HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-05-04 Bd Comm minutes1Vvl �.
• MINUTES
CITY/UNIVERSITY MEETING
MARCH 31, 1976
PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE: Ray Mossman,Dick Gibson, Pat Strabala, Richard
Plastino, Bill Dnigneau, and Dennis Kraft
1. Traffic signal at the intersection of Woolf and Melrose.
A brief recapitulation of previous events on this issue was discussed,
and the relevant facts relating to this were that at a special
meeting on February 5, 1976, the representatives of the City and
the University agreed that the traffic conditions at this intersection
did warrant the construction of a traffic signal. It was also
decided at that point that if a signal were to be constructed, the
University would cover the entire cost because of the financial
condition of the City at this time.
Mr. Mossman indicated that he was directed by Mr. George Chambers,
Executive Vice President of the University, to also discuss this
proposed construction with both the City Council of University Heights
and the University's Traffic Committee.
Mr. Plastino indicated that he would like to study the issue in
greater detail before installing the signal. Mr. Mossman indicated
• that he thought that regardless of the outcome of the study, a signal
would be needed at this intersection and that it would not be counter-
productive to take this action at this time.
Dir. Daigneau indicated that he believed the signal would increase
the safety at the intersection but agreed with Mr. Plastino that
it would not solve the traffic congestion problem.
University representatives also indicated that the engineering firm
of Shive, Hattery B Associates would prepare the design for this
intersection and that they would submit it to the City's Traffic
Engineer, Mr. James Brachtel, for review and comment.
After a discussion of the broader issue of traffic congestion in
this part of Iowa City, it was decided that a problem definition
statement and a scope of services would be prepared which would
allow for a greater delineation of this problem. It was also
suggested that the Area Transportation Study recommendations be
reviewed and that a meeting would later have to be held between
representatives of Iowa City, the University, and University Heights.
City and University representatives will work on the preparation of
a joint statement of problem.
2. Sewer study.
• It was decided that City Finance Director, Pat Strabala, and Mr.
Mike Finnegan of the University's Business Office would discuss
this item in the near future. Mr. Strabala indicated that as of
-2 -
this time, the City is still aiming for an August 1 conversion date
to the new sewer rates.
.1. Urban Renewal land Transaction.
it was indicated that the City would be sending a reportthisday
to the Department of Housing and Urban Development relative to the
land transaction with the University. City representatives indicated
that in this report to HUD they would indicate that the money from
this land transaction would be paid to the City prior to June B,
1976. (It was indicated that as of this date, the City had contem-
plated going to the private market to secure some Urban Renewal
financing funds.)
City representatives also indicated that it would be desirable to
have an early settlement with the University;on this issue.
Mr. Mossman indicated that the next step involving the University on
this land transaction would be for the State Executive Council to
approve the land transaction. Mr. Mossman indicated that the Univer-
sity is attempting to receive a decision from the Executive Council
by April 15, 1976. Mr. Mossman indicated he would be on vacation
during the next month and that any Urban Renewal related contacts
that would normally go to him during this period of time should be
• made with Mr. Mike Finnegan of his office.
4. Iowa City/Coralville Bikeways Study.
It was reported that a dual application is being prepared for the
receipt of funds to construct a bikeway between Iowa City and Coralville
to run through the University West Campus. The two sources of funding
are (1) federal aid to primary road funds, and (2) a demonstration
grant from the Department of 'Transportation. Mr. Plastino indicated
that the recently adopted Iowa City Capital Improvements Program did
not provide for any funding for bikeways earlier than fiscal year
1978. University representatives indicated that they are in the process
of preparing another preliminary plan and budget and that the appli-
cation is also in progress. The application will be coordinated by
and submitted by the City's Department of Community Development.
5. UMTA Grant.
It was reported that work on the grant continues and as of the present
time, plans and specifications for the purchase of equipment are
being drawn up.
6. Emergency Warning System.
It was reported by City representatives that the sirens for the
• emergency warning system have been received and that at the present
-3- 0
time, the City is awaiting the delivery of the controllers. It was
also reported that the City's Finance Department is preparing bid
specifications. After a discussion on the location of sirens, it
was indicated that none of the sirens will be located on the Univer-
sity property. University representatives were satisfied with the
proposed locations of the sirens.
7. Jefferson Building Vaults.
University representatives indicated that they are presently
evaluating this situation. Director of Public Works, Dick Paonly
indicated that the City Council has authorized the City .to.p y y
for the decorative cap on the sidewalk above the vaults. He indicated
that this amount would be $3,900 and that this represented the
average of the amount of money spent on all of the other properties
with vaults.
Dennis R. Kraft
Director
Department of Community Development
40
MINUTES
IOWA CITY RIVERFRONT COMMISSION u=
APRIL 22, 1976
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bassett, Brandrup, Fahr, Horton, Lindberg, Thayer
MEMBERS ABSENT: Hines
STAFF PRESENT: Flowers, Milkman
GUESTS: Flo Beth E}ininger, Roger Hunt, Kathy Laughman, Mark Rohner
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. That the Riverfront Commission recommends acceptance of the proposed resolution
concerning the altering of the membership of the Commission.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN:
The Iowa City Riverfront Commission met in Special Session on April 22, 1976, with
Chairperson Fahr presiding.
* Horton moved and Brandrup seconded that the minutes of the April 8, 1976, meeting
be approved as written. Unanimous.
Chairperson Fahr reported that the Park and Recreation Commission voted seven to
two in favor of the Riverfront Commission's recommendation for purchase of the
Showers property. He also reported that he had gone on a tour of parks with the
City Council and that he was not sure that the Riverfront Commission would get the
money allocated for riverfront acquisition. He indicated that the money could be
used for other purposes.
To help promote the purchase of portions of the Showers property, Fahr suggested
writing letters to the editors of both Iowa City newspapers and Brandrup suggested
that the Commission go back to various community groups as well as University groups
such as ISPERG and the Student Senate to explain the proposed plans for the Showers
property. Thayer suggested that the Commission get a reporter to write a feature
story on these proposed plans and Lindberg responded that Kathy Laughman, a student
in geography and journalism, will be writing materials as a class project.
Brandrup volunteered to work on public relations and will arrange times and places
for personal appearances by. Commission members. Flo Beth Ehninger invited Commission
representatives to attend the Project GREEN Steering Committee meeting on April 23
at 12:00 p.m. in the Recreation Center Room A.
Roger Hunt of Stanley Consultants discussed the River Corridor Plan for the south
end, reminding the Commission that the plan is long—range. Brandrup asked that
Milkman talk to Julie Zelenka, Community Relations Specialist, regarding publicity
about the proposed plans for the Showers property.
n
u
minutes
Page 2
April 22, 1976
on was
concerning in newimembers
[hatange
the appointmentspofntheefourr
The proposed resolution
Brandrup suggesting be inserted into
wording
discussed with
initially. Lindberg also suggested that
from the Select on
be staggered
b2 to exclude residents of Iowa City and Coralville
Thayer moved and Bassett
y
subsection
ro osed
for the representatives from Johnson County.
* of the
process
seconded that the Riverfront issof trecommend
hemembershipcofttheeCommission.p Unanimous.
resolution concerning the altering
(See the attached proposed resolution.) suggesting that
su88 8
discussed with Bassett and Lindberg
d ative
The annual canoe trip was ssion
the JR Itrwas ealso
representatives of
gionalounty PlanningservationCommissionnbeiinvited
RegionalCommission be invited.
County -
from the Johnson
from t the Park and Recreation
members arrive at the Coral -
suggested that the
it leave the Civic Center at 8:30 a.m. and
Transportation will
Trans for the start of the trip.
ville Reservoir 9:00 a.m.
by
that he felt that the Riverfront Commission was not considered
Commission work on, getting
stated
Brandrup suggested that the
included in the budget.
the Staff in the budget process and augg
regularly budgeted funds for riverfront acquisition
the
out that lots were being built close to the river at
by the Iowa Natural
also pointed
Brandrup was permitted
Trailer Park and wondered if the building
construction.
Johnson
Council. milkman will investigate the
Resourses
A t 4.40 p.m -
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourne a
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen R. Flowers
Secretary
0
MINUTES
IOWA CITY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
RECREATION CENTER ROOM B
APRIL 14, 1976
MEMBERS PRESENT: Boutelle, Cilek, Davis, Kelley, Mascher, Powell, Sangster,
Stockman, Thayer
STAFF PRESENT: Flowers, Hauber, Howell, Lee, Mottet, Schmeiser, Showalter
GUESTS: Craig Horton, Elizabeth Hillman, David Lloyd, Sheryl Schulte, S. M. Fahr,
Jane Jakobsen, Mark McNeill, Roland Boeding, Leonard Brandrup, Roger Hunt
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL:
I. That the banks of the large pond in City Park be stabilized, that the City
Engineer consider the idea of a catch basin to raise the level of and to stabilize
the large pond, and that the Commission goes on record supporting the filling of
the small pond.
2. That the Park and Recreation Commission recommends approval of the Riverfront
Commission's recommendation for acquisition of the Showers property.
3. That the Park and Recreation Commission recommends that the extra $50,000 from
the FY 76 $195,000 H.C.D.A. allocation for City Park be diverted to the purchase
of the Showers property.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF:
I. That the Park and Recreation Commission recommends adoption of the proposed
land trade regarding Villa Park.
2. That the Park and Recreation Commission refers the Fees and Charges Report
to the Staff for a report in May.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN:
The Iowa City Park and Recreation Commission met in Regular Session on April 14, 1976,
with Chairperson Cilek presiding.
* Kelley moved and Davis seconded that the minutes of the March 10, 1976, meeting be
approved as written. Unanimous.
Showalter reported that lie had met further with representatives from Powers—Willis
to discuss the preliminary "Ralston Creek Watershed Management Plan as it pertains -
to a proposed use of Happy Hollow Park as a storm water detention area. He indicated
that the problems anticipated by the proposed use were not as serious as hadoriginally
been thought, with most of the land involved in the proposal being the Hayek property
adjacent to the park. Boutelle indicated that he understood that any money needed.
for any reconstruction of the park would come out of the funds allocated for the
Power—Willis study.
E
Minutes
Page 2
April 14, 1976
W]
Thayer moved and Powell seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission go on
record with a statement that, while the Commission is very concerned about any
encroachment on its parks, it is nevertheless also cognizant of the problems that
Ralston Creek has presented to the City through the years and, if the only sensible,
economic solution to the problem involves utilizing part of Hickory Hill Park as a
detention area in times of flood, this Commission would go along with that thinking.
Boutelle commented that progress was being made with the people from Powers -Willis
and suggested that the Commission hold off on making any recommendations until the
Plan is completed. Thayer then withdrew his motion.
Cilek asked that Showalter prepare a report on the Ralston Creek situation for
the next meeting.
Showalter reported on the status of the $195,000 H.C.D.A. allocation for City Park
(see attachment). He indicated that the Council had voted against using piling and
timbers for pond bank stabilization but that he would propose an alternative of
grass paver blocks on the banks of the large pond at an approximate cost of $7,800
for the blocks and $25,000 for the contracted work. He would also propose that:the
small pond be filled, as it doesn't have sloping banks and, therefore, it wouldn't
be possible to stabilize its banks with paver blocks. Kelley asked about the
possibility of either grading the banks or combining the ponds. Showalter responded
that neither idea would be practical. He also stated that the large pond would
need to be fenced for safety and to aid in programming.
Showalter indicated that the Council wants to use the remainder of the City Park
$195,000 to construct a focal point in downtown Iowa City. Stockman reported that
the Committee on Community Needs had voted to wait on recommending use of the money
for the focal point in order to give the Park and Recreation Commission a chance to
give other alternatives. Thayer voiced his objection to the procedure for allocation
of the H.C.D.A. funds.
Showalter suggested that there was a possibility of funding Willow Creek Park tennis
courts at an approximate cost of $50,000 and that the Staff is working on other
* alternatives to present to the Council. Thayer moved and Mascherseconded that the
Park and Recreation Commission recommend that $50,000 of ,the City Park $195,000 of
H.C.D.A. funds be allocated for Willow Creek Park tennis courts. Cilek, Kelley,
Mascher, Powell, Sangster, and Thayer voted aye with Boutelle, Davis, and Stockman
voting nay. Motion carried. The Commission also indicated approval•of the proposed
use of grass paver blocks for pond bank stabilization.
Kelley moved and Stockman seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend
that the banks of the large pond in City Park be stabilized and that the,Commission
go on record supporting the filling of the small pond.. Thayer, then moved and Davis
seconded that the above motion be amended to state that the City Engineer consider
the idea of a catch basin to raise the level of and to stabilize the.large,pond.:
The amendment carried with Boutelle, Mascher, Powell, Stockman, and Thayer voting
aye and Cilek, Davis, Kelley, and Sangster voting nay. The Commission then considered
* the amended motion that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend that the banks
of the large pond in City Park be stabilized, that the City Engineer consider the
idea of a catch basin to raise the level of and to stabilize the large pond, and that
the Commission go on record supporting the filling of the small pond. The motion
passed unanimously.
0 •
Minutes
Page 3
April 14, 1976
Showalter reported that the Parks and Recreation Department was cooperating with
City High School with regard to use of the tennis courts at Mercer Park for high
school tennis meets. He also reported that garden plot rental at South Hollywood
Manor Park would begin on Saturday, April 24, with each plot renting for $2.00.
The Department received a request from a group in Des Moines sponsoring bike trip
for 2,500 people to use City Park overnight. Showalter indicated that there were
not adequate facilities in City Park for this type of use and that he had referred
them to several other parks in Johnson County. Showalter announced that the orien—
tation tour would be held on Saturday, May 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and asked
that interested persons meet at the City Park shop at 9:00 a.m.
The use of Parks and Recreation facilities for private gain was discussed with
Staff indicating that it would be possible to charge 10-15% of the gross profit
made by the individual or group. There was a consensus that the Commission was not
opposed to that concept. Thayer moved that the Park and Recreation Commission
recommend an appropriate policy of people using Parka and Recreation facilities for
lessons, etc., for a fee as determined by Staff. The motion died for lack of a
second. Cilek asked Staff to make a recommendation of policy at a later meeting.
Betsy Hillman presented a petition with 400 signatures asking for the City to
acquire 12 additional acres of land on the east side of Hickory Hill Park. In
relation to this request, Don Schmeiser and Jane Jakobsen, a member of the Planning
and Zoning Commission, indicated that the Planning and Zoning Commission would like
to know if the Park and Recreation Commission is interested in acquiring this land
because the Planning and Zoning Commission is currently considering'a request to
extend 7th Avenue through Hickory Hill Park. Following further discussion, it was
moved and seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission identify the -12 acres of
land east of Hickory Hill Park as the area to be acquired with the $75,000 of FY 7.7
H.C.D.A. funds. Kelley and Stockman voted aye, with Boutelle; Cilek, Davis,:Mascher,
Powell, Sangster, and Thayer voting nay. Motion defeated. Jakobsen will report
back to the Planning and Zoning Commission with the information that the Park and
Recreation Commission is not interested in buying the 12 acres at this time.
Use of the Recreation Center by a group of beer can collectors for a meeting was
discussed, with Lee recommending refusal of the request but indicating that his
Staff was not in agreement with him. Powell suggested that the request be approved
on a trial basis and there was a consensus d: the Commission that Staff should pro—
ceed on the request.
Roger Hunt of Stanley Consultants reported on the Riverfront Commission's recommen—
dation for acquisition of a south end park with FY 76 H.C.D.A. money. That Commission
wants to buy approximately 50 acres of the Showers property from the north end down
to the portion now owned by Steven's Sand and Gravel. Showalter's recommendation is to
buy part of the Showers property to the north and the wooded peninsula to the west
of the river. Thayer moved that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend rejection
of the plan presented by Roger Hunt of Stanley Consultants concerning the purchase
* of the Showers property. The motion died for lack of a second. Mascher moved and
Kelley seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend approval of the
Riverfront Commission's recommendation for acquisition of the Showers property.
Boutelle, Cilek, Davis, Kelley, Mascher, Sangster, and Stockman voted aye with Powell
and Thayer voting nay. Motion carried.
0
Minutes
Page 4
April 14, 1976
* Kelley moved and Boutelle seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend
that the extra $50,000 from the FY 76 $195,000 H.C.D.A. allocation for City Park
be diverted to the purchase of the Showers property. Boutelle.,.Cilek, Davis, Kelley,
Mascher, Stockman, and Thayer voted aye with Powell and Sangster voting nay. Motion
carried. This action is to supercede the earlier motion regarding Willow Creek Park
tennis courts.
Davis and Boutelle stated their feeling that the Willow Creek Park tennis courts
should be the #2 priority. Powell and Sangster disagreed and stated that they felt
the tennis courts should be the 111 priority.
Howell reported that the original owner of Villa Park wants to trade an equal part
of his land adjacent to the park for a portion of the park (see attachment). Mascher
* moved and Boutelle seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission recommend
adoption of the proposed land trade regarding Villa Park. Unanimous.
* Davis moved and Thayer seconded that the Park and Recreation Commission refer the
Fees and Charges Report to the Staff for a report in May. Unanimous.
Powell requested that the "C.I.P. Parks -FY 76 $80,000, Suggested Plan of Attack"
be attached to the minutes.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. 60
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen R. Flowers
Secretary
0
C.I.P. PARKS -FY 76
$80,000
Suggested Plan of Attack
Northeast Park -$4,000
L
We have had two (2) neighborhood meetings and have tentatively agreed
to do the following:
A. Plant 20 shade trees at approximately $50.00 each. We have
wholesale bids from:
I. Pleasant Valley Nursery, Iowa City;
2. Rose Hill Nurseries, Panora, Iowa;
3. Charles Fiore Nurseries, Prairie View, Illinois;
4. Cole's Nursery, Circleville, Ohio;
5. Wandell's, Inc., Urbana, Illinois.
According to the Iowa Nurserymen's Association, there are no
nurseries in this drea operated by minorities.
B. Purchase the following play equipment and picnic tables by taking
competitive bids from manufacturers, including the industry's
two (2) biggest companies -Game Time and Miracle:
I.
Swing set -10', 4 swings
$ 400
(approximately)
2.
Slide bed -16'
$ 400
3.
Spring animals
$ 220
( )
4.
Buck -a -bout
$ 400
5.
Picnic tables (4), grill (1)
460
( )
$1880
This leaves approximately $1,100 of the $4,000 uncommitted. We will meet
with neighborhood representatives in mid-June to decide they best use of
the balance of the money. Possibilities include a basketball court at
an approximate cost o $1,100 and a shelter costing approximately $700.
The labor would be performed by the Park crew.
II. Willow Creek Park -$9,500
We have held one neighborhood meeting and have tentatively agreed to
do the following:
A. Construct an asphalt walk 2,650' long
and 5' wide for a nature trail to
include a bridge $6500
B. Plant additional plant materials,
mostly native species, to compliment
existing materials using nurseries
mentioned in IA plus others to com-
plete proper plant selection $1000
C.I.P. Parks -FY 76
Page 2
C. Purchase play equipment and picnic
tables using the same procedure as
mentioned in IB:
1. Buck -a -bout
2. Whirl
3. 11 picnic tables @ $100
III. Villa Park -$8,000
$ 400 (approximately)
$ 500
$1100 ( )
$9500
$1350 (approximately)
$ 650 ( it )
$2000 it)
$1000
$5000
This leaves $3,000 of the $8,000 uncommitted for use in the newer
part of the park which hasn't been incorporated into the park yet.
IV. South Hollywood Manor -$6,000
A. Construct softball backstop,
purchasing materials locally
B. 2 bleachers -16' long, 5 rows -
using same bidding procedures
as previously mentioned for play
equipment
$1000 (approximately)
$ 900 ( )
C. Grass seed and fertilizer, to be
purchased locally $ 750
D. Play equipment a_ -id picnic tables
using same procedures as mentioned
in IB:
A. Purchase play equipment and picnic
Swing -10', 4 swings
Climber
tables using the same procedure as
(
in IB:
1. 2 pieces of wooden play equip-
1 piece wooden play equipment,
ment
2. 6 picnic tables, 1 grill
B. Plant 40 shade trees using same
multi -use
procedure as IA at approximately
$50.00 each
C. Construct gazebo -purchase materials
36" sewer tile for tunnel
locally, work to be done by Park
crew
$ 400 (approximately)
$ 500
$1100 ( )
$9500
$1350 (approximately)
$ 650 ( it )
$2000 it)
$1000
$5000
This leaves $3,000 of the $8,000 uncommitted for use in the newer
part of the park which hasn't been incorporated into the park yet.
IV. South Hollywood Manor -$6,000
A. Construct softball backstop,
purchasing materials locally
B. 2 bleachers -16' long, 5 rows -
using same bidding procedures
as previously mentioned for play
equipment
$1000 (approximately)
$ 900 ( )
C. Grass seed and fertilizer, to be
purchased locally $ 750
D. Play equipment a_ -id picnic tables
using same procedures as mentioned
in IB:
1.
2.
Swing -10', 4 swings
Climber
$ 400
$ 400
(
)
3.
1 piece wooden play equipment,
multi -use
$1000
4.
36" sewer tile for tunnel
$ 200
5.
3 picnic tables, 1 grill
$ 350
(
)
0
C.I.P. Parks -FY 76
Page 3
E. Trees -plant 20 shade trees at
approximately 550.00 each using
same procedure as in IA
10
1$ 000 (approximately)
$6000
V. Piercer Park Ball Diamond Lights for Diamonds 2 and 3-$52,500
A. Advertise for bids to light these two (2) diamonds, one to be
used for softball, the other for Babe Ruth Baseball -distances
275' from home plate to outfield poles.
t