Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes October 16, 2017 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Alex Taylor (7:13 p.m.) and David Thayer, Council Member Laurie Goodrich (7:55 p.m.) and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments None Approval of Minutes Commission Member Thayer made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from September 18, 2017. Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Review of Projects: Multidepartmental Projects Proud shared that the City is partnering with Spring Hill Suites at the 25th Avenue Plaza. Features at this site will include a plaza space, crosswalk and intersection upgrades, and a City of Literature theme with plaques and boulders incorporating poetry and 2D art focusing on the themes of earth, wind, fire, and water. The City will support this project with a long term maintenance agreement. Staff is working with Fairway Suites and Hart Family Hotels to possibly bring a hotel to the land to the east of Brown Deer. The franchise is a Sleep Inn and staff is working with the developer on making sure the hotel exterior fits in with the Brown Deer exteriors and aesthetics. The discussion related to the suites which focus on hotels, banquet and event usage, and golf course operations began in 2013. A long term land lease will be provided by the City of Coralville. Commission Member Taylor expressed concerns about the City’s role in hotel management; Proud confirmed that the City’s intent is not to be in hotel management with this site. Taylor noted concerns about default on behalf of the hotel which would then put the City in the role. He compared this situation to Cedar Rapids Convention Center. In addition, noting the ongoing push related to financial limits resulting in the past low bond rating, investments could be complicated with additional accrued debt noting hotel bankruptcy, inability for the hotel to maintain given the lower point rating, and uncertainty of the overall business plan. Commission Member Casserly noted that Iowa City Coralville Convention Bureau Schaumburg stated his concern for the number of hotels in the area. Commission Member Fevold added that with the right business plan that the lodging may support the Clubhouse banquet rentals given the proximity. Commission Member Thayer was concerned with the proximity and development of the hotel related to the Clubhouse and reiterated the concern related to the possibility of the hotel determining bankruptcy and the responsibility that then falls on the City. Proud noted that she, along with other Administrators, will continue to investigate the roles and policies which will be determined for this site and share these concerns. Review of Potential Parks Projects for Budget Proud noted that there is a listing of potential capital improvement budget items that are smaller budget projects which need to be triaged depending on financial priorities. The Commission discussed each of the projects and then collectively developed a targeted project plan. The following were noted in preference: • Ewalt parking area – prioritized high due to safety considerations • Oak Hill Cemetery Streetscape (if not funded elsewhere) • Altmaier Farm Archery Range – continue for long term development unless it is identified in the Master Plan • Woodpecker Single Track expansion • Flow Trail at Creekside Cross - recognized that this project may be broken into varied phases given on site and neighboring projects Director’s Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared that staff continue conversations with Grand Living staff related to a senior programming partnership. In addition, the City has an RFQ out currently that will develop a schematic design for improvements to Russell Slade Boulevard and Oak Hill Cemetery. Proud noted that budgetary discussions have begun with the division heads. Parks has also begun discussions with Park Zap for the online tablet based app that will be utilized for parks and site inspections. Targeted budgetary costs also include playgrounds at Creekside Ballpark and an updated play area at Kiddie Coral. Staff are also working on the installation of new blinds at Brown Deer Golf Club. Fall and upcoming dates related to golf play and DIVOTS were provided. Proud referenced a previous presentation targeting the fundraiser for the Rotary Camp Shelter. TAKO will be the primary fundraiser and will be supplemented with grant pursuits and secured construction donations. Proud noted that the City will support with labor, maintenance, and the footings and concrete slab for the shelter. Council Report Council Member Laurie Goodrich was delayed to the meeting given the City Council Candidate Forum. Goodrich shared that the Lunch for Seniors with Scott Larson targeted the street work within three city locations. She continued to share regarding the projected interstate and highway projects which will be developing within the next five years. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments. Commission Member Eve Casserly Commission Member Casserly shared the Senior Activity at Backpocket included the brewery and lunch. Future events include Big Grove and Cheddars. Casserly also highlighted the quarterly edition of the Guide for Senior Residents which is available from the Johnson County committee on aging. She shared that the Older Active Adults programming with Coralville is seeking a name for the group. Commission Member Alex Taylor Commission Member Taylor inquired about the land, mowing and drainage of the ponds at Brown Deer Golf Course. Proud will investigate the drainage of the ponds which may be affiliated with the projects associated with the prairies and wetlands Commission Member David Thayer No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Taylor made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m.; Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval.