Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes November 21, 2011 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Present were Commission Members Laurie Goodrich, Mike Moore, Marti Mount, and David Thayer, Brown Deer Golf Pro Sean McCarthy, 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 October 2011 with the corrected statements specific to comments related to the VonMaur retail relocation agreement with the City of Coralville; Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Eagle Scout Project Proposal Kenneth Goins addressed the Commission with his proposal in gaining community input and the Project of construction community gardens in Coralville. Goins, accompanied with his mother, Sheryl Goins, provided the online survey to gain feedback. The Commission reviewed the survey page by page providing comments and suggestions. Some of the comments and suggestions included: whether fencing would be provided, how the deer and rabbit population would be controlled, request for a schematic drawing of the location, related fundraising for amenities at the site, determination of pesticide usage, plot distribution, land equity, policies related to personal or marketing usage, consideration of community owned usage, open ended comments and questions, securing patron demographic information, etc. Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared how the targeted land would be prepared prior to the construction of the community garden plots and how maintenance might be completed at the end of the season. Discussion was held regarding appropriate plot sizes. Goins shared the marketing tools and locations which would be utilized to gain participation in the survey. Although it is recognized that the community garden plots will be provided as a community service, Proud challenged Goins to investigate revenue and actual costs for a yearly budget. Commission Members briefly discussed the application process. In addition, accessibility and safety in the area were discussed. Lighting was also considered. Proud proposed that Goins may need additional scout manpower during the initial marking of plots. Hawkeye Cooperative Weed Management Area Agreement Parks and Recreation Director Proud presented the Commission with the proposal to sign an agreement with the Hawkeye Cooperative Weed Management program. The Cooperative Weed Management, initiated with the County Conservation, includes identified counties all working together on the same issues. Counties include Benton, Linn, Jones, and Johnson. Presently the agreement will target a commitment for three to four years. There is not fiscal or fundraising required of the entities but provides a unified group targeting the same needs and related outcomes. Once a committee is designed, the group may be eligible for state or federal grants to address noxious weed management. Coralville would have representation on the steering committee which would then elect an executive board. Coralville’s appointed representative would be Parks Superintendent Coberly. Educational avenues would promote removal of weed species in our community in a timely fashion. Brochures would be jointly created and production may be shared costs within the group. Proud reiterated that this role is extremely important in being a body which supports education and knowledge. Proud compared the Weed Management to the Clear Creek Watershed Committee which supports clean and clear water in Clear Creek. Proud noted that this group was created because of the interest of a small group and the evolvement has had a positive impact on the communities that border Clear Creek.  Commission Member Mount inquired as to whether this agreement has already been endorsed or requires an endorsement from the Commission. Proud requested the endorsement from the Commission citing varied reasons as to why the agreement would benefit the identified needs locally and regionally along with the partnership with the varied organizations within the counties. Given the basic premise of collaboration, the manpower would enable workshops within the area. In addition, when weed species like the Canadian thistle spread over larger areas, the Board would be able to address the issue across county lines utilizing their expertise. Commission Member Thayer inquired about who and how invasive species would be defined. Proud noted that invasive species targeted would be those that have a negative effect on the community, economy, and overall human health. Commission Member Moore concurred that a protocol with standards in multiple communities would be beneficial. Commission Member Fevold noted that the coordination of efforts would also be beneficial. The Commission discussed the preliminary information citing that there are many uncertainties. The Commission recognized that the formation and recommendations would be secured once the board members were selected and were able to convene. Commission Member Thayer noted that the state highway department would also be an entity that should be included in this group. Proud also noted that this group would be a recommending group and adhering to their recommendations would not be mandated depending on the City’s own policies and codes. She also noted that the knowledge base may provide insight for the City Staff to review and modify related policies and codes. In addition, the agreement can be rescinded if the group’s direction or commitment does not coincide with the City. Endorsement would be completed by a letter stating the City of Coralville’s interest in an agreement with signatures by the Parks and Recreation Director and Parks and Recreation Commission President. Commission Member Moore made a motion for the City of Coralville to engage in the CWMA agreement as reviewed by Parks and Recreation Directory Proud. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Brown Deer Golf Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud and Brown Deer Golf Pro Sean McCarthy addressed the Commission regarding the Brown Deer budget beginning with comments regarding the operations, previous debts, related loans and contracts. Proud and McCarthy also shared that the Council has chosen to move the principal debt payment out of the budget at this time but interest payment remains in the budget. Given that the recreational sport of golf is low nationwide and viewed as a luxury, it is important to continue with an aggressive yet lean operating plan. Golf Pro McCarthy shared his perceptions related to programming and events during the last year and how these will be adapted for the upcoming year. Proud and McCarthy noted that grooming the youth for the sport of golf will reap dividends later. Data regarding when the course entertains peak usage and when the course has minimal usage was shared. McCarthy shared how marketing continues to be pursued. McCarthy informed the Commission that he does not favor discounted web marketing tools (i.e. Groupon) as it devalues the product. He also wants to maintain the personal service provided to date. Commission Members discussed other programming and event opportunities. Additional amenities and features that would be beneficial but are not feasible due to barricades were also presented. Amenities and features that have been beneficial have included the market of new golfers, private lessons, league play for men and women, Facebook and website social media, partnering with the Visitor’s Bureau, etc. Commission Member Goodrich inquired about the impact the proposed hotel would have on the golf course and restaurant. Commission Member Moore complimented McCarthy and his staff on the upheld maintenance during this last season. Iowa River Landing Project Parks and Recreation Director Proud and Commission Member Goodrich shared an updated project plan. Amenities which were included in the most recent plan included artistic lighting features, iconic repeated structures throughout the area, plaza space, bridge designs, multiple usage open air shelter, user friendly bike path and trail, play and recreational areas, Farmer’s Market location, river stone implementations, landscaping, etc. Currently, bids are being accepted for berms along the north side of Clear Creek and new ponds installed on Biscuit Creek. In February, bids will be accepted for the trail connecting First Avenue to the existing Clear Creek Trail at the Wells Fargo building. In the near future, the committee will meet with the City of Iowa City to discuss the master plan. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Proud referred to the meeting notes. She requested a Commission Member to participate in planning which will occur regarding the Coralville Creek Softball Complex commons space. Council Report Council Member Hoeft was not present for the meeting. Commission Comments Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Laurie Goodrich Commission Member Goodrich referenced the Parks and Recreation magazine which featured an article on the mobeas play structure in Pella. In addition, she expressed her satisfaction regarding the Coralville holiday lighting along the strip. Proud explained the transformation to move to LED lighting along the strip in the future. The new lights on First Avenue were purchased as LED. Staff have also worked on exploring lighting changes to the canopies, tree trunks, lighting colors, time saving efforts, etc. Commission Member Mike Moore No additional comments. Commission Member Marti Mount No additional comments. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Goodrich moved to adjourn at 9:13 p.m.; Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval.