HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-10-2019 Parks and Recreation CommissionIowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 ..
5 P.M.
Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Meeting Room B
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF MARCH 13, 2019 MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
ITEM 4 RECREATION PROGRAM UPDATES — RECREATION STAFF
ITEM 5 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks & Recreation Director —Jul! Seydell Johnson
b) Recreation Division Superintendent— Brad Barker
c) Parks Division Superintendent— Zac Hall
ITEM 6 CHAIRS REPORT—JOE YOUNKER
ITEM 7 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 8 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 Deportment at 3191356-5210 or tammy-
neumann@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your
access needs.
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
MARCH 13, 2019
RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Suzanne Bentler, Steve Bird, Luke Foelsch, Cara Hamann, Ben Russell, Angie
Smith, Jamie Venzon, Brianna Wills, Joe Younker
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Brad Barker, Zac Hall, Juli Seydell Johnson
Others Present: None
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Younker called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER:
Younker introduced Brianna Wills, new Commission member to the board. Wills shared that she has lived
in Iowa City for eight years and has four children. Her husband is an orthopedic surgeon in Iowa City and
she is the Executive Director of Old Brick. She reminded commission members of their family's donation
in honor of their son Calder Wills. She further noted that being a member of the commission will help them
determine where best to direct future donations. All members and staff introduced themselves to Wills as
well.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
Moved by Venzon, seconded by Smith, to recommend the designation of the Old Settler's Association
of Johnson County Cabins at City Park as an Iowa City Local Historic Landmark based on the
criteria for local designation. Passed 8-1. Bentler voting no.
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Smith, seconded by Venzon, to auurove the January 9.2019 minutes as written. Passed
9-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
HISTORIC LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR THE NED ASHTON HOUSE AND THE
CITY PARK CABINS — JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON
Seydell Johnson directed commission members to the information included in their agenda packets
regarding these two items.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 13, 2019
Page 2 of 6
The fast item discussed was the Ned Ashton House. She explained that the Ashton House was listed in the
National Register of Historic Places in 2001. She further noted that this designation would require Historic
Preservation Commission approval of any significant changes to the exterior of the building. Seydell
Johnson said that this has been a practice of staff, even though it was not required, whenever changes have
been made to the house and/or the property. Younker asked if there were any necessary repairs needed to
the property that could become a concern if listed as an historic landmark. Seydell Johnson said there is
nothing planned. Bentler asked if there would be any restrictions on usage of the house. Seydell Johnson
said there would not be any restrictions on use. She further noted that this designation would have no effect
on the landscape. She pointed out that the patio on the back of the house would have to go through a review,
however, staff made efforts to make sure that it was appropriate to the building when installed.
Moved by Russell. approved by Hamann, to recommend the designation of the Ned Ashton House as
an Iowa City Local Historic Landmark based on the criteria for local designation Passed 9-0
Seydell Johnson noted that the Old Settler's Association of Johnson County Cabins at City park (a.k.a. City
Park Cabins) were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 2013. It is recommended
to designate the City Park Cabins as an Iowa City Historic Landmark.
Bentler questioned the criterion item which states that for a property to become a Local Historic Landmark,
it must possess integrity of location. The larger cabin was originally built on a different site and moved to
City Park.
Moved by Venzon, seconded by Smith- to recommend the designation of the Old Settler's Association
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Parks & Recreation Director — Juli Seydell Johnson:
• Willow Creek Park: Seydell Johnson reported that the renovations of Willow Creek park are
moving forward. She shared photos and plans of the new playground. She noted that the restroom
will stay in its current location, however the shelter will now be separate from the restrooms. She
shared that the playground will include a musical theme throughout. The playground will include
several pod areas, a stage for play acting, two parent/child swings and other features. The larger
play structure will have a poured -in -place surface underneath which increases accessibility. There
will be a quiet space adjacent to the playground as well. Restrooms will be like those installed at
Happy Hollow and Creekside Parks. The bids for this project are due on March 20. Construction
will begin this spring with completion scheduled for September of 2019. Foelsch inquired about
the musical theme. Seydell Johnson explained that it was an idea from CARTHA (Collaborative
Arts in Research Translation for Human Advancement) noting the promoting of the healing effects
of music. Younker noted that he believed there to be discussion about fencing around the park.
Seydell Johnson said that it was included in the original plan but that it did not fit within the budget.
Bird asked that with the number of bids coming in over budget recently, if staff considered this
when creating the budget for this project. Seydell Johnson said that yes, the bidding climate was
considered.
• City Park Adventure Play: Seydell Johnson stated that staff and contractors are still working on the
design process. She reminded Commission that this playground will be built into the hillside
between upper and lower City Park. Staff and designers looked at options to include an
embankment slide built into the hill, however it did not fit within the budget. Instead there will still
be a tube slide on the hillside that will provide a similar experience. The playground will also
include a log climbing structure and a merry-go-round. Wills asked if staff had considered a spider -
web play structure. Seydell Johnson said that staff did consider such a structure, however, with
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 13, 2019
Page 3 of 6
there being like -structures at school playgrounds, it was decided to go with something a little
different. Smith asked about the rope bridges etc., that had been discussed. Seydell Johnson said
these items were looked at as well but would make the project over -budget. Younker asked if these
items could be added later. Seydell Johnson said it would not be likely since this structure is being
adapted specifically for this location, however, it may be possible to add additional elements around
the site. Younker asked about the river animal theme that was discussed at a previous meeting.
Seydell Johnson said that there will be two spaces that will have stamped animal prints on colored
concrete.
2020 Projects: Seydell Johnson noted that staff is already making plans for summer projects
scheduled for 2020. These will include a restroom, shelter and playground at Wetherby Park. There
will be neighborhood meetings scheduled. Fairmeadows Park will have a preschool -sized play
space installed. The smaller playground was selected as there is a playground for older children
available at Grant Wood Elementary which is very near the park. A shelter and playground will
also be installed at Scott Park that will be similar to the structures at Cardigan and Frauenholtz
Miller Parks. Napoleon Softball Complex will also get a new playground installed. Seydell Johnson
noted that Snyder & Associates are the designers for these projects.
Recreation Center Updates: Staff is currently accepting proposals from non-profit groups that may
be interested in using the current racquetball and game room spaces for their organization post
construction. Five groups attended the pre -proposal meeting.
Iowa Parks & Recreation Association Spring Conference: Seydell Johnson announced that a few
members of the department were nominated to receive awards at this year's conference. Those
included Tammy Neumann for the Administrative Assistant Award, Joe Wagner for the Athletic
Fields Maintenance Award, Kate Connell for the Young Professional Award, and Nancy Pope, a
part time temporary staff member who has been very committed to the edible gardens and other
programs with the Recreation Department. While none were selected for an award, she commented
that all staff of the department are worthy of an award.
Recreation Division Superintendent — Brad Barker:
■ Summer Planning: Barker reported that staff is currently working on the second draft of the
Summer Activity Guide, as well as the Summer Camp packet. Summer Camp registration will
begin on March 29 and all other program registration will start on April25.
■ Swimming Program: Barker reminded commission of the swim lesson program being offered to
students from both Faith Academy and Alexander Elementary. He said that 26 kids from Faith
Academy and 57 from Alexander Elementary participated. Staff will continue expanding upon
this program.
• City Park Pool Turns 70: Barker explained that staff is planning a summer -long celebration of the
pool this summer with a couple of events for each month.
• Swim Scholarship Program: The 24-hour swim event held annually to raise funds for the Swim
Lesson Scholarship Program will move to City Park Pool this year. This event will be held on
Sunday, September 1.
• Staffing: Barker announced that Matthew Eckhardt, Aquatics Program Supervisor, will be leaving
his position after working for the Recreation Department for 11 years on April 5. Staff is working
on posting this job opening which will initially be open for internal City staff only.
• Partnerships Barker announced that the new partnership with the Iowa Sports Foundation is going
well with 27 teams signed up from Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and the corridor. Staff will work
towards offering some different options that people have expressed interest in. This may include
smaller group sport opportunities or drop -in sessions which are not as competitive as organized
team sports. Many adults no longer have the time to commit to a season long team sport.
• Garden Plots: Garden Plot renewals have begun for those who leased a space in 2018.
Registration will open to the public on April 1 for those plots that are still available.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 13, 2019
Page 4 of 6
• Summer Camp: Staff will be doing some more heat map studies to determine what areas of Iowa
City are currently served by the summer camp program and those that are not. This will help with
planning continued outreach. Barker will present their findings at a future Commission meeting.
Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall
• Flood Potential: With the melting of the snow and the added rain, Hall reported that staff will
keep a close eye on areas that are prone to flooding. Staff closed a section of the trail at
Riverfront Crossings that nuns under Highway 6 due to flooding today. Staff will keep in touch
with the Corps of Engineers and continue monitoring areas for flooding.
• Hickory Hill Pazk: Work continues at Hickory Hill Park. Engineering will be hiring a contractor
clean up the creek bank, to remove logs from the creek and continue the stabilization process
along the creek. Continued invasive species removal will take place at the south end between the
creek and the trail. Hall announced that the trail section off First Avenue and the parking lot will
be closed for renovation. He noted that the contractor is working against a tight timeline due to
the bat habitat restrictions that begin on April 1. The other part of this project will include the
bridge improvement at Hickory Heights Lane. This will be a major improvement to the park and
will provide better access for maintenance vehicles.
• Creekside Park: Hall said that the contractor will be back to work in the park soon after having to
stop work in January due to the snowfall.
• Gardens: Staff continues working with Backyard Abundance on designs for Chadek Green,
Walden Green and Creekside gardens. Work will begin at Chadek Green Park this fall with the
other locations to follow.
• Simaee: It was noted in the Parks Master Plan that there is a need for more signage at the
entrances of parks. Hall announced that ten new signs will be installed in the parks this summer.
• Staffing: Hall announced that Tyler Baird has been promoted from Horticulture Specialist to the
Assistant Parks Superintendent position. Other staff promotions include Steve Erickson who has
been promoted to the Horticulture Specialist position, and Nate Steel has been promoted to the
Maintenance Worker I -Forestry position vacated by Erickson.
CHAIRS REPORT:
No report.
COMMISSION T UJSUGGESTTONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Bentler updated the Commission with a report from the Tree Advisory Committee. She noted that the
committee discussed the Emerald Ash Borer issue. She reminded commission that the plan was for 400
trees to be treated. She said that some interesting ideas were discussed. One was that if a tree is
considered marginally infected to not treat to save money that could instead be invested in replacement
trees.
Bender asked Hall to share the Arbor Day events discussed by the committee. Hall shared that staff is
working with Green Iowa AmeriCorps volunteers as well as Trees Forever and the school district to plan
events for Arbor Day. He said that they will be doing a large-scale tree planting event with students from
Hoover Elementary in the morning and City High students in the afternoon of Wednesday, April 24 at
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. On Thursday, April 25, there will provide a presentation for students at
Shimek Elementary and more Arbor Day celebration activities at Willow Wind School and Regency
Heights on Friday.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 13, 2019
Page 5 of 6
Bentler said the committee talked about ways to encourage property owners to plant more trees. She
noted that Marion has a program where they add $1 to individual's property taxes to help in the cost of
additional trees for the community. The committee agreed, however, that taxation is never well received
so turned their discussion to incentive ideas. One idea was to possibly offer a small discount of .50¢41
off a property owners water bill if they plant a tree. Wills asked if the City has a goal of how many trees
they would like to see planted. Hall noted that there are goals noted in the Urban Forest Management
Plan. Wills suggested that perhaps the City could make it a friendly competition. Younker noted that
perhaps the staff present to commission and overview of what other cities are doing. Wills asked about
the electric company incentives that have been offered in the past. Hall said that there has been a change
at the state level and that this program is being disbanded. Bentler said she believes there is one more year
to take advantage of the program. Smith noted that the process will need to be monitored so that there is a
variety of trees that are planted. Bentler said that it is difficult to monitor private properties, but certainly
can monitor those being planted on the right-of-way. Smith suggested that perhaps a list of preferred trees
be shared with the community. Younker suggested that staff invite stakeholders (realtors, developers, etc.)
to a future meeting to get their input.
Bentler noted that she saw in the minutes that it was requested to return some of the trash receptacles back
in City Park and wanted to express her support of this request.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Bend seconded by Venzon to adiourn the meeting at 5.59 P.m. Motion passed 9-0
PARKS AND RECREATION
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 13, 2019
Page 6 of 6
ATTENDANCE RECORD
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused
NAME
°D
00
00
00
00
00
';
ago
a.ter
.Nr
TERM
v
in
o
i
o
a
o
'"
'"
N
'"
N
en
Suzanne
12/31/20
O/E
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
Bentler
Steve Bird
12/31/21
X
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
Wayne Fett
12/31/18
X
NM
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
Lucas
12/31/22
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
x
NM
X
Foelsch
Cara
12/31/19
X
NM
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
NM
X
Hamann
Lucie
12/31/18
X
NM
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
Laurian
Ben Russell
12/31/21
X
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
Angie Smith
12/31/21
X
NM
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
Jamie
12/31/20
X
NM
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
NM
X
Venzon
Brianna
12/31/22
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
O/E
NM
X
Wills
Joe Younker
12/31/19
X
NM
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
* = Not a member now
LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION UPDATE:
As you will recall, at your Commission Meeting of March 13, 2019, members discussed and approved the
motion to recommend the designation of the City Park Cabins (approved 8-1), and the Ashton House
(approved 9-0) as Iowa City Local Historic Landmarks. Your recommendation was presented to Planning
& Zoning Commission with the following Results.
From: Jessica Bristow
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2019 1:41 PM
To: Tammy Neumann <Tammy-Neumann0iowa-citv.ore>; Juli Seydell Johnson <Juli-SJohnson@lowa-
citv.org>
Cc: Anne Russett <Anne-Russett0iowa-citv.org>
Subject: city park cabins
Tammy and Juh,
I just wanted you to know that the Commission unanimously approved all three local landmarks at their
meeting last Thursday. They move on to P&Z tonight and then Council.
Because the one question about integrity had come up during the parks and rec meeting I did address
that at the HPC meeting.
Since the small cabin was moved by the same group who built it (or coordinated by them), it was
repaired as needed using the same process in which it was built, and because it happened during the
period of significance for the cabins, the integrity is consider intact. Reviewing and discussing integrity is
one of the things HPC considers when reviewing local landmarks. The period of significance for the
cabins was set with the National Register Nominations and extends from 1889, when the small cabin
was built at the fairgrounds, until about 1939 when the Old Settler's Association of Johnson County was
disbanded. The National Register Nomination also discusses integrity and must be a little more stringent
than we do. Part of the reason this works (the relocation) is because the cabins are commemorative and
there was a national commemorative movement that was also cited. Since they were not built originally
by settlers they would not have been eligible for the National Register if the commemorative nature was
not a part of the story. This makes it acceptable that the group who built them also moved one.
I just wanted to provide a little more explanation in case it comes up again.
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
April 2019
Uacomine Events
■ March 18-22, Spring Break Camps& Activities
■ March 20, Spring Equinox, Robert A Lee Recreation Center,10 AM —Noon
• March 30, Safe Swim Saturday, RobertA Lee Recreation Center
■ April 7, STEAM Fest Presents Tinkertown — "Be A Maker," RAL, 2-5 PM
• April 27, Backyard Abundance PlantSale, RAL, 9-11:30AM
• April 27, Earth Fest, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, 3-6 PM
• May 5, Strider Bike Race (Ages 3-6), Kiwanis Park,1 PM
• May 12, Mother's Day Trueblood 100 (Family Bike Event), TTRA, 2-6 PM
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• Steve Erickson has been promoted from Maintenance Worker II - Horticulture to Senior
Maintenance Worker Horticulture - Specialist.
• Temporary staff interviews are being conducted with most sectors of the division on track to
be fully staffed for the upcoming season.
Recreation:
• Spring Break camps went smoothly and was well attended; Summer Camp registration has
begun
• Garden Plot registrations have begun and many were sold in the first few days of public
availability
• New spring/summer events are being planned. This includes: a summer -long celebration of
City Park Pool's 70t1 Anniversary (all summer), Underwater Egg Hunt (April 20), Trueblood 100
Family Bike Ride (Mother's Day - May 12), Scanlon Gym's Birthday Parry (May 22), Riverfront
Crossings Park Grant Opening Celebration (July 20); a revamped Party in the Park design; and
Passport to Pools
• Summer registration will begin April 25
• Affiliate sports group meetings are in full swing and agreements between the groups and the
City are being reviewed and modified as necessary
There are currently 34 teams registered for the first Corporate Games in the Iowa City -Cedar
Rapids metro area. Jeff Sears is working with the Iowa Sports Foundation to make these
games a success and to introduce a variety of adult sport events to the community.
Cemetery:
0 Limestone block has been delivered for the landscaping project for the cherish columbarium.
• The hiring process for seasonal positions is ongoing. The variable position has been filled.
Facilities:
Staff are renewed their CPO training on the week of March llth, five of the six Recreation
Maintenance and custodial staff have their CPO certificates. Ryan Kratoska, just joined us and
will work on certification next season.
• Aquatics staff and evening shift maintenance staff have started working on cleaning winter
debris and leaves out of City Park pool, getting it ready for the season.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Freezing/thawing conditions has made it challenging for staff to manage ice and snow
throughout the park system and have forced closures at some trail and park locations.
• Illness and vacations has limited staffing numbers the past month.
Recreation
• Staff is working on summer program planning and reviewing facility needs. Staff has been
reviewing applications and have begun to hire for Summer positions.
• Matthew Eckhardt, Aquatics Program Supervisor, is leaving the Department after 10+ years to
focus on a new business venture of his own. Applications are being reviewed for filling this
position.
• Due to the delay in opening sports fields as a result of weather, park and recreation staff have
been coordinating with affiliate sports groups to provide for a successful start to their seasons
• Continued planning for the Riverfront Crossings Park Grand Opening Celebration on July 20
• Policies pertaining to facility rentals and agreements are being reviewed and modified as
needed.
Cemetery
• All snow equipment has been retired for the year and staff has begun preparing all trimmers
and mowing equipment.
• The cemetery had 6 funerals in March and 3 so far in April. Lot sales have picked up as well.
The wet conditions have made the funerals and debris removal a challenge this spring.
Facilities:
• Remodeling of MPO in City Hall is progressing and the space should be complete by April 12`h
• Public Works Facility- the interior masonry walls are going up and site utilities are
being installed.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Two organizations, Public Space 1 and the Bicycle Library, submitted for the Request for
Information for the Partnership Agreement with Iowa City Parks and Recreation for
complementary social, recreational or educational services within 1,887 square feet of the
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center.
The City Hall Bell has been removed and structural modifications will be made to the bell and
it will be sandblasted and powder coated and will be reinstalled before the farmer's market
starts in May.
• We received three bids to repair plaster work in the Senior Center main lobby. This work will
take place this summer.
The artist, Tim Adams, has installed brackets for the artwork installation in the lobby of City
Hall, and will be complete in April.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Project
Timeline
Status
Villa Park Playground
Summer/Fall 2018
Construction spring of 2019
Creekside Park Redevelopment
Summer 2018
Construction has started.
City Park Cabin Restoration
Construction Fall 2017
Project nearly complete.
Happy Hollow Shelter & Restroom Upgrades
Construction Fall 2017
Project nearly complete.
Riverfront Crossing Park, Phase 1
Fall 2017—Spring 2018 (Phase 1 and Nature Play)
Project nearly complete.
Chauncey Swan Park
TBD — Park rebuild at end of building project.
Park construction 2018.
Hickory Hill Trails, Signs & Bridges
Construction Spring 2019
Construction spring of 2019.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 19 Revenue Report
I** shaded areas represent previous Syr average
Revenue from Lot Sales
Lot Sale Syr
Average
# of
Interments
Interments
yravg.
Revenue
from
Interments
5 year Avg.
on
biterments
Total
Revenue
Syr Avg. on
total
revenue
July
$11,050.00
$4,510.00-
9
6.4
$4,630.00
$3,315.00 ;
$15,680.00
$7,825.00
August
$3,712.50
$6,540.00=
6
8.8
$3,747.50
$4,383.00
$7,460.00
$10,923.00:
Sept
$5,568.75
$7,580.00
10
7.8
$7,192.50
" $3,887.00
$12,761.25
$11,467.00
Oct
$825.00
1$9,890.00;
6
6.4
$3,390.00
$3,572.26 "
$4,215.00
$13,462.26'
Nov
$0
$5,400.00
7
6.6
$3,627.50
$2,977.50 ;
$3,627.50
$8,377.50 ""
Dec
$4,505.00
$2,580.0 :
6
6
$3,185.00
." $3,046.00 ;
$7,690.00
$5,626.00
Jan
$2,475.00
$3,680.00 :
4
3
$2,115.00
. $2,040.00 ';
$4,590.00
' $5,720.00
Feb
$825.00
$4,480.00
4
3
$2,568.44
$1,617.00
$3,393.44
$6,097.00
March
$10,755.00
$4,600.00"
6
1 5.4
$3,760.00
1, $3,750.00 1$14,515.00
$8,350.00;
April
May
June
Totals 1
$39,716.25
$49260,0Q
58
53.4
$34,215.94 1"$28,587.76
$73,932.19
,$77,847,76
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City