HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-2018 Parks and Recreation CommissionIowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 .. ,..
5 P.M.
Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Meeting Room B
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
ITEM 4 REVIEW OF PARK RULES PERTAINING TO DOGS—CHAD DYSON/UZ FORD
ITEM 5 CITY PARK CABIN RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATE — KUMI MORRIS
ITEM 6 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Recreation Division Superintendent —Chad Dyson
b) Parks Division Superintendent —Zac Hall
c) Parks & Recreation Director—Juli Seydell Johnson
ITEM 7 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 8 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 9 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@iowo-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your
access needs.
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES DRAFT
FEBRUARY 14, 2018
RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Suzanne Bentler, Steve Bird, Cara Hamann, Lucie Laurian, Angie Smith, Jamie
Venzon, Joe Younker
Members Absent: Wayne Fett, Ben Russell
Staff Present: Chad Dyson, Zac Hall, Juli Seydell Johnson
Others Present: Fred Meyer
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Younker called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Hamam seconded by Bentier, to auurove the January 10, 2018 minutes as written.
Passed 7-0 (Felt & Russell absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
BACKYARD ABUNDANCE PRESENTATION — FRED MEYER
At the request of Commission, Backyard Abundance staff was invited to give a presentation oftheir concept
design plans that include enhancements and expansion of existing gardens at Chadek Green Park and the
addition of gardens at Creekside and Walden Green Parks.
Fred Meyer, Co -Director of Backyard Abundance, presented. He explained that Backyard Abundance is a
nonprofit organization in Iowa City that was founded in 2006. The organization focuses on environmental
education and offers instruction in rain garden design, creating food forests, as well as business and
individual yard design. They have created outdoor study areas at local schools and have participated in
nature playscape design. They have helped thousands of people create environmentally -beneficial
landscapes that provide healthy food and habitat. Backyard Abundance designed both the Discovery Garden
and Edible Garden at the Recreation Center.
To prepare for the design process of the three parks, Backyard Abundance staff will lead meetings with
community gardeners to identify the mission of each garden space and the role it will play within that
neighborhood. Their goal is to provide low maintenance garden spaces for both the participants and Parks
staff. These gardens designs may include access to water, mulch, tools, seating and shade. He noted that
the planning phase will go from now through April and will include visioning meetings with the
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2018
Page 2 of 5
community; classes will be offered in April and May, with gardens established in May and June and harvest
in September.
Meyer introduced the idea of including some raised beds in the garden spaces. Laurian asked if these are
something that has been requested by community members. Meyer said they will ask for input regarding
raised beds, as well as other design proposals, at the upcoming community meetings.
Seydell Johnson said that the council has approved funding for this project beginning with FY19 which will
begin on July 1. She also explained that these projects can, and likely will be done in phases. Younker asked
if the designs will be presented to the Commission or to the Council. Laurin mentioned her concern of
people taking from these gardens not understanding that they are being leased by individuals. Staff are
currently working on signage that will explain each gardens purpose along with contact information and
the website.
Laurian suggested that perhaps some of the flood buyout properties on Normandy Drive be used for future
community garden use. Seydell Johnson explained that this has been discussed in the past, however,
neighbors were not in support of such a design.
DOG PARK LIGHTS — CHAD DYSON
Dyson reminded the commission that a couple of months ago a member from the public came to a
commission meeting to discuss the possibility of adding lights to the Thomberry Off -Leash Dog Park.
Dyson, along with AmeriCorps volunteers, have been researching options for such lighting. He noted that
there are funds earmarked for the dog parks within the Parks and Recreation Foundation that would cover
the cost of four lights. They can all be placed at Thornberry Dog Park, or can be split so that two of them
can be placed at Rita's Ranch Dog Park as well. Bender asked about attendance numbers at Rita's. Seydell
Johnson said that while it is certainly less populated than Thornberry, that is has a very loyal group of
people in the neighborhood who use it regularly. Hall explained that this lighting will be to illuminate the
entrances of the park only.
Moved by Bentler. seconded by Hamann, to install solar lighting to the entrances of Thornberry and
Rita's Ranch Off -Leash Dog Parks. Passed 7-0 (Fett and Russel absent).
REPORT ON HEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Recreation Division Superintendent Report — Chad Dyson
Recreation Programs:
o Freeze Fest: Dyson reported that the Freeze Fest event at Terry Trueblood Recreation
Area was a big success with over 400 attending. Activities included outdoor education,
crafts, outdoor recreation as well as an ice fishing demonstration.
o Teen Dynamics: RaQuishia Harrington, Recreation Program Supervisor, will be working
to expand the existing Teen Dynamics program. This is an open program for junior high
and high school age kids.
o Free Wheels Program: The department will continue its collaboration with the Police
Department and Neighborhood Center for this program. This is a program where bicycles
that have been impounded and unclaimed are cleaned up, repaired, and eventually given
to about 15 lids within the community. The kids must participate in a bicycle safety
course to be eligible for a free bicycle.
o Sweat Crawl: Dyson announced that the department is partnering with Big Grove
Brewery in the first "Sweat Crawl." Participants in the event attend four different
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2018
Page 3 of 5
workouts including dance, taekwondo, boxing and yoga with a celebration at Big Grove
to end the event.
Parks Division Superintendent Report — Zac Hall
Smoke Free Initiative: Staff is working with Susan Vileta, Health Educator with Johnson County
Public Health, to place signage throughout the parks.
Environmental Accreditation: Hall announced that staff and the AmeriCorps volunteers have
applied to obtain this accreditation for the soccer park. This accreditation is offered through the
Sports Turf Management Corporation. There are seven criteria required to obtain this status, one
of which is energy efficiency. AmeriCorps volunteers completed an energy audit of the
restrooms and concessions at the park. Based on their findings, upgrades that include solar
lighting and programmable thermostats, have been installed. Laurin asked if this will be
considered for other facilities as well. Hall noted that they looked at doing so at Napoleon Park,
however, they were met with many challenges. He further noted that while focus is on just the
soccer park at this time, they will look at other facilities in the future.
Staffine: The hiring of seasonal staff has begun. Hall said that they were able to get an earlier
start on this process which will help them with planning for spring/summer projects.
Parks & Recreation Directors Report — Juli Sevdell Johnson
Proiect Update
o HVAC/Boiler Systems: Seydell Johnson noted that this project went to bid recently,
however, the bids came in quite high. She believes that the department will be able to
move forward with the system at Mercer but will likely have to wait for other facilities.
o Happy Hollow Pazk: The estimated cost of this project is $180,0004200,000. The
lowest bid came in at $263,000. City Council deferred making a decision and asked that
staff go back to the neighborhood and discuss possible alternatives to the original plan.
Some funding may be available from the department's annual improvements budget. The
Council will decide next Tuesday whether to move forward. It is the second time this
project has gone to bid.
o Cardigan Park: The bid for this project also came in high at $163,000. The estimated cost
was $145,000-$155,000. Staff is still hopeful for a June 30 completion date.
o Riverfront Crossings: Phase 3 of Riverfront Crossings will go out to bid at the end of
February. This phase includes installation of two shelters and construction of a nature
play area.
o Hickory Hill: This project may be delayed until fall. There are some changes necessary
to the design that was presented to staff. There will be tree removal required for this
project, which will include trail work, bridge repairs and replacement, and signage. The
trees can only be removed before April 1 or after October 1 due to the bat species that
inhabits this park.
o Villa Park: There will be a neighborhood meeting soon. The playground is to be replaced
in this park. This project will be funded by CDBG allocations.
o Creekside Design: Staff is moving forward with getting construction design for this park.
o Recreation Center: With the completion of the most recent construction at the Recreation
Center, staff will look forward to the next phase scheduled for FY20-21. Staff has
approval to go ahead with the design process that will include reconfiguration of the
racquetball and game room areas as well as replacement of two restrooms at the pool
deck with family restroom/shower/changing area. Any additional funding will be used to
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2018
Page 4 of 5
redo the locker rooms, restrooms, or to change the kitchen and social hall areas on the
upper level of the building.
Bentler referred to the Happy Hollow neighborhood meeting wondering if the group
came up with a plan to lessen the cost of the project. Seydell Johnson reported that they
were offered to forgo the restroom in exchange for the sport court. The overall majority
said they would prefer a restroom.
Laurian referred to future Recreation Center remodeling. She likes the idea of moving the
kitchen closer to the Social Hall, however, is not sure of having a combined restroom
facility. Seydell Johnson said that they will have to look at this closer when considering
accessibility concerns.
Bentler asked if staff could share which parks will be opened to RAGBRAI riders for
their overnight stay in Iowa City. Seydell Johnson said they are currently looking at
lower City Park, however, no final decisions have been made. She said the focus is to
have a space that has access to the river and is within walking distance of downtown.
Smith wondered if Kinnick Stadium had been considered. Seydell Johnson said there has
been some discussion, however, there is concern about the need for blocking off streets
near the hospital. Younker asked if there was an estimated timeline for some of these
decisions. Seydell Johnson said it will likely be another month before announcing
anything official.
■ 1PRA Conference: The Iowa City Parks & Recreation Department is co -hosting the annual Iowa
Park and Recreation Association Spring Conference at the end of March. Seydell Johnson shared
the conference brochure with members and asked them to let her know if they are interested in
attending any of the sessions offered.
CHA ERS REPORT
No report.
COMMISSION TEVMSUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Smith recalled that there was mention of University of Iowa students working on some projects at Tent'
Trueblood Recreation Area and asked about the status of such a plan. Seydell Johnson explained that this
is the University of Iowa Theme Semester project. The students will be scheduled to present at a future
meeting.
Smith recommended that members consider reading a book titled "The Nature Fix." She explained that
the author writes about the importance of parks and the effects that nature has on physical, as well as
mental health. She said the author conducted a lot of research and that it is a very thought -provoking
book.
Laurian asked if there have been any design proposals for the Normandy Drive area created. Seydell
Johnson said that the department has not yet been directed by Council to do so.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Bentier, seconded by Hamann_ to adjourn the meeting at 5.55 P.m. Motion Passed 7 0
(Felt & Russell absent)
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 14, 2018
Page 5 of 5
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused
NAME
n
n
r
n
00-
TERM
�
M
a
o
EXPIRES
~
~
0
Suzanne
1/1/17
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Bentler
Steve Bird
1/l/22
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
X
Larry Brown
1/1/18
O/E
X
X
LQ
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Clay
1/1/18
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
X
X
Claussen
Wayne Fett
1/1/19
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
Cara
l/l/20
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
Hamann
Lucie
1/1/10
X
X
X
LQ
*
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
Laurian
Ben Russell
1/1/22
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
O/E
Angie Smith
1/1/18
O/E
X
X
LQ
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Jamie
1/1/20
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
Venzon
Joe Younker
1/l/20
O/E
X
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
* = Not a member at this time
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
March 14, 2018
Upcoming Events
• Freeze Fest —February 10 at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area,1-3pm
• Spring Break Camps and Workshops —March 12-March 16
• STEAM Fest —April 15 at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area,1-4pm
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks
• Forestry and Horticulture staff attended the 62"d annual ISU Shade Tree short course in
Ames. The workshops are a collaboration of nursery growers, landscaping industry and
forestry professions covering all things new in the green industry. Staff learned a great
deal and had the opportunity to connect with colleagues and researchers throughout Iowa
and the nation.
Athletic Facilities received notice the application for Environmental Facility Certification
has qualified to move forward to the last step of the process. A representative from the
Sports Turf Managers Association will be conducting a site visit late March.
Recreation:
• Recreation staff is working in conjunction with Neighborhood Development Services staff
to plan a music festival at Pepperwood Plaza as part of the Invest Health grant funding.
• Recreation and Athletic Facilities staff is working with Iowa City Boys Baseball and Iowa
Soccer Club on sport lighting projects for City Park and IC Kickers Park.
• Special Olympic athletes and staff were honored at the last City Council meeting with a
proclamation for their efforts in competing in the Special Olympics Mid -Winter
tournament.
Cemetery:
The cemetery received our new one ton dump truck and staff is currently building side
board extensions for the dump box.
Facilities:
• City Staff visited Heritage Woodworks on Monday, March 51h to see the progress of the
Cabin structures.
• The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center BAS project was bid as a competitive quotation
project and Baker Group was awarded the bid.
• Mercer/Scanlon HVAC and Boiler Replacement Project is underway, the electrician has
started routing new electrical conduit and the GC is gearing up for removing
nonfunctioning boiler 1 from the mechanical room.
• Happy Hollow Park Restroom and Shelter Replacement Project -was awarded to Calacci
Construction with two alternates, the split -face block and the watermain work.
• Ashton House water Damage repairs- The Engineered Floor system is complete, and the
fire alarm electrical panel was replaced on Monday.
• Carpet and Painting remodel at City Hall HR, City Clerk and conference room of housing
authority is complete.
• Reviewed a number of facilities and sites for the City Solar study including Mercer Park,
Parks Maintenance Shop and City Park Pool Bathhouse.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet � City of Iowa City
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Rain and freezing/thawing conditions has limited access to interior park areas.
Fish kills due to low oxygen caused by seasonal temperature changes and shallow depths
have occurred throughout the state including TTRA.
• Temporary/seasonal employment has begun with minimal applications received for
Grounds Maintenance positions.
Recreation
• Summer program planning is in full motion. Staff is working on the second proof of the
summer program guide. Registration for summer programs will begin on April 25tn
• Staff is busy reviewing applications and hiring for spring and summer temp positions.
• Spring break camp will be held at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center from March 12-16.
Cemetery
• Staff has been busy hauling our large pile of leaves/limbs to the landfill.
Staff took advantage of the recent warmer days to start picking up limbs around the
cemetery.
Preparation for the mowing/trimmings season has begun as staff is doing maintenance on
the equipment.
Facilities
• Staff have been working with coordinating the various BAS Projects at facilities.
• Coordinating spring start up for HVAC for City Hall, RALRC, Mercer/Scanlon and TTRA
Lodge
• AmeriCorps has inventoried City Hall and Police offices for the LED lighting replacement
project. First projects will be TTRA Lodge and Forestry structures.
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)
Contracted for RALRC. Work in late
spring 2018.
Mercer —HVAC
Summer/Fall 2017
Contracted. Work in late spring 2018.
Cardigan Park Development
Summer 2018
Construction early spring 2018.
Villa Park Playground
Summer/Fall 2018
Neighborhood Meeting 3-14-18
Creekside Park Redevelopment
Summer 2018
Construction documents being
prepared.
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
Contracted for work in Summer 2018.
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 delayed, work delayed until Fall
2018.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet � 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
S 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
$18,100.00
$6,770.00
2
8
$1,600.00
$4,342.26
$19,700.00
, $11,112.26'
Nov
$5,600.00
$5,680.00
6
1 6.8
$3,820.00
$2,953.50 `
$9,420.00
$8,633.50
Dec
$4,600.00
$1,940.00 -
5
5.8
$2,830.00
$2,640.00
$7,430.00
- $4,580.00
Jan
$2,600.00
$3,840.00 ;
5
3.0
$3,100.00
$2,040.00
$5,700.00
$5,880.00
Feb
$0.00
$5,600.00
5
2.8
$4,250.00
` $1,187.00
$4,250.00
. $6,787.00
March
April
May
June
Totals
$57,050.00.00 j$49,3Q0.Q011
43
47.8
$25,445.00 1
$24,006.02
$82,495.00
$63 305,7¢
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City