Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes April 17, 2017 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Alex Taylor (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) and David Thayer, Council Member Laurie Goodrich (in attendance 7:15-7:40 p.m.), Parks Superintendent Alex Buhmeyer, (exited at 7:50 p.m.) and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared that via the Next Door app, a patron shared and inquired about the City of Coralville’s actions specific to the Emerald Ash Borer and what seems like Coralville’s lack of commitment to right of way trees in residential areas in comparison to Cedar Rapids. Proud noted that in residential areas, residents apply for a permit if the home owner desires to plant a tree in the right of way. Proud noted that there are several considerations when considering tree line street planning. Proud and Buhmeyer continue to gather information regarding the pros and cons and have yet to formulate a response specific to this inquiry. Additional information regarding the EAB action plan will be provided within the meeting. Proud noted that individual requests via street tree permits are considered. Approval of Minutes Commission Member Thayer made the motion to approve the meeting minutes with the noted corrections from March 20, 2017. Commission Member Taylor seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Update on Cycle Cross Course Parks and Recreation Director Proud and Parks Superintendent Buhmeyer continue to work with Goose Town Racing and ICCOR for the design west of Creekside Ballpark for the Cycle Cross Course. Images was shared regarding varied routes so that the impact will be diversified for racing, training rides, and/or open routes. The images presented showed points of entry, circular ten feet wide routes for mileage, pit crew locations, and terrace locations. The current location is mowed areas so displacement of vegetation or trees will not be required to build this course. At this time, this space has not been utilized. This is a special feature for a permanent course and will be unique to this location and within the state. If managed and the relationships are built, it will provide additional patronage at this location bringing more use to the area and possible more concessions users. Proposed dates of training or course rides would begin in August and a sanctioned event in November of the current year. An agreement designed for easy management with benefits for the City of Coralville and the patrons using the site will be secured. The City of Coralville has purchased a new mower which will also be utilized in this area. Council Report Council Member Goodrich reported that her attendance will be for a targeted time given her enrollment in the fourteen week Citizens Police Academy. She encouraged Commission Members to consider participating in the program. She also highlighted the Go Bond which includes the Johnson County entities and the Iowa City School Board. A quick overview of the road work and underground utilities which will occur in 2017 and 2018 were targeted on First Avenue and Coral Ridge Avenue. Update on Emerald Ash Borer Plan Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared the Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan which had been shared last Tuesday with the City Council. The Council will need to budget this project and adopted the plan and implementation. Parks Superintendent Buhmeyer and his division will focus on preserving some of the ash trees while considering the removal and replanting of alternate trees. For the preservation, Buhmeyer reviewed the systematic injections which will be required on a biannual basis. Buhmeyer discussed the financial and environmental impact of the plan that was devised over the next five years and the roles of city residents and the role of the City of Coralville. Proud provided a visual map which correlates with the same zones as the sidewalk replacement program. The first Emerald Ash Borer sighting was on 14th Avenue in Coralville. Commission Member Taylor inquired about alternate thinking with electrical currents to deter the bugs. Proud and Buhmeyer shared their research from other regions which have already dealt with this disease killing infestations. Proud reviewed the memorial tree donation plan which has been designed and a ReTree Plan devised by the Iowa DNR and Extension Services. Additional information and related recommendations for tree plantings will be included in the May Connection. Draft of Comprehensive Trail Plan Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared that the Coralville Comprehensive Trail Plan which includes the benefits and the purpose is nearly ready for the next phase which will include a public input process. She also shared the existing conditions and environment descriptions related to the previous archived costs, projected costs, design standards, and the mapping which includes both the trails and overwide walkways. Proud noted that Commission Member Mount communicated with her prior to the meeting regarding the definitions between trails and overwide walkways. Proud shared that on the trail map, the two are differentiated. Commission Members discussed the difference between the two and how patrons may view and utilized these respective areas. Definitions included differences as determined by biking organizations, engineering, trails and purpose of linking trails, multi-use areas, and importance of determining the differences between the two is necessary. Proud posed that the Commission sponsor open house events connected with the Commission meeting and Council meeting respectively. Other events could include presentations with Prime Time and featuring a bike rodeo and ride partnership with the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. With focus on station locations and capturing patron comments, the Commission will provide manpower to the Parks and Recreation Department continued input and work on the Comprehensive Trail Plan. Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud noted that Andrew Nick, Moped U wants to provide tree donations to the City of Coralville for every moped or scooter sold. Proud reviewed the sites and summer camp programming and summer recreation programming which are featured in the Leisure Line this year. Additionally, Proud featured upcoming events at the Coralville Performing Center for the Arts and Brown Deer Golf Club. An engineering project features the bank stabilization along Oakdale Blvd. The timing of some of the tree removal for this project reflects the planning associated for the endangered species, the Indiana Bat, which does not allow disruption to the trees April to October. DecHockey is also still under research and review. The timeline for Dek hockey focuses on the building of the court during the summer with a clinic planned for August, it this is something the City wants to pursue. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Eve Casserly Commission Member Casserly congratulated Commission Member Taylor for the College of Business article feature in the Gazette. Commission Member Alex Taylor Commission Member Taylor expressed his concerns related to the City of Coralville’s action plan for the removal of the Emerald Ash Borer trees. Taylor recognized that the next five years will be difficult as it is disheartening for the City and the patrons. He encouraged the City of Coralville to promote replacing of trees through donations from corporations and individuals. A publicity campaign and media releases will be important to feature the action plan so that patrons know what and why is happening. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments Adjournment Commission Member Thayer moved to adjourn at time 8:28 p.m.; Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval.