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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-2017 Parks and Recreation CommissionIowa City - Parks and Recreation Commission THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12 5 p.m. r ASHTON HOUSE 820 PARK ROAD, IOWA CITY *Note Day and Location change ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES ITEM 3 RIBBON CUTTING -ASHTON HOUSE LANDSCAPING ITEM 4 REAP ASSEMBLY - THE PARK LODGE AT THE TERRY TRUEBLOOD RECREATION AREA ITEM 5 ADJOURN If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please contact Tammy Neumann, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 3191356-5210 or tammy- neumann@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. MINUTES DRAFT SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B Members Present: Suzanne Bentler, Larry Brown, Clay Claussen, Wayne Fett, Cara Hamann, Lucie Laurian, Angie Smith, Jamie Venzon, Joe Younker Members Absent: None Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Chad Dyson, Zac Hall Others Present: Del Holland 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): None OTHER FORMAL ACTION: Moved by Brown seconded by Fett to aoarove the August 9 2017 minutes as written. Passed 5-0 (Bentler, Hamann, Laurian & Smith absent). Bentler, Hamann, Laurian and Smith arrived at 5:02. PUBLIC DISCUSSION None PARK CH' BUDGET REVIEW — JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON: Seydell Johnson presented the CIP Budget to commission. The presentation is attached to these minutes. Commission comments are included below. Riverfront Crossings Development: Laurian mentioned that there is currently no barrier between the park development and the highway and wondered if that is in the plan. Seydell Johnson said that there will be plantings and that the park is far enough from the road that is should not be an issue. Lower City Park Play ram: Laurian asked if the playground would be relocated. Seydell Johnson explained that it likely would not meet current playground safety regulations. Laurian asked if playgrounds can be recycled. Upper City Park Shelter Replacement: Laurian asked if the shelter/s were being replaced due to age or due to rotting. Seydell Johnson explained that it is due to a little of both as well as accessibility issues. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 13, 2017 Page 2 of 7 City Park: Brown asked how the raising of Dubuque Street will affect the park, specifically in regards to flooding. Laurian said that while she was able to get information regarding elevation she does not have the hydrology report. The bridge should let the water flower faster and keep it away from the park. Eastside Sports Complex: Claussen noted that there is a lot of new construction off of Rochester which will likely increase the need for such a venue. Laurian asked if there has been a survey or an analysis done to determine the expected use of the fields. She also noted that baseball is down nationally, while soccer is up. Seydell Johnson stated that if this project is approved, athletic field needs would be reassessed at that time. Seydell Johnson also said that the department has budgeted for trees to plant as a buffer along the railroad tracks in this area. Laurian asked why not go ahead and plant them now. Seydell Johnson explained that this project is not yet in the budget and there are other locations that are a higher priority at this time. TTRA Single Track Bike Trail Development: Hall explained that throughout the years, the department has received increased interest from the biking community for off -road biking areas. Laurian asked if this would be parallel to the existing path or closer to the river. Hall answered that it would likely be closer to the river on the west side. Kiwanis Park Shelter & Playground Replacement: Laurian asked what is wrong with the condition of the existing shelter. Seydell Johnson explained that there is not much concern at this time but there likely will be in five years. Laurian asked why the department is replacing everything and not repairing what is already there. Seydell Johnson said that a typical lifespan of a park structure is 20 years. There have been a number of times where these structures have been repaired over the years. Eventually it becomes necessary to replace them. She also noted that it was part of the Parks Master Plan to assess the condition of all structures. The budget recommendations are based on the evaluation. Pedestrian Mall Reconstruction: Bender asked why this was such a big ticket item for the Parks Department. Seydell Johnson said that it has more to do with the history of the department which including Central Business District maintenance and that it was not moved out of the Parks budget when the division was transferred to Transportation Services. She further noted that the department has had input regarding the design. Laurian asked if commission would get to see the design. Seydell Johnson said that a number of public meetings were held over the summer, but the design would not be presented to the commission. Recycling: Hamann asked if recycling plans would be included in the Parks or the general City budget. Seydell Johnson explained that there is a line item titled Parks Annual Improvements and recycling falls within that category. She also noted that new park designs will include recycling. Claussen asked if there would be a final version of the CIP budget that the Commission will need to approve. Seydell Johnson stated that this meeting is the Commission's chance to give input. The plan still needs to be presented and discussed with staff before it makes its way to Council in December or January. Final approval will come in January. Laurian noted that she is concerned about the amount of money being spent in replacing park structures. She feels it could be better spent on items such as trails, streams, plantings, creating butterfly habitats, etc. Seydell Johnson said that the wear on these buildings is difficult to see in the photos presented tonight. The determination was based on the assessment that was done in preparation for the Parks Master Plan. A number of the ADA concerns have to be addressed sooner than later. Fett noted that in his experience, often times it is less expensive to replace than to maintain. Seydell Johnson said that the department will PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 13, 2017 Page 3 of 7 review the structures individually as they come up. Claussen noted that the money needs to be asked for so that the funds are available when repairs/replacements become necessary. Laurian asked about the progress of land acquisition on the west side. Seydell Johnson said that a west district park is listed in the 2020 budget. Claussen asked if there were any thoughts given to the old poor farm property. Seydell Johnson said not to date but that future plans for this property may change the need for a park. Staff will keep this in mind. Recreation Division Superintendent — Chad Dvson Dyson reported that the department is transitioning into its fall programming. He also mentioned that there are several new programs this fall including night hikes at Hickory Hill Park, a wilderness survival course, gaga instruction and more. He noted that the splash pads have all closed and that City Park Pool will close at the end of September. He announced that the annual Halloween Carnival and Parade will be moved to Mercer Park/Scanlon Gymnasium due to construction occurring at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Dyson announced that the Social Justice/Equity Program Supervisor, RaQuishia Harrington, in cooperation with Red Zone, has created a drop -in flag football program at Mercer Park named the Red Shirt program. Thirty-six kids participated on opening night. Staff will continue working with the Neighborhood Services and Broadway Center to assist with transportation to the games. Younker asked how the gaga instruction went the evening before. Dyson said it went well and that there are now signs in place explaining the rules of the game. Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall Pheasant Hill Park: Hall noted that the gaga pits are a hit. Staff is finishing up some minor site work. Upper City Park: Staff will begin the installation of a new playground at upper City Park. Ashton House: The Project Green REAP project is wrapping up. Items remaining are some minor clean- up projects, some additional planting and completion of the pergola. Staffin¢: Parks staff has finished interviewing for a fulltime parks maintenance position and will extend an offer soon. Vandalism: Hall noted that the department has seen an increase of vandalism in the parks recently including a trash can that was set on fire at Oak Grove Park. Tree Inventory: Tree inventory has moved to the trail systems. They will also be collecting data on planting sites for the City. Lower West Branch Road and Camp Cardinal Road have already been added to the inventory list as planting sites. The contract with the inventory company has been extended into the winter. They should be complete by this time next year, if not sooner. Seydell Johnson remarked that the data collected to date has already been useful. Hamann asked if the inventory includes what years trees will be planted. Hall reported that it hasn't been included to date, but will be with the addition of planting sites added. Claussen asked who maintains the trails at Hickory Hill Park. Hall reported that it is a combination of staff, the Friends of Hickory Hill and other volunteers. He also noted that AmeriCorps volunteers are PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 13, 2017 Page 4 of 7 working on invasive species removal within the park. Claussen noted that there is a small tree that is lying across the trail near the entrance. Hall will follow-up. Laurian asked if the ash tree infestation has progressed. Hall noted that that there has only been one active infestation on a community tree, however, the University has found more. Parks and Recreation Director — Juli Seydell Johnson Alcohol Policy: Seydell Johnson announced that the Council had approved the first two reading of an ordinance change request to allow alcohol in limited spaces within parks. However it did not pass a third reading due to University of Iowa concerns that were expressed. This will be put on hold for now. Parks Master Plan Update: Seydell Johnson said that a revised plan has been placed on the web and suggested that commission members recycle the previous copy. Council will be asked to approve this plan in the near future. The staff will soon start the process to change an ordinance that will designate parks and trails as smoke -free zones. Next Commission Meeting: Commission will be invited to attend a REAP Assembly scheduled at the Park Lodge at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area on Thursday, October 12 in place of their regularly scheduled meeting on October 11. Prior to this meeting there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Ashton House revealing the landscaping and patio improvements. Commission will be invited to this as well. CHAIRS REPORT No report COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Younker noted that the Old Fashioned Carnival Night at City Park was a big hit. Brown asked that the commission discuss setting policies for bike trail use. He has noted that there are a lot of people walking the trails that are startled by approaching bikers who do not announce themselves. This will be placed on a future agenda. Seydell Johnson said that staff can research some options with the MPO Department to get their input as well. Laurian expressed her excitement about the new Red Shirt program, as the need for such programs have been discussed many times by commission. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Fett, seconded by Younker, to adjourn the meeting at 6:04 p.m. Motion passed 9-0. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 13, 2017 Page 5 of 7 PARKS AND RECREATION COMP ATTENDANCE RECORD NAME TERM EXPIRES Suzanne 1/1/17 X X O/E X NM X X X . X X X Bentler Larry Brown 1/1/18 X X X X NM O/E X X LQ X O/E X Clay 1/1/18 X X X X NM X X X LQ X X X Claussen Maggie 1/1/17 X O/E X Elliott Wayne Fett 1/1/19 O/E X X X NM X X X LQ X X X Cara 1/1/20 X X X O/E NM X X X LQ X X X Hamann Lucie 1/1/10 X X X X NM X X X LQ * O/E X Laurian Paul Roesler 1/1/18 X X O/E Angie Smith 1/1/18 * * * * * O/E X X LQ X X X Jamie 1/1/20 * * * X NM X X X LQ X X X Venzon Joe Younker 1/1/20 O/E X X X NM O/E X X LQ X X X 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 • L • Ll M N R �" `� I . '} �"• �1 �� nM'. .•i�• , �, � ` / � _ _ 1� �a.Al � i � � s� - ` V��•�! l ��, , , - iy, !1t � :::sae' w., --.��' .f;�r Y �; � , ; l �y. 3 r i.., ; i. . 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CL ad H I— m m r.. i" �.7a • L_J 1 0 W Z N N rA ME ;zi a LO LO N October 12, 2017 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm View landscaping and 5:30 pm Ribbon Cutting & Brief Remarks patio improvements made possible by the City of Iowa City and an Iowa Dept. of Ashton House Natural Resources Resource 820 Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52246 Enhancement and Protection www.projectGREjEN.org (REAP) grant. 2017 REAP Assembly Map and Schedule All meetings 6:30-8:00 PM. �p!s• I r IjpRlR,1�� � aron r M��I`i r...:.ai • M•- �,y,AI�yC,niN �14'ii-'r1 � �01SI1J ••�• :�+ G6rYWy r5{w�:4, Carwnw� t4'gh`9M.Ivhat >Iaiv�r s y}� reiny�rr+w M/rt•��tlwcA+n w,I�,w wdoa s jn. Isla wwfanwr.tiww i . I yveyfr 'V+1R;f7 7e y� r•...r��,�rw�r.eq+ hq nn, li: n.I REAP Assemblies are locally led public meetings at which information is given out and ideas are taken in by the attending state officials. The REAP law requires the following things happen at each assembly: • The DNR provides those attending with information regarding REAP expenditures. The overall REAP budget is presented and projects in the region are listed that have been funded with REAP dollars. • People attending the assemblies shall identify opportunities for regional REAP projects. Examples that have frequently come up are trails, river corridor protection, wetland restoration, soil erosion prevention, conservation education, and resource inventories. • People attending the assemblies shall also review and recommend changes to REAP policies, programs, and funding. This is the portion of the meeting that people speak out on anything they want regarding the inner workings of REAP. • And last but not least, the people at the assemblies are responsible for electing five individuals to serve on the REAP Congress. In addition to the five delegates, 3-5 other people are elected as alternates to the delegates. In the event that one of the delegates cannot attend the Congress, an alternate fills that spot. Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet October 11, 2017 Upcoming Events October • October 12 4:30-6:00 p.m. Ribbon Cutting —Ashton House Landscaping • October 12 6:30 p.m. REAP Meeting —TTRA Lodge • October 22 12pm-4pm • October 27 6:00 p.m Future Commission Items October 12, 2017 Dog Health Fair —Thornberry Dog Park 71'` annual Halloween Parade and Carnival - MPAC • Ribbon Cutting at Ashton House Landscaping & Gazebo Project December 13, 2017 • Natural Areas Plan Review —AES Status — Previous Commission Items and Discussions • January 2017 Commission Meeting ➢ Tobacco Free Parks Policy Recommendation • Council considering Ordinance amendment • July 2017 Commission Meeting ➢ Discussion of Ashton House Rentals and Use • September 2017 ➢ Discussion of Promoting Rules for Safe Bicycling on Trails ➢ Discussion of Pet Rules —Dog Leash rules. Staff Presentations Date Facilitator Topic Audience # Attendants 7/12/17 Juli Seydell Johnson Park Project Updates Noon Optimist Club 15 8/1/17 RaQuishia Harrington Teen Dynamics Community 150 Volunteering Opportunity 8/16/17 RaQuishia Harrington Mental Health & Community 200 Wellness 8/24/17 RaQuishia Harrington Empowered Professional Men & 100 Professionals Women from the Corridor 8/24/17 Jul! Seydell Johnson Riverfront Crossings Iowa Storm Water 50 Park Management Conference 8/25/17 Juli Seydell Johnson Parks & Recreation Apple Tree Preschool 20 Programs 8/26/17 Joyce Carroll, Nancey Water quality using Children all ages and 1500 P:ope, Melody Hines, water table parents Katie Healy, Andrea Oestriche 8/26/17 Nancey Pope, Joyce Creating a stream Forever Green Fun 1200 Carroll system Fair 9/7/17 Chad Dyson Recreation Center Transitions Program 20 Tour 9/24/17 Tyler Baird Monarch Festival Community 350 9/30/17 Tyler Baird Establishing Native Backyard Forest - 60 Backyards Invasive Species Field Day 9/30/17 Zac Hall Invasive Species Private Land Owners 50 Workshop Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff Parks • Installation of the new playground in Upper City Park has been completed. • Collin Lenton has joined the Parks Maintenance division as an evening/weekends Maintenance Worker I. Collin has transferred from Facilities Maintenance with nearly a decade of experience in athletic fields and facilities maintenance. • The Ashton House REAP project wraps up this month with a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 12. Recreation: • .The 15 annual dog paddle was held at City Park Pool on September 30h Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I CCity of Iowa City • Staff is working with the new Americorp team to develop new programs for our edible forests and gardens. • The partnership with Redzone Flag Football has yielded another highly successful season with a record 42 teams. This year we also introduced the Redshirt drop in football program at Wetherby Park designed for underserved kids with participation barriers. • Staff will soon start the planning process for Winter/Spring activities. Cemetery: • The U of I Deeded Body Program at Oakland took place on September 22. The weather was a little warm, but the event had a very large attendance. • Staff completed a short sidewalk that connects Oakland and St. Joseph Cemeteries. Facilities: • Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Remodeling Project- Tricon General Construction has started the demolition of the lower level restroom and supervisor office next to the gym. The upper level Admin area demolition will begin Monday, October 9th. The project is underway! • RALRC STEAM mural —The UI team is planning to install the RALRC mural the weekend of October 2151. • Mercer STEAM mural -Jo Meyer -Walker's and her team is planning on starting installation in the Mercer lobby on October 5th • City of Iowa City Building Automation Upgrades and Improvement Projects 2017- The project is before city council, we have seta public hearing for November 7th City Park Cabin Restoration Project- is progressing, Heritage Woodworking the cabin subcontractor was excited to discover original hand hewn timbers under the floor boards, Top Staff Issues Parks and is working to restore and recreate the effect with the restored structure. • Staffing levels continue to decline as the summer season closes and operations shift to transitional projects and preparation for winter snow removal. • The lack of rain has been a challenge for staff keeping new plants and trees healthy heading into the dormant season. • Graffiti and vandalism continue to be a nuisance throughout the system. Staff has been diligent about reporting and removing it as soon as possible. Recreation • Revised background check policy has been implemented and will help staff efficiency in the hiring process. ® Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City • Due to construction at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center the annual Halloween Parade and Carnival has been relocated to Mercer Park Aquatic Center/Scanlon Gym. The event will start at 6pm on October 27`h • Staff is reviewing leasing options for cardio equipment in the fitness room at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. • Staff is reviewing alternate adult athletic activities due to the decline in participation in traditional adult team sports. Cemetery Staff has attached mulching kits to all of the mowers and started with leaf collection. With the dry conditions, staff is spending a lot of time watering sod on fresh graves. The staff will continue to put enclosures around our young trees to protect from the deer. Facilities • Staff is troubleshooting water loss issues at City Park Pool, they are testing the system before draining for the season. • Aquatics maintenance staff have closed out outdoor splash pads. ■ RALRC staff has been working with prep work for the remodeling, moving furniture and coordinating and assisting the sub -contractors in mechanical, electrical and plumbing shut -offs. 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 Summer/Fall2017 Delayed due to expanded scope of HVAC & Boiler work. RALRC— Lobby Renovations Fall 2017/Winter 2018 Contract to Tri-Con—Work Oct -Jan Admin: Natural Areas Plan October 2016—December 2017 Field Assessments taking place Forestry: Tree Inventory 2017 Tree inventory 80% complete. City Park Cabin Restoration Construction Fall 2017 Contract to North Construction. Cabins moved off site. Happy Hollow Shelter & Restroom Upgrades Construction Fall 2017 Bids rejected. Plan to rebid in winter. 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 $8,400.00 $4,900.00 8 8 $3,720.00 $4,099.00 $12,120.00 $8,999.00 Sept $14,950.00 $5,080.00 8 6.8 $3,625.00 $3,432.26 $18,575.00 $8,512.00 Oct. Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June Totals 1 $26,150.00 1 $15,470.001 20 1 21.4 1 $9,845.00 1 $10,843.26 1$35,995.001 $26,313.00 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City