Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes October 21, 2019 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. at the North Ridge Pavilion. Present were Commission Members Eve Casserly, Kyle McEvilly, Marti Mount, Alex Taylor, Council Member Jill Dodds, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. Citizen Comments Proud shared a local resident, Jacob Simmering, came to Council meeting to share his near miss experience between a van and his bike on First Avenue. Mr. Simmering shared his frustration with the wideness of First Avenue, the speed at which cars travel due to the wideness, and the lack of bike lanes planned into the reconstruction. The west sidewalk has been completed and offers an experience with less driveways than the east side. Proud conveyed that the goal by Thanksgiving is to have the Iowa River Trail from IRP to East 7th Street. That will give a safer alternative than biking along or on First Avenue. Council Member Dodds shared that at the Chamber event, she spoke about the Hawkeye Ready Mix area being under renovation and next spring, trees will planted to screen the power plant. The north area will have a temp seeding and will be seeded in turf grass next spring. The south area will not be bid until January. Approval of Minutes Commission Member Taylor made the motion to approve the meeting minutes from September 16, 2019 with suggested comments noted. Commission Member Casserly seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Archery Range at Altmaier Family Park Proud reviewed the location and plans for the archery range. The elevation changes are being utilized to help provide a safe area for the targets. Trees and shrubs will also be planted on the new berms that will also buffer the range. In the FY21 budget, the project request targets a concrete limestone chip path in alignment with ADA approved access. The range will include a concrete pad and elevated tower with six targets scattered across the range area. There also may be interest from an Eagle Scout in doing the target stands. To support year long access, discussion was held regarding the materials which are weatherproof and maintain longevity. Sponsorship with Scheel’s supporting the recreation sport with stuffed props, target building, and tournament events are projected. The sport has taken additional interest given movies and literature. Proud clarified that it is unlikely that loaner materials will be available from the Coralville Recreation Center given safety. Instead supervised practice events targeting education and instruction may be proposed. eBikes (eScooters, eSkateboards) Proud reviewed past discussions related to eBikes and other devices which was held in July 2019. Information was shared about metro area adopted common plans and recommendations by MPO. Device classes and maximum speeds were discussed along with amenity features (i.e. gas motors, lights). In addition, discussions focused on use of the devices across bike lanes, sharrows, roadways, sidewalks, and trails in Coralville. The City is working with MPO regarding commuter routes. The brick pavers on the streets in the IRL will need to be considered for alternate device use given the slick surface and impact of weather conditions. Self- regulation and education will be primary means for guidance related to policies specific to speed limits and safety. Mark Wyatt, with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, also provides guidance related to state code. The City of Coralville already has adopted policies specific to assistive disability devices. According to the Iowa Recreational Statute, the City will be unable to mandate helmet use; the Commission held a discussion related to attire education for safety. Proud reiterated the initiatives to encompass Coralville’s efforts in a Bicycle Friendly Community via the Johnson County Cycling Commission and MPO. Ongoing discussion related to liability is being considered with the City Attorney and the City Engineering Department. Council Report Council Member Dodds reported that all departments have been busy as ever completing projects prior to the approaching weather changes. Dodds gave an overview of the Communications Audit conducted. Information related to the website, the Coralville Connection, mobile apps, and social media platforms were reviewed with factors related to appeal, frequency utilized, impact related to information targeted and costs. Dodds reminded the Commission of the upcoming city and school board elections. Director Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared that Part I Hawkeye Ready Mix demolition is underway and the front tower is down. Part II will be bid in the winter. The Oak Hill Cemetery signage will be erected in spring 2020. The current sign was removed in anticipation of the Veterans Memorial construction starting in November. The Veterans Memorial fundraising continues with a marker set for the first week in December to order the medallions. A brick campaign and a Go Fund Me campaign will be held in February. The memorial is scheduled to be completed by June 2020.  The City Hall west restroom project is scheduled for completion of the replacement of the sewer line. The East 7th IRL entrance will be opening. Halloween Fright Fest will be held at Altmaier Farm on October 26. Winter programming kick off is approaching. New this year will be an eagle watch at the IRP Dam. The Aisle of Lights will be held December 8. The Community Meal will be held December 6 and attendees will have a chance to leave their wish for the United Way on a lantern that we’ll float on the 8th. Staff Development trainings for Parks and Recreation Staff are being planned. Dodds shared that IC Parks held a playscape activity focusing on forest bathing in cooperation with Nature Scaping. The natural habitat promotes studies indicating reduced blood pressure. Adult and Senior Programming were also proposed for Take an Adult Outdoors. Commission Comments Commission Member Eve Casserly Commission Member Casserly shared the City Horticulturalist TeBockhorst provided a presentation at the Senior Potluck. Commission Member Fred Fevold No additional comments Commission Member Kyle McEvilly No additional comments. Commission Member Marti Mount Commission Member Mount raised questions related to fishing signage and parking for the Dovetail Pond; Proud noted that the designated parking is on the south side of the road for the Dovetail Recreation Center. A fishing map is nearly completed that may help with this confusion. Commission Member Alex Taylor No additional comments. Adjournment Commission Member Casserly made the motion to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.; Commission Member Mount seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Proud informed Commission Members of upcoming term expirations; Proud will disseminate paperwork to those interested in reapplying for the Commission. Next Meeting: November 18, 2019