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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-14-2020 Parks and Recreation Commission No quorumChris Olney From: Juli Seydell Johnson Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2020 8:42 AM To: Tammy Neumann; Chris Olney Subject: P&R 10-15-20 P&R Commission - Did not have a quorum. We did not have a quorum of members for last night's P&R Commission so there will be no minutes. Thanks, Juli Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, October 14, 2020 Walking & Driving Park Tour Beginning at 3:00 p.m. Meet at Chauncey Swan Park — 405 East Washington Street AGENDA ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 MEETING MINUTES ITEM 3 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA ITEM 4 WALKING/DRIVING PARK TOUR (PERSONAL VEHICLES REQUIRED DUE TO COVID) 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 Department at 319/356-5210 or tammy- neumann@iowacity.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. 96 .. 0.00 wj uj- .. UJ W W cc � r •� VNIHsi lR 1 S.H 0 ICJ HAOt 9 N �.q Ate. x mjl N�IAp ■ ....f. ■Mi. A .1 wr44. le 4� Q. Ln � r ro o O 0-0 LL. Q r� tj LLJ Ads i11M vim C6 [yam "� i.. •.fie .'•,t .Aid 3 M& LJU 33 Al1IN Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet 10-2020 Ypcoming Events — COVID Updates as of 6-29-2020 • Iowa City Farmer's Market will be on-line only for entire season. • Small -group programming ended in August; no immediate plans for additional traditional programming • Public lap swim is on hold. • City High and West High swimming are practicing at Mercer. Coralville's pool is under repair so we have offered space to West High in the meantime. Iowa City Eels have been using Mercer as well. • Park shelter rental requests are not being accepted but are available on a first -come, first -served basis. • No date has been set to open Robert A. Lee Recreation Center or Mercer/Scanlon to the general public. Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff Parks: • Staff and contractors have started planting street and park trees for our fall planting. • The storm damaged tree list continues to shrink as staff gets to additional trees and areas that were not immediate safety concerns. This will be a continued focus throughout the fall and winter. • Soccer, cross-country and flag football have been taking place at Kickers Soccer Park and Napoleon Softball complex. • Parks staff have worked in coordination with Recreation staff to launch a tree planting incentive program called Root for Trees. • Work has been completed and the area is seeded at City Park baseball field #2 to improve the outfield along the fence line. • Site grading and seeding is complete around the cabins in City Park. • Work continues on multiple park projects contractors have been working to complete. Recreation: • Parks and Recreation is partnering with UAY to host afternoon programming for junior high and high school students at Mercer. The start of this program has been pushed back until at least September 21 when school is scheduled to resume meeting in -person. Full-time staff will assist with this camp. • There is no fall activity guide planned. Any programming that is offered will be communicated through a hybrid of social and digital media. • Full-time staff are lifeguarding City High, West High and Iowa City Eels practices M-F. • Full-time staff are assisting with maintenance projects at Mercer and Robert A. Lee Recreation Centers as well as City Park Pool, parks and the cemetery. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City • Full-time staff continue to serve in the customer service role and in assisting with Farmers Market. • Staff are developing a City of Iowa City tree voucher program that will reduce the cost of trees by 50% for residents. This program will launch at the beginning of October and will be marketed by full-time staff. Cemetery: • Still waiting on Total Tree Care and their crane to remove some large hangers from the storm. • The U of I Deeded Body Program was held virtually this year, but we still had many visitors to the cemetery. • Stump removal will be scheduled sometime this fall. • Recently replaced a leaking water hydrant in the cemetery caused by corrosion. Facilities. • The Government Buildings teams from SC and RALRC continue to work at City Hall, Mercer, Senior Center and RALRC to help with sanitizing, deep cleaning, and maintenance during this time. City Hall staff have not fully returned to their offices, areas continue to work in shifts. • Staff have shut down and winterized the Weatherdance downtown fountain. They will winterize Weatherby, this week and are coordinating water use with Peak Contractor on site constructing the new restroom facility. • OPN Creative Mellon and ASI will be presenting next steps for designs for signage and way finding to staff on Tuesday, October 13tn. • The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Pool Deck Shower and Fire Alarm Projects will released for bidding. They will be released as separate projects. Bid documents will be available on October 15', the prebid meeting and walk through with contractors will take place on October 22"d and Bid will be due on November 5t". • Staff had comprehensive City Hall Building Automation (BAS) Training on the new BAS system on October 6t'. • Staff have made updates to the City Hall fitness room, brightening the space with painting and LED light installation. • Shive Hattery has developed a schedule and cost estimates for the Mercer/Scanlon Dehumidification and Tuckpointing project, next steps will include deciding on priorities and producing a bid package. Top Staff Issues Parks • Most temporary staff have completed their seasons. • Tree availability has altered some planting plans as suppliers struggle to find desired stock. • EAB coupled with the Derecho has impacted tree health and canopy coverage throughout the City on both City and private properties. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Recreation • Changing circumstances due to COViD calls for frequently shifting priorities among staff. Staff have been diverted to assist with'various non -recreation related areas within the department. Cemetery • Staff has been busy with mowing and trimming. • Working on hauling loads of tree debris and stocking black dirt bin for winter. • Staff spent a few days filling in low spots and seeding. • Down to one variable seasonal position at only S hours/week. Facilities • Staff continue to prep for reopening, as more City staff return to their work spaces. Additional shield requests continue to come in, and they have been fabricated and installed. Social distancing signage, disinfectant kits and hand sanitizer stations continue to be maintained throughout the buildings. • Maintenance Staff are continuing to balance the cooling and humidity with HVAC systems with more stringent MERV 13 filters throughout our facilities. • Winterizing is nearly complete at all outdoor Aquatics areas. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Sustainabili!Y.—Pr-0—jects One of the seven City of Iowa City Strategk Goals, Promote Environmental Sustalnobility Des n Consultant/Contractor Cost Rebate stage m trl /�ack Mercer/Scanlon Boiler and 1V l la nt Replaced Boilers and AH , With BMus- att r lnc�, , 'rrar�s r n� t ` � � g (and FamllRestroom/shower remodel) (R4331 high efficient condensing boilers and Mechanical construction Accepted by and see below] separate water heaters. cost/Incl. SAS council 00; FP A - ---- --- Mercer/Scanlon Building Automation Systems $ :, ;00 rebate for Scanlon Gym portion of. n Mist ; year payback _,000.00 BAS system $ , Wout incentive for install BAS with Boilers/mil water Shwa -flattery Inc.,/ MCI, In total Mercer; 3.8 year tm p /minimal Us Baker �r costs ahove pa r Scanlon* Robert A. Lee recreation Center BAS (11) -,-.- $91..330 $ 15,,500 standard Accepting $3,678 annual cost , Incentive and , savings years install BASvilth Boilers/mil water Shwa#batteryInc.,/Baker bonus for a total f payback with tee Tirtirnal �s Grp 7, . Hallal City BoilerReplacement project total" boilers$ .,� g00 for AS complete 95% 1. 0 u cost ,,savings; install W to € it rs/pool water years for payback j{em ANUS {5y { fe- p/��5 a�t+�g fl-' with incentive* -- ------ Mercer/Scanlon�r��r .� lighting Incentives pending id JETSAR4it��+rt nt hiY�pf si/E�� documents in ialace rival pallid 11hs with inc.ndir --------- ndin -- ------ r rss mercer qu tic Center Natatorium Lighting Replace original hallide lights math LEDs does not qualify- high quality aluminum Complete- To a acapted From a lifecycle cost Rep la rn nt fire required for 08108120 there is a So% energy chive-Hattery Natatorium savings & annual inc ndin $901957,64 savings o $499. Public Works Mainteance Facility- LED certified Monson $60,868.00 for LIED light'ln& huiding Punchlist City to receive building (P39591 Building components decrease energy Neumann rchit cts/M rat envelope & WAC Excellence in Energy from similar build!utypologies Construction $10,978,700 strata ►" Efficiencv Award. . blic works Solar Project Potential PPA Solar project on new n a Pending P I public Works StruW Pending �ndiri----- - - .. .' �' '- .. 11*9109�.9�1 - -- -- M.." Terry Trueblood Recreation Area solar Project 0,cturr .......e. -11-"Q-"-� n a �n �n RFP } PendS ... .... .. nd .. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Oakland Cemetery FY 19 Revenue Report Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 ZOOM PLATFORM Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of council members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. Members Present: Stephen Bird, Alex Hachtman, Ben Russell, Melissa Serenda, Angie Smith, Jamie Venzon, Brianna Wills Members Absent: Boniface Penandj o Lemoupa, Blake Winter Staff Present: Tyler Baird, Brad Barker, Juli Seydell Johnson, Kumi Morris Others Present: John Barr CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bird called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. Steve Bird. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): None OTHER FORMAL ACTION: Moved by Smith, seconded by Wills, to approve the June 17, 2020 minutes as written. Motion passed 7-0 (Lemoupa & Winter absent PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None COVID-19 DEPARTMENT RESPONSE UPDATE — 'JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON Seydell Johnson updated the Commission on the department's past and present COVID-19 response. She noted that several difficult decisions continue to be made daily. She reported there are very few recreation activities that remain open and that the centers remain closed. City High and Iowa City EELS used Mercer Pool for practices but that has since shut -down as well. A hold on all youth sports and the use of athletic fields has also been put on hold. Seydell Johnson sat in a meeting with public health officials prior to this meeting. Though they reported that Johnson County COVID cases have declined, they also shared that there is some question about the accuracy of the data being provided. Youth sports are being held off until September 19. Seydell Johnson expressed that she and staff want to open these activities up again, that they too want to see the kids playing as soon as possible, but it has been determined that without evidence of follow-through with social distancing and the consistent wearing of masks, it simply isn't in the best interest of safety for the community at this time. Seydell Johnson went on to share that City Hall and other public City facilities remain closed with no opening date yet determined. The Terry Trueblood Recreation Center Lodge has opened back up for PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 9, 2020 Page 2 of 7 events of 100 or less with social distancing and mask wearing guidelines. Picnic shelters are open in parks for casual use but are not yet available to rent. At this point, Seydell Johnson asked for commission input. Wills shared that "in full disclosure" that her son is a member of the Iowa City Eels (ICE) Swim Club. She said that the weeks that Mercer Pool was open provided a great benefit to those students. She noted that the high school swim teams were also using the pool along with the Coralville women's swim team due to repairs necessary at the Coralville Pool. She shared that the consensus from other ICE families is that they are very disappointed in the decision to close the pool and feel that there is no reason to do so. She stated that with the school district remaining open, and that the City ties to the school district, and the fact that the rules put in place by the district are very strict with numerous cautionary measures, that the decision to close the pool was extreme. She asked that beyond these potential health implications, how much Iowa City EELS pays the city to use the facilities. Seydell Johnson did not have the answer to that question readily available and agreed that there is a lot of disappointment about not being able to use the facilities. She pointed out that with the 20% positivity rate for COVID in Johnson County, it is higher than it was in the spring. At the start it was determined that the Recreation Department would close if the school district closed. However, after the meeting with public health staff today, the City staff agrees that it is necessary to close until the COVID rates stabilize. She will continue communications with the Public Health Department. Seydell Johnson agreed that the ICE organization and participants were doing a very good job with mitigation measures, however, it is just simply too high of a risk. Wills stated that when looking at the COVID numbers, they do not show much of a risk to children or high school aged kids. She questioned whether this is going too far and that the silent majority feel the same way. She also acknowledged that she appreciates that this is a difficult position for staff, but in a chlorinated facility it seems overdone. Seydell Johnson pointed out that staff not only have to consider the participants using the pool, but also the lifeguards and other staff that are in the facility, noting that the department has greatly reduced staff to limit exposures. She appreciates that teams want to practice and that families want to be involved. Bird shared that while he lives his life very carefully that he has been swimming with another team in town and does not feel it is a big risk. He also noted that Kickers has done a great job keeping kids safe throughout the summer. He feels that the City needs to figure out how they are going to operate in the new normal, as it seems that the City's attitude is to hunker down and wait for this to pass. He said this is a bigger issue than just Parks and Recreation staff. He said that frankly he feels disappointed that the response is to keep everything closed. Initially it was a good plan but his take is that there are a lot of experts that say it can be done safely. Seydell Johnson expressed her sincere appreciation for commission comments and input. Venzon noted that from a different perspective, her son places in the Red Zone football program. She appreciates that this is a difficult position and that Red Zone is a private group separate from the City, However, having parents sign a waiver in order for their kids to participate, it was disappointed to have it shut down anyway because the City closed the fields. Bird further stated that he does appreciate everything that Parks and Recreation staff are doing and that he doesn't want that to be lost in his comments. He said we are in difficult times and rules change constantly. BUILDING UPDATES AND PREPARATIONS FOR SAFE WORK DURING COVID-KUMI MORRIS Kumi Morris, City Facilities Manager, reported that the City continues with common sense precautions such has providing sanitizing stations in multiple locations in all City facilities, creating and posting signs regarding increased hygiene and social distancing. Morris has worked with the Communications Department to create floor stickers to be put in place once the facilities open to the public. She also PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 9, 2020 Page 3 of 7 reported that cleaning kits have been placed in all City vehicles. In addition, shields have been placed in areas where the public is served. There have been 84 shields placed through the facilities. Morris shared that the she has been working with Shive Hattery regarding the facilities HVAC- systems. An increase in air exchange is in place in City facilities. New air filter systems are being used to lessen the amount of material entering the buildings; this is the same air filter system used in health care facilities. Bird asked how many City employees have self -reported that they have tested positive for COVID. Seydell Johnson said that she cannot share that information, but within the Parks and Recreation Department there have been none. She further stated that the main message is that City buildings are ready for opening. Bird asked what percentage of staff are currently working in offices. Seydell Johnson responded that approximately 50% are present at City Hall and that 100% of full-time staff are present in the Parks and Recreation Department. MERCER & CITY PARK BASEBALL PROJECT UPDATES -- TYLER BAIRD & BRAD B R: Barker and Baird provided an update on the Mercer and City Park baseball projects. Barker noted that work started in late March. Staff met with Hitchcock Design Group to create a concept plan based on the wish -list provided by staff. This is a $1.2 million project and is slated for fiscal years 22 & 23. Baird added that staff sought bids on laser grading three of the remaining fields at Mercer. This will provide increased playability as well as they are easier to maintain. Staff will also coordinate work on the fencing and dugouts. He noted that more lighting is on the list as well but due to the high cost may be pushed out a few years. Smith asked what else was on the Mercer wish -list. Barker reported that the initial list included synthetic turf placement and increased lighting, new scoreboards and a list of other things that pertained to drainage issues and aesthetics with fencing and benches and a grander entryway. Also included are shade structures and a new roof on the concession stand. After Hitchcock created a concept plan that included these items, it was obvious that some were going to have to be removed from the plan. Possible cutbacks include the artificial turf, some lighting, the scoreboards, and a possibility of some of the concrete work. Staff will continue working with the engineers to determine what can be cut out of the plan to make it more affordable. Smith said that she was sad to see that Happy Hollow field is being taken away. Seydell Johnson noted that after holding community meetings last summer, it was determined that there wasn't a lot of use on that field. She also noted that this field has proven to be a challenge to maintain. On a related note, she announced that the resurfacing of the basketball court began today. PRAME RESTORATION UPDATE — TYLER BAIRD: Baird announced that the prairie restoration project is on schedule. He further noted that the contractor applied the first herbicide application earlier this summer. He said that there will be some weeds and other grasses that will pregerminated so will reapply in the fall. Staff has worked with the seed distributor on a proper seed mix for this area that will include a more shade tolerant and weather tolerant mix. A shorter grass mix will be applied to the hillside at Happy Hollow that will allow for winter use of that space. He PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 9, 2020 Page 4of7 hopes to see some new growth corning up in the prairies established last year. He has received a lot of positive comments regarding the Black Eyed Susans. Bird noted that lower City Park looks great. He asked if there was something on the City website covering the prairie restoration efforts. Tyler said that there is an extensive explanation in the most recent release on the website. REPORTS ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF: Parks & Recreation Director — Juli Se dell Johnson • Seydell Johnson introduced Josh Worrell to the Commission. Worrell is the departments new Assistant Superintendent of Parks. Worrell shared information about himself with commission members. Commission welcomed him to the department. • Seydell Johnson noted that she had two pieces of correspondence to share with commission. One included an email (attached) from the Miller Orchard Neighborhood Association who is spearheading a tree -planting project along the southern border of Benton Hill Park. This is an area where many trees were removed when the Prairie Hill Cohousing development was built. They are working with Baird on this project and are planting ten trees along this area and hope to plant those this fall. The neighborhood designed the project and it sits within the park as there was not enough space on the cohousing property so they approached the department with their concept. These trees will add a nice buffer between the park and the Prairie Hill homes. Bird asked if staff provided recommendations for tree species. Baird said that they reviewed the list of trees the neighborhood has chosen and approved of the list. The group also worked closely with Iowa City Landscaping who provided recommendations. • Seydell Johnson shared that the other correspondence was regarding the tree removal at Scott. Park. She reminded commission that this is the project that Barr addressed with Commission at their last meeting. Barr informed us that there was a letter dropped off at City Hall for each commission member, however, staff is currently unable to locate. Staff will continue to investigate where these letters ended up. (Information has since been shared with Seydell Johnson and that correspondence is attached to these minutes.) • Seydell Johnson shared a list of park projects pointing out that it is interesting that there are still 25 active projects in progress, even during the COVID pandemic and Derecho storm clean-up. The list is attached to these minutes. Recreation Division Su erintendent — Brad Barker: • Barker reported that the full-time Recreation staff have been assisting with lifeguarding, facility projects such as painting hallways and resurfacing floors. They are also helping with some cemetery and parks projects as well as the farmers market which continues to be going strong with an average of 450-500 online orders per week. • Barker announced that the department is partnering with United Action for Youth (UAY) to offer a free afterschool program for junior high and high school students at Mercer. The program will run from 1-4 p.m. (1-2:3 0 p.m. will focus on tutoring and art programs; 2: 30-4 will be more recreation based). Full-time recreation staff will help with this program. Staff will plan additional needs as program progresses, which may include some Teen Dynamic components after 4 p.m. • Barker is working with Baird, Morgan Gerdes, Communication/Event Supervisor, and Ashley Monroe, Assistant City Manager, in creating a tree planting initiative. This will include vouchers for a 50% discount on the purchase of trees up to $250. Vouchers can be redeemed at Earle May and Iowa City Landscape. There will also be a low-income discount component where the voucher will be good for a 90% discount. Staff hopes to launch this program in early October. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 9, 2020 Page 5 of 7 Wills expressed her concern about running an after --school program in Mercer while not allowing swim team practices. Barker stated that this program will not begin until September 21. Seydell Johnson also explained that this will not be a drop -in program, but rather will require registration so that the numbers can be controlled. This is an initiative to help provide additional guidance, especially for those students who need tutoring. Barker also noted that they will be health -screened upon entering the building and that there will be limited access points. If they leave the building during a session, they will not be allowed to return until the next session. Wills said that she just wanted to make sure the same guidelines are being used for all programming at Mercer. Bird agreed. Parks Division Su erintendent — Tyler Baird: • Baird shared that Josh Worrell, new Parks Superintendent, will assist in providing relief for Baird, will work to plan future projects, and assist in day to day assistance with staff. This proved to be especially important as his first day on the job was also the day of the Derecho. • Baird commended parks staff and their coordination with other departments in storm. cleanup. Baird reported that there has been a report that there was a straight-line wind during this storm that maintained 98 miles per hour. He also expressed his gratitude towards the Department of Transportation and Secondary Roads for their assistance. He was quite impressed with the help of the community with neighbors assisting neighbors etc. He does not yet have an estimate of trees lost in the storm but knows that number to be substantial. He guesses that the number will reach 100. In addition, the city received a decent amount of damage to the overall tree canopy of those that remain standing. There have been more trees coming down during other storms since Derecho as they were likely weakened by that storm. He expects that there will be continued damage for several months. He reported that Forestry staff has been working nonstop with the bucket truck trying to mitigate the largest hazards. • Baird reported that staff did a great job of cleaning up City parks. Crews would go in first to begin clean-up process and second crew would come in with the larger equipment. • Baird announced that the music play area at Willow Creek Park is near completion. • Baird announced that seven more signs have been placed at park entrances. Bird noticed that there were some ash trees that had been marked for removal and wondered if staff is behind in this process due to the storms etc. Baird reported that the schedule of removal and treatment depends on when the contractor (Total Tree Care) is available. They came in and did a lot of storm clean- up work. They are currently working in other communities with storm clean-up as well. CHAIRS REPORT — STEVE BIRD: Bird asked if there were any reports available on COVID costs for the City and if it will be a special line item in the budget. Seydell Johnson said it will be a little of both. City staff have been taking cost saving measures where they can to make-up for some of these costs. She expects there to be a report on COVID, as well as Derecho costs. Bird noted that he read an article about how much funding comes from motel/hotel taxes at Mercer. He asked if that is a concern due to the lower numbers staying at hotels/motels. Seydell Johnson said it is a concern, however, there has been no request to alter operations to date. She noted that it is a smaller portion of the Iowa City budget than it is in other communities. COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Smith noted that she was at a Black Lives Matter event recently at Mercer Park and notice a drone overhead. She thought that drones were not allowed in parks. Seydell Johnson said that they are allowed PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 9, 2020 Page 6 of 7 and that the only restricted area is near the airport. She said that the City Attorney gave the opinion that we are not allowed to regulate them unless they become a safety hazard. Smith shared that her son is a big fan of escape rooms and scavenger hunts so when planning a trip out of town recently was looking at options. She noted that there is a town that does a mystery scavenger hunt within their parks. She thought it was an interesting idea and provided a great opportunity to encourage people to visit the parks. Serenda said she likes this idea and that, as a newer commission member, it would provide a fun way of discovering some of the parks she hasn't yet visited. Bird asked if there may a way to do the park tour by driving their own vehicles, further stating that this Y is always an interesting part of the commission year. Seydell Johnson said she would consider this idea and will likely schedule the park tour during the October meeting. She noted that the meeting will need to start earlier due to the earlier sunset. Hachtman remarked that 2020 has proven to be a time to be creative. He also expressed his thanks to all the staff for the storm clean-up efforts. ADJOURNMENT: Moved b Venzon seconded b Smith to ad' ourn the meetin at 6:05 .m Motion asked S-0. (Lemoupa and Winter absent PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION September 9, 2020 Page 7 of 7 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD NAME N N N N O N O O p TERM N ,N � N e`—f enN ,� ,` � N EXPIRES Suzanne 12/31/20 X X O/E Bentler Steve Bird 12/31/21 O/E X X X X X NM NM X NM NM X Alex 12/31 /20 * X X NM NM X NM NM X Hachtman Cara 12/31 / 19 X O/E X Hamann Boniface 12/31 /23 X O O NM NM O NM NM O Penandjo Lemou a Ben Russell 12/31 /21 X X X O/E X X NM NM X NM NM X Melissa 12/31/23 X X X NM NM X NM NM X Serenda Angie Smith 12/31 /21 X X X X X X NM NM X NM NM X Jamie 12/31 /20 X X X X X X NM NM X NM NM X Venzon Brianna 12/31 /22 X X X O/E X X NM NM X NM NM X Wills Blake Winter 12/31 /22 X X X X X X NM NM O/E NM NM O/E Joe Younker 12/31 / 19 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 now Tammy Neumann From: Paula Swygard <pswygard@gmail.corn> Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2020 11:16 AM To: Juli Seydell Johnson; Tyler Baird; parksandrecreation Q. Marcia Bollinger; Mary Knudson Subject: Parks and Recreations Commission Meeting 9-9-2020 - Benton Hill Park PIN grant Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged .4. RISK. Juli and Tyler - please share with the Parks and Recreation Commission at their meeting Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, I'm writing to let you know of the Benton Hill Park project the Miller orchard i Neighborhood Association ton is spearheading to make improvements to the park. The Miller orchard Neighborhood Association, in conjunction with residents of Prairie Hill Cohousin g, was awarded a FY21 PIN grant of $1,500 to plant trees along the southern border of Benton Hill Park. A 2017 Parks Dept. Grubbing Project was completed as part of improvements to make Benton Hill Park more accessMble, One of the impacts of that project left the home along the southern park border visible to all and park -goers passers-by on Benton street. The long-term goal of the PIN grant is to re-establish privacy screening aloe the shared property g p p rty fine between the park and the Prairie Hill Cohousing home. Additionally, this project will also helpexpand the r p tee canopy �` n the park, a goal of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. We have consulted with Tyler Baird, Assistant Superintendent of Parks, at every stepof this project. The 1 ' p 1 pan includes planting of 6 Black Hills Spruce, 3 Blackhaw Viburnum, and 1 Redbud which will be laced among the prairie p g p e grass already planted in this area of the park. We are currently working with Tyler to finalize tree placement, location p canon of underground utilities, and timing of planting for the project. Thank you for your time, Paula Swygard Miller orchard Neighborhood Representative TREE REMOVAL IN THE SCOTT PARK STORMWATER BASIN Date: 8-24-20 To: Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Cc: Iowa City Climate Action Commission From: Chris Stephan Removal of trees along the Ralston Creek streambeds within the confines of the Scott Park Detention Basin raises a number of questions that need to be addressed by the Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission and the Iowa City Climate Action Commission. These thoughts are being submitted to support issues raised by John Barr during the Public Discussion segment of the Iowa City Parks & Recreation meeting on ,tune 17, 2020. Although I'm not one of the ecologists or foresters mentioned at the second paragraph of the Public Discussion minutes, I am the professional engineer in Mr. Barr's Scott Park neighborhood. My comments are also intended to address some of the information that Juli SeY dell - Johnson, Parks & Recreation Director, presented to the Iowa City Climate Action Committee, at their meeting on July G, 2D20. The suggestion that removing trees from the creek bed for those areas within the Scott Park Stormwater Basin will reduce flooding, is poorly reasoned. As a registered professional civil engineer, I spent 30 years designing stormwater basins throughout the greater Iowa City area and have also designed numerous small dams for various other clients. I can state with some knowledge and authority that any trees along the creek and within the confines of the inundation area of the Scott Park Dam Do NOT contribute to flooding of property in and adjacent to the basin. The property lines adjacent to the stormwater basin were established so that the properties would be located outside the flooding limits. The Federal Emergency Flood Maps for this area are based on this information. Trees along the creek bed will slow down the velocity of stream flow, thereby contributing somewhat to functionality of the dam (reducing stream flow volumes below the dam). There is no way that trees located within the designated inundation area of the darn increase flood hazards or elevations. The downstream dam is the entity creating the flooding. We residents adjacent to the Scott Park detention basin witness this phenomenon each and every time a significant rainfall event occurs in the Iowa City area. One wonders how much additional carbon will be sequestered when an acre of trees is removed and an acre of prairie is established. The trees grow each year and at season's end drop their leaves and the underbrush goes dormant, so the carbon captured during the growing season is pretty much held in -place. We understand that one of the 'good practice' requirements for prairie health is periodic burning. This burning would suggest that some of the carbon that has been captured by the prairie grasses will be released into the atmosphere. Does the life cycle of an acre of prairie grass sequester more carbon than an acre of creek side timber and underbrush? I think this is a legitimate question to be asked. It was also mentioned that an effort will be made to replace each tree removed by planting two new trees. Has anyone counted and/or documented the number of trees that have been, or will be removed? Is there any provision for. providing similar documentation for the trees being planted to replace the removed trees? Another result of the selective removal of trees along the creek bank in Scott Park will be the loss of screening that these trees provide for each of the residents living on either side of the creek. I have had several residents express to me that they specifically purchased their house along the creek bank because of the trees that are presently there. The trees provide very much of a 'rural' feel to the area. They help screen the lights and activities from opposite sides of the creek, which is a rnajor reason for choosing to live where we do. In fact, one neighbor told me that she spent five years looking for a house on a lot specifically with the park and creek tree characteristics present in Scott Park, prior to purchasing her house on Scott Park Drive One lesson I learned during my years working with local developers of mixed use developments, was to develo p op the higher density parcels first, so that the single family parcels could not suggest that the were unaware or Y were not told, of the higher density development that was near their property. It would seem that Iowa City,through h g the removal of the trees along the creek in the Scott Park detention basin, is significantly changing the character of h g g the area after homeowners adjacent to the area specifically chose their location based on the resent condition of p the creek. If the City wants to change the character along the creek, perhaps it should be done prior to the sale of any of the lots along the creek. p Laving watched the mowing operations in the Scott Park Stormwater Basin for the past 28 ears I have to question Y q ton how much grass mowing effort is going to be reduced when trees on either side of Ralston Creek are remo ved and the area from which the trees have been removed is planted in prairie grasses. Tom observation the areas as now occupied by trees on either side of the creek are not now being mowed and will not be mowed when planted to prairie. So how much mowing effort have we saved? I might also suggest that the periodic burningof the ram prairie areas will not be well received by the residents downwind from the burn. With the prairie areas beingbounded on virtually all sides, it won't matter what direction the wind is blowing when the burn occurs. A number of neighbors have summarized the question at hand by asking, `Do we want the area aloe the creek g in the Scott Park detention basin to look like a golf course, or do we want it to remain a natural looking tubed . strea ?' Should any of the commission members, or City staff wish to contact me, my email address is: ChrisremL12yahoo.com Thank you for your time and consideration. COVID-19 preparations: �. Increased hand sanitizer stations on throughout our buildings, in front of meeting rooms and near elevators 2. Signage- we worked with communications to create additional signs for: o good COVID hygiene and hand washing practices that were placed around the restrooms and break areas, drinking fountains, o Elevator social distancing signage o social distance floor dots for our customer service areas- where people may have to wait in line. 3. Worked with each department and division to provide disinfectant solution and cleaning cloth kits: o around shared equipment such as copiers and kitchens, and several throughout the work spaces. o Cleaning kits were also provided to city vehicles (housing, building, engineering inspectors and fire and police vehicles). 4. We worked with a local vendor to make custom sized shields for every department in: ■ City Hall (including the Police Department), ■ Mercer/Scanlon, • Robert A Lee Recreation Center, ■ Senior Center ■, and helped with the library. o our facilities staff purchased the installation materials and installed them, most were hung from the ceiling grid with aircraft cables. o We approximately hung about 84 shields, not including the table top shields- coming to about $8,000 in materials. 5. In some areas the partitions for cubicle spaces were reworked to separate staff in close work areas. Here at Robert A. Lee we worked with furniture vendor Storey Kenworthy to rework the cubicle spaces, also areas of Police were reworked. 6. For HVAC systems- we looked at CDC guidelines and worked mechanical engineers from Shive Hattery to: o Increase building fresh air input and air exchanges (from 3 to 5, to 4 to 6) in public buildings- with a control for humidity o Starting our cooling cycle earlier in the operations for appropriate fresh air exchange and to meet temperature conditions o Disabled economizers and Demand Control on air -handler systems o Increasing the air handler filters from the standard MERV 8 to 13 or 14 pending on the system (13 is a minimum recommendation) o Increasing frequency of filter changes— due to the use of denser, more stringent filters, we will need to replace them with more frequency to keep th.e Air Handler Units operating properly. TO: Geoff Fruin, City Manager FROM: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation DATE: September 9, 2020 RE: Park Project Updates 1. Walden Green Community Garden — Development of pocket park with small shelter, garden plots, drinking fountain and future play structure. Bid awarded to Spectra Builders. Design by Snyder & Associates. Construction expected yet this fall. 2. Villa Park Shelter & Drinking Fountain — Small shelter and drinking fountain near new playground. Contract to McComas Lacina Construction. Paving and water service complete. Shelter expected in October. 3. Highway 1 Trail —Sunset to Mormon Trek— Final payment made. Completing audit and closeout with #DOT. Design by Shive-Hattery. Contractor PCI. 4. Highway G Trail -- Fairmeadows to Heinz — Design by Snyder & Associates to begin soon. 5. Highway 1 Entry Landscaping — 90% Design Complete. Seeking grants and IDOT Funding. Design by Jeffery L'Bruce & Co. 6. Iowa City Kickers Athletic Complex— Renovate baseball fields into additional soccer fields. Complete. 7. Mercer Baseball Field Master Plan — Initial draft plan received from Hitchcock Design. Engineering Division reviewing plan. 8. City Park Baseball Field Improvements-2 fields laser graded. Engineering Division developing bid documents for fencing and foul pole replacements. Dugout renovations will follow fencing project. 9. Napoleon Softball Playground — Grading has started. Bid awarded to All American Concrete. Design by Snyder & Associates. Expected completion by October 30, 2020. 10. Fairmeadows Shelter & Playground — Grading and paving have started. Bid awarded to All American Concrete. Design by Snyder & Associates. Expected completion by October 30, 2020. 11. Scott Park Shelter & Playground - Grading and paving have started. Bid awarded to All American Concrete. Design by Snyder & Associates. Expected completion by October 30, 2020. 12. Wetherby Shelter, Restroom & Playground — Construction 50% complete. Construction — PEAK Construction. Design - Snyder & Associates. Expected completion by October 30, 2020. 13. Wetherby Trail Paving - Bids received 9-8-20. Low Bid from McComas--Lacina. Design -- Snyder & Associates. Completion expected by October 30, 2020. 14. College Green Bocce Court — Pre Construction Meeting week of September 7. Bid awarded to All -American Concrete. Design by Snyder &, Associates. Expected completion by October 30 2020. 15. Happy Hollow & Court Hill Basketball Court Resurfacing - Bid awarded to All -American Concrete. Design by Snyder & Associates. Expected completion by October 30, 2020. 16. Robert A Lee Phase 2 ADA Improvements - Construction and Bidding Documents for on -deck family restroom will be prepared as a stand-alone project during Fall 2020. Work to be complete in Winter 2020/2021. Design by OPN Architects. 17. Hickory Hill Park REAP Grant Ecological Restoration — Contractors Impact 7G and Applied Ecological Services have completed work on prairie improvements and some invasive species removal. There will be brushing this winter with a re -sprout treatment this spring. Design g progressing on streambank restoration with work planned yet this fall. 18. Terry Trueblood Recreation Area REAP Grant Ecological Restoration —Parks staff preparing RFP for services in fall 2020 and spring 2021. 19. 2020 Prairie Restorations - On schedule to be completed in Spring 2021 as planned. First round of herbicide application complete. Seed list has been selected. Contractor —Applied Ecological Services. 20. Willow Creek Playground, Restroom & Shelter Contractor work completed. Park staff installing Music Playground Area. Music area complete except for a few parts which have been ordered from manufacturer. 21. Lower City Park Adventure Play — Delayed because of issues with design and construction of ADA accessible paths on hillside. Contractor —All American Concrete. Design by Hitchcock Design. Expected completion by October 30, 2020. 22. Macinaw Neighborhood Street Tree Planting Project — Letters have been sent to neighbors to provide information and "opt out" if they do not wish for a tree to be planted in front of their property. Engineering department completing bid documents. Planting will likely need to wait until Spring 2021 due to low availability of trees from growers. 23. Community Private Tree Planting Voucher Program — Plan to roll out information to residents and marketing info in early October. Residents will be able to get a voucher to purchase a tre e ee at a reduced cost from local supplier. Tree to be planted on private property and cared for by property owner. 24. 2020 Park ADA Access Improvements — Accessible paths for Brooklyn and Hunters Run Parks. On hold until Spring 2020. 25. Glendale Park Playground and Shelter Renovation — Neighborhood input meetings to be held later this fall. Project scheduled for spring/summer 2021.