Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes September 18, 2017 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Marti Mount, Alex Taylor, and David Thayer, Parks Superintendent Alex Buhmeyer, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Guests Henry Herwig and Rex Brandstatter from the Veteran’s Memorial Committee were also in attendance. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Thayer made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from July 17, 2017 as presented. Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Veteran’s Memorial - Henry Herwig and Rex Brandstatter, Coralville residents and members of the Coralville Veteran’s Memorial Committee presented an updated plan for the Veteran’s Memorial to be located at the entrance of Oak Hill Cemetery. Updated images of the project were shared showing a shorter wall with emblems extending up from the wall of each of the US Armed Forces divisions. There will be opportunities to recognize donors in a walkway leading to the west along Russell Slade Boulevard. A small plaza space with some seating areas and landscaping will complete the project – see attached images. The committee has been fundraising towards their goal of $350,000 for the project. The committee is also looking to include local businesses for in kind donations and to include the developers of the Bridgewater subdivision. The committee would like to get started in the spring with hopes of a Memorial Day 2018 dedication. Taylor made a motion to accept the new Veteran’s Memorial Plan, Thayer seconded. ReBid of Turf and Horticulture Contract - it is time to rebid the Turf and Horticulture Contract which takes care of some park areas and mainly the business corridor areas. Staff and Commission discussed increasing trash pickup in some areas to weekly and discussed use of chemicals on turf. Thayer stated he’d prefer if the City could get away from using chemical treatments as it affects people with breathing problems. Mount asked if there are organic options. Buhmeyer said he would look into organic options for fertilizers. Taylor wondered if a goal could be set of reducing chemical use by 50% by looking at areas that are not as highly used or smaller in size so might be easier to maintain with options like compost and extra aeration and seeding. Staff will look at different areas and propose those that would be a candidate for reduction. Mount suggested we get signs and install in those areas that say “Experimenting with Organics.” Council Report - Council member Laurie Goodrich reported she has attended the Stormwater tour offered in late August which showed a number of Stormwater practices around the area. She passed around a book called “A New Path for Stormwater.” Commission members asked if this book would be available for everyone. Goodrich will see if additional copies are available. New streetlights are being installed on Highway 6 and look really nice. The City continues to work on the arena and anticipates breaking ground in December. The City received a New Market Tax Credit designation which will add $400,000 to the construction funds. There is more information on the Finance page on the City website. Director’s Report – Proud and Buhmeyer reported on progress at Altmaier Farm. The clearing of the first ten disc golf holes has been by mainly volunteers. Trees have been planted in strategic locations and staff have been pouring the pads for the tee boxes. Proud shared the new activity guide developed that shows all the City programs that may be a good fit for seniors. The Recreation Division is currently looking for a name for this programming segment and continues to work with the seniors on ideas for programs. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Eve Casserly Eve distributed some information to staff regarding number of seniors living in Coralville and other Johnson County communities. Commission Member Marti Mount Mount met the new staff member for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. They have an event at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area on September 26 at 5:00 pm. Mount also recommended the name Active Adults for the senior program guide. Commission Member Alex Taylor Taylor offered his congratulations on the opening of Creekside Cross and for the 5th Street Social which he felt were both successful and visible events. Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Thayer moved to adjourn at time 8:03 pm.; Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval.