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Home My WebLink About01-08-2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda PacketIf 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 or ggotera@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. 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@iowa-city.org, prior to 4 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2025, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting. AGENDA ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 13, 2024, 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 – Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson a) Introduction of new commission members, Michael Gaunt and Jeff Mallory b) Election of Officers ITEM 5 CITY PARK POOL UPDATE – Dir. Seydell Johnson ITEM 6 RECREATION PROGRAMING UPDATE – Recreation Superintendent Brad Barker ITEM 6 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 7 CHAIRS REPORT ITEM 8 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ITEM 9 ADJOURN Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, January 8, 2025 5:00 p.m. Robert A. Lee Recreation Center – Meeting Room B 220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 13, 2024 MEETING ROOM A – ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER Members Present: Alex Hachtman, Connie Moore, Aaron Broege, Rachel McPherson, Brian Morelli, Caleb Recker, Alex Stanton Members Absent: Missie Forbes, Virginia Hayes Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Tyler Baird, Brad Barker, Gabe Gotera, Josh Worrell Others Present: Mark Cannon, Mitzi Read 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 Moore, seconded by Morelli to recommend the approval of the adjusted User Fees and Charges for FY26 as suggested by staff. Motion Passed 7-0 (Forbes and Hayes absent.) OTHER FORMAL ACTION: Moved by Stanton, seconded by Broege, to approve the September 13, 2024, minutes. Motion passed 5-0 (Forbes, Hayes, McPherson, and Morelli absent). PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None USER FEES AND CHARGES – Recreation Supt. Barker Supt. Barker announces that it is the annual time to review the suggested FY26 fees and charges for various programs and rental facilities within the department. Baker says that typically, the increase of fees would be scheduled to alternate every year between having an increase or no increase. Barker states that the staff recommendation for the FY26 fees and charges would see increases in the range of 3-8%. There is some variability in the increase, as staff try to keep the fees consistently rounded to a whole number for customer convenience. Barker explains several notable variations in the recommended user fees for the following items: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 2 of 12 • The Farmers Market o The suggested vendor fee saw an increase of $5. This brings the vendor fee per day, per stall to a total of $25. Of the $5 increase, $4.50 will go towards the ‘land rental fee’ that helps cover the staffing cost and expenses for programs and supplies. The remaining $0.50 will go towards the ‘advertising fee’ for the promotion of the market. Barker explains that this is the first time in four years that the vendor fee has risen. Barker says that at the time of the last fee increase, it was recommended to not increase the famers market fee because of the recent initiative from Council to start collecting insurance information. This required vendors to have their own liability insurance which would be a new fee in of itself at the time. Now that costs for staffing, equipment, and materials are increasing, it has come time for the vendor fees to increase. • Recreation Center Operations o The suggested fee for locker replacement keys increases from $35 to $45. This updated fee better represents the true cost of key replacement, including shipping and administrative costs. • Aquatics o Group lessons have no proposed fee increases to keep this option as affordable as possible. Affordable lessons align closely with the department’s ‘Every Child in Iowa City Learns to Swim’ initiative. Barker explains that while there are scholarships to provide these lessons, the prices must remain affordable for those who are unable to qualify for those scholarships. o General private lesson options are no longer an offered as the department strives to focus on teaching more children how to swim through group and adaptive lessons. o Drop-in swim admission fees do not have a proposed fee increase. However, possible across-the-board raises in the aquatics fee structure will need to be considered prior to the anticipated opening of the new City Park Pool. • Terry Trueblood Lodge o A new peak-season, low-season cost structure is proposed. Holidays and peak- season weekend rates during April through September will be $290 per hour or $2,000 for an all-day rental. Low-season weekend rates during October through March will be $230 per hour or $1,600 for an all-day rental. Monday through Thursday throughout the year will be $110 per hour or $800 for an all-day rental. • Dog Parks o Drop-in dog park fees do not have a proposed fee increase. Much of these daily fees are collected on an honor system, so keeping this fee reasonable low encourages continued participation. Barker explains that the drop-in fees are collected via drop-box or through the Park Mobile app. Commissioner Morelli asks if it would be possible to add the ability to purchase the annual dog tag at the dog park itself, explaining that it is not very convenient to go to Animal Services or the Rec Centers to purchase an annual tag. Supt. Barker responds that it could be possible if there are staff at the dog parks to handle the annual dog tags but explains that the staffing hours can be sporadic. Staff are scheduled at irregular times so that they can check on people’s annual tags or PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 3 of 12 to see if they are paying the daily drop-in fee. Barker suggests that an online option to purchase the annual tags could be looked into as a more feasible approach. Dir. Seydell Johnson interjects, explaining that patrons are required to show proof of their dog’s rabies vaccination to purchase an annual dog tag. Seydell Johnson explains that this is why the annual dog tags are purchased in-person as opposed to online, as dictated by Animal Services, not the Parks and Recreation department. Vice Chairman Moore says that after reading through the suggested fees and charges, she found them to be very reasonable. Chairman Hachtman asks Supt. Barker to speak about some of the programs available to help those who are less fortunate with covering costs. Barker explains that the RecAssist program was previously rebranding from the Low-Income Discount program, which from a marketing perspective made it easier to advertise in a way with less stigma attached. Apart from a few items such as drop-in fees and the pottery studio, the program can be applicable to most other programs and passes offered, reducing the fees by 50%. A person can apply either online or in- person, listing their income, the number of people in their household, and any government assistance programs that they have, and if qualified will have the 50% reduced fees for the entire calendar year. Patrons would be required to reapply for the next calendar year. Barker says that the number of people utilizing this service has been increasing each year, showing that the marking efforts are working, making people more comfortable with applying and increasing both program registration and attendance. Moved by Moore, seconded by Morelli to recommend the approval of the adjusted User Fees and Charges for FY26 as suggested by staff. Motion Passed 7-0 (Forbes and Hayes absent.) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BUDGET UPDATE 2024-2029 – Parks and Recreation Dir. Seydell Johnson Dir. Seydell Johnson presents the attached PowerPoint over the 2024-2029 Parks & Recreation Capital Improvement Plan. Commissioner Stanton, regarding the City Park Pool project, asks when the decision was made to move the design to three pools instead of one larger pool and a diving well. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that when the City Council approved the schematic designs, one of the options that the Council left open was to have either two or three pools in the design. Seydell Johnson adds that the Council has already seen the current design and has approved to move forward with the three pools. Stanton says that from his conversation with people who gave input, the main reason that they picked the first option was because everything was within eyesight of everywhere. Stanton explains that families with small kids could have a big issue with a three- pool design, where their child could get up and take off into another pool. Stanton also points out that if a parent has a younger child and an older child, each in a different pool, they wouldn’t be able to watch both at the same time. Seydell Johnson responds that the pool is being designed with sightlines in mind and points out a row of chairs in between the pools that is meant to keep PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 4 of 12 kids corralled to one side or the other. Stanton asks, during open swim, how many of the lap lanes are used for open swim versus lap swimming. Seydell Johnson says that the plan is to always have two-to-three of the 50m lap lanes available for lap swimming during open swim. Vice Chairman Moore, regarding the City Park Pool project, asks if there is still a possibility to include a 25m lap lane. Dir. Seydell Johnson says that this was looked at, but it was not able to work within the budget. Seydell Johnson says that while there is not a 25m lap lane, a rope could be put across the 50m lap lane at the half way point. Seydell Johnson clarifies that the lap pool will have a depth of 3-1/2 to 5ft, so it is walkable for the most part of the entire lane. Commissioner Morelli, regarding the City Park Pool project, asks if there are less shade structures shown than in previous designs. Dir. Seydell Johnsons confirms that in the picture shown there are less shade structures but clarifies that this is because the exact locations have not yet been decided. Commissioner Morelli, regarding the Terrell Mill Roller Park project, asks if the land belongs to the Corp of Engineers. Dir. Seydell Johnsons confirms that the land does not belong to the Corp but clarifies that a permit application has been submitted to the Corp due to the project’s proximity to the river. Commissioner Recker, regarding the Terrell Mill Roller Park project, asks if the parking at Terrell Mill Park will remain the same. Dir. Seydell Johnson confirms that parking will remain the same. Commissioner McPherson, regarding the College Green Park Playground project, asks if the hoop on the basketball court is adjustable. Dir. Seydell Johnson confirms that the basketball hoop will not be adjustable. Supt. Baird explains that operationally, staff have found that adjustable hoops break much more often than a non-adjustable hoop from the repetitive up and down motions. Another issue is that the rims get bent more often when park users hang on it while the hoop is lower than usual. Baird says that he would love to have variable heights as an option, but that he would instead prefer to have a hoop that functions consistently. Vice Chairman Moore, regarding the Palisades Park Development project, asks where the park land is located. Supt. Baird responds that it is near the old N Dodge Street Hy-Vee. Dir. Seydell Johnson adds that this project is similar in both size and scope to the Adelaide Joy Rogers Park project and that it took eighteen years for the department to receive the land from the developers. Commissioner