Coralville Civil Service

ADA Review Presentation – Recreation Accessibility Consultants Prior to the meeting, a presentation was provided via an open forum held at the City Hall Council Chambers with the result of the ADA study conducted by Recreation Accessibility Consultants. This assessment was conducted as an overview of the City of Coralville, Parks and Recreation Department with consideration of the 1991 and 2010 ADA standards targeting accessibility and inclusiveness for city park and recreation facilities and services. This presentation was to provide information for city citizens and to seek feedback related to these facilities Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes September 17, 2012 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Laurie Goodrich, Council Member Jill Dodds, Recreation Supervisor Matt Hibbard, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Goodrich made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from August 20, 2012 with the omission of a repeated phrase within the minutes. Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Farmer’s Market Report After introductions related to Recreation Center Supervisor Matt Hibbard’s reassigned duties this year; he addressed the Commission regarding the Coralville Farmer’s Market. Hibbard shared the statistics related to the vendor numbers the last several years. He reported that there were two anchors that left the market arena that had a domino effect on other vendors leaving and overall sales. To help address, Matt put together a committee in 2011 to target goal setting and marketing for the Coralville Farmer Market. Ideas which were implemented include music, special events with grilled sweet corn feed (UICCU sponsorship) and BBQ vendor, reliving a 1991 zucchini festival (sponsored by the Children’s Museum. In addition, advertising was increased utilizing publications as edible Iowa River Valley magazine (www.iowaedible.com), Buy Fresh Buy Local publication (fieldtofamily.org), local newspapers, brochures, fliers, handouts, and websites which feature directories of markets and events. Additional marketing ploys have included a basket raffle with local vendors providing donations, t-shirt sales and corn butters give-aways. The utilization of social media has also increased to include Facebook and Twitter. Vendor promotions and loyalty rewards were featured for new and returning patrons. A vendor appreciation dinner was sponsored with vendors providing side dishes. Hibbard also shared that a survey is completed each year. Commission Member Goodrich probed regarding Coralville’s vision for the Farmer’s Market. Hibbard provided information that most vendors prefer the  open air feel of the market. Although one of the complaints is the smaller space due to parking at the aquatic center, the most vendors appreciate the current site. Most vendors have tents or coverage. Proud noted that the ST Morrison Master Plan includes a plaza space for the market incorporated with a new shelter in the area of Fireside Shelter. The group talked about trying to save as many of the mature trees as possible if the plan were implemented Dodds inquired whether the old town community would embrace the market; Hibbard noted that most vendors prefer a high traffic location with drivability and parking. Proud proposed the consideration of the IRL Master Plan and whether the plaza space and festival grounds proposed south of E. 7th Street would be an option to which the market could move when developed. In the future, considerations also include street banners and a seasonal permanent sign. The latter would necessitate a city policy change. Another consideration would be altering the sites between two locations. Council Member Dodds wondered about whether the community gardens interest would spark new vendors. ADA Review Given the presentation prior to the Commission Meeting, Parks and Recreation Proud projected next steps with staff review and committee work targeting the triage of phases and targets. The phases and related costs will be considered depending on the developments, facilities, and respective contractors. Ultimately the Department will need to provide a transition plan summary of phased targets. Projects could range from simple maintenance to major renovations. Proud noted that consideration related to options and amenities may be considered across the city rather than at each site. Having a plan is critical not only for documentation but also to plan for staff time involved in corrections and in budgeting. Phase One are important considerations. The new construction currently at tennis courts is included in the summary. Reviews of previous projects and finalization dates noting the standards and recommendations from 1991 and 2010 respectively will be conducted. There are questions related to whether the standards were accounted for during planning and creation of the projects. Commission Members discussed whether the contractors would possibly shared the responsibility to ensure that sites are brought to standards. Proud noted that most of sites were under construction before 2010 with the exception of the CCPA. Proud noted that she intends to share results with the consultants the City works with on a regular basis regardless of a cost share proposal so that the information can benefit future projects. Proud stated that phases will be considered within the next several years but should be limited to less than five years for implementation. In addition, all new construction will be scrutinized closely to ensure standards are followed. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared that she recently participated in the REAP Scoring Day. The City of Coralville was awarded a REAP grant of $125,000 to secure the remaining two lots in IRL along the river and to do some restorative grading and seeding between the berm and the river. Proud shared updates:   Clear Creek Trailhead ribbon cutting ceremony will be held next Tuesday. The event will also dedicate a new storm water buffer in honor of Mary Somerville and her efforts with watershed initiates streamlining water buffers and implementing farming practices.  The fencing and painting on the tennis courts is being done at this time. Next April, a special event will be held with sign up promotions for clinics and demonstrations.  At the Auburn Hills Wetlands, TAKO – Take a Kid Outdoors – event will be held sponsored by Earthview Environmental. Judy Krieg, along with the UI Astrology Group, will lead activities.  Brown Deer has received carpet quotes for the facility and will be reviewed.  Regarding Austin’s Eagle Scout Award, VJ Engineering has provided assistance in insure that the roof structure on the shelter project can withstand wind load. Council Report Council Member Dodds congratulated the IRL Master Plan Committee regarding the vision and final plan. Commission Members discussed the impact of the Iowa River Landing and the impact of the development which has and continues to occur. Dodds shared that the Council has discussed the options regarding the proposal shared by Iowa City Community School District regarding the construction of another high school. Continued pursuit of facts and considerations of location specific to the impact on property tax are still needed. At this time, the Council has not conducted any formal plan of action. Commission Members discussed philosophies, safety factors, and population growth. It was noted that the current school board may deviate from the past plan utilizing silo monies. Commission Comments Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Laurie Goodrich Goodrich shared that the final plan of the Iowa River Landing contained a lot of good things and detailed plans. Information will be shared via public hearings and through the documents secured (Proud will secure flash drives with all the relevant documents.) Proud will confirm whether the plan has been adopted to date following the presentation and acceptance of the plan by the Council. Commission Member Eve Casserly No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Casserly moved to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.; Commission Member Goodrich seconded the motion; unanimous approval. The October meeting has been moved to the fourth Monday of the month given Parks and Recreation Director Proud’s participation in an out of state conference. Commission Member Goodrich noted that she will be absent for the October date.