Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes May 18, 2009 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. Present were Commission Members Mike Knudson, and Marcia Stoos, Council Member Mitch Gross and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Knudson made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from April 20, 2009 with a spelling correction and word usage correction – identifying Auburn East Development; Commission Member Stoos seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Storm Water Way Clean Out projects - An overall plan to address storm water has put under the Parks and Recreation with participation with Engineering, Streets, and Storm Water. Various sites were discussed related to target areas and general proposed timelines were shared. Most important is the identification of the areas. The focus of the work projects will be to clean out and widen bank or easements where storm water streams move through the areas. The areas may include the removal of trees and brush which may be mulched in the area and left accessible for public use. It is important that the clean out be provided in a methodical manner and the related plantings in the area be provided with education on maintenance for the local home owners. A recent event was held targeting the storm water area between 25th Avenue and the Mall Drive. The completed and remaining project areas was shared noting the about of manpower and time is required for designated areas. Specifics of this project were shared. Commission Member Knudson inquired about the possibility of selling the mulch created. The use of herbicides in certain areas was discussed briefly noting when, why and how herbicides might be used here and in future areas. Varied means to spread the word with public announcements about future events were discussed. Letters will be sent to home owners which the projects might affect – both informing and recruiting neighbors of the project. At the next Council Meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Proud will note the plan of action to address the storm water areas. Budgetary effects of related projects were noted. Proud shared that the Conservation Corp (a division of the American Corp) provides contracted services for targeted and intensified locations. Certain requirements are provided by the contracting agency for the manpower with a concentrated work force. There are also local identities which may be explored with Community Corrections regarding these projects but supervision then becomes a factor. Proud shared the concerns as noted on the forebay at the previous Hawkeye Train stop. Proud noted that the water was intended to drain to the forebay south of Comfort Inn and Suites on James Street. The forebay and swale have filled in places with sediment and causes standing water with a concern that these may be breeding mosquitoes. Proposed actions were shared with the Commission as to the cause, result, and correction. A skid loader will assist with dreddging at the beginning of the swale to the throat of the area. The Clearcreek Greenbelt area was also highlighted with a needs inventory and action plan which includes Northwest Junior High students. During this year, native grass and wildflower seeds will be used. Commission Member Fevold inquired about the seed purchase. Although Ion Exchange has been used in the past, Proud will investigate local venues (i.e. Oakdale Prison) also. Great efforts are noted to gather and dispose of the trash and address the culprits that are responsible for the amount of litter and garbage in varied areas. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud reviewed project sites and the upcoming seasonal impact for recreation with the related sites. The materials and color scheme for the concession building at the Coralville Youth Complex were shared. Next steps at the complex include completion of the grading, seeding, and fencing. Target date of May 10 was shared. The adult softball program has expanded from 93 last year to include 110 teams this year. Recent break ins at the Creekside Complex concessions stand has created vandalism costs and product theft. The Aquatic Center opening occurs the Saturday after Memorial Day. A 1.6 million dollar Community and Tourism Grant was received for the Center for Performing Arts. These grant monies will be coupled with additional fundraising efforts. The partnerships with Sylvan Learning Connection and Iowa City Community School Districts regarding summer school experiences and opportunities were updated. Proud shared how this endeavor has been embraced by the Recreation Department with additional funds also being provided by the Friends of the Coralville Public Library. Proud proposed that the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting be replaced with an Open House at Central Park. This meeting would include invites to contest participants and park neighbors. A special date of June 9 was tentatively scheduled for this event so that the event would be coupled with the Council Meeting. Council Report Council Member Gross briefly discussed the outcome of the tax levy. He noted that Iowa City would need to initiate the tax recommendation for vote again if so desired. Gross noted that alternate plans for taxable property taxes will be reviewed as the Council is committed to the mitigation projects. Flood levels in 1993 and 2008 were discussed as to the impact on the City and the area. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold Fevold shared that he is a fan of the Coralville Recreation Center Facebook page. Discussion was held regarding this new feature being provided by the City and other means to promote public interactions. Commission Member Mike Knudson Knudson noted that along Dovetail Lake, there is water flowing. Although there had been no rainfall for over twelve hours, the stepping rocks were beginning to slime and the cross section of the area adjacent to the lake was wet. Parks and Recreation Proud shared how a swale to the trail and the respective drain tile/outlet would allow for better drainage. In addition, Auburn Hills Trail has very few of the trees growing in the wetland area. It was noted that some people consider the frogs as a nuisance. Proud shared that on the Council agenda next week, the wetland area and the little fisher creek From Forest Gate and Auburn Hills will be discussed. She noted the outcome for the design will be for the creek to flow more easily into the wetland. Kelly Swenson has been working with Proud on the forebay concrete area. The outcome of this area will be for the water to go through the piping with siltings created by the excavation. Rip rap draining with berm and beehive hard pipes will change the water flow over the trail. Replanting of the trees in this area will occur by the end of June. Bids and contracts for the plantings will occur in the Fall. Budgets for the wetland area will cover these costs respectively. Commission President Marcia Stoos No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Knudson moved to adjourn at 8:44 p.m.; Commission Member Stoos seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Next Meeting – June 9, 2009, 5:30 p.m. - Open House at Central Park