Morelli, regarding the Rec Center Annual Improvements and the RALRC Structural Cable Repairs projects, asks if the projects for the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center account for what might happen with the future of the pool area. Dir. Seydell Johnson confirms that the Robert A. Lee projects do not pertain to the future of the pool and is solely work that needs to be complete for the building’s shell integrity. Morelli asks if, depending on how the pool project turns out, would any of the work done on the building’s integrity have to be redone during the pool project. Seydell Johnson explains that that could potentially happen but clarifies that if the building integrity projects aren’t completed soon, then the necessary repairs would be even bigger than before. Seydell Johnson reiterates that the Rec Center projects are to upkeep the PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 5 of 12 integrity of the build basic structure, and because no decision has been made of what could happen with the pool, staff must act on what needs help right now. Commissioner McPherson, regarding the Parks & Tree Annual Improvements projects, asks if any of the funds would go towards trees on the right-of-way or if it just for parks. Supt. Baird explains that that project would include the right-of-way trees. Baird says that the Tree Annual Improvement funds are consistently around $30,000 annually while the Parks Annual Improvement funds are more variable each year. Commissioner McPhersons, regarding the Ped Mall Fountain project, asks for clarification on why the colored concrete would be more sustainable. Mng. Worrell explains that currently the flooring is a hardscape stone with a sand or short grout layer underneath, so when a car drives over them, it rocks the stones and breaks the grout joints between. The water from the fountain then flows through the cracks and walks the sand out, making the tiles lie unevenly. Worrell says that staff are looking at different options, one of which being color concrete, which would last longer than the hardscape stones that are currently used. Commissioner Broege, regarding the Benton Hill Park Renovations asks if any of the project has to do with trail maintenance or the nearby trees towards the back of the park. Supt. Baird responds that staff could look at those aspects for the project but clarifies that the deciding factors will depend on what the budget allows. Baird explains that the trail is a soft surface trail, mostly being gravel. Baird adds that staff, during the last year, have been working on pushing back invasive species, decreasing the amount of overgrowth, and making the trail more accessible. Broege asks if the tree house feature in the park is ADA accessible. Baird says that the structure itself should be ADA accessible but that the trail leading up has gravel surfacing, which may not be accessible all the time. Commissioner Morelli, regarding items that weren’t mentioned, says that the trail near the Burlington St. bridge and the trail under the bridge at the intersection of Newton and Riverside are out of access and asks if these would be under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation department. Dir. Seydell Johnson explains that these projects are not under the Parks and Recreation department but does explain that both bridges are being looked at and that one of the projects has been delayed due to a lack of bids from contractors. Commissioner Morelli asks if Parks and Recreation will have any role in looking at the accessibility of park functions for when the Burling St. bridge is replaced, adding that there are great opportunities for recreation for both pedestrians and cyclists. Dir. Seydell Johnson says there will be a public process for that project that the Commissions can be involved in but clarifies that the Parks and Recreation department will not have a role in it. Commissioner McPherson asks how it was decided that the roof repairs at Mercer were more pressing that the roof at Robert A. Lee. Dir. Seydell Johnson and Mng. Worrell explains that there was a study complete around 2021-2022 looking at the roofs of City Hall, the Mercer Park Aquatic Center & Scanlon Gymnasium, and the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, knowing that repairs would be imminent at these three locations. The order of the repairs was based on the PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 6 of 12 condition of the three different roofs. When the Mercer roof was looked at, it was found to be covered in rips, causing it to move up the list of priorities quickly. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF: Parks and Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson Parks: Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that the Ped Mall Playground surfacing has been repaired. Seydell Johnson explains that the playground is currently closed and that the project contractors have made repairs on the torn open parts of the surfacing. Seydell Johnson clarifies that while this is a temporary solution, it does keep the playground from having tripping hazards through the winter. Deer: Dir. Seydell Johnson relays that the City Council has decided to allow the bow hunting of deer in specific parts of City Park after being approached by neighbors of the area. The city allows bow hunting throughout the community, but under strict restrictions. Due to the size of the lots around City Park and the Ashton House, there are not many places for people to hunt, allowing the deer population to rise and push the neighborhood to ask the City Council what could be done. The decision was made to allow limited bow hunting of deer in City Park, mostly along the western area on the hilltop near the Parks shop and out between the river and the ball diamonds. The only caveat being that currently, only City employees are eligible to do the bow hunting. Seydell Johnson says that as of November 13, only one city employee has shown interest. A deer stand has been approved to be set up to the north of the ball fields. The trails won’t be closed for the duration, so park visitors may see some bow hunting during the current deer season. Seydell Johnson clarifies that currently, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) does not allow the city to bring in a sharpshooter and do anything more than bow hunting. Commissioner McPherson asks if the DNR had previously allowed sharpshooting in Oakland Cemetery. Dir. Seydell Johnson confirms that the DNR did previously allow the city to have the White Buffalo Company do sharpshooting, but now the DNR feels that bow hunting would be sufficient to keep the deer population in check. Commissioner Stanton asks if there is any discussion in opening bow hunting to non-city staff. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that the city will try first with only city staff, but if it is found there is enough deer population to support more hunters in the area it may open up further. Seydell Johnson says that the best thing someone can do right now is to get qualified at Fin and Feather for bow hunting and then let the city know that there is interest. Stanton asks what the hours are that hunting is allowed. Seydell Johnson responds that the hours have not yet been determined. Vice Chairman Moore asks what will happen with the dead deer. Mgr. Worrell explains that multiple things can happen with the deer. A hunter could harvest and preserve it themselves. They could bring the deer to a local locker affiliated with the Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH) Program where it will be ground up and distributed to those who would want it. Moore asks for PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 7 of 12 confirmation that the public can get deer meat. Worrell says that there are stipulations to prioritize the underserved, but that generally anyone could go there and get the ground deer meat. Worrell adds that the state provides a list of such lockers in the local area. Dir. Seydell Johnson comments that when there were sharpshooters several years prior, the deer meat went through the local food bank. Roosevelt Ravine: Dir. Seydell Johnson refers to correspondence in the packet from two individuals asking the Commission to consider reaching out to a land owner to preserve an area called the Roosevelt Ravine, behind the old Roosevelt Elementary School. The elementary school has been closed for some time and there has been a lot of different interest in having the land redeveloped. Seydell Johnson explains that the land is owned by a private company who have not yet given the city a development plan, so currently there is no action that the Commission can take. Seydell Johnson says that it may come up in a future discussion but that for the time being, there is nothing to discuss. Seydell Johnson thanks Chairman Hachtman and Commissioner Broege for being part of the Parks and Recreation Commission, as this may be their last meeting of their terms. Recreation Superintendent – Brad Barker October: Supt. Barker says that October is a very busy month for the department. Being the month of Halloween, there is an abundance of themed events and programming. Events for October 2024 include the following: • The Halloween Carnival, hosted in the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, saw great attendance, with more than 1,200 people coming through the doors. Staff utilized every nook and cranny of the facility and outdoor areas. Many families attended in their Halloween costumes. • Indigenous Peoples’ Day was held on October 14 at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. This is the 2nd year the annual event has been hosted after being initiated by Recreation Program Supervisor, Malory Smysor who oversees Adaptive Programming and Outreach Programming. Barker explains that Smysor reached out to make sure that this event was fully represented with a lot of different partners. The Great Plaines Action Network was one of the bigger partners this year. To see more attendance, staff are looking at hosting the event on a Sunday rather than the actual Indigenous Peoples’ Day date which is typically on a Monday. Farmers Market: Supt. Barker announces that the Holiday Market will be held on November 16 and December 14 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center in the Gymnasium and the Social Hall. There will be a lot of both new and returning vendors showing off their crafts, arts, and baked goods. Ned Ashton House: Supt. Barker explains that the Ned Ashton House has transitioned from a rental facility into a hub for adaptive recreation programming. Barker says that Supv. Smysor has filled the house with second-hand furniture, making the facility into a cozy space. Most of the adaptive recreation programs have been hosted at the Ashton Hose and are running smoothly. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 8 of 12 Pool Temperatures: Supt. Barker passes out a handout going over the processes to set the pool temperature. Barker explains that this is in response to the Commission’s request for staff to look into pool temperatures at the September 2024 meeting. Barker goes over the diagram showing the journey of the water through filtration, chlorination, and heating. Throughout this loop system, there are various sensors and controls points that automatically adjust as needed to keep the pool temperature at a controlled setpoint. This system also sends an alert to the operator if any variables become misaligned from its set range. The Robert A. Lee (RAL) pool’s setpoint is consistently set at 83 degrees, measured at both the pool pit and pool water return sensor. Barker explains that RAL Pool is the warmer of the two indoor pools and it is programmed as such, hosting swim lessons, family open swim and events, arthritic and physical therapy users, and water fitness classes. Barker adds that there are some lap swimmers that prefer the warmer water. The Mercer Park Aquatic Center (MPAC) pool setpoint is consistently at 81 degrees and is measured at the pool water return sensor. MPAC pool is programmed as a competitive pool, hosting City High, Southeast Junior High, Iowa City Eels, and a lot of lap swimmers. Some prefer the water to be a bit cooler to avoid getting overheated as they are working out. Barker reflects that both staff and the Commission have heard about the pool water being too cold or too warm but clarifies that the water temperature can feel as though it is warmer or cooler than normal due to the significance that ambient temperature can have on perceived water temperature. The exact same water temperature can feel cooler on a hot day and warmer on a cold day because of the surrounding air temperature. The larger the difference between air and water temperature, the more pronounced the perceived temperature change will be when entering and exiting the pool. Barker explains that there are several factors that can influence ambient temperature, the most essential being heating and ventilation systems. The indoor pool dehumidification system helps a lot at MPAC, which the RAL pool does not have. Another large influence on the indoor air temperature are the number and size of glass windows in a natatorium, especially on a sunny day. Parks and Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird Parks: Supt. Baird addresses that there have been requests for port-a-potties in some of the parks, specifically the nature areas with longer trails. Baird acknowledges that the request has been received but explains that there is no additional funding in the budget to support more portable restroom units in the parks. Baird says that there are a few units throughout the parks system that are utilized throughout the year but clarifies that there are weekly fees for the use and cleaning of each unit. Baird says that there have been units occasional at Hickory Hill in years past, but that these were for the use of contractors during construction projects. Supt. Baird announces that the playground in Upper City Park has been removed in preparation to repurpose the land for the footprint of the City Park Pool project. Baird says that the playground is a newer one and will remain in storage until it can be utilized in Lower City Park sometime next year. Supt. Baird says that there is a small spot of playground surfacing that needs repairs at Willow Creek Park. Baird expects this to be complete in the upcoming week but clarifies that it is PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 9 of 12 weather and temperature dependent. Baird adds that the repairs are much smaller than the recent surfacing repairs at the Ped Mall Playground. Supt. Baird says that staff have been working recently at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, clearing the trails, pushing back honeysuckle form the trail edge, and addressing the Ash trees that are failing in the area. Supt. Baird is excited for upcoming work on the natural areas at Sand Prairie. Parks is working with several agencies, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nature Conservancy, Johnson County Conservation, and the state expert, Dr. Tom Rosberg from Drake University to complete inventory on what is in the natural area and determining what can be done to maintain it. Baird says that there was a recent woody brush removal, and a prairie burn the previous Spring with more burns schedule for the upcoming Spring. Supt. Baird announces that the water has been shut off across the Parks system but explains that the restrooms and water fountains were open longer than usual this year due to higher temperature. Supt. Baird states that the Parks & Forestry division is back to full capacity for permanent staff. Baird is happy for this before the winter processes start with snow removal and other seasonal work. REAP Grants: Supt. Baird discusses the Resource Enhancement And Protection (REAP) Grant that is funded through the Department of Natural Resources. Baird says there are a few ongoing projects funded through previously received REAP grants, of which include work done at Ryerson’s Woods, Hickory Hill Park, and at the Ned Ashton House. Baird explains that these grants wouldn’t be on the list of CIPs as there are externally funded. Baird announces that the Parks & Forestry division has received conditional approval for the grant application submitted for 2024. This grant would go towards work on the Sycamore Green way, including vegetation clearing, clearing and maintenance of the areas, and stormwater bio- cell spaces which would recharge the area with the local stormwater. Baird explains that staff want the area functioning as well as it can before any further development can happens in the next 10-15 years. Baird says that the grant received is worth $200,000 and scored the second highest of any applications received for the year. Trees: Supt. Baird announces that 550 street trees were planted by staff, for a total of 997 between Parks and Streets in the Iowa City area. An additional 150 seedlings were planted at Ryerson’s woods, ranging in height from 1-2 feet. Dir. Seydell Johnson points out the rare occasion for three division heads of the department to be present together at a Commission meeting. Seydell Johnson expresses her profound thanks to them all, including Russ Buffington, the Cemetery Mgr. who is not present at the meeting. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 10 of 12 CHAIRS REPORT: Chairman Hachtman expresses his gratitude, saying that it has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as the Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Hachtman is grateful for both the facilities and parks and all the hard work and dedication that goes into these. COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Commissioner Broege asks who the contact is regarding deer crossing signs, explaining that there has been a growing population of deer on the East Side, especially crossing Scott Boulevard. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that all things deer related can go to Assistant City Manager Kirk Lehman. Commissioner Broege, if he is not granted a new term on the Commission, says that is has been a pleasure to work with staff and the rest of the Commission. Vice Chairman Moore thanks Recreation Program Supervisor Malory Smysor for the use of the Ned Ashton House. Moore says that she been taking yoga classes at the Ashton House on Tuesday nights and states that it has been an increasingly welcoming space, with new signs or arts and crafts every week. Commissioner McPherson expresses her pleasure to be a part of this community and is very proud, bragging about it wherever she goes. Commissioner Morelli says that is cool to hear about the programming going on with new events always around the corner. Morelli refers to the September commission meeting, during which there was an agenda item for the baseball fields. Morelli recalls Michael Muhlenbruch, a member of the public who has spoken and asks if staff had any update of following up with Muhlenbruch. Dir. Seydell Johnson responds that Supt. Barker and herself had sat down and met with Muhlenbruch who had much of the same information he had given the Commission, wanting to know if there are ways to get more involved in the fields. Barker says that they had spoken on field access priority and where Little Hawks would land in that order, having more field access, and when it was reserved. Seydell Johnson says that they had answered Muhlenbruch’s questions and got him to a better understanding. Morelli asks if the fields have officially transferred to the 28e agreement. Seydell Johnson responds that the agreement has not yet been signed and is going back and forth between the attorneys for the School District attorneys and the city but expects it to be on a Council agenda before the end of the calendar year. Morelli asks why Parks and Recreation is interesting in giving up space that is in demand by the community to the School District exclusively. Seydell Johnson explains that staff’s records did not show as high of a level of demand and that the department is in a strong partnership with the School District on several facilities, playing into that already established relationship. Staff believes that they can fulfill the amount of use that has been seen in recent years with the two remaining Mercer Park fields, the field at Happy Hollow Park, and the fields at City Park. Seydell Johnson says that the department would love to see and will continue to advocate for more fields in the future, but as an overall good partner and neighbor to the School District, found it to be a good move for the PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 11 of 12 partnership. Morelli asks if this move was budgetary, where the School District would be responsible for maintenance or budgetary decision. Seydell Johnson responds that the School District will be responsible for Fields 1 & 4, they will start paying for the use of Fields 2 & 3 when they reserve them, and they will pay an amount each year into the future Capital Improvements of spaces surrounding Fields 1 & 4. For the duration of the agreement, the city will not be responsible for Fields 1 & 4 but will remain responsible for Fields 2 & 3, the common areas, the pathways, and the Park amenities in the surrounding area. Commissioner Stanton thanks both Parks and Recreation staff for allowing the County Office to use their facilities and spaces as voting locations for the General Election during the week prior. Stanton asks about the status of the patch repair on the Ped Mall playground. Supt. Baird confirms that the patches have been applied and that staff are just waiting for the curing to finish. Commissioner Stanton asks, now that the conservation bond was passed, is there any opportunity for that money to assist in any trail projects. Supt. Baird believes that the trails would have to be in the County proper but that there are opportunities around that may be adjacent to Parks such has Ryerson’s Woods. Baird adds that the most recent trail project to be funded that way was used to connect to the larger trail system but clarifies that trail replacement wouldn’t fall under this. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Morelli, second by Stanton, to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Motion passed 6-0 (Forbes, Hayes, and Recker absent). PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION November 13, 2024 Page 12 of 12 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 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 NAME TERM EXPIRES 12 / 1 3 / 2 0 2 3 01 / 1 0 / 2 0 2 4 02 / 1 4 / 2 0 2 4 03 / 1 3 / 2 0 2 4 04 / 1 0 / 2 0 2 4 05 / 1 5 / 2 0 2 4 06 / 1 2 / 2 0 2 4 07 / 1 0 / 2 0 2 4 08 / 1 4 / 2 0 2 4 09 / 1 1 / 2 0 2 4 10 / 0 9 / 2 0 2 4 11 / 1 3 / 2 0 2 4 Aaron Broege 12/31/24 X X O/E NM X NM NM X X O/E NM X Missie Forbes 12/31/25 X X X NM O/E NM NM X O/E X NM O/E Alex Hachtman 12/31/24 X X X NM X NM NM O/E X X NM X Virginia Hayes 12/31/27 * X X NM X NM NM X X O/E NM O/E Rachel McPherson 12/31/26 X X X NM X NM NM X O/E O/E NM X Connie Moore 12/31/25 X X O/E NM X NM NM X X X NM X Brian Morelli 12/31/25 X X O/E NM X NM NM X X X NM X Caleb Recker 12/31/26 X O/E X NM O/E NM NM X O/E X NM X Alex Stanton 12/31/27 X X X NM O/E NM NM O/E X X NM X 11/13/2024 1 October 2024 Final Concept 1 2 11/13/2024 2 3 4 11/13/2024 3 5 6 11/13/2024 4 7 8 11/13/2024 5 9 10 11/13/2024 6 11 12 11/13/2024 7 13 14 11/13/2024 8 15 16 11/13/2024 9 17 18 11/13/2024 10 •R4229 City Park Pool Replacement $18.3 million •R4392 Carson Lake Land Acquisition $1,225,000 •R4129, 4416, 4417 City Hall Projects $188,500 •R4206 Iowa River Trail Bridge Replacement •R4330, 4407 HVAC & Rec Center Annual Improvements $250,000 •Terrell Mill Roller Park (Previously Budgeted $2.0 million) 19 20 11/13/2024 11 •R4362 Napoleon Softball Fields 5‐8 Renovations $600,000 •R4389 North Market Square Park Playground Replacement $300,000•R4403 Carson Lake Park Retention Basin $2,450,000 •R4227 Highway 6 Trail Broadway to Fairmeadows$1,700,000 •R4346 Palisades Park Development $250,000 •R4358 City Park Shelters & Restroom Replacement $1,450,000 •R4408 Cemetery Columbarium Expansion $720,000 •R4419 Park Paving Improvements $380,000 •R4420 Ped Mall Fountain Renovations $500,000 •R4412 Rec Center Annual Improvements $50,000 •R4129 & R4388 City Hall Elevator Improvements and Annual Repairs $450,000 •R4412 Robert A. Lee Roof Repairs $905,000 •R4130 & 4380 Park & Tree Annual Improvements $80,000 •K1003 Senior Center Phase 1 Improvements $2,300,000 •R4400 Mercer Park Shelter Replacement $150,000 •R4130 & 4380 Park & Tree Annual Improvements $110,000 •R4206 Willow Creek Trail South of West High $200,000 •R4129 & R4388 City Hall Elevator Improvements and Annual Repairs $325,000 •R4406 RALRC Structural Cable Repairs $250,000 •R4412 Rec Center Annual Improvements $50,000 21 22 11/13/2024 12 •R4421 Hwy 1/ Riverside Trail $750,000 •R4384 Benton Hill Park Renovations $250,000 •R4415 Mercer Lobby & Classroom Roof Repairs $300,000 •R4413 Indoor Pool UV Disinfectant Systems $150,000 •K1004 Senior Center Phase 2 Interior Improvements $2,700,000 •R4130 & 4380 Park & Tree Annual Improvements $130,000 •R4412 Rec Center Annual Improvements $50,000 •R4401 Parks Maintenance Storage Building $250,000 •R4390 Reno Street Park Renovations $300,000 •R4206 Trails $200,000 •R4415 Mercer Scanlon Exterior Tuckpointing $700,000 •R4418 HarlockeHill Park Playground Replacement $75,000 •R4130 & 4380 Park & Tree Annual Improvements $130,000 •R4129 City Hall Annual Repairs $50,000 •R4419 Park Paving Improvements $350,000 •R4412 Rec Center Annual Improvements $50,000 23 24 11/13/2024 13 •Napoleon Park Softball Restroom & Storage Renovations $500,000 •City Park Baseball Restroom Renovations $500,000 •Hickory Hill Park New Scott Boulevard Entrance $575,000 •Riverfront Crossing Band Shell and Storage Room $300,000 •Community Garden Enhancements $300,000 •South Hickory Hill Shelter Replacement $250,000 •Oak Grove Park Renovations $400,000 •Kickers Park Playground Replacement $150,000 •Court Hill Park Basketball Court Renovation $100,000 •Mercer Scanlon Tiled Floor Replacement $300,000 Project Requests Not Funded •City Park Roads and Parking Lot Replacements 25 26 City Park Pool Update Parks & Recreation Commission January 8, 2025 Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation 1.Provide community recreation experiences for a wide range of users. 2.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. Project Goals Design Considerations What We Learned Preserve History Trees Open Feel Focus Learn to Swim Multigenerational Safety Avoid Overlapping Functions 495 Idea Generation Participants 251 Online Idea Generation Submissions 137 Representative Focus Group Participants 44 Electronic Focus Group Submissions 1,582 Survey Responses How We Listened… What We Heard Community Input Touchpoints 566 Feedback Touchpoints Design Updates: •New water and sewer lines from Park Road. •All Electric Heat for Bath House and Community Room •Water bodies shifted closer together. Slightly less paved deck space. Bid Alternates: •Limestone Raised Bed Planters – Exterior and Pool Deck •Water Heaters for Pool Water - Choice can be made to heat 1, 2 or 3 pools. •Climbing Wall in Diving Well •Third Diving Board •Shade Structures (Plan is to have them but may need to be purchased separately.) •Continuing to discuss architectural materials and finishes. •Demolition of Park Restroom Building City Park Pool Timeline Schematic Design –Complete Design Development & Construction Documents –Fall 2024 Set Public Hearing –February 4, 2025 Public Hearing –February 18, 2025 Bids Due –March 11, 2025 Anticipated Award –March 18, 2025 Construction –April 2025 –April 2026 Grand Opening –May 2026 Day Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Lessons Event # Count Event Name Sunday 1-Dec 1 1 3 0 0 68 5 $2 Swim Monday 2-Dec 7 7 3 10 5 10 6 48 14 57 Tuesday 3-Dec 4 5 5 2 7 12 6 41 61 Wednesday 4-Dec 4 1 1 7 10 6 3 32 15 61 Thursday 5-Dec 4 3 6 3 5 14 4 39 52 Friday 6-Dec 5 2 2 6 9 8 6 1 2 0 0 38 13 3 $2 Swim Saturday 7-Dec 7 0 5 1 3 1 3 3 1 24 5**25 Pool Party Sunday 8-Dec 0 2 0 0 0 64 2 $2 Swim Monday 9-Dec 5 3 5 6 10 6 6 41 15 46 Tuesday 10-Dec 5 2 4 2 6 13 3 35 57 Wednesday 11-Dec 5 1 1 6 12 11 3 39 15 44 Thursday 12-Dec 7 5 2 2 5 10 0 31 38 Friday 13-Dec Saturday 14-Dec Sunday 15-Dec Monday 16-Dec Tuesday 17-Dec Wednesday 18-Dec Thursday 19-Dec Friday 20-Dec Saturday 21-Dec Sunday 22-Dec Monday 23-Dec Tuesday 24-Dec Wednesday 25-Dec Thursday 26-Dec Friday 27-Dec Saturday 28-Dec Sunday 29-Dec Monday 30-Dec Tuesday 31-Dec 53 29 34 45 72 91 40 3 1 0 2 5 3 0 Grand Total 368 72 548 35 1023 348 11.9 2.3 17.7 1.1 33.0 textAttendance was not tracked for this water fitness session. This number is the average attendance from the other sessions for that class. X** Indicates Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday: Indicates $2 Swim. This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals . Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - December 2024 Averages: Totals: Total Scans: Hourly Totals: Day Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Team Event # Count Event Name Sunday 1-Dec 19 5 10 11 12 5 6 8 2 78 Monday 2-Dec 4 12 9 12 10 5 2 5 4 3 9 3 3 0 81 7 130 Tuesday 3-Dec 6 9 12 7 9 10 4 7 10 1 59 3 Swim Meet 16 $2 Swim/Swim Meet Wednesday 4-Dec 7 16 12 12 10 7 10 6 11 5 6 14 7 2 125 130 Thursday 5-Dec 3 10 5 8 8 8 6 5 8 3 8 2 2 0 60 7 130 16 $2 Swim Friday 6-Dec 9 15 11 10 12 8 6 5 5 4 6 3 1 0 95 1 130 Saturday 7-Dec 2 0 4 8 8 7 8 2 6 23 4 6 3 1 82 130 Sunday 8-Dec 0 0 0 0 0 7 5 8 5 9 6 3 4 1 48 Monday 9-Dec 10 11 9 10 9 12 6 7 4 6 3 3 2 0 92 4 130 Tuesday 10-Dec 7 13 8 16 9 7 7 4 7 1 5 4 1 2 66 1 130 25 $2 Swim Wednesday 11-Dec 6 9 6 13 6 6 9 6 10 6 8 2 3 2 92 130 Thursday 12-Dec 1 11 7 3 10 8 2 6 4 4 6 2 2 1 54 5 130 13 $2 Swim Friday 13-Dec 9 12 8 14 11 5 5 10 6 4 3 12 0 0 99 15 130 Saturday 14-Dec 1 4 11 7 1 1 0 0 25 130 Sunday 15-Dec 0 0 0 0 0 9 14 12 16 2 8 5 5 0 71 Monday 16-Dec 8 18 9 9 11 15 5 12 12 2 101 14 Swim Meet Swim Meet Tuesday 17-Dec 5 17 8 12 26 8 5 8 3 7 9 8 4 7 89 2 130 38 $2 Swim Wednesday 18-Dec 11 14 12 9 8 12 9 8 17 13 4 5 2 0 124 9 130 Thursday 19-Dec 6 14 10 5 14 11 6 6 10 5 3 2 4 1 78 3 130 19 $2 Swim Friday 20-Dec 16 14 14 16 8 8 10 9 14 9 6 10 6 1 141 2 130 Saturday 21-Dec 0 Swim Meet Swim Meet Sunday 22-Dec 0 0 0 0 0 15 15 18 8 11 6 6 2 2 83 Monday 23-Dec 17 23 12 18 18 11 15 14 7 15 8 8 2 2 170 10 130 Tuesday 24-Dec 0 $2 Swim Wednesday 25-Dec 0 Thursday 26-Dec 27 14 12 17 4 15 7 6 5 107 130 Friday 27-Dec 13 10 14 19 17 12 10 27 4 12 14 10 6 1 169 11 130 Saturday 28-Dec 5 7 6 10 14 5 11 6 7 3 9 1 2 3 89 130 Sunday 29-Dec 0 0 0 0 0 29 14 16 3 16 9 3 5 5 100 Monday 30-Dec 10 22 10 11 26 21 15 13 8 14 5 5 5 6 171 15 130 Tuesday 31-Dec 6 14 11 31 8 27 21 8 126 1 46 Noon Year's Eve Ball Drop 161 271 197 253 252 292 219 273 249 209 166 131 85 44 Grand Total 2675 110 2600 173 5558 2239 86.3 3.5 83.9 5.6 179.3 ICE = 92 (includes masters) text Indicates $2 Swim. This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals . Indicates Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday: Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - December 2024 Totals: Averages:Total Scans: Hourly Totals: Ending Balance:$242,818.83 November 01, 2024 - November 30, 2024 Beginning Balance:$233,397.29 Total Fund Income:$9,477.21 Total Fund Expenses:$55.67 Community Foundation of Johnson County City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Accounts Iowa City Parks and Rec Endowment Fund Statement Activity Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund November 01, 2024 - November 30, 2024 Beginning Balance:$48,414.88 Total Fund Income:$275.00 Total Fund Expenses:$6,663.56 Ending Balance:$42,026.32 Statement Activity 1 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report | City of Iowa City Iowa City Parks & Recreation Staff Report January 2025 Upcoming Events • Tot Time Season – M-F, January 6 – April 25, 9:30-11:30 am, MPAC • Rollerskating – Saturdays, January 11 – May 17; 3-5 pm, 5:30-7:30 pm; RAL • Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration – January 20; 9:30 am – 12:30 pm; MPAC • Freeze Fest – February 2, 1-3 pm, TTRA Lodge • Winter Play Day – February 8, 1-3 pm; Happy Hollow Park Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff Parks: • Staff have continued with tree pruning in Parks and along streets. • We have submitted a grant application the Iowa DNR requesting $30,000.00 to help fund tree planting in the South District. • We completed vegetation management along the Iowa River Trail from McCollister Blvd to Hwy 6 by removing failing trees, vegetation encroaching upon the trail corridor, and invasive species. • We will be completing other vegetation management projects along trail corridors as weather permits this winter. • The light snows in December gave staff the chance to get reacquainted with snow plowing routes and we are ready for any larger snow that come in the new year. • The ice storm generated some minor damage to trees throughout town, but thankfully there was not extensive damage. • We have assisted Water and Wastewater with Ash tree removal at their respective facilities. Recreation: • The ‘Martin Luther King Jr Day’ event will occur at Mercer Park Aquatic Center on Monday, January 20th from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. This event is in partnership with several community service organizations. • Winter/Fall program registration begins December 10 for Iowa City residents, December 11 for all. • The Farmers Market will begin accepting applications in February for the 2025 season. Facilities: • Ashton House roof- o Project supplies were special order and have not arrived. 2 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report | City of Iowa City • Scanlon Gym Roof/Sky Lighting project- o Done. o Still have a few punch list items to clean up. o Scanlon gym floor refinishing is done, floor looks great. • Robert A. Lee pool painting and repair- o Pool was cleaned, repainted, and replaced a bad drain valve. Pool looks great. Cemetery: • Staff will begin trimming low hanging branches on our oak trees once we get a few hard frost mornings. Top Staff Issues Parks • Some minor equipment problems have slowed us down at times this month. Recreation • Staff illnesses have impacted programming operations. Cemetery: • All winter maintenance equipment is ready for the season. 3 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Staff Report | City of Iowa City Oakland Cemetery FY 25 Revenue Report ** shaded areas represent previous 5yr average Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale 5yr Average # of Interments Interments 5yr avg. Revenue from Interments 5-year Avg. on Interments Total Revenue 5yr Avg. on total revenue July $2,700.00 $3,690.00 8 5.4 $4,885.00 $3,106.50 $7,585.00 $6,796.50 August $4,950.00 $7,871.50 7 7.2 $3,520.00 $4,106.50 $8,470.00 $11,978.00 Sept $900.00 $8,082.50 7 7.0 $3,027.50 $3,919.75 $3,927.50 $12,002.25 Oct $10,350.00 $12,342.00 7 7.6 $3,427.50 $4,103.50 $13,777.50 $16,445.50 Nov $1,800.00 $6,111.50 14 6.2 $7,287.50 $3,958.00 $9,087.50 $10,069.50 Dec $13,050 2,745.50 3 5.0 $2,235.00 $3,091.00 $15,285.00 $5,836.50 Jan Feb March April May June Totals $33,750.00 $40,852.00 46 38.4 $24,382.50 $22,285.25 $58,132.50 $63,128.25