards · Select Crystal Frolics Button Design Awards · Select Capture Crystal Photo Contest Recreation · Provide Input on Programs Being Offered · Provide Feedback on Programs Attended Summer Meetings · Encourage Citizen Participation at Meetings 4 Neighborhood Meetings May: Twin Oaks Park (Arbor Day) June: Valley Place Park July: Iron Horse Park August: Cavanagh Park Partnerships · Support other Community Groups & Events Friends of Crystal Parks Crystal Frolics Committee, Inc. · Encourage Collaborative Fundraising · Explore Collaborations for Edible Landscapes · Explore Sustainability Partnerships Marketing · Promote P&R through Social Networks · Take Photos in Parks and at Events · Monitor Web Site, etc. for Corrections · Encourage Links to P&R Web Site 2026 DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN 1 DRAFT 3 CITY OF CRYSTAL PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION BYLAWS AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES Article I MISSION AND DUTIES 1.1 Mission. The Crystal City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2016-08 (“Ordinance”) on February 25,2017 to establish the Parks and Recreation Commission (“Commission”). The Commission may also be referred to as the “PRC.” The Ordinance is attached to and made part of these Bylaws and Operational Procedures (“Bylaws”). The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission is established to promote the systematic, comprehensive development of the park facilities and recreational activities necessary for the physical, mental, emotional and well-being of the residents and visitors of the City of Crystal. 1.2 Duties. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission shall advise and make recommendations to the City Council in all matters pertaining to Park and Recreation facilities and programs in the City. The Commission also acts as the Tree Board and shall advise and make recommendations to the City Council in all matters pertaining to Forestry programs in the City. The Commission is advisory to the City Council and its duties are set out in the Ordinance. The Commission must conduct its business in accordance with Section 305 of the Crystal City Code and other applicable laws. 1.3 Functions (may include but not limited to). A. Promote the understanding of park and recreation philosophy and events. B. Promote events and recreation activities through social media channels and word-of mouth. C. Recommend improvement, planning and construction of facilities. D. Adopt recommendations for long-range plans. E. Recommend activity plans and standards as submitted to the Commissions by the director. F. Recommend various park rules and regulations to the City Council. G. Establish sub committees from time to time to address specific topics and/or act as liaison to other Commissions within the City. H. Attend city council meetings and work sessions to advise and make recommendations on all matters pertaining to Park and Recreation programs in the city. 2 1.4 Commission Member Functions (Members are encouraged to do the following): A. Volunteer at park and recreation programs and events. Examples include neighborhood events, community events, summer festival, park facility dedications, etc. B. Follow city procedures to interpret community needs, conduct surveys, support referendums, encourage partnerships, prepare materials interpreting parks and recreation and evaluate park and recreation needs in the community. ARTICLE II MEMBERS AND TERMS 2.1 Appointment of Members. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission shall consist of ten members. One member shall be appointed from each of the respective wards in the City, and six members shall be appointed from the City at large. The City Council evaluates potential members using the application and interview process established by the City Council. E members of the Commission shall be residents of the City of Crystal and cannot be City employees. The appointed members serve at the pleasure of the City Council, are volunteers (not City employees), and are not entitled to any compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses if funds for that purpose are identified in the adopted city budget. Only members personally present at a meeting may vote, no proxies or alternate members are allowed. 2.2 Terms. Members of the Commission shall be appointed for such terms as will provide that the terms of three of the members expire in each of the first two years thereafter, and the terms of four of the members expire in the third year thereafter. ARTICLE III OFFICERS 3.1 Officers. The Commission shall elect a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary from among its members during the January meeting each year. Members may only serve two consecutive years as the Chair, Vice-Chair or Secretary. After two years in one of these roles, members may serve in a different officer role if chosen in the following year election. Should the office of Chair, Vice-Chair, or Secretary become vacant, the Commission shall elect a successor from its membership at the next regular meeting and such election shall be for the unexpired term of said office. Officers may also delegate duties of their position to other Commissioners as deemed appropriate by the Commission. 3 (a) Chair Responsibilities. The Chair is responsible for the following: (1) Working with staff liaisons to develop meeting agendas; (2) Conducting and presiding at all meetings; (3) Ensuring the Commission conducts its activities within the stated mission and bylaws of the Commission; (4) Monitoring and ensuring the progress of the Commission; and (5) Reporting to the City Council. (b) Vice-Chair Responsibilities. The Vice-Chair is responsible for the following: (1) Performing the duties of the Chair in the absence or incapacity of the Chair. (2) Serving as chair of the tree board. (2) Performing all other duties as prescribed by the Commission. (c) Secretary Responsibilities. The Secretary is responsible for the following: (3) Taking notes at Commission meetings. (4) Forwarding Commission meeting notes to the staff liaison, to aid staff in preparing the meeting minutes. (5) Performing all other duties as prescribed by the Commission. ARTICLE IV MEETINGS 4.1 Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law and City Code. This means all discussion of Commission business among a quorum of members must occur at a meeting which has been posted and is open to the public. The presence of a majority of all members currently appointed to the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business and exercising its powers and for all other purposes. In the event a quorum is not reached, a smaller number of members may meet to have informal discussion; however, formal action shall not be taken and must be reserved for such time as when a quorum of the Commission is reached. A quorum of members should not discuss Commission business by email, forms of social media, telephone, or informal meetings. Commission meetings may be cancelled by the staff liaison if there are no items on the agenda for discussion. 4 4.2 Regular Meeting. The regular meeting of the Commission shall be held on the first Wednesday of every month at the Crystal Community Center at 7:00 pm. During May, June, July and August; meetings will be held in a park, and such location will be properly noticed. The Commission may, by a majority vote, change its regular meeting dates or times for any reason provided proper public notice of the change is provided. 4.3 Special Meetings. A special meeting of the Commission may be called by the Chair, two members, or by the City Council for the purpose of transacting any business designated in the meeting notice. The notice for all special meetings shall be posted in compliance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law. The staff liaison shall notify Commissioners at least three days prior to the meeting of the date, time, place and purpose of the special meeting. 4.4 Agenda. The agenda for regular and special meetings of the Commission shall be prepared by the staff liaison. Items to be placed on the agenda may be proposed by the Chair, a Commission member, the staff liaison, or at the request of the City Council. Other interested parties may contact the staff liaison to request that an item be placed on the agenda for consideration. All agenda topics presented by the City Council will be placed on the agenda for consideration. Agenda topics requested by other parties will be placed on an appropriate future agenda at the discretion of the staff liaison. The agenda shall be approved at each meeting prior to discussion of any items on the agenda. At the time of agenda approval, items may be removed, and the order of business may be modified by a majority vote of members present at the meeting. No item shall be added to the agenda during a meeting unless deemed as urgent by the staff liaison. 4.5 Recordkeeping. All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing and shall be kept in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and City procedures. A city staff secretary is responsible for taking and preparing minutes during Commission meetings. 4.6 Reports. Commission reports, conclusions, and recommendations shall be made from time to time to the City Council, as requested by the Council or as the Commission deems appropriate in light of the matter being considered. 4.7 Work Plan. The Commission will draft an annual work plan that details proposed activities and projected timelines for the upcoming year. The Commission shall submit the work plan to the City Council for review and approval. The Commission shall annually report to the City Council on its progress completing the items identified in the approved work plan. 5 ARTICLE V PERFORMANCE 5.1 Performance of Duties. Commission Members are expected to adequately prepare for and attend meetings. Commission Members unable to complete an assigned task should notify the Commission chair as soon as possible. After consultation with Commission officers, the Commission staff liaison may ask the City Council to review a Commission Member’s appointment based upon their assessment of significant lack of performance. 5.2 Meeting Attendance. Members are expected to attend all meetings. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, they should contact the staff liaison and Chair. Staff liaison will track attendance at each meeting. The City Council may remove a Commission Member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings of the Commission without being excused by the Chair or staff liaison. ARTICLE VI ADVISORY 6.1 Advisory. The Commission is advisory to the City Council and to the City Manager, (and to appropriate department heads). The Commission has no other official status or independent authority other than to gather, discuss, and make recommendations to the City Council and to the City Manager, (and to appropriate department heads). ARTICLE VII AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS 7.1 Amendments and Revisions. Commission members may present recommendations for changes and amendments. These bylaws can be altered or amended by any regular monthly Commission meeting with a majority of members present, provided that notice of proposed changes and amendments is provided to each member at least 10 business days before the meeting. The Council must review and approve any changes to, and has final authority regarding, these bylaws. Adopted on the _____ day of _____________, 20xx. F416 i ,%. 44 AL Uk 46 , 'or .'7 4, 4 - .00 -V - 16- 7'. 7 IL- - - dp P�, 13T lm ml- ""zwA i- L Z7jm7 i m AL L n,z4A m � m-,2% k j LL %1pn�".:; �'-y WL m L ' rf.• . P- m i4 L , m+� IL r�Xpe —A r _1SL 4j*•4j iv, )r pj� .,m.: j Op"-wmm Nf -6 ir'. :jz,. J, ­J "AL Modified" ;jk_ J.. 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'ram' s+rr •.J.. 5' 61 Ilk I jr I '�� `#� F - ,' ` my �•' ��'n:a+ ', i •�?' i�`rt �{ � �� A+` it �. tom' •{s ,`'+ yf _ i4 `�� ��f �J Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Monthly Maintenance Report December, 2025 Vandalism: • Trash dumped at North Lion’s Park (along 62nd) Projects: • Ash tree removal, city wide tree inspections (special assessment removals) • Snow removal operations • Pool building shutdown • Ice rink maintenance and flooding • Street light maintenance • Generator maintenance • Building maintenance (HVAC at old PW shop) • EDA house and property clean-ups • Playground inspections and repairs • Trash removal Upcoming: • Ash tree removal • Prep Forest warming house for spring demolition (award removal contract) • 2026 park, building, fleet and forestry project preparations • Order 2026 CIP equipment and maintenance supplies • Public Works mechanics bay HVAC upgrades • Generator upgrade project at City Hall • Shelter removal at Woodland Park • Building maintenance (Pw office expansion for forestry and Blue line staff) • Rink flooding • Storm pond vegetation management • Snow removal operations • Playground inspections and repairs • Trash removal 4800 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55429-3553 Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-0949 • www.crystalmn.gov Forest School Park Improvements at Forest School Park are scheduled for June of 2026. The project is possible through a partnership with Robbinsdale Area Schools and funding from the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant program. North Lions Park The baseball field in North Lions Park will be replaced with a full-sized soccer (rectangle) field in 2026. The project includes improved soil, irrigation and nearby trail improvements. Woodland Park Improvements in 2026 at Woodland Park include replacement of the play area, picnic shelter, basketball court and connecting trails. Thanks to input provided by neighbors that helped select the park layout and play area design. Crystal Cove Aquatic Center - 2026 While many pool improvements were made last year, 2026 will see the addition of two new shade structures and new water walk floats / cargo net. These enhancements will be ready to go for pool opening on June 6! P R O J E C T S U M M A R Y J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 This is an overview of the upcoming park projects in the City of Crystal, which will take place at various parks and buildings across the city. P R O G R A M S U M M A R Y J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 Below is an overview of the programs offered by the Crystal Recreation Department, along with occasional recaps of key special events we host. Winterfest & Light Up Crystal Thanks to the incredible support of our commission, Winterfest was a fun and memorable celebration of winter. It brought our community together to celebrate with family-friendly activities, laughter and lights. It was wonderful to see neighbors and city staff connect. We Are Hiring Our team is preparing for summer by launching early recruitment for seasonal lifeguard and summer job opportunities. Postings are live, and applications are being received, ensuring adequate staffing ahead of the season. Prepping, Preparing, and Producing Our team is actively preparing for the 2026 program and event season by finalizing program offerings, securing contracts, and coordinating logistics. This work lays the foundation for meaningful connections and high-quality experiences. Efforts are underway to produce the summer brochure and develop a comprehensive promotion plan that aligns programs, events, and outreach. This will assist in positioning 2026 for successful engagement and participation. Prepping, Preparing, and Producing