Coralville Civil Service

Coralville Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes October 17, 2022 Since there was not a quorum, this will be considered a meeting recap of the information shared. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting The Parks and Recreation Commission did not have a quorum. The meeting was held with the following attendees: Commission Members Mackensie Graham and Marti Mount, Council Liaison Keith Jones, and Parks and Recreation Director Sherri Proud. The location of the meeting was at the CCCA Rehearsal Hall, 860 Quarry Road, Coralville. Citizen comments Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared that the Parks Department is focusing on the ash tree removal. The most recent project included the removal of twenty-two trees with eleven trees dead, five trees that were failing, and six trees removed given the cadence profile for landscaping. Both Proud and Parks Superintendent Buhmeyer are fielding calls from residents regarding the tree removal process. Parks Forestry staff Shawn DeGood and Sabin Hieronymus have the lead in informing residential properties of dead or dying ash trees that need to be removed. The process includes a courtesy doorknocker hanger notice that identifies the infraction. Action is recommended within seven – fourteen days. A registered letter noting action steps for non-compliance is then sent. The City of Coralville recognizes the limited contractors available for tree removal. Notification from residents of the contracted services agreement is accepted and appreciated. Staff then follow up at a later date to make sure the tree is removed. Regarding the Branching Out Tree Replacement Plan, the City of Coralville receives a discounted fee for trees ordered through the selected provider. Proud noted that last Friday at the Rotary Park, baby saplings were observed and the idea hatched for an upcoming dig party. With the baby saplings, tagging and planning for the replacement of sampling whips has been projected for early May. Tour of CCPA Rehearsal Hall Coralville Center for Performance Arts Managing Director Ethan Hilsabeck provided a tour of the facility. Parks and Recreation Director Proud shared the past history of the rehearsal hall and storage facility. Parks and Recreation Department provided the initial clean out from the museum and began work related to restoration and transfer of use. CCPA Staff also provided people power for initial cleaning and refurbishment. The Young Footliters is one of the children theater troops providing camps, classes, and productions. Additional education programs will be expanded. City Circle also is using the space for rehearsals. A future ticketed event may be considered at the site. Clear Creek Point Park Master Plan Updated renderings of Clear Creek Point Park Master Plan were developed for a Destination Iowa grant and were shared. The land is divided by a railroad track. The site included the concrete plant removal in 2018 with Chad Freeman Construction and reseeded grass and tree planting during COVID. The current overview is being done with guidance by Bolton and Menk Contractors. Park amenities include a pavilion or a warming house, pickleball courts, trailhead, a bicycle fix it station, and a paved walking, rollerblading, and biking track with an exercise station. This area may also be considered for an ice ribbon during the winter. Other amenities highlighted include a kayak accessible launch, a paddle share location, and decorative panels to screen the power plant. The decorative panels may include historical features like the power station and the ice mill. Proud shared that grant funding is being pursued with a Destination Iowa Grant in cooperation with Iowa City, University of Iowa, and the County. In addition, funding would be pursued with I80 federal monies, a Vision Iowa Grant, and a Federal Recreation Trail Grant. This project would require matching monies. The project would include at least four phases for completion. Proud reviewed the various grant opportunities and how each application pursuits are unique. Dovetail Recreation Area Improvement Plan Parks and Recreation Director Proud addressed the attendees about the wetlands at Dovetail Recreation area. The assessment with MMS in 2014 reviewed the health of this area as a mitigation wetland and Impact 7G did another review in 2021 of the space by request of the neighbors. Proud reiterated that Judy Joyce and Impact 7G identified this area as a functioning wetland. In June, an open house was conducted to gain resident input and feedback. Improvement ideas and plans with related action steps provided  over several years were identified. Proud noted ideas from the open house were included in the improvement plant shared with the Commission. Council Liaison Jones met with ten community members from the Shire Properties about the wetlands. Jones identified that the first priority was recognition of the wetlands instead of a pond. Residents noted that the topography of the land, erosion of the pond and the lack of attention to the poisonous foliage and mowing maintenance were the greatest concerns. Patrons requested a bridge for this area. Jones acknowledged the concerns and provided reference to the City of Coralville website regarding the Impact 7G planning. Another concern of the neighbors is the Auburn Ridge development to the north. Jones shared that the developer has met the standards that the City has for established by including grading, silt fences, and rock checks. Impacts in this area include the road and culvert flows along with additional housing development. Jones noted that at this time a solution is uncertain that would be acceptable to the Shire neighbors. Proud also reiterated that development review and approval falls under Planning and Zoning Commission. At time of development review when the development was proposed, Parks and Recreation staff gave feedback about steepness of slopes, desired areas to protect at bottom wetland and overflow into Dovetail, and ability develop site as one large development or break into phases. At Dovetail Recreation Area, Proud shared the action items that have been completed in recent years. Bands of seedings were completed on some of the slopes and poison foliage was mowed for access to the pond for fishing. Amy Foster, Stormwater Coordinator, noted storm water monies may be considered to address the impact of the retention basin from the Autumn Ridge development; another funding source would be required, however, if sediment is found in the retention basin. Focus on spraying and seeding with short grass prairie vegetation 18-24 inches tall over the next three years was recommended and to keep mowing access points to fishing. Dredging the wetland area would not be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers so spraying out small areas of reed canary grass and continuing to find a way to control cattails is the maintenance route listed on the plan. Proud noted that tree plantings along with a small shelter and kayak launch would provide more recreational uses for the area. Future amenities may include a boardwalk opportunity connecting the trail and loop to experience and explore the wetlands. Receipt of a REAP Grant will be used to do a timber stand. Request of next steps target a meeting with Jones, Parks and Recreation Director Proud, and Mayor Foster. Given that the area was a required wetland development for the surrounding residential neighborhood that the developer installed, the focus will be on enhancing the existing wetlands and not on redesigning and redoing the areas. Amy Foster and Dave Cobble, Stormwater, continue to inspect the Auburn Ridge development to insure it is within specifications for stormwater protections and not impacting Dovetail Lake. A Homeowner Association conversation between the developer and the Dovetail HOA would also be recommended. Next steps for Dovetail Recreation Area are: continue to update the new Dovetail Recreation area page on the City website, additional planting of trees replacing the removed trees, and post signage upon completion of a kayak launch. Parks and Recreation Director Proud also noted that the REAP Grant will also fund a timber stand improvement project at former Colony Property/new park land. Parks and Recreation Commission will convene on November 21. During the November and December meetings, the agenda will focus on budget highlights.