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Home My WebLink About12-13-2023 Parks & Recreation CommissionIowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, December 13, 2023 5:00 p.m. R11, • .• Robert A. Lee Recreation Center — Meeting Room B CITY of IOWA CITY 220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 Public Comment for each item will be limited to 3 minutes for each person and a total for no more than 30 minutes per item. Written comments submitted to parksondrecreation@iowa-citV.orq, prior to 5 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting. AGENDA ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 08, 2023, MINUTES ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA ITEM 4 INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF — Parks and Rec Director Juli Seydell Johnson ITEM 5 USER FEES AND CHARGES — Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker ITEM 6 BICYCLE MASTERPLAN & TRAILS UPDATE — MPOJC Director Kent Ralston ITEM 7 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF a) Parks and Recreation Director —Juli Seydell Johnson b) Recreation Superintendent — Brad Barker c) Parks & Forestry Superintendent —Tyler Baird ITEM 8 CHAIRS REPORT ITEM 9 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ITEM 10 ADJOURN If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this program/event, please contact Gabe Gotero, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210 or ggotero@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. I11WAZT41M_ d6"I7"MKI7xO17DF:vI(1MOM3601"I[t7*1 DiB[oil &3Ali MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 8, 2023 ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B Members Present: Rachel McPherson, Aaron Broege, Connie Moore, Alex Hachtman, Melissa Serenda, Caleb Recker, Members Absent: Alex Stanton, Missie Forbes, Brian Morelli Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Tyler Baird, Brad Barker, Gabe Gotera Others Present: Cindy Parsons, Pat Yeggy, Jill Fishbaugh, Justin Fishbaugh, Mitzi Read, Diane Allen, Larry Allen, Dhyana Kaufman, Linda Schreiber CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): Moved by McPherson, seconded by Broege, to recommend keeping the RALRC Pool hours as is for the Winter/Spring. Motion Passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent). Moved by Moore, seconded by Serenda, to recommend changing the use of the Ned Ashton House for Parks and Recreation programming as long as the work and facilities of Proiect Green are not affected. Motion Passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent). OTHER FORMAL ACTION: Moved by Broesie, seconded by Serenda, to approve the September 13, 2023, minutes. Motion passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent). PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 2 of 12 SPRING RALRC DAYTIME POOL HOURS — Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker Supt. Barker discusses the Winter/Spring hours for the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center (RAL) Pool. Barker gives context, explaining that attendance numbers have been tracked for over a year now and that recently, at the recommendation of the Commission, RAL Pool hours were extended for the Fall season. Barker goes over the attendance numbers explaining that due to the entryway project at Mercer Park Aquatic Center (MPAC), the entire MPAC facility was closed September 1 through September 15, making the RAL Pool attendance during this time frame non -reflective of normal attendance. Barker looked at pool attendance from 6:15 a.m — 1 p.m. from September 16 through the end of October and found that compared to previous numbers there was an increase in 6-7 people per day using the RAL Pool after the addition of two more open -swim hours. Barker says that the staff recommendation is to maintain the RAL Pool hours of 6:15 a.m. — 1 p.m. Monday — Friday for the Winter/Spring season. Barker adds that staff and the commission would revisit the topic in the summer to prepare for the Fall season. Commissioner McPherson refers to the RAL Pool numbers from September 1 — 15 that were not reflective and asks staff if these numbers were tracked. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that the September numbers were in the October 27 Commission agenda packet. Supt. Barker replies that there were some days with 50-60 people in addition to the Water Fitness classes, which is about double what is typically seen during that timeframe. Barker says that these numbers can be explained as swimmers from MPAC pool coming over during the closure. Commissioner Serenda asks if this response has made any consideration for expanding RAL pool hours further into the afternoon. Barker responds that there is not current consideration for expanding hours into the afternoon. Barker announces that Aquatics Program Supervisor Kate Connell has recently left her position vacant. Barker says that staff are working on filling the position but that this was also a factor into not adjusting the hours at the current moment. Moved by McPherson, seconded by Broege, to recommend keeping the RALRC Pool hours as is for the Winter/Spring. Motion Passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent). ASHTON HOUSE REAP GRANT — Parks & Forestry Superintendent Tyler Baird Supt. Baird announces that the department has received a REAP Grant worth $200,000 for improving the grounds at the Ned Ashton House. Baird says that this was worked for in coordination with Project GREEN. Baird says that staff are finishing up using REAP grants from previous years towards things like natural resources and woodland restoration. Supt. Baird explains that the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant is a program through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The state legislature designates a certain amount of funds each year up to 20 million, which is split between cities with a different range of amounts applied for based the size of the city. For a community the size of Iowa City, $200,000 is the maximum amount of funding granted. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 3 of 12 Supt. Baird details the improvements for grounds at the Ned Ashton House • Trail Amenities on a portion of the Iowa River Trail • Bike Repair Station • Bike Racks • Drinking Fountain • Increased Irrigation Access • Entry Enhancement off Normandy Drive • Soft Surface Trails • Fire Pit/Grill • Bird Blind Area • ADA Paths to the house • Ballard Lighting Dir. Seydell Johnson takes the opportunity to acknowledged Project GREEN, who is attending the meeting. Seydell Johnson says that Project GREEN came to the department with the idea for the project and was the powerhouse behind the entire process, for which the department is very thankful. Supt Baird says that the coordination with Project GREEN really strengthened the grant proposal, as Public Involvement and Engagement is a category for scoring. Supt. Baird says that there is no recommendation to make and that this item was for updating the commission. PROPOSED CHANGES TO ASHTON HOUSE USE — Supt. Brad Barker Dir. Seydell Johnson says that staff are looking for a recommendation from the Commission to possibly change the use of the Ashton House as Supt. Barker will discuss or to keep the use of the Ashton House as is. Seydell Johnson publicly apologizes to Project GREEN for a lack of communication between the department and Project GREEN when these changes were first being considered. Seydell Johnson explains to the Commission that Project GREEN maintains all the grounds around the Ashton House through thousands of hours of volunteer service. Project Green uses the garage of the building, meet in the Ashton House, and uses some storage in between the two areas. Seydell Johnson clarifies that their use of the facilities will not be affected by the proposed changes. Supt. Barker provides context on the use of the Ned Ashton House. The department has an event management contract with the Avacentre, a firm that handles the booking and management of events utilizing the Ashton House and the Terry Trueblood Lodge. Barker says that the idea behind the Ashton House since 2013 was that it would be used for weddings, social gatherings, and other functions of that nature. Barker states that the department has done a lot of marketing over the last 10 years to generate interest in the Ashton House, such as advertising in The Gazette's Wedding Guide every year. Barker says that in the last year, the Ashton House has seen 28 bookings generating around $11,000 in revenue. In contrast, the Terry Trueblood Lodge generated $102,000 in revenue. Barker states that the contracted management cost for the Terry PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 4 of 12 Trueblood Lodge is about half of the revenue generated, while the contracted management cost for the Ashton House is about double the revenue generated. Supt. Barker talks about the Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) & Outreach Supervisor, Malory Smysor. Barker says that Smysor has grown AIR programming over the past year, expanding from a focus on adult programming and Special Olympics to instead offering a wide variety of different program types such as life skills, social programs, dances, and youth programming. Barker explains that with so many programs there are a lot of needs for space, while the Robert A. Lee Rec Center is full during the evenings and weekends. Barker proposes the transition of the Ashton House from an event rental facility into more of an AIR programming hub that would house a lot of different programs. Barker explains that the accessible main level would be used for programming while the garage would continue being used for storage by Project GREEN. Barker lists other features such as the good quality kitchen with up-to-date food prep equipment that can be used for the life skills programs, the gathering space that can be used for drop -in hang outs, and an office space for the AIR Program Supervisor to use as a hub for staffing. Barker closes, saying that when looking at the growth in AIR programming, far more people could utilize the space and enjoy the grounds and facility than the amount of people that are utilizing the event rentals. Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies that there would not be any major renovations inside the building and that the first year would act as a trial period before any facility changes would be made. Seydell Johnson explained that any prospective changes would be limited in nature due to the historic part of the building. Seydell Johnson says that the one renovation that would be done is to add a door/barrier at the top of a steep set of stairs. Seydell Johnson adds that while parking is a concern, a lot of the program participants are coming from group homes in buses or vans. Supt. Barker explains that the space has been used in the past by Recreation programs such as the annual Summer Camp, some AIR programs, and the yoga program. In particular, the yoga instructor and participants found the space to be much more relaxing and quieter than the rec centers. Barker adds that when programs and events are moved to the Ashton House, there could be more availability/space for community use at the rec centers. Dir. Seydell Johnson bring up the questions, "Couldn't the Ashton house still have rentals while also using it for a program space". Seydell Johnson answers that staff do not find that option feasible, and once programming moves over, it will completely take over the main level. Commissioner McPherson asks if the projected revenue loss would be $22,000. Supt. Barker explains that the current revenue loss is $11,000 after considering the $11,000 revenue generated. Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies that if the Ashton House is used for programming, the department would not be paying the $22,000 event management cost from the Avacentre. Barker adds that the City has a 5-year contract with the Avacentre that is up for rebid in July of 2024, making it a good time for restructuring what the contract looks like. Commissioner Broege asks if wedding photos in the garden were ever looped into the wedding rentals. Supt. Barker responds that any wedding photos would have been subcontracted as photos PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 5 of 12 are not a service provided by the Avacentre. Dir. Seydell Johnson replies that wedding photos could still be allowed to happen as outside use won't be changing. Cindy Parsons, Co -President of Project GREEN, is appreciative of the acknowledgement received and voices excitement for the REAP grant but says that it can feel like the nobody knows about the group. Parsons gives a short history on Project GREEN which was founded in 1968 and has had a 55-year partnership with the City to beautify and improve the grounds of City property and some school properties. In those 55 years, Project GREEN has raised and spent over $2.2 million in public improvements. So far in 2023, Project GREEN has had 957 hours of volunteer hours just at the Ashton House and at a conservative $30/hr for skilled gardeners, have totaled $28,000 in donated labor. During 2022, over $14,000 was spent on planting and maintenance but Parsons believe it to be evener high for 2023 due to the recent droughts. Parsons says that Project GREEN would prefer for the Ashton House to remain public use due to the hard work from volunteers to make it a sort of botanical garden public destination. Parsons says that after meeting with Dir. Seydell Johnson and Supt. Barker, she understands the reasons for the proposed change but wants to make sure that three points are made on record. Project GREEN will require the continued use of the garage, some inside storage for documents, and the occasional use of the house for events. Parsons says that she would love for the Commission to see the gardens come next summer. Diane Allen, Co -President of Project GREEN, says that Ashton House has turned into a kind of secret garden and invites the commission to visit the beautiful place they've create. Allen describes starting work at the Ashton House in 2013 with chainsaws compared to today where they work with small spades. Allen says that in 2023, Project GREEN used an auger for the first time to dig holes for planting 31 boxwoods around the parking lot. Allen thanks Supt. Baird for always helping and taking her calls. Allen says that the Community is very fortunate to have Project GREEN, explaining how when Parsons and herself talk to numerous communities across the state, it is common to hear comments about wanting a Project GREEN in their community. Allen says that she would love for the Commission to learn more about Project GREEN, explaining how the work on College Green Park was the first project with many more since then. Allen informs the Commission that there is a newsletter regularly released with information on their work and that old reports can be found filed on the Project GREEN website. Commissioner McPherson says that it is an honor to meet anyone who has worked on College Green Park. Larry Allen says that the 957 hours of volunteer labor is an underestimate as Diane Allen spends about 30 hours a week for Project GREEN. Allen points out that when comparing the Ashton House with the Terry Trueblood Park Lodge, Project GREEN had given $75,000 for the Terry Trueblood Park Lodge, and that if that money had been transferred to the Ashton House instead, perhaps the difference in management cost would not be so discrepant. Allen says that more exposure would be good for the Ashton House and could come from having the gardens recognized by the Botanical Society, which would create a nationwide draw and bring in money into the local area. Allen says if an allotment of money/support could go towards that recognition, then it could benefit the entire surrounding area. Allan says that another route would be having an orchestra, either from the City or from the University to preform on the grounds and bring in a large crowd, bringing forth donations for the upkeep and care of the space. Allen thanks the department for their acknowledgement of Project GREEN. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 6 of 12 Dhyana Kaufman introduces herself as a relatively new member of Project GREEN. Kaufman says that she fell in love with the volunteers and the gardens. Kaufman reiterates Larry Allen's thoughts that the gardens have the potential to become known in Johnson County as the local public botanical gardens. Kaufinan states that the work the volunteers have completed with no budget and hard labor is amazing. Kaufman says that the City should give money for plants and mulch, which would allow volunteers to complete the beds that they work on. Kaufman says that she understands that there is a budget process but asks for it to be considered how can the department support the effort with money. Kaufman says that the Ashton House could act as a headquarters for the Botanical Society which could generate revenue, citing the Ryman Gardens of Ames. Linda Schreiber introduces herself as being with Project GREEN long enough to know founder, Nancy Seiberling who regularly spoke to City staff and the City Council. Schreiber explains how Seiberling had conceived many things that Project GREEN had worked on, specifically the garden forms that are given out every winter for decades. Schreiber describes the program as serving not only local gardeners but master gardeners as well. Schreiber details how prior to the pandemic, Project Green had started Open Gardens Weekend, a free event for the area that was hoped to eventually become a tourism event that attracted folks from around the country. Schreiber says that she hopes the commission will consider making some of the garden space accessible to those with adaptive needs. Chairman Hachtman voices appreciation for Project GREEN and their work and dedication to make the community beautiful. Hachtman describes the recommendation as, to change the use of the Ashton House from event rentals to Recreation program use. Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies that the house is still public use and that there would not be any programming on the grounds unless it is in partnership with Project GREEN. Hachtman adds to the recommendation that Project GREEN will have continued use of some spaces for storage needs and the garage. Commissioner Serenda asks for confirmation that the City does not provide support, financial or otherwise beyond the space, the REAP grant, and that of similar nature. Supt. Baird responds that staff provides mulch as needed, disposes yard waste after Project GREEN work events, and have put thousands of dollars of tree removals in the last several years. Baird explains that staff does do work on the grounds, but that the purchase and labored upkeep of the annuals are from Project GREEN. Baird notes that if Project GREEN did not take care of the annuals, there would not be the budgetary means to do so. Baird adds that staff do contract a mower service for the Ashton House grounds that costs thousands for a season. Commissioner Serenda says that she is intrigued by the prospect of a botanical garden and feels that there is something sorely lacking in the area, asking if this has ever been something considered. Dir Seydell Johnson responds that she is not sure what that would entail beyond what it already there but that the topic can be discussed in the future. Seydell Johnson says the proposed change to the use of the house would not impact a possible botanical garden. Seydell Johnson clarifies that this change would only be for about a year to see if the programming would work and if it brings more foot traffic than there is currently. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 7 of 12 Vice -Chairman Moore says that she is familiar with the area and finds it amazing. Moore continues that she believes that if the city takes it over, it will expand the use the area by bringing in more people through programming as opposed to a rental venue. Commissioner Serenda asks if it is possible to schedule a time for the Commission to tour the Ashton House. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that this is certainly possible and that there have been commission meetings at the Ashton House in the past. Vice -Chairman Moore voices that she would make the motion to recommend the proposed changes as long as the work and facilities of Project Greene are not affected. Moved by Moore, seconded by Serenda, to recommend changing the use of the Ned Ashton House for Parks and Recreation programming as long as the work and facilities of Project Green are not affected. Motion Passed 6-0 (Forbes, Morelli, Stanton absent). CIP BUDGET UPDATE — Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson Dir Seydell Johnson presents the attached PowerPoint on updates to the CIP Budget plan. Commissioner Serenda asks if the Trail and Parking Lot Re -builds are resurfacing existing things or if these are new lots/trails. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that that the parking lots and trails would not be new, adding that that some trails would be changing from asphalt to concrete and rebuilt into a more substantial structure. Commissioner McPherson asks why the trail rebuilds is so expensive at five million dollars. Seydell Johnson responds that the cost is from how many miles of trails there are that would be rebuilt. Supt. Baird explains that the change from asphalt to concrete was proposed because the price for either is currently comparable, but concrete is longer -lasting and easier to maintain. Commissioner Recker refers to the ADA Elevator Improvements and asks what elevator the project is in reference to. Dir. Seydell Johnson replies that it is the main elevator in City Hall. Recker asks why a City Hall project is included on the list of CIP projects. Seydell Johnson clarifies that Parks and Recreation includes Government Buildings which takes care of both Recreation Centers, City Hall, the Police Station, the Fire Station, and the Senior Center. Commissioner Broege refers to the Upper City Park restroom and shelter renovations being rolled into the City Park Pool replacement and asks for clarification on if the restroom/shelter renovations are coming from city staff or if the contractor will take over that as part of the City Park Pool replacement. Dir. Seydell Johnson clarifies that it would be all one project and that they were merged due to how the City bonds for the project work. Seydell Johnson explains that if the projects were bonded separately, they would each have their own individual budgets. If there were any leftover funds from the restroom/shelter project, they would not be able to be used on City Park Pool. By bonding the projects together as a single project, funds can be used for both. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 8 of 12 CITY PARK POOL PUBLIC INPUT UPDATE — Dir. Juli Seydell Johnson Dir. Seydell Johnson presents the attached PowerPoint updating on the City Park Pool Public Input process. Chairman Hachtman leaves at 6:07 p.m Commissioner Serenda is surprised by the gender imbalance throughout the input and asks if this is reflective of pool usage or a lack of male engagement with Parks and Recreation. Dir. Seydell Johnson replies that consultants found this demographic to be what is typically seen at public input processes for Parks and Recreation departments. Seydell Johnson say that this is reflective of who wants to participate in public input. Commissioner McPherson asks if the Berry Dunn Consultants had conceived the design for the interactive public input. Dir. Seydell Johnson answers that it was the consultants who wrote the questions but credits City Communications & ITS staff for translating the questions onto an online survey. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that this is breaking new ground for the methods used and the amount of input gathered for this public process. Seydell Johnson says that it has been a lot of staff work due to the creation of new processes but that it will be worth while to have people feel like they had a hand in the process. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF Director of Parks & Recreation — Juli Seydell Johnson Staff Changes: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that there are 3 major staff changes happening. Facilities Manager Kumi Morns has left to take a job at the University of Iowa. Seydell Johnson says that interviews for the position have been completed with a decision expected to be made within the week. Aquatics Program Supervisor Kate Connell has left to take an aquatic consulting job. Applications are being accepted for this position for another week and a half before interviews begin. Seydell Johnsons explains that in the mean -time Caylea Housh, the Recreation Assistant is working with Supt. Barker to keep the aquatics division moving. Michelle Wiegand, the Communications and Special Events staff is leaving later in the week to work for Johnson County on environmental programming. Seydell Johnsons says that staff are actively pursuing for the candidates for the vacant spots in Recreation. Budget: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that earlier in the day, the first of two big operating budget meetings took place. Seydell Johnson explains that it will be like the capital improvement budget for the city, in that there is no extra money over the next several years. Seydell Johnson says that she is confident the department will be fine with staffing and that the level of services will remain similar, but that it will be a lot tighter on the budget side of things. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 9 of 12 Cemetery: Dir. Seydell Johnson says that the Cemetery Rules and Regulations are being updated. Seydell Johnson explains that the updated document will be an item shown to the City Council soon. Recreation Superintendent — Brad Barker October Events: Supt. Barker states that October was a very busy time for Recreation staff. Barker says that the biggest event was the Farmers' Market every Saturday which has recently closed for the year while preparing for the Holiday Markets on November 11 and December 16. Supt. Barker says that there were 10 different Halloween events in additional to the Halloween Carnival. The Halloween Carnival has a great turnout for a lot of engagement with the City Park Pool process, and that there were lots of carnival games with partnership groups each making different spooky science experiments. Barker explains that nearly every nook and cranny of the Robert A. Lee facility were utilized, adding that it's great to see so many people in attendance. Supt. Barker talks about the Get Outside! outdoor recreation festival which took place October 8 in City Park from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. Barker says that staff were blessed with a great day for outdoor activities, and that there was a huge turnout for the event. Barker states that the department worked with 14 partnership groups, each with their own activities to promote their department, including outdoor excursions or recreational opportunities for people to take part in hands-on. Barker adds that there were food trucks, a band, and a sky -diving demonstration. Barker says that this was a great first-time event and has shown what can be improved for future years. Supt. Barker talks about the Indigenous People's Day, another first-time event, which took place October 9 in the Terry Trueblood Recreational Area. There was cooperation with several partnership groups to create a good event and had a great turnout for attendance. Vice -Chairman Moore says that she heard great things about the Get Outside! event and was nice to attend. Barker responds that it was wonderful to see so many families and people come out and experience the event. Parks & Forestry Superintendent — Tyler Baird Winterizing: Supt. Baird announces that the winterizing process has begun for Parks staff. Baird explains that every year water fountains, and irrigation are turned off and all, but 2 restrooms are closed. The 2 restrooms in City Park and Terry Trueblood Recreational Area are kept open year- round because the facilities are heated. Baird says that in athletic complexes, staff have been aerating the heavily used turf areas such as athletic fields, playgrounds, and pick-up soccer fields. Baird explains that this is to help the turf breath over the winter while also overseeding grass seed, to allow the grass to catch up in the upcoming spring. Baird adds that Parks staff have been working with Streets crews to help with the leaf vacuuming program for the last month. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 10 of 12 Projects: Supt. Baird says that contractors are finishing up several projects. Baird explains that the Kiwanis Park playground installation is waiting on the delivery of one crucial part, to replace the incorrect part mistakenly sent earlier in the project. Baird says that Parks staff are close to complete installation of the playground at Happy Hollow Park, explaining that the design had one two many steps on side, requiring the ordering of a correctly size piece. Baird clarifies that 80% of the playground is setup and was recently poured with concrete. Baird says that it is not uncommon for playground installations to get held up on the delivery of a single part. Tree Plantings: Supt. Baird announces that he has been working on preparing for tree plantings for 2024, including rights -of -way around town, near Mormon Trek Blvd. on the west side, and around the South of Six Municipal Improvement District. Baird says that there has also been work with community members and other City staff to utilize Heritage Tree Funds. Baird explains that in the spring there will be a tree planting in the Oakland Cemetery with a focus on Native species. Vice -Chairman Moore asks if she should be raking her leaves or not. Baird recommends watching a video from Communications and Channel 4 staff on the subject. Baird explains that he mulches the leaves on his lawn to provide "free fertilizer" for the lawn. Baird says that one can put a mulch kit on their mower or lower the mower flaps to keep debris from flying around. CHAIRS REPORT: None COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Serenda asks about communications for trail closures. Serenda says that she has seen announcements for trail closures on short terms/small scales but heard nothing regarding the significant closure of the Sycamore Greenway trail. Serenda asks if this was an oversight and if there is some standard for when the public is notified of trail closures. Dir. Seydell Johnson agrees with Serenda's sentiment, explaining that the closure was handled through a different department, who has heard from the Parks and Recreation department on the matter. Seydell Johnson says that there is no formal policy regarding the announcement of trail closures but more so that staff know the steps needed to notify the public and that this trail closure had gone through a different pipeline than usual. Commissioner McPherson asks that the commission start to think about a women only swim time as suggested by City Councilor Mazahir, which would see more women and black folk in the pool. Vice -Chairman Moore explains that she is working on a project for a one -year -old child with mobility issues, to build a Jeep that can move at the push of a button. Moore thanks the department for donating a kickboard and pool noodles for the project construction. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 11 of 12 Vice -Chairman Moore explains that a member of the community had spoken to her about an unfortunate situation. The community member, who is a lap swimmer and had recently started swimming laps more frequently, said that she was approached by someone who said that she needs to know that the City is trying to close the pool and they this person has to come every morning to count because the City is not counting correctly. Moore remained neutral in this interaction but says that it is unfortunate because the original community member was weirded out by the interaction. Moore states that while people are allowed to their opinion, people are allowed to swim without being accosted. Commissioner McPherson responds that that was one person and brings up that Mark Cannon has come up with a community outreach idea for filling the 9-10 a.m. slot with Water Mindfulness every Tuesday, explaining that while on one side there is a semi -aggressive nature there is the other side who are going with a calling -in approach. Moore agrees that there is a lot of positives coming from it but wants it known that there are people that feel intimidated by it. ADJOURNMENT: Vice -Chairman Moore adjourns the meeting at 6:31 p.m. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 09, 2023 Page 12 of 12 PARKS AND RECREATION ATTENDANCE RECORD NAME N M M M M M M M M O M O M O M O TERM N N ; N oo N cc N N N o N N N N a N 'n ellN i o, EXPIRES N H N o en '. '. V1 .. b '. n o - .. 9 N O o � O O O O ti ti Aaron 12/31/24 * * * * * X NM X X X X X Broe e Missie 12/31/25 NM X O/E LQ X X NM O/E X X X O/E Forbes Alex 12/31/24 NM X X LQ X X NM X X X X X Hachtman Rachel 12/31/26 * X X LQ X X NM X X X X X McPherson Connie 12/31/25 NM X X LQ X X NM O/E X X X X Moore Brian 12/31/25 NM X X LQ X X NM X X X O/E O/E Morelli Caleb 12/31/26 * * * * * * * * X X Recker Melissa 12/31/23 NM X X LQ X X NM X X X X X Serenda Alex 12/31/23 * * * * * * * * X X X O/E Stanton KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member during this meeting 11/8/2023 UPDATE-2024-2028 November8,2023 Parks & Recreation Commission PARKS &RECREATION Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Parks & Recreation CIP ANNUAL PROJECTS - $610,000/YEAR • R4130 Park Annual Improvements $90,000/year • R4132 Park Annual ADA Accessibility Improvements $30;000/yeer $150,000 for 2024, then paid from Park Annual Improvements. • R4194 Climate Action Facility Improvements $250,000/yee�2024 • R4206 Intra-City Bike Trails and Trail Bridges $40,000fyeeF $150,000 Year — No individual trail projects added. • R4330 Annual Recreation Center Improvements $50,000/year • R4380 Annual Contracted Tree Planting $100,000 $50,000/year 1 11/8/2023 3 2024 CIP PROJECTS R4346 Palisades Development Park (On Hold — Land not yet dedicated) R4351 Mercer/Scanlon Roof Replacement moved to 2028 R4395 Calder Park Connection and ADA Trails R4372 Terrel Mill Skate Park/Pump Track R4384 Brookland Park Playground Replacement R4385 College Green Park Playground Replacement R4397 Court Hill Trail, Beech to Scott Replacement 2025 CIP PROJECTS R4229 City Park Pool Replacement R4363 Upper City Park Restroom and Shelter Renovations R4388 AEA €leveter Imprevements - City H Moved to 2026 R4392 Carson Lake Land Acquisition 11/8/2023 2026 CIP PROJECTS - • R4227 Highway 6 Trail Broadway to Fairmeadows Moved to 2027 • R4362 Napoleon Softball Fields 5-8 Renovations • R4389 North Market Square Park Playground Replacement R4390 Rene StFe .. PaFk Reneyeitiens Moved to 2028 • R4384 Benton Hill Playground Renovations • R4403 Carson Lake Park Retention Basin • New— RALRC Structural Cables and Mercer/Scanlon HVAC Replacement s 2027 CIP PROJECTS • R4398 Thornberry and Rita's Ranch Improvements • R4400 Mercer Park Shelter Replacement • R4 01 o.._i. Maintenance Stec ge BaFn _ Moved to 2028 • R4404 Iowa River Trail — Gateway Segment - Unfunded C, 3 11/8/2023 NEW PROJECT REQUESTS- EMERGING NEEDS Trail Re -builds • Beach Street, Willow Creek -West High, Napoleon, Sycamore Greenway, Peninsula, Hunter's Run Park, Waterworks Prairie Park, South Hickory Hill Park. $5,000,000 ($150,000/year) Parking Lot Re -builds • Scott Park (28,000 sf), Thornberry (30,000 sf), Mercer Athletic. $1,000,000 (Nor Funded) Shelter Replacements • Mercer Park, South Hickory Hill Park, Crandic Park. $450,000 (Only Mercer Funded.) 7 CIP UNFUNDED LIST - MORE THAN 1 YEAR Fairmeadows Park Trail Loop - $1 25,000 Southgate Avenue — Iowa River Trail Connection-$400,000 Napoleon to RFX Park Trail Replacement - $720,000 Whispering Meadows Park Trail/Boardwalk Improvements - $250,000 Riverfront Crossing Park, Phase 4 - $1,353,000 Riverfront Crossing Park, 2nd Restroom and Pedestrian Bridge - $1 Million Ashton House, 2nd Parking Lot - $300,000 Lower City Park Master Plan - $23 Million East Side Sports Complex - $14 Million 8 N 2023-2025 CITY PARK POOL Project Updates Parks & Recreation Commission November 8, 2023 IT,'Or,' ITY Choose Project Consultant Team- Done! Assess Current Condition of Pool - Done! Council Presentation & Decision to Repair or Replace - Done! Public Input - Phase 1 - Currently Happening Public Survey - 3 Concept Designs - Likely mid -January Public Input - Phase 2 - Likely January - February 2024 Design Chosen by City Council - Likely March 2024 Construction August 2024 - December 2025 11/8/2023 1. Provide community recreation experiences for a wide range of users. I2. Provide increased independent accessibility to all water experiences. 3. Provide shade in several areas of the deck and some in the water areas. 4. Provide design and operating efficiencies that support the City of Iowa City Climate Action Goals. 5. Maximize efficiency of lifeguards. 6. Promote the vision "Every child learns how to swim". 7. Welcome users of all backgrounds with specific attention to facility entry patterns, shower/changing and restroom design. 8. Evaluate the potential merging of the outdoor park restrooms and year-round recreation programming space into the swimming pool facility. 9. Limit the construction area generally within the fence line/site plan of the current pool. 11/8/2023 s CITYf PARK POOL PLANNING Icgov.org/jumpin Residents asked to register their interest in Focus Groups by Oct. 30 • Press Release • Social Media Posts — Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and NextDoor • City of Iowa City Channel 4 Video Updates • Email to all Recreation Program Accounts • Flyers & Signage — Rec Centers and Programs • Letters to Partner Groups & Neighborhood Assoc. • Individual Outreach to Community Groups 327 Registrations Received • 78 Male/242 Female/S Non -Binary • 43 Non-White/263 White/21 Did Not Report • 21 Ages 13-29/ 133 Ages 30-49/ 161 Ages 50+ IOWA CITY ;Ymp Inl —City—Palk- pool planning s iuenxc,'�I City Park Pool Planning Focus Group Participants Top MMJFep.H W an Mwev Penning Focus Groups due Oct. 30 imnMamrmat ICGOV.ORG/JU911. O: r� of 3 11/8/2023 • Press Releases • Social Media Posts — Facebook, Twitter, Unkedin, and NextDoor • City of Iowa City Channel 4 Video Updates • Flyers & Signage — Rec Centers and Programs Oct 27 — 2-4 p.m. at Mercer/Scanlon Rec Center • 35 People Attended —All White 7 Ages 30-59/ 28 Ages 50+ • 9 Male / 26 Female Oct 27 — 5:30-7:30 p.m. Family Halloween Event 460 People Attended • 57% White/43% Non -White 225 Male / 230 Female / 5 Non -Binary 216 Ages Under 13 / 16 Ages 14-19 / 42 Ages 20-29/ 163 Ages 30-49 / 23 Ages 50+ CITY; PARK POOL PUNNING &t. , ICGOV.ORG/JUMPIN 0 11/8/2023 paui On-line Version Available on Project Website November 1-14, 2023 - 176 Online Responses Received as of Nov 6 Provide your input on a new City Park Pool design in our online survey. Survey available at: ICGOV.ORGNUMPIN Deadline to submit: 5 p.m., November 14, 2023 1. People who registered filled -out a questionnaire with several self-selecting questions. 327 Received 2. Demographic information was collected to allow for balancing of groups to reflect community demographics. 3. Selection committee of three staff, a resident and a P&R Commission member made group selections without seeing participant names, addresses, phone numbers or emails. Non Iowa City residents marked. 4. All registrations meeting criteria for a certain group were separated from over-all group. Preference was first given to non -white registrants up to 5 participants per group of 20. The remaining spots were filled by rolling a dice, then using the number rolled to select every (number) person from eligible list. Group chosen was then checked for gender, race and age distribution. Adjustments were made if gender, race and age were far from targets. Most were very close to targeted representation. 5. After 9 groups were chosen, demographics of both the selected and not selected were checked. It was determined by the selection committee that representation was lacking from people under the Age of 29. A new group was chosen from younger adults. The last group was assigned as folks older than 70 years of age since many requests had been made from the public to have a specific group for this age group. 10 11/8/2023 6. Self -reported availability was used to schedule the groups. Not all requests for certain times or dates were accommodated. 7. 227 Invitations were emalled with a request for an RSVP. • 65 Male / 157 Female / 4 Non -Binary / 1 Other • 33 Non -White / 175 White / 18 Prefer Not to Answer • 3 Teens / 18 Ages 20-29 / 104 Ages 30-49 / 62 Ages 51-69 / 40 Ages 70+ • Self Reported Swimming Ability — 55 Expert / 156 Casual / 16 Non -Swimmers Self Reported Primary Activity at Pool — 10 Aqua Fitness / 10 Haven't Been Recently / 79 Open Swim 58 Lap Swim / 2 Special Event / 5 Sunbathe / 30 Supervise Kids / 1 Swim Team / 10 Lessons • 110 Have Iowa City Swim Pass / 107 Do Not Have an Iowa City Swim Pass 8. Requests for a different time/date were accommodated, if group space allowed. 9. People who were not selected for focus groups, or who declined their invitation were emailed on on-line version of the Focus Groups Questions which may be returned until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. 11 • Passholder/regular user- Families • Passholder/regular user- Lap/Fitness Swimmers • Passholder/regular user - Aqua Fitness/ Water Walking / Water Jogging • Teens • Infrequent Users -Younger Adults • Disability community • Childcare Providers - Daycares and summer camps • Members and allies of LGBTQ+ community • Swim lesson participant families who used a scholarship for lessons • Parks & Recreation Commission Members • City Aquatic Staff - supervisors, maintenance staff & lifeguards 12 11/8/2023 Develop three (3) Schematic Designs based on Open House and Focus Group Feedback. o Two (2) of the designs shall be within $10 million budget and o One (1) design shall include added features supported by gathered feedback that shall not exceed more than a $15 million budget 13 • Complete a statistically valid survey via mail of randomly selected Iowa City residents. • Survey sample to match demographically in age, income and ethnicity with Iowa City population. • Desire a precision of at least +/- 5% at the 95% level of confidence. • Survey to assess preference for: • One of three pool designs • Willingness to pay various entry fees • Willingness to change locker rooms/restrooms into single user facilities. • Open survey to general public once statistically valid responses are received. 14 7 11/s/zo23 16 • Williams Architects- Project Lead • Counsilman-Hunsaker Swimming Pool Engineers & Consultants • BerryDunn Consultants - Public Input • Hitchcock Design Group- Landscape Architects • University of Illinois Recreation & Park Resources • [MEG- Civil & Structural Engineers FT MLUAMS -- ARCHITECTS � oUAnsFoman•Hunsaker RLIFE b BerryDunn 16 L: QUESTIONS Juli Seydell Johnson Parks & Recreation Director JuJohnson@Iowa-City.org . 319-356-51 04 CITY OF IOWA CITY Date: December 6, 2023 To: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation From: Brad Barker, Superintendent of Recreation Re: Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges Commission Role: Provide review and recommendations Background: The City Code requires the Parks and Recreation Department to submit a schedule of fees and charges every year for approval by City Council. The Parks and Recreation Commission annually reviews and recommends approval of fees and charges for all Parks and Recreation Department services and programs. Fees were increased in FY23 and FY24. Staff generally will alternate years between fee increase proposals. However, because of the higher than normal inflationary pressures over the last several years, fee increases over consecutive fiscal years were recommended and approved. Staff is proposing two FY25 fee schedule options for Commission review. One proposal has no fee increases. The other has fee increases for most services in the realm of 2-5%. The reasoning for the variation in percentages is to round numbers to the nearest dollar in order to simplify the user registration experience. The lower the cost, the higher the percentage increase needed to get the fee to the next round dollar amount, which is why some percentage increases may seem high. Considering inflationary easing and fee increases over the last two fiscal years, staff recommends no fee changes for FY25. 220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • (319) 356-5100 • FAX (319) 356-5487 City of Iowa City 10510214 Farmers Markel 3,181 crea ong Fees F. , I uu "23 Fee 1.00 FY24 Fee 1.00712.W"l 115 25.0% 0]5 0 15 1 mi 10510214 Farmer's Markel 363910 Met, Sale of March 914 9-14 5.00 5.00 5.W 5.00-18.00U-22.00 11.1% 10510214 Farmers Markel 382100 382200 Vendor Fees BuildingRoom Rental 10.WI1].25 10.W18.00 10.50-1&W 10.50-1B.W 11.00-20.OD 11N0 20.000-M.00 10.0% 105MM Rec. Center Operations -Mt9 RenXitchnCra11 Rm 32.W 32.W 33.W M.W 11.W" 13.W^13.W" 8.3%-Socal Hall W.W li 84.W 84.W 29.W" W.W"31.W" 33%Gymnasium -Full Gym 45.W OS.W 4].W 4].W 49.W W0051 4.0%-Mali Gym 25.W 25.W 26.W M.W 2]W 28.W29.W 36% 105202M Rec. Center Operations M24M Locker Rentals -Deily bel op.room) 0.75 0.75 035 0.75 0.75 075 0.]5 0.75 0.0% -11lacoment 30.W W.W WIN30.W 35.W 31 Seim al 14.3% ym Will "deaden. -Tot-Dons, 1W 100 1.W 1.W 10U i.W 1.W1 1.W 0.0% Scanlonym M67M Special Events -Birthday Posies 88.00-103.W B8.061W.W W.W-108.W W.W-1W.W 130.W" 115W 1M.WI 140.W 3.7% ym M2200 BuildltgRoom Rental 7bGM -Gym 450M]SW 45.OM5.W 4].00int8i 4].00]]B.W 49.W/81.00 51/83.W SO.W I83W 52.W IWl 3.6-40% -Mercer kill Room M.W M.W 2].W 27.W 11.W" 12.W" 12.W" 13.W" 8.3% -Pi Room 4(1.00 'I'll 47.W 41 17.W' 18.W" 18.W" 19.W" 5.6% -Wellness room 26.W M.W 21.W 21.W 11.W" 12.00^ 12.W" 13.W' 8.3% -Gym Steel Event 40.WI]0.00 40.Wiri'l 41.OM2.W 41.OM2.W 43.W/]5.00 45W/TI.W 45.W/]].W 4].W/W.W 3.9-4.4% 45.W <].M Q.W 49.W 5l 52.W 4.0% od Gym 382200 BuildinglRgom Rental 45.00 28.Wda.W M.00511.W W.W52.W 10.W55.W" 1.W58.00" O%_ 5.5% 10520420 Social Programs 346400 Lessons M.WA8.00 29.00-50.00 10520420 Social Programs 363910 Men Sale of Merdt 12W 12W 1200-2000 12.00-20.W 13.00-21.W 13.00-22.W 3.WM.W O%-4.5% Cultural"rage 28.W-08.W 28.Nl �.0650.W 30.0652.W 30.0655.OD" 30.0058.00" R6."e�m&M. O%- 5.5% 10520430 346400 Lessons 29.00-50.00 10520430 Cultural 346300 Pi Studio Paa 210.W 210W 22000 220.W 230.W 2M.W M.W240.W 2.1% Summer Co. 34&00 Lassoes 185.W ill 190.W 195.W 2W.W 210.W 5.0% 10520460 190.W Aquatcslnatroc8on 3464W Lessons 1052020 -Red Cross(Gat 25.W M.W 22.00-M.W M.W/session 6.OMesso fi.W4eason BOM. 0% -Press,(Am,llve) 30.Mmeseop 10-20Ilesson0-20.Wneren 10.00-22.00.4esson 100% -Lifeguarding 165.00 185.W 17O.W 170.W 180.1)) 180.W 180.W 191 5.6% -Water Safety lnst.(40 hr) 175.00 t]S.W 11110.00 180.00 215.01D 215.W 215.00 230.01) 7.0% -Lifeguard Millimeter nli.W 225.W 2W.W 230,W 230.W 240 NJ 241 2WW 42% LifeguaN lnstruclor Raced 100 1W.W 110.W 110W 115M 4.5% -Life0uanding Recess 1W.W 1W.W 1fi0.W 170.SO 6.3% 6.W 6GO fi.W 10520530 Water Fiessa M6200 -Drop-In 6.00 0% 10520530 Water Forms. -Monthly Session 16.W(4.9Ndaes).W 15.00ICIa63) 20.W IS.WICI89s) CO 15 W/class) 0% - Monthly Unlimited W.W Ulm BO.W 60.00 0% 10520541 Fee Center P� r 346100 Admissions 4.00 4.W 4W 4.W 4.W 4.W IW 4.SO O.W% 10520541 Ron Center Pool Door 346200 Punch Pass 31.W 31.W 32.W 32.W 32.W 32.W 32.W 32.W 0.0% 10520541 Fee Center Pool Oper U63W Pool Passe -Annual Pass 22(1.00<4M.W 220.00428.W 22].00dM.W 22].OD-139.W 234.W4W.W 234.W4W.W 234.WAW.W 234.I1OJ50.W 0% 10520541 -30 Day Pas M.W-M.W 20.W38.W 21.00.M.W 21.W39.W M.W-0O.W U. .00 22.Wd0.W 22.Wd0.W 0% 10520541 Rec Center Pool Oper 382200 Private Swim 75.W 75.W ]B.W Tikimmnr .I%41.Sh party .OWtSh 1M.00I1.SM1r 40.1W1.5h Party Party 3.]% 10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper M6100 Admissions 4.W 4.W 4.W 4.W 4.W 4.W 4.00 4.W O.W% 10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper M6200 Punch Pas 3t00 31.00 32.W 32.W 32.W 32.W 32.W 32.W O.W% 10520542 Mercer Park Pool Oper 346300 Pool Passes -Annual 220.WdM.W 220.1)(122].MJM.W 22].00-139.W 234.WdW.W 234.0l 234.WdW.W 234.Wd50.W O% -30 Day Pass M50-MM 20W�8.W 21.W-39W 210039.W 22.W40.W 22.WA0.W 22.Wd0.W 22.Wd0.W O% 105W542 Mercer Park Pad 382200 M6100 Private Swim Pa Admissions ]5.W ]5.W ]BW ]9.WRiwr .Wll.Wr pal.00I1.5br pal 1M.(OI1.SM1f 40.00I1.5M1r path 3]% 10520543 City Park Pod Oper 2W-0.W 21 ,W 2.WADO 21NHA0 200 1)0 2.NJ32,W 2.Wd.W 0.0096 10520543 City Park Pool Oper M6200 Punch Pass 31.W 31.M 32.W n00 32.W 32.W 32.W 0.00%10520543 City Park Pool Oper U6300 Pool Pass -Annual Pass 220.W>28.W 220.W<28.W 222W439.W 22].Wd39.W 23/.W�4W.W 234N-4 234.W W 234.W (X)0%-30 Day Pass 20.W-30.W M.W-38.W 21.WM9W 21A0.39.W M.OD40.W n.W 22.WJO.W 22.WJOW 0%10520513 City Park Pool Oper 382200 Private Swim Pe 225.W .0011.5hpMy I1.Shpal /1.5 h 2W.W I1.5 M1r .W/1.5hrpal 6.0%0520620 B.W-25.W a.W-MM 500-26.W &W-28.00 &W-2].00 1.00-3 1.W35.00" 1.W-3fi.OD` 2.9% SPI Clubs and Special Event M(t400 Lessons 0520620 SPI Olubs and Spacial Event 3461 Special Events 5.W26.W 5.00-M.W 5.00-9.W 1A0- 1.01i 1.W36.11M 2.9%10520720 2].W-53.W 2].WBi.W 28.W-55.W 18.00-55.W M.00.W.W 10.00- 10.00-0O.W 10.W .W 3.3% vialh Sports Programs M6400 Lessons W.INMI0.W 10.00i25.W 10,6 .W 10.00d/0.W t0.W4 10.064%.W 10.004W.W 0.1l 10520820 AJalt Spors Programs 90W410.W "Ma ding room rent& hales are now at an hourly pate, cal Man a 3 hour bock. This M1elps to provide more fiexbillty with rentals. "Bas fader Max Change- more reflective of octal commun8y needs 15 • { E 2\ - - \ - - ! \ , 42 / ! k \ )to / ) )f {/ r ! ai \\\\\\ \\\\\\ \\ \\\\ \\\\\\ }\\ !§§§§§§/§§\\\/\§Gi \\§ AF \\\\/ ) !!!!)t/�!|!|}�/!|!}|}}!|!!t}} { 9 a u V 9 i a A r M w N O N L s E v 0 io 0 3 F- o a d - m C •3 � x o � L p p _ °o g p L e v o < m d Y � r u Q N - _ u Y O O Q 3 a Y ~ L ¢ f0 d o o v a o e e N U U1 m m o v y o m e TIT 0 0 0 0 0 $ C z z z z z z z z z i z i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i E o b - Community Foundation of Johnson County City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Accounts Statement Activity Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund October 01, 2023 - October 31, 2023 Beginning Balance: $41,766.55 Total Fund Income: $2,950.00 Total Fund Expenses: $18.00 Ending Balance: $44,698.55 Statement Activity Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund October 01, 2023 - October 31, 2023 Beginning Balance: $185,694.89 Total Fund Income: ($4,541.53) Total Fund Expenses: $678.75 Ending Balance: $180,474.61 Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet December 2023 Upcoming Events • Holiday Market; December 16 - 8 am — Noon, RAL • Noon Years Eve Party —December 30; 11:30 am —12:30 pm; RAL pool • Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration —January 15, 9:30 am —12:30 pm; MPAC Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff Parks: • Final touches are being put on the projects at Happy Hollow, Kiwanis, and Hickory Hill Parks where playground and restroom/shelter projects have occurred this fall. • Staff has transitioned equipment to snow removal and is ready for plowing this winter. • We are currently in the hiring process for two positions, Assistant Superintendent of Parks, and a Maintenance Worker I — Athletic Fields position. • Staff are working on winter projects, some of which utilize urban lumber to provide features for our parks and for recreation programming. • Pickleball and tennis court replacements have begun, and further construction will continue in the spring. • Planning for the skate park replacement and pump track addition has begun. There has been good public interest in this project. • Parks/Forestry staff assisted Streets daily in November to help with the leaf vacuuming program. • Progress on the off -road single track bike trail project continues. The goal for opening of the trail is Memorial Day. Recreation: • Winter/Fall program registration begins December 12 for Iowa City residents, December 13 for all. • In partnership with ICCSD, staff have completed the transition in updating the department's pass management software with SEJH student info. This enables all SEJH students to now use their school ID as their facility pass. • Mercer Park Aquatic Center is hosting approximately 40 aquatics professionals at an Iowa Parks and Recreation Association aquatics maintenance workshop in December. • The Farmers Market will begin accepting applications in January for the 2024 season. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Facilities: • Riverside Festival Stage is out for bid, bid opening is December 121h. There has been a decent amount of interest from contractors. • Terry Trueblood H2O roof is scheduled to be replaced in the first part of December. We will be transitioning from rubber shingles to standing seam metal roof. This will last a lot longer. • With the Roller -coaster temperatures as of late, staff have been spending a lot of time adjusting boilers to make sure the buildings are comfortable. Cemetery: • The current rules and regulations are currently being updated/changed as we reclassify some of the flush lots into monument lots. All changes will be approved by the City Council in January 2024. • Staff will concentrate on trimming Oak trees once we get some hard freezing. Top Staff Issues Parks • Filling of open staff positions is a priority to bring us back up to full staff. Recreation • Caylea Housh, Recreation Assistant, has been promoted to the Aquatics Recreation Program Supervisor position starting December 11. The vacancy left by the transition will be advertised soon. • The applicant and interview process continues for the Special Events and Communications Recreation Program Supervisor position. Facilities • Aquatics Maintenance staff finished up winterizing the outdoor pool systems this past month. • HVAC maintenance continues to work on transitioning building systems into winter mode as the temperatures become more stable. PM work has been done for City Hall, Mercer, and RALRC. Cemetery: • Staff is busy mulching/collecting leaves. • Staff has most of the snow equipment at the ready. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City Oakland Cemetery FY 24 Revenue Report ** shaded areas represent previous Syr average Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale Syr Average # of Interments Interments Syr avg. Revenue from Interments 5-year Avg. on Interments Total Revenue Syr Avg. on total revenue July $6,750.00 $4,550.00 3 6.6 $2,642.50 $3,504.00 $9,392.50 $8,054.00 August $7,875.00 $7,039.00 7 7.0 $2,672.50 $4,321.50 $10,547.50 $11,360.50 Sept $7,860.00 $7,624.25 7 7.8 1 $3,085.00 $4,741.25 $10,945.001 $12,365.50 Oct $6,750.00 $11,157.00 9 7.0 $4,410.00 $3,899.50 $11,160.00 $15,056.50 Nov $4,270.00 $5,257.50 4 6.8 $3,065.00 $4,070.50 $7,335.00 $9,328.00 Dec Jan Feb March April May June Totals 1 $33,505.00 $35,627.75 30 35.2 $15,875.00 $20,536.75 $49,380.00 $56,164.50 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City The following documents were handed out during the meeting. Comments to Parks & Rec Commission Evaluation Summary of Parks & Rec Indoor Swimming Pool Reports for October 2023 The following public comments and analysis regarding Iowa City aquatics are being submitted for inclusion in the published agenda packet for the December 2023 Parks & Rec Commission (Commission) meeting. Community members would like to thank the Parks & Rec Department (Department) for acknowledging that the recently extended Fall hours at the Robert A. Lee (RAL) pool (from 9:00-11:00am on weekdays) have resulted in an Increase in pool use. Many pool users have expressed how the additional open hours have allowed more convenient and flexible fitness routines, not only giving them the option to arrive and swim during the mid -morning hours, but also permitting them to swim for longer segments and avoid the peak times when they may have to wait for a lap lane. We are grateful to the Department and the Commission for recommending the expanded hours be maintained through the Winter/Spring season. In addition to accommodating patrons' needs, the extension of pool hours allows the continuation of a new wellness opportunity, a Water Mindfulness class developed and taught by Mark Cannon and offered through the Iowa City Senior Center. Community members also appreciate the addition of audio equipment at the October Commission meeting to improve attendees' ability to hear the proceedings. Volunteers continue to spot check monthly pool count reports with the intent to encourage reliable accounting of pool use. Since October 2022, the efforts of pool advocates have consistently demonstrated how official monthly pool count reports do not accurately reflect actual pool use. Analysis of the October 2023 RAL pool count report continues this unfortunate pattern by verifying a minimum of 108 omissions that represent unreported pool use at RAIL during the evaluated portions of the pool's open hours. Detailed findings are provided on page 2 and two representative examples of significant omissions are illustrated on page 3. The examples visually demonstrate how 44 of the 90 pool users verified in six hours of video footage were not reported, which equates to 49%of the verified pool users being omitted. The consistent evidence of substantial discrepancies between reported and actual pool use demonstrates that attempts to represent pool use through pool admissions continue to be inadequate to achieve accurate results. The community again implores the Department to begin reporting pool data that is an accurate, comprehensive, and transparent accounting of ongoing pool use, and to correct all prior pool count reports for the thousands of omissions and errors previously identified. Only then will they provide a reliable resource for fact -based decision making regarding the future of municipal aquatics in Iowa City. Thank you for considering the continuing concerns of our community. COMMUNITY EVALUATION OF PARKS & REC REPORTED DATA —OCTOBER 2023 A minimum of 108 omissions were identified in the Robert A. Lee monthly pool report. Identified omissions represent only a fraction of unreportedpool use. Data verification occursfora portion of days/hours and is limited by volunteer availability to conduct direct observations and ability to obtain/afford relevant data through public information requests (e.g., security video, pass scan reports, attendance/training rosters). Robert A Lee Recreation Center- Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - October 2023 asp VIDEO Verified = 32 from Win ($2 Swim) (+SJ) ORS S a 36 a6 40ct I 1 1 4 c 1z 1 42 SS a3 I., 8 I c 6 I zS 6 0 $z swim zon S S c 5 1 4 1 1 za Pool Party Scheduled (+unknown) ole L2,.j $z swim VIDEO Verified = 58 from S-Bp S2 Swim) (+27) 1a-, 3 6 3 I 1 32 76 11Qt P 2 6 2 s 1 1z 3 40q VIDEO Verified=52 from 6a-lp (+1) s1 11 2S 12da't 4 1 4 3 fi 1 6 J 2S 60 13Qt 0 4 0 0 12 7 J 30 ] 5 $2 Swim la at 1oz c c3 an a Lifeguard Trai rung. 8:3Va32p(+19) 152 t o so SS $x swim 170ct c $ 3 11 5 36 7S ry VIDEO Verified = 35 from (1 (.1)) .a t 3 1 2 6 2 a x144 VIDEO Verified=3r from 6a-1p(HI 3o S2 2 swim 11 ott z z 1 1 2 0 0 3aS ws imunce w Pkc Pmm snot D xe s2 swim VIDEO Verified=28 Lessons Training 1-5) lessons Training(+10) from 5-8p i$25wim) (+2)%and Lessons Training (+8) 1s oct '1 43 z4 on'Training (+11 Lifeguard Training, 8:30a-12p (+12) 2e ca e z e a a 6 a 1 a ae x Lifeguard Training 8:30a^12p I+5) VIDEO VerMed = T from 5-8p ($25wim) (+l) Swim Lessons Scheduled (+unknown) ,ana coal a gals So, Pass Usage Report Thal=881(+p 14 KEY: BREAKDOWN OF IDENTIFIED OMISSIONS: OPool use scheduled or verified by citizen count or "swim Lessons" 'Daily gee Totals" "Event p Count" information obtained via public records request, a U uderrepored by an unknown number . Underreported by minimum cl participants . Underreported by a minimum of 102 participants Q Pool -pass scan omission verified in Pass Usage 'Total scans" S2Swim =42; Training =55, Pool Parties = unknown) Report. Identified omissions represent individuals confirmetl to have entered the pool and do not include on -duty staff or non -pool users. po g. g pao quire pool p Q Pool was closed. Reported zeros are misleading. ' Underreported by l scan Staff hall events areinduded as essential I use that would re Is ace elsewhere if RAL was not available. 2 Examples of Video -Confirmed Omissions in Reported Pool Attendance at RAIL - October 2023 Analysis of the 3-hour $2 Swim event at RAIL from 5-8pm on Sunday, 10/01/2023, showed: 32 confirmed pool users. Parks & Rec reports 15. 17 of these verified pool users were not reported for the 3-hour event. Analysis of the 3-hour $2 Swim event at RAIL from 5-8pm on Sunday, 10/08/2023, showed: 58 confirmed pool users. Parks & Rec reports 31. 27 of these verified pool users were not reported for the 3-hour event. s,1sa ,- � se Images from RAL security video of unique individuals confirmed to have entered the pool; obscured to respect privacy. Identified omissions do not include on -duty staff or non -pool users. Attention: Parks & Rec Commission Members Re: Submissions for December 2023 Parks & Rec Commission Published Agenda Packet Dear Commissioners, The attached public comments are being submitted for inclusion in the published agenda packet for your December 2023 meeting. Based on prior established practices I had expected them to be published in the agenda packet for your November meeting. I have since become aware that the Parks & Rec Department changed how they determine which public comments are included in the Commission's published agenda packets. I was told, according to the revised process, that correspondence received before a packet's release will be included in the published agenda packet. I am sorry if this change causes you to receive these comments more than once. Thank you for considering community input. Mitzi Read Iowa City Attachments: August/September 2023 Community Comments and Pool Report Analysis 10/27/2023 Public Comments — Mitzi Read Comments to Parks & Rec Commission Evaluation Summary of Parks & Rec Indoor Swimming Pool Reports for August and September 2023 The following feedback completes a full year of community -led analysis regarding Iowa City aquatics. Since there are many new commission members, a description is provided of how reported pool use is verified, as well as evaluations of the August and September 2023 Parks & Rec (Department) pool count reports. This input continues to be provided with the hope that the Department will improve their data collection methods and correct omissions and errors in past and ongoing monthly pool count reports. Understanding Reported Pool Use and How Omissions are Identified: The Department's chosen method to represent pool use is to report pool admissions. Both pool -pass scans and daily admissions are recorded at the reception desk for open swim and certain recurrent events like $2 Swims. Additional pool admissions are tracked through class and training rosters, and registration for swim lessons, intermittent events, swim team practices and meets. Unfortunately, the Department's recorded pool admissions frequently underrepresent the actual number of individual pool users. Common reasons for this include instances when a customer forgets to scan their pass, when a pass is scanned before or after the RAL pool's open hours but while the rec center is still open (these are intentionally omitted by the Department), when family/household passes are scanned once to admit multiple individuals, and when scanning equipment malfunctions, etc. Since the public cannot directly access Department systems to verify the accuracy of reported pool admissions, community members must compare the provided data to information independently obtained/purchased through public records requests such as security video footage, pass usage reports, class/training rosters, and in -person observations. Using these resources, citizens spot check reported pool data to identify omissions and errors in monthly pool count reports. Omissions are noted when reported admissions are proven to under -count the actual number of individuals who enter the pool. Identified omissions do not include on -duty staff or non -pool users. The two examples provided on page 3 illustrate the validation process. Reported admissions for a specific time segment, like a $2 Swim event, are compared to security video footage documenting individuals who enter the pool. If the number of reported admissions is valid, the pool users verified by video will match. RAL Pool Counts: In August and September 2023 RAL pool count reports, community volunteers documented 144 omissions that represent unreported pool use during the evaluated portions of the pool's open hours (see pages 2-5 for detailed analysis and examples). Mercer Pool Counts: Page 5 illustrates a recurring error where formulas used to calculate the August 2023 "Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours" and "Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours" values include 12 hours of Mercer admissions recorded during hours RAL was closed. These errors overcalculate Mercer's 'total using RAL hours' by 85 admissions and 'average using RAL hours' by 2 admissions per day. Spot checks of RAL and Mercer pool count reports from October 2022 through September 2023 have revealed at least: • 1,025 uncorrected omissions of verified RAL pool use. 2,554 uncorrected under -representations of RAL pool use due to math, input, or formula errors. 413 uncorrected over -representations of Mercer pool use due to math, input, or formula errors. Community members expect and deserve decisions regarding the future of municipal aquatics in Iowa City to be grounded in facts, which will only become possible when the Department begins to provide accurate, comprehensive, and transparent information and when all previous data have been corrected to provide a reliable accounting of past pool use. Thank you for your time and effort to support this shared goal. COMMUNITY EVALUATION OF PARKS & REC REPORTED DATA —AUGUST 2023 A minimum of 41 omissions were Identified in the Robert A. Lee monthly pool report. Identified omissions represent only a fraction of unreportedpool use. Data verification occursfora portion of days/hours and is limited by volunteer availability to conduct direct observations and ability to obtain/afford relevant data through public information requests (e.g., security video, pass scan reports, attendance/training rosters). Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals August 2023 Day 1fia ssP -m . a-sA -AP 6 -ap a�N xer iaoi: .r¢.e:: swimea lans .coum Aug VIDEO Verified = 29 from 13a-lp (wl 8A 4 39 3due 6 3 16 6 33 iryiy DAug I u 2 21 1 IO 14 5 Rug 2 2 1 is 3 O 0 0 2Y s 3 m Aug iii a 3 6 19 a Citizen Count=32Prom 11-11:59a 1a31 "12-1p"scans do na[Lttovnt Jor noted omission 36 16 l0-Aug A D 23 a dl ]t-AUL 5 ]9 2 3] 9 .gAVIDEO Verified = 21 from 5-8p ($2 Swim) (a10) 13--Aug 539uim isRuS 3 2 2 la z 27 16-Aug 5 5 D 19 4 2g 15 1]-Pu. 6 19 2 EB Aug VIDEOVerI0ed=30 from 5-8p($25wim)(a10) 39-Au8 s 3 s :g s o 2s s 20-A�g s2 sunm 23Rug 9 5 22 3 40 16 221ug 4 8 3 22 0 41 UL Aug 2s.,. c A3 3) 3 37 26-Aug fi 3 2 1 4 2 D 0 0 18 s 27-Aug 20 uoAM 28-Pug ]0 2 28 5 49 12 ug Citizen Count=l5 at 11:30a (a31 Pass Usage Report Total = 950 (a9) 6rxMTMxI o.o KEY: BREAKDOWN OF WENPFIED OMISSIONS: O Pool use omission venfled by citizen count or Pepl-Pass Scans "Dail, Re, Totals" "EYentltcounC information obtained via public records request. . Underreported by 9 suns • Underreported by minimum cf12 participants r Underreportedbya minimum Df20 participants 0 Pool -pass scan emission verified In Pass Usage ($2 Swim =20) Report(includes auto-debit"punch"passes). Identified omissions represent individuals confirmed to have entered the pool and do net include on -duty staff or non -pool users. z Pool was closed. Reported zeros are misleading. Staff training events are included as essential pool use that would require pool space elsewhere If RAL was not available. Examples of Video -Confirmed Omissions in Reported Pool Attendance at RAL - August 2023 Analysis of the 3-hour $2 Swim event at RAIL from 5-8pm on Sunday, 08/13/2023, showed: 21 confirmed pool users. Parks & Rec reports 11. 10 of these verified pool users (nearly half of the total) were not reported for the 3-hour event. Y##MYYi##YYYYYYYYYY#YYYY##YY#YYYYiY###iY###iY###Yi Analysis of the 3-hour $2 Swim event at RAL from 5-8pm on Sunday, 08/20/2023, showed: 30 confirmed pool users. Parks & Rec reports 20. 10 of these verified pool users (one third of the total) were not reported for the 3-hour event. z❑ w Images from RAL security video of unique individuals confirmed to have entered the pool; obscured to respect privacy. Identified omissions do not include on -duty staff or non -pool users. COMMUNITY EVALUATION OF PARKS & REC REPORTED DATA — SEPTEMBER 2023 A minimum of 103 omissions were identified in the Robert A. Lee monthly pool report. Identified omissions represent only o fraction of unreportedpool use. Data verification occursfor a portion of days/hours and is limited by volunteer availability to conduct direct observations and ability to obtain/afford relevant data through public information requests (e.g., security video, pass scan reports, attendance/training rosters). Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals September 2023 1o81a • an Sep 6 op czfi zn Swim Levenz �$2 1 Sep 9' 30 6" Swimc VIDEO Verified = 40 from 5-Bp (52 Swim) (+2) %¢en $a Sw lessons Training (4fiI VIDEO Verified = 73 firm 6.4, (a4) sxp VIDEO Verlfled = 69 from 6a-Ip (+2) 67 VIDEO Verifwd =11 from 5-8p ($2 Swim) (+1) - 6.P 10 S9 52 Swim 4sep 5 Y a 5 5 3 50 25 peal per, 165ep a 37 $2 Swim 11-Sep Sx 2 J B 10 35 Y 67 xT Lessons Training(+21 sa 15 Lessons Training (+9) Lessons Training(+)) 13 Sep 10 z 1S 8 9 12 z VIDEO Verlfled=]l from 6a-Ip (M) Not including water fltness class. Lifeguard Training (+11) as Sensory Swim I+Unknown) ,sw.m s"$z VIDEO Verlfled -9from 5-8p Siren 2rs.p Swan 1$2 Swim)(+2) ew zit-s.p ss-sep a a z a s e 3 .° a a 3 Citizen Count pool entries from 8-8:30aIK) "1-8o"icons do nataccountfor noted omissions. ° 43 73 21 ❑feguaN Training (+15) a2-sep 9 3 1 1 u a 3x 5 5 525.am VIDEO Verified =4 from v 23-sep 1 s s 0 1 3 5 1, 3 1 aaaaali_($25wlx4-Sep 60 2x $x swim VIDEOVImaw ss-sep 9 3 a 1z 1 as ex =26 froxa J(�) Sep a eo ($25wi wui.ee, 273ep 4�. 8° Pepw ]ii ) 21 1 $2ewim2Pan Usage ReportTotal =1208; Pass scans emitted 1+24)Scans included in this report =1,184 (not 999) (untlerrepresen[etl by 185 clue to input and formula errors) rasa•,; eon Nm•. Mear P•re>n"•mr em,r r•uii, we, aimed Sew I-15 KEY:: BREAKDOWN OF IDENTIFIED OMISSIONS: y Pool use omission wanfled by citizen count or Pool -Pass Scans "Daily Rise Tonle "EventNCount" Information obtained via public records request. • Underreported by 24 scans • Underreported by minimum ci participants • Underrepeartetlbya minimum ofW participants 0 Pool -pass scan amissian verified In Pass Usage ($2 Swim =10 /Training =50) Report (includes auto-debit"punch" passes). Identified omissions represent individuals confirmed to have entered the pool and do not include on -duty staff or non -pool users. 4 0 Pool was closed. Reported as. are misleading. Staff training events are included as essential pool use that would require pool space elsewhere if RAL was not available. COMMUNITY EVALUATION OF PARKS & REC REPORTED DATA —AUGUST 2023 Mercer admissions calculated in the "Total using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours" and "Average using Robert A. Lee Pool Open Hours" were overreported by at least 85 because they incorrectly include 12 hours of Mercer admissions recorded during hours the Robert A. Lee (RAL) pool was closed. Errors were identified through review of documents obtained via public information requests (e.g., Excel spreadsheets of monthly pool reports, pass scan reports, etc.). Mercer Park Aquatic Center- Indoor Swimming Pool Totals August 2023 _ - - rally ae, Tmax w e. Tana. 0t9a 3I Ea$2 swlm e - 4♦ ro s a06 P35 06 x fix.. 1311 1 ca 14 3 ra 1 143 190 3 swim ]s $] ANm m.w, t]Pue 3 ♦ lE 15 6 0 s 1a s N t O l 1 A co 19O 11 s35wlm �II{Lid� Ea i✓• v v t� E>• IIIII®IIIIIIPi IIIIlS'a IIIIY� fa��i�illlli�lllllllllllll4111111111�111111111111111111111111111�i6n� �� o o m ®m co o gym►®� ®mmom®�� 13 1os Calculations of tots is and averages 'using RAL pool open hours' incorrectly include 12 hours of Mercer admissions when RAL was Closed. Total Using RAL Pool Open Hours: sz swm Overreported by at least 85 (adjusts to 1,115) ]Wal mlz aobert A. see v"eloce"xwez 1]m Average Using RALPrrl Oren Hours: osnna.aea maaremi ens omn xuu,a Overreported by at least 21day(adjusts to 35.9 KEY: DATA REVIEW NOTES: O Hours when RAL was dosed, yet Mercer admissions recorded during these times were Identified repeat instances of inflated admissions at Mercer are further evidence of incorrectly included in calculations of total and average using RAL pool open hours. 1111111 Mercer admissions correctly included in calculations described above. pervasive and continuing pattern of significant errors in pool count reporting that remain uncorrected. 5 Public Comments Mitzi Read, Iowa City October 27, 2023 Parks and Rec Commission Meeting Dear Commissioners, I submit these comments for the October 27, 2023, Iowa City Parks & Rec Commission meeting and have asked that they be included in your agenda packet. I would again like to thank you for your efforts to ensure the community is fairly represented in decisions affecting our parks and recreation opportunities. I would also like to specifically thank you for your time and consideration regarding the future of aquatics facilities and services because they have a significant impact on access to our community's resources for long-term health and wellbeing. As some of you know, my family recently invested our entire future in the promise of Iowa City as a place of fairness and compassion, where truth is not only treasured, but expected. It is understandable that there may be some fatigue from the level of effort required to review and reflect upon the aquatics -related information presented. I too, wish it was not necessary. The year -long efforts to advocate for accurate reporting of pool use are made even more disheartening knowing that none of it would be necessary if the Parks & Rec (Department) was providing accurate information, or at the very least, correcting it after being made aware of its flaws. I am deeply saddened that the implicit trust I once had has been irreparably damaged by this experience in a community where it was least expected. A reflection of the foundation of this broken trust can be seen in several statements made by Parks & Rec Director Juli Seydell Johnson during the September 13, 2023, Parks and Rec Commission meeting. In response to a public comment asking the Commission to insist the Department provide accurate pool use data and correct past errors and omissions, the Director pointed out that in a recent memo regarding Fall pool hours, both the Department's numbers and those provided by the community were included, saying "you had both numbers side -by -side." This statement appears to imply that somehow the Department is absolved of its responsibilities by providing their incomplete and inaccurate accounting of pool use alongside a partial list of their omissions and errors, discovered by and at the expense of the community members it serves. • When asked to explain the history and reasons for tracking pool use, the Director described that a "group of residents are counting every day and reporting their numbers." She went on to say that among the many reasons the numbers are different is because, "Some of it is what they're counting; we don't count staff in the water." The first statement is a continuing, gross mischaracterization by the Department, as they are well - aware community members do not possess or report comprehensive pool use. Volunteers record intermittent in -person observations to count people entering the pool, as one of several methods used to identify omissions in reported pool data, and these observations are only referenced in monthly pool data analyses in specific instances where pool use is proven to be underreported. The second description, implying that community members are overrepresenting pool use by counting staff members, is offered despite written community comments and analyses clearly stating that identified omissions do not include on -duty staff and that formal staff training events are included as essential pool use that would require pool space elsewhere if RAL was not available. Public Comments, Mitzi Read, Iowa City October 27, 2023, Parks and Rec Commission Meeting • The Director then declared, "We don't dispute their numbers." I find this statement most interesting, since the Department makes no effort to even acknowledge community -identified omissions and errors, let alone correct them. I can only speculate that by abstaining from a "dispute," the Department is attempting to rationalize ignoring the community's findings entirely, including obvious miscalculations due to math and formula errors as well as hidden data and input mistakes. • Asa final synopsis, the Director explained, "We just say they're counting differently than we're counting." This statement exemplifies the dismissive and evasive responses that perpetuate community concerns and drive individuals like me to continue speaking out despite significant personal costs. To illustrate how community -led monthly pool data analysis is conducted, I refer to the many pictorial examples provided to the Commission, like the one presented at the September 13th Commission meeting, where 63 community members are shown, whose pool use during the 3-hour $2 Swim on July 16, 2023, was confirmed via security video footage. The Department reported only 40 pool admissions for the event. Since no valid justification is provided for omitting 23 community members who used the pool during the three-hour period, it seems the only meaningful interpretation of the Director's statement is that the Department's method of counting attempts to represent pool use by recording pool admissions via pass scans, fee payments, and registrations; while community members use the tools available to them to confirm the actual number of individuals who use the pool. While the Department's chosen method to account for pool use forces the public to use indirect methods to verify reported data, it does not explain orjustify ignoring the thousands of proven omissions and errors documented in the monthly pool count reports over the last year. Nor does the Department's failure to take responsibility for these omissions and errors diminish their duty to the citizens of Iowa City who deserve accuracy, reliability, and transparency from its public agencies. The Department's continued mischaracterization and outright dismissal of public input creates an atmosphere of distrust that is a true disservice to us all. The persistent attempts to justify the recommendation to close the RAL pool due to insufficient attendance demand the accurate representation of all pool use at RAL. Only when decisions are based on reliable data and verifiable facts will they serve the true needs and wishes of this community. As someone who spent a career in the government sector, dedicated to the principles of public service, I can emphatically say that performing your duties with competence and accuracy is never too much trouble nor too time consuming; being accountable to those you serve by correcting mistakes that occur and preventing reoccurrence of those mistakes is essential to establishing and maintaining public trust; and conducting yourself with integrity and transparency is always the right choice. Please help our community regain its trust in this process by joining me in excepting nothing less. Public Comments, Mitzi Read, Iowa City October 27, 2023, Parks and Rec Commission Meeting 2 The following was presented during the meeting. Pic Oil Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan UPDATE 2023-2024 � l i w 'r �a].GreekT� _ rerl ^� Genaapgd � �— e nui 5t �� I VgNGVCRek�k� � , r I , NwVd�V 11� 1 �Hij°.tl A< f hno J Ive 27 miles 10 miles 26.5 miless�r 17 miles _ ^ �, KEY S Bike Lane Bikeway ••• Shall Sul rob 1 � J Bike Bowes Turn bores to help birydis6 honsi- llon between blke laneson loter- suingonewayis 3 N I e Y � i z; SXENOAH &I(EWAY _� WAIHII!®XEWRY Madison Street 4- to 3-lane conversion. • Jefferson and Market Streets buffered bike lanes from Madison Street to Governor Street. • Burlington Street bike lanes from Madison Street to Riverside Drive. • Bikeways from Eastside neighborhoods to Iowa River Corridor Trail. • Bike turn boxes at signalized intersections with bike lanes. • Future 1-way to 2-way conversions? KEY _ Bike Lane ��44 • Sharrows N• A, w` Bikeway Sidepash r nxa S [�1— SS d" b t..L SUS 1jl�jj1' Trail • "w�-' Ra �!l�' i w•�,Be.4r L � ` PoINNI C�kdlll Eastside Neighbo Buffered bike lanes on Rochester Avenue, from I� Avenue to Montrose Court. Buffered bike lanes and 10-foot sidepath on American Legion Road from Scott Boulevard to Barrington Road. • Bikeways to South East Junior High and City High. v' oath ate Ave O .: RIVER Trueblood TRAIL RecArea KEY Bike Lane t `.... • . Sharraws P Bikeway .. - .. a Sidepaih aaam Trail WSKYa -"- --- BUMSAVE �!EiileLhY .. Park • Bike lanes on Keokuk Street, South of Hwy 6. • Bike lanes on Southgate Avenue. • Bikeways on Sandusky Bike lanes on Benton Street, from Greenwood Drive to Mormon Trek Blvd. Coralville Trail connection from Crandic Park to 1s' Avenue in Coralville. Future buffered bike lanes on Sunset Street Future bike lanes on Melrose Avenue in University Heights. Future bike lanes on Mormon Trek Boulevard from Hwy 1 to McCollister Boulevard. Future bridge replacement for Highway 6 and Burlington Street bridges. Bicycle position on Primary Riding in the center of the road MAY USE the lane improves FULL LANE visibility. It's the best Secondary option to deter unsafe Ride further out (3-5 ft passes, particularly on from the gutter) to slower urban roads. avoid debris, storm drains, and other hazards. This also provides room for maneuvering —a good i option for faster roads. SHARE THE R0A0 In the gutter You are easily overlooked and can become boxed in when wanting to maneuver around parked cars or make a turn. SAFE PASSING DISTANCE jin: Bicycle Collisions (2012-2023) 43 24Ojr28M28 35 34 No 23 26 22%t, 15� 13 87786 87521 7,949 .1 6,765 5,360 3,888 5,058 IRC Trail at Crandic Park Monthly Totals 2023 FEB MARCH APRIL MAY OCT NOV DEC WILLOW CREEK r lm HIGHWAY 1 HIGHWAY 6 SUNSET SUNRISE rd I� TRAIL TRAIL grain Branding and Wayfinding