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Home My WebLink About01-13-2021 Parks and Recreation CommissionIowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, January 13, 2021 • v P.M. „, 14), , , 1 Electronic Meeting — 5 p.m. ZOOM MEETING PLATFORM Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by going to https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUldOgrrpoiE9YBIRISOhingGiIXgUKe9pG via the Internet to visit the Zoom meeting's registration page and submit the required information. Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join the meeting. If you are asked for a meeting or webinar ID, enter the ID number found in the email. A meeting password may also be included in the email. Enter the password when prompted. If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you may call in by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799. When prompted, enter the meeting or webinar ID. The ID number for this meeting is: 918 3332 1892 Once connected, you may dial *9 to "raise your hand," letting the meeting host know you would like to speak. Providing comments in person is not an option. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Electronic Meeting — 5 p.m. ZOOM MEETING PLATFORM AGENDA ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER ITEM 2 INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION BOARD MEMBER CHRISTOPHER ODINET — JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON ITEM 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES --- NOVEMBER 18, 2020 ITEM 4 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA ITEM 5 SOUTHWEST DISTRICT PLAN UPDATE — KIRK LEHMAN ITEM 6 REQUEST TO RENAME LONGFELLOW TRAIL/ROGER'S GREEN PARK AREAS-JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON ITEM 7 FY22 BUDGET REVIEW — JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON ITEM 8 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF aj Parks &Recreation Director —Juli Seydell Johnson b) Recreation Division Superintendent —Brad Barker c) Parks Division Superintendent —Tyler Baird ITEM 9 NOMINATION FOR PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION CHAIR PERSON ITEM 10 NOMINATION FOR PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION VICE -CHAIR ITEM 11 CHAIRS REPORT ITEM 12 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ITEM 13 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@iowa- city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2020 ZOOM PLATFORM Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to [�CAn oncerns for the health and safety of council members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. Members Present: Stephen Bird, Alex Hachtman, Boniface Penandjo, Ben Russell, Melissa Serenda, Angie Smith, Jamie Venzon, Brianna Wills Members Absent: None Staff Present: Tyler Baird, Brad Barker, Juli Seydell Johnson Others Present: Tea Ho CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bird called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): Moved by Serenda, seconded by Russell, to approve the Parks and Recreation fees and charges for FY22 as proposed. Motion passed 8-0. OTHER FORMAL ACTION: Moved by Hachtman, seconded by Serenda, to approve the September 9, 2020 minutes as written. Motion passed 8-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Tea Ho, Iowa City Girls Softball (ICGS) Commissioner, was present via Zoom. Ho was inquiring about the status of the ICGS storage agreement with the City. She had heard that there was a request from the City to make some changes to their existing storage arrangements including the sharing of space. Barker explained that he thought there may have been some confusion regarding this request. Barker will be meeting with Todd Kruse, President of ICGS to discuss in more detail. He shared with Ho that what is being proposed is a trading of spaces which will provide more storage space for ICGS by transferring equipment and supplies to a larger site. Ho was pleased with this plan and thanked the staff for their willingness to assist in this matter. Bird asked for clarification regarding the agreement between Girls Softball and the City. Ho explained that approximately 45 years ago, a group outside of the City organization created the Iowa City Girls Softball program. Funds were raised by the group to help fund the construction of the fields that are now located at Napoleon Park. She stated that it is a unique agreement and that should would be happy to share that agreement with commission members. Barker noted that the most recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was in 2011 and that staff would like to review this agreement with ICGS in hopes of making it a more clearly outlined document. He added that the department has similar agreements with other sports affiliates such as Iowa City Boys Baseball and Kickers, etc. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 18, 2020 Page 2 of 5 COVID-19 UPDATE — JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON Seydell Johnson presented the commission with a summary of the COVID-19 effects on the department budget. She explained that approximately 20% of the department's budget comes from revenue. She shared that the department's overall revenue is expected to be 30% of a typical year. During the pandemic the sources of revenue that remain include dog park admission and annual tag fees, athletic field rentals, farmers market vendor fees, summer camp registration fees, and, until today, lap swim lane reservation fees. She explained that, although, not an ideal situation, with most of the part time staff furloughed and the cancellation of most of the recreation programs, the department expenses have decreased which has offset drop in revenue. In response to less programming, the departments Program Supervisors have been helping in other areas of the City where needed. For example, they have been assisting the Public Works Department with leaf pickup around the City as well as painting inside the Recreation Center. Regarding department operations throughout the ongoing pandemic, Seydell Johnson shared the more recent changes since the Governor released a new proclamation on Monday, November 16. With this most recent order, the department has shut -down the pool for lap swimming through December 10 and all the departments facilities are closed to the public. Reservations that were scheduled at The Park Lodge at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area have been cancelled by the renters due to the limits on group sizes allowed in -doors. Seydell Johnson announced that starting Monday, November 23, the lower level lobby and gymnasium of the Recreation Center will be utilized by the Shelter House as a warming center for those in need. The Cares Act is funding this program which will be run solely by Shelter House staff. To avoid cross contamination during this program, City staff will be limited to the upper level of the Rec Center, while Shelter House staff and participants will only have access to the lobby and gym as mentioned. Wills asked if the shelter house had been working with the Agape Cafe to provide food. Agape serves free breakfast to those experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity. Seydell Johnson said that the Shelter House staff have planned for meal delivery for the participants. Bird asked what went into the decision to cancel lap swimming since it was not specifically addressed in the proclamation. Seydell Johnson explained that due to the rising COVID numbers and the fact that staff levels have been diminishing as well due to the pandemic, there are not enough resources to cover lifeguarding needs etc. during lap swim. FY 22 PARKS & RECREEATION FEE SCHEDULE — BRAD BARKER Barker directed Commission to the FY22 department fees and charges spreadsheet in their packets. He said that it looks the same as the FY21 fees and charges as many of those fees were not implemented this year due to most programs being cancelled. In FY21 the department proposed a 2 to 4 percent increase in fees across the board. Staff is proposing to stick with those numbers for FY22. Moved by Ser„enda, seconded by Russell, to approve the Parks and Recreation „fees and charges for FY22 as proposed. Motion passed 8-0. REPORTS ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF: Parks & Recreation Director — Juli Seydell Johnson • Seydell Johnson announced that five new playgrounds have either opened or are very near completion. Those open include Willow Creek Park, Villa Park and City Park. Wetherby will open in a couple of days and Scott Park is also very near completion. In addition. Napoleon has PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 18, 2020 Page 3 of 5 some new equipment and a bocce court has been installed at College Green Park. The department will start promoting these parks on social media very soon. • Seydell Johnson announced that the department is partnering with FilmScene to offer outdoor movies in Chauncey Swan Park next year. City and FilmScene staff will meet on -site soon to continue planning. They hope to offer movies on Wednesday evenings following the farmers market as well as other times throughout the season. • Staff have gone through budget talks with the finance committee. Budgets are looking pretty good and staff is doing their best to move forward and feel confident in doing so. Recreation Division Superintendent — Brad Barker: • Barker announced that on October 15 the department launched the "Root for Trees" program. Parks and Recreation staff worked together to put this program into action. Information from the website (www.icgov.org/root4trees) is as follows: The City is working to grow and expand our tree canopy coverage and Tree diversity. You can help by participating in the Root for Trees program. Fill out an application to receive a tree voucher and save 50% off on the purchase of a tree at participating Iowa City locations. Trees obtained through the Root for Trees voucher program must be planted on the purchasers private property. For residents wishing to plant their tree in the right-of-way, a no -fee permit will require City approval before purchasing the tree. Barker noted that there is also a voucher available to income eligible individuals that will reimburse 90% of the cost of the tree to the home -owner. This program is an initiative to provide an increased tree canopy in Iowa City. The department has distributed 350 vouchers to date and is scheduled to run through May 15, or until vouchers have all been distributed. Trees may be purchased from Earl May or Iowa City Landscaping who have partnered with the City in this endeavor. It is the desire of staff to offer this program annually. • Barker announced that the department is now offering meeting room space for small group gatherings at Mercer, The Park Lodge at Terry Trueblood, and the Ashton House at a reduced rate of $10 per hour. This is designed to provide space for groups of no more than 10 people and masks will be required. There have been a lot of groups meeting in the parks over the last several months and the department wanted to provide a space for people to use during the winter months as well. The user will be required to set up and clean up the space. Recreation staff will be managing the program. These are limited to 90 minutes and only available for non-commercial purposes. • Barker shared that the department ran a free contactless Halloween drive-in movie event on October 30 at Mercer Park. Reservations were required and all the spots filled. All recreation staff were present during this event. Surveys returned after the event were very positive. Staff is hoping to offer more of these events in the future. It was a real boost to the staff moral to be able to offer a program to the community. • Barker said that the staff continues to look at offering virtual programs and is currently working with Green Iowa AmeriCorps volunteers to create these options. Bird asked if the department had considered partnering with other organizations in the community that may be have a broader reach for more participation in programs. Barker again noted that the department will be working with Green Iowa and is open to working with other organizations. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 18, 2020 Page 4 of 5 Wills commented that she is very pleased to hear of this partnership with FilmScene. She loves that the City is partnering with local nonprofits and supporting local businesses as this is a win -win for all involved. Serenda asked if it is feasible within the tree program to offer some education on how to take care of a newly planted tree. Barker noted that this information is included on the website. Parks Division Superintendent — Tyler Baird: • Baird noted that staff has been working on snow removal plans. Staff will plow additional trail areas this winter to provide more outdoor exercise opportunities during COVID-19. • Parks staff, like Recreation staff, are also assisting Public Works with leaf pickup in the city. • Parks crews are still watering new trees and planting new where some were lost during the D erecho . • Baird talked about some new equipment that the department has acquired. One of those items includes a stump shredder. This equipment will allow staff to grind some stumps rather than having to hire a contractor to do so. CHAIRS REPORT — STEVE BIRD: Bird expressed his amazement by the number of improvements he has seen in the parks since being on the commission. He said that this is a testament that staff is doing great work. He encouraged all present to consider visiting the parks, plan scavenger hunts for your family within the parks, etc. Bird thanked staff for their hard work. COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Smith noted that November is Native American Heritage Month and asked if the city offers any programming in honor of that heritage. Seydell Johnson there have not been programs to date, however, the Mayor signed a National Native American Heritage Month Proclamation at a recent council meeting. Staff will incorporate into future programming. Smith also talked about how Black Friday will likely look a lot different this year. She suggested that this opens opportunities for new ideas and traditions that include outdoor activities. Serenda noted that there is an existing program called #OptOutside where the premise is go outdoors on Black Friday instead of shopping that perhaps we could possibly promote. Wills asked if there was an update on the deer management program. Seydell Johnson reported that the rifle season is done, however, is not certain about bow season. She will find out and report back to commission. Wills said she fully supports Smith's suggestion about planning alternative activities for Black Friday and suggested that perhaps developing a mini campaign around this would be a good idea. She would like to see more information get out to the community reminding them that a part of their tax dollars goes to park development and they should get outside and enjoy the parks whenever possible. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Wills, seconded by Hachtman, to adiourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m. Motion passed 8-0. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 18, 2020 Page 5 of 5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD NAME N TERM ,N °o o EXPIRES Steve Bird 12/31 /21 X X X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X Alex 12/31 /20 X X NM NM X NM NM X L 1 X Hachtman Cara 12/31 / 19 X Hamann Boniface 12/31/23 X O O NM NM O NM NM O LQ X Penandj o Lemou a Ben Russell 12/31 /21 X O/E X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X Melissa 12/31 /23 X X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X S erenda Angie Smith 12/31/21 X X X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X Jamie 12/31 /20 X X X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X Venzon Brianna 12/31/22 X O/E X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X Wills Blake Winter 12/31/22 X X X X NM NM O/E NM NM O/E LQ Joe Younker 12/31 / 19 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 7 Tammy Neumann From: Paula Swygard <pswygard@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 09, 2020 8:34 AM To: Tyler Baird; Juli Seydell Johnson; parksandrecreation; Mary Knudson Subject: Follow-up for Parks and Recreation Commission November 2020-Benton Hill Park Am :- .; . RISK Hello - Just a reminder to please include this email and the attachment from October with the Parks and Rec Commission for their November meeting as the October meeting was a tour of parks. Thank you, Paula Swygard On Mon, Oct 12, 2020 at 4:47 PM Paula Swygard <pswygard@gmail.com> wrote: Juli and Tyler - please share this email and the attachment with the Parks and Recreation Commission for their meeting Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, We are writing to provide additional information and clarity about the Miller Orchard Neighborhood Association's pursuit of the re-establishment of screening between Benton Hill Park and Prairie Hill Cohousing through the award of PIN grant funding to plant trees in Benton Hill Park. Benton Hill Park underwent major transformative changes during a Clearing and Grubbing Project in 2017. This project was a City project, and it changed the character of the park. It removed many trees and shrubs far into Benton Hill Park and included the vegetative screening along the border between the park property and the private property to the south. The Clearing and Grubbing Project coincided with two things: 1) The construction of homes by Prairie Hill (Iowa City) Cohousing. As part of their rezoning approval, they were required to put in a sidewalk along their property on the west side of Miller Avenue. 2) The need for the City to continue the sidewalk along Miller Ave from the Prairie Hill property along Benton Hill Park to the corner of Miller and Benton Street which would also meet the goal of improving connections to Benton Hill Park, a goal listed in the Parks Master Plan of 2017, p. 50 htt s: www8.iowa-cit .or weblink O edoc 1762673 2017-10- 05%20-%20Parks%20Master%20Plan%0-%201owa%20Cit %201A%20-%20RDG%202016.487.00%20- %20red ucedsize. pdf Installing the sidewalk necessitated both the removal of trees (many invasive) and the undergrowth along the eastern side of the park along with the regrading of the steep topography there. Because of the remaining hilly topography, a retaining wall was installed along the eastern border of the park with the sidewalk and prairie grass was planted between the interior sidewalk and the retaining wall. In the fall of 2019, Mary Knudson and 1, in our role as Miller Orchard Neighborhood Association representatives, felt that re-establishing vegetative screening between the public and private properties would add greatly to the enjoyment of the park. Because the screening was removed during the City's Clearing and Grubbing Project, we focused on establishing the screening on park land. In November 2019, we reached out to members of Prairie Hill Cohousing with the assistance of Marcia Bollinger, Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator, to gather their input. Additionally, we met with park staff Zac Hall, then Assistant Park Director, Tyler Baird, and Marcia Bollinger along with interested members of Prairie Hill Cohousing in January 2020 to discuss the project. During the meeting, park staff confirmed there were no plans by the City to re-establish trees for screening between the public and private properties and we decided to proceed with an application for PIN grant funding. PIN grant funding is available from the City of Iowa City for use on neighborhood projects and funds are not typically awarded for projects on private properties. At the meeting, all in attendance also discussed tree choice and placement with park staff. Iowa City Landscaping provided the low bid and once funding was approved the trees were purchased. After another meeting with Tyler for final approval of placement, the trees were planted in October 2020 by neighbors who volunteered their time. Because it is easier to see the changes in the park that led to our concerns about the lack of screening, pictures and information are attached. We appreciate the time park staff has spent working with our neighborhood, especially Tyler Baird, and we hope to continue to work together on any future plans for Benton Hill Park. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions, Paula Swygard Mary Knudson (signed with permission) !' Miller Orchard Neighborhood Association Representatives U. Benton Hill Park 2017-2020 10 Benton Hill Park — Entering park before the Clearing and Grubbing Project of 2017 Benton Hill Park — entering park 2020 TA191110111h,10 I 40 Ak 4op Ilk AW-P. J6 OW — Arew Afl� 0- '"hip 1 iI- � �a`'.'!`+i : ,'"�i. ��'r- ? . ' • i f � �.. ✓.fir • .•, 4L. IV *0 OL -' r--AP s AW ep l%r -7.9 tMM6w&.L RIX 44 ty vo Wt df WAIP 44. Clearing and Grubbing Project 2017 information IOWA CITY Search this !0te COMPETITIVE QUOTATION - 2017 Clearim?, ana r%3wur'xbinsg Pro'ect tllJ Descriptlow This Project will include clearing and/or clearing and grubbing at three (3) locations In Iowa City: Benton Hill Park at the corner of W Benton Street and Miller Avenue, Dover Street near Mercer Park and the Iowa Interstate Railroad, and Hebi Avenue SW near the lovia0ty Landfill and Recycring Center. Project Schedule Information. - Late Start Date-, March 8,2017 Clearing Completion Date (at all sites)., April 1, 2017 final Complittion and site restorations at all sites): Apfil 22,2017 Working Days: 34 Liquidated DaffmM: $ 100 per day Date plans available: Wednesday. February 22, 2017 Obtain from.- Engineening Division City of Iowa city 410 E Washington Street lowra City, JA 52240 319-356-5140 Cost. None Pm -bid Conference: None r5 Project Status Awarded Awardee DeLong Construction Engineer's EsUmate $43,839 Bid Deadline Friday, March 3, 4 3:Opm Council Award Date Friday, March 3,2017 Document(s) ��; Bid tab 1-1", 1.0; Quick links city CO& a......awfxx..YrwN..a..r......i.w...rN.........a.x.«...... .. xr.x..v...N.xq..x..vS..v......x.x.........+......+,w.q.s»x................Yw.'.i....'.....+{gr.ry}N..x...............r. w...I.-.........N....... w, w.. x. xr y a w. ...........'.4«.r.Nn,« City n{ —.xN.....a...i.N,.....rn.................N.x«.xNN,x .bN....ax.,.}}...., x.x__,,,«,le,rRl.y.xN,,4x..............._a_._.,.......... .Nr..xr,.},N.,,,.,b.....x,.,Nrr..x..,,Nx,.=....xx}......._......ba4.........x„w,}N,N..._,............ab ...... oimdfit e� betvites, twisulting bids 4.e'r}avn«wy_vx«t.}rxyy..a%wy...YkiF.'..WN'......'.....r.« ........... Nf.,y ......... Y............. M.!.....Nr. x......... w...... 4:....... .......... « • .......... ......... 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Select Language , ..+r COST ESTIMATE PMJECt W17 Clad aq aod CrubbbV "ect DATE,' 3W17 ENGINEER` ESTIMATE 00" pons'buclkm Tschig9fdo Excavating ESTIMATED UNIT WENDED UNIT EXTENDED UNIT EXTENDED ITEM DESCWTION QUANTITY UNITS PRICE AMOUNT PfUCE AMOUNT PFUCE AMOUNT 1. ctoafiN nN cqubbirg. sentm Hal park Sfte 0-23 ACRE 106,000,00 24,150.00 WeB00.00 14.674.00 91000,00 21.390,00 2- Cleadng, Dover Street Site 0.33 ACRE 45,000,00 KSWOO 44,5DD.00 14,6WOG 1 W000.00 38,280-00 31 Cleating, Nab[ Avenim Site 6915 UNITS 43,60 3,030-20 $2.00 5.699.00 13-00 W150 4. Pornianuit Seeding and StabBizatim SoMon HRH Park Site 0.23 ACRE 1.750= 402.50 10.000.00 Z300,00 17�000.00 3,910.00 S. Teff"my Se"ng mid Stabilizatim Dow -Shvet Site 033 ACRE 1,000,00 330,00 7AOD.00 2.674,00 17,000.00 6,610-00 6. InstaHation and Remml, Filtor Sock 230 LF 2,60 57&00 6.00 113W.00 4.50 1,035,00 7. Traft Cmtml I ts 500.00 sm,00 21aftoo 2,6W.00 1,400.00 1,400,00 TOTAL 43,837.70 "J 12.00 72.5n.50 fNd Tsb�_201? 0mr tkubxia SW4,17 1"1 • '+' � i ,xa :- "r� 1• T '' d D it • �� 1. �"'� V • • D. /••* -odo-~ ^� •. - I J ice' VW ` 'i.j• {. `_+• r'. -+ •ram �.4 Y� • ;^;=t�i„• ,� 'W Alf 't�SF �l+:Y -• +;;f. �'--`7t.-�t-z•rji+tri:�'•er.- ` -"'.,•i ig �•.-1 fir• ol PR �ic I W2, 60 P. I. • t ` • rf Ali � � �•�' � Cie ; � ,j ,. t_ . f � `, - � , � r . - �' 77 ir .. r•a�� .. hi�'. }tip. ,. :` Av lw� It At amp a'C'fi i,T�* .•tea — „" • _ 1 T • ![L - .y r I 11► � L {� ' yr. � •� 7 i for lb 6 got. •.i _.e_ a +� r ,+1 • Ab LLL 40. } t l�S r r. Y • r �� • t • t� - y ''�'• - �A .,.y, 4'Ry. rr 1 "" r ' ' :.: k �.' ± • �.,,ii 7 �..t y ��y y i�. .ter •.-'— ..� �,_ )'� 1f r• «' ��.�•� � ? • � •'}' • � tad .!.} � �+ -'� _ _ •ft : .. ' -r"'-n- , �'. ,• fir? '31 '� •� - J''�` .. .. ,� ��}'iram'♦ `� ♦ - _ MOW maw s 1 •. , it r► i. a. _ - ` tea' ol 01 � t 1 • r•A Ar _ a ! ` , •t - - r ;,e,� _ . _. �■~.."r,�i•: �5.• {fix iv�11,�'. _ - - .a •ak •.-�}_- irk �-•�M^.•.'. _� .�_ _. _. _ . � � �,_•' • KI, r�7 f:�'S�i•hii! �' w=• ;Jµ ! .-+ _ t•. M;!' .t: ` *1:.y!° :'._ ,�% •a� - _ ••- •., 116, Wm . .. •ram �.� �� R � `n :' �. i �°'� •r -�, i �..�. 't j• Oft •f--mow'-.'t � ' � r'... � 1•� j - , `: •sue ` L... - . �- _ ,-. •it- t r �: _^ ^; i Y'f .� •' t r1! �t•� �•�•��, •r7�titt1;},` �� -. 1a 1�,t `:� .� �• I.� ,F, .r� •�. gip` ,.�'� •' �Y"'. ... 4 '• ... L, �, �.. � _ -}r�� `r' � .. -•-i 1, � .. � '•� �1. � . tAll -. - �J ,r _ r .jam '- -'',.,y�� ,i.�� ,� � rF.f-!r. •�i _ :✓ _ - .. .. : r � �• 2 ' �'. � ` ,d•>, � �.'' •' �' . � 1, yr •� fl J 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 June 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 Seydell- Johnson, Parks & Recreation Director, presented to the Iowa City Climate Action Committee, at their meeting on July G, 2020. 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 dam 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 major 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 develop the higher density parcels first, so that the single family parcels could not suggest that they were unaware, or were not told, of the higher density development that was near their property. It would seem that Iowa City, through the removal of the trees along the creek in the Scott Park detention basin, is significantly changing the character of the area after homeowners adjacent to the area specifically chose their location based on the present condition of 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. Having watched the mowing operations in the Scott Park Stormwater Basin for the past 28 years, I have to question how much grass mowing effort is going to be reduced when trees on either side of Ralston Creek are removed and the area from which the trees have been removed is planted in prairie grasses. To my observation, the areas 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 burning of the prairie areas will not be well received by the residents downwind from the burn. With the prairie areas being bounded 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 along the creek in the Scott Park detention basin to look like a golf course, or do we want it to remain a natural looking streambedT Should any of the commission members, or City staff wish to contact me, my email address is: Chrisreml3@yahoo.com Thank you for your time and consideration. Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet January 2021 Upcoming Events — COVID Updates • Mercer Park Aquatic Center pool is open for lap swim Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Beginning January 17, lap swim hours will extend to Sundays from 9:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • The City High boys swim team is using the Mercer pool weekday afternoons and ICE is using the pool weekday evenings. Both organizations will begin using the pool on Saturdays this month. • Private, small -group meeting space at Mercer's P&G room is currently offered to the public. No more than 10 people are permitted to a group and masks must be worn at all times. This is provided for groups like book clubs, knitting circles, or small social gatherings. • Scanlon gym is reopening to include pre -reserved times for walking, pickleball (singles only) and basketball (shootaround only). • Robert A Lee Recreation Center's lower level is being used as a public warming shelter from mid - November through March. Shelter House will be supervising all operations of this shelter. Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff Parks: • Staff have been busy with snow removal including the areas we are clearing this year to provide for additional exercise opportunities during COVID-19. • Invasive species removals continue at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and in areas of Hickory Hill Park. • Tree removal projects are set to begin in the Normandy Dr neighborhood and in Court Hill Park. Court Hill park will receive extensive replanting in the spring. Trees being removed include invasive species, Ash trees and trees damaged by the derecho • Winter street tree pruning continues. • Requests for Proposals are being prepared for REAP grant work at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and Whispering Meadows Wetland Park as well as a tree infill planting contract for spring and fall. Recreation: • There is no winter activity guide planned. Outdoor programming that is offered will be communicated through a hybrid of social and digital media. • Staff is hosting programming that includes virtual MLK Celebration Day activities, a weekly 'Love Where You Live' virtual event series that encourages park activity, a virtual Winter Break Camp program in conjunction with Green Iowa, a sledding party, and a 'Thornberry Dog Sweater Pawty' event. The dog park event will be held at Thornberry Dog Park on Saturday, February 13 from 1-3 p.m. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City • Full-time and hourly staff have been lifeguarding at Mercer Park Aquatic Center. • Full-time staff continue to serve in the customer service role. • Full-time staff will be assisting Parks through the winter with park amenity and facility GIS mapping. Cemetery: • Staff replaced all the block/section signs throughout the cemetery as many signs had been stolen over the last several years. • Staff will begin replacing trash receptacles this spring. • Stump removal will be scheduled sometime this spring. Facilities: • The Government Buildings teams from SC and RALRC continue to work at City Hall, Senior Center and RALRC to help with sanitizing, deep cleaning, and maintenance during this time. Mercer is open for swimming. • The Shelter House continues to operate the Warming Center from Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. The hours are from 8 am to 5pm, 7 days a week including holidays. Schedules have been adjusted to provide custodial/maintenance coverage in the facility. This partnership has been going well and the onsite manager is great in communicating with our team. • Staff are working on coordination of multiple projects from the On -Deck restrooms, RALRC fire alarm project and Mercer exhaust fan installation in the Natatorium. Top Staff Issues Parks • Timing and quantity of the snowfalls has been a challenge. 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. • Division staff continues to implement programming and facility drop -in options during unique COVID- related circumstances. Cemetery • Staff has been busy with snow/ice removal. • Staff will work on winter tree pruning between snow events. Facilities Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City • Staff continue to work on winterization of the Recreation, City Hall, Mercer/Scanlon, Senior Center, Ashton House and TTRA Lodge facilities, including winter pm work. Working through the City Hall Boiler BAS systems and changes in the Senior Center BAS. • Staff are working through coordinating the annual inspections with contractors, Fire Sprinkler, Fire Alarm and extinguisher inspections. • Shive Hattery Inc., completed the bid documents and cost estimates for the Mercer/Scanlon Dehumidification and Tuckpointing project. The project is presently out to bid. Bids are due on February 91". The HVAC dehumidification project is the next step to address the infrastructure's aging HVAC system and to improve the building's air quality and to meet the current building code. • Contracts have been awarded and construction agreements are complete for the Recreation Center On - Deck Shower Restroom Project and the Recreation Center Fire Alarm Project. Gerard Electric was awarded the Fire Alarm Project and McComas Lacina was awarded the On -deck Shower Restroom Project. The projects are in construction progress. t o � '% - t F 'udF tia u t b t i o ! , "� � One of the seven Ctry o Iowa Ci / Srroregic Goofs. Promote, Environrne!nni s�rothobdity rsan..rsswrirw✓n.r nrro..nrnsv»rss....�..rs.n+....r i. s�.,.a✓ssra•ryrne.rssinr >wrssr>..i.n 6!bate Stage ifeprri' ar hMm;df°ca okkale #" a., Pat-: of the L rss l .e f L s�y,,�. fir. +q ��,� �.�,p�q R aid boo to Replace -re— ; -ed' 54M 5 -rF aF4 T c.. ✓x� a .1 • �M *�.�y� �'y.��/(A�ya/ ��+r�y{'s sd M°sli�i�. �°� � '� �. y �/q 0 [ .0' 2 rRi' iR �Mb )N 'vY4{ ,r �AY� tt ��►�`� �,,N�,i �°^� ' >� i, � � r I 1 905 SAS �. �9. M # ¢SwB Y'irVl'+f' w� 'iaie *� i �s'�'b� 37'"�i.,gv��4rr .+1Y., 9year pabac� 81`�li Y } 61 year With H.w+vwnv>wv✓.o9w�...pwrv�wvww�wr..wr.((w'r��gns�rynw�sa(r�.rr+v.aj�w.w�rr ✓».H�.i.nvnv..✓n.rrnrerrrw.r.nww� S� �4 `�� • j {�(p �.��I�,�.�! 0 i • y" n + ,y A nsi F "l +i i:. 1M' s ibADlFri v ate. L ".' 3YR.ry a +�ii`.7' : 31 �( ,�y- �" a } .'„ x�t� N s'A i+..I ,.� M.y�.M Apr" .y . .a �!•' . +�, �.�► �Y �►a 3� i •,�... �E„ 'Ae -ce Aq,%4 atic certw N-P pep.fit 0•; -a: hZx �, ,� cY , _ ' 1 5 x"" comto Me" l to LED Mapp i}//.. ife h e Ct! ;C o" .1i * to Wks reduction in ( yy� JJ�. ! y ��Y �e y�rr £ certified,ED 1 * af' 'ir � � +! r� t i �? r �� i. S� �,�* a y to `,,),F y fY�" �1. may, -ram s[n i*'4 Py"�M,r L�rcyyf,�:r it Work; 43 �q 6 sy�� y�y�g �i A0.9 r700 ap }�e,� {�.�� r� is1S+M �i53. liw zSn. tlF'�^r�� 1.FI► *�'bI'!+�#�'MTS.Y ilFal/°�Y .�MFYs '�'"•s� �r +�k ` �y e� ry iI �.iJ�;I •y n�+ Y2.I�174. Mksya ctz ��y�� iVi �v�YPRs %mite y�'b; -'i,e' �trc Ta iie.- S Waw tD":tr :t a -ems mcent'--V Awa-0- Wth a Sri fF F J .C♦ t � � ' /�qF ffyy,,..�� 1�{� Pyrf VIS "i •' * rro�':��w 's rs � ; �1�.}I! }f�.y�,� f�y�3 �/.` y JIB,}'{� �' 1Q Its y 'MP'''` a P_bi'�i'w�O%*e*4 4 5 �11!/� � /�/� � iii-%#�n �� 411��' fly } pr4in; {' �.�� S� ��•-, r" 'rs l/';"F9 .�...r P s ��t y ��Re R1L'4 ` `9Y a 1ef11/"' % A r a +V*" w Pr*ct s.ww+.wrirae»wv»ww✓ w�wn—wanvwrc�+fs+s.sYr s».o.r�vr/o*y✓.». nyrry+ewr.w.w.r..wr.aveu�.r�..we a.s...r.r � � � a.»»w.w.e..esr✓sr.sraoanr.ww�rrsw. � A � � F� � �� w».a�n.ronv�w.o..a. :r Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet City of Iowa City �7 Oakland Cemetery FY 19 Revenue Report shaded areas represent previous 5yr average Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale 5yr Average # of Interments Interments 5yr avg. Revenue from Interments 5-year Avg. on Interments Total Revenue 5yr Avg. on total revenue July $3,345.00 $5,832.00 8 7.8 $3,590.00 $4,297.00 $6,935.00 $10,129.00 August $5,950.00 $5,813.00 5 7 $2.1675.00 $41250.50 $8,625.00 $10,063.50 Sept $4,250.00 $8,351.75 5 8 $3,815.00 $4,519.75 $8,065.00 $12,871.50 Oct $18,810.00 $8,299.00 8 6 $4,112.50 $3,502.00 $22,922.50 $11,801.00 Nov $6,367.50 $4,075.00 8 6.2 $41745.00 $2,804.00 $11,112.50 $6,879.00 Dec $2,550.00 $3,316.00 4 6.8 $2,375.00 $31764.00 $41925.00 $7,080.00 Jan Feb March April May June Totals $411272.50 $35,686.75 38 41.8 $21,312.50 1 $23,137.25 1$62,585.00L.$58,,824.00 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Parks &` Recreation LNIMS nm�l TO: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation DATE: January 7, 2021 RE: Requests to Rename a Park in Honor of James Alan McPherson The Parks and Recreation Commission has been tasked by the City Council to provide a formal recommendation regarding the renaming a park or public space in honor of Mr. James Alan McPherson. McPherson, who died in 2016, was the first black writer to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. He was also an Iowa Writers' Workshop graduate, University of Iowa faculty member and MacArthur Fellow. He lived in Iowa City and taught at the writers' Workshop from 1981 until his death in 2016. The City of Iowa City Council approved Resolution 11-70 on March 1, 2011 to outline a policy for naming City of Iowa City facilities and properties. The policy states: "The decision to name a public facility after an individual on account of their historical or cultural significance or impact on the community shall be made no sooner than two years following their death. Recommendations for such a naming must come from the ad hoc naming committee, and be approved by City Council." The City Council, in response to demonstrations and discussions with members of the Iowa Freedom Riders in early summer 2020, outlined actions to be taken by the City to address the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and systemic racism. One of the actions items included is to "consider a recommendation to name a city park after James Alan McPherson". A Letter to the Editor, written by Larry Baker, was published on July 15, 2020. The letter asked the Council to consider naming a park after James Alan McPherson. This letter was followed by fifteen emails to Council supporting this idea. Initial requests were to rename a park area, known as "Roger's Green" in the Longfellow neighborhood (map and photos included). This small park area is adjacent to the Longfellow Nature Trail and is in the neighborhood in which McPherson lived. An online survey was made available to residents living near this park. Seventeen responses were received. Most were in favor, but a few noted that Mr. McPherson deserved a larger, more well-known park for this honor. Additional requests were made to consider other parks including Creekside Park and Riverfront Crossings Park. Creekside remains close to the Longfellow neighborhood, while Riverfront Crossings would be a larger, iconic park. Mr. McPherson is buried in the Poet's Corner section of Iowa City's Oakland Cemetery. This is adjacent to Reno Street Park, which might make this park a consideration for renaming. Any location that is chosen could have interpretive signage added to share the context and achievements of Mr. ,McPherson's life. This would likely make many locations appropriate as a public gathering/learning/honoring location. There are 47 named parks in Iowa City. Twenty-three are location or subdivision names (Water Works, Windsor Ridge, Villa Park). Seven are historical names (Napoleon, Chauncey Swan, Blackhawk, Wetherby). Six are named in honor of either the former property owner (Crandic, Chadek Green, Fraunholtz-Miller) or service groups who partnered in park development (Kiwanis & Iowa City Kickers). A few are generic names (City Park, Hickory Hill). Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, Robert A Lee Recreation Center and Mercer Park are named after former City officials. Scanlon Gym, and the Proctor & Gamble Room are named after donors. Calder Park (formerly Hickory Trail Park) is the most recent renaming. Calder Park was named in honor of Calder Wills, a child from this neighborhood who passed away from cancer. His family also donated his college fund to the park system. The Parks & Recreation Commission is asked to make a recommendation regarding naming a park in honor of James Allen McPherson. Options to consider: 1. Recommend renaming Rogers Green and/or the Longfellow Nature Trail in honor of James Allen McPherson. 2. Recommend renaming different parkin honor of James Allen McPherson. Providea name or options for parks recommended for renaming. 3. Recommend to not name a park in honor of James Allen McPherson. 4. Other recommendation. Attachments: • Obituary for James Alan McPherson, New York Times, July 27, 2016 • Resolution Adopting a City of Iowa City Naming Policy for Buildings, Facilities or Parcels of Real Property, March 1, 2011 • Item from Action 15 of City County Resolution 20-159, June 2020, outlining actions to be taken by the City to address the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and systemic racism. "City Council to consider a recommendation to name a city park after James Alan McPherson." • July 15, 2020 Letter to the Editor "Rename park after Iowa City's Black community members" by Larry Baker, published in Iowa City Press Citizen. • Correspondence to City Council and City Staff o Jane Van Voorhis • o David Leshtz o Lynette Marshall o Mark Levine o Cristobal McKinney o Kevin Smith o Bennett Sims o John Kenyon, Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature o James Galvin, Professor, Writers' Workshop o Bruce Harreld, President, University of Iowa o Tim Weitzel o Rachel Vanderwerff o Mal Hellman o Jennifer Baum o Larry Baker o Ada Zhang Map of Rogers Green and Longfellow Nature Trail Survey input from Longfellow Neighborhood residents. James Alan McPherson, Pulitzer Pr*ze-Winning Writer, Dies at 72 James Alan McPherson explored race and community in his N,�Tork, becomin the first g black author to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. By Sam Roberts July 27, 2016 James Alan McPherson, who overcame segregation and the narrow prism of a legal • p g education to become the first black writer to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction died on Wednesday in Iowa City. He was 72. His death was announced by the writers' workshop at the Universityof Iowa where he was a professor emeritus. The cause was complications of pneumonia, it said. As a young boy growing up in the South, Mr. McPherson was an avid comic book reader until he discovered what he called the colored branch of the Carnegie Public Library in Savannah. "At first the words, without pictures, were a mystery," he wrote in a memoir, "Goias U t�i "But o Atlanta. But then, suddenly, they all began to march across the The gave u page. Yg p their secret meanings, spoke of other worlds, made me know that p a pain was art of other peoples' lives. After a while, I could read faster and faster and faster. After a while I no longer believed in the world in which I lived." While still in law school, he won a contest sponsored by The Atlantic Monthly magazine g for a semi -autobiographical short story called "Gold Coast" about the relationship between a black aspiring writer supporting himself as a janitor and his older white supervisor. The story was included in "Hue and Cry," his first short story collection, in 1969, J9 which Laurence Lafore praised in The New York Times Book Review as "superlatively moving and haunting. g The Atlantic hired him as a contributing editor, and Publishers Weekly described him as both "extremely talented" and "very different." In 1978, his next. anthology, "Elbow Room," won the Pulitzer for fiction (blacks had won before in other categories, including poetry) and was lauded by Robie Macauley, a former editor of The Kenyon Review, in The New York Times Book Review for its "one control of language and story, a depth in his characters, humane values." As in "Hue and Cry," Mr. Macauley wrote, the author established his viewpoint as a writer and a black man, but not as a black writer. "He was able to look beneath skin color and cliches of attitude into the hearts of his characters," the reviewer concluded, "a fairly rare ability in American fiction where even the most telling kind of perception seldom seems able to pass an invisible color line." Suketu Mehta, whose memoir "Maximum City" was a Pulitzer finalist in 2005 and who was mentored by Mr. McPherson, said that his essays "belong to the humanist tradition of American letters: an anger at the economic and racial injustices of the country, coupled with a constant appreciation for the way community forms out of unlikely alliances, such as between poor Southern blacks and. Southern whites." In 1981, Mr. McPherson was among the first 21 "exceptionally talented individuals" who received what became known as "genius awards" from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in spite of an unusually judgmental letter from his mentor, the novelist Ralph Ellison. After Mr. McPherson had given u his tenured professorship g P p orshlp at the University of Virginia and ended his marriage to a white woman, Mr. Ellison described him as "talented," but disapproved of his "current restlessness." Henry Louis Gates Jr., the literary critic and historian, called Mr. McPherson one of the "literary heirs" of Mr. Ellison, who died in 1994. James Alan McPherson Jr. was born in Savannah, Ga., on Sept. 16,194.3. His father became the first black master electrician in the state, but only after frustrating delays s y blamed on racial discrimination drove him to alcoholism and gambling debts that . g g resulted in a period in jail. His mother, the former Mabel Small, worked as a maid. James helped support the family by delivering newspapers. He married the former Sarah Lynn Charlton. Their marriage ended in divorce. He is survived by their daughter, Rachel McPherson; a son, Benjamin; a sister, Mary McPherson; and a brother, Richard. He attended segregated schools, and, after working summers as a railroad dining car waiter, earned a bachelor's degree from Morris Brown College, a historically black institution in Atlanta, in 1965. He graduated from Harvard Law School, but decided against a legal career —instead, enrolling in the Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, where he received a master of fine arts degree. Still, he would invoke the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment and infuse his literature with the principles of diversity propounded by Albion W. Tourgee in his brief in 1896 against segregated railroad cars in Plessy v. Ferguson. "What he was proposing in 1896, I think, was that each United States citizen would attempt to approximate the ideals of the nation, be on at least conversant terms with all its diversity, carry the mainstream of the culture inside himself," Mr. McPherson wrote in The Atlantic in 1978. "As an .American, by trying to wear these clothes he would be a synthesis of high and low, black and white, city and country, provincial and universal. If he could live with these contradictions, he would be simply a representative American." L-7 "I believe that if one can experience diversity, touch a variety of its people, laugh at its craziness, distill wisdom from its tragedies, and attempt to synthesize all this inside oneself without going crazy," Mr. McPherson wrote, "one will have earned the right to call oneself 'citizen of the United States."' A version of this article appears in print on July 28, 2016, Section A, Page 25 of the New York edition with the headline: James Alan McPherson Is Dead at 72; Overcame Segregation to Win Pulitzer. Order Reprints I Todav's Pap I Subscribe CITY NAMING POLICY A. Naming of Entire Building or Facility 1. The naming of an entire building, facility or parcel of real property in recognition of an individual, organization, business or corporation, or other entity, shall first require the approval of both an ad hoc naming committee and City Council. The ad hoc naming committee shall be made up of the City Manager, the relevant City Department Head, and one member from the relevant City -affiliated foundation, if any. If the naming is in recognition of a financial donation to the City, the donation shall be in an amount no less than 50% of the total value of the entire building, facility or parcel of real property. Such financial donations shall be memorialized in writing in a standardized City Naming Agreement. 2. The decision to name a public facility after an individual on account of their historical or cultural significance or impact on the community shall be made no sooner than two years following their death. Recommendations for such a naming must come from the ad hoc naming committee, and be approved by City Council. B. other Property. The naming of any other City property shall require the approval of the relevant City Department Head. C. Recognition. The entity having ultimate authority to approve the naming (City Council or the Department Head) shall also have the authority to approve both the wording of the naming and the means by which the naming is displayed and/or published. Appropriate naming recognition for a philanthropic act may be made in the form of a plaque, engraving, or other suitable form of recognition in acknowledgement and appreciation of a specific gift. D. Right to Rescind. The City Council reserves the right to rescind any naming or recognition given to any individual, organization, business or corporation, or other entity if at any time the individual, organization, business or corporation, or other entity is found to have neglected to uphold the standards of good citizenship, including, but not limited to, failing to make any portion of a promised financial contribution to the City. E. No Additional Rights. The individual, organization, business or corporation, or other entity after whom the City structure/facility, property, or improvements is named shall possess no additional rights to the City structure/facility, property, or improvements bearing their name, or to any other City property. F. Fundraising. All City Boards, Commissions, Departments, affiliated foundations, and other City entities shall take into account these policy guidelines when conducting fundraising campaigns, or making naming recommendations to the City Council or Department Head. 3-G M.-j 03-U7-11 11 1. Prepared by Mike Moran, Parks and Recreation Director, 220 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, IA, (319) 356-5104 RESOLUTION ADOPTING A CITY OF IOWA CITY NAMING POLICY FOR BUILDINGS, FACILITIES OR. PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY Resolution Noe 11-70 WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City wishes to establish a policy for the naming of City buildings, facilities or parcels of real property; and WHEREAS, this policy will assist in the fundraising efforts of the many city departments, commissions and foundations by providing guidelines for the recognition of Moth donors and those of historical significance to the City; and WHEREAS, a city ad -hoc committee that assisted in developing this policy recommends adopting this policy for the benefit of these activities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, THAT; The City Council adopts the attached City Naming Policy. Passed and approved this 1st day of March , 2011. Attest: )PT CIT CLERK Approved by City Attorneys Office Resolution No. 11-7 0 Page 2_ It was moved by and seconded by the Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were: AYES: wpdatalglossarylresolution-ic.doc NAYS: ABSENT: Bailey Champion Dickens Hayek Mims Wilburn Wright :57 Resolution "Request and receive a report and recommendation from the City's Public Art Advisory Committee, after input from and consultation with local Black artists, on measures Council should consider to provide opportunities for artistic expression by the Black Lives Matter movement and communities of color, including but not limited to visual arts as well as a public festival dedicated to the celebration of Black culture." (Res. 20-159, p. 31 # 15) Status Summary At the August 18, 2020 regular meeting, City Council considered a recommendation from the Public Art Advisory Commission (PAAC) to proceed with a proposal for a mural honoring the Black Lives Matter Movement. The recommendation included a presentation from the Center for Afrofuturist Studies on the process of the project, which includes plans for public input and participation. City Council approved a resolution to proceed with the project. Additionally, City Council discussed the naming of a park after James Alan McPherson, a former resident of Iowa City who was the first African -American writer to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and an influential former professor emeritus at the Iowa Writer's &he.- A90PPPP"_ The mural is proposed to be located on the stair towers of the Capitol Street Parking Ramp along Burlington Street. Workshop. Council members invited the Parks & Recreation Commission to develop and introduce a formal recommendation. The Truth & Reconciliation Commission will also prepare recommendations for City Council related to public art and/or public festivals dedicated to the celebration of Black culture. Next Steps Target Date Milestone Action Group(s) TBD City Council to consider a recommendation to name a city City Council, Parks and park after James Alan McPherson. Recreation Commission TBD Community involvement in the public art project; details PAAC, public, Public forthcoming from the sponsoring groups. Space One, Center for Afrofuturist Studies Spring 2021 Creation of the public art project, with expected completion PAAC, Sponsoring Groups, by the Spring of 2021. Artists Letters to Editor Iowa City Press -Citizen July 15, 2020 Rename park after Iowa City's Black community members As part of the negotiations between the Iowa Freedom Riders and Iowa City Council, one of the requests was the city re -name a park to acknowledge the Black Lives Matter movement. Re -naming a park is a great idea, but I hope the Council keeps the focus on local history. We should honor a Black person with connections to our community. My nominee would be James Alan McPherson, the brilliant writer, but he is just one of many possible choices. However the Council proceeds, I hope it opens the discussion to everyone, and it then chooses an individual who is personally honored and whose recognition also exemplifies the truth that Black Lives Matter. Larry Baker, Iowa City 3`� gemI11 1P r AM, ft k I AM CITY OC 1O1VA CITY www.icgov.org August 4, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Item Number: 8.f. Description David Le:->htz-. James Alan McPherson Lynette Marshall - Recognizing James Alan McPherson through naming an I owa City park Jane Van Voorhis - James Alan McPherson Park Proposal lf� OV Kelfie T-ruehlinli A I IN I UNIONS 11111 From: David Leshtz <dleshtz@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 12:19 PM To: Council Cc* Geoff Fruin Subject: James Alan McPherson Dear Council Members, Larry Baker, in a recent letter to the editor of the PC, suggested consideration of naming a park after Pulitzer Prize-winning writer James Alan McPherson. Mr. McPherson lived on Rundell St. from 1981 until his death on July 27,2o1.6. Close to where he lived is a pocket park reachable by an alley off Sheridan Ave. This park was tentatively named Rogers Green after its previous owner (since deceased) who maintained it for many years, but I don't think the city ever officially designated it. If discussions are held regarding park namings, this one would be particularly appropriate for Mr. McPherson, a popular neighbor who lived just a few blocks from it for 35 years. Thank you - David. Leshtz 1411. Sheridan Ave. 31g-621-4205 This email is from an external source. 411-11, 1-111 , Kelfie Fruehlin From: Seat: To: Cc: Subject: Dear Members of the City Council: Lynette Marshall <Lynette. Marshal I@foriowa.o rg > Wednesday, July 29,2020 1:49 PIVI Council Is-chang@uiowa.edu; Jeffery Ford Recognizing James Alan McPherson through naming and Iowa City park First I wish to thank you for your tireless work over the last several weeks as our community has been moved to make important advances in recognizing our Black and Brown community members and in addressing long-standing issues of systemic racism and social justice. I have admired the way in which you have handled the important conversation and challenging situations you have faced. Thank you for your service and thank you for continuing to make me proud to be a member of this rich and vibrant community. I write today because I am eager to support the timely suggestion of Lan Samantha Chang, director of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, to name one of Iowa City's lovely parks after James Alan McPherson. Professor McPherson was a graduate of Harvard Law School and the Iowa Writers' Workshop. He was the first African American writer to win a Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. He was among the first class of individuals to receive the MacArthur Foundation's "genius prize." Jim was also a renowned essayist and author. But when asked for what title he held., Jim' s answer was "teacher." With his compassion, humility, dedication, generosity and kindness, he influenced generations of writers at the Iowa Writers' Workshop and contributed substantially to the betterment of the world through the literary arts. I am grateful for your consideration. Lynette Lynette Marshall The University of Iowa Center for Advancement L-INIVERIS11Y President and CEO OF WATES 319-467-3808 ADDRESSOne West Park Road, Iowa City, 1A 52242 Center for f Advancement NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement, an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, is registered to solicit charitable contributions in all U.S. states requiring registration. See our disclosure statement at www.foriowa.oriz/about/disclosures/. This e-mail and any attachment(s) are for the intended recipient's sole use and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you received this e-mail in error, delete all copies and immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not authorized to open, read, print, retain, copy, or disseminate this message or any part of it. Kelfie Fruehling From: Jane Van Voorhis <Jane.VanVoorhis@foriowa.org > Sent.- Wedne-sday, July 29,2020 4:04 PM To: Council Subject: James Alan McPherson Park Proposal Dear Iowa City Council, I write to encourage you to consider naming a city park for James Alan McPherson, The work of writers is to tell the story of their time. Professor McPherson did this with courage, eloquence and wisdom. At its best, good writing starts conversations that transcend time, geography and culture. Jim's work does all of this and more, as did his teaching. While both McPherson and his work have traveled the world over, Arn found a beloved home and community in Iowa City. He extended the warmth of his welcome and understanding to students and neighbors alike. He was a beloved friend, teacher and member of our community. His personal narrative informs our shared history. James Alan McPherson's legacy is one that we are called to honor. I think a James Alan McPherson park would be an appropriate and meaningful gesture. Thank you for your consideration, Sincerely, Jane Van Voorhis Jane Van Voorhis Assistant Vice President for Development The University of Iowa Center for Advancement One West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52242 Office: 319-467-3765, Mobile: 319-541-3809 foriowa.or-q Center for Advancement NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement, an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, is registered to solicit charitable contributions in all U.S. states requiring registration. See our disclosure statement at www.foriowa.org/about/disclosures/`. This e-mail and any attachment(s) are for the intended recipient's sole use and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you received this e-mail in error, delete all copies and immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail. If you I ) I Kell-i-e Fruehfin_g --- ----------- - - From: Sent: To: Cc* Subject: Dear City Council Members, Levine, Mark A <rnark-levine@uiowa.edu> Sunday, August 2, 2020 2:26 PM Council geoff-frui n@ iowa-city.ed i James Alan McPherson Late Handouts Distributed (Date) I am writing to add n-iy support to the small movement that is afoot to name a park in honor of James Alan McPherson. I was a student at the Iowa Writers' Workshop in the late 8os, not long after Jim had joined the faculty, and it was my honor to be Jim's colleague after I returned to be part of the poetry faculty in 1999. 1 imagine you'll receive many testimonials to Jim's literary genius, humanity and community mindedness. He was the heart of the Writers' Workshop, a man of the utmost integrity and decency, what people from my background would call a "mensch"_a human —in the fullest, richest sense. I urge the City to recognize Jim and to help us all remember the values he stood for. Sincerely, Mark Levine This email is from an external source. Juli Seydell Johnson From: Cristobal McKinney <cristobalmckinney85@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, August 03, 2020 11:54 AM To: Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Janice Weiner; Geoff Fruin; Juli Seydell Johnson Subject: Park named for James Alan McPherson Dear Council Members and City Representatives, Larry Baker, in a recent letter to the editor of the PC, suggested consideration of naming a park after Pulitzer Prize-winning writer James Alan McPherson. I am writing to echo that suggestion. Mr. McPherson lived on Rundell St. from 1981 until his death on July 27, 2016. Close to where he lived is a pocket park reachable by an alley off Sheridan Ave. This park was tentatively named Rogers Green after its previous owner (since deceased) who maintained it for many years, but I don't think the city ever officially designated it. If discussions are held regarding park namings, this one would be particularly appropriate for Mr. McPherson, a popular neighbor who lived just a few blocks from it for 35 years. Thank you - Cristobal McKinney Iowa City resident for 8 years Juli Seydell Johnson From: Kevin Smith <ckevinsmith64@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2020 1:02 PM To: Bruce Teague; Pauline Taylor; John Thomas; Janice Weiner; Wendy Ford; Geoff Fruin; Rachel Kilburg; Ashley Monroe; Juli Seydell Johnson Subject: Naming an Iowa City park for James Alan McPherson RlS Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Park Staff, I recently learned of an effort to encourage Iowa City to honor the author James Alan McPherson by naming a pocket park near Sheridan Avenue for him. This is wonderful, quietly powerful idea and one I hope you will support and work to bring to fruition. I arrived in Iowa City to attend the Writers' Workshop in 2014. By then, Jim had retired and so I was unable to study with him. I am grateful to know him through his brilliant writing and his legacy of mentorship at the Workshop. A public park named in his honor seems particularly fitting for such a generous man, one who devoted himself tirelessly to Iowa City's cultural community. In his second story collection, Elbow Doom, Jim wrote, "I think love must be the ability to suspend one's intelligence for the sake of something. At the basis of love therefore must live imagination. Instead of always thinking `I am I,' to love one must be able to feelingly conjugate the verb to be. Intuition must be part of the circuitous pathway leading ultimately to love. I wish I could ask someone." Beyond his status as a notable and respected figure —the first Black writer to win the Pulitzer Prize, recipient of a MacArthur Foundation "genius" prize —Jim McPherson was a fierce advocate of love. I hope you agree that honoring Jim in this way would be an important contribution to the current conversation, in Iowa and elsewhere, about the pathways people might take to learn how to treat one another with greater kindness, justice, and love. Sincerely, Kevin Smith 1380 Dodge Street Ct Iowa City, IA 52245 (831) 737-7645 Item Number: 8.c. August 18, 2020 .... ... ........ ------------- --------------- -------- - ------------------ ----------- - --------------------- - -- - ----------- - ..................... - ----- ...... ------------ -- ... - - ---- -------- ------ 1 ------ ATTACHMENTS: Description Bennett Sims -James Alan McPherson John Kenyon, Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature - Support for idea to renar-ne a park for James Alan McPherson James Galvin, Professor, Writers' Workshop - naming a park aftr,--.:Ir James Alan McPherson Bruce Harreld, President, University of ion al - James Alan McPherson Ale Fruehfin.g ... . .. . . ............. . ...... .......... ........ .. . .. . ....... ... ... ... ... .. . FromG 0 Bennett Sims <frank-sims@W-uiowa.edu> Sent,. Monday, August 10, 2020 8.-00 AM To. Council u0ject: James Alan McPherson A RtS-K Hi, all, I'm writing to add my voice In support of David Leshtz's beautiful and thoughtful proposal, to name a park after James Alan McPherson (I am copying David's letter below). Jim was a beloved presence at the Iowa Writers' Workshop and in Iowa City. His teaching., writing, and mentorship helped create communities among the writers here for years, and it would be a lovely way of honoring that legacy to dedicate this com m unity -ma king space, in his neighborhood, In his name. I know that many of Jim's students, friends, and colleagues will be writing in as well. In considering all of the people who are united in their memories of Jim, I hope you will be moved to allow his memory to continue uniting people in this park. Thank you for reading, and stay safe and be well. All best, --l3ennett Dear Council Members,, Larry Baker,, in a recent letter to the editor of the PC, suggested consideration of naming a park after Pulitzer Prize-winning writer James AlanMcPherson. Mr. McPherson lived on Rundell St. from 1981 until his death on July 27, 2016. Close to where he fivedis a pocket park reachable by an alley off Sheridan Ave. This park was tentatively named Rogers Green after its previous owner (since deceased) who maintained 'it for many years, but I don't think the city ever officially designated it, If discussions are held regarding park namings, this one would be particularly appropriate for Mr. McPherson a popular neighbor who lived just a few blocks from It for 35 years. Thank you- A" Kellime Fruehfinxi 113 WOMEN= ENNOMMMONNIMMEMEM W From. Sent, To: Subject, I W teAK /RISK To the Council: John Kenyon <John- kenyon@'Iowacityofliterature.org > Thursday, August 6, 2020 3,419 PM Coundl Support for idea to rename a park for James Alan McPherson McPherson letter,pdf I would like to endorse wholeheartedly the idea to rename an Iowa City park after the late James Alan McPherson. While many writers have made a significant contribution to the culture of our City of Literature, McPherson was a true giant who is well deserving of such ongoing public - 4 recognition, McPhersan's accomplishments are well known: Winning the Pulitzer Prize in 19'i8 for Elbow Room (he was the first Black writer to win in fiction), winning Guggenheim and. MacArthur fellowships, winning the inaugural Paul Eingle Prize from our organization in2011, and the list goes on. Add to that his time as a teacher and mentor over the course of three -plus decades at the University of Iowa, and it becomes clear his impact on this community and the literary world is overwhelming. What a fitting tribute it would be to name a park — a quiet place that can spring to life with color and -Possibility and wonder —for him. Imagine a young person playing in the park who wants to know more about its namesake, -who learns about and eventually reads McPherson. Imagine that child growing to one day follow in McFhersan's footsteps because he revealed the presence of that path I would encourage you to rename a park for James Alan McPherson, to pennanently remind us of the work of this remarkable man. Yours, John Kenyon Executive Director Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature. John Konyon Executive Direfor Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature iohn-kenygn .@J"owqq.".�ofHteratUfL.orq WWWJOMC_1!yO_DMM1Um2M kq,.,LW.ww. I#ce �M - gat o J -Mt�ure htto.,LitMt.ter.conVIowaCityoflit 0: (319) 356-5245 C: (319) 631-5689 Aug. 6,2020 Iowa City City Council 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, 1A 52240 To the Council: I would like to endorse wholeheartedly the idea to rename an Iowa City park after the late James Alan McPherson. While many writers have made a significant contribution to the culture of our City of Literature, McPherson was a true giant who is well deserving of such ongo ing public recognition, McPherson's accomplisbments are well known: Winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for Elbow Room (he was the first Black w.ter to win in fiction), win=' g Guggenheim and MacArthur fellowsbips, w" 1115 the inaugural Paul Engle Prize from our organization in 201. 1, and the list go on. Add to that his time as a teacher and mentor over the worse of three -plus decades at the University of Iowa, and it becomes clear his impact on this conununity and the literary world is overwhelming. Wbat a fitting tribute it would be to name a park — a quiet place that can spring to life, with color and possibility and wonder — for bim. Imagine a young person playing in the park who wants to know more about its namesake, who learns. about and eventually reads McPherson, Imaghle that child growing to one day follow in McPherson's footsteps because he revealed the presence of that path. I would encourage you to rename a park for James Alan McPherson, to permanently remind us of the work of this remarkable man. Yours, John Kenyon Executive Director President Jennie Garner Vice President Forrest Meyer Treasurer Pat Heiden Secretary Elizabeth Schott Board Aron Aji Anna Barker Laura Bergus Elsworth Carman Maeve Clark John Culshaw Linda Farkas Hugh Ferrer Alison Ames Gal tad Kelly Hayworth Nick Kaeding Mary Ellen Lewis Ashley Monroe Steve Seen Jesse Singerman Rachel Yoder Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature 123 S. Linn St. Iowa City,. 1A 5240 (319) 887-6100 www.lowac'ityofl'lterature.org info @iowacityofliterature,org 6l Kellie Fruehfin ... ... ....... ... ... 9 ............. ... ... ... .. �..,-Plilklplgi MENEM= ........... ........... INNER, From, Galvin, James A <james-ga1v1n@uiowa.edu> Sent: Wednesday, August 5, 2020 2:32 PM TO* Council.; Geoff Frain j : naming a park after James Alan McPherson Aft Ar 8/5/20 Friends, 0 1 am writing in support of the proposal that a park inIowa Cl-hi be named after Writers' Workshop 'V Graduate, Faculty Member, Pulitzer PrizeWinner, and MacArthur Fellow, James Alan McPherson. 4L Jim McPherson was the first Black American to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize inFictia�t. He lived iin. Iowa City and taught at the Writers' Workshop from 1981 until his death in2016. Jim was not only a great writer, but he was a great citizen, colleague, and neighbor. He loved Iowa City, and wrote, both in fiction and non-fiction, about the importance of what he called neighboring. His vision was of an omniAmerica in which races and cultures nourish each other, inform each other, and enrich American life. For Iowa City to grace a park space with his name and memory is not only a good idea, it is, I think, imperative. Jim not only touched the lives ofhis students and fellow citizens, his writing and thinking are monuments of American Literature. Why is there not already a commemorative space inthis town hrant�ring James Alan. McPl�erson? To acknowledge Jim's life mid work m' a cwte manner would be an important gesture M"these troubled times. There are some things in life that it is incumbent on us to memorialize. If James Alan McFhexson's grace to this town, this university, and to humanity is not one of those things, I don't know what is. Thax-ik you for your consideration,, Sincerely, James Galvin Professor, Writers' Workshop h - - i E UNIVIY OF I P f the President 10 11 c s sup H @I: I lowta City, I Owp) 5, 2 2 4 2 11 3 16 3 19-33 S-3154P,,) Fax 319 713 5-080'e August 7, 2020 ;;1 Iowa City City Council 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Members of the City Council: I enthusiastically support the proposal by Lan Samantha Chang, director of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, to name an Iowa City park after distinguished and legendary J!W] faculty member James Alan McPherson. Professor McPherson is deserving of such an honor regardless of current circumstances, but memorializing his name in our city in this way right now would come at an especially important moment in our community and national lives. I very much appreciate and admire the city ) s efforts to address racial inequality since the tragic death of George Floyd, and the University of Iowa joins you in doing all we can to end the trauma of discrimination and violence against Blacks and other people of color. By honoring James McPherson in a publicly high -profile way, we can demonstrate through this action our values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and free expression. Certainly James McPherson friend and mentee of Ralph Ellison, the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, one of the first MacArthur ``genius grant" winners, Guggenheim Fellowship awardee, and inductee into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences —is deserving of prominent recognition in our UNESCO City of Literature as a significant writer. Aside from his great literary talent, he had major things to say about race and culture in America, and like his personal demeanor, his trenchant insights could be simultaneously sharp and quietly stated. Yet for our community, James McPherson was not just a well-known writer who happened to work here. He demonstrated a very special devotion to this university, community, and state as well, and for that, naming a city park after him takes on special significance. McPherson had wide-ranging experience studying and teaching at places such as UC Santa Cruz, Morris Brown College, Harvard University, Morgan State University, the University of Virginia, Yale Law School, Stanford University, and Meiji University and Chiba University in Japan, but he returned to Iowa to teach and write in the Iowa Writers' Workshop, where he had earned his MFA. Professor McPherson was a remarkable university citizen, taking on the acting directorship of the Workshop after the death of Frank Conroy, for example, and mentoring generations of students with particular devotion, compassion, and generosity. He was generous with his time and talent with the public as well, and he understood the special nature of our university, community, and state, calling Iowa "the conscience of democracy," It is no surprise that McPherson was the recipient of the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization' inaugural Paul Engle Prize In 2011. The James Alan McPherson quotation on the Iowa City Literary Walk, from his Pulitzer Prize—winning collection of short stories Elbow Room, states, "It was one of those obscene situations, pedestrian to most people, but Invested with meaning for a few poor folk, whose lives are usually spent outside the imaginations of their fellow citizens," Mr. McPherson's storied career, life, and writing have certainly not been outside the imaginations of fellow citizens, but naming an Iowa City park in his honor will both ensure he remains alive In our community's imagination and advances his own purpose of giving voice In a free society to those fellow citizens whose lives urgently need to be acknowledged as mattering. Thank you for your consideration of this important and timely naming opportunity. Sincerely, Bruce 'arreld President Juli Seydell Johnson From: Juli Seydell Johnson Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2020 2:53 PM To: 'tweitzel.email@gmail.com' cc: parksandrecreation Subject: Park Naming Question Tim, The City has received a number of letters and emails requesting changing the name to McPherson Park. The City Council has asked staff to convene a community conversation with the Longfellow neighborhood to discuss. We will be doing this later this fall. Sincerely, IOWA ..>tin y: +. ................. ...t t ........e:...................«err........ vrrt•ye�.r,. C1v#%,1 Jule Seyd-ell Johnson Dtirector of Parks & Recreation: 2,20 S Gilbert S, Iowa Ckr, NA' 52-240 Tim Weitzel <tweitzel.email@gmail.com.> gmail.com> Date: August 27, 2020 at 2:44:50 PM CDT To: parksandrecreation <.parksandrecreation@i,owa-city.or > Subject: Contact Us For Questions - https:1/protect- us.mimecast-com/s/NbDkCyPzgWHPxo2CZmFXx?domain=icgov.org I'm writing to learn more about the process for naming (a) city park for a notable black person. I live in the Longfellow neighborhood and have seen a story in the press about renaming Rogers Green. Also, the potential of this name change is generating some discussion on neighborhood social media. Item Number: 7.a. I � I t "I" Lot CITY 01� 10"/A CITY www.icgov.org September 15, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Racrnej,'Vanderwerff - McPherson Park Mal Hellman - Urgent - On James Alan McPherson Jennifer Baum - McPherson Park Kelfie Fruehfino%14 .I I I I I I I Nuallem 1 1-11 1 1 MINE MINORCO ----------- logolom From: Sent'. TO *- Subject: Di Dear City Council, Rachel Vanderwerff <raYvanderwerff@grnail.com> Monday, August 31, 2020 10:34 PM Council McPherson Park - Please Read! McPherson Park Letter to City Council 2020-08-3l.pdf Please read the letter attached regarding the naming of a park to honor James McPherson. Thank you, Rachel Vanderwerff "Unless we allow the land to produce beauty as well as food, it will, in the end, produce neither." (author unknown) Laura Bergus - Susan Mims - Pauline Taylor - John Thomas - Mazahir Salih - Bruce Teague - Janice Weiner City Council Members, I am writing in regards to the proposal to name a park afterJames McPherson. As I imagine you are aware, James McPherson was the first black person to receive a Pulitzer Prize in fiction and was an Iowa Writers' Workshop professor amongst many other achievements. He loved his community and was also well loved. I think it is an amazing idea to name a park after him, and with the Black Lives Matter movement, a timely decision. There certainly needs to be more of a diverse representation in Iowa City. When I found out that the City was considering Rogers Green to site this tribute to such a distinguished man, I was disheartened. I live on Rundell near Rogers Green, and never knew it was a park. I always assumed that land was the backyard of my fellow neighbors. Honestly, it feels somewhat disrespectful and surprising coming from this Council. I would suggest Creekside Park. It is still in the neighborhood and brings together the community in a way that James McPherson was known for. I realize it may be more complicated, and would be happy with anything over nothing, but I hope that you reconsider. Thank you, Rachel Vanderwerff 607 Rundell St. Iowa City J'K Kelfie Fruehling NVINNUM1111 I 1 11 1 1 11 1 11111111 all loll g 1— 1-1 From: Mal Hellman <maI,hellman@gmaiI.corn> Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 1027 PM To: Council Subject'. Urgent - On James Alan McPherson A RISK" I Dear City Council - My name is Mallory Heilman, and I've lived in Iowa City for the last decade. James Alan McPherson brought me here. In 2010,1 was a recent college graduate struggling to make my way in the New York publishing industry. I'd never so much as visited the Midwest, but I knew that the Iowa Writers' Workshop was home to the first Black man to win a Pulitzer. so I took a chance and applied to his summer workshop. I never returned to New York. I wasn't alone. Of all the students in that eight -week McPherson workshop (and Jim took more than the allotted class cap, to be sure), over a quarter opted to move here at summer's end. We did because Jim gave us more than world -class writing instruction; he gave us one another, and he gave us this extraordinary town. Jim's adoration of "neighboring" (a term we've all come to associate with him) was a famously public affair; one couldn't enter the door to Dey House without first receiving a greeting from Jim, smoke in hand, as he took in the world from the wide front porch. I That McPherson deserves a park named in his honor is a sentiment beyond dispute. But to choose a narrow walking path accessible only by alley --one that is, bluntly, a short parade of backyards --does more to injure the memory of Iowa City's most prominent Black scholar than it does to celebrate it. If the Council is truly committed to honoring McPherson's legacy and showing public support for Black artists and intellectuals, it will choose an Eastside park with more public visibility and, vitally, more capacity to hold community. Creekside Park,, for instance (which is also not already named after someone,. as Rogers Green however informally is),, can be accessed by several main thoroughfares and is a vital hub -of community activity, with basketball courts, green spaces, ample seating, and a gazebo. Something of this nature,, a park in the truest sense, seems far more apt a way to honor a man who so lovingly and amply gave himself to his community. To offer him this --a seat right in the beating heart of the neighborhood he loved best --is the very least we can do in return. Respectfully, M Kelfie Fruehfing From: Jennifer baum <ienJiona.dashill@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 4:39 PM To: Council Subject, McPherson Park At A FRISKX Dear Council Members - I understand that you are considering Roger's Park as the location for the park honoring James Alan McPherson. As a long time friend of Jim's I would suggest continuing to search for a location that more reflects Jim's philosophy of "Neighboring". The Roger's Park lot is a small lovely space, but does not act as a conduit for neighbors to run into each other spontaneously. it is enclosed amongst houses and feels more like someone's backyard than an open active area. Also, it's already named after someone named Roger. I urge you to reconsider the location of this important park, as it will draw people from throughout the writing world,, people from both urban and rural areas, and of course the people Jim knew from every day in his life around the city. thank you for considering my request, aennifer Baum 814 Dewey St. Deweyville Iowa City EVANUOT. Juli Seydell Johnson From: Larry Baker <icwriter@gmaii.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 12:00 PM To: Juli Seydell Johnson Cc: John Kenyon; Geoff Fruin Subject: McPherson park issue It is my understanding that you are setting up "a meeting with the group who first suggested naming a park after Mr. McPherson." The idea originated with me. It did not originate with any neighborhood group. I would very much like to be included in any such discussion. Thank you. Larry Baker Juli Seydell Johnson From: Ada Zhang <ajzhang422@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2020 4:45 PM To: Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Janice Weiner; Wendy Ford; Geoff Fruin; Rachel Kilburg; Ashley Monroe; Juli Seydell Johnson Subject: Park named after James Alan McPherson Dear Council Members, City Managers, and the Department of Parks and Recreation— My name is Ada Zhang. I am a recent graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and a longtime fan of Pulitizer-Prize-winning author dames Alan McPherson. I know there have been talks of naming a park after him. It is my personal hope to visit Iowa City in the years to come and see Mr. McPherson's name honored publicly. It would reflect how he lives on in the life and work of the people who knew him ---and also the people who didn't know him, like me, who are still affected by his writing and by the teachings he passed down during his tenureship at the Workshop. Here is a plan previously proposed, which I fully support: Mr. McPherson lived on Rundell St. from 1981 until his death on July 27, 2016. Close to where he lived is a pocket park reachable by an alley off Sheridan Ave. This park was tentatively named Rogers Green after its previous owner (since deceased) who maintained it for many years, but don't think the city ever officially designated it. If discussions are held regarding park namings, this one would be particularly appropriate for Mr. McPherson, a popular neighbor who lived just a few blocks from it for 35 years. Thank you. I'll look forward to any progress made. All best, Ada Zhang Iowa Writers' Workshop 2020 MJW A 7 _t lv�__ OCI 0, IN In GRANT ST OD C14 LL 00 LLI 17-4 t7A X, gAV H_LL S F7. I- JTI cc, MPIWV CID Yl CN i j. 7.1 _c X LLJ > z 1�' 0 N�109 CV .-A OD CCI .71 j CO Co CID N ON LU 17,4 IN Is Y OC, Vr C�ll low 00 am % is 1 14 t it/ I:cl Ccl i7l 10 ILJ I 0 1:0 C, 0 Q;l CL *0 0 Id M011A=l!DNO`_1 jr oci 71 I_ -I 0 w PM OF KLAN E `�► �``,: ,3 w w Photos ey Longfellow NatureTrail t/nd RogersL it IF J r��' ..yam .*� ..S �• �, ',Y `l� i '•-may M rr�.• Is r.F ti�`'1Y •,�- 7.�� M / : it •, \ 1 � . t` 1 � •.� Ak AL � • - '� -� i•y , +. Tom. •� r � 1 T Longfellow . Nature Trail 4 VA Mat e: �;.� ',:.�,=a•'►,: �.. ,-' ; ;'� _ - - -�. .p; .. ILI r � � } �� 7 � �A�� r ., � .. � •' " - j r • :•- �: .ice ' � �••.S�k~ + ��"`�+�`.e.; . _ .. SIP ai •!, do _71 Al • • f•' Ya ��; ,..i?'.r .i••�K ,�'. _ �~'�'�"' •�. � �'�`'..f i./. ram+ J. Kr • % � a ��. l'.�'a�P4 •1 • \, .. � .t. - r .{„ � '`!^ •� »ice DOODLE POLL —RENAMING LONGFELLOW PARK AFTER MCPHERSON . Responses: 1. Why not name Center Ave in the Longfellow Neighborhood after McPherson? The street name is nondescript and runs through the center of the area. 2. This area is unknown to most residents of Iowa City and there are many deficiencies with regards to a park worthy of naming someone for, especially regarding the sensitivity that needs to be brought to this issue. Problems: 1. Lack of community awareness and visibility. 2. No parking. 3. Mostly not ADA compliant. 4. Few amenities. 5. Contentious neighborhood history, especially Roger's Green. 6. Likely to be seen as a slight to the BIPOC community due to previous problems. 3. Jim McPherson, one of the City of Literature's most distinguished writer residents, lived just around the corner from Longfellow Nature Trail and walked it often; a perfect match to name it in his honor. Q� 0 �vnuld prefer to see the fallo ks J�m�s Mc Pherson. Choose one answer only. Answereti 17 SXipped: 0-, L a wn,,- gfe i I ovi N, Tri'l I ft c, g e f s Glor e e I L rj ri gfe -t -,. 0- °W, N e it h or i A 0%. _u4i 2 6% x1% AP45WER CHOICES RES S ES Longfoitow Niktvre- Tra�'81 Rogers Green 11, 7 6 T a I a nd PZ r, P, r s G r a f N it T f l7i6-L- -91;1$. Totat ft"- pondents: 17 M/ ITEM # 7 FY22 Budget Review Jull Seydell -Johnson Park Master Plan Projects Master Plan Year CIP Plan year Project # Notes Kiwanis Park ADA Improvements 2018 2023 R4132 Brookland Park ADA Improvements 2019 2021 R4132 Hunter's Run Park ADA Improvements 2019 2023 R4132 Fair Meadows Playground 2019 2020 R4367 Black Spring Park ADA improvements 2020 2020 R4132 Oak Grove Park ADA Improvements 2020 2022 R4132 Wetherby Shelter & Playground 2020 2020 R4349 Scott Park Shelter & Playground 2020 2020 R4367 Harlocke Hill ADA Improvements 2020 2021 R4132 Ryerson Park ADA Improvements 2020 2023 R4132 Reno Street Park ADA Improvements 2020 N/A R4132 `West District New Park (Palisades/Stone Bridge) 2020 2024 R4346 -Upper City Park Shelters 2020 2024 R4363 Napolean Playground 2021 2020 R4367 Chadek Park Development 2021 2022 R4350 ;Hickory Hill -Conklin Park Development 2021 2025 R4365 ,Glendale Park Shelter & Playground 2021 2021 R4366 Crandic Park ADA Improvements 2021 2025 R4132 Thornberry Park ADA Improvements 2021 2025 R4132 7 Kiwanis Playground & Shelter 2022 2023 R4359 Whispering Meadows Shelter & Playground 2022 2022 R4357 Lower City Park Shelters 2022 2025 R4358 Court Hill Shelter & Playground 2022 2022 R4368 Hunter's Run Park Development 2023 2024 R4375 Happy Hollow Playground 2023 2023 R4371 errell Mill Park Redevelopment 2023 2025 R4372 shton House Parking Addition 2023 N/A R4381 Kickers Playground 1 2024 N/A RUNF1 Reno Street Park Redevelopment 2024 N/A RUNF21 North Market Square Park Redevelopment 2024 N/A RUNF3 Benton Hill Redevelopment 2025 2025 RNEW1 College Green Parr Redevelopment 2025 2025 RNEW3 Calder Park (Hickory Hill) Trail Development 2025 N/A RUNF20 Kickers Playground 2 2026 N/A N/A Harlocke Hill Redevelopment 2026 N/A N/A Oak Grove Park Redevelopment 2026 N/A N/A Mercer Park Playground 2028 N/A N/A Tower Court Park Redevelopment 2028 N/A N/A Emma Harvat Hall Improvements 2028 N/A N/A Cardigan Park Redevelopment 2028 N/A N/A Creekside Park Playground 2029 N/A N/A Pheasant Hill Redevelopment 2029 N/A N/A Completed? 2021 2023 85% Complete In Design with Street Project 2022 85% Complete 85% Complete 2024 & 2025 2024 85% Complete 2022 2025 2021 2025 2025 2023 2022 2025 2022 2024 2023 2025 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 2026 2026 TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD 2025 2025 f� i PARKS & RECREATION - 'acts R4129 1 50,000 400,000 City Hall Other Prod 260,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 810,000 1501000 GENERA L FUND Sa,oaa 400,000 260,000 660,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 2021-Rep p Replace 3rd floor carpet and paint; 2022 - Roof Replacement; 2023 - Renovate lower level restrooms. 2024 - Remodel Employee Fitness room bathroom to become ADA compliant and add toilet and sink. Update finishes and lighting in space; 2025 - Undesig . Parks Annual Improve mentslMaintenance R4130 1 50,000 90,000 90,000 90,000 90,a00 90,000 90,Oaa 410,000 490,a0a GENERALFUND 50,000 90,000 90,000 ' funding for capital and improvements throughout park system. Priorities per the 2017 Park Master Plan are: Park Signs, Site Furnishings, small projects Annual 9 p Shelter/Facility Maintenance, Court Maintenance, Partner Opportunities for Small Projects and E Park Annual ADA Accessibility p Improvements R4132 2 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 150,000 150,000 GENERAL FUND 30,000 30,000 ' 'n to improve enhance accessility to park facilities and activity centers. 2021 - Brookland 30,000 and Harlocke; 2022 -Oak Grove, 2023 - Kiwanis, arks and physical Small protects p p Hunter's Run and Ryerson's Woods; 2024 - Undetermined; 2025 - Thornberry and Cra lOverla R4145 2 50,000 Cemetery Road Asphalt y 50,000 50,000 GENERAL FUND 50,000 Mill and resurface with 2" asphalt overlay on a portion of the 19,090sf of road in the cemtery. R4206 2 25,000 25,400 25,000 25,000 100,000 Intra-city Bike Trails 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 100,000 GENERA L FUND Annual appropriation for the construction or repair of bike trails. Hwy fi Trail - Broadway to Fa irmeadows R4227 5 400,000 3,500,000 500,000 31900,000 500,000 FEDERAL GRANTS Department Project # Priority 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 700,000 700,000 OTHER STATE GRANTS 2,700,000 2,700,000 Construction of trail extension along Hwy 6 between Broadway Street and Fairmeadows Blvd and along First Avenue from the south side of Hwy 6 to Lower Muscatine Road. City Park Pool Replacement R4229 3 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE Replace City Park Pool with new outdoor swimming pool and bathhouse. 100,000 5,900,000 6,000,000 6,000,000 6,000,000 Splash Pad Improvements R4230 2 100,000 100,000 GENERAL FUND 100,000 100,000 Renovate splash pads at Wetherby Park (2023) and Fairmeadows Park (2025) with new features which will replace the current features, but not change the underground infrastructure. Annual Recreation Center Improvements R4330 1 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 GENERAL FUND 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 250,000 Annual projects to maintain RALRC & Mercer/Scanlon Recreation Centers. 2021 - Building Indoor Signage; 2022 - RALRC Lower Level Flooring; 2023 RALRC Craft Room Renovations; 2024 - Renovate former shooting range and lower level storage; 2025 not yet des Upgrade Building BAS Controls R4332 3 300,000 300,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 300,000 300,000 Upgrade or add Building Automation Systems (BAS) for multiple municipal structures: Senior Center ($159,477.00), Fire Station #4 ($46,709), Fire Station #2 ($29,348) and Animal Care and Adoption Center ($30,000). This will include panel upgrades to curre Palisades or Stone Bridge Park Development R4346 2 350,000 350,000 700,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 350,000 350,000 700,000 Funding to develop a new neighborhood park in an emerging or underserved location. The City owns several parcels designated for parks and developments are completed. Chadek Green Park Playground and Shelter R4350 2 60,000 290,000 350,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 350,000 350,000 Build picnic shelter, playground, accessible paths and parking at Chadek Green Park community gardens. Recreation Center Improvements R4351 1 500,000 500,000 1,000,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 500,000 500,000 1,000,000 This project is planning for renovations for the City's recreation enters: Robert A. Lee (RALRC) and Mercer Pool/Scanlon Gym. 2022 - Merce/Scanlon: outdoor entry, lighting and parking lot resurfacing; 2023 - Upper Level RALRC: ADA compliant single user Whispering Meadows Park Eco Restore & Park Impry R4357 2 100,000 150,000 250,000 GENERAL FUND 10,000 10,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 150,000 150,000 OTHER STATE GRANTS 90,000 90,000 Ecological restoration work in phase 1. Adds picnic shelter, small playground, park sign and access paths to Whispering Meadows Park in phase 2. Lower City Park Shelters & Restroom Replacement R4358 2 600,000 600,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 600,000 600,000 This project will demolish six picnic shelters and one restroom in Lower City Park and replace these with one large and two small shelters and restroom facility. The remaining facilities will be in locations outlined in Lower City Park Master Plan. Kiwanis Park Playground & Shelter Renovation R4359 2 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE Renovate Nature Play Area, replace shelter, add accessible paths and opportunities for creek access at Kiwanis Park. Napoleon Park Softball Fields 5-8 Renovation R4362 3 450,000 450,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 450,000 450,000 This project will renovate and enhance fields 5-8 at the Napoleon Park Softball Complex. The project will include the laser grading infields, the addition of drainage tile, and new outfield turf. 370,000 370,000 3 70, 000 370,000 Upper City Park Master Plan and Improvements R4363 2 100,000 600,000 700,000 GENERAL FUND 100,000 100,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 600,000 600,000 In 2023, a Upper City Park master plan will be developed. In 2024, Upper City Park improvements will be constructed which may include demolition of four picnic shelters and one restroom in Upper City Park and replacement with one large and two small shel Hickory Hill Park Conklin St Shelter & Restrooms R4365 2 245,000 245,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 245,000 245,000 Replace picnic shelter and restrooms at Conklin Street entrance to Hickory Hill Park. Glendale Park Shelter & Playground Replacement R4366 2 275,000 275,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 275,000 275,000 Replace playground and add picnic shelter, park sign and creek access at Glendale Park. Add concrete paths for increased accessibility. Court Hill Park Shelter & Playground Replacement R4368 2 400,000 400,000 Department Project # Priority 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 400,000 400,000 Replace playground and two picnic shelters at Court Hill Park. Project also adds concrete paths for increased accessibility and additional opportunities for creek access. Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Pool Filter & HVAC R4370 2 60,000 6401000 700,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 700,000 700,000 This project would include the replacement of the existing pool filters, the addition of a UV system, and a new pool dehumidification system at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center swimming pool. Happy Hollow Playground Replacement R4371 2 150,000 150,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 150,000 150,000 Playground replacement at Happy Hollow Park. Terrell Mill Skate Park Redevelopment R4372 2 600,000 600,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 600,000 600,000 This project renovates the skate park and adds access paths. City Park Ball Field Improvements R4373 3 175,000 175,000 GENERAL FUND 175,000 175,000 Updates to City Park Baseball fields to improve safety, access, playability and appearance of complex. Laser grading of all fields, upgrading outfield fences on three fields, dugout upgrades for three fields. May also include upgrade to LED lighting, sh Mercer Park Ball Diamond Improvements R4374 3 800,000 200,000 1,000,000 GENERAL FUND 100,000 200,000 300,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 700,000 700,000 First phase will implement field playability enhancements, safety improvements, and increased accessibility. The second phase will include new fence lines, shade structures and complex amenities. This includes the concession area, entrance and plaza area Hunter's Run Park Playground & Shelter R4375 2 250,000 250,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 250,000 250,000 Replace playground and one shelter, and adds additional access paths from street and sidewalk. Hwy 6 Trail - Fairmeadows to Heinz R4376 2 510,000 510,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 162,000 162,000 OTHER STATE GRANTS 438,000 438,000 The project includes approximately 0.8 miles of 10-foot wide trail along the south side of Hwy 6, from Fairmeadows Boulevard to Heinz Road. Annual Contracted Tree Planting R4380 4 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 EMERGENCY LEVY 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 500,000 Annual contracted tree program for additions to street trees, neighborhood infill and park tree plantings. Areas of emphasis include low income neighborhoods as well as neighborhoods that lost trees to the Emerald Ash Borer or the 2020 Derecho storm. Event Facility Improvements R4381 2 250,000 250,000 GENERAL FUND 250,000 250,000 On -going repairs and improvements at Terry Trueblood Lodge, Terry Trueblood concession building and Ashton House Event Facility. Exterior staining of TTRA Lodge & Concession buildings, BAS replacement Ashton & TTRA, Audio Visio Equipment Upgrades. Off Road Bike Trail Development R4382 5 180,000 180,000 GENERAL FUND 180,000 180,000 Build off -road "single track" trail course for biking on site recently acquired from Elks Golf Course. Pedestrian Mall Playground R4383 1 400,000 400,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 400,000 400,000 Replacement of the Ped Mall playground and poured in place safety surface. Benton Hills Playground Replacement R4384 2 135,000 1351000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 135,000 135,000 This project replaces the playground at Benton HIII Park. Site constraints keep this as a smaller piece of equipment. College Green Park Playground R4385 2 400,000 400,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 400,000 400,000 This project replaces the playground at College Green Park. Park Facility Parking Lot Overlay R4386 2 200,000 200,000 GO BONDS -ESSENTIAL PURPOSE 200,000 200,000 Several of the asphalt drives and parking lots throughout the park system are in need of replacement. They are not covered by other City overlay projects. The lots to be repaired are the Park Maintenance Shop lot and the Mercer Park parking lots. Willow Creek Trail Replacement R4387 2 5751000 575,000 GO BONDS -GENERAL PURPOSE 575,000 575,000 The Willow Creek trail spanning 0.8 miles from Benton St to Willow Creek Dr including a spur of the trail connecting to Aber Ave is in need of replacement. ADA Elevator Improvements R4388 1 50,000 200,000 250,000 50,000 200,000 250,000 GENERAL FUND Update elevators in City Hall, Senior Center, Robert A. Lee Recreation Center with ADA operating system improvements including braille and visible and verbal signals to indicate which elevator car is available, its direction, and when it has reached a des PARKS & RECREATION Total 2,110,000 21655,000 31400,000 21795,000 12,725,000 23,685,000 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda - January 13, 2021 Information submitted between distribution of packet on Thursday, January 8 and close of business day on Tuesday, January 12. Late Addition(s): Item 5 Southwest District Plan Update • Memo: Kirk Lehman, Associate Planner: Southwest District Plan Update Item 6 Request to„Rename Longfellow Trail/Roger's Green Park Areas Correspondence • Email and write-up "McPherson Talk" from Brooks Landon, Professor, University of Iowa English Department. • Email from David Leshtz including photo re: Iowa City Parks Commission to Discuss Park Naming 1-13-21 • Email from Larry Baker re: Iowa City Parks Commission to Discuss Parking Naming 1-13-21 • Email from Marcia Bollinger re: Longfellow Facebook Responses including comments Late Handout(s): 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration of Human Rights flier 7.A CITY OF IOWA CITY IEMORANDUM Date: January 12, 2021 To: Parks and Recreation Commission From: Kirk Lehmann, Associate Planner Re: Southwest District Plan Update Introduction: The City of Iowa City is in the early stages of updating part of its Southwest District Plan, outlined in yellow in the map below. Due to the size of the area and the potential for future development, staff is inviting the Parks and Recreation Commission to participate in a targeted focus group discussion at your January 13 meeting. Questions to be discussed are found on p. 2 of this memo. Southwest District Plan Update: South Rohret Subarea r r r Iowa City Limits T_ Proposed City Limits Expansion �M University Heights Southwest Planning District Plan Update Area rf There is no proposed development as part of this project. Rather, the plan update focuses on identifying proposed areas and policies for housing, commercial uses, public services, streets and trails, and parks and open space. This will be used to create a concept that will guide future development in this area. More information is available at www.icgov.org/SW-Plan-Update. Background: The Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap to direct growth and change in Iowa City. In addition to describing a broad vision for the city's future, the plan also provides concrete guidance on how to achieve that vision over time. District Plans, including the Southwest District Plan, 79 January 12, 2021 Page 2 provide more detailed direction to address the unique issues and opportunities in each of the City's ten planning districts. Changes may be made to these plans upon consideration by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval by City Council. The Southwest District Plan is being updated because the City will extend infrastructure in 2023, which will allow development west of Highway 218 and south of Rohret Road. However, the current Southwest District Plan was adopted in 2002. A lot has changed since then, so the City wants to make sure the Plan aligns with the preferences, policies, and circumstances of today. Discussion: The character and future of Iowa City is set by the imagination, vision and commitment of the people who live and work here. Because of this, the City wants to hear your ideas for the future of this area, especially as it relates to parks, trails, and other recreational amenities. Staff would like you to consider the following questions, to be discussed on January 13: 1. What opportunities/ challenges are there for this area as it develops? 2. What distinguishes this area from other parts of the City? 3. What is the need for parks in this part of the City? 4. What is the need for recreational amenities in this part of City? 5. What is the need for other amenities in this part of the City? 6. What are your reactions to the original 2002 concept? (see pp. 43-50 of the adopted Southwest District Plan, available at www. icgov. orq/sw-plan-update) 7. What else should the City be considering as it looks at this area? Additional Information: Input will be collected throughout the project. Below is a list of additional opportunities to share your thoughts as the City develops a concept for the project area: • Questionnaire. The questionnaire (www.survevmonkey.com/r/SW-Plan-Update) provides a forum for stakeholders to share ideas about how the area should develop in the future. This input will be considered as concepts are developed for the area. • Open House Workshops. Open house workshops provide an opportunity to share concepts and receive feedback about how the area may develop in the future. • Public Review Draft. Once a preferred concept is selected, a draft of the plan update will be provided to the public for review and comments. These will be considered prior to bringing the document through the public adoption process. • Planning & Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing for the final review draft where they will hear additional public comments and consider recommending the draft for approval by City Council. • City Council. City Council will hold a public hearing to consider adoption of the plan update. The City expects this process to be complete by July 2021. All events, relevant plans, and documents produced as part of this update are on the project website at www.icgov.org/SW-Plan-Update. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to receive project updates, please contact me at 319-356-5230 or email me at kirk- lehmann@iowa-cit�or_q. Tammy Neumann From: Juli Seydell Johnson Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 1:44 PM To: Tammy Neumann Subject: FW: FW: Iowa City Parks Commission to Discuss Park Naming 1-13-21 Attachments: Honoring Jim Mcpherson McBride Talk .docx Here's a message from Brooks Landon in the English Department, with document attached: In 2016 1 spoke at an event honoring Jim when he was given the Paul Engle Award and I want to forward my comments from that time to you in hopes that it may show a side of Jim that can too easily get lost among his many awards. I can think of no one more deserving of having an Iowa City park named after him than Jim McPherson. Brooks Landon Professor University of Iowa English Department `7 6 McPherson Talk We're here tonight to celebrate a magnificent "twofer" an only in Iowa moment when we honor Jim McPherson with the very first Paul Engle Memorial Award and we honor the memory and legacy of Paul Engle by giving the award that bears his name to James Alan McPherson. So, we know why Jim is here to receive the Engle Award. We know why you are here to show your love and appreciation for Jim. To honor and almost certainly in so doing to embarrass a legendary great writer, great citizen, and great guy. But, more and more I wonder why I am here. I'm proud to claim Jim as a friend of some thirty years, but there are many in this theater tonight and many more elsewhere who know Jim better than I do, who have made kindly interventions in his life and benefitted from his kindly interventions in theirs. There are writers present who know the power and generosity of his mentorship in a way I only know about. There are friends who have shared both grief and joy with Jim beyond any experience he and I have shared. But here I am, and the only reason I can figure that I'm up here and so many others with a stronger claim of shared life with Jim are not is that it would almost certainly have been impossible to choose someone from among the many of his closer and better qualified friends without doing a disservice to others. So, who is this man we honor tonight? Oh sure, there was the Pulitzer, and the Guggenheim, and that McArthur Foundation thing and there is his magnificent output of important writing both fiction and nonfiction-- and there is the fact that Jim has been friend and invaluable mentor to a zillion young writers graduate, undergraduate, and those completely outside of any institution in the Academy. But, what's really important to know about James Alan McPherson is that he is a trekkie. Well, maybe not as overt and ardent a tekkie as those fans who great each other with Spock's famous Vulcan gang sign and his "Live Long and Prosper," but Jim is clearly sympathetic to the vision that gave rise to the five year mission of the Starship Enterprise, and who can blame him for being attracted to the utopian optimism of the original Star Trek TV series. I make this claim because I have in my office, Jim's collection of videotapes of all of the episodes of that original Star Trek series, a glorious reminder to our shared interest in science fiction and a somewhat less glorious reminder of our shared geezerdom, since VCRs are now pretty much dead tech. Still, I bet there's a part of Jim McPherson that finds something worth remembering and celebrating in a long past TV series that was almost silly in its lack of cynicism. And I do note in his unbelievably impressive CV an entry for an essay titled "Beam Me Up, Scotty." Of course, Jim has also on occasion shared with me his collections of extreme nut -case propaganda, so I do realize that he likes to know his enemy, and my outing him as a Trekkie may be more wishful thinking than fact. My point is simply that like Walt 2 Whitman, Jim McPherson contains multitudes, many of them delightfully surprising, and like Samuel R.Delany, Jim keeps Stars in His Pocket Like Grains of Sand. I know Jim mainly because our daughters are roughly the same age and knew each other when both were very young and Jim and I were trying to figure out this father of daughters puzzle. Jim went at that task much more thoroughly and more systematically than I did, going so far as to teaming up with DeWitt Henry to edit a collection of essays: Fathering Daughters: Reflections by Men. I've always admired and been a bit awed by a passage from Jim's essay in that collection, a piece titled "Disneyland," in which he explains what he hoped his daughter Rachel would learn from him: It is common knowledge that the human spirit has, for its illusion of stability, a sense of being totally encompassed, of being held, in a reality that has a structure of dependability. That is, all things inside the self and all things outside the self, ideally, must cohere, must seem to belong together. This is the gift of childhood, the gift of natural integrity that is basic to human equipment. I did not want Rachel to lose this gift, even as I flew with her over a corrupt and uncaring world. I wanted very badly to provide her with something she could hold onto, through childhood and adolescence, and as far into adulthood as she could carry the idea. Simply put, I wanted her to know that something more existed beyond the conventional structures of dependability. This thing had to do with, has to do with, the frightening vistas that come into focus when all things on which we once depended family, status, settled orders erode, and we are left to make a path for ourselves. During such times, when the gods of life seem to be laughing at our mind -based illusions, our only refuge must be in the realm of magic, or religion, or imagination, or in those instances of kindly interference that flow from the coveted goodness in the hearts of other people. This realm is beyond race, or class, or region, or all the other structures of social gradation. It ministers to life itself, to what is best in other people. I had come to learn this the hard way, and I wanted to pass it on, with my approval, to Rachel. Something is always with us, in the dark- ness as well as in the light. And if this is true, then one must walk through the world, even in the darkness, by the same light one saw when all was lights Without really believing this, I tried my best to walk with Rachel through all the dark places as if I could guide us by my concentration on the light. In this essay in, Jim mentions a security guard at the Cedar Rapids Airport who had grown familiar with Jim's and Rachel's airport reunions as she flew to be with her father and this guard would acknowledge Jim by saying "There goes that father who loves his daughter." I doubt that Jim has ever received an award or accolade that meant as much to 1m. 17 3 What I best know about Jim from second-hand knowledge is that he has for years been a gentle and tireless and generous mentor to his students. I know this mainly from decades of undergraduates who found in Jim the Workshop faculty member who was always willing to work with them on Honors theses and independent studies. And he did this above and beyond his dedication to his graduate students in the Writers' Workshop. But even before he came to the Workshop a young Jim McPherson had already settled into the role of mentor. Breece Pancake may not have been Jim's first student, but he was certainly one of his earliest students to leave a mark on the writing world. I didn't know Breece Pancake. He was one of Jim's students and friends before Jim came to Iowa, and he was dead by the time Jim wrote his Foreword to Breece's Collected Stories, published in 1983. I didn't know Breece Pancake but I feel I know some of the most important things about him, both from his stories, and from reading Jim's very moving essay about him. According to Jim, Breece's "ambition was not primarily literary; he was struggling to define for himself an entire way of life, an all embracing code of values." This effort came with a cost, Jim explains, since "A writer, no matter what the context, is made an outsider by the demands of his vocation." Indeed, Jim notes that Breece's outsider status was accentuated by his totally unselfish generosity, which "had the effect of making people feel inadequate and guilty." Now I realize how completely cheesey it is for me to suggest that Jim's comments about Breece seem also to apply quite well to Jim himself, but there it is. And when I read Jim's description of Breece Pancake's face as a "kind of half-smile/half grimace that says, "I've seen it all and I still say, `So what?"' I simply cannot keep from thinking that it takes one to know one! Breece may not have been the very first of Jim's students to say, as Jim recalls, "Buddy, I want to work with you," but he surely stands near the front of a line that is as distinguished as it is long. The remarkable Yiyun Li, a writer as powerful and distinctive in her own way as Jim is in his, is another of his students in that line and I think she speaks for generations when she describes the profound influence he had on her life: When I walked into Jim's summer workshop ten years ago, little did I know that the quiet man sitting behind piles of books would change my life: when I submitted my story --the first story I'd written --he insisted that I know that I was a real writer. Was I? I didn't know at the time, but I trusted Jim enough to give up my Ph.D. in immunology and find my way to the other side of the Iowa River to become a writer. Those words from Yiyun are part of a team effort tonight to try to capture some of the magic that is Jim McPherson. Next we have four video tributes to him, the first from his Workshop colleague James Galvin, the second and third from his English Department colleagues Ed Folsom and Michael Hill, and the fourth from poet Michael S. Harper, whose poem, "Certainties," is dedicated to Jim. These are wonderful tributes and I'll let them speak for themselves, but before I turn the stage over to them I want to mention something I heard a younger Jim Galvin say over a dozen years ago when we were gathered to celebrate the publication of Jim's memoir, Crabcakes. "I believe," Jim Galvin said, "that Mr. McPherson is an angel." !WM Tammy Neumann From: Juli Seydell Johnson Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 1:45 PM To: Tammy Neumann Subject: FW: Iowa City Parks Commission to Discuss Park Naming 1-13-21 From: David Leshtz [mailto:dleshtz@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, January 11, 2021 11:31 PM To: Juli Seydell Johnson <Juli-SJohnson@iowa-city.org> Subject: Re: Iowa City Parks Commission to Discuss Park Naming 1-13-21 On Mon, Jan 11, 2021 at 11:30 PM David Leshtz <dleshtz@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Juli, Thank you for compiling and disseminating a thorough packet of materials. Please convey my appreciation to city staff and Parks Commission members. One thing I wish had been included is a better representation of Rogers Green. I'm sending a photo to you that shows how lovely it is — much more than a patch of back yards. As one who lives near the entrance, I'm pleased that the city has improved its maintenance, including the planting of many trees this summer. �q .:T L ,`- � ..LSrL Q y yam• { •L J 4Ai. - - � ilk' � _ �� •�,.s �. . ' i., 3 � - �ror, .rRy .•R i -w Nf Aw �• '`tea i�' .,�4 � . Ir N r 49 r 'r t it4P jr Ow Im to 4r =L L7 F N , r ♦ y . NI - •e a, NCO i s 1 7.� a +. r= of 1 _ i4 , R.. •'�!. ;6." k \ r • tt Good luck with your deliberations. Whatever the outcome, the most important thing to me is that Mr. McPherson receives the honor and recognition he deserves. Sincerely, Dave Leshtz 1411 Sheridan Ave. in Thu, Jan 7, 2021 at 12:20 PM Juli Seydell Johnson <Juli-SJohnson@iowa-city.org> wrote: 2 Tammy Neumann From: Juli Seydell Johnson Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 1:46 PM To: Tammy Neumann Subject; FW: Iowa City Parks Commission to Discuss Park Naming 1-13-21 From: Larry Baker [mailto:icwriter@gmaii.com] Sent: Friday, January 08, 2021 2:46 PM To: Juli Seydell Johnson <Juli-SJohnson@iowa-city.org> Subject: Re: Iowa City Parks Commission to Discuss Park Naming 1-13-21 I will be unable to participate in the 1/13 meeting. However, I want to re-emphasize my feelings that have been expressed earlier. Any park chosen to be re -named for James McPherson must reflect the honor and esteem that he deserves. It should be a notable park in its own right. To choose a park that very few people have heard of, and very few people have actually seen, is not an honor. Such a choice would be mere tokenism. Thanks very much for your work on this matter. Larry Baker On Jan 7, 2021, at 12:18 PM, Juli Seydell Johnson < @ cit or > Juli-SJohnson iowa„- y. � wrote: Greetings. You are receiving this email because you have previously corresponded with the City of Iowa City regarding requests to rename a City Park in honor of James Alan McPherson. The Parks & Recreation Commission will be considering these requests at their Wednesday, January 13, 2021 meeting. This meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. and will be held via Zoom. Public comment is welcome during this meeting. I have attached the Agenda and packet materials concerning this item. The front page includes directions for how to access the meeting on Zoom. A full packet with information on all items is available on the City website (https://www.icgov.org/city-governm-ent/boards/parl(s-and-recreation- commission). You are not required to register to speak in advance, but I would appreciate a response to this email if you plan to attend so that we may allocate appropriate time for the item. Please let me know if you have and questions or wish to provide additional communication to the Parks & Recreation Commission. Sincerely, 51 From: Marcia Bollinger Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 1:48 PM To: Juli Seydell Johnson <Juli-SJohnson@iowa-citv.org> Subject: Longfellow FB Responses Hi Juli — This is a snip of the post I made to let folks know of the P&R meeting. There have been two comments so far and I thought I would forward them. If I see any additional before the meeting tomorrow, I will send on. Marcia J Bollinger JanLiary 7 1� 1,57 P-M Hello - Please see beloAl -1 from Jul' Seydell Johnson, D-irector of ',.0 i z , an email I or Parks and Recreation regarding the renaming of a park ater James Alan McPherson, a longtime Longfellow neighbor: The Parks & Recreation Commission will be considering requests to rename a City Park in honor of James Alan McPherson at their 'Nednesday, January 135, 2021 meeting. This meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. and will be held via Zoom, Public comment is welcome during this meeting, A full packet, which includes information on how to access the meeting on Zoom and with information on all Itern-s Is available on the City website (https://www.icgov.org/,,,.`/parks-atid-recrea-,Ilf"�,- commission). You are not required to register to speak in advance, but I would appreciate a response to this email if you plan to attend so that oAie rnav allocate appropriate time for the item. Please let me know if you have and questions or wish to provide additional communication to the Parks & Recreation Commission, Sincerely, Jull Seydell jull-1-1johnson@1owa-city,org 77 Comments Like i Comment Andrew Lade Why don't they rename City Park after McPherson? That patch they want to rename is too obscure, Like; Reply . 4d (D 1 Natasa Durovicova In Crabcakes, McPherson wrote eloquently about his neighborhood. Like Reply . Id Marcia Bollinger Neighborhood Outreach/Public Art Coordinator mlle � Senior Center: The 1619 Project 11:00 am Fridays 1/8-2/26 This series of classes aim to educate area seniors about the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans by putting both at the very center of our national narrative historically. Registration required; call 319-356-5220 to sign up. Virtual Screening of John Lewis: Good Trouble Free virtual screening available from icfilmscene.org Dr. MLK Jr. Day of Service Virtual Celebration 10:00 am on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram Welcome, Bell Ringing Ceremony, guest speakers, performances and resource fair. Unity March (Car Parade) 12:00-1:00 pm Join the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, community leaders and members in a car parade celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. MLK Jr. Meet at 913 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. Community Lunch 12:30-2:00 pm Rodney's Jamaican Jerk & BBQ Food Truck located at 1104 S. Gilbert St. Grab a meal to goat no cost while supplies last (1 meal per person). Choice of meat and two sides. Dr. MLK Online Program with Corridor Guests 7:00-8:00 pm "We the People: Protest and Peace," is hosted by the ICPL. It will feature musicians and speakers, as well as a short service to honor Dr. King's legacy. It offers a chance to connect as a larger community with his message. Watch on Facebook: fb.me/e/3sTy53n2N Service Projects There are three, unique options for someone to take part in the Day of Service: an at-home service project, a food and supply drive drop-off, and an in-store purchased donation at local grocery stores. Learn more about each at mlk.uiowa.edu. I= Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Youth Summit 1:00-3:00 pm for youth in 6th-12th grade, sessions will include workshops on "What Would Dr. King Do," "Black Youth as Agents of Change" and "Versus: Dr King and Malcolm X." Youth will join in games, conversations and skill building to create change in our communities. Register: bit.ly/ICDRMLK Celebrate Black Excellence Everyday* Honoring Unsung Heroes 7:00 pm Watch online: afterclass.uiowa.edu/events/ An informational presentation of important and influential Black people that are not always remembered for their contributions to history and the Civil Rights Movement. PARTNERS.' _ i beloved F ? 1I OAA CITY � d0EIN ommunityTHE: PUBLIC LIBRARY Ce. nu�P�1/