Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes May 16, 2016 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:03 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 Casserly made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from April 18, 2016 with the correction edits; Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Parks Policy Review Parks and Recreation Director Proud provided the current policies specific to Parks. The policies were reviewed with changes provided in red highlights. Proud provided the justification for the change and clarified the correlation of policies across the department. The policies reviewed included the use of special equipment connected with park shelter reservations, matching departmental services and contract services related to the four different maintenance levels, target for park locations and development criteria for ballfields and park and developed land use areas, trail design standards, addition of two trail snow removal sites, clarification regarding swimming, non- motor water crafts, and fishing permissions and exceptions. In addition, Proud addressed the Highway 6 streetscape and maintenance respective of city and business responsibility. Rotary Camp Park fire pit usage will require a permit with a waived fee. Mechanical devices for snow removal timeframes for public and city were discussed. Commission Member Thayer made a motion to accept the Parks Policies as provided and discussed. Commission Member Taylor seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Council Report Council Member Goodrich shared that May includes both Bicycle Month and Police Recognition Week. Focusing on commercial development, Goodrich shared a map with current and proposed city projects. The Master Plan devised by the Iowa River Landing Committee in 2012 is being used. Goodrich noted that committee work also continues to address whether multifamily and dual family housing is available. She reported that zero lot housing has not been approved during the last two years. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud reported on the amenities of the Youth Sports Complex which is located next to the University of Iowa facilities. Furniture will be ordered for the west shelfter. Proud noted that the ball return design has not been functioning as designed and the designer is in the process of making some changes so that it will return balls to the ground. Although the over wide gutters provide a unique design, the intent is that the balls will roll down and out with ease. Proud reported that the junior high student and city employee work days are targeting a variety of projects. Emma Yoder, the Parks and Recreation Intern, is working on the application for a Bike Friendly Community with Proud. Before this application is submitted, the city will need to review policies and adopt a Complete Streets program. In addition, Yoder will be completing a trail survey and planning leisure and recreation activities for the Summer Lunch Program. The program will also connect the recreation amenities and the public library. Proud reported that there were thirty-five applicants for the Park Superintendent position. The interviews will include eight phone interviews which will then target three half day interviews. Proud shared the door flier document which has been printed for public relation courtesies related to code compliance for tall grass, overhanging limbs, or blowing grass clippings into the street. Discussion is being held regarding the proposed angle parking on 5th Street. Proud noted that the snow removal duties need to be determined if  completed by the Parking or Parks Department for the on street parking. Proud reported that the impact of the county minimum wage scale and related timelines has had a great impact on the City and across the corridor. A special meeting will be held at the beginning of June to accommodate an Eagle Scout application given the timelines for acceptance and completion. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Eve Casserly No additional comments Commission Member Mount Commission Member Mount shared that a constituent inquired about how the safety of the public is insured while in the parks. With the use of the park and facilities, is the risk assumed by a child and the family? Parks and Recreation Director Proud reported that under the state municipalities’ law for recreation facilities, the City assumes responsibility that the amenities are in good working order and therefore, individuals use the parks at their will. Commission Member Alex Taylor Commission Member Taylor shared that the county minimum wage laws has impacted small business operations for part time employees. The employment of patrons via Goodwill Industries services was too difficult to incorporate at the wage scales in such a short amount of time. Taylor also shared that he is thrilled with the parks located in the north corridor and has the opportunity to utilize the parks at least one time a week. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comment Adjournment Commission Member Taylor moved to adjourn at 8:19 p.m.; Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval.