Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes October 21, 2013 Call to Order Commission Vice Chairperson Eve Casserly called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. at the Coralville Firefighters Memorial. Present were Commission Members Laurie Goodrich and David Thayer, Council Member Jill Dodds, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold arrived shortly after the meeting was called to order. During the second half of the meeting, Recreation Supervisor Scott Prochaska and Center of Performing Arts Director Megan Flannery also arrived. Introductions At the Iowa Firefighters Memorial, members of the community attending on behalf of the American Legion, supporters of the Veterans Memorial and Parks and Recreation Commission Members introduced themselves and included Rex Brandstatter, Roy Copper, Roman Steciw, and Henry Herwig. Design Consultant, Steve Ford was also present. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Casserly made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from August 19, 2013. Commission Member Goodrich seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Veterans Memorial Concept – Rex Brandstatter began the presentation with Steve Ford, Architect and members of the American Legion in attendance to present and support the concept. Representatives of the American Legion believe that the Coralville has missed an opportunity to provide a memorial for veterans and this endeavor will fill this current void. Several sites were visited across the state to view city sponsored memorials. The group desires to secure land at a minimum to no cost, location with great visibility and a site that has great access in Coralville. In conclusion, the concept being recommended to the Commission was on land adjacent to the Coralville Firefighters Memorial at Oak Hill Cemetery entrance. Steve Ford shared the concept plan. The plan includes proposed walkways that tie paving material, stones, and fixtures together as it traverses through a display journey with a seat wall adjacent to the military granite panels. The landscaping will also be adjusted for the new site which will also include signage. Commission members provided input. The concept plan will be updated with input from veterans, commission members, and city staff. A presentation to the City Council will be provided in November. Brandstatter noted that Coralville was the home to war hero Nathanial Fellows, who participated in the Revolutionary War and died in 1836. A marker is present at Oak Hill Cemetery and will be incorporated into the Veteran’s Memorial Design. Commission Member Casserly made a motion for the Veterans Memorial Representatives to continue their pursuit in securing options related to a Veterans Memorial in Coralville. Commission Member Goodrich seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Recreation Partnership Program Budgets Recreation Superintendent Scott Prochaska presented the budgets for Partnership programs highlighting specifics of the line items, varied program options and changes, participant totals, administrative staffing, part time employment and wages, expenditures and revenue. Prochaska and Proud noted comparisons across the corridor related to recreation and partnerships. In addition, Proud reviewed Coralville’s strategy to increase wages for part time employers to be more competitive with other like facilities. Center for Coralville Performing Arts Managing Director Flanagan presented the current progress and projected upcoming changes at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts as it moves towards a more diversified structure of revenue streams. The changes which have been projected have been slow in transpiring given the numerous individuals, committees, and boards. Concerns on behalf of the theater  companies have included loss of autonomy, whether censorship would be imposed, proposed expectations of parties involved, and utilization of expertise within the unified partnership. Theater groups pursuing merger partnerships include City Circle Acting Company and Young Footlighters. Flanagan shared that the plans being constructed include long term so upcoming elections should not impact the discussions. The goal will be to balance a repertoire of offerings providing good overall performances that support the outcome of the theater being self supporting for the operating budget. Proud noted that an Arts Commission would be under the City of Coralville with the ability to utilize a 501c3 for fundraising. Commission Member Thayer made a motion to recommend the formation of an Arts Commission to the Council. Commission Member Goodrich seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Commission Member Casserly made a motion to merge the CCPA with the production companies of the City Circle and Young Footlighters. Commission Member Goodrich seconded the motion; one opposed the motion. Council Report Council Member Dodds encouraged members to vote in the upcoming election. Dodds also highlighted the breaking ground of the stem school facility being erected on Oakdale Blvd. A sculpture entitled Coralville Protector was dedicated at the Coralville Police department. In addition, Iowa authors of local literacy sculptures have been featured at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. A ground breaking event was held at a new medical management facility. In response to the Auburn Hills Trail collapse, a public hearing was held in cooperation with the City of Coralville, the FEMA Flood mitigation regarding efforts for costs savings with matched funds. Given the geotechnical survey required by FEMA will delay the agenda on the Council. Directors Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared that she recently attended the National Recreation and Parks Conference in Houston, TX. Proud highlighted some discussions including that parks across the country have leaned towards more privatization but that this has not always been successful. Another focus of the conference was about survey tools. Currently an intern is assisting with cumulating the trail survey responses so that an executive summary may be completed. Staff focus within the next several months will be on budget. Commission Comments Commission Chairperson Eve Casserly Casserly will not be present at the next commission meeting. Commission Member Fred Fevold No comment. Commission Member Laurie Goodrich Commission Member Goodrich highlighted a Virginia Beach which featured a walkathon fundraiser for funding of an all bodied playground. Goodrich indicated that she has enjoyed the City Council election process. Commission Member David Thayer Commission Member Thayer referenced the Parks and Recreation magazine which featured an article for sports with all kids which include kids with disabilities. Thayer expressed that the City does not support all kids and the continuum of opportunities for these kids. Proud explained that Coralville staff met with Chad Dyson and Cindy Coffin in September with IC Parks and Recreation to discuss partnering on services and additional information related to special populations programming, needs, and opportunities. Adjournment Commission Member Goodrich moved to adjourn at 8:59 p.m.; Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval.