Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes October 20, 2014 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Marti Mount, and Alex Taylor, David Thayer, Council Member Laurie Goodrich, 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 September 15, 2014 given the corrections as noted. Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Cemetery Policies Parks and Recreation Director Proud presented the current and proposed cemetery policies resulting from review by the city departments and conversations with local funeral directors. The ordinance changes were last completed in 2007 by City Attorney Kevin Olson. The policies were previously reviewed in 2009 by the Parks and Recreation Department and Commission and adopted by City Council. The following changes were reviewed: o Wording would be changed to a retrievable permanent rigid urn or vault o Clarification was provided regarding the estate of owned plots which may be abandoned o Implementation of policies specific to used and unmarked plots o Defining specific language specific to timeframes which flower decorations may be left on site. o Commission discussed bushes and trees on graves which were grandfathered given the adoption of the policies o Review of cemetery hours correlating with park hours o Implementation of special cemetery permits o Consideration of dogs or other pets allowed in cemetery. o Proud discussed additional proposed burial options for the cemetery. She reviewed the discussion held in 2009 regarding a columbarium wall. Proud then showed an example of an ossuary and a scattering garden. In addition, a garden of remembrance, sculpture or art may be considered for an future location. Proud recognizes that the current location may or may not have space options for an alternate for traditional burials. Commission discussed that given the policies and current data any future planning should be posed to the Council regarding the City of Coralville’s position on whether the City will continue to provide a cemetery once the current cemetery is full. Proud noted that individuals have expressed interest in the land for sale adjacent to Oak Hill Cemetery. o Total Plots in Oak Hill Cemetery 2070* o Total Occupied Plots 817 o Total Sold – yet vacant 973 o Total Plots Available 280 o Average internments per year 20 *some plots are unusable due to trees, bushes, or driveway within cemetery encroaching onto plots on corners. Proud shared that the Johnson County Historical Society will be sponsoring an event at Oakdale Cemetery. Proud also reported that the Veteran’s Memorial which was proposed adjacent to Oakdale Cemetery and the Firefighter’s Memorial is currently in the fundraising state. The location would correlate with the current Civil War soldier tombstone. Commission Member Taylor made the motion to accept the policies in accordance with the policies. Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud recognized Brown Deer Golf Pro McCarty’s award for the sixth Iowa PGA Player of the Year title and Brian Wernimont was recognized as the Iowa PGA Assistant Pro of the Year. In addition, Brown Deer Pro Wernimont will be competing in the PGA National Assistant Professional Championship. Proud shared that the intern is currently working with sites for placement of additional bicycle racks in the Oakdale Express area, Town Center area, and Corridor Way area. Proud noted that sub division plan reviews now include bicycle rack placements. Council Report Council Member Goodrich shared that the Oakdale Campus businesses recently celebrated ribbon cutting ceremonies. Proud said that the trail project at the Youth Sports Park has been delayed due to weather. Goodrich shared there are new stores which will be opening at the River Landing. In addition, a senior housing project is being proposed at the former Lantern Park Nursing Home. The City of Coralville continues to plan for low income housing. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Eve Casserly Commission Member Casserly recognized the Recreation Center activities for seniors held three times a week. The Seniors also plan to fold bags for the luminaries at an upcoming event. The Recreation Center Staff was also recognized for their service in the obituary of Della Hartvigsen. Commission Member Marti Mount No additional comments. Commission President Alex Taylor Commission Member Taylor highlighted that Woolfables and Press Coffee Shop recently held an event to use the trails around the Dovetail area as a meet and greet activity. Commission Member David Thayer Commission Member Thayer inquired about the update on the trail north of Wickham Elementary. Proud noted that cement has been poured and backfill completed. The project must be finalized by the end of November to ensure FEMA funds. Adjournment Commission Member Taylor moved to adjourn at 8:26 p.m. Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval.