Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Laurie Goodrich, and David Thayer, Council Member Jill Dodds, 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 November 19, 2012 with clarification related to the spectator numbers at the softball complex and word usage/grammar corrections; Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Director’s Report As an agenda item and the Director’s Report, Parks and Recreation Director Proud provided a slide show regarding past, present, and upcoming projects and events within the Parks and Recreation Department. Some of the highlights from the slide show included:  Clear Creek Watershed – Recognition and a tribute to Mary Somerville for her contributions to the Clear Creek watershed was the initial slide. Commission Member Goodrich noted that Somerville is to be credited for her work to ensure that every waterway in Johnson County has a name and appropriate signage.  Community Gardens – Proud reviewed some of the work already completed and work that is being proposed at this site. Grubbing and grading were completed, topsoil and a sand mix and compost were utilized. The greatest challenge of this project relates to ensuring accessibility to the parking lot and respective projected gardens plots. Assistant City Engineer, Scott Larson is assisting in developing bid proposals for a concrete or rock based grass overlay parking area with concrete handicapped stalls. Proud revisited the question as to whether this service will be governed by the department or overseen by an appointed or volunteered governing committee. Consideration for a trade off of garden plots for service overseeing the project was proposed. Issues which need to be overseen include fencing, chemical usage, water usage and storage, etc. Council Member Dodds suggested the consideration for a rain barrel. Commission Member Goodrich asked about security and padlocks for proposed water spigot usage. Commission Member Casserly questioned whether the garden plots would be self supporting; Proud acknowledged that costs may not be covered by the price charged but the price charged may also be dictated by local pricing. Proposed spring and fall maintenance for the department should be minimal. Proud noted that registration for garden plots is anticipated in February with plots being available to patrons in April.  Clear Creek Trail Phase 5 Part 2 - Proud shared highlights of the trail and noted that the trail should be completed in the spring. A Federal Recreation Trail grant assisted with this project. The next phase of this trail will continue west of this site. Challenges in this trail phase include achieving necessary compaction and the proof rolls conducted this fall failed testing requirements.  Clear Creek Trail Phase 6 – Project plans include a bridge and prairie grass fields. In addition, trees have already been moved to the site and from other areas of the city that were under development. This project has a partial grant award and staff continues to see additional grant funds. .  MPO – Metropolitan Planning Organization – previously JCCOG –Proud reviewed how funding and allocations are utilized within the community. Allocation can be distributed for trails and enhancement, bridges and roads, and transportation. Planning with MPO includes the Clear Creek Trail Phase 6 to include a connection under I 380. Commission Member Fevold inquired as to whether the reconfiguration of the interchange will conflict with the project; Parks and Recreation Director Proud indicated that MPO and IDOT are aware of the connection and periodic updates are provided.  Off Road Bicycle Riding – Proud reviewed the track riding trails in the community. Proud noted that some of the current trails have been there for generations. In September, Board of Regents dedicated land into a permanent conservation easement with the City of Coralville. The dedicated land can be utilized for recreational purposes. Proud noted that the trails may have some interesting features without impeding the onsite wetland mitigation. As planning has proceeded, areas have been set aside for possible small parking lot and a small shelter area. Proud indicated that securing a balance of safety with this recreational extreme sport will be pursued. Proud indicated how design is adjusted respectively to ensure the safety and maintenance of the new trails and the land area is taken account  in this design. ICORR (Iowa City Off Road Riders) will provide expertise and contributions for the project.  Coralville Creekside Ballpark Playground – Planning for the playground and the related structure will be extensions of the current barn structures. The structure will also be an opportunity for shade. The proposed playground may include natural farm theme amenities of tree trunks, swinging tires and climbing feature..  Coralville Youth Sports Park – Proud identified the concrete connection from the restroom and concession stands as the most important connection as referenced in the ADA Recommendations identified in the fall. At the beginning of 2013, the entrance signs will be completed and later installed. A future playground will be installed near the former Kattchee building.  REAP Enhancement Project – Trees will be been planted behind the Marriott in the riverfront area as a part of the grant.  American Discovery Trail – In coordination with the land and pond between Iowa Realtors and Central Park, this area has been constructed as a wetland mitigation site and has storm water retention ponds. The ponds are complete and the trail will be built this spring.  ADA Study – Proud reviewed initial proposals and related budgets for project completions during the upcoming year. In addition, she noted that an implementation plan will be developed that will look at a three year time period. Proud also noted the FY14 projects that will be implemented within operational budgets.  Ordinance and Policy – Mark Wyatt, Iowa Bicycle Coalition, is coordinating with the City of Coralville to assist with a cyclist ordinance and related policies.  Ordinance and Policy - Department heads are coordinating efforts to address property ordinances and policies. Proud identified specific nuisances conflicting with private and public property. Plot pins and property posts have been discarded and ignored. Preventive and reactive measures will be required to ensure that property lines match expectations. Developing a plan of action for those sites which conflict against the ordinance is necessary. Council Member Dodds noted that this issue may affect the community comprehensive plan if action is not taken. Commission Members discussed roles, responsibilities, and actions related to the City, homeowners, developers and realtors.  Eagle Scout Projects – Proud reviewed the variety of projects being completed at Rotary Park and the Altmeier Farm. Scouts continue to coordinate with Parks and Recreation Director Proud, Parks Superintendent Coberly, and Assistant City Engineer Larson. The location of an amphitheater and fire pit has been identified, construction of the picnic tables has been completed, and the kayak launch and the trailhead have been marked as a place for a flagpole. For now, parking will remain on the roadway near Rotary Park and within the trailhead north of the camp. A final project report will be compiled by Scout Jacob Barber and presented to the Commission about the related projects, reflections, site locations within the park, and overall funding of projects and invested manpower time. Council Report Council Member Dodds shared the hiring of new Finance Director Tony Roetlin who will begin with the City of Coralville in December. Current Finance Director Kaeding will complete the budget sessions with the Council. Dodds entertained teasers and information to include during her guest interview for City of Coralville on the weekly feature on KXIC. Information related to the community gardens, upcoming recreation and performance events during the next month and over the holidays, and information related to the pedestrian bridge closure over the Iowa River being in the best interest of the project and public due to safety factors during the repair of the sea walls. Commission Comments Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Laurie Goodrich No additional comments. Commission Member Eve Casserly Commission Member Casserly raised suggestions related to marketing for the Coralville Center for Performing Arts. Suggestions include social networks and phone books listings. Proud will investigate phone book options which does not incur high  costs. CCPA has a website, e-newsletter, Facebook page, and Twitter feed. Commission Members and Proud discussed the role of the Performing Arts and how this will be considered as the site provides the arena and does not own nor manage the renting organizations shows. Differences between varied corridor sites were discussed. Determining skills of the renting organizations may render support from the staff to ensure a more productive event in the venue. Currently, Coralville Center for Performance Arts Director Flannigan provides press release information. Proud recognized the benefit for both parties and currently are considering interns to support such activities such as some joint marketing ideas. Commission Member David Thayer Commission Member Thayer reported that there have been no sightings of deer or wild life in the conservatory. The prairie was cut during the fall instead of the spring this last year which may have impacted the animals in the area. No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Thayer moved to adjourn at 8:16 p.m.; Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Proud announced that Commission Members Thayer and Goodrich are being recommended for another term on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Please note that the next three months, the Parks and Recreation Commission will be held on the fourth Monday to accommodate holidays and spring break schedules.