Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes May 17, 2010 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m at the Coralville Recreation Center. Present were Commission Members Laurie Goodrich, Mike Knudson, Marti Mount and David Thayer, Council Member Bill Hoeft, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Mount made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from April 19, 2010 with the following corrections: • The property being donated by David and Judy Thayer is located west and north of their personal property • The property being donated is surrounded by Mesquite Drive, Muddy Creek Trail and Sage Court • To avoid the land being sold, Thayers have chosen the land donation as an option. Faith in the maintenance and care agreement is part of this option. • At the present time, urban burning is not a possibility • As part of the Commission Comments, the spelling correction of Laurie Goodrich’s name was noted. Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Revision to the Meeting Agenda Parks and Recreation Director Proud informed the Commission that the corrections and additional information being sought by other communities to complete the Commission By-laws will require additional time. Commission Members concurred that proceeding when a report has been prepared to couple with their changes and comments would be best. Tour of the Coralville Recreation Center Tennis Courts Parks and Recreation Director Proud escorted the Commission to the S.T. Morrison Park tennis courts to tour the courts and raise concerns regarding the present state of the tennis courts. She provided some information and consultative comments regarding the courts. In addition, some options were conveyed given the present court and park status, given the S.T. Morrison Master Plan, and given alternate considerations. Upon returning to the meeting room, Commission Members discussed  the current safety concerns with the present courts .  the school district usage (i.e. pe classes, tennis clubs); how the options would affect the school district usage of the tennis courts  what the present usage of courts is with given conditions; what previous usage of the courts were when conditions were better  what tennis facility options are available in neighboring communities and their related expenses in development  if there are recommendations for tennis courts for the Coralville community/population; what is adequate for the community/population  how tennis popularity has been affected in comparison to other recreational activities (i.e. swimming, golf, racquetball, etc.)  whether the courts could be used for other recreational activities (i.e. pickleball)  how the construction of two, three, four, or six tennis courts saves initially, provides initial steps to support the Master Plan, and provides later options  what are the budgetary projections and constraints  inquiry regarding surface options  determination of lighting options  whether additional park land across the city would be feasible for tennis courts and related recreation activities which are planned for these respective parks  how present fencing around the current tennis courts may be reconstructed or adapted regarding use, height, etc.  Commission Member Goodrich inquired about the recreation activity bocce ball. Proud noted that she had an Eagle Scout inquire about developing a bocce ball court as his scout project. Unfortunately, this has not yet happened. There is a graded pad at Coralville Creekside Balllpark that is ready for courts. Commission Member Mount made a motion to tear out the two west tennis courts in S.T. Morrison Park and provide the appropriate fencing for the remaining two tennis courts. In addition, a recommendation for the construction of three tennis courts on the west side of S.T. Morrison Park following the Master Plan be pursued. Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud referenced the Iowa Water and Land Legacy Fact Sheet which was provided to Commission Members. Additional information is available online. Proud inquired whether the Commission Members were interested in hosting a public informational meeting in September. Commission Members concurred that, along with commissions from Iowa City and North Liberty, to provide clarifications related to the information which may assist in the public understanding. Commission Members noted that this action would be proactive. Commission Member Mount recommended that the meeting be held at the North Ridge Pavilion. The presentation would be provided prior to the November voting. Proud reported on the Coralville Youth Sports Park. As the project moves towards being ready to do the punch list, she is optimistic at the progress for everything but the growth of grass. There are some puddling areas which need to be addressed with grading as well as valve box issues. Ultimately the goal right now is to grow grass with proper maintenance and fertilization to occur prior to play. With a dual role of Playground Chair at Coralville Central, Proud reported that the funding for Phase II of the Central Park playground has been completed. The playground will be constructed June 11 and June 12. Staff are currently reviewing end of the year capital improvement purchases. This process looks at purchases, revenues, and expenses. The replacement of the meeting room carpet and new countertops in the front desk area restrooms have been prioritized. The topic of flood mitigation and the community parks and trails was highlighted at the Coralville Senior Citizen Potluck. There were many questions related to the construction improvements and changes at the local Hy-Vee. Parks and Recreation Director Proud noted that she will be reviewing and laying out initial needs related to a Tiger Grant. This proposal will include the City of Coralville, City of Tiffin and Johnson County. The three way joint proposal will seek funding to complete the Clear Creek Trail moving west for eleven miles to Kent Park (two miles within Coralville). Proud shared that she supports a separated trail from the roadway in this area. The easements and purchased land, other than about a .5 mile route along the railroad, has been planned. The Trails Committee for Johnson County is the lead agency in trail development as the trail leaves Tiffin and travels to Kent Park. Proud notified the Commission that a lawsuit has been filed following an accident that occurred two years ago along the North Ridge Trail. Information about the twelve million dollar lawsuit, all questions for public record, and any comments should be directed to Assistant County Attorney Kevin Olson at City Hall. Council Report Council Member Hoeft shared that he has been biking on the local trails which has been an enjoyable process commuting in the community. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Mike Knudson  Commission Member Knudson inquired about the work which will be happening on First Avenue in Coralville near Brown Deer. Hoeft and Proud noted that the official start date is June 14. Sidewalks and tree removal will jumpstart the project. Currently, work has started on the abutments. The project is expected to be completed in twenty one days. First Avenue will be closed during the day when the bridge arrives. A trail bridge will also be provided over Muddy Creek Trail. Commission Member Marti Mount No additional comments. Commission Member Laurie Goodrich No additional comments. Commission Member David Thayer Thayer shared that the final action for the Council to approve the land acquisition is pending as the parties are still waiting for Asst. City Attorney Olson to ensure the correct easement documents prior to the acquisition of signatures. Adjournment Commission Member Thayer moved to adjourn at 8:28 p.m. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval.