Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes March 21, 2011 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Commission Members Laurie Goodrich, Mike Moore, 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 February 2011; Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Project Update Steve Ford, Confluence, was in attendance to present information about the proposed trailhead at Camp Cardinal Phase 5. This project is being budgeted with monies from federally earmarked funds at eighty percent of the overall costs coupled with city funds at twenty percent of the overall costs. Ford shared the differences between the plans from last November and the respective recommendations until now. A brief overview of the history of the site was shared. Given that historians found enough artifacts which were located at this site, consideration for historians to investigate this area in the future for interpretive purposes was noted. This piece of trail will also end 150 feet short than originally intended so that further historical investigations can be done before moving farther west. The location of the trail along the wood line is significant given the drainage passage through the area and the wetland development for the Coral Galleria project. DOT approved the proposal of using a box culvert so that a bridge would not be required. At this time, DOT is currently reviewing environmental clearances which are required for the project protocol. As planning continues, changes which may save money may be considered for improvement and tweaking of amenities within the project site. Parks and Recreation Proud noted that planning is ensuring that wetland or woodland compensations with the Army Corp of Engineers are not required. Thus, mitigation will not be mandated. Federal regulations related to forestry indicate that for every acre of land impacted by projects, up to ten acres must be developed. In addition, future flood concerns are were taken into consideration during the planning including any vertical structures being approved through the Iowa DNR through a No Rise Permit process. Flooding related to the materials that will be used during this project and the related maintenance were briefly overviewed. Proud and Ford discussed how the planning for projects must consider the permanent impacts and the related protocols resulting from the impacted land. Parks and Recreation Commission members discussed the location and path and the related justifications as to how the project will specifically be located and how the land will be best utilized. Construction challenges and considerations and overall safety were briefly overviewed related to the quarry, traffic, crossways, and overall concept match with the city pursuits. Newer amenities in this location include a turnaround in the parking lot and a kayak loading and launch area. Commission Member Moore inquired about how the project construction will account for erosion on both sides of the loading and launching area. Ford reviewed the plans related to the complicated challenge given the angle of the stream impact on the north shore, slope and bank differences prior to and after construction, and safety factors regarding access. . Commission Member Moore inquired about whether the project includes handicap accessible options. Proud and Ford indicated that more deliberation regarding how the handicap access feasibility would impact the project. Proud indicated that not every amenity may be handicapped accessible but that the concept needed to be reviewed with the project analysis. Given that the kayak loading and launch area will require maneuvering a steep incline, this area may not be accessible. Kayak take out locations will include City Park – Iowa City, area north of Coralville Creekside Ballpark – Coralville, and just west of the mouth of Clear Creek as it enters the Iowa River. Commission Member Mount inquired about whether the City of Coralville will consider kayak rentals. Proud shared that the City was not interested in creating this rental business but instead businesses such as Touch the Earth may provide  this service. Businesses with rental programs such as, but not limited to, may include kayaks, snowshoes, cross country skis, mountain bikes. Information about rental locations may be included in the kiosk. The plans also highlighted the gable roof styled, 24 x 24 sized shelter. The plans have developed to a style that unifies the location and overall City concept with existing structures to the west. During flash floods, this area will be impacted. In fact, the project will definitely be inundated with water. The shelter itself will include a walkway overhang. Acrylic panels in front of a posting board will allow event announcements and interpretative materials to be posted at the site. The shelter will include glass block to let in natural light and vaulted ceilings and the eco block used at Coralville Creekside Ballpark will also be used at this location. The colors and pattern will correspond with harmony with the greenbelt. Lighting within the shelter and parking area were considered. The placement of the shoebox lighting fixtures will be considered for public safety. An additional location will be considered in the turnaround location for light depth in the project location. Limestone blocks that can double as seats will be strategically located to define the area. Discussion was held that the location of the limestone will be critical to inhibit skateboarders from using the structure as jumps and pathways. Commission Member Fevold inquired about the vegetation in this area. Proud noted that native grasses and plants will be utilized. Bike racks will also identified in the plans. Proud also noted that a computer monitor could be installed in the future behind the acrylic panels that would allow patrons to access information related to the creek turbulence and clarity. These monitors will be provided along the waterway. Craig Just, Department of Hydrologic and Engineering at UI, is collaborating with the service. In addition, a grant may be secured to provide additional information related to the stream study. Bids for this project are being proposed in July with construction being scheduled for mid September. The kayak loading and launching site will require 90-120 days for completion. At this time, all permits have been filed. Commission Member Mount made the motion for the Commission to recommend the plans and respective changes as documented from this Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to the Council for approval. Commission Member Moore seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared that a portion of the Camp Cardinal Trail has been closed as water and sewer installation to the neighboring subdivision are being completed. There are numerous trees in this area that may be lost or replanted. The spring Leisure Line will be available soon with a listing of recreational programs and activities planned. Proud has met and began spring boarding ideas related to the Master Plan 2009 at Central Park to include interchangeable story themes and designs for a possible grant opportunity with Great Places. Jeanette Pilack, Executive Director City of Literature USA, and Proud were able to brainstorm on the feasibility of the themes related to funding, kiosk features, imagination play, connection with the Coralville Public Library, and the unveiling of the Bookmarks project. As an example, Proud used the story of Three Billy Goats Gruff becoming an interactive story utilizing the creek and natural landscape which lends itself to the story and respective play theme. Pursuit of a grant application targeting 70% of the project is being researched for this project with Great Places. Brown Deer Golf Club officially opened March 15. The website and related publications and social network contacts are being pursued. The new website is to be launched April 4. Divots is scheduled to open March 28. Proud announced that former Parks and Recreation Commission Member Mike Knudson will be honored at the upcoming City Council meeting. A golf-themed plaque and clock will be present to Knudson. Proud indicated that she, along with the City, wants to ensure recognition of volunteers.  The Center for Performing Arts is targeting the end of May for the building framework to be completed. At the Open House held last month, approximately 210 people toured the new facility even given the rainy conditions. Proud reiterated that volunteers may register for RAGBRAI via the United Way website. Discussion was held regarding the ease and process that will be required for volunteers. There were some participants who did not register for Fry Fest given the process so the committee has targeted ease of access as a priority. Many seasonal and summer employment positions have been filled and soon, the application process will be completed. The Iowa Riverfront Master Development Committee is scheduled to meet at the end of March. An Open House is scheduled for April 14, 4 – 6 p.m., for community members to receive information about this plan and feature endeavors at this location. Council Report Council Member Hoeft reported that during a recent bike ride, he noticed that the sliding loading door on the concession building at the Coralville Sports Complex was 1/3 open. Parks and Recreation Director Proud documented the concern and shared that the doors are not alarmed at this site and will be considered given the product and equipment inventory on site. At the Coralville Clear Creek Adult Complex, cameras have been added given the product inventory located at this site. Commission Comments Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Laurie Goodrich Commission Member Goodrich commented that she noticed that the tennis courts east of the Recreation Center were gone. Proud confirmed that the City Council approved the budget to include reconstruction of the tennis courts and parking lot according to the Master Plan. Proud shared that she recommended that if the projects can not be completed in a timely fashion to ensure seeding and grass prior to summer special events, the projects should be delayed until late summer or fall. Commission Member Mike Moore No additional comments. Commission Member Marti Mount No additional comments. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Mount moved to adjourn at 8:13 p.m.; Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval.