Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes April 20, 2009 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Present were Commission Members Mike Knudson, Marti Mount, Marcia Stoos, and David Thayer, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Thayer made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from March 23, 2009 given the correction that the intent of his question relating to the role of the Hope House was of inquiry and he is supportive of using this help; Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Central Park Concept Plan Parks and Recreation Director Proud presented the Concept Plan for Central Park. She began by reviewing the five submissions that were received as part of their community input request. Varied amenities were included in each of the five submissions. Amy Ashbacker, VJ Engineer, and Brenda Nelson, Landscape Designer, prepared a Concept Plan for the five to six acres of parkland given the submissions and meeting minutes presented by Proud. At the present time, a survey of current land, storm sewer, and utilities will be important as the plan moves forward. Some of the discussion topics included • Grading a rock walk path through the creekbed. • Connecting the Coralville Central arboretum with the park land • Reviewing the intensity of varied areas within the plan for usage and access • Considering whether the utilization of a natural looking boulder climbing structure could be maximized • Ensuring the present location and respective requirements of the RCP outlet and storm water drainage the trail connection, backyards, and eroded areas. {gym roofing}; maintenance of creek water sanitation • Coordination of the plaza landscaping on the east side of the park • Proposed inclusion of ornamental grass playground and limestone areas, serpentine four feet trail, play features such as pipes and moguls, tricycle parking and play schemes to support children usage and exploration, story walk posts displays, mulch play surface areas, umbrella covered areas, additional seating near play areas/features • Coordination of the park, school, and library schemes to stimulate children’s imaginations and literacy development (i.e. Three Billy Goats Gruff with the bridge, field, etc.) • Review of cross areas that will impede or inhibit use (sledding and skateboarding areas) • Inquiry with the city attorney regarding liability with certain developments: skateboarding, sledding • Utilization of materials and proposed landscaping that will be able to be maintained with longevity • Review and maintenance of current amenities included picnic areas, shelter access • Review of the final Concept Plan with parks and maintenance related to ongoing and immediate needs • Determination of how this park will be funded; no budget to date Auburn East Trail - Parks and Recreation Director Proud informed the Commission of the proposed nature trail that will be included in the Auburn East Development area. Chick Meade, a previous Coralville developer, provided land with a specific deed to the city with the stipulation that a non-motorized nature trail would be provided along the ridge on the south side to the trail around to the sidewalk of Auburn East. Proud plans to meet and coordinate the specifics of the trail with Meade’s son, Justin, who still resides in the area. The trail will be named the Eugene and Patricia Meade Nature Trail. The Commission inquired as to the costs and the patronage that would access the trail. Proud supplemented the plan which would include a woodsy nature trail noting that Chick would like to see a parking lot and restrooms added to the area in the future. Commission Member Knudson inquired whether the individuals in the area needed to be contacted for input. Additional questions included: mandated action timeline, how was that land deeded, stipulations of land deeded similar to this land with requirements posed, whether erosion issues are evident, additional nature amenities to be targeted, what users are targeted with this nature trail, and nature and property line implications.  Parks and Recreation Director Proud restated that the Council has determined that at this time that Auburn Hills East and First Avenue will not include crossing of sidewalks. The Auburn Hills East sidewalk ends one lot back from the intersection. Commission Member Knudson inquired about the First Avenue Road which might include wider sidewalks with gutters. The sidewalks will be put in and the subdivision will be completed. Commission Member Stoos inquired about the sidewalk on Lynncrest near Mercy; Proud indicted that indeed it was land that belonged to the city. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director reported on the current status of the Clear Creek Trail extension. The City of Coralville Engineering Department is heading this project with the final pour and minor boardwalk repairs to be completed soon. For the next extension of the trail, the next step is to complete the Concept Statement and hire a consultant. A new opportunity was provided for the Recreation Center when the school district cut their summer enrichment program due to budgetary reasons. The Recreation Department has created a new enrichment program. In cooperation with Northwest Junior High and Kirkwood Elementary, the advantages for the city and the school district compliment one another. Camp is being targeted to be held either at Kirkwood Elementary or Sylvan Learning Center. Camp will include remedial learning and recreation activities with the summer lunch program available in the park. Efforts are being directed to storm water way cleanups with departments across the city ensuring that drainage ways are clear. Training will include mall employees and individuals from the community corrections. Parks identified that the erosion and garbage in the Mesquite River area is more complex. Spring cleaning crews, including partnerships with schools, are currently being scheduled for May. Council Report Mitch Gross was not in attendance due to his coaching commitment with West High. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Mike Knudson No additional comments. Commission Member Marti Mount Commission Member Mount asked about whether there is specific information related to trail and development completion. This inquiry was specific to, but not limited, to completion of the trails at Dovetail where the trail loops around the pond but would require a bridge for completion. In addition, there is no access to the street via Grant Drive north of the development. Parks and Recreation Director Proud will secure trails map and target missing links within the trail development. The Commission and Proud brainstormed regarding additional sites that need immediate attention and those that would require additional funding. Commission President Marcia Stoos No additional comments. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Mount moved to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.; Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. The May Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting will be at Coralville Recreation Center. Commission Members Mount and Thayer and Council Member Gross may not be attendance in May.