HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-2017 Parks & Recreation CommissionIowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, August 9, 2017— 4 p.m.
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
Meeting Room B
220 S. Gilbert St.
ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
ITEM 3. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
ITEM 4. ADJOURN - COMMISSION DEPARTS FOR PARK TOUR
MINUTES DRAFT
July 12,2017
RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Suzanne Bentler, Larry Brown, Clay Claussen, Wayne Fett, Cara Hamann, Angie
Smith, Jamie Venzon, Joe Younker
Members Absent: Lucie Laurian
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Chad Dyson, Zac Hall, Kumi Morris
Others Present: Robert Beall, Nancy Carlson, Willow Fuchs, Del Holland, Jeff Salisbury
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Claussen called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
Moved by Younker, seconded by Bentler, to present the Parks Master Plan, subiect to revisions, to
the City Council for adoption at the August 1, 2017 council meeting, Passed 8-0 (Laurian absent).
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Fett, seconded by Brown, to approve the May 10, 2017 minutes as written. Passed 6-0.
(Bentler, Laurian, & Venzon absent at this time).
None
Bentler arrived at 5:01
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER REMODEL PROJECT — KUMI MORRIS:
In 2017 the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center was budgeted for a $150,000 remodel. This
project will address some of the ADA issues within the facility. These include changing the two single
stall restrooms on the first floor to two single occupancy restrooms with one designated as a family room.
They will be accessible from the Recreation Center lower level lobby as well as from the gymnasium.
This part of the remodel will also allow for a small storage area as well as the addition of a lactation
room. The handrails on the stairway will be brought up to ADA standards. Also included in this remodel
is a reconfiguration of the administrative offices located on the upper level of the Recreation Center.
CREEKSIDE PARK REDESIGN PLAN — DON MARNER, SNYDER & ASSOCIATES
In 2015, $300,000 was approved for a redevelopment of Creekside Park in FYI 8. This redevelopment
plan will expand the park into the newly acquired parcels as well as provide a plan for upgrades to the
park. In 2016 the City acquired two parcels through flood buyouts which have increased the park
acreage. Staff has been working
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 12, 2017
Page 2 of 7
with Snyder & Associates to create a redesign of the playground, restroom and the two additional parcels.
A public meeting was held at the park to gather comments on two concept plans presented by Snyder &
Associates.
Don Marner with Snyder & Associates was present at tonight's meeting to share the redesign plan with
commission. He noted that in addition to the public meeting, 35 surveys were also completed online. He
explained that existing structures in the park will be demolished and replaced. The new shelter will be
similar in size to the existing one that is there now. The basketball court and playground equipment will
be replaced and the area around them updated. Marner noted that a number of comments he received
included the desire for easier better access to the stream. Part of that discussion involved whether or not to
keep the existing bridge in place. It was determined that to replace the bridge would bring the project over
budget; therefore, the plan is to add limestone to provide easier access to the water. Younker noted that
the playground often'floods in this park asking Mamer what the plans are to prevent this in the future.
Mamer noted that Phase 1 of the project will include moving the playground to a higher elevation on the
site.
Seydell Johnson shared an email and a letter from two citizens. One was in support of saving the bridge
and the other was a concern about the backstop being too close to the road. This person also noted his
desire to see a green space area for flag football etc. Mamer explained that the current backstop is 30'
from the street, where the new one will be 40' back. There will also be a buffer of plants added that will
help with preventing balls from rolling into the street etc.
Robert Beall, audience member, said that after the public meeting, there was continued conversation
about the status of the bridge. He explained that there are a number of people that use that bridge,
especially children walking to and from school. He asked Mamer what the issues are with the existing
bridge. Mamer explained that the bridge is old, would be difficult to maintain and would be difficult to
save. Dell Holland, audience member, asked if the structure of the bridge is salvageable for another
purpose. Mamer said that a structure analysis of the bridge has not been done to determine if it could be
moved to another site.
Hamann expressed that she too is concerned about encouraging access to the water. Mamer stated that
75% of the comments that came in from the public requested access be improved. Seydell Johnson added
that removing the bridge will allow better visibility of those in the water. Younker agreed that a gradual
access to the creek is a safer option.
Seydell Johnson stated that the next step will be to move into the design document phase with
construction to follow in the fall. Fett asked if a bridge could be included in the plan as an alternate.
Seydell Johnson while it may be possible, it would increase the engineering budget. The commission
moved forward with the plan, as shown, with the pedestrian bridge removed.
Jeff Salisbury, from the Longfellow Neighborhood, noted that he has coordinated creek cleanup in the
past and has noted the steep access to the creek. He also expressed concern about there only being one
access/exit point for up to seven blocks.
The Creekside Park Redesign Plan will be complete this summer with the construction bid going out in
the spring of 2018 and construction to begin summer/fall of 2018.
Moved by Younker, seconded by Fett, to move forward to the design phase of Creekside Park.
Passed 7-0 with Laurian and Venzon absent.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 12, 2017
Page 3 of 7
"GATHER HERE" PARK MASTER PLAN & ADA ASSESSMENT -PAT BODDY. RDG
ASSOCIATES:
Seydell Johnson explained that Parks and Recreation staff have been working with a consulting team
from RDG to complete a comprehensive planning process for the Iowa City Park System. This plan will
focus on the department's outdoor spaces only and does not include in -door facilities or City Park Pool.
The master plan process began in October 2016 with a series of community focus groups geared at
soliciting feedback on current facilities to determine accessibility and maintenance concerns.
Pat Boddy with RDG Associates presented the Master Plan to Commission. She explained that the first
step in the process included an inventory of more than forty parks to determine physical accessibility
needs as well as to highlight maintenance needs. This process was then followed by a series of
public/stakeholder meetings. More than 500 Iowa City residents attended these meetings. According to
the plan "The mission associated with this vision aims `to foster the community's engagement, sense of
place and wellbeing' through a parks and recreation system allied with all residents and visitors regardless
of age, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, economic background, country of
origin or religious practices'." (https://www.ic og v.or citygovemment/departments-and-
divisions/uarks-and-recreation/master-nlan)
Boddy said that there are reasonable park acres available for the population and that there is currently
connectivity between the parks. The plan recommends a range of smaller projects to entire park
renovations to be completed over the next ten years. She further noted that when considering district
needs, there is a need for way -finding signage and accessibility improvements. She said that improving
technology within the parks will help to enhance their use and the experience of the visitor. Other needs
include consistent maintenance, equity initiatives and will also look at the City's water sources (Ralston
Creek and Iowa River) to include them in recreational activities.
Mike Bell with RDG said that the plan is to make sure that as Iowa City continues to grow, that structures
have similar fixtures etc. on the inside, however, the outside of buildings will fit within the neighborhood.
Signage too should meet with the neighborhood aesthetics while carrying through a similar look
throughout the parks system. Beall, from the audience, noted that some of the newer signs that have been
put in the parks no longer include the year the parks were established. He would like to see that included
in future signage.
Commission member Venzon arrived at 5:41 p.m.
Seydell Johnson summarized that the department currently has projects in the works for Creekside and
Cardigan Parks as well as Riverfront Crossings. She hopes to go back into Highland, Mercer, Kiwanis
and Tower Court Parks to add accessible paths.. She further noted while work has been done to these
parks recently, there are some fairly simple things to be done to increase accessibility. Next year staff will
look at project needs based on the age of the playgrounds and shelters. The Master Plan outlines this
process through 2029. She added that when looking at a plan that goes this far out, you can depend on the
first three to four years to be followed as described, however, item such as new neighborhoods, weather
related events, etc., can alter the longer term priorities.
Claussen noted that the plan is very well written and easy to understand. Fett asked who would see this
plan. Seydell Johnson said that it is available to anyone who wants to see it. Fett recommended that street
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 12, 2017
Page 4 of 7
names on the maps in the back of the plan be listed or perhaps park addresses. Brown asked if staff would
work with other communities such as North Liberty and Tiffin to connect the bike trails. Seydell Johnson
explained that this plan does not focus a great deal on bike trails other than access. She referred him to the
Bicycle Master Plan ems://www.icgoy.org[proiect/iowa-city-bicycle-master-plan) which will be adopted
at the August 1 City Council meeting. Bentler reminded Commission that the executive
Director of Johnson County Conservation presented to Commission some time back. At that time he
noted that the focus was on bike trails and connectivity. Claussen said that the focus was mainly on the
trail at Kent Park. Smith noted that she sat in on a meeting where he talked in more detail about the plan.
At that meeting he stated that the first phase was the North Liberty trail heading towards the river. Smith
said she would like to see more trails within the parks. Hamann noted that there is a metro area
transportation plan in the works now as well.
Seydell Johnson explained that the plan is currently in draft form and that some revisions will be made.
The next step is to present the plan to Council on August 1. She encouraged commission members to
attend.
Hamann pointed out that on the Executive Summary page of the plan that the middle column calls out the
LGBTQ community. While she said it is good to make parks friendly to that community, as well as
others, she finds it odd that it is the only community called out. Seydell Johnson said that staff will
consider different language for this section.
Nancy Carlson from the audience asked if the Ralston Creek greenway implementation in the plan is
concrete. Seydell Johnson answered that it is not an exact concrete list. Carlson also asked where the
Natural Areas Plan is at this time. Seydell Johnson answered that it is about halfway complete with a
second set of consultants. The public will see the plan at the end of the year.
Brown asked if there was any thought about including more solar and wind power to parks. Seydell
Johnson said that the plan did not hit on this subject but it is a sustainability goal for the City.
Carlson, from the audience, said that she is very happy with this plan. She noted that the last plan was
difficult to follow where this one is easy to read and to understand.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Recreation Division Superintendent — Chad Dyson
Pickle Ball/Tennis Courts: Dyson reported that the courts are complete and have been very well received.
He announced that an official dedication will take place next week at the Mercer Park Party in the Park
event. Commission members were encouraged to attend.
Wetherbv Snort Court: Dyson noted that this project is progressing; however, there have been some
weather delays. It is still on target to be done in time for the August 3 Party in the Park.
Programs: Summer camp is in full swing with all the camps at capacity. Dyson also noted that the Teen
Dynamics program that started last year has been restructured. RaQuishia Harrington, Program
Supervisor, is managing this program. There are currently 30-40 kids attending this program.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 12, 2017
Page 5 of 7
Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall
TTRA Recycling: Proms: Hall said the recycling program implemented at the Terry Trueblood
Recreation Area Lodge is going very well. A recycling dumpster has been added. Staff has mentioned
that the Peninsula Frisbee Golf course would be a great site for another recycling program as most of
what they pick up there is recyclable.
City Hall/Recreation Center Landscaping: Hall noted that Tyler Baird, Horticulturist, and his staff have
been very busy putting in plantings at both the Recreation Center and City Hall. There will be a seating
wall placed in front of City Hall as well in the near future.
Siaffn : Hall continues to meet with staffing challenges within his division. One full-time staff member
just recently transferred to another department while some of the temporary staff have been hired full-
time in other departments.
Parks and Recreation Director — Juli Seydell Johnson
Council Meeting, August 1: Seydell Johnson again encouraged Commission to attend the August 1
Council meeting where the Master Plan adoption will be on the agenda. Other topics discussed will
include the implementation of a no smoking policy on trails and in parks. They will also address the
recommendation by Commission to allow alcohol use within the park shelters. The work session will run
from 5 to 7 p.m.
Staff Changes: Seydell Johnson announced that Jessica Lang, the Parks and Recreation Office
Coordinator has resigned. Tammy Neumann and Chad Dyson will be picking up a lot of the duties that
fell within that position at this time.
Happy Hollow Park: Staff budgeted $182,000 for this project; however, the lowest bid received was
$251,000. The bids will be rejected and the project will be rebid this winter. Staff may consider looking at
some different options for the planned shelter as this seemed to be more expensive than anticipated.
Riverfront Crossings: Seydell Johnson noted that the project is moving forward at a rapid pace. Trees
have been taken down and grading of the land has begun.
CHAIRS REPORT
Claussen expressed his appreciation to commission members for their input on the Master Plan.
Claussen announced that staff would like to schedule the annual parks tour during the next commission
meeting on August 9. All were in agreement. Seydell Johnson will send out invitations to the City
Council as well.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Bender said that she noticed the Ashton House is extremely underutilized. She wondered if there are
better ways of marketing the venue or perhaps consider a rebranding of the house. Maybe focusing on its
proximity to the river etc., would make it more appealing, or perhaps rent out the lower level for storage.
Seydell Johnson said that Project Green is now using one of the rooms within the house as a temporary
office space. This will provide more of a presence at the house for those who may just stop by and want
to tour the facility. Claussen suggested that maybe a marquis would help in letting people know that it is a
rentable space. Younker suggested that the Ashton House topic be added to a future agenda. Claussen
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
July 12, 2017
Page 6 of 7
further suggested that Project Green be present at that meeting as well. Venzon suggested perhaps holding
a commission meeting at the house.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Bentler, seconded by Fett- to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 P.m. Motion Passed 8-0.
(Laurian absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
NAME
U
TERM
N
a
4
H
�3
EXPIRES
a
~
~
~
~
tia
Suzanne
1/1/17
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
Bentler
Larry Brown
1/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
O/E
X
X
LQ
Clay
1/1/18
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
Claussen
Maggie
1/1/17
X
X
X
O/E
X
Elliott
Wayne Fett
1/l/19
O/
X
O/E
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
E
Cara
l/l/20
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
NM
X
X
X
LQ
Hamann
Lucie
1/1/10
O/
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
Laurian
E
Paul Roesler
1/1/18
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
Angie Smith
1/1/18
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
O/E
X
X
LQ
Jamie
l/l/20
*
*
*
*
*
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
Venzon
Joe Younker
l/l/20
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
NM
O/E
X
X
LQ
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
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
Upcoming Events
August
August 9, 2017
• August 10, Party in the Park —South Hickory Hill Park
• August 17, Party in the Park —College Green Park
• August 24, Parry in the Park -Brookland Park
• September 22, U of I Deeded Body Program — Oakland Cemetery
Future Commission Items
September 13, 2017
Tentative — Ribbon Cutting at Frauenholtz-Miller and/or Pheasant Hill Park
October 11, 2017
• Tentative — Ribbon Cutting at Ashton House Landscaping & Gazebo Project
December 13, 2027
Natural Areas Plan Review - AES
® Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet j City of Iowa City
Status — Previous Commission Items and Discussions
■ January 2017 Commission Meeting
➢ Tobacco Free Parks Policy Recommendation
• Council asked for Ordinance amendment to be prepared for consideration (Aug 1).
• May 2017 Commission Meeting
➢ Changes to Alcohol Policy for Shelter Rentals
• Council approved 1s` reading of Ordinance change —August 1
• July 2017 Commission Meeting
➢ Discussion of Ashton House Rentals and Use
Staff Presentations
Date
Facilitator
Topic
Audience
# Attendants
7/12/17
Juli Seydell
Johnson
Park Project
Updates
Noon Optimist
Club
15
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet j City of Iowa City
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks
• Frauenholtz-Miller Park is open, and staff has seen much use and has received many
positive comments from neighbors. The shelter is still to be installed.
• The contracted installation of Cardigan Park playground has started with an anticipated
completion within the month.
• The stone seat wall in front of City Hall has been constructed and all plantings have been
installed and doing well.
Recreation:
• The new pickle ball courts at Mercer Park were officially dedicated at the July 20`n party
in the park.
• The fall program guide is complete and will be delivered in the next week. Registration
for fall programs begins on August 161n
• Summer camp will conclude on August 11tn. We had great turn out and our STEAM
camps were very popular.
• The Wetherby Sport Court will be dedicated on Thursday, August 3rd. We will have
futsal and basketball activities prior to and after the dedication.
Cemetery:
• Two large limbs fell from an oak tree near the cemetery office and damaged several
monuments. Staff will repair the damage to the monuments.
Facilities:
• Happy Hollow Park- Received 5 bids for the project, ranged from $251,652.00 to
$361,000.00 [HBK estimate was $176,000], will be reviewing and repackaging project.
