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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-10-2024 Parks & Recreation CommissionIowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, January 10, 2024 5:00 P.M. 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 parksandrecreation@iowo-city.orq, prior to 5 p.m. on Monday, January 08, 2024, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting. AGENDA ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 27, 2023 MINUTES & DECEMBER 13, 2023 MINUTES ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA The Commission cannot engage in discussion or debate. However, once the commenter has left the stand, the Commission may ask staff to respond to a concern or question posed by the public, or to follow up with the speaker. ITEM 4 COMMISSION BUSINESS — Chairman Alex Hachtman a) Introduction of new commission member, Virginia Hayes. b) Election of Officers. c) Distribution of correspondence. d) Requests for 2024 agenda items. ITEM 5 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF a) Recreation Superintendent — Brad Barker b) Parks & Forestry Superintendent —Tyler Baird ITEM 6 CHAIRS REPORT ITEM 7 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ITEM 8 ADJOURN If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this program/event please contact Gabe Gotera, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210 orggotero@iowo-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. l[�]`.i/:Z�_M_II'I717;fiY��.:7 �L�1;7_�1:11 Y_[�7►1 1 7 Dip Iu lJU3 A`i MINUTES OF OCTOBER 27, 2023, WORK SESSION MERCER PARK AQUATIC CENTER & SCANLON GYMNASIUM — PROCTER & GAMBLE ROOM Members Present: Aaron Broege, Missie Forbes, Alex Hachtman, Rachel McPherson, Connie Moore, Caleb Recker, Melissa Serenda, Alex Stanton Members Absent: Brian Morelli Staff Present: None Others Present: Beth Beasley, Sue Protheroe CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action): I►�= OTHER FORMAL ACTION: None PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None CITY PARK POOL PROJECT FOCUS GROUP — City Park Pool Consulting Group; BerrvDunn Dannie Wilson, BerryDunn consultant, leads the focus group for the Parks and Recreation Commission members. The notes transcribed from the focus group by the consultant team are attached. Chairman Hachtman calls the meeting to adjournment at 12:00 p.m. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION October 27, 2023 Page 2 of 2 PARKS AND RECREATION ATTENDANCE RECORD NAME N N M M M M M M M en O en O en O TERM N o, N qv N N cc N 0o N N o N qv N N N a ellN n i EXPIRES .�-� N N n V1 b n N O Aaron 12/31/24 * * * * * * X NM X X X X Broe e Missie 12/31/25 X NM X O/E LQ X X NM O/E X X X Forbes Alex 12/31/24 X NM X X LQ X X NM X X X X Hachtman Rachel 12/31/26 * * X X LQ X X NM X X X X McPherson Connie 12/31/25 X NM X X LQ X X NM O/E X X X Moore Brian 12/31/25 X NM X X LQ X X NM X X X O/E Morelli Caleb 12/31/26 * * * * * * * * X Recker Melissa 12/31/23 X NM X X LQ X X NM X X X X Serenda Alex 12/31/23 * * * * * * * * * X X X 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 Williams Architects Prepared By: AC Iowa City City Park Pool Project No. 20023-040 Friday 10/27/2023 Focus Groups Focus Group 10 — Parks and Recreation Commission — 11AM Leader: Dannie Notes: AC Attendees: See sign -in -sheet Introductions Questions 1. What design features would you like to see in a new pool? Zero -entry so everyone can enter the pool. Existing lift not safe. Accessibility, inclusive, safe space. Everyone can learn to swim. Beyond the obvious zero edge, existing wading pool is not desirable. Not separated now and can run into deep water. Zero depth entry would help solve problem. Better separation, such as gate, desirable. More for kids. Shade over water, shade over pool deck. Existing does not get a lot of shade. Break from direct sunlight. Preserve character and trees. No giant waterslides. Integrate new pool in park. 2. What things preserve character? Not adding a lot of bells and whistles. Keeping it simple. Waterslides would compete with natural surroundings. Open space. Zero depth. Ability to offer higher level of swim lessons. Focus programming. More pleasant entry. Need policies to limit adults. Current channel can be useful for lessons. Can be separated vs. waterslide. Current channel can be shallow. Against climbing wall. Support shade over pool deck critical and over water. Risk mitigation. Shade over deck and shade over water. Colors more neutral. Channel requires more staff. Hate to have it not used because not enough staff. Current channels can be costly but can be a nice aid for lessons. Concern for risk and injury with waterslides and climbing wall. 3. What is the most important amenity? Zero depth entry Agree Agree Agree Agree Agree Diving boards Zero depth entry and diving second Like 3M board iconic to City Park Lap lanes. Maintain meters available. 50m vs. 25yd? Like 50m. Separate area for lap lanes? But would need more staff. Not a pool for all if not both zero depth and 50m. 4. How many lap lanes? 25 yd 8 lanes. 