Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 23, 2015 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Marti Mount, Alex Taylor, and 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 January 26, 2015 with noted corrections. Commission Member Taylor seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Scholarship and Child Care Assistance Policy Update Parks and Recreation Director Proud reviewed the discussion and action from last June regarding the child care assistance and scholarship program as determined by the City of Coralville reflective of the ICCSD School Board action related to qualifying families and child care programming. Proud noted that the Kirkwood Kicks Program grant expired in January 2015. During the duration of the five year grant and for two years prior to the grant being obtained, the City of Coralville had contributed $10,000 per year to use to help fund the Coordinator position. With the expiration of the current grant and before the district pursued a new grant, the City of Coralville considered the data provided from district related to desired outcomes and has determined to not participate in the next round of grants with a cash donation. This money will be reallocated to the child care assistance equivalency program which are being required for the BASP programs in district buildings. The City of Coralville will maintain their role in continuation of the shared sponsorship of leisure and recreation programming associated with the program. Proud noted that the scholarship guidelines and policies are seamless with required documentation for the state’s assistance program. Proud reviewed the actions taken to ensure that the assistance meets the policies as set by the ICCSD School Board. The final protocol was finalized following DHS actions to secure if a child/family receive a notice of determination. With this notice of determination, the City of Coralville is not required to develop and implement qualifications with a separate application program. Attention will be required to ensure that individuals without current notices of determination either secure documentation or are not utilizing child care slots. This protocol will allow participants who qualify to have monies provided without the remainder of participant families having to subsidize involvement. Commission Members discussed the need to review the policies related to Program Assistance for Youth clarifying the youth description for patron ages and determination of BASP program patron residencies. Commission Member Casserly made the motion to approve the policy update specific to scholarships and child care assistance according to the guidelines as established by the City of Coralville in abiding by the ICCSD School Board policies. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Music in the Park Proud announced that the Music in the Park series which has been held since 1993 is being considered for a face lift. Proud shared that instead of weekly engagements featured at just one park, the event will follow the goal of the City in encouraging neighborhood interactions and the event will move from park to park. Proud noted that monthly events in underutilized or underserved city locations is also a consideration. Such an event may feature booths regarding land use plans, library booth celebrating their 50 years, nonprofit organizations, and youth serving groups. Commission  Members discussed past and proposed music entertainers would be for the event(s), marketing needs for the events, event partnership with public and private entities, contests and sponsorships, etc. Commission Members also discussed the current status of the Farmer’s Market. Members felt that the costs of the products were elevated and the frequency of other markets within the corridor may also be challenging factors in attendance. The question was posed as to whether efforts for events as these should continue or whether the City should pursue other venues and events. Commission Member discussed alternate community events providing collaboration with artists and sponsors with community students. Proposed activities and events were brainstormed. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud announced that the budget as presented to the Council was being supported for approval. Proud shared that one of the capital improvement requests for reconstruction and paving of the parking lot at the Recreation Center was also being presented for approval. Proud reviewed how this plan was within the Recreation Center Master Plan, which is twenty years old, but how the needs have demanded immediate attention. Proud outlined the projected plans for this project. Proud shared information about the From Here to There Program featuring how routes will be highlighted for community members to access trails and roads. The Coralville garden plot registrations began this past weekend. Proud announced that she will be Co-Chair of the Volunteer Committee with Terry Swank, wife of Coralville’s police officer. Goodrich is Co-Chair for the Hospitality Committee. A website for registration related to needs and schedules will be posted soon. Council Report Council Member Goodrich complimented Parks and Recreation Director Proud and her staff on the well done job related to the dedication required for the budget and services of the BASP Program. The program depicts Coralville and is a definite asset to Coralville. Goodrich complimented the work of resigned Coralville Center for Performing Arts Megan Flanagan for her instrumental role in the development of the Center and service to the City of Coralville. Proud agreed and shared preliminary plans in meeting the demands of the position and filling the position noting Flannigan’s decision to relocate to the Mankato area. Goodrich shared information about an upcoming public hearing regarding future sewer project and the upgrade for the waste water treatment project. Reconstruction bids for 5th Street are being accepted now. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments Commission Member Eve Casserly No additional comments. Commission Member Marti Mount No additional comments. Commission Member Alex Taylor Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments. Parks and Recreation Director Proud and Commission Members discussed two dates for the upcoming March meeting. It was determined that the March Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting will be held March 16. Commission Member Mount will not be in attendance. Adjournment Commission Member Thayer moved to adjourn at 8:11 p.m. Commission Member Taylor seconded the motion; unanimous approval.