Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes March 25, 2021 Call to Order Commission Chairperson Fred Fevold called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Present were Commission Members Kyle McEvilly, Marti Mount, Dhuha Tawil, and Alex Taylor, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. This meeting was held by Zoom given the current pandemic. Citizen Comments No comments. Approval of January 25, 2021 Minutes Commission Member Mount made a motion to accept the minutes. Commission Member Taylor seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Update on projects and programming Parks and Recreation Director Proud provided overviews of the following projects: Creekside Flow Trail: Coralville received a Wellmark Small Grant of $25,000 for the construction of a trailhead for the Coralville Cross and Flow Trails at Creekside. The City will need to match the project with an additional $25,000 in funding and/or documented in kind work. Design work is being completed by Bolton and Menk. The 1950’s farmstead aesthetic of Creekside will be incorporated into the design. Future concept plans will include the structures, concrete walk, limestone seating and/or a seat wall, fountain, shelter and a climb trail with a featured crossing. This design will provide a gathering location for trail users and observers. Mountain bike interests focusing on instruction and the related policies will be addressed in the future. Bids will be accepted in June with completion by the Iowa Mountain Bike Festival collaborating with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition for a second annual event in October. Bridge installation at the Iowa River Trail: This location has included the grading and installation of the bridge at the mouth of Clear Creek at Iowa River. Paving will begin as soon as the weather breaks. Hawkeye Redi Mix removal: Funding for this project has yet to be identified. CIP Funding in FY22 may be utilized. The sequence of project items were identified beginning with business building features to bunker areas fillers with top soil. Best Day Ever Event: This was postponed during Covid. Alternate participation by interested parties and families included sign ups for tree planting sessions. It is projected that this may become an annual event noting the celebration of the community efforts. Clear Creek: A meeting was held with the Internal Review Team (IRT) for the Clear Creek Stream mitigation bank with good feedback for improving the project and caution to focus on environmental benefits. The IRT includes members from the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Iowa DNR. A public open house has been scheduled for Tuesday, 5/11 4:30-6:30 for the stream bank mitigation project. Public comments will be secured with plans for Fall 2022 to get approval to move on to the banking instrument phase. Veterans Memorial: Thus far, area contractors’ generosity has constructed the foundation and the front wall. The Veterans Committee has raised funds for the bench and brick pavers. In the future, the flag pole, lighting, and wall inscriptions will be added. The Freedom Plaza will include brick pavers for veterans. The brick pavers for the Tribute Walkway will be available to the public to sponsor who aren’t honoring a specific veteran. There will be a Memorial Day event and a Veteran’s Day Grand Celebration. Branching Out Tree Program: A new program is being offered by the City to be able to purchase trees under a larger City buy. The program will include an educational component about planting in residential areas and feature awareness to the benefits of this community focus. Trees Please with MidAmerican will include bare root with fall plantings for parks and open spaces. Spring Prep: Repairs at the Aquatic Center include roofing, showers, installation of new lockers, and refurbishing slides. The golf course is open; DIVOTS focus will include lunch and addressing how food and beverage may be provided for outings. Programming: Since Covid protocols are still in place, Proud reviewed how the staff have adjusted during the winter and spring and how these practices may continue in the summer for events and programs. There will be  up to two summer camp sites; half day or full day options are still being considered. One special event, Pick Up Teddy Bear Sleep Over activity, was popular emphasizing family home engagement. Facilities: The mask mandate is currently being enforced until at least April 15. Considerations related to opening with greater numbers, implementation of social distancing, and vaccinations continue to be reviewed. There are specific hours in the morning exclusive for seniors recognizing their vulnerability to Covid. Commission Members Planning about Future City Tours 2021 Commission Members brainstormed the following tour proposals: visit existing parks/have meetings in existing parks, archery range, Altmaier Family Park, MA Ewalt Park – Costco pond and parking lot, NW Corner of Park Development – Trails, Bridge, and Phase Development Land Use by Jones Blvd., Colony Family Farm Council Report Council Liaison Dodds was not present for the meeting. Proud noted that the bid for the refurbished parking lot at Dovetail Recreation Area/Agudas Achim will be on the Council agenda. Proud also noted that training is being sought related to Black Lives Matter related to bias training and generational factors for City staff and solicited Commission input if they’ve enjoyed and found trainings effective, to share those speakers with her. Director Report Parks and Recreation Director Proud referenced the updates provided and the meeting notes. Proud emphasized that a great amount of attention is focused on the ability to address the activities that were previously provided, which were cancelled during the pandemic, and those being reconsidered to reinstate given the facilities following the current guidelines and reduced staffing. In addition, creative thinking targeting special events and existing events and activities continues. Commission Comments Commission Member Fred Fevold No comment Commission Member Kyle McEvilly Commission Member McEvilly extended his gratitude for the reopening of the racquetball court at the Recreation Center. Commission Member Marti Mount No comment Commission Member Dhuha Tawil No comment Commission Member Alex Taylor Commission Member Taylor inquired about the parking lot Agudas Achim Congregation Synagogue and the Dovetail Recreation Area. There is currently a silt fence around the perimeter of the parking lot. The Watts Group donated soil and grading work to complete the play berms at Dovetail Recreation Area. Parks staff will seed this spring and then remove the silt fence. Adjournment Commission Member Mount made the motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m.; Commission Member Tawil seconded the motion; unanimous approval. Next Meeting: April 19, 2021