50m luxury high competitive level. May also achieve zero depth. Technical question. Don't know. 50m less turns. Some facilities have both. Look at data to influence decision. Same. Same. Is there an advantage to 8 lane 50m for competitive purposes? City host events for high schools or professional events? Are there current competitions? No. Is 25 yd satisfactory? Zero depth preferred over 50m. Competitions would close pool. Juli not enough parking for competitions. Endurance swimmers like 50m. 5. What would a great space for kids 5 years and younger? Jet and bubblers. Agree. Go to other pools that have those features. Giant waterslide would not fit. Simple splash pad. Rock wall bad idea. Maintain focus on safety. Soft floor. Minimize trip and fall. Some shade. 6. Deep water other activities besides? 3M diving Swim lesson retrieve objects in 12 feet deep. Appropriate for deep water programming. SCUBA, water polo, water aerobics? Yes, water aerobics, other options. Not sure about SCUBA certification. Why can't it be split off? It could be. Maybe separate dive well. 7. What other programs should happen with instruction? Examples Most of list is deep water activities. Flexible space. Flexible separation. Can do SCUBA indoor. Great opportunity to revitalize and capture new users to the pool. Once every 75 years. New users. Water walkers would bring new members. Be able to rope off different sections and set off spaces for different group activities. Water walking depth with other things 4 to 5 feet deep, deep water, lap swimming depth doesn't matter, etc. Other things not on list in the future. Flexibility. 8. Is there anything that prevents people from using pool? No zero depth. Not accessible. No accessible parking or entry. Getting there issue. Locker room barrier to same. People like or don't like. Existing not popular. Gross. Transportation is an issue. Better fare free. Certain parts of community have barriers. Some teens don't go because they want waterslides. Parking issue. Cost. Is it the same as other pools? Are there discounts for income levels? 9. Accessibility options? Transfer system rare. How many people actually use lift? People are singled out. What can be universal? Slope entry highest independence. Make so they can enter the pool on their own. Is the chair needed? Yes. Need balance to use. Would like higher version. Sturdier. Or zero entry. Requirements discussed per code. Don't see transfer system used at university? Sloped entry. Pool stairs deep water idea. Hand holds helpful. 10. Bathhouse accessibility and features? Entry accessibility. Natural light. Warm and inviting. Open at the entrance. Flex space for changing for families or individuals? Locker room not gender based? Private rooms discussion? Depends how it is laid out. Adult size changing table essential. Open area, light, all looks great. Adult changing table in same room? Can close off for privacy. Can fold up and go up and down. Combine single user and adult changing table. Individual rooms for quick change. Able to bypass locker rooms desirable. Maybe shrink locker rooms. Private showers with hard barriers not curtains. Accessible entry. Closer to parking. Long sidewalk. Maybe expand size multipurpose, etc. Maybe move building up. All materials water resistant. CMU walls. Mold concerns. Shade over pool deck essential. 11. Website for additional comments. Citvparkpoolproiect(a)iowacitv.org 12. Conclusion. Juli. Explanation of focus groups and open houses. 111WAZT41Wd6417;i.Y193Ly7DF:11I(1)► OM3lul"111W��97Dim lulJU3Ali MINUTES OF DECEMBER 13, 2023 ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER — MEETING ROOM B Members Present: Aaron Broege, Missie Forbes, Alex Hachtman, Rachel McPherson, Connie Moore, Brian Morelli, Caleb Recker, Melissa Serenda, Alex Stanton Members Absent: None Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Tyler Baird, Brad Barker, Gabe Gotera, Josh Worrell, Caylea Housh Others Present: Mitzi Read, Justin Fishbaugh 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 Forbes, seconded by Serenda to recommend no increases to User Fees & Char¢es for FY25. Motion Passed 8-0 (Morelli absent). OTHER FORMAL ACTION: Moved by Serenda, seconded by Broesm to approve the November 9, 2023, minutes. Motion passed 7-0 (Forbes. Morelli absent). PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None INTRODUCTION OF NEW STAFF — Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson Dir. Seydell Johnson introduces two members of staff that are moving into new positions in the department. Commissioner Forbes arrives at 5:02 p.m. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2023 Page 2 of 7 Josh Worrell introduces himself as the new Facilities Manager, having formerly served as the Assistant Superintendent of the Iowa City Parks department for 3 years and as the Assistant Superintendent of the Coralville Parks department for 12 years. Worrell says that he supervises a 12 member staff who manages the facility needs and project of the Robert A. Lee Rec Center, Mercer Park Aquatic Center & Scanlon Gym, the Civic Center, the Police Station, the Fire Station, and the Senior Center. Caylea Housh introduces herself as the new Aquatics Program Supervisor, previously working as the Recreation Assistant for 2 years and as a Lifeguard for 3 years. Housh says that she is easing into the position, having started only 2 days prior, and is looking forward to everything that is to come. USER FEES AND CHARGES — Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker Supt. Barker says that it is the annual time to review the fees and charges for various programs and rental facilities that are under the department. Barker states that the prior 2 years for FY23 and Fiscal Year 24, the Commission had moved to approve an increase of 3-5% across the board. Barker explains that typically the fees and charges would be increased every other year but that the Commission had increased the prices 2 consecutive years due to the inflationary pressures from the rising costs of goods and services. Barker says that with the inflationary pressures stabilizing, it is the recommendation of staff to not increase the fees and charges for FY25. Barker points out that in the agenda packet there is a proposed increase but reiterates that the staff recommendation is to not increase the user fees and charges. Moved by Forbes, seconded by Serenda to recommend no increases to User Fees & Char¢es for FY25. Motion Passed 8-0 (Morelli absent). Barker adds that staff continue to promote for the RecAssist program which takes 50% off most fees and charges for residents with financial need. Commissioner Recker asks regarding rental facilities, if staff plans for future years via projection of 3-5 years out or if it is planned year -by -year. Dir. Seydell Johnson confirms that the charges are planned out year -by -year. BICYCLE MASTERPLAN & TRAILS UPDATE — MPOJC, Kent Ralston & Sarah Walz Dir. Seydell Johnson introduces this item as a request from several of the Commissioners at past meetings. Seydell Johnson introduces Sarah Walz and Kent Ralston from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to give an update on the Bicycle Master Plan and trails. Sarah Walz and Kent Ralston explain that while both are members of MPO there are also employees of City of Iowa City for transportation planning. Walz and Ralston present the attached PowerPoint presentation. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2023 Page 3 of 7 Commissioner Forbes asks about kind of education there is around the bike boxes. Walz states that there is what is known as a "two -stage bike box" located by the CRWC on Burlington Street which has a huge sign explaining the bike boxes. Walz says that in terms of education, MPO has released videos and handouts on the subject. Walz explains that while the department does do some education online but because they don't have direct programming, that they rely on groups like Parks and Rec, or bicycle advocates such the Bike Library and Bike Iowa City to distribute provided material. Ralston says that regarding vehicles, he believes it to be obvious on what a driver is supposed to do as there are posted signs with explanations on where to stop and how to position oneself. Ralston says regarding the bicycles, that it is easy to figure out how to proceed when the vehicles are in the correct locations, as it creates a pathway for the bikes. Commissioner McPherson says that she drives on Burlington most days and was not aware of the bike box rules and agrees that while it is intuitive to work out, she still is worried about hitting a biker. McPherson asks if there could be some official education from the DMV about the new signage to ensure that drivers can recognize the bike boxes immediately. Walz responds that Drivers Ed classes are starting to incorporate learning about bike facilities but that she does not know to what extent. Walz explains that when there is an intersection with bike boxes, there is no right-tuming-on-red. Walz explains in regard to the intersection near the CRWC, when someone is in the bike lane going east they would pass through during the green light and stop in the bike box on the far east side of Madison, waiting for the light to turn green on Madison and then cross. Walz adds that bicyclist that are very experienced tend not to use the bike boxes because they're comfortable moving across lanes into the center turn lane on busy street, while a less experience bicyclist would use the two -stage bike box. McPherson corrects herself on that she had meant to refer to the bike box on the comer of Riverside & Burlington where it is a right- tum-on-red which has hash markers. Walz explains that the hash marks indicate the mixing area where cars can pass through and agrees that there can be more education done. Ralston adds that that area is tricky but that he expects the bike lanes to be vastly improved once the bridge is replaced. Chairman Hachtman says that it is great to hear about the different languages that the bike rules are shown in and the extent that they are distributed out to the community. Walz says that people do take the rules to be distributed at the bike rodeos and the bike library which reach a diverse spread of biking communities. Hachtman sys that it is great to see the numbers decreasing from the collision map and asks if there is anything the commission can do to help minimize the amount of collision happening in a particular area. Ralston explains that MPO has received a $300,000 safe street and roads grant as part of the new partnership infrastructure bill which will go towards hiring a consultant in the next 3-5 months to look at collision hotspots and give recommendations on how to correct those. Commissioner Morelli arrives at 5:29 p.m. Commissioner McPherson asks regarding the bollard posts for protected bike lanes and asks about the issue that stems from driveways. Walz explains that staff typically put protected bike lanes on arterial streets with long black faces and a very limited number of driveways, and that there is a lot of maintenance and complications where these bike lines are installed. McPherson PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2023 Page 4 of 7 asks if there could be a tax incentive for driveway owners to be more amiable towards the bike lanes. Walz responds that driveway is the only access to someone's property so that makes it discouraged for a bike lane if there are many driveways. Walz adds that some people might ask "Why aren't there protected bike lanes everywhere" but explains that there are very specific conditions that need be present for a protected bike lane to be installed. Commissioner Serenda asks what the standards are for new development and subdivisions for including off-street trails or side paths to make sure that every new community is connected and integrated into the trail system. Walz responds that these are usually identified in the district plans and will typically follow flood areas and waterways (Rivers and Creeks) and utility corridors where there's an easement that can't be developed. Walz provides an example off trails on the Southside near the new Alexander Elementary School which follows a sewer line where buildings can't be constructed. Walz explains that when connecting collator streets on the edge of a community, they will be built with the width of a bike lane and side paths incorporated. Walz closed saying that the trails are almost always identified in the district plans and that when people coming with a subdivision plan, it might be something required to be built or might open up the opportunity for the city to build it Commissioner Broege says that he manages an apartment complex on Benton Street and says that there has been a great response from residents regarding the new bike lanes, which make people feel much safer when traveling. Broege thanks MPO before asking about Greenwood Drive, a major communion point for students that live south of the university, what are the sharrow markings indicate. Walz responds that Greenwood bikeway is a connection for bicyclists to get from Benton to university without having to go through the large traffic. Ralston explains that the shared lane arrows or sharrows are used when there can't be a true bike lane due to the minimum buffer required. Commissioner Stanton asks if there can be signage put up downtown as there are often cars parked in the bike lanes on Clinton Street. Stanton clarifies that he understands that there can be only so many signs put up before there are too many signs but asks if there can be signage to put more fear into a driver for parking in the bike lanes. Walz says that the lanes are signed as bike lanes and on some streets even marked as no -parking but explains that it is a constant challenge for enforcement staff. Walz adds that those stopped in the bike lanes are often delivery drivers who have gotten wise on how quick they need to be before getting a ticket. Walz confirms that it is an issue, and that staff are looking for a solution. Commissioner Morelli says that Clinton Street is so wide, especially between Washington and Jefferson, which can invite those to go faster despite it being downtown with lots of pedestrian traffic. Morelli asks if it would be better to not have a bike lane on Clinton and encourage bicyclists to take up the whole lane as that would be desired pace for the road. Ralston responds that bicyclists are not required to use the bike lanes and that if they so choose, can use the whole lane, which he himself does. Chairman Hachtman thanks Walz and Ralston for the work they do to make the community more vibrant through the connect build from bikeways and bike lanes. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2023 Page 5 of 7 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF Director of Parks & Recreation — Juli Seydell Johnson Dir. Seydell Johnson hands out a thank you gift to the commissions for their participation in the City Park Pool Focus Groups. Seydell Johnson explains that the gifts were already given to the other focus groups that took place during November. Recreation Superintendent — Brad Barker Registration: Supt. Barker says that registration for the Winter/Spring season opened for Iowa City residents on Tuesday, Dec. 12 and for non-residents on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Barker explains that this split registration started 1-2 years prior which has helped to ensure that Iowa City residents are served first and foremost before the larger community. Farmers' Market: Supt. Barker announces that the Holiday Farmer's Market is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16 from 8 a.m. — I p.m. Barker says that the vendor spots have been full for several months and expects a good turnout of attendees. Barker explains that this will wrap up the Farmers' Market for the year before taking registration for the following year starting at the end of January. Events: Supt. Barker says that the Winter Solstice Event, an annual event run by Program Supervisor Joyce Carroll will be hosted on Sunday, Dec. 17 from 2-5 p.m. Barker announces that the department's Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service will be hosted on Monday, Jan. 15 at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center. Barker explains that the event is organized by Adaptive and Outreach Program Supervisor Malory Smysor who has planned a lot of different activities throughout the day. Vice -Chairman Moore asks what time the program registration opens. Supt. Barker responds that program enrollment always opens at 7 a.m. on registration day. Commissioner Forbes asks if the Farmers' Market tokens can be used at the Holiday Market. Supt. Barker confirms that the tokens can be used at the Holiday Market. Brad Parks & Forestry Superintendent — Tyler Baird Empty Role: Supt. Baird says that there a few opens positions that are in the process of being filled. Baird states that there will soon be interviews for Josh Worrell's former position of Assistant Parks & Forestry Superintendent. Baird says that the applications are being accepted for a entry-level Athletic Field Maintenance position and is expected to be chosen after the new year. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2023 Page 6 of 7 Projects: Supt. Baird discussed the status of several park projects. Baird says that both the playgrounds for Happy Hollow Park and Kiwanis Park have been installed and that the restroom & shelter at North Hickory Hill Park have been completed. Baird states the Pickleball & Tennis Courts project at Mercer Park has started but that nothing has yet begun regarding the tennis courts at City Park. Baird says that he expects the City Park courts to begin being torn out in the upcoming spring before new courts are installed. Baird adds that next year College Green Park and Shannon Drive Park will be looked at for new playgrounds. Dir. Seydell Johnson adds that on Jan. 15 there will be an open house for gathering public input regarding the Skatepark at Terrell Mill Park. Baird states that an ongoing project is the off -road single track bike course being installed at Terrell Mill Park. Baird explains that he is excited for new skill features that have been ordered and is hoping the track to be open by Memorial Day. Commissioner Morelli asks if staff envision expanding the single-track trail to add an additional trail. Supt. Baird responds that there is definite potential for it in the future, but that staff want to figure out the maintenance regimen for the current track before more variation is added. Commissioner Recker asks regarding the Pickleball & Tennis Court Project; how much work will be completed by City staff as opposed to contracted out for the project. Supt. Baird explains that that project will be all contracted work and that the contractors have been working on the courts at Mercer Park for several months and should be completed quickly when resumed in the spring. CHAIRS REPORT: Chairman Hachtman announces that this is Commissioner Serenda's last Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Hachtman says that is has been an honor to serve with Serenda and that he has appreciated all comments and contributions that she has provided over the last four years to make the community so great. COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Stanton thanks Supt. Barker and Assistant Supt. Eidahl for their help for setting up space for elections at their respective facilities. Chairman Hachtman calls the meeting to adjournment at 5:51 p.m. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2023 Page 7 of 7 PARKS AND RECREATION ATTENDANCE RECORD NAME M M M M M M bl O M O en O M O en O TERM N N N N N N N N N N N N EXPIRES Aaron 12/31/24 * * * * X NM X X X X X X Broe e Missie 12/31/25 X O/E LQ X X NM O/E X X X O/E X Forbes Alex 12/31/24 X X LQ X X NM X X X X X X Hachtman Rachel 12/31/26 X X LQ X X NM X X X X X X McPherson Connie 12/31/25 X X LQ X X NM O/E X X X X X Moore Brian 12/31/25 X X LQ X X NM X X X O/E O/E X Morelli Caleb 12/31/26 * * * * * * * X X X Recker Melissa 12/31/23 X X LQ X X NM X X X X X X Serenda Alex 12/31/23 * * * * * * * X X X O/E X 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 Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan UPDATE 2023-2024 M7 12/13/2023 f� t i J -' KEY Downtown • Central 1 / 1 1 1 1 3 Madison Street 4- to 3-lane , J conversion. „ ra,nroe Am ea Jefferson and Markel Streets `°""r °A`"^°<e6 Jx• buffered bike lanes from "' y - i ■ �■ ■ `'�^'^- 1 ,{_��� Madison Street to Governor Street. ■ i s t i■} Burlington Street bike lanes from Madison Street to n! — a- --- Riverside Drive. �» e ■ Bikeways from Eastside — - --� "�-10i"— r ••.Li neighborhoods to Iowa River gar,. _„ Corridor Trail. p ; i' Bike turn oozes at signalised •� J intersections with hike lanes. `- - J.,.e......i a Future t-way to 2-way •� J conversions? :� a 2 12/13/2023 KEY L Bike L.w • SNno- •-- Biklmy suewm Inn axr.r�rM . 1 � . 5 1 �`SMaNn� �°1 I- i' f Buffered hike lanes on Rochester Avenue, from 1•' Avenue to Montrose Court. Buffered hike lanes and 1040ot sidepalh on American Legion Road from Scott Boulevard to Barrington Road. Bikeways to South East Junior High and City High. XEr �eae LWa Bike lanes an Keokuk • • sh3rro ,s Street, South of Hwy 6. Bike lanes on Southgate s'�e�eN Avenue. rMu . Bikeways on Sandusky --- -- Drive, Burns Avenue, and Lakeside Drive. • Hwy 6 Trail segment from HeinRoad to Fairmeadows Boulevard. Futurr e 4-to 3-lane conversion will provide © r buffered bike lanes on Gilbert Street, south of Southgate Avenue. • Future Trail link at west end of Southgate Avenue. 3 12/13/2023 P 0 a Bike lanes an Benton Street, from Greenwood Drive to Mormon Trek Blvd. Coralville Trail connection from Crandic Park to V 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 t to McCollister Boulevard. Future bridge replacement for Highway 6 and Burlington Street bridges. S 12/13/2023 10 12/13/2023 11 12 0 12/13/2023 13 7 c` n Em E c E E aE N E _ .. E a E E o S E IS 3 3 00 3 s - 8 z o m m W N O N o L a, s" a � E N 3 N U N I - It o a � Y 3 F O � d - tlq � C n N � L O a O �^ U C e L N Y 4% m U c a O Y N � Q% u Uv N � o N n a a a n v v J Q o 0 0 Y L O V a v a o 1 v o o a m m o v v v m m o m m m a a v a 16 w w w w w x w w w x w w w w x w x 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 b �b n' h of d wm F C d F € E a P � $ m S e e u s E z E H E n ° E 3 01 E 3 E h E h r E 3 E n E N E n x V O O W M N C N L 4C u E m f E f E f E F E C N a U c � 3 0 y q O O O C O O O O O O O O O O n F a I 0 3 � O P C a P o 0 C m m m o o n v m a m o m m m d a e i L Ya a a a _ U V N O P P O P O o v Q .Y � m a a mIna m P m Q v Y n L N V P m o a a L � 41 m o P a a a a o 0 0 a a a a m m m a m o E y o u u u o° u e u N u u u u a ry 0 d 0 a 0 w 0 w 0 d 0 x 0 lb e 0 n' 0 h w 0 w 0 0 x 0 0 a 0 w 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Community Foundation of Johnson County City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Accounts Statement Activity Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund November 01, 2023 - November 30, 2023 Beginning Balance: $44,698.55 Total Fund Income: $900.00 Total Fund Expenses: $26.40 Ending Balance: $45,572.15 Statement Activity Iowa City Parks and Rec Endowment Fund November 01, 2023 - November 30, 2023 Beginning Balance: $180,474.61 Total Fund Income: $13,940.83 Total Fund Expenses: $44.68 Ending Balance: $194,370.76 Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet January 2024 Upcoming Events • Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration —January 15; 9:30 am —12:30 pm; MPAC • Freeze Fest — February 4, 1-3 pm; TTRA Lodge Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff Parks: • Two public open house opportunities for the skatepark and pump track design process will be held on Monday, January 15`h. The first is from 9:30-11:30am and the second is from 5:00-6:00pm. Both input opportunities will be held at Mercer Park Aquatic Center. Construction will be in 2025 with extensive design work occurring in 2024. • We will be starting design and outreach for 3 other parks soon. Projects will include playgrounds, shelters, and other possible amenities in College Green, Brookland, and a new park located along Shannon Dr. • Staff have been busy trimming trees and undergrowth along the trails to increase safety and clearance along multiple trail sections. • Pickleball and tennis court replacements have begun, and further construction will continue in the spring. • Progress on the off -road single track bike trail project continues. The goal for opening of the trail is Memorial Day. • Forestry is busy with structural pruning and will continue trimming throughout the winter. • Seasonal staff positions in Parks and Forestry have been posted and everyone can help spread the word. We will hire approximately 60 seasonal staff throughout the year. • We have an open Parks Maintenance Worker I position as Ryan Kratoska has moved over into the Athletics Maintenance Worker I position. • Alex Lorack has accepted the Assistant Superintendent of Parks position. He comes back to our department where he was a recent member of the Forestry staff before taking his current role with Neighborhood Development Services. Alex will make the transition into the Assistant Superintendent role on January 22nd. Recreation: • Farmers Market will begin accepting applications in late January for the 2024 season. Market begins in May. Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City • The 'Martin Luther King Jr Day' event will occur at Mercer Park Aquatic Center on Monday, January 151h from 9:30 am —12:30 pm. This event is in partnership with several community service organizations. Facilities: • Riverside Festival Stage bid was awarded to Peak Construction. Peak has worked on previous projects for the Parks Dept. They will be starting construction during the 24' season. • Terry Trueblood H2O roof is delayed do to backlog of work but is still on the schedule for this winter to be replaced. • Scanlon gym roof, sky lighting & Entry/Foyer skylight Replacement will be going out to bid soon. A portion of City Hall roof replacement will go out for bid once we secure the contractor for Mercer Scanlon. 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 February 2024. • Staff is working on trimming Oak trees and other low hanging branches. Top Staff Issues Parks • Seasonal hiring is the highest priority heading into spring and takes considerable Admin. time. Recreation • Two full-time positions are currently being hired for with start dates anticipated in late January or early February. Facilities • The mild fluctuating temperatures have created extra work with adjusting and monitoring boilers. Cemetery: • Staff is busy filling in low spots on the grounds. • Staff has 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 $6,280.00 $2,390.50 2 5.8 $1,085.00 $3,511.00 $7,365.00 $5,901.50 Jan Feb March April May June Totals 1 $39,785.00.00 $38,018.25 32 41 $16,960.00 $24,047.75 $56,745.00 $62,066.00 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet I City of Iowa City The following documents were submitted after the Commission Agenda Packet was distributed and prior to the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting on 01/10/2024. January 8, 2024 Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Re: Please Restore the Practice of Including Public Comments/Correspondence with Parks & Recreation Commission Published Meeting Information Packets— 0111012024 Meeting Agenda Item 4 cj Dear Commissioners, We are writing to express our concerns about a recent decision by the Parks & Recreation Department [Department] to eliminate the long-standing practice of including public input as part of Parks & Recreation Commission (Commission) meeting information packets published on the City's website. Responding to an inquiry as to why, beginning in October 2023, online access to public input had been summarily eliminated from published meeting information packets, Director SeydelI Johnson replied, "...because it was pointed out to staff that the Commission's practice varied from the City Council's:' She also conceded that other commissions handle documents differently, and that is why Item 4 cf "Distribution of correspondence" appears on the agenda for your January 10, 2024, meeting. We ask that before you make a decision regarding access to public comments/correspondence submitted to the Commission, you consider the following: • Council meeting information packets published on the City's website routinely include public input, and if there is any comparison, Commission practices should be less restrictive than the Councils, not more. The practice of including public input as part of the Commission's meeting information packets and making it readily available by publishing it on the City's website is conducive to a well-informed and engaged public; it better serves the ccmmunity by providing a consolidated, balanced, and more accessible record of Commission proceedings. Under the newly imposed pracess, public input is separated from other meeting records and must be requested independently through the City Clerk's office. The net result of this new practice is a reduction in public engagement by making it more difficult to obtain complete information regarding agency actions that have significant community impacts. • Commissions, such as Parks & Recreation, are intended to create bridges between public agencies and the communities they represent. They help balance a system that can all too easily allow public input to be dismissed and ignored. The Commission is already insulated from the community in many ways, such as members being appointed instead of elected; requiring email to be sent through the Department instead of directly to members; meetings beginning at a time many residents working standard hours are unable to attend; and limiting in -person public comments to three minutes per topic. Further separation from public contributions only decreases the Commission's effectiveness to act on the community's behalf, ■ Reducing access to public information is the wrong direction for an agency already struggling with a profound loss of public trust since the introduction of the controversial 'Gather Here Recreation Master Plan' in 2022. Excluding public comments/correspondence from published Commission meeting information packets will only serve to widen the gap between residents and those in positions of power. • It is understandable that an agency would be hesitant to include public input that is contrary to their objectives, but providing easy access to transparent and complete public information aligns with the much more Important democratic princlpies that enable good governance. We ask that you take this opportunity to begin rebuilding public trust by restoring the Department's previous practice of including all timely -submitted public comments/correspondence as part of Parks & Recreation Commission meeting information packets published on the City's website. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jan Barnes I Mark Cannon I Marjie Caruth I Carin Crain Nancy Davin Jill Fishbaugh Justin Fishbaugh Marcia Goldsboro ugh II Amy Kretkowski I I Jeff Mialie ry II Julie Mel Iecker I I Susan Mell ecker II Mitzi Read II Anne Stapleton Comments to Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Evaluation Summary of Parks & Recreation Indoor Swimming Pool Reports for November 2023 The following public comments and analysis regarding Iowa City aquatics are being submitted to the Parks & Recreation Commission (Commission) and for inclusion with the January 2024 Commission meeting minutes published on the City's website. Community members appreciate the continuation of uninterrupted weekday morning open swim hours at the Robert A. Lee (RAL) pool. The expanded availability enables more convenient and flexible options for enjoying the mental and physical benefits the pool provides and has also allowed for a second session of the popular new Water Mindfulness class. Volunteer efforts to conduct spot checks of monthly pool use reports by comparing the data to public records such as security video, pass scan reports, attendance and training rosters began in October 2022 in response to published aquatics data that were in stark contrast to observations of pool use by community members. Each month these reviews have verified persistent discrepancies between reported and actual pool use at RAL. Analysis of the November 2023 RAL pool count report demonstrates again that the Parks & Recreation Department's (Department's) reporting of pool admissions does not accurately reflect true pool use. A minimum of 103 additional omissions were identified for the month that represent unreported pool use at RAL during the evaluated portions of the pool's open hours. The following images show representative examples of video -confirmed omissions in reported pool attendance in November 2023. Additional findings are provided on page 3. Image from RAL security video; obscured to respect privacy. Identified omissions do not include on -duty staff or non -pool users. Example of Video -Confirmed Omissions in Reported Pool Attendance at RAL - November 2023 On Saturday, 11/25/2023, from 6:15am-3:OOpm, in addition to water fitness participants, there were: 32 confirmed pool users (pictured below). Parks & Rec reports 14. =LL*iAll 4asI il413 Images from RAL security video; obscured to respect privacy. Identified omissions do not include on -duty staff, non -pool users, or water fitness participants reported separately. As in prior months, these examples show individual pool users who have been excluded from official pool use reports. Everyone who utilizes the RAL pool deserves to be valued equally and included in official pool use records. The number of omissions and errors verified month after month, since this process began, are of even greater concern because they represent only a fraction of unreported pool use. Community -conducted data review occurs for only a portion of days or hours per month. If the rates of omissions and errors were extrapolated across all hours the pool is in use, the totals would far exceed the thousands already identified. It is profoundly disappointing that reported pool data remain inaccurate and uncorrected despite more than a year of clear and continuing evidence of fundamental flaws in official measurements and persistent under representations of actual pool use at RAL. Advocacy efforts endure with the sincere hope that the Department will recognize the ongoing damage being done to this community by the resulting loss of public trust and begin the new year by correcting all prior pool reports and providing an accurate and reliable accounting of pool use going forward. The highly valued aquatics resources that support the health and well-being of our community are at stake, and decisions about their future will only be sound if they are grounded in facts. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to our community. COMMUNITY EVALUATION OF PARKS & REC REPORTED DATA —NOVEMBER 2023 A minimum of 103 omissions were identified in the Robert A. Lee monthly pool report. Identified omissions represent only a fraction of unreported pool use. Data verification occurs for a portion ofdays/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 - November 2023 NO 1 oaily eee TWalr w VIDEO Verified= 48 from 6a-lp(+5) 3Nw 3 3 3 6 5 10 4 30 61 3Nw 6 z 3 3 10 9 37 ]0 0 $2/Svim ONOV 2 3 2 5 2 5 6 ) 36 2 25 Funny Game Night unmy fz/sWlm 6Nw 0 22 9 awmw JNw 38 62 Miriy,I ss e-Nw tx 59 UICHAARGstudeM event)+19) m�.,ar 9Nw 6 6 s g a ) z VIDEO Verified=42 from 5a-lp(+4) 3e s3 VIDEO Ver'died-10 from 5-Bp($2 Swim)i+2) Vswim ]]-rvov 12-NO. 1 4 9 0 ) 1 2 ) t 36 5 2s sensoryStWm szrsaa Lifeguard Training, 8:30a-12p(+10) 23-rvov s s 1B se 14 NOV 5 9 0 33 58 Water Mlndrulness 1-1 v-NOv 11 1 1 4 1 1z I VIDEO VerIBed=50 from 6a-1p(+5) 4s is 52/swim he NOV 0 1 1 s 7 2 21 s t, P-1 Pan, arnml anmy ]9NOv 11 10 suSwim 20.Noa 9 3 4 5 9 10 4 44 9 Lideguard Training(+15) 32-NOv 1 J 1 4 S 12 7 9 l 45 13 Wate,MlnMulness VIVI-WO, 22-NOV 9 4 2 5 10 9 5 40 9 •«•nw111 23-NOv 10NOVVIDEO 3 1 1 1 rV,I Mng-Fatlllry rbsed Verified =24 from ti ,(+18) s 10 3 10 Sz/swim/oavaxe.manesglmng-laaeopen Pod Pan, Ramat. did hot&I VIDEO Verified =32 from 61418) 1 zsNPv s suswim NVVVVr 2)-Nav 9 3 6 6 8 5 41 17 61 seem+ MmMulnass n z9-Nov s z s8hz z 43 9 56 30-Nov 9 0 5 8 0 6 2 42 60 Pass Usage Report Total = 906; Pass scans omitted (+9) Scans included in [his report per'RAL Scans' worksheet = 897 KEY: BREAKDOWN OF IDENTIFIED OMISSIONS: O Pool use omission verified by citizen count or Total Scans "Daily Rec Totals" "Event If Count" information obtained via public records request. • Underreportedby9scans Underreported by minimum of50 participants Underreported bya minimum of44 participants Q Pool -pass scan omission verified in Pass Usage (UI CHAARG =17; $2 Swim = 2; Training = 25) Report (includes auto -debit "punch" passes). Identified omissions represent individuals confirmed to have entered the pool and do not include oni staffor non -pool users. 3 Staff training events are included as essential pool use that would require pool space elsewhere if RAL was not available.