HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-2019 Parks and Recreation CommissionITEM 1
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Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, October 9, 2019 w..
4:00 p.m.
Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Meeting Room B
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
INTRODUCTION OF NEW
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MEMBER BLAKE WINTER
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
DEPART FOR ANNUAL PARK TOUR
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 PRELIMINARY
MINUTES AUGUST 7, 2019
MERCER PARK AQUATIC CENTER/SCANLON GYM
Members Present: Suzanne Bentler, Steve Bird, Ben Russell, Cara Hamann, Joe Younker
Members Absent: Angie Smith, Jamie Venzon, Brianna Wills
Staff Present: Brad Barker, Zac Hall, Juli Seydell Johnson
Others Present: Jason Armstrong, Luke Eustice, Nick Kaeding
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 Hamann. seconded by Bentler. to ammrove the July 10.2019 minutes as written. Passed 5-
0 (Smith. Venzon. Wills absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
EASTSIDE SPORTS COMPLEX-ERIC HORNIG, HITCHCOCK DESIGN GROUP
In 2016, Eric Hornig with Hitchcock Design Group, presented to the Commission. At that time, after
incorporating recommendations gathered from public and stakeholder meetings, Hitchcock Design Group
created primary and secondary concept master plans for an eastside sports complex to be located on 74
acres of land located at 4201" Street and Taft Road. The primary plan includes several sports fields while
the secondary plan includes an indoor turf space, trail loops, a dog run, parking, neighborhood access,
concessions, restrooms, playgrounds and a maintenance facility.
At the July 10, 2019 Commission Meeting, members recommended that the City consider continued
development of plans for an eastside sports complex in the southeast district. Therefore, Seydell Johnson
invited Eric Hornig from Hitchcock Design Group to present at tonight's meeting, noting that several of
the current commission members were not on the commission in 2016. She shared that Josh Schamberger
with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, has offered to fund an update of the plan. Stakeholder meetings
are scheduled following the Commission meeting this evening as well as Thursday, August 7. Homig's
presentation is attached to these minutes.
Hornig explained that during the initial process, the Iowa Department of Transportation expressed their
desire to acquire some of the land along the railway which would include approximately 7 acres of the 74
acres being considered for the sports complex placement. To date they have not advanced with this plan
but the easement is being considered in the design.
Following the presentation, Younker asked board members for their questions and feedback.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 7,2019
Page 2 of 6
Bird asked if there is a need for more soccer fields in Iowa City. Seydell Johnson said there is not a need
now, however, the issue is that eventually the wastewater treatment plant will expand and the City will
lose some of the existing fields at Kickers Soccer Complex. She noted that it could be 5-20 years before
that becomes necessary but certainly want to keep this in mind when developing a sports complex.
Hamann asked what kinds of fields are used for rugby. Hornig said that they are very similar to soccer
fields and can also be used for lacrosse or flag football.
Younker asked if there have been any suggestions for other types of fields since the original process
began. Hall reported that there has not, however, prior to this process starting, there was some interest
expressed for cricket and Quidditch fields on the westside of town. He also pointed out that field hockey
interest continues to grow in the area. Seydell Johnson said that staff receives requests for additional off -
leash dog areas near Rita's Ranch as well. Younker said his understanding that it is assumed that the dog
area at the sports complex will likely be used mostly by families of those playing in tournaments. Seydell
Johnson said that the City receives numerous requests/applications for benefit walks/runs, most of them in
April and October, further noting that it would be great to have another option to offer those applicants.
Bird asked what all can be included within a 95,000-square foot in -door facility. Hornig said that the
space can be used for soccer fields. Seydell Johnson said the idea is that it would include more turf space
for practices, especially for those sports that are played in the spring, allowing for practices to begin in
winter.
Younker suggested that it will be important to hear again from stakeholders and the public what their field
needs are as those may have changed since the initial process.
Hamann asked how softball and baseball leagues are doing, recalling that there had been discussion at
past commission meetings about their decline. Seydell Johnson said that representatives of those
programs should be able to address that at one of the stakeholder meetings. Younker further noted that
while there has been a decline in girls' softball in the past, there seems be a resurgence of late.
Seydell Johnson asked Homig to address what kinds of things are in the design to make this facility
appropriate and attractive for tournaments. He explained that first is to have a critical mass of 6 to 8 fields
to gain interest, making the fields and the facility a desirable destination. Tournament planners are
looking for other perks as well such as shade, water access, and state of the art scoreboards that offer real-
time stats. Other attractions include digital amenities, playgrounds, concessions, dog parks and other
diversions for family members. Bird asked how many tournaments are there and would this facility help
in those numbers. Nick Kaeding with the Convention and Visitors Bureau was in the audience and shared
that existing fields in the area are currently booked every weekend from mid -April through the end of
June.
Younker asked what will be different about these fields when it comes to turf management. Seydell
Johnson said that they will be designed with state of the art drainage. Hornig further noted that there have
been huge improvements in seed selection and irrigation systems for fields.
Bird asked how many FTE's (full-time equivalents) would be necessary to maintain this facility. Seydell
Johnson said that it will take a great deal of commitment to staff adequately. She explained that the
department has recently made a proposal to the Iowa City School District to assist in maintaining the
Mercer Fields.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 7, 2019
Page 3 of 6
Hamann encouraged more discussion about off season/winter use of the space. She gave examples of
cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, perhaps an ice-skating rink or maybe schedule the Holiday Farmers
Markets at the facility.
Bentler asked how much use of the railway occurs. Seydell Johnson said at least twice daily, usually
around 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Hornig reminded commission that the initial plan was to build this facility in three phases; phase 1 would
include the complex, phase 2 the smaller fields, and phase 3 the soccer fields, expecting that the water
plant would be ready for expansion by that time. Younker asked if phasing the project still makes sense.
Seydell Johnson said that she would have a better idea after the focus group meetings. She is also waiting
to hear about the economic impact study that is being completed through Think Iowa City.
Younker suggested that an eastside sports complex update be added as a regular commission agenda item
He said that he thinks this is a great opportunity and that there is a lot of potential. He also noted that he
believes it should be true sports complex, whatever that is determined to mean.
Bentler said that she really likes the idea of it being a year-round facility. She also said it will be good to
see the results of the economic impact study. She recommends that it offer many different options, not
just the usual, and that it is important to determine what will make it a competitive option as a tournament
destination.
Bird said he agrees with Bentler that it be a year-round facility. He stated that the location is still
somewhat of a concern for those who have transportation challenges, but otherwise he thinks the complex
is a good idea.
Russell agreed as well stating that he is most curious about the in -door space and how it will be utilized
during the off-season.
Bentler feels that the facility needs to be sustainable and eco-friendly.
Hamann said that the plans show a trail connection from the north but asked about how to connect from
the west to the east. Seydell Johnson said that the American Legion tunnel will help as an access.
Younker wrapped up the conversation by reminding members that there is a stakeholder meeting at 6 p.m.
following this meeting as well as a meeting on Thursday, August 8, at noon, both at Mercer Park Aquatic
Center. He also stated that this will be a recurring agenda item for the next several months.
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Parks & Recreation Director — Juli Seydell Johnson:
Staffing: Seydell Johnson announced that the City Council approved the hiring of an Assistant Recreation
Superintendent. Staff is also interviewing for our Athletic Maintenance Supervisor as Joe Wagner, who has
been in this position for 22 years, is retiring on Friday, August 9.
Grants: Seydell Johnson stated that staff and Project GREEN is applying for grants to fund improvements
at both Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and the Ashton House.
Public Meetings: Seydell Johnson shared that there are several public meetings scheduled over the next
several weeks. There is a public meeting scheduled at Scott Park/Rita's Ranch tomorrow, Thursday, August
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 7,2019
Page 4 of 6
8. Staff is looking for feedback regarding the playground and shelter. Next Tuesday, August 13, will be the
public input meeting for both Fairmeadows and Wetherby Parks.
Other Projects: Seydell Johnson announced that the Willow Creek playground is in and that the City Park
old zoo buildings are out.
Recreation Division Sunerintendent- Brad Barker:
Riverfront Crossings Grand OpeningEvent: vent: Barker reported that the Riverfront Crossings Grand Opening
incurred crazy weather that included heat, rain, and lightening. While there were several people who
attended during the day, the lightening in the evening made is necessary to cut the event short. Barker has
reconvened with staff to discuss plans for fixture events. There was some discussion about making an annual
event at Riverfront Crossings.
Activity Guides: Barker announced that the fall activity guides are now available in hard copy as well as
on-line and that registration will open on Thursday, August 15.
Prescriptions for Play Program: Barker announced that staff from the City have teamed up with area
pediatricians to create a Prescription for Play program funded by an Invest Health grant. The idea is that
when physicians treat children in their offices, that they can write an actual prescription for play, noting
that the thought is that with a prescription, a child and family are more apt to follow through. With a
prescription, families can register their kids for recreation programs at no cost to them. Kids will also be
given a kit with several items such as frisbees, jump ropes, pedometers etc. to encourage play. They will
track their progress on a provided chart. They will then present that to staff at the Recreation Center in
exchange for a free 10-punch pool pass.
Swim Meet: Barker shared that the staff was approached by the University of Iowa Swim staff after a glass
bottle had been broken and glass went into their pool a couple of days prior to the swim meet. This requires
that a pool be completely drained, cleaned and then refilled. This process would not leave enough time for
the University to be ready for the meet. Iowa City Recreation staff quickly came together and made it
possible for this meet to take place at the Mercer Pool. Over 900 swimmers participated in this four -day
event.
Parks Division Sunerintendent — Zac Hall
Benton Hill Park: Hall reported that the sidewalk connection and hillside wall at the park have been
constructed. A contractor will come in and do some native seeding on the hillside within the next month
Creekside Park: Parks staff is currently installing the playground. Striping for the basketball court is the
next project.
Automatic Restroom Lock: Hall will meet with the contractor tomorrow and hope move forward with the
automatic locking system in park restrooms.
Emerald Ash Borer Undate: Hall reported that over 200 ash trees are marked for treatment. The contractor
will be working through September to treat the trees.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 7, 2019
Page 5 of 6
CHAIRS REPORT:
Younker announced that two members terms expire at the end of this year (Younker & Hamann) and
Luke Foelsch resigned. Applications for will be available in September.
COMMISSION TIME:
Bird commented that the landscaping looks great at Ashton House commending Project Green for their
efforts.
Hamann asked if there has been any discussion about adding bike parking at Ashton House. Seydell
Johnson will follow up.
Hamann also asked what the status is of Chadek Green. She knows that originally there were no plans for
a playground, however, she is wondering if that possibility could be revisited. Seydell Johnson noted that
once the garden season is over, there will be several updates to the area such as moving of beds, adding
raised beds, adding artwork etc. There is still no playground in the plan at this point. She suggested that it
be brought up again in 2-3 years when discussions ensue regarding capital improvements.
Bentler shared a couple of citizen concerns that have been brought to her attention. The first was a report
of vandalism at Creekside park, stating that the individual told her there had been a lot of vandalism and
some items broken at the park. Seydell Johnson will have staff check, however, there have been no
reports to staff about such vandalism. Bentler asked if there are cameras at any of the parks. Seydell
Johnson said that there are at some and that all new shelters are being wired so that cameras can be added
later if necessary.
The second comment was that people were not aware of the Riverfront Crossings Grand Opening and
believes they would have come had they known. She agrees with staff in that having an annual event at
this park is a great idea.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Hamann, seconded by Bentler, to adiourn the meeting at 6:06 P.m. Motion passed 5-0
(Smith. Venzon. Wills absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 7, 2019
Page 6 of 6
PARKS AND RECREATIt
ATTENDANCE RECORD
NAME
N
„may
„may
e�i
e�1
O
N
N
O
r
TERM
EXPHtES
Suzanne
12/31/20
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
O/E
X
LQ
X
X
Bentler
Steve Bird
12/31/21
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
O/E
X
Wayne Fett
12/31/18
X
O/E
X
X
Lucas
12/31/22
*
*
*
*
x
NM
X
X
O/E
LQ
X
Foelsch
Cara
12/31/19
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
Hamann
Lucie
12/31/18
X
X
X
O/E
Laurian
Ben Russell
12/31/21
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
X
X
Angie Smith
12/31/21
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
X
O/E
Jamie
12/31/20
X
X
O/E
X
X
NM
X
O/E
O/E
LQ
X
O/E
Venzon
Brianna
12/31/22
*
*
*
*
O/E
NM
X
X
X
LQ
X
O/E
Wills
Joe Younker
12/31/19
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
X
X
LQ
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 now
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
October 2019
Upcomine Events
• Glow Stick Strider Bike Race, Kiwanis Park, October 6
• SPI Spooking Minute -To -Win -It, Robert A Lee Recreation Center, October 11
• Special Olympics Volleyball Tournament, October 12
• Special Olympics Regional Youth Bowling Tournament, October 15
• Fall Family Fun, Creekside Park, October 20
• Halloween Parade & Carnival, Mercer Park Aquatic Center, October 25
• Floating Pumpkin Patch, Robert A Lee Recreation Center, October 26
• Special Olympics Regional Adult Bowling Tournament, October 26
• Tot Monster Mash, Mercer Park Aquatic Center, October 31
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
Forestry Maintenance Worker —I, Mario Ortiz, has transferred to Parks as a Maintenance Worker— II
Parks Maintenance. Mario has an A.A. degree in Construction from Kirkwood Community College and
years of experience within the organization.
• With the help of the Streets Division and collaboration with ICCSD river embankment work along the
Iowa River Corridor Trail north of the Napoleon Softball complex was completed. Riverbank stabilization
was needed to ensure the integrity of the trail as flood waters throughout the years eroded away some
Recreation:
• Winter/Spring Activity Guide is currently being put together and revised.
• The Dog Paddle event was a huge success with 275 dogs in attendance. Beginning this year, Iowa City is
now the only city in the tri-town area that still holds this event. The continuation of this event has been
applauded from local dog owners.
Staff is continuing to work with affiliate groups on scheduling field/facility space as well as reviewing and
updating MOU/User Agreements.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Cemetery:
• The Deeded Body Program was not held at the cemetery due to the chance of rain. Staff had the
Deeded Body area looking great and had many families visit after the ceremony.
• The landscaping project around Cherish Columbarium has been completed. This is a Sft. limestone
retaining wall around three sides of the columbarium and includes plantings and two limestone
benches. The labor and materials were all donated by Sanders Creek Landscaping company, LLC.
Facilities:
• Aquatics Maintenance staff is working with the pedestrian mall contractor to learn how to drain and
shut down systems on the downtown Weatherdance fountain.
• City Hall Boiler Project and associated BAS project is in full swing at City Hall, Maintenance staff
are helping with coordination with contractor and access.
• Recreation, City Hall and Senior Maintenance staff are continuing to winterize systems, having
boilers inspected and working through startup for service and shifting controls operations from
summer to winter schedules.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Record rainfalls during the month of September have slowed progress on projects and have delayed
daily maintenance within the Parks Systems. Storms have caused a great deal of tree damage resulting
in an increased amount of debris cleanup for Forestry and Parks staff.
• Increased street tree removals have become prevalent due to storm damage, White Mottled Rot fungus
and the effects of Emerald Ash Borer.
Recreation
• Matt Eidahl has been promoted to the Assistant Recreation Superintendent position from his previously
held Youth Sports Recreation Program Supervisor position. Matt will retain his core programming
responsibilities in youth sports, will provide additional oversight of daily operations of Mercer Park
Aquatic Center, will assist with administrative duties with permanent and temporary Recreation Division
positions and will aide in the creation of new special events and social gathering opportunities for the
community.
■ The position opening for the Recreation Program Supervisor for Special Events and Communications
position closed on October 1. Interviews will begin shortly.
• Temporary staff for fall positions are currently being hired and trained.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Cemetery
• With the recent rain, mowing and trimming are back to a top priority. Leaf removal starts soon.
• Staff has begun hauling lawn waste from storm damage to the landfill.
Facilities
• The new City Hall boilers and pumps are in, startup is scheduled the week of October 71^.
• Public Works Facility- the building is nearly enclosed; window systems are in place and overhead doors
are being installed. Final finishes are being fabricated and installed.
Project
Timeline
Status
Villa Park Playground
Summer/Fall 2018
Waiting for 1 ramp to complete project.
Creekside Park Redevelopment
Summer 2018
Construction nearly complete. Seeding as weather
allows.
City Park Cabin Restoration
Construction Fall 2017
Waiting for design of ADA accessible path/entrance..
Willow Creek Park
Construction Summer 2019.
Project started.
City Park Playground
Construction Summer 2019.
Construction contract awarded. Project to start soon.
Riverfront Crossing Park, Phase 3
A
Project nearly complete. Seeding as weather allows.
Phase 4 is out of bid (inside traffic circle)
Chauncey Swan Park
TBD— Park rebuild at end of
building project.
Park construction 2019.
Hickory Hill Trails, Signs & Bridges
Construction Spring 2019
Construction spring of 2019.
• The Robert A. Lee Recreation ADA Phase II project- OPN is proceeding to the next step of producing the
construction bid documents. The intent is to bid this work this fall for winter/spring construction.
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet j City of Iowa City
City of Iowa City Facility Sustainability Projects
One of the seven City of Iowa City Strategic Goals: Promote Environmental Sustainability
Project
Description
cost
Rebate
Stage
Mercer/Scanlon Boiler and HVACReplacment(and Family
Replaced 198E Boilers and AHU,
$882,387.00
Transfergas/no
Punchlist/re
Restroom/shower remodel)[R4331 and see below]
with high efficient condensing
construction
rebate
tainage
boilers and separate water heaters.
costrnd.
BAS
Mercer/Scanlon Building Automation Systems (BAS) [R4332]
$1,936AO rebate for
Punchlist
$90,000.00
Scanlon Gym portion
Install BAS with Boilers/pool water
Incl. in total
of BAS system
temp/minimal AHUs
costs above
($18,196)
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center BAS[R4332]
$91,330
$ 15,SOO standard
Accepting
incentive and $1,839
Install BAS with Boilers/pool water
bonus for a total of
temp/minimal AHUs
$17,339.00
City Hall Boller Replacement and BAS project[R4129]
Install BAS to Boilers/pool water
$487,500
$16,700 for BAS&
Bidding
temp/AHUs
total**
boilers
City Hall MPO Lighting Replacement [E4522, +Energy payback fund] LED office lighting upgrade with
does not qualify
Punrhlist
remodel
$28,250
Mercer/Scanlon Exterior LED lighting Replacement
Replace original hallide lights with
Incentives pending
Contracts
LED
pending
pending
MercerAquatic Center Natatorium Lighting Replacment
Replace original hallide lights with
Incentives pending
LEDs
pending
City Hall Exterior Lighting Replacment
Replace fluroescent lights with LED
$ 4,100.00
does not qualify
installation
Public Works Mainteance Fad lity- LEED certified building [P3959]
Incentives pending
Under
construction
pending
Public Works Solar Project
Potential PPA Solar project on new
n/a
Pending RFP
Public Works Structure.
pending
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area Solar Project
pending
n/a
Pending RFP
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 19 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
$3,810.00
$6,120.00
7
8.0
$3,380.00
$4,121.00
$7,190.00
$10,241.00,'
August
$1,652.50
$6182.50
4
8.8
$2,970.00
$4,732.50
$4,622.50
$10,915.00
Sept
$11,340.00
$7,193.75
6
8.0
$3,711.25
$4,665.50
$15,051.25
$11,859.25
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
Totals
1 $16,802.50
$19,496.25
17
24.8
$10,061.25 1
$13,519.00 1$26,863.751
$33,015.25
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City