Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes September 21, 2015 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Commission Members Marti Mount and Alec Taylor, Council Member Laurie Goodrich (attended during the first part of the meeting), and Parks and Recreation Director Proud were in attendance. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Taylor made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from July 20, 2015. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Brown Deer Patio Expansion Parks and Recreation Director Proud presented the concept plans for the Brown Deer Patio Expansion. The expansion will include a venue for outdoor weddings, golfing events, or business events. The project bids were collected and the project site was shared with visuals that included the landscape, the front and side elevation of the canopy, and how it integrates with the existing building. The design will follow the same stone and materials parallel with Brown Deer Club House. The project will be funded with reserve funds with the Marriott Food and Beverage contract and course funds that are available with refinancing this year. The total estimate for the project is approximately $174,000. Recommendation to the Council is to approve both base bids and alternate bids. This year is called a “call year” for financing with specific bonds in designated time periods. Future improvements discussed by Commission for possible consideration was an extension of roof line of the current clubhouse and a tent to go over the new concrete plaza space. The goal is to compete with community venues which allow the wedding ceremony and reception to be onsite. Commission Member Taylor made the motion to accept the McComas Lacina bid which includes both a base bid and an alternate bid for completion of the total project. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Dovetail Wet Lands Proud shared the Dovetail Estates mitigation projects which was part of Pratt Development in mid to late 1990s. After the land and construction was completed, the mitigation, along with the outlet, was gifted to the City. The City of Coralville began in the late 1990’s to work with the Corp on the mitigation. In 2005, the release of the mitigation was completed. Previously, an area resident expressed concerns that blue water algae eating chemicals were used to control algae in the lake area. Native buffers have been completed above the lake, and wetland meadow which have assisted to control algae in the lake. With 2015 marking the 10 year anniversary of the release of the Corp monitoring, the City contracted for a wetland assessment with MMS, a local engineering company. Commission members discussed the actions taken, recommendations of how and the respective outcome of a mitigation is addressed, and the impact of environmental practices reflect this area and other areas across the City. Proud shared that the outcome is desired and the nesting islands are definite benefits of the present conditions. It was discussed that the City of Coralville may need to provide additional education related to the obligations for development and management of a wetland mitigation focusing on the general aesthetics of the land. Proud reviewed alternate actions which could be considered but also included impact and disturbances which would require responsive actions. It was determined that if cosmetic changes could be done with minimal impacts, this could be tried but overall, the wetland is functioning well and should not be disturbed. Council Report Council Member Goodrich was not in attendance during the last half of the meeting. Director Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud reported on the Playvolution events sponsored with the City of Coralville, Iowa Children Museum, Johnson County Extension Office and the Coralville IC Convention Bureau. Proud credited Council Member Dodds with her role in the planning and implementation. The goal of the project is to log over 10,000 hours of play in varied special events and activities. Proud reviewed the impact and the present wages of City of Coralville part time staff in light of the Johnson County Supervisors recent vote related to minimum wages. By January 2017, the City of Coralville will need to make a significant adjustment to follow their proposed wage guidelines in fifteen part time jobs and may need to consider other increases of positions in order continue to make hires with the qualifications needed. Commission Comments Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Marti Mount Commission Member Mount commented about the black top behind IPR and inquired whether the gravel north of First Avenue would be replaced with black top. Commission Member Alec Taylor Commission Member Taylor commented on the trails near completion around the pond in the Youth Sports Complex. Commission Members discussed the connections with Ridgeway Drive, the soccer fields, and diamonds. Proud also reported that the shelters are near completion on the east side of the meadow. Adjournment Commission Member Taylor made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval.