Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 25, 2013 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Marti Mount and David Thayer, Council Member Jill Dodds, Parks Superintendent Scott Coberly, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Thayer made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from January 28, 2013 after Council Member Dodds clarified wording related to the discussion about the decrease in subsidy from the county transferring to the city for paratransit services. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Tree Permit Parks Superintendent Coberly addressed the Commission about the current tree permit which originated in 1996 to the revised tree permit presented at the meeting. The existing permit was reviewed and it was compared to other communities in the state. Coberly explained that for the permit purposes, the “right of way” is that area between sidewalk and curb. He also explained how a vision triangle is established by measuring twenty five feet back from the corner on both sides and then connecting the triangle. Commission Member Thayer proposed that the City of Coralville should be proactive and inform nurseries in the area of the changes in the ordinance to better provide a service to Coralville patrons. Parks and Recreations Director Proud indicated that the changes would be included in a mailing to respective businesses as well as include information in city publications. Given the upcoming Arbor Day holiday, this information is timely to couple with the release of information and the intent. Parks Superintendent Coberly noted that the check list to acquire a permit used to require a drawing of the driveway, sidewalks, and tree placement. It was found reviewers were relying on these maps, rather than doing their own surveillance review of the site and will no longer be required. The form also requires utility dig locate numbers which will all ensure compliance, and a stake indicated the specific site. The checklist is completed prior to an on site review and a permit issued. Commission Members discussed how previous trees and areas of the community would be affected by this change. For example, south of the interstate, the area between roadway and sidewalk is narrower than north of the roadway and it might not be appropriate to plant in this area. Coberly also clarified that under the guidance of the city attorney, the City of Coralville would be responsible for the removal of trees when a utility repair is required but that the City is not responsible for the replacement of this tree. Instead, the city has given permission for the City for the property owner to place a tree in the right of way above the city utilities and the homeowner assumes this risk of loss of tree. Commission Member Mount made a motion to approve the tree permit as shared with the Commission. Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Parks Superintendent Coberly announced that the City of Coralville has received certification through Tree City USA. The City of Coralville has maintained certification for twenty-six years. Community Gardens Parks and Recreation Director Proud and Parks Superintendent Coberly addressed the Commission about policies being outlined for the community gardens. From the research initiated by Eagle Scout Kenny Goins, from feedback received during the survey conducted by the City of Coralville, and inquiries with other communities, and educational seminars and discussions held at the Iowa Recreation and Parks Association conferences, continued efforts have moved forwarded. Additionally, local focus group meetings and an open house were held. Varied topic discussion points included marketing and registration for plots, the plot size options, and respecting personal choice for individual fencing. Given that fencing will not be provided but may be personally installed, removal will be required which will permit annual tilling of the entire garden area. Coberly reviewed the weed free policy for the plots along with related information specific to implementation if patrons do not follow the policies. Commission Member Casserly inquired about theft and vandalism; Coberly acknowledged that both will occur.  Proud noted that a brochure will be made for patrons targeting the policies and guidelines. Some of the highlights which will be included in the brochure will include:  personal animals are not permitted in the gardens, service animals will be permitted  refuse compost can will be available  self service for trash of “pack it in and pack it out” will be required  proposed timelines of April to end of October for seasons  plots will be marked in the spring  target date to begin plot assignments will be April 1; raised bed plot assignments will occur later  plots will be assigned randomly annually  bee hive farms will not be permitted  market sales will only be allowed at farmer market sites (i.e. peddler permits)  three strike rule will be implemented for plots  water barrel usage  100% synthetic chemical free area  extension class and resource information coordination with department, master gardeners, New Pioneer  fees will approximately cover the cost to water the gardens – anticipate it will be subsidized at about a 50% rate.  registration packet will include the application, plot site map, policies The hope and pursuit is that the community gardens will be utilized. There have been related costs for time, resources, equipment, tilling, soil, and compost. Consideration of two plots is being proposed to support the Campaign for Hunger and respective food pantry contributions. Although the City of Coralville does not want to assume the role of coordinator for the efforts, the City is willing to support it with space and gaining interested volunteers to pass on to the food pantry. Commission Member Thayer made the motion to approve the policies as reviewed for the Community Gardens Policy 400.16. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud reported that she and Parks Superintendent Coberly, are meeting with representatives from the ICORR Board, specific to the cooperative long term planning for a single track area in the Clear Creek Greenbelt. The agreement would target the liability assignments, filing a yearly work plan, and overall care and maintenance. Proud will address this agenda item during the March meeting highlighting the mitigation wetland plan and timelines for seeding and tree planting during the spring and next fall. The partnership will address the trail development and the impact on the current wetlands. Proud announced that grants will be impacted by the changes being implemented by the Federal Department of Transportation. Instead of maintaining federal grants, the states will assume the grants which may expand beyond trail development to bridges and roads. The grants will impact the ability for the City to continue moving forward with future trail project links. In January, the announcement for the federal recreation trails program was to be provided and it has not yet been provided. Comprehensive Plan Update Parks and Recreation Director Proud and Council Member Dodds shared highlights of the Comprehensive Plan Update. This review has not been completed for fifteen years and will include a community plan targeting land use, zoning, demographics – all facets of the City of Coralville. Houseal and Lavigne Consulting Firm will guide the process with City Administrator Hayworth and Assistant City Administrator Habel, Council Members Gill and Dodds, and Commission Member Goodrich will be active on this project. A community workshop will be held March 7 to provide additional information as to how individuals may share their input and become more involved. This will provide take home packages for individuals and businesses. The city website and other social media will feature information. This process will take about one year to complete before the final plan will be adopted. Individuals and Commissions will be requested to provide input. Commission Comments Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold  No additional comments. Commission Member Eve Casserly 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 8:20 p.m.; Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Next Meeting: Monday, March 25, 2013 – Norman Borlaug Elementary School Guests: Amy Faulker, Recreation Supervisor Commission Member Casserly will be absent.