Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 28, 2011 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present were Commission Members Laurie Goodrich, 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 January 24, 2011; Commission Member Goodrich seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Eagle Scout Project Michael Hayworth, Troop 207 Eagle Scout, addressed the Commission regarding his upcoming Eagle Project. Hayworth’s project is to build a bird blind at Camp Cardinal. The design was based off the bird blind located at Lake McBride. Hayworth has consulted with Parks Superintendent Coberly and will review his plans with local environmentalist and bird expert, Jim Fuller. Jim Fuller will assist with the determination of the location targeting bird counts, feeding, and final destination. The shed will include a bench for patrons, aerial viewing and birdhouses. The original design has been altered given conversations to deter mischievous activities due to the projected location of the bird blind. Two locations have also been discussed – the first in Rotary Camp Park and the 2nd northeast of the Camp Cardinal Trailhead site. Regarding the structure, Hayworth discussed possible options of removing the back wall which would alleviate the need for a door or adjusting a side wall. Commission Member Thayer asked about how the purpose of the bird blind would be given the proposed alteration of the structure. Concern was expressed that the recommended structure would not allow privacy for the people viewing and may allow too much noise. The latter concern may be more evident with youth and children’s’ groups visiting the area. Hayworth is estimating that the blind will be ten feet in height and will have occupancy of six to eight individuals. In the concept plans shared with the Commission, Hayworth targeted a list of trees and shrubs that should also be planted in that area which would correlate with the landscape. The recommended tree and shrubs will be natural attractions to this area. Hayworth shared that he would also like to include prairie grass and native shrubs. Another added benefit to the area will be the wetlands which will attract the ducks and song birds. The designated landscape will also provide a food source for the birds year round. Regarding the construction of the bird blind, Hayworth has considered the use of plywood covered in tree bark halves, tin siding, and cedar. Hayworth will consider these resources related to the cost effectiveness, longevity, and visual appeal. At this time, his estimated price range is within $1000. This may change depending on the materials used. Commission Member Thayer inquired about how the structure will be weather protected. The elimination of one wall would increase the likelihood that weather will have a greater affect. Cedar would be able to sustain the weather better. Hayworth shared that he might use a combination of both cedar and tin. The roof will be angled at a twenty-five degree pitch. Leading to the bird blind, a mulch path will be constructed heading east from the trailhead. Although this has not been measured, it is approximated that the distance would be about 100 yards. Commission Member Thayer expressed concern that 100 yards would be too close to the trailhead. Discussion was held regarding the location of the blind bird at Lake MacBride in comparison to the Coralville site. Commission Members inquired about additional amenities and site attractions and if there has been any further discussion with the University and/or ICORR regarding a mountain biking site in the greenbelt. Proud reported that ICORR has been given the information about the University’s desire to keep any mountain biking activity off the land south of the creek as well as the City’s desire to also keep mountain biking north of the creek. However, this leaves the land available as fairly flat and not as interesting for mountain biking. ICORR is looking at the area available and proposing trails. Judy Krieg, Earthview Environmental will assist City staff to evaluate the trails in relationship to any wetlands in the area. Then the proposal would come to the Parks and Recreation Commission and to the University. Commission Member Mount inquired whether the area and the bird blind would be wheelchair accessible. Hayworth noted that by eliminating the side wall, a wheelchair may be able to enter the structure. At this time, Environmentalist Fuller has not been able to visit the site. Given that he winters in Arizona, Hayworth will correspond with Fuller by email and then will plan to visit the site upon his return. Originally, Fuller had shared that the bird blind be constructed with red wood. He also encouraged Hayworth to include a couple of good bushes to entice a large variety of birds. Hayworth shared that regardless of whether the bird blind is constructed in the northern area or southern area of Rotary Park, he will clear the debris left, clean out the culvert, and clear off old trails throughout Camp Cardinal. Commission Members discussed who would use the area and how the area would be secured. Not only would this area be open to the public, targeted users would include members of the Iowa City Bird Club and local bird watchers. If larger groups attend, it will be important for the groups to break into smaller groups to utilize the areas. Commission Member Thayer recommended signage for the area. Parks and Recreation Director Proud noted that a kiosk would also be considered for the area. At this time, here is no sidewalk along Camp Cardinal Road. Sidewalks may be considered later at a time that a shelter is constructed in Rotary Camp Park. Ultimately, the goal may be to restore Rotary Camp Park for group camping use. Previously, this land was utilized by scout groups. Commission Member Thayer made the recommendation that Eagle Scout Hayworth proceed with the construction of the bird blind with consultation of Environmentalist Fuller. Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Hayworth shared that the project must include 80-100 hours of manpower. The project must benefit society and follow the Scout oath, virtues, and policies. Parks and Recreation Director Proud made the recommendation that the open house be held similar to the event last summer at Auburn Hills Wetlands with the Park It and Read event. Announcements will also be included in Coralville publications and announcements. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared that Assistant Golf Pro Derek Brown has resigned from his position and accepted a position at Riverside Golf and Casino. Although he will be missed, said Proud, this can also be an advantage for Coralville to have a colleague within a neighboring facility to exchange information.. PGA Player Brian Wernimount, previously employed at the Elks Country Club Golf Course and UI Finkbine Golf Course, interviewed and has been recommended for a contracted position at Brown Deer Golf Club. The Assistant Pro’s responsibility includes the management of the pro shop. Proud noted that Wernimount’s enthusiasm and his tech savvy skills will be positive assets to the position. Wernimount will also assist Golf Pro McCarty in incorporating PGA’s Get Golf Ready program, developing more family golf opportunities, and will be responsible for the Brown Deer Junior Golf program. At Brown Deer Golf Club, the website will be upgraded similarly to the city website. This will allow staff to change information, update the calendar of event, and receive web support. The new look will be similar to the City site but will all be related to Brown Deer. In the future, features may also include audio and a video library of golf tips on techniques or playing certain course holes. Commission Members discussed GPS and apps which can be accessed when on the course. Jen Coleman, City Hall Marketing Manager, will assist with the website transitions and capturing some of the new features. The Civic Plus site will be launched in early April. Instant notifications will be an added feature with the data base and updates posted to website will also be posted to Brown Deer’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. In early March, an open house will be held in the meeting room at the Coralville Public Library. Tours of the Center for Performing Arts will be provided. Performing Arts Managing Director Megan Flanagan will also be on site for this event. Two additional positions, the Technical Coordinator Position and the Managing Box Office Position, will also be advertised and secured soon. In late March, the groundbreaking for the Transit and Parks building will be held. Details continue to be finalized. The building itself will be purchased as a kit and will be arriving in late May. Commission Member Goodrich shared that she is currently on a framework planning committee with the Iowa River Landing. Two meetings have been held. Recreational opportunities will be explored for the area from the Old Towne to Crandic Park. In addition, the water trial from the Coralville Reservoir to the Iowa Memorial Union will also be included. For the corridor area, recommendations for signage along the water trail along the Coralville Reservoir identifying the last stop before portage was documented. A survey will be forwarded to Coralville residents seeking additional recreational ideas for this area. An open house will be provided in the near future. The goal is that the plan will be completed and sustainable for thirty years. The area includes the Iowa River Landing to Iowa River Power along 1st Avenue. In addition, Crandic Park and Biscuit Creek to Clear Creek are also included. Initially, four meeting will be held for the Framework Planning Committee. The Master Plan will continue the work from the Framework Planning Committee work and will include eight additional meetings over the next eight to twelve months. As part of the upcoming Council agenda, the FY12 capital improvements will include the construction of four new tennis courts and the removal of the Recreation Center parking lot and re-installation of the lot following the Recreation Center Master Plan. A grant application for funds from the USTA will also be made for the tennis courts. Given input from Council Member Gross, building four courts instead of three made more sense from a mobilization cost and to get the most use for the courts. Proud noted that with the parking lot project, the estimate also included restructuring the front entrance to the Recreation Center and removing the ramp. The entrance to the Recreation Center will not changed until additional building improvements are started. Parks and Recreation Director Proud, City of Iowa City Recreation Director Mike Moran, and Iowa City Parks Board Member Ryan OLeary, have assembled to create a foundation in Johnson County targeting the development of playgrounds. It could be under the Johnson County Community Foundation, and the goal will be to fundraise at least two playgrounds a year. Proud shared advantages of how this plan will eliminate difficulties small entities will have in raising the monies and completing the project. Commission Member Goodrich inquired whether the playgrounds would include facilities for children with special needs. Given that the Iowa River Landing will house a University of Iowa Hospital and Clinic facility, this will be an important consideration for that area. The City of Coralville will be a host stop for RAGBRAI this summer. The theme will include a tailgating pep rally. Bikers and attendees are encouraged to wear college themed jerseys. There will be multiple volunteering opportunities available. Although Proud is not an Executive Chair, she will co-chair the volunteer committee with Patti Fields. Fields is with the United Way office and will be able to maximize the recruitment and organization of the volunteers using technology advances. A data base will be created to target the description of positions and corresponding time slots. The data base will also be able to disseminate information via email. In March, a discussion will be held through the Department of Justice related to ADA accessibility with trails. Currently, motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails with the exception of city owned work vehicles which are used to maintain and access the trails. ADA Accessibility will change this ruling that all motorized vehicles may access the trails. A ruling and related definition regarding what kind of motorized vehicles that will be permitted will be provided. Proud noted that this may be expanded past motorized wheelchairs or strollers and may include other mobility devices, mopeds, and additional vehicular units. The ruling may not allow cities to deny public individuals to access their trails if the city entity is utilizing motorized vehicles for maintenance. Determination of an ADA permit or license may be considered. It is undetermined as to what this may look like and what this may allow. Another question would be who would provide the authorization, if permits or licenses would be required, as well as how these permits or licenses will be provided. Concern is noted that additional motorists may harm both natural and cultural resources, the environment and the overall safety of other trail users. This will be a factor that the cities will need to prove. Proud viewed a webinar last week that addressed the issue. Proud, Parks Superintendent Coberly, and City Attorney Olson will meet to review the ruling and ramifications. Council Report Council Member Hoeft had no specific information to share. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission President Laurie Goodrich No additional comments. Commission Member Marti Mount No additional comments. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Thayer moved to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.; Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval.