HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-2021 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda Packet (1)
Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Electronic Meeting 5 p.m.
ZOOM MEETING PLATFORM
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is
impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of
Commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda
item by going to https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwocuqvqDkiGtcWKchyz24dWtxaovjLg-_Y
via the internet to visit the Zoom meeting’s registration page and submit the required
information.
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If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you
may call in by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799. When prompted, enter the
meeting or webinar ID. The ID number for this meeting is: 985 5376 2803
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you would like to speak. Providing comments in person is not an option.
Iowa City
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Electronic Meeting – 5 p.m.
ZOOM MEETING PLATFORM
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF JANUARY 13, 2021 MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
ITEM 4 INTRODUCTION OF COMPREHENSIVE RECREATION MASTER
PLAN – BRAD BARKER
ITEM 5 UPDATE ON DEPARTMENT AFFILIATE GROUPS/PARTNERSHIPS –
BRAD BARKER
ITEM 6 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks & Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
b) Recreation Division Superintendent – Brad Barker
c) Parks Division Superintendent – Tyler Baird
ITEM 7 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 8 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 9 ADJOURN
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event,
please contact Tammy Neumann, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 319/356-5210
or tammy-neumann@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient
time to meet your access needs.
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION DRAFT
MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2021
ZOOM PLATFORM
Members Present: Stephen Bird, Alex Hachtman, Chris Odinet, Boniface Penandjo, Ben Russell,
Melissa Serenda, Angie Smith, Brianna Wills
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Tyler Baird, Brad Barker, Juli Seydell Johnson
Others Present: Leah Agne, Tameka Cage Conley, Samantha Chang, Dr. Tony Colby, James
Galvin, David Hamilton, Mallory Hellman, John Kenyon, Althea Kushner, Raia
Lichen, “CM”, Rachel McPherson, Derek Nnuro, Sondra Smith, Veronica Tessler,
Tim Weitzel, Ada Zhang
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bird called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
Moved by Russell, seconded by Serenda, to rename Creekside Park the James Allen McPherson
Park. Motion passed 8-0.
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Serenda, seconded by Wills, to approve the November 18, 2020 minutes as written.
Motion passed 8-0.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION BOARD MEMBER CHRISTOPHER ODINET –
JULI SEYDEL JOHNSON:
Christopher Odinet, new commission member, was introduced to all present. Odinet shared that he moved
to Iowa City in June and is a faculty member at the University of Iowa Law School. He was previously
employed at the University of Oklahoma and lived in Baton Rouge prior to that. He teaches real estate,
property, commercial and consumer law. He has served on a foundation board in Louisiana as well as a
public housing board. He is looking forward to meeting everyone in person at a future meeting. Odinet’s
term runs through 2024. Bird welcomed Odinet to the Commission.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT PLAN UPDATE – KIRK LEHMAN:
Kirk Lehman, Associate Planner with the Neighborhood Development Services department was in
attendance to present the Southwest District Plan Update. Lehman explained that his primary
responsibilities include long range planning which includes items such as the Southwest District Plan.
Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to
concerns for the health and safety of council members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
Lehman also works with the Board of Adjustment. Lehman further explained that he will give a short
presentation and then will ask for Commission input. He would like to get input regarding any recreational
needs for the southwest district. Lehman first shared a brief overview of how the planning and development
process works. He explained that that the broadest level of planning is guided by the Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan. This is a document that includes a vision for the city’s future. It includes policies and
various land uses for the different parcels as well as how the city can reach that vision . The next step is
reviewing the zoning codes which guides land use. As land is added to the city, there is a subdivision
ordinance. This is where the land is broken up into individual parcels for sale and includes regulations for
streets, sidewalks, and open space. Next is the building code which looks at how individual buildings are
constructed. He said the most recent comprehensive plan was adopted in 2013. This plan includes a vision
statement as well as background information, goals and policies. He summarized the vision statement as it
looks at everything in the city including housing, transportation, economy and infrastructure. A very
important part of the plan is the future land use map. He noted that there are ten planning districts.
The southwest plan was adopted in 2002. It is one of the older plans and is need of an update. He noted that
there have been a lot of changes in policies, specifically those relating to equity and sustainability, as well
as technology and zoning codes. He stated that there is a large portion of the southwest district that is
undeveloped south of Rohret Road and west of 218. The City has plans to expand the sewer system in this
area which will allow for widespread development. He mentioned that something to keep in mind as we
think about the future is that there will be discussions between the City Council and Johnson County about
a proposed fringe area expansion. While this is in very preliminary discussions, it is something that may
affect how the plan transforms over the next 20 years. This potential fringe area is included in the plan. He
explained that staff is in the very initial public input stage. They will be meeting with fo cus groups
comprised of stakeholders including the Parks and Recreation Commission. This will go through the end
of January. There is a questionnaire available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/SW-Plan-Update as
well as a project documents at www.icgov.org/districtplans. Once the initial input stage is complete
(January/February) concepts will be drafted with a plan to go back to the public with those in March. After
including input, it will be presented to the public again in May and June for adoption with a plan to have
complete adoption by the end of the fiscal year, June 30. Lehman reviewed the 2002 plan briefly with
commission and staff. He pointed out that the lake shown in the plan is currently not there. This would
serve as a stormwater retention basin and was proposed at that time and is still possible. It is at the junction
of two creeks and crosses under 218 into Hunters Run Park. There was an idea of a large central park
included in the 2002 plan, with or without a lake. Surrounding this would be primarily single-family homes
with some higher density including either townhomes or duplexes around the outside and then commercial
outside of that area. The 2002 plan did not extend down Highway 1 because at that time there were no plans
for that area. Looking towards the west, this area was included in the growth area at that time and was also
slated for future development. At this point he opened the floor for discussion.
Wills asked if it is currently bare land in this area or if any of the land is farmed. Lehman confirmed that
some of it is farmed as well as some sensitive areas including streams are present. This is the area where
the lake is shown on the plan. Wills referred to areas on the map stating that it appears that there are already
some basins. Lehman said that those areas are outside of the district and are cattle ponds that don’t serve
the area. He further noted that any subdivision that comes in would have to include a stormwater plan. Wills
said that she understands that this is a concept, but she sees this as a place that will have space for a
significant amount of housing which in turn means a lot of families and children. She asked if there is a
plan for building a school as the Iowa City Schools are already struggling with space. Lehman said that
there have been discussions regarding the needs for a school, a fire department etc.
Bird said that he recalled there being talk of a possible recreation center being developed on the other side
of 218 and wondered if this was being discussed. Lehman confirmed that it is and is looking for feedback
from the Commission regarding what kinds of needs they desire for a potential recreation center. Bird
noted that there had been discussion about an eastside sports complex and perhaps some of those ideas
could be addressed in this plan, such as the need for an indoor sports space. Bird also commented that there
have been a lot of changes since 2002 and that while he loves alleys, they do present challenges such as
garbage, snow plowing, who is responsible for what, etc. He believes that there is a need to talk that out
before moving forward.
Serenda asked if there is any potential for green infrastructure like that on the south side of the city, referring
to South Sycamore Greenway. She said this is frequently used by people and wildlife. Related to that she
noted that it appears that the area is somewhat disconnected from the rest of the city with the highway on
both sides of the land. She wondered what kind of trails can be built out there that would connect to the
city, providing a path for which people can walk to other parts of the city. Hachtman said that along those
lines he would also like to see bike lanes.
Lehman again mentioned the needs for a rec center asking if commission and staff are looking for an aquatic
center or more of an indoor recreation facility. Seydell Johnson noted that this is a question that is going to
be addressed during the recreation center master planning process that will begin later this spring and
continue over the summer and will include public input. She further noted that there has been talk of the
need for a recreation center on the west side for some time but there are a lot of questions to be answered.
Wills explained to Lehman that there had been some momentum regarding an eastside sports complex. This
was to include potentially indoor sports areas. Lehman said he was not familiar with this plan. Wills
suggested that staff provide Lehman a copy of that plan as it would provide him with what has been
discussed about necessary amenities. She said that there was quite a bit of energy behind the plan until
COVID hit. Seydell Johnson noted that the eastside sports complex concept plan is available online and
that Barker can provide Lehman with a copy. Lehman continued by asking if the Commission saw any
challenges or opportunities for this space. Bird mentioned that one challenge may be light pollution put off
by the already existing Menards added to a new sports complex. Wills asked how close the University is in
completing the renovations of the golf course and the Athletic Club suggesting that the City work with the
University to discuss opportunities for access. She asked if the City has a 28E agreement with the
University. Seydell Johnson said that the City does not have such an agreement with the University. Wills
asked Lehman if he was familiar with agrihood. He answered that he is aware of this type of use. Wills
further stated that this use is a progressive concept and she believes people may really be interested in living
in an area that is ecofriendly and sustainable. Baird added that the County has plans for this type of space
on land that is just west of Iowa City near the historic poor f arm. Bird asked if there are any plans for a
playground. Lehman said he thought so but wasn’t certain. Bird suggested that it be added if not already a
part of the plan. Bird further noted that he thinks it is an interesting concept and will be a nice addition. He
also would like to see connective trails around the area.
Lehman told Commission members to feel free to email him with any additional questions or suggestions.
He also mentioned that there is a project contact list that one can sign up for and will then receive updates
as they occur.
REQUEST TO RENAME LONGFELLOW TRAIL/ROGER’S GREEN PARK AREAS – JULI
SEYDELL JOHNSON:
Seydell Johnson announced that a request is being presented to the Commission regarding the renaming of
a park that would honor James Allen McPherson. City Council is asking for a recommendation from the
Parks and Recreation Commission. She noted that this discussion started last summer shortly after the
Black Lives Matter movement began in Iowa City. There was a call to name a park after someone of
significance from the black community. She has since received many emails and correspondence
suggesting that a park be named after the late James Allen McPherson. McPherson was the first black writer
to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. He was professor emeritus of the University of Iowa’s Writers’
Workshop and a resident of Iowa City. She noted that initially the thought was to name Rogers Green Park
and Longfellow Trail after him as this was near his home. While this is one area for discussion, there have
been other parks mentioned as well, which will be shared during public discussion. She noted that at the
end of the public discussion, Commission will need to answer two questions 1) Does the Commission feel
that naming a park after James Allen McPherson is appropriate, and if so, 2) provide a recommendation to
Council of one park, or perhaps a list from which to choose, to be named after James Allen McPherson.
Bird then opened the floor for public discussion.
Seydell Johnson first introduced Rachel McPherson, James Allen McPherson’s daughter, to speak.
Rachel McPherson expressed what an honor it is that the City is considering naming a park after her
father and thanked everyone on his behalf. She said this tribute would mean more to him than any of his
awards received as a city park would honor his unwavering love of Iowa City where he lived for nearly
40 years. Although he was a famous writer, she believes in his heart he was a true Iowan through and
through. Also, a park is where community from all walks of life cross paths. This will honor what her
father called “neighboring,” which he described as “connecting with one’s neighbor through a continuous
series of small and potent gestures of generosity and good will.” She shared that her father believed that
neighboring included everyone, and that he truly meant everyone. She shared that there is even a letter in
the house to him from David Duke because her father signed up to these right-wing groups so that he
could learn what they were thinking. He found empathy for all, he wanted to understand everyone’s
perspective. He considered everyone a comrade and friend.
Rachel McPherson expressed that while she loves Roger’s Green Park, it is difficult to access, is hidden,
and that when she first visited the park, she thought she was invading someone’s driveway and that it is
not as welcoming as other city parks. She mentioned that recently while at Creekside Park, there was a
group of people from all walks of life talking about their experiences with the Derecho. She said it was a
beautiful moment and that it would have meant a lot to her father. She then shared a letter from Tony
Colby who was her former pediatrician and was a good friend of her fathers. In summary he stated his
concerns of Roger’s Green Park in that it reminds him of the “postage stamp principalities of 18th Century
Germany.” He suggested that the space be worthy of James’ legend, that it needs to be open and bright
and a place for music, “make is sing.”
Next to speak was Ada Zhang. Zhang shared that while she didn’t know Jim personally, coming through
the Writers Workshop, his presence is very much alive. She feels very lucky to get to know him through
the teachers that taught her and others who knew him.
David Hamilton said that he echoes most everything that his neighbor, Tony Colby, wrote in his letter.
He said that like a number of other people, he knew Jim for many years and it was wonderful knowing
him. He exemplified all that was best in this community and that it would be wonderful to find a green
space to attach his name to; a place where you can invite all out to mingle with each other in various
ways. He said he realizes that Roger’s Green is near Jim’s home, but that he shares some of Tony’s
convictions, although, he has more convictions about Jim. He said that Jim is one of the special people
and to commemorate him in this way would be a wonderful thing to do.
Derek Nnuro then shared that he is present to lend his support and to allow, as Ada said, those who had a
personal connection to Jim to speak on him on a personal level. He too feels like he has his own
connection to him, because he believes that had Jim not set the path here, specifically at the Iowa Writers
Workshop, he would not have enjoyed the privilege of attending as much as he did.
James Galvin said that while many great writers have visited Iowa City, not very many of them chose to
make their lives here. He can only think of one that was a great black writer. He said that one can tell how
far Jim’s reach was by the diversity of the people attending tonight’s meeting. He reiterated what Rachel
said about Jim’s idea of neighboring. He was a neighbor to all and for Iowa City to make this kind of
gesture toward diversity is imperative. He shared a story that his daughter told him. His daughter is a
criminal defense lawyer who is doing a lot of criminal justice reform. She has a 3-year old daughter.
When she was two, her mother had a poster of Alexandria Cortez on the wall. Her daughter walked up to
and put her hand on it and said, “this is me.” She saw the picture and saw someone that looked like her.
He said that he thinks if someone was driving down the street and they saw the name James Allen
McPherson, it could lead to identification and explanation and a chance for education. It might lead that
person to some of the great works of the Pulitzer Prize winning author that we had among us in this
otherwise not diverse enough town and state. Galvin described himself as “as white as you get,” but of all
the colleagues that he has had during all his years teaching in the workshop, his closest friend and ally
was James Allen McPherson and that he was the person that he would turn toward in times of trouble and
that he would always be there. Galvin said that this town needs to do the right thing and put McPherson’s
name in a place that is prominent but modest, because that is what James would have wanted, restating
that it might lead to a kind of identification, education and endorsement of diversity that the Writers’
Workshop stands for and that he hopes America gets together and stands for as well.
John Kenyon thanked the Commission for taking the time to consider this idea. He said it has been so
heartening to see the outpouring of support. He realizes through this that James was someone very
worthy of having a park named for him. The point that he wanted to make is he hopes that it is a
prominent place for all the reasons mentioned, making it a place that has a strong connection to Jim and
his neighborhood. He said he is torn between something grand as Riverfront Crossings, which has not yet
been defined but could use this to create a definition, however, he loves the idea of Creekside with its
connection James and his neighborhood. He hopes that it is a place that represents James’ work well.
Kevin Smith said that he echoes what has already been said. He shared that in other countries it is not
uncommon to have parks, streets, or boulevards named after that country’s writers. He said that we don’t
seem to follow that tradition in this country and he would like to see Iowa City change that. This City of
Literature could show other cities what it means to honor their people. McPherson is so beloved for so
many reasons and Smith loves the idea of a park where people can come together as a community. He
does not have strong feelings about which park or area, but is just thrilled that this discussion is taking
place and it could mean a lot for Iowa City as well as around the world.
Leah Agne shared that she is the librarian at the Workshop. When she started her position there, the previous
librarian had left her the script of an interview done with James in the 80’s or 90’s. She was so moved that
she cried. She said that although she never met him, she feels, as Ada said, that his influence and his
presence in the workshop is strong. She thinks the naming of a park after him is a wonderful idea.
Mallory Hellman stated that she lives in Iowa City because of Jim. She shared that in the summer of 2010
she was living in New York and was trying to find a way to write. She learned that there was a workshop
in Iowa City that was being taught by the first black man to win a Pulitzer Prize so she took the chance and
applied. She noted that Jim accepted more students that he was supposed to but that was well in keeping
with his character and his concept of neighboring which extended to his classroom. She said she had the
honor of being part of one of his final workshops here. She said that something happened that summer.
There that out of the over 20 students enrolled in the workshop, about a quarter of them stayed in Iowa
City. She added that there is something incredibly powerful about the fact that they became Iowa City
residents after learning from Jim and studying with him. He showed them not only the joy that was writing
here and partaking of the literary culture, but also the joy that was each other and that was the great magic
that Jim gave to them. She went on to say that he gave them one another and she thinks that is the reason
why a park should be named after James Allen McPherson. She agreed with others that Rogers Green is
not prominent enough and isn’t shown on any parks maps of Iowa City. She feels that as some stated, they
have visited and felt like they were trespassing and that is inimical to who Jame s Allen McPherson was.
She feels it needs to be more prominent and visible from the road where people from different walks of life
can intersect spontaneously and form a connection.
Raia Lichen said she would like to praise everything that has been said before her and she thinks it is such
an honor that we are having this conversation, and that this is on the table. She further noted that she would
echo what Mallory Hellman said before her.
Samantha Chang said that hearing everyone speak about Jim makes her smile and that during a very
challenging time it may be her first genuine smile all day. Samantha is the Director of the Iowa Writers’
Workshop. She said that it is very appropriate to name a park after her colleague and friend, James Allen
McPherson. She shared that she feels very lucky to have known him. She said he was a brilliant writer,
thinker, and a wise man. A friend of hers said teaching writing is challenging because it can take years to
see results. “James taught with our someday selves in mind.” She said he tried teaching things that could
be used in the future and that he was beloved by everyone that was in the program. She said like James
Galvin stated, Jim was the person she turned to in times of trouble as well. She has many memories of Jim
in Iowa City and recalls his strong belief in community and in the world. She shared that when she was a
student, he gave her a small plastic globe printed with flags of 16 nations that played the national anthem
for each of them. This was the kind of thing Jim would do. It was a trinket that was profound. She also
shared that when her daughter was born in 2007, Jim was at the University Hospital which she found deeply
comforting. She said that one of her most vivid memories of Jim was in November of 2008 when she was
canvassing for Barak Obama on election day and came upon Jim who was sitting on the steps of his house
enjoying the sun. They sat for a while and talked about the momentousness of what was happening. Jim
was so proud to be a member of the community and the American literary community. She thinks he would
have been thrilled and amused to have a park named after him. While she does not have a lot of knowledge
about the various parks in town, she agrees that the park selected should be in an open location, ideally
someplace that a person can get to by walking, and is in the heart of the city. She remembers Jim as always
walking and that he didn’t like to drive much. Ideally, she thinks the park should be in a place where kids
in this City of Literature would be able to see his name and read his story. She agreed with Rachel
McPherson that she does not want people to feel like they are trespassers and that it needs to be a park that
is very Iowa City.