• City Park Cabin- North Construction's subcontractor, Heritage Woodworks will be
inventorying, photographing cabins starting 08/03 and will be reconstructing and
removing structures off site for restoration to Clemens, Iowa starting 08/21.
• Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Remodeling Project- Held pre -bid meeting on 07/28 and
will be taking bids on 08/08.
• City Hall, Mercer, RALRC HVAC/BAS study in progress- Rebates have been filed for all
projects with MidAmerican, an amendment for Mercer/Scanlon HVAC and Boiler
.Replacement design through construction administration pending.
• RALRC STEAM mural — site visit at Seashore Hall on 08/02, work is progressing.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
MERCER/Scanlon STEAM wall is being constructed by Jo Myers -Walker and her team
in the basement in the Neumann Center, trophy case at Mercer has been removed
and structural frame is being constructed.
Terry Trueblood Lodge LED lighting replacement project- AmeriCorps completed a lighting
inventory and met with lighting consultant for selecting new fixtures for facility.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Adequate staffing levels continue to be an issue due to a number of temporary staff
members preparing for the start of the academic year.
• Again, rain has been an issue delaying construction projects and affecting drainage at
Mercer Park playground and Napoleon playground. The installation of drainage systems
for both playgrounds are expected for this fall.
Recreation
• Program Supervisors are busy with the fall transition. We are at the point where summer
staff starts to leave for school and we are bringing on new staff.
Cemetery
Staff has been busy pruning low hanging limbs on trees throughout the cemetery.
Staff also replaced two water hydrants that were damaged in the Oakridge Section.
Facilities
Staff are preparing for end of summer season maintenance, filter and belt changes in
RALRC, Mercer/Scanlon, City Hall and Fire Stations.
TTRA lodge- On July 13t" a sprinkler head was damaged by an Avacentre employee,
involving flooding and consequent remediation and repairs at the facility.
RALRC- On July 2gth the Sanitary Sewer line to the facility backed up on the first floor. The
facility was shut down for the day as a service contractor was called in to repair and allow
staff to clean.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Project
Timeline
Status
Facilities- HVAC Control Software
Multi -year Implementation for all City
Buildings ($535,000 CIP)
Project mid -way.
Mercer - HVAC & Tuck Pointing
Summer/Fall 2017
Delayed due to expanded scope of HVAC &
Boiler work.
RALRC-Lobby Renovations
Fall 2017/Winter 2018
Design Complete. Take bids on 08/08
Admin: Park Master Plan Update
October 2016-July 2017
Council Presentation- August 1
Admin: Natural Areas Plan
October 2016 - December 2017
Field Assessments taking place
Forestry: Tree Inventory
2017
Tree inventory 50%complete.
Ashton House - Project Green
Construction Summer/Fall 2016
Project in progress.
Frauenholtz Miller Park
Construction Spring 2017
Project -85% complete.
City Park Cabin Restoration
Construction Fall 2017
Contract to North Construction.
Pheasant Hill Park Renovation
Construction Spring 2017
Installation in progress.
Happy Hollow Shelter & Restroom Upgrades
Construction Fall 2017
Bids rejected. Plan to rebid in winter.
Mercer Tennis Courts/Pickle Ball Court & Wetherby
Sport Court
Construction Summer 2017 -
Mercer -Complete; Wetherby -Complete
Riverfront Crossing Park, Phase 1
Fall 2017-Spring 2018 (Phase 1 and
Nature Play)
Work began on 6-26-17.
Chauncey Swan Park -
TBD - Park rebuild at end of building
project.
Park construction 2018.
Hickory Hill Trails, Signs & Bridges
Construction Spring 2017
Design underway -RDG/HBK. Bid in winter
2017-18. Work in Spring 18.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 17 Revenue Report
'* shaded areas represent previous Syr average
Revenue from Lot
Sales
Lot Sale Syr
Average
# of
Interments
Interments
Syr avg.
Revenue
from
Interments
5 year Avg.
on
Interments
Total
Revenue
Syr Avg. on
total
revenue
July
$2,800.00
$5,490.00
4
6.6
$2,500.00
$3,312.00
$5,300.00
$8,802.00
August
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
Totals
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City