Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes January 23, 2017 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly and David Thayer, Council Member Laurie Goodrich, Parks Superintendent Alex Buhmeyer, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments Parks and Recreation Proud confirmed that with the winter weather conditions, questions have been raised regarding the clearing of trails. Proud also shared that there was an inquiry about a Dubuque Street trail; this area is not City of Coralville property. Approval of Minutes Commission Member Thayer made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from October 17, 2016. Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Agenda Amendment Commission Member Thayer made the motion to approve the edit of the agenda given Jordan Bleil’s absence due to illness. Proud noted that the Overview of Preschool and Early Elementary Youth Sport programs would be rescheduled for a future date. Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Election of Officers Commission Member Casserly made a motion to nominate Fred Fevold as Commission Chairperson. Thayer seconded; unanimous approval. Commission Member Fevold accepted the nomination and appointment. Commission Member Casserly made a motion to nominate Alex Taylor as Vice Chairperson. Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Proud will verify with Commission Member Taylor to confirm his acceptance of the nomination and appointment. Council Report Council Member Goodrich shared the farewell honoring Chief Barry Bedford. Chief Bedford has served the City of Coralville for over 47 years. The farewell will be held on January 24, 2017, 4-6 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Proclamation honoring Chief Bedford will be held at the beginning of the City Council meeting. Goodrich noted that the fiscal year budget FY 18 will be highlighted in various publications and social media. Goodrich acknowledged the current train passenger rail alignment study occurring currently at the Iowa River Landing Director’s Report Proud shared maps and materials related to the current trails and overwide sidewalks within the community. Given the bicycle friendly community status and the trail grants which have been provided and constructed, Proud has raised the concern that the City of Coralville does not currently have a Comprehensive Trail Plan. Proud shared the current information that has been compiled within house with maps which highlight the aerial and connector trails and streets and the preliminary goals, timelines, persons supporting/responsible, document draft and table of contents. Proud may also consider the development of trailheads and related facilities and amenities which support the trails either alongside or access within ½ mile or less. The Commission reviewed the information and discussed information which have been utilized in community trail plans across the state. In addition, the Commission considered the additional alternate community plans and outside organizations and committees to support the development of the City of Coralville Comprehensive Trail Plan. Proud noted the following timelines: Staff to develop and review the draft in March, Commission to review the plan and gain public input in April, revisions and additional review of the plan in May, and propose adoption in June, 2017. The Commission discussed current policies related to the trails, the usage of overwide sidewalks, along with gravel or natural trails, related to selection, design and construction. Additional topics included how trail locations are considered, the absence of trails in the older Coralville areas, and trail sections with north and south and east and west routes respectively.  Parks and Recreation Director Proud and Parks Superintendent Buhmeyer shared that the proposed disc and archery developments at Altmaier Farm have been approved and coordination of the tree removal for fairways will mark the beginning of the project The Parks Division is also planning to move forward with the Emerald Ash Borer tree removal plan this spring with first step being to share with Commission, Council, and community. The former Music in the Park and Sounds of Summer programs will be replaced with monthly special events that will feature marketing and music. In addition, Proud noted that the street event held last August will be repeated this summer. Buhmeyer shared that December included a busy snow removal weekend service schedule. He also acknowledged his first six months on the job and appreciation for Proud’s leadership for the department and community. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold Commission Member Fevold expressed his appreciation for Parks Superintendent Alex Buhmeyer’s participation in the Commission meetings. Commission Member Eve Casserly No additional comments. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments Adjournment Commission Member Thayer moved to adjourn at time 7:53 p.m.; Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Reminder – There is no Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in February.