Sondra Smith said that she lives on Sheridan Avenue near the alley entrance to Roger’s Green Park. She
believes Roger’s Green was initially suggested because of its proximity to where Jim live, however, in its
present state it’s not adequate to honor him. She believes that it could remain a possibility if there was a lot
of signage added to Sheridan and Muscatine. She says she doesn’t have strong feelings about which park,
however, she does have a strong feeling that a park needs to be named after him.
Tameka Cage Conley says that although she never met James in person, after reading his work she found
him to be “massively special, incomparable, and a genius.” She said that if not for his presence, her life
would not have been transformed. She shared that she moved here with her son when he was 2-years-old,
who is an African American boy and who she has essentially raised. He is now 6-years-old and she very
much considers the legacy that Jim left as being not only life changing for her, but for her son as it has
opened the world for them. She said that her son recognizes not only the prestige, but also the great
community for which to start his life, in knowing that some of his mom’s closest friends are writers. She
said that she took her son with her to James’ memorial service. She suggested tha t the park selected to
name him after needs to be the most pristine place in the city.
Tim Weitzel shared that he is a long-time resident of the Longfellow Neighborhood. He said that although
he lives down the street from the park and uses the trail every day, Roger’s Green is not used enough, that
there isn’t a sidewalk on that side to access the park, there is no parking and there is an accessibility issue.
While he selfishly wants it to be a park in his neighborhood, he suggested finding another location.
Tony Colby says that he has thought a lot about Jim in the context of recent events and that the word soul
rises out of the mix. Jim was a scholar of history and one who personalized history. James often shared
cautionary tales of murmurings from the far right. He explained that the word soul is used as a descriptor,
to describe good or bad, for example, “she had a lack of soul.” There is a broader meaning of soul as a
dynamic. Colby referred to the song “Walk Tall” by Adderley Cannonball. He said that no matter how
dreary and difficult the song may be, this doesn’t really matter with the lyrics of “Walk tall, walk tall”
begin, stating “that was Jim first, and that was his soul.” Colby said that it would be wonderful if all could
come together and create a park with a gardening space that had such soul, “it would nourish us all.”
Veronica Tessler said that she lives at 705 Sixth Avenue directly across from Creekside Park. She moved
to this area about two years ago and that one of the things that drew her was Creekside Park. She moved to
this area right before the park renovations began. She said seeing the renovations of the park and seeing
what the City has put into the park, whether it is the new playground that draws in children or the community
garden that brings people together, along with the new basketball court and green space. The park draws a
beautiful diversity of people. She couldn’t think of a better park for which Jim should be named after. She
repeated Mr. Galvin’s words who said it should be a park that is prominent yet modest, and that is how she
views Creekside. Also, because it has several access points which makes the park inviting. She agrees with
Samantha Chang who said it needs to be a “very Iowa City park.” She believes that Creekside fits this
description well.
Althea Kushner said that she is quite moved by all the comments about James McPherson. She shared that
James was her teacher, friend and neighbor. She said that he was the person who taught her to read
magazines from the right and that she is grateful for that advice. She said that James is the reason that she
came to Iowa and has had her home in Iowa since 2002. She recalled reading the historic short story “Gold
Coast” that he wrote while she was working in J erusalem at a dangerous time. She remembers that she
stopped breathing. She went on to say that Jim gave breath to so many young writers. She’s doesn’t think
there is a more beautiful way to honor Jim as naming a park after him. She thinks it should be an easily
accessible park and a place where people can breathe as themselves, as friends, and most of all as neighbors.
She said that neighboring was central to Jim’s life.
Bird thanked everybody for their comments. He really appreciated Rachel’s insight into her father’s life.
He said that this is certainly a very poignant time in history to talk about neighboring. Bir d then opened the
discussion to Commission members.
Serenda thanked everyone for their beautiful thoughts about James and appreciates their time in letting
commission member know more about him.
Hachtman thanked all those who attended and shared stories about James and that he has been inspired to
study James’ works.
Wills asked if there is a naming policy and what the practices have been in the past. Seydell-Johnson
directed members to the naming policy that was included in their packets. In summary it states that a
renaming may take place two years after a person death or in recognition of a financial donation. The
naming of a facility or parcel of property in recognition of an individual requires approval and
recommendation of the Commission which then goes to Council for final approval.
Seydell Johnson reminded Commission that they first need to make a recommendation on whether or not
to rename a park in McPherson’s honor. If approved the next recommendation will need to include the
park or a list of parks they wish Council to consider. The three parks recommended so far are Roger’s
Green/Longfellow Trail, Creekside and Riverfront Crossings. Wills added that listening to everyone speak
about him, the first park that came to mind was Wetherby Park. Seydell Johnson explained that that park is
named after Isaac Wetherby who was a successful Iowa City photographer. Other parks that are historically
named include Chauncey Swan Park, Napoleon Park, College Green Park, North Market Square and
Chadek Green Park.
Moved by Odinet, seconded by Hachtman, to approve naming an Iowa City Park after Professor
James Allen McPherson. Motion passed 8-0.
Bird then asked Commission to make a motion to name a specific park/s after Professor McPherson.
Moved by Russell, seconded by Serenda, to rename Creekside Park the James Allen McPherson
Park.
Smith asked if the Commission should do additional brainstorming before deciding on Creekside Park.
Perhaps more discussion should incur regarding Riverfront Crossings or other parks.
Odinet asked what the historical practice in this case. Is it normal for t he Commission to recommend one
park to City Council or send them multiple possibilities, rank those and have Council vote on those choices?
Seydell Johnson responded that there really is no recent history and that it can be done either way. Wills
asked Seydell Johnson that with her knowledge of the parks, if there was a park that sticks out in her mind.
Wills says she is apprehensive about jumping to name one park and thought perhaps the Commission can
decide to rename a park tonight and have more discussion about which park at a future meeting. Se ydell
Johnson said that she thinks two of the parks mentioned are good choices, however, if the desire is that it
be a neighborhood park, Creekside fits that description. She added that Riverfront Crossings would also
be a good choice as it is currently generically named and offers space for large gatherings.
James Galvin asked Rachel McPherson which park she believes her father would have wanted named after
him. McPherson responded that Creekside is a stone’s throw away from her home, which was her father’s
home as well. She added that he would not have wanted any fuss about this and he would have been happy
with Roger’s Green. He would have wanted a park where community can gather. She shared that after the
Derecho, there was an old Sycamore tree that was lost. She had the opportunity to talk with some nice
young black men about that tree while at Creekside. She liked that they felt welcome there. She noted that
with Iowa City being extremely white, it was nice to see that these young men felt welcome. She also
mentioned that there is a diverse group of people that play basketball at the park, and with the sculptures,
greenspace, and gardens, it is a good choice. She referred to a memorial bench placed at Oakhill Cemetery
in her father’s honor. When determining what to have engraved on the bench, she worked with a Japanese
artist friend of hers. They decided on the kanji character “kizuna,” meaning “bonds or connections between
people.” She felt that the kizuna translation was the closest to what her father described as neighboring. She
explained further that kanji is a Japanese character chosen by the Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society
through a national ballot in Japan every year. The character with the most votes is selected to represent the
events of that year. Kizuna was chosen as Japan’s kanji of 2011 and represents how the people came
together after an earthquake and then a tsunami in March of 2011. This kanji is engraved on the front of the
bench. The bench also includes a bronze cast of a hat he always wore, even while sleeping.
Bird remarked that Creekside has that neighborhood feel where Riverfront crossings is a new park and
somewhat undefined at this point. Creekside is more visible; many people drive by it on Muscatine. He
believes this to be a nice park and the right one to name after Professor McPherson.
At this point Commission returned to the motion that was on the table which is as follows:
Moved by Russell, seconded by Serenda, to rename Creekside Park the James Allen McPherson
Park. Motion passed 8-0.
Bird asked if there were any other motions for another park. Wills thought it wasn’t a bad idea, as Odinet
mentioned, to add a second park to the recommendation in case City Council has an adamant reason for not
renaming Creekside Park. Odinet clarified that he wasn’t necessarily advocating for a second park, he was
simply curious about what the Commission had done in the past. Seydell Johnson said the Council may
send it back to Commission for further discussion if they don’t agree with the recommendation of Creekside
Park.
FY22 BUDGET REVIEW – JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON
Seydell Johnson stated that the FY22 budget was presented to Council a week ago and is now under
consideration. She went through the annual projects with Commission. She mentioned that in addition to
those she will mention, there is an annual improvement fund, an annual recreation center improvement fund
as well as a tree planting fund available every year. Those are available to fund infill projects where
necessary. The tree planting projects are planned along Scott Blvd and in various northern neighborhoods.
She went through the Parks and Recreation projects with Commission. The list of projects is included in
the commission packet. She described each of these projects in more detail.
Hwy 6 Trail – Broadway to Fairmeadows: This project is still a few years out, now scheduled for 2024-25.
This is a trail extension along Hwy 6 between Broadway St. and Fairmeadows Blvd. This is the last section
to be complete and will provide access along the Hwy 6 area.
City Park Pool Replacement: This is simply listed as a placeholder. As mentioned earlier in the meeting,
the next Commission meeting will include discussion about the Recreation Facilities/Aquati c Facilities
Master Plan. This will be included in that plan and the public will be involved in that discussion. That
process will take place over the spring/summer of this year. This project will likely require fundraising and
a bond referendum.
Splash Pad Improvement: She reminded commission that there are 3 splash pads in Iowa City plus the
downtown fountain. This project will include replacing some of the above ground amenities with new
features.
Upgrade Building BAS Controls: This will include replacement of building automatic systems in multiple
facilities including the Senior Center, Fire Station #2 and #4, and the Animal Care and Adoption Center
and will allow for remote monitoring and troubleshooting.
Palisades and Stone Bridge Park Development: There is money in the 2024/25 budget to potentially add
two new parks to the parks system. One of them is Palisades which is located in the northeast ar ea of the
City. The other park is Stone Bridge Park just east of Frauenholtz Miller park where there is a stone bridge
that connects to the bridge at Court Hill Park.
Chadek Green Playground and Shelter: This may include the addition of restrooms near the garden area.
Recreation Center Improvements: There are many projects in both the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center as
well as Mercer including continuing with locker room renovations. These projects are spread out over three
years (2022-2025) because a limit of $700,000 can be spent on such projects each year.
Whispering Meadows Park Eco Restore & Park Improvements: This project has moved up slightly in the
plan because of a grant received from the Iowa DNR to begin wetland restoration work. Also, the addition
of a picnic shelter, small playground etc. will make this space look like a park.
Kiwanis Park Playground & Shelter Renovation: This project will include a lot of public input. The wooden
play structure is becoming more and more difficult to maintain. Staff will work with the public in
determining what to replace it with, whether it be another wooden structure or something else.
Napoleon Park Softball Fields 5-8 Renovation: This project has been moved back a few years to balance
out the capital budget. This is okay as staff can maintain the fields internally until then.
Upper & Lower City Park Shelters & Restroom Replacement: This will include demolition of some shelters,
replacing a few with one, as well as new restrooms. While this will mean less shelters in the park, they will
be in much better condition. This decision is based on the number of shel ter rentals we receive in both
upper and lower City Park. This will also assist with more efficient use of parks staff maintenance time.
Hickory Hill Park Conklin St. Shelter and Restrooms: This includes the shelter and restroom at the northern
entrance, similar what has been done at Creekside and Willow Creek Parks.
Glendale Park Shelter & Playground Replacement: This is scheduled for next summer and will include a
small shelter and playground. This will also include better creek access and better accessibility to and
within the park.
Court Hill Park Shelter & Playground Replacement : This park has one of the older playgrounds that are
still left in our park system so will replace that as well as discuss, at that time, whether to replace both
shelters with one or two structures.
Robert A Lee Recreation Center Pool Filter & HVAC: This is a behind the scenes project that will include
replacing the pool filters and the addition of a UV system and a new pool dehumidification system. The
Robert A. Lee pool will be included in the master plan discussion.
Happy Hollow Playground Replacement: This is the final part of this renovation. Restroom and shelter
have already been done as well as a renovation of the ball field and basketball court.
Terrell Mill Skate Park Redevelopment: Renovation of the skate park is scheduled for 2024. We’ve had
some inquiries about this recently and have been contacted by a renowned skate park designer who would
like to assist in this process.
City Park Ball Field Improvements: Improvements to the ballfields in City Park is an ongoing project that
will continue next year.
Mercer Park Ball Diamond Improvements: This is scheduled for 2023-24 and will include turf
improvements on the field that is used by City High. Although, this may or may not happen, depending on
what the school does with their baseball program—whether they keep it at Mercer or move it closer to the
school.
Hunter’s Run Park: This is the western most park in the City. It is scheduled for a pl ayground and shelter
replacement in 2024.
Hwy 6 Trail – Fairmeadows to Heinz Road: Frequently people walk through this area where there is
currently no trail. A trail here will serve as a very important connector from nearby neighborhoods to the
north side. This project is scheduled for next summer.
Event Facility Improvements: This will include improvements to both the Ashton House and the Terry
Trueblood Recreation Area buildings. This will include replacement of the HVAC systems to allow for
remote monitoring and control. The wood inside the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area buildings will be
restained. This is scheduled for 2023.
Off Road Bike Trail Development: The department has acquired some property near the Elks Golf Club
from Public Works. The hope is to make this into a single-track bicycle trail course as early as next summer.
Pedestrian Mall Playground: This project is moving up to 2021. The process has begun as when things
break on the playground, it is difficult to get the parts to make the necessary repairs.
Benton Hill Park: Playground replacement in 2025.
College Green Park: Playground replacement in 2025.
Park Maintenance Facility: This building is located at City Park and is used for equipment storage. Due to
the amount of damage to the driveway, it is difficult to move equipment in and out of the building.
Willow Creek: A full replacement of the trail is necessary due to tree rot damage. This project is scheduled
for 2023.
ADA Elevator Repairs: Elevators will be updated in City Hall, Senior Center, and the Robert A. Lee
Community Recreation Center. Improvements, including the addition of brail as well as verbal and visible
signals in facility elevators, to be installed.
REPORTS ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Recreation Division Superintendent – Brad Barker:
• Lap Swimming at Mercer: Barker announced that Mercer Park Aquatic Center reopened in
December for public lap swimming. Preregistration is required. All available times/spaces are
usually booked in the morning and about half are reserved for the afternoon. Staff is adding
additional lap swim hours to Sundays. Staff will monitor and determine whether to open some
family swim times in February.
• Gymnasium at Mercer/Scanlon: Basketball courts will open for reservations/preregistration next
week at Mercer/Scanlon gym for shooting hoops only with no pick-up games allowed. The gym
will also open for pickle ball and walking. Again, preregistration will be required.
• Staffing: Some of the customer service staff that have been furloughed will be brought back and
scheduled at Mercer on Sundays. Full-time recreation supervisors will continue to cover customer
service and lifeguarding needs Monday through Friday.
• Programming: Recreation has been running various virtual activities including scavenger hunts
and others. Iowa AmeriCorps volunteers staffed a winter break camp.
• Dog Park Event: Recreation staff will hold a sweater party event at Thornberry Dog Park. This
will be a free event on February 13 from 1-3p.m. It will include three categories: Ugliest
Sweater, Most Unique Sweater, and Best Friends category which is a human/canine duo.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: Recreation staff is partnering with the University of Iowa to
offer virtual programs on Monday, January 18, as well as other activities offered throughout the
month of January. More information is available at mlk.uiowa.edu
• Spring & Summer Programming: Barker met with recreation staff who are planning to move
forward with program planning in the areas of SPI (special populations involvement), sports,
enrichment, and outdoor programming. Staff is working towards opening City Park Pool and are
discussing how to move forward with that in mind. There will be a strong emphasis on outdoor
programming. Wills asked if the department has ever partnered with Taproot, who offers many
nature experience programs. Seydell Johnson reported that the department has had several
conversations in the past with Taproot who uses many of the City Parks for their programs. Bird
expressed his appreciation for what staff is doing during these struggling times and is especially
looking forward to City Park Pool opening.
Parks Division Superintendent – Tyler Baird:
• Snow Removal: Baird announced that Parks staff has been cleaning snow off more trails within
the parks than usual to allow for extra outdoor activity options during COVID. This has been
very well received. These areas include Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, Kiwanis Park, Willow
Creek Park and Sycamore Greenway.
• Tree Removal: Forestry staff have been removing diseased and damaged trees in the Normandy
Drive area. They will be moving on to Court Hill Park to do the same. They will follow-up with
planting new trees in these areas in the spring and fall. There will also be a lot of tree planting
happening in the Mackinaw Village Area and Scott Blvd. Letters will go out to the property
owners in these areas.
• REAP Grants: A Request for Proposal (RFP) went out today for woodland and wetland invasive
species removal at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area near the river as well as Whispering
Meadows Wetland Park. Two REAP grants received will be combined to fund this project.
Bird noted that the trails at City Park look better than ever and commended staff for a job well done.
Hachtman echoed that statement regarding the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area trails. He mentioned that
he has been asked by neighbors if this will continue in future years. Seydell Johnson said that the
commitment is for this year. There has been a number of appreciative responses from the community.
This will be reassessed at the end of the year. Bird noted that he is in strong support of continuing this
practice.
NOMINATION FOR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION CHAIR PERSON:
Hachtman nominated Steve Bird as Commission Chair Person for 2021.
Moved by Hachtman, seconded by wills to elect Steve Bird as the Parks and Recreation
Commission Chair Person for 2021. Motion passed 8-0.
NOMINATION FOR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION VICE-CHAIR:
Bird nominated Hachtman to serve as vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission for 2021.
Moved by Bird, seconded by Wills, to elect Alex Hachtman as the 2021 Vice Chair of the Parks and
Recreation Commission. Motion passed 8-0.
CHAIRS REPORT – STEVE BIRD:
Bird again commended staff for their great work on removing snow from the trails, thereby opening them
up for more outdoor activities.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Hachtman asked about the guidelines for ice skating at Terry Trueblood and City Park. Seydell Johnson
reported that Terry Trueblood is a skate at your own risk location, however, City Park is closely
monitored and updates as to whether it is open for ice skating are posted to the departments rainout line
available at https://rainoutline.com/search/dnis/3193467080
Seydell Johnson thanked everyone for their patience during this long meeting, as well as their input and
guidance throughout the evening.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Hachtman, seconded by Wills, to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 p.m. Motion passed 8-0.
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 now
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES 2/12/20 3/11/20 4/8/20 5/13/20 6/17/20 7/8/20 8/12/20 9/9/20 10/14/20 11/18/20 12/09/20 1/13/21 Steve Bird 12/31/21 X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X
Alex
Hachtman
12/31/20 X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X
Christopher
Odinet
12/31/24 * * * * * * * * * * * X
Boniface
Penandjo
Lemoupa
12/31/23 O O NM NM O NM NM O LQ X NM X
Ben Russell 12/31/21 X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X
Melissa
Serenda
12/31/23 X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X
Angie Smith 12/31/21 X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X
Jamie
Venzon
12/31/20 X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM *
Brianna
Wills
12/31/22 X X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X
Blake Winter 12/31/22 X X NM NM O/E NM NM O/E LQ * * *
TO: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks & Recreation Director
FROM: Brad Barker, Recreation Superintendent
DATE: February 3, 2021
RE: Comprehensive Master Plan for the City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities and Programs
The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department has issued an RFP for professional consulting services to
aide in the creation of a Comprehensive Recreation Master Plan. This plan will serve as a ten-year road
map for the direction of Iowa City’s recreation facilities, amenities and programming. Public
participation will be a critical centerpiece for the validity of this plan and will thus require significant
input from Iowa City residents through both traditional and innovative data collection methods. The
selected firm will work closely with City staff in preparing the plan.
The primary purpose of this plan is to prioritize resources in order to provide aquatic and recreation
facilities along with community recreation programming that is equitable, accessible and responsive to
the Iowa City community. Not only should this plan identify the degree to which existing recreation
offerings are hitting the mark, it should also identify gaps in service and provide a strategic plan for how
best to achieve these standards in the years ahead.
The following summarizes the topics the Comprehensive Recreation Master Plan will specifically address
in Phase I.
Aquatic Facilities
• Analyze community demand for aquatics and whether the three aquatic facilities, in their current
location and state, meet this demand.
• Assess the lifecycle and efficiency of current pool operations, including the pool shell and mechanical
systems.
• Determine community preferences for the future of City Park Pool.
• Review opportunities for carbon emission reductions.
• Review and update the ADA transition plan.
Recreation Centers
• Analyze the programs and services the community would like prioritized within these facilities.
• Evaluate whether the amount of gym time, other amenities and recreation center operating hours are
meeting demand. Measure level of community support for changes in operations and/or the addition of
amenities.
• Measure the demand for a new recreation center, where the preferred location would be and the
impacts this change would have on the use of current facilities.
• Review opportunities for carbon emission reductions.
• Review and update the ADA transition plan.
Athletic Fields
• Inventory the type and size of current fields/courts available to the community.
• Assess if the current inventory aligns with the future needs of each sport.
• Use guidance from current CIP plans to prioritize improvements in order to meet community needs.
Recreation Programs
• Assess community support for current recreation goals derived from the 2016 Park Master Plan:
- Every child learns to swim
- Every child learns basic outdoor skills
- Programs and services integrate STEAM concepts into play
-
• Determine the type of programs the public would like prioritized and the preferred method of delivery
(i.e. length, format, cost, etc.)
• Evaluate preferences for the type of events the public would most like to see within the community.
• Determine if there are other recreation opportunities that should be offered that do not already have
a presence within the community.
• Measure how the public currently receives information versus how they’d prefer to receive
information on programs, events and facilities/amenities
A secondary phase of the RFP allows for the proposal of additional contracting services. The services
include, but may not be limited to: design development; construction documents; bidding and
negotiation; construction administration. Based upon the findings in Phase I, the City may elect to
proceed with negotiations for additional services from the selected firm.
We will be seeking two individuals from the Parks Commission to serve on the steering committee.
There will be regular reports back to the commission as the project progresses.
Phase I is advertised to have a project budget range of $90,000 to $130,000. Proposals are due on
March 19, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.
Date: February 12, 2021
Request for Proposal: #21-197, Consulting Services for a Comprehensive Master
Plan for the City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities and Programs
Notice to proposers: Sealed Proposals will be received via e-mail or at the Office of the City Clerk,
until the time and date specified below.
Due to public health concerns surrounding COVID-19, bids may be mailed or submitted
electronically by email. Either way the bid is submitted, each bid must be complete with
all the supporting documentation and follow the order outlined in Section One –
Submittal Package Checklist. If the proposal is mailed address the proposals to:
Attention: City Clerk’s Office
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St, Room 140
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
Vendors must submit Five (5) printed copies of the proposal. Proposals shall be sealed and clearly marked
on the outside of your mailing envelope or container “Consulting Services for a Comprehensive Master
Plan for the City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities and Programs, Request for Proposal #21-197”.
Proposals must be received by the City Clerk’s office before 2:30 p.m. (local time) on March 19, 2021.
If the proposal is emailed, it must be received by theresa-vanatter@iowa-city.org before 2:30 p.m. (local
time) on March 19, 2021. Vendors must email one (1) copy of the proposal. Proposals must have “RFP
#21-197” in the subject line of the e-mail. Faxed Proposals will not be accepted. All times and dates are
Central Standard Time.
Questions: All questions and clarifications regarding this Request for Proposal will be accepted until
March 4, 2021, noon (local time) by e-mailing the following City representative. All questions must be
in writing in order to receive a response.
Purchasing
Theresa Vanatter, Procurement Coordinator
theresa-vanatter@iowa-city.org
(319) 356-5075
No Contact Policy: After the date and time established for receipt of proposals by the City, any contact
initiated by the proposer or by a City representative, other than the Purchasing Division representative
listed herein, concerning this Request for Proposal is prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may
cause the disqualification of the proposer from the procurement transaction.
The City is not responsible for delays occasioned by the U.S. Postal Service, the internal mail delivery
system of the City, internet outages, or any other means of delivery employed by the proposer. Similarly,
the City is not responsible for, and will not open, any proposal responses which are received later than the
date and time stated above.
Bonds and Insurance: Insurance is required with this Request for Proposal, as specified in Section Four
B.
Index:
Section One Submittal Package Checklist
Section Two Specific Conditions and Instructions to this Proposal
Section Three Specifications and Requirements
Section Four General Conditions and Instructions to Proposers
Section Five References Form
Section Six Company Information Form
Section Seven City of Iowa City Wage Theft Policy
Section Eight Consultant Agreement
Section Nine Contract Compliance Document (to be completed by awarded vendor only)
Section One – Submittal Package Checklist
The following items must be included in all proposals and must be organized in the following
sequence.
NOTE: The City reserves the right to reject proposals that are considered incomplete and do not
contain the requested items listed above.
Item A – Executive Summary
Letter of submission: Letter shall include the name, address, phone number and email address of the
person(s) who will: a) serve as the Project Manager for the project; b) serve as the Principal Contact with
the City; and c) make presentations on behalf of the firm. The same information will be required for any
sub-facilitators working with the primary facilitator. The letter must be signed by an officer of the
Proposer or a designated agent empowered to bind the firm in the contract offer.
Item B – Experience with Similar Projects
Experience: Clearly indicate the specific experience of the individual/firm relative to projects of similar
scale and type as this project. Include descriptions of projects with respect to client, location, common
issues and services provided.
Item C – Respondent’s Expertise and Subcontractor’s Expertise
Key Personnel: Provide a complete list of key personnel who will work on the project, and all sub-
facilitators working on the project, along with their professional experience and their role/responsibility.
Item D – Proposed Project Work Plan
Project Work Plan: This should include a project plan and time schedule describing the general work
tasks and personnel assigned to the project. It shall include estimated task/phrase completion dates, key
meeting/presentation dates and major milestones.
Item E – Performance of Services
Methods and Means: Provide a response that defines the methods and means by which the firm will
perform the services outlined in the Request for Proposal.
Item F – Project Costs
A comprehensive and detailed listing of all costs, fees, and reimbursable fees to be incurred as a part of
your company’s work. All costs for this project must be included in the submitted proposal. Exclusion of
any costs for this project will be the responsibility of your company.
Item G – References
A completed Company Reference Form. Submit the form that has been provided in Section Five;
substitute forms will not be accepted.
Item H – Company Information Form
A completed and signed Company Information Form. Submit the form provided in Section Six; substitute
forms will not be accepted.
Item I – Wage Theft Policy
A completed Wage Theft Affidavit. Review Section Seven - Wage Theft Policy. Submit the Affidavit Form
provided in Section Seven; substitute forms will not be accepted.
Item J – Contract Compliance Form: (to be completed by awarded vendor)
Review section Nine Contract Compliance Document. Provide a copy of your written Equal Employment
Opportunity Policy Statement. Submit the form provided in Section Nine: Substitute forms will not be
accepted.
Section Two - Specific Conditions and Instructions to this Proposal
A. Project Description
The City of Iowa City is requesting proposals to provide professional consulting services to develop a
ten-year Comprehensive Recreation Facilities and Program Master Plan. The selected firm will have
proven experience and knowledge in recreation planning, project management and effective public
involvement processes. The firm will work closely with City staff in preparing the plan.
This plan will focus on community needs and requests for aquatic facilities, indoor recreation space,
outdoor athletic/specialty use areas and recreation programming. The overarching goal is to prioritize
resources to provide aquatic and recreation facilities along with community recreation programming that
is equitable, accessible and responsive to the Iowa City community.
The Master Plan will build upon the vision established by the Department’s 2016 City of Iowa City Parks
System Master Plan. This project will not include playgrounds, trails, splash pads, outdoor
shelters/restrooms or natural area parks.
The project includes the following components: Detailed Work Plan; Evaluation of Facilities and
Amenities; Analysis of Programs and Services; Community Needs Assessment; Recommended
Improvements and Prioritization; Strategic Action Plan; Meetings, Presentations and Graphical Reports.
The project timeline for completion of the Master Plan is nine months from the date the Agreement is
signed by the City Manager.
Additional information regarding the City and the Parks and Recreation Department can be found on the
City of Iowa City’s website at www.icgov.org.
B. Project Purpose
The Master Plan will present a ten-year prioritized plan of priorities for resources to provide equitable
recreation services to the Iowa City community.
Specific areas to be addressed:
1. Aquatic Facilities – Mercer Park Aquatic Center, Robert A. Lee Indoor Pool and City Park Pool
Recreation Goal - Every child in Iowa City learns how to swim
a. Analysis of demand for aquatics and how current facilities meet said demand.
b. Lifecycle and efficiency analysis of the pool shell and mechanical systems.
c. Evaluate the need for three aquatic facilities as designed and where they are located
today. If data is significant, analyze the geographic location and site constraints of current
facilities.
d. Provide a review for carbon emission reductions.
e. Review and update ADA transition plans for each facility.
2. Recreation Centers – Mercer Park Aquatic Center, Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
Recreation Goal – Access for all. Integrate STEAM concepts into programming.
a. Analysis of the programs and services the public would like prioritized at these facilities.
b. Evaluate the amount of gym time available and assess if it meets demand.
c. Investigate whether the current recreation center amenities are meeting community needs.
Identify and measure the level of support for additional/other amenities, if any.
d. Measure the demand for a new Recreation Center, where the preferred location would be
and the impacts on the usage of current facilities.
e. Provide a review for carbon emission reductions.
f. Review and update ADA transition plans for each facility.
3. Athletic Fields – Soccer, baseball and softball fields; tennis and pickleball courts
a. Inventory the number and type/size of each field/court.
b. Assess if the field/court inventory aligns with the future needs of each sport.
c. Using guidance from the East Side Sports and Mercer Baseball Field Master Plans and
CIPs, prioritize improvements to meet the community’s sport field needs.
4. Recreation Programs
a. Assess community support for current recreation goals from the 2016 Park Master Plan.
I. Every child learns to swim.
II. Every child learns basic outdoor skills.
III. Programs and services integrate STEAM concepts into play.
b. Determine the types of programs the public would like prioritized and the preferred
method for program length, format and cost.
c. Inquire about the types of events the public would like to see within the community.
d. Assess if there are other recreational opportunities that should be offered that are not
already within the community.
C. Evaluation Process
Each proposal submitted stands alone and will be evaluated on its own merits in terms of meeting the
City’s requirements, terms and conditions, and overall responsiveness to the Request for Proposal. The
evaluation committee may conduct discussions with any proposer that submits an acceptable or
potentially acceptable proposal. Proposers shall be accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to
any opportunity for discussion and revision of proposals. During the discussions, the evaluation
committee shall not disclose any information derived from one proposal to any other proposer. The
evaluation committee reserves the right to request the proposer to provide additional information during
this process.
An evaluation committee will independently evaluate the merit of proposals received in accordance
with the evaluation factors defined in the Request for Proposal. Failure of the proposer to provide any
information requested in the Request for Proposal may result in disqualification of the proposal and
shall be the responsibility of the proposer. Phase One of the evaluation process shall be based on a
100-point scale. It is required that a proposal receive a minimum of 80 points in order to move on to
Phase Two and be considered for award.
The proposal that accrues the highest points shall be recommended for award subject to the best
interests of City. Categories have been identified for the evaluation process. Each category shall receive
a point value within the specified range based on how well the proposal meets or exceeds the City’s
requirements. The following table lists the maximum points associated with each category.
“The Vendor’s submission of a proposal implies vendor acceptance of the evaluation technique
and vendor recognition that some subjective judgments shall be made by the City of Iowa City
during assignment of points.”
Phase One – Point Category Assigned Points
Experience 25
• Experience with similar projects • Key personnel expertise
Proposed Project Work Plan 25
Performance of Services/