HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-2016 Parks & Recreation CommissionIowa City Agi6\Parks and Recreation Commission I
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 — 5 p.m.
SCANLON GYMNASIUM/MERCER PARK AQUATIC CENTER
PROCTER & GAMBLE ROOM
2701 Bradford Dr.
ITEM 1. RIBBON CUTTING AT NEW MERCER PARK PLAYGROUND
ITEM 2. CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 3. STAFF INTRODUCTION — MATT EIDAHL, PROGRAM SUPERVISOR FOR
YOUTH SPORTS/TEEN PROGRAMS
ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
ITEM S. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
ITEM 6. EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT PRESENTATION — SAM FAST
ITEM 7. CHAUNCEY SWAN PARK PLAN — BRETT DOUGLAS, GENUS LANDSCAPE
ARTCHITECT
ITEM B. PARKS & RECREATION FOUNDATION INFORMATION
ITEM 9. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Recreation Division Superintendent —Chad Dyson
b) Parks Division Superintendent—Zac Hall
c) Parks and Recreation Director—Juli Seydell Johnson
ITEM 10. CHAIRS REPORT— CLAY CLAUSSEN
ITEM 11. COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 12. ADJOURN
MINUTES DRAFT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
APRIL 13, 2016
RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Suzanne Bentler, Larry Brown, Clay Claussen, Wayne Fett, Cara Hamann, Lucie
Laurian, Paul Roesler, Joe Younker
Members Absent: Maggie Elliott
Staff Present: Judi Seydell Johnson, Chad Dyson, Zac Hall, Kumi Morris, Tammy Neumann
Others Present: Sheila Boyd, Community Foundation of Johnson County; Del Holland
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Claussen called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
STAFF INTRODUCTION:
Seydell Johnson introduced Kumi Morris, who was recently hired for the department's Facilities
Manager. In this position, Morris will oversee all custodial, maintenance of all facilities as well as the
custodial staff and department building projects. Seydell Johnson mentioned that she is very happy to be
able to have Morris join the department as she has a great deal of knowledge and experience in public
works and engineering. In fact, Morris has been with the City for 17 years having worked in the Public
Works/Engineering Department previously. Morris noted that she grew up in Germany moving here
during her senior year in high school. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona and then received
her architecture degree at Iowa State. During her tenure with the City, she has managed a number of
building projects. A few of those include the construction of a new fire department facility, the Eastside
Recycling Center and the Animal Services building. At this point she is working to familiarize herself
with all of the building systems including HVAC. She noted that it is her goal to get all buildings on the
same type of systems. Currently there are a number of different suppliers for various systems. This makes
it more difficult to monitor. She will work closely with MidAmerican Energy during this process as they
offer some great rebates. Commission welcomed Morris to the department.
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Claussen noted that on page 3 of the March minutes, it was written that a motion passed 7-2. That motion
was passed 7-0.
Moved by Fett, seconded by Younker, to anarove the March 9, 2016 minutes as amended. Passed 7-
0 (Elliott and Laurian absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
Laurian arrived at 5:10 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 13, 2016
Page 2 of 6
PARKS AND RECREATION FOUNDATION DISCUSSION
Seydell Johnson reminded Commission that they had asked to discuss the current and future status of the
Parks and Recreation Foundation. She explained that the Foundation was created in 1986 as a 501(c)3
organization with the goal of raising money to support department facilities and programs. The current
balance of the Foundation is $73,115.16 with $29,958.41 of that designated for specific parks projects.
She further noted that the Foundation currently pays $1,200 annually for tax preparation. The current
board members include Bruce Maurer, Clay Claussen, Jack Muller, John Westefeld, Jerry Raaz and Sarah
Walz. Tammy Neumann serves as secretary. Seydell Johnson asked that the Commission consider a
recommendation to transfer the funds, as well as the management of these funds, to the Community
Foundation of Johnson County.
Sheila Boyd with the Community Foundation of Johnson County was at the meeting to explain the
process for moving funds to their foundation. She explained that there are two types of funds that the
commission and/or foundation may want to consider. The first is a charitable giving fund. This allows
money to go in and out as needed, i.e. money would be donated for a park bench and then be taken out to
pay for that bench. Donors can give on-line to this type of fund. The second type is an endowment fund.
Endowment funds are set up for long term purposes and are invested in local companies by the
Community Foundation. Withdrawals can occur annually at a rate determined by the board. This rate has
been 5% every year for 16 years, however, the board has the option to change this rate at the end of each
fiscal year. There is a current fund that was set up by Dee and Pete Vanderhoef named the Iowa City
Parks and Preservation and Improvement Fund which has a current balance of $28,000. The minimum
balance for this fund before distribution is $100,000, as directed by the Vanderhoef s, Endowment funds
offer a 25% tax credit which is appealing to donors, The commission can recommend that Foundation
money be added to this existing endowment fund or create another. The Community Foundation would
take care of tax preparation, record keeping, sending out thank you letters to donors and will provide the
department with a quarterly report of fund activity.
Claussen asked how the Community Foundation determines which donors to approach when raising funds
for specific projects. Boyd explained that they keep a record of what areas donors are interested in to help
make that call. Laurian expressed her concern of only being able to withdraw 5% annually and that not
providing enough to do much. Seydell Johnson explained that this can resolved by using the charitable
giving fund for shorter term fund raising efforts. Fett asked what marketing methods the Community
Foundation uses. Boyd said they distribute information through financial planners, attorneys that work
with trusts, social media and through their Community Report. Bentler commented that as raising funds
becomes more essential to operations, that the 25% tax credit is a big incentive to donors of which the
current foundation cannot offer. Roesler said that Scheels works with the Community Foundation and has
been very pleased.
Seydell Johnson explained that if the funds are transferred to the Community Foundation, that the Iowa
City Parks and Recreation Foundation Board may still exist. Younker asked if the Foundation has had
any input. Seydell Johnson said they have not and recommends that the commission discuss first and then
she will take it to the Foundation. Another option is for the Foundation to decide to disband and then all
decisions about funds come to the Commission,
Moved by Younker, seconded by Fett, that Seydell Johnson discuss with the Foundation Board the
option of movine the current Parks and Recreation Foundation Funds to the Community
Foundation of Johnson County.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 13, 2016
Page 3 of 6
Seydell Johnson will reach out the Foundation and report on their recommendation at the May
Commission meeting. She will also invite the Vanderhoefs to a future meeting to discuss their vision for
their endowment fund.
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER OUTDOOR EDIBLE CLASSROOM:
Dyson reported that Parks and Recreation Staff have been working with Backyard Abundance to design
an outdoor classroom on the south lawn between the pool and Burlington Street. Backyard Abundance
applied for and received an Iowa Department Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) Specialty Crop
Block grant in the amount of $23,990 for this project. The edible classroom will provide a permanent
venue where specialty crop growers, chef, nutritionists and educators can conduct events that will inform
families about the health and economic benefits of specialty crops. Dyson provided commission with the
current concept plan designed by Fred Meyer with Backyard Abundance. Commission and staff visited
the space where this edible classroom will be placed. Dyson announced that there will be a ground
breaking event on Saturday, May 14. Fett wondered if this may qualify for a REAP grant. Seydell
Johnson said it is likely not a high enough dollar amount to warrant such a request. Dyson further noted
that the remaining costs would likely be a small enough dollar amount to be covered by department
operational funds. Laurian asked if Backyard Abundance would be in charge of maintenance of the area
in the future. Dyson explained that they will do some maintenance but it will also be kept up through the
departments Nature Awareness program, the same group that maintains the existing Children's Discovery
Garden on the north side of the Recreation Center. Claussen asked how people will see the garden. Dyson
said that Meyer has some ideas to do some vegetable shaped portholes in the existing fence or staff may
consider removing some of the existing panels to open up the area.
YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATION UPDATE:
Dyson included a memo in the commission packet showing updates for three of the major sports affiliate
groups. These included updates for Kickers Soccer Club, Iowa City Boys Baseball and Iowa City Girls
Softball. Of note is that both Kickers and Boys Baseball have seen an increase in participants this season.
Girls Softball is going through a board transition, however, the saw a good deal of registrations come in
after spring break. He reported that there are currently no real maintenance issues or concerns.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Recreation Division Superintendent (Chad Dyson):
• Dyson reported that the department continues to have boiler issues at Mercer. He is working with
maintenance staff to troubleshoot these issues.
• Dyson shared information about a new program that the department has developed in cooperation
with United Action for Youth and the Neighborhood Centers. This is a summer community
program for 71h through 121h graders. It is designed to engage that population of kids in activities
and introduce them to the programs that the department offers. This group will meet in the
evenings as this was determined to be the time frame where youth activities are currently lacking.
Dyson is currently working out transportation issues for those kids.
Parks Division Superintendent (Zac Halll:
• Hall said that while there had been a bit of delay in the installation of the playground at Mercer
Park, it is still slated to be done well before Memorial Day, which was the original goal for
completion. The hope we to have it complete by next Friday, April 22.
• Hall noted that work on installing back stops and work on the restrooms has begun at Willow
Creek/Kiwanis Parks.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 13, 2016
Page 4 of 6
• Hall stated that the public input process for Hickory Hill Park Master Plan went very well. They
also received some great information via Facebook and email.
• Hall reported that the department is in their busy hiring season at this time. He also reported that
there is currently a position posted internally for a Maintenance Worker I position and will be
posting another as of July 1. These positions will provide coverage on evenings and weekends.
Roesler said he noticed that goalposts were being removed from area parks. Hall reported that they are
being removed from parks where they are not being used. There is currently no plan to replace these.
Goalposts will remain, however, in parks where they are more heavily used.
Laurian asked for an update on prairie planting programs. Hall said that the department is continuing
work on these by attempting to find a good mix of seed. They are currently looking at buffalo grass
which is a mixture of Blue Grama and Curly Mesquite which requires less mowing and weeding.
Claussen asked for an update on the Riverfront Crossings project. Seydell Johnson said that the City is in
the process of choosing a consultant and are taking the design to the next level. They have interviewed 7
to 8 firms and are narrowing those down. She hopes that she will have more information in the next
couple of weeks.
Parks & Recreation Director (Juli Seydell Johnson):
• Seydell Johnson reported that she met with the Vision Iowa Board at the Park Lodge at the Terry
Trueblood Recreation Area. She said that the board was very impressed with the facility. She
reminded Commission that the City was awarded a $1.6 million dollar Vision Iowa grant for the
development of the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area.
• Seydell Johnson said she was approached by an Eagle Scout who is interested in building a "Ga-
ga pit." Ga-ga is a variation of dodge ball that is played within a large fenced area (usually an
octagon or hexagon) which is called a ga-ga pit. The game combines dodging, striking, running
and jumping with the hope of being the last person standing. Players are eliminated if they are hit
on or below the knee with the ball. She will invite him to come to a future meeting to present his
proposal.
• Seydell Johnson praised Dyson and Hall, as well as parks staff, for painting and installing the
yellow park benches in the Recreation lobby. She said they have been well received by the
public.
■ Seydell Johnson noted that it has been a busy few weeks with garden plot registration and the
many community events and walk applications that have come in. She praised Neumann for
keeping it all running smoothly.
CHAIRS REPORT — CLAY CLAUSSEN
Claussen thanked Seydell Johnson for having Sheila Boyd present at tonight's meeting to talk about the
Community Foundation of Johnson County.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Laurian said she would like to hold more discussion on integrating fruit trees within the community.
Seydell Johnson said that staff is working to include edible landscaping within their designs.
