HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-13-2018 Parks and Recreation CommissionIowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, June 13, 2018 R
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 IOWA WALKING COLLEGE REPORT
ITEM 5 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks & Recreation Director —Juli Seydell Johnson
a. No Smoking Signs in Parks
b. Parks & Recreation Foundation Update
b) Recreation Division Superintendent —Chad Dyson
c) Parks Division Superintendent—Zac Hall
ITEM 6 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 7 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 8 ADJOURN
NOTE: Commission is invited to take a walking tour of Riverfront Crossings Park
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 PRELIMINARY
APRIL 11, 2018
RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Steve Bird, Wayne Fett, Cara Hamann, Lucie Laurian, Ben Russell, Angie Smith,
Jamie Venzon, Joe Younker
Members Absent: Suzanne Bentler
Staff Present: Chad Dyson, Zac Hall, Juli Seydell Johnson,
Others Present: Gia DeBartolo; Luke Foelsch; John Jepsen; Scott Spak
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:
Two errors were noted in the March 14, 2018 minutes. Steve Bird was logged as being present and was
absent; Joe Younker was noted as absent and was present.
Moved by Fett, seconded by Hamann, to approve the March 14, 2018 minutes as amended Passed
8-0 (Bentier absent).
At the January 10, 2018 Commission Meeting, Brian and Brianna Wills were present to propose that the
Commission consider a motion to rename Hickory Trail Park as Calder Park in memory of their son. It was
not noted in the transcribed January minutes that Commission had made a motion to accept both proposals.
However, Neumann could find that there was indeed a passed motion noted on the original draft of the
minutes. Because the January minutes had been reviewed and approved, it was necessary to again make
that motion and have members vote on the proposal.
Moved by Fett, seconded by Smith, to recommend that Council approve the request Proposed by
the Will's family to rename Hickory Trail Park to "Calder's Park" in memory of Calder
Wills. Passed 8-0 (Bentler absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
RECREATION PATRON CONDUCT POLICY- CHAD DYSON:
Dyson explained that as part of the Human Rights Campaign 2018 Municipal Equality Index, City
departments that provide youth services have been asked to implement Youth Bullying Prevention
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 11, 2018
Page 2 of 6
policies that prohibit bullying on the express basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in City
facilities and services. He said that staff is recommending the addition of the following to the current
policy: "Sexual, physical or other harassment including bullying youth or others on the basis of their
sexual orientation or gender identity", item #2, as prohibited conduct within Recreation Division facilities
and services.
Dyson requested that the Commission review the current policy as written including new language
suggested and give comments. Hamann had some concern with wording of the change as it seems to only
apply to bullying on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. While Dyson pointed out that it
does state in the introduction paragraph "but is not limited to the following," It was suggested to restate
this in #2 on the policy with the same wording.
Moved by Fett seconded by Hamann. to approve the Proposed addition to the Iowa City
Recreation Division Patron Conduct Policy with amendment request to add the statement
"includine but not limited to" to item #2 within the Policy. Passed 8-0 Bentier absent).
U OF I STUDENT PRESENTATION OF TTRA PROJECT:
Students of the Urban & Regional Planning program created an environmental adaptation & management
plan for the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and were at the Commission Meeting to show their
presentation. That presentation is attached.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Parks & Recreation Director — Juli Sevdell Johnson:
• RAGBRAI Planning: Seydell Johnson noted that there will be an announcement on April 17
unveiling the Iowa City theme for 2018 RAGBRAI.
• Happy Hollow Park: The shelter has been removed from the park.
• Mercer HVAC: This project is in process. The on -deck restroom construction has begun. During
the project, the pool at Mercer will be shut down beginning the week of May 7 for approximately
one month as there will be no mechanism to heat the pool water.
• Cardigan Pazk: The footings are in place for the shelter construction and the rest of the path will
be poured this week.
• Creekside Park: The design plans are progressing. Staff has selected a playground so the bidding
can happen soon with construction slated to begin in early July. Trees have been removed for
placement of the parking area.
• Villa Park: The neighborhood meeting that was held in April went very well. Staff is currently
working on the paperwork necessary to receive federal funding. CDBG requires an
environmental study. The project is slated to take place this summer.
• Riverfront Crossings: Seydell Johnson stated that the second round of bidding for the shelter and
restroom was successful. This work will begin soon. She also stated that the playground should
be in place within a couple of weeks.
Recreation Division Superintendent — Chad Dyson
• Dyson noted that due to inclement weather, the preparation of City Park Pool is delayed. Staff is
hoping for a break in the weather soon.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 11, 2018
Page 3 of 6
Dyson said that along those same lines, prepping of athletic fields is also behind. They generally
open by April 1. However, due to the late snow, low temperatures and saturation of the fields,
they are not yet able to be utilized.
• Dyson announced that the Summer Activity Guide is now available. Commission Members
expressed their praise for the new size and design of the brochure. Dyson shared that Amanda
Opitz of the Recreation Department is the staff member that supervises this project. Registration
for activities will begin on April 25. He noted that this is the first year that the department will be
using "Peachjar", a third party digital format, to distribute information about recreation programs
to students and parents. Dyson will monitor and report on its progress. He also announced that
Hy-Vee stores will now distribute the activity guides.
• Dyson announced that STEAM Fest is scheduled for Sunday, April 15 from 1-4 p.m. at the Terry
Trueblood Recreation Area Park Lodge. Children and adults will experience hands-on
educational activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.
• The Strider Bike Race has been moved from Kiwanis Park to the Robert A. Lee Gymnasium due
to inclement weather.
Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall:
• Hall reiterated that the weather has delayed opening of facilities, including ball fields and soccer
fields. With a forecasted break in the weather tomorrow, staff hopes to be able to begin prepping
the fields. The weather has also delayed the turning on of water and restrooms at the park.
• Hall says that they are still having difficulty in hiring seasonal staff for the summer. Will continue
the process.
• Hall announced that there will be a prairie bum along the river in City Park tomorrow, weather
permitting.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE ATENDA ITEMS
Venzon asked if this is the first time that summer camp registration has been offered online. Dyson
confirmed that it is and that staff was able to work with a company who could get that system up and
running for the department.
Laurian noted that if Commission or staff would like the U of I Urban & Regional Planning students to do
any additional projects in the future, to let her know.
Venzon shared that she has heard a lot of complements about all the work going into the parks.
Hamann asked when the bridge at Riverfront Crossings would be complete. Seydell Johnson said that it is
up to the development occurring on the east side. There is a waterline that must be placed before the
bridge can be complete.
Hamann also asked who to contact if she is interested in assisting with the Free Wheels Program. Dyson
noted that the Recreation Division is the lead in this program. RaQuishia Harrington from the department
is working with the police department and World of Bikes on the project. Hamann is welcome to join.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Fett seconded by Hamann, seconded by Venzon_ to adjourn the meeting at 5.44 p.m.
Motion passed 8-0. (Bentler absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
April 11,2018
Page 4 of 6
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused
NAME
r
r
"
'.
..
00
..
N
00
rl
00
rl
TERM
EXPIRES
Rn
'"
'"
'"
NO
Suzanne
1/1/17
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
Bender
Steve Bird
1/1/22
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
X
O/E
X
Larry Brown
1/1/18
X
LQ
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Clay
1/1/18
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
X
X
Claussen
Wayne Fett
1/1/19
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
Ox
X
X
Ox
X
X
Cara
1/1/20
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Hamann
Lucie
1/1/10
X
LQ
*
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
Laurian
Ben Russell
1/1/22
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
X
O/E
X
X
Angie Smith
1/1/18
X
LQ
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Jamie
1/1/20
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
Venzon
Joe Younker
1/1/20
X
LQ
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
f4m = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
* = Not a member at this time
220 SOUTH GII BERT STREET
IOWA CITY IOWA 52240-1632
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Discover the Benefits"
PHONE (319) 356-5100
FAX (319) 356-5487
ww Jcgovmg
The following information is from Whitney Springer, former AmeriCorps Volunteer.
The Iowa Walking College is an educational program, designed by the Healthiest State Initiative, where fellows
explore ways to improve walkability in their community. Whitney Springer is representing Iowa City and
invites you to participate in a walking audit in Iowa City on Sunday, June 17'I' at 8:00 am. The location is T 3D
and the audit will take approximately 2 hours, with a 1-mile walk included.
If you would like more information about the Iowa Walking College and Iowa City's current "Walk Score"
please review the links provided. I encourage you all to participate in the walking audit to see what it's all about
and to help our community become more connected.
hilp://www.iowahealthieststate.comlresources/communities/walkability/iowa-walking-
colle g/<http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/resources/communities/walkability/iowa-walking-college/>
httys://www.walkscore.com/IA/Iowa City<htWs://www.walkscore.com/IA/Iowa_City>
Whitney Springer can be contacted @ whitnev-springera,uiowa.edu
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Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
June 13, 2018
Upcoming Events
• Party in the Park:
o June 7, Pheasant Hill Park
o June 14, Chadek Green Park
o June 21, Wetherby Park
o June 28, Longfellow Nature Trail
• Summer camps begin, June 11
• Juneteenth Commemoration, Mercer Party June 23 12pm-Spm
• International Mud Day, various locations, June 29
Status — Previous Commission Items and Discussions
April 2018
• Discussion of designated specific park spaces as off -leash dog areas.
o To be added to a future agenda
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks
• Horticulture staff have planted 4,000+ perennials and 1,500+ annuals, which includes the new
edible planters located throughout downtown, at City Hall and the Robert A. Lee Recreation
Center. Landscaping of the remaining three center medians along Washington St have been
completed with a mix of native grasses, sedges and wildflowers. Staff finished the new
landscaping project at the entrance of the airport for the 100year anniversary celebration.
• Parks and Athletic Facilities staff have completed removal of recreation ballfields A, B, C in
Lower City Park which allowed for grading, seeding and prep of the —6 acres, in anticipation
for 15,000+ RAGBRAI campers.
