Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes October 15, 2018 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 6:58 p.m. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Marti Mount, Alex Taylor and David Thayer, Council Member Jill Dodds, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments None. Approval of Minutes Commission Member Mount made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from September 17, 2018 with the noted correction. Commission Member Thayer seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Projects Update To prepare for budget season, Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared what is currently being worked on, what was not funded for FY19, and considerations for the upcoming budget. The following are projects which are currently being worked on or have been completed within the current budget: Altmaier Family Farm – The most recent open house featured the new amenities and features. TAKO/Rotary Camp Park Shelter and Fireplace – A grant was secured for funding the fireplace so the City allowed TAKO to proceed with the construction of the fireplace with the agreement that the shelter will also follow soon. Woodpecker Single Track Trail – Although the most recent event was cancelled last week given weather, future additional trail feature challenges will be completed at this site. Signage will also be installed with funding from a Community Foundation of Johnson County grant combined with FY19 budget monies. Memorial Benches and Memorial Trees will continue to be installed/planted throughout the City. Parking Lot – a small parking lot at M.A. Ewalt Recreation Area will be added; projected future amenities at this site will also be considered for funding. City maintenance – The limestone will be cleaned around Coralville during the upcoming months. The following are projects which have not yet been started but have funding within the current budget: Archery Practice Range – An Eagle Scout project will be completed at the Altmaier Family Farm Horticulture Maintenance - Ash Tree Removal; Plantings and Bench Pads Upgrades for energy efficiency with building maintenance leading. Sub Division Hotel Review – it is anticipated that the City Council and Planning and Zoning will review the hotel in December 2018 along Country Club Drive. The Commission discussed the proposal related to the Sleep Inn and Suites partnership given the risk associated with costs and failure to reach capacity given the saturated hotel and motel community. The aesthetic changes from open space to a business was also noted as a concern. A plus for the development is to gain additional revenue for the golf course. Hotel Motel Tax – The balance of the hotel motel tax continues to provide additional funds for the City of Coralville trail systems. Housing - Council Member Dodds shared that the City of Coralville is coordinating with the Housing Trust Fund and Habitat for Humanity. Dodds noted that low cost housing is an issue for Coralville. Another factor identified is the neighborhood areas and access to busing or walking. Dodds shared that the Council continues to monitor developers and respective tax credit or secured grants and funding streams to support affordable housing. The Commission discussed zonings in varied locations across the city. Areas on the radar include, but are not limited to, Boston Way and 10th Street. The following are projects which have been presented to the City Administrator but have not yet moved on to Council review: Coralville Streetscape – There are selected areas that will require tree removal, tree replanting, and sidewalk maintenance between 5th Street to Hwy 6. Russell Slade Boulevard and Cemetery Improvements - This project will include improvements to the boulevard, sidewalks, streetscape, fencing, signage, and park development. Marriott Patio – Site reconstruction needs to occur to raise the patio and fix sink holes in the planted areas. Currently fountain electrical is inoperable due to the sink holes. Camp Cardinal Blvd from Hwy 6 to Tom Harkin Trailhead – Focus on walking and bicycle access in a zoning area which does not require sidewalks. The following are projects which will be considered for FY 20: Creekside Cross – to add a flow trail and switchbacks down and up along the track. Recreation Center – Repair of the roof which is over 10 years old and currently leaks. Arts Commission – Seek and develop a plan to secure a set build barn. Costume storage has been secured at a minimal cost and with a partial donation by the Millennium Plaza. The ultimate goal would be to secure a small black box, rehearsal space, costume and prop storage, and build barn. If coupled with other companies, the size may be too large to be feasible to build but partnerships will be looked at for a project. Facilities design and park signs – Given the park signs are from 1994, a new design concept will be entertained. Proud featured the signage which was utilized at Altmaier Family Farm with a silverdale and Anamosa limestone sealed stone. Aquatic Center - The project would include caulking, sealing, new columns, and upgraded showers. Proud noted corrosion and rust factors that have resulted over the last fifteen years during operation. Recreation Center - The Center itself needs replacement. With the west land use and current location, the Master Plan needs to be reviewed. Charles Gay Farm - A festival will feature barns, bank barns, open air shelter, playgrounds, and a trail loop from the Master Plan after the DOT has completed their advanced highway. Ash Tree Restoration – The review of the ash tree treatment projections have been an economical benefit rather than removal and replacement of the trees. Proud encouraged the Commission to share their wish list related to projects and entertained questions. The following were identified: adding connections for trail connectivity, securing exercise machines designed for seniors at the Recreation Center, securing staffing related to Senior events and activities and concluding the street improvement plan has been addressed for the First Avenue from the Depot to Auburn East Drive. Council Report Council Member Dodds reported the Council will be participating in a goal setting for 2019. Director Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud followed up regarding the ICCSD Paired School Concept with Partnership Programs. This is a board initiative and not a staff appointed review. Proud noted that her correspondence has been with ICCSD Board Secretary Kim Colvin. The boundary changes from the current year to the next year will impact school sites and BASP services. One of the impacts will include the trajectory of the elementary schools to middle schools and high schools. A paired concept will impact the location and necessary transportation which may be required for schools designated as partnership sites and non-partnership sites. Depending on the transportation, arrival and departure from varied location will impact staffing and hours of operation. Proud reiterated that the recreation programs are not required to be licensed by state code. Council Member Gross was attending a joint meeting being held that one of the subjects was the paired school concept during the present commission meeting. Proud shared that the REAP grant was successful which will start on the purchase of land in the West Land Use area. Additional funds for land purchase will come from revolving storm water funds. A new five year golf cart lease will be adopted by the City Council next week. The golf carts will include carts for golfers, beverage and snack carts. With the new lease, recommendations to increase $1 per golf cart usage fee. Proud reported that the option to lease is more cost effective given costs to maintain and replace carts. Senior Morning Golf League Volunteer Les Cullers will receive a Brown Deer Service Award at the City Council Meeting in October. Proud noted that the costs associated with the credit and debit cards has skyrocketed with a 6% fee when using ActiveNet. To decrease costs, ACH withdrawals for monthly fees will be mandated. This requirement will be a win- win with a savings in bank fees for the department and reward and convenience for families. Proud shared that there are walkways and trails which are currently closed due to flooding. Some sites are wet and continue to be monitored. Social Media sites that Parks and Recreation feature includes Facebook and Parks and Rec News Feed. Proud announced that Commission term expirations in 2018 include Commission Members Taylor and Thayer; expirations in 2019 include Commission Members Casserly, Fevold, and Mount. Commission Comments Commission Member Eve Casserly Commission Member Casserly shared that the Johnson County Community and Aging and UIHC Senior Resource Fair held at the Radisson was a huge success. She noted that it is hopeful that it would be an annual event. Not all vendors were able to participate given the limited space at this location. Commission Member Fred Fevold No comment Commission Member Marti Mount No comment Commission Member Alex Taylor No comment  Commission Member David Thayer No comment Adjournment Commission Member Thayer made the motion to adjourn at 8:36 p.m.; Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Next Meeting: November 19, 2018