Bentler noted that she likes the new commission packet layout.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 13, 2016
Page 5 of 6
Bentler also reported that she has had a couple of conversations regarding policies in place for the use of
event facilities, including the Ashton House and The Park Lodge at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area.
One concern came from a person planning their wedding reception this fall and who asked to bring in
mini kegs with their home brew. She wondered why there is a policy that states no kegs are allowed. Her
second concern was from someone who wanted to reserve the Ashton House, however, moved their event
because live bands are not allowed at this location. Her third concern was that there is not a recycling
option at The Park Lodge. Seydell Johnson explained that she has made one change to the current alcohol
policy for event venues (now allowing cash bars) and will continue to review the policy and consider
Bentlers comments. She also explained that live bands are not allowed at Ashton House due to its close
proximity to other homes in the neighborhood. Renters may have Deejay's, however. Seydell will look
into the recycling issue at these facilities.
Roesler said he would like to have a conversation about Chadek Green Park and the amenities/facilities
that would be considered for this park. He had heard some ideas from the school board so would like to
have on record what that space is to be used for. Seydell Johnson stated that she believes the idea is to
keep it a green space, thus the name, Chadek Green Park. It was also noted that it was specifically noted
in Carl Chadek' s will to make this a community garden and green space.
Younker asked if there was an update on the demolition of homes around Creekside Park. Seydell
Johnson said that one will be done on May 1. She will update as necessary.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Roesler, seconded by Fett to adjourn the meeting at 6.18 p.m. Motion passed 8-0 (Elliott
absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 13, 2016
Page 6 of 6
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
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Suzanne
1/1/17
X
X
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X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bentler
David
1/1/15
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
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Larry Brown
1/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
Clay
1/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Claussen
Maggie
1/1/17
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/F,
Elliott
Wayne Fett
1/1/19
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
X
X
Cara
1/1/16
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
Hamann
Katie Jones
1/1/18
X
X
X
Lucie
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X
X
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O/E
X
X
X
X
X
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Paul Roesler
1/1/18
*
*
*
*
X
X
X
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O/E
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Joe Younker
1/1/16
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X
X
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X
X
X
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KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
* = Not a member at this time
Date: May 5, 2016
To: Parks and Recreation Commission Members
From: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director
Re: Eagle Scout Project Request — Gaga Ball
Commission Role:
1. Evaluate Eagle Scout Request via Presentation at Meeting.
2. Provide Recommendation for Next Steps
Background:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
• Eagle Scout, Sam Fast, approached staff with a request to complete his Eagle Scout project
through construction of a Gaga Pit in a City Park.
• Sam will make a presentation to the Commission at the meeting to explain the sport of Gaga
Ball and why he would like to build one in a city park.
• Sam is requesting a location at City Park. Staff will be prepared to discuss alternative
locations including Mercer Park and Hickory Hill Park.
• A Youtube video showing the proposed project.
hftps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JsLgiOhzs8O
Attachment:
• April 7, 2016 Email from Sam Fast
• Image of Gaga Ball Pit
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
> From: Sam Fast [mailto:awesomesam101@mchsi.com]
> Sent: Thursday, April 07, 2016 6:35 PM
> To: Zac Hall
> Subject: Boy Scout Eagle Project
CITY OF IOWA CITY
> Hello Zach. My name is Sam Fast. My dad may have called you regarding my Eagle Scout proposal for
Iowa City Park and for my Gaga pit. I just wanted to give you the general idea of what I was hoping to
build there and to see if the city would approve it.
> What my main project consists of, is a octagonal shaped pit, (building up from the ground) made from
wood and 2x12 boards to form a wall about 3-4 feet tall. The dimensions of the pit would be around 10-
20 feet across. I know that is a but general, but I am still working out small details, as well as your input
or criteria when it comes at allotted space. I have attached a picture of one that I think matches my idea
best to google images can provide.
ok.'. Y-k
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220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5700 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Date:
May 5, 2016
To:
Parks and Recreation Commission Members
From:
Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director
Re:
Chauncey Swan Park Redevelopment Plan
Commission Role:
CITY OF I O W A CITY
• Evaluate plans and provide feedback to consultants as to park design and amenities.
Background:
• Chauncey Swan Park, located at 405 E. Washington Street will be closed for a time so that
the ground may be used as a construction staging area for the new Chauncey building.
• The developer of the building has agreed to redesign and rebuild the park for public use at
the end of the construction project.
• Design staff from Genus will present a concept plan for the new park for Commission review
and discussion.
• Geothermal wells for the building project's heating and cooling will be located in a large area
of the park, limiting the amount of structures and plantings that may take place in the center
of the park.
Attachment:
• Chauncey Swan Park Design Concept Drawing
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
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Date: May 4, 2016
To: Parks Commission
From: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation
Re: Iowa City Parks and Recreation Foundation
CITY OF I O W A CITY
Commission Role:
1. Provide consideration and recommendation to the City Council regarding future
depository of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Foundation Funds with the Community
Foundation of Johnson County.
Background:
• As a follow-up to the April Parks Commission meeting, members of the Iowa City Parks
and Recreation Foundation are scheduled to meet on Thursday, May 5th. Director
Seydell Johnson will update the Commission on the discussions from this meeting.
• The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Foundation was established in 1986 as a 501(c)3
organization with the purpose to raise money to support department facilities and
programs.
• Current balance in the fund is $73,115.16. $29,958.41 of these funds are designated for
specific parks or projects.
• The Foundation currently pays $1,200 each year for tax preparation. This is the only
administrative expense charged to the foundation each year.
• Current Foundation board members are: Bruce Maurer, Clay Claussen, Jack Muller,
John Westefeld, Jerry Raaz, and Sarah Walz. Tammy Neumann is Secretary.
• The Community Foundation of Johnson County offers an opportunity to have the funds
and administration of the Parks Foundation under the larger organization umbrella.
Sheila Boyd will attend the Commission meeting to share information and answer
questions concerning this option.
Project Timeline:
The fund can be set up and moved to the Community Foundation of Johnson County at any
time.
Attachments:
None
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
May 11, 2016
Upcoming Events
May
• May 4, Iowa City Farmers Market begins its 44 h Season
• May 11, Ribbon Cutting for new Mercer Park Playground
• May 15, Ground Breaking for the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center
Outdoor Classroom 9-11 a.m.
• May 19-21, Special Olympia State Summer Games held in Ames on the Iowa State
campus.
• May 28, City Park Rides and City Park Pool open.
• May 30, Memorial Day Event at Oakland Cemetery (Time TBD)
• May 31, Mercer Market season begins, Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m.
June
• June 1, Market Music starts.
• June 2, First Party in the park (Glendale Park) with Old Capitol String Band.
• June 4-5, Iowa Soccer League East Challenge at IC Kickers Soccer Park
• June 6, Summer Camp starts.
• June 10-12, Hosting Iowa ASA8U,12UA/Band 14UAIBState Championships
at Napoleon Park.
July
Future Commission Items
June 8, 2016
• Hickory Hill Park Master Plan — Presentation by Snyder & Associates
July 13, 2016
Park Tour?
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet j City of Iowa City
Status — Previous Commission Items and Discussions
■ March Commission Meeting
➢ Eastside Sports Complex Master Plan
Staff received the final draft of the plan from Hitchcock Design group and is
reviewing it.
➢ Lower City Park Master Plan
• Consultants are completing the final report, phasing recommendations and
cost estimates. Parks and Engineering staff will review the information once
submitted and provide recommendations.
➢ Hickory Hill Park Master Plan
• A public meeting was held on March 13 with additional comments gathered
through social media and online portals. The Advisory Committee and
Consultants met April 22 to discuss public comments and refine goals and
objectives. A second public meeting will be held on May 15 from 2:00-3:30
at the south Hickory Hill Park shelter (Bloomington St entrance).
■ April Commission Meeting
➢ Iowa City Parks & Recreation Foundation
• Meeting scheduled with current Foundation Board for May 5 at 11 a.m.
➢ Recreation Center Outdoor Edible Classroom
• Ground breaking rescheduled from Saturday, May 14 to Sunday, May 15, 9-
11 a.m.
➢ Recycling Request for Facilities and Parks
• Parks & Recreation staff met with Jennifer Jordan to discuss equipment and
process for adding bottle and can recycling to TTRA Lodge and the Ashton
House. Plans are to have recycling available to users by June 1, 2016.
➢ Alcohol Policy Questions—TTRAand Ashton House
• Staff discussed policy with Ava Center event staff. The Ava Center has
strong concerns about allowing kegs for events at TTRA and the Ashton
House.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks
• Forestry, Parks and Horticulture staff helped the Friends of Historic Preservation
prepare for the Iowa Ave House move. Forestry pruned, removed and coordinated
transplanting of trees along the route. Parks and Horticulture assisted streets in
removing bricks, vegetation and soil from the previously "domed" Washington St
medians. A redesign/replanting of the medians will occur later this month.
• Steve Erickson was hired as a fulltime Maintenance Worker I -Parks. Steve has been
a Parking Enforcement worker for approximately five years with the City of Iowa
City. He is a former Central Business District seasonal employee and has six years
experience with the Evanston, Illinois Parks District. Steve holds a B.S. in
Environmental Science from the University of Iowa. He resides on the eastside of
Iowa City with his wife and three year old daughter.
Recreation
• Elizabeth Reicks, Swim Assistant, resigned effective May Sth. Elizabeth had been
with the department for 10 years and was responsible for weekend pool coverage,
in-service staff training and CPR/First Aid instruction.
• Royceann Porter was hired as Youth Summer Fun program coordinator. Her role
will be to plan and oversee the Youth Summer Fun program for teens from 7th-12m
grade.
• Summer program registration began on April 27`h
Cemetery:
• The Cemetery staff has been busy mowing and trimming. Currently working on
laying sod on all winter graves.
• The staff will begin cleaning the flower beds in preparation for planting flowers and
adding fresh mulch.
Facilities:
• A new Service Counter is being designed and installed City Park Pool to meet ADA
guidelines.
• The beginning of the new Building Automated System (BAS) controls project has
started with small upgrades to Mercers/Scanlon Facility; with this first step staff will
have ability to better regulate and monitor pool temperatures. The next step will be
Pool temperature sensors to better regulate Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
• Shive Hattery, Architecture and Engineering Inc., has been selected to work on the
Cabin Restoration Project.
Administration
• Training and kick-off of Farmer's Market.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Hiring new MWI position
• Meeting with Hickory Trail Neighbors
• Stream clearing with PW
• Tree Inventory and EAB Management RFPs
Recreation
• Replacement of Swim Assistant
Summer program implementation
• Staffing City Park Rides
■ Planning Youth Summer Fun program
• Revising Affiliate Group Memorandums of Understandings
• Preparing City Park Pool for Memorial Day opening
Cemetery
• 2 seasonal employees have started.
• The 3rtl seasonal will begin on May 16th
Facilities
• Pool temps at RALRC.
Administration
• Director Seydell Johnson attended Community Intervention Training in San Antonio,
Texas as part of a regional delegation. The CIT program is a comprehensive method
for addressing community issues of homelessness, mental health and chemical
dependency issues.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet p City of Iowa City
Project Master List
Project
Timeline
Status
Facilities - HVAC Control
Multi -year Implementation for all City
Staff preparing RFQ for consultant
Software
Buildings ($535,000 CIP)
selection process.
Project may begin July 1, 2016 ($75,000
Staff preparing consultant selection
Admin: Park Master Plan Update
Gen Fund)
process
Project may begin July 1, 2016 ($75,000
Staff preparing consultant selection
Forestry: Tree Inventory
Gen Fund)
process
Construction Summer/Fall 2016 ($155,000
City engineer staff reviewing
Ashton House - Project Green
Reap Grant)
construction documents.
Fraunholtz Miller Park Design &
Construction
Construction Spring 2017 ($200,000 CIP)
Staff Preparing Preliminary Design
Hickory Hills Park Master Plan &
$200K per year: 2016, 2017, and 2108
Public meeting schedule for May 15.
Upgrades
(CIP)
Park Commission review in June.
Mercer Park Playground
Construction Spring 2016 ($150,000 CIP)
Complete
Construction Summer 2016 ($25,000
Highland Park Playground &
CDBG &-$8,000 in Neighborhood raised
Redesign
funds)
Playground Delivered
Consultant completing construction
City Park Cabin Restoration
Construction Fall 2016 ($200,000 CIP)
documents.
City Park Pool Cabana Shelters
Construction Summer 2016 ($65,000 CIP)
Staff preparing bid documents.
Pheasant Hill Park Renovation
Construction Fall 2016 ($60,862 CIP)
Preliminary Design
Happy Hollow Shelter &
Construction Summer/Fall 2016 ($150,000
Bathroom Upgrades
CIP)
Preliminary Design
Willow Creek/Kiwanis Park
Drainage issues being reviewed.
Master Plan
Construction to be Completed Spring 2016
Restroom Construction spring 2016.
($75,000 CIP, $25,000 Park Improvement
Staff researching site and design of
Tennis Courts/Pickle Ball Court
Fund)
Pickle Ball Courts/ Applying for grant.
East Side Sports Complex
Feasibility Study
Study complete in Spring 2016
Staff reviewing final draft report.
Lower City Park Master Plan
Study complete in Spring 2016
Staff reviewing final draft report.
Wetlands construction & stream bank
Staff completing consultant selection
Riverfront Crossing Park, Phase 1
stabilization 2017 (Fed Grant)
process.
Thornberry Dog Park Pond
Project still in progress with
Renovations
June 1, 2016
contractor.
TBD — Park rebuild at end of building
Design presentation to Commission
Chauncey Swan Park
project.
at May meeting.
Ground breaking event to be held on May
RALCRC Outdoor Edible
15, 2016—full implementation completed
Reviewed final designs, planning
Classroom
in 2017.
1 programming.
Hickory Hill Bridge Replacement
Construction Fall 2016
Design/Engineering Being Completed
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
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April 28, 2016
1438 Oaklawn Ave
Iowa City, IA 52245
TO: Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission
Parks and Recreation Director
CC: Iowa City Council
RE: Preservation of Woodland Wildflower Area — City Park
Dear Parks and Rec,
The purpose of this letter is to insure that Commission members and city staff are aware of a
very nice hillside in City Park that is densely populated with spring native woodland wildflowers
in the hopes that any future work in the park will not disturb this habitat and the wildflowers
within it.
The hillside is located between upper and lower city park immediately north and northeast of
the old log cabins in upper park. The wildflowers flank both sides of the old concrete stairway
that connects upper and lower park and include, Bellwort, Trout Lily, Dutchman's -breeches,
Spring Beauty and others.
I have been visiting this hillside every spring since 1989 and the density of wildflowers has
maintained itself well and perhaps increased since that year. I believe that this particular area
of the park has the best concentration and diversity of native spring woodland wildflowers
anywhere in the park. Perhaps staff and commission members are already aware of this
beautiful hillside, but if not please take the time to visit while the flowers are in bloom.
I know that with the possible renovation of the old cabins and the rebuilding of lower city park
that this area, particularly the old concrete stairway within the wildflower patch may be subject
to construction activity that could adversely affect this habitat. I urge staff and commission
members to plan ahead to insure maximum preservation of this gem of a hillside. If the old
concrete stairway is to be removed or renovated these wildflowers would be subject to
disturbance so I urge caution with any work in this area.
Sincerely,
Robert M. McKay