As part of the city's Emerald Ash Borer Plan, Forestry staff and contractors have been
removing ash trees and replanting with a diverse mix of species.
Parks staff member Eli Elliot recently transferred into his new role from a MW-1 Parks
Maintenance to a MW-1 Athletic Facilities. Eli has years of seasonal experience with Athletic
Facilities and is excited to be back on the ballfields. Eli's former position has been posted and
interviews will be scheduled with anticipation of filling the open spot by the end of June.
Recreation:
• Due to the unseasonal high temperatures staff opened City Park Pool on Memorial Day. This
was earlier than planned and advertised. The pool remained open for lap swim the remainder
of last week and officially opened on Saturday, June 2nd.
• Seasonal staff training occurred for camp, City Park amusement ride, aquatics, and teen
programming staff this week. Emphasis on customer service, public perception, and safety
were the highlights of this year's training.
• We will be adding new LED sports lighting to City Park baseball field #S. Along with the
lighting controls will be added that will allow monitoring of the system remotely. The lights
were purchased by Iowa City Boys Baseball and will be donated to the City.
• The solar lights for the dog parks have arrived and are being installed by Parks staff. We will
have two fixtures at Thornberry and two fixtures at Rita's Ranch.
• SPI/Underserved staff is working collaboratively with Library staff for summer teen
programming. The hope is to engage teens that utilize both facilities early and keep them
engaged with activities throughout the summer.
Cemetery:
■ The cemetery hosted the Memorial Day program again this year with many local residents in
attendance.
• The cemetery received bids for CIP work on the shop. The Flat roof on the shop will receive an
overlay, the walk-in door at the shop will be replaced and the shop will get 3 new insulated
garage doors with two new openers. All work is to be completed in June.
Facilities:
• OPN Architects was selected by staff to be the consultant on the Robert A. Lee Recreation
Center Remodeling Phase II, we are excited for the next phase of design and renovations.
• The Facilities Maintenance staff put in long hours, and got the pools and splash pads up and
running for the summer season. The Aquatics maintenance team had good help from
maintenance from other facilities get the City Park pool prepped and painted for the season.
• The pump on the wading pool was also replaced by staff on Monday, June 0 after failing the
Thursday before the opening.
• Staff continue to work on replacing pumps and compressors in aging Air Handler Units in City
Hall, Mercer/Scanlon and RALRC.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Unseasonal weather made for a quick transition from winter to spring and has been a
challenge for staff and contractors to maintain a typical schedule of mowing and timely pace
® Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
of completing projects. Recent warm and dry conditions have helped to get back to more
regular schedule.
• Gaps in fulltime staffing due to retirements and shifting of staff members into new roles have
been a challenge, but staff have been helping as needed as we work through the process of
getting fully staffed.
Recreation
Building projects along with high temps have forced the closure of Mercer Park Aquatic
Center/Scanlon gym until June 181h. Recreation staff worked to shuffle programs and activities
to alternate locations.
• Staff is continuing to try to fill seasonal positions. Applications were slow to come in this
spring but have increased recently.
Cemetery
• With the early rain this season, staff has been busy trying to keep up with the rapidly growing
grass.
• Staff got all the flower beds planted/mulched, laid sod on 16 winter graves and had the
cemetery looking great for Memorial Day.
• With the current dry conditions, staff will start working on other projects. Monument repair
and road repairs are top on the list.
Facilities:
• Mercer/Scanlon HVAC continues to progress, the new ADA on -deck showers are tiled and
fixtures are being hung. The new boilers were delivered in May and are being installed, the
HVAC unit arrives on June 11tn
The extensive concrete and caulking work that took place in May at City Park pool, appears to
have tremendously reduced the water loss in the pool shell. At the end of last season we
were losing 50 thousand to 60 thousand gallons/day, in the early weeks, we are only seeing a
loss of 20 thousand to 25 thousand/day, which would be normal for evaporation and pool use
for the outdoor pool, this may reduce further once the hydrostatic pressure balances out.
• Cabin 1 work will be starting in the next week, Heritage Woodworks will return with the first
cabin to upper City Park.
• Happy Hollow Park Restroom and Shelter Project is progressing, the foundations and masonry
are in place.
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 Fa 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 I City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 17 Revenue Report
** shaded areas represent previous Syr averaee
Revenue from Lot Sales
Lot Sale Syr
Average
# of
Interments
Interments
5yravg.
Revenue
from
Interments
S year Avg. -Total
on
interments
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
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
$3,400.00
$3,840.00
5
3.0
$3,100.00
$2,040.00.
$6,500.00
$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
$1,050.00
$4,930.00
4
5.6
$3,150.00
$3,640.00
$4,200.00
$8,570.00
April
$6,800.00
$5,030.00
8
7.2
$3,930.00
$3,570.00
$10,730.00
$8,600.00
May
$2,600.00
$5,760.00
4
7.0
$2,800.00
$3,156.71
$5,400.00
$8,916.71 ,
June
Totals
$68,300.00.00
$SS,42Q04
59
67,6
$35,325.00
$34,372.73
$103,625.00
$89,392.47
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet j City of Iowa City