Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes November 18, 2013 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at time 7:00 p.m. Present were Commission Members Marti Mount and David Thayer, Council Member Jill Dodds, Recreation Superintendent Scott Prohaska, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments Agenda Golf Course budget will be delayed until next month. Approval of Minutes Commission Member Thayer made the motion to approve the meeting minutes with noted corrections from October 2013; Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Eagle Scout Presentation Eagle Scout Jacob Barber provided a presentation regarding the Camp Cardinal Rotary Camp related to the overall conceptual plan, projects which have already been completed and future projects being considered. He provided advantages and disadvantages to amenities which have or will be targeted for campsite improvements, campground improvements, and trail and park improvements. Campsite improvements –fire pit (completed), grill cover and swing, picnic tables (completed), Campground improvements – entry sign, flag pole (completed), amphitheater, round about landscaping, Trail and Park improvements – bird blind (completed), landscaping, bird inviting trees, bridges, benches, history boxes (in progress), open air shelter, mountain bike trails (in progress -will be located north of Clear Creek and not within the camp itself) Parks and Recreation Budgets Recreation Superintendent Prohaska and Parks and Recreation Director Proud reviewed the budget proposals for the upcoming year. It was noted that the discussions targeted comparisons with like facilities within the corridor. Indoor Pool – Changes include increase in pass rates, employee wage increases, target for staffing numbers, and impact of pool closings had over time with revenue comparisons. Prochaska explained why and how the impact of including ultra violet lighting is being sought to increase another level of sanitation. Aquatic Center – Impact of ten year old facility was provided noting short term and long term needs. As previously discussed, difficulty recognized in budget given weather and seasonal factors which are undetermined. Mechanical reserve fund has been reestablished with the proposed budget. Proud spoke about the facility being 10 years old in 2014 and how mechanical needs will need be planned for in the future years. For ADA improvements, the lift is on site and will be installed before the 2014 season and staff is exploring ways to create the routes needed around the pool at the less than 2% slope without having to impact deck and drain structures. North Ridge Pavilion – Review that goal of facility is to provide a community available facility so profit above expenses has not been a priority in the past. Overall use of the building has matched goal and future increases will not be implemented until 2014 for cleaning fees and 2015 for rental rates. Future considerations will also include advances for technology usage at the Pavilion. Reflective of the ADA Project Report, the concrete around the Pavilion will be addressed in Phase II or Phase III. Proud evaluating how the alterations would provide the least amount of impact on the budget and access of the facility. Trail Survey Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared information learned from the survey. Positives of the survey include a format to gain ongoing feedback, information to assist with grant applications, allocation of monies, appreciation for patron’s minimal cost and ease in recreation, and trails support the  community for impact on home sales. Targets which resulted from the survey include completion of trail connections and devising longer trails for regional use. Proud reviewed the posed question related to whether the Commission/City needs to revisit the issue of plowing additional trails. Considerations related to present trails which are addressed in the policies and the reason that these trails are plowed, additional costs and labor which would be added when targeting trails not yet plowed within the policies, which trails may be currently used for alternate winter recreation use, and liabilities related to timelines with trail maintenance during the winter months. Proud reflected on information related to overall costs per mile when a trail is cleared and commented that the City currently does not have all of the equipment if plowing more trails are considered and huge storms warrant clearing. She also committed on the North Ridge Trail to North Liberty has being one that would cause concern on clearing. A larger storm would require a size of truck or blower that the trail could not withstand. Immediate implications of the survey which the Parks and Recreation Department noted additional trash cans on the trails and utilizing public relations including social media and city/county platforms to spotlight current trails. Commission Member Mount acknowledged the trail survey results and made a motion to maintain the current policies related to snow removal for community trails. Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud reported that FEMA requested a geotechnical survey which will guide the reinforcing of the engineered slope on the Auburn Hills Trail. Although this may require a longer bid process, the mitigation will include the addition of storm sewer. Greg’s Lawn Care and Landscaping has secured the contract for the Iowa River Landing snow removal. Currently, Parks and Recreation staff will be monitoring this contract for the IRL CAM District. Council Report Council Member Dodds reflected on the use of the Brown Deer facilities for a recent child care union conference. Dodds gave her accolades for the services and the facility. Dodds reviewed recent activities of the Council which included reflecting on the election, review of Commission Members applications for continued service, presentation of the Veterans Memorial, and the flood grant which will support the mitigation efforts near Clear Creek. Bids have been approved for spring 2014 to assist with storm water drainage near the Youth Sports Complex and Dempster Drive. The reposition of the swail will change the overland flow back to a similar flow that existed before the area developed. North of Iowa River Power, Dodds reported that the panels and flood walls have been permanently installed. The panels on the south bank of Clear Creek have been partially installed. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Marti Mount No additional comments. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Thayer moved to adjourn at 8:49 p.m.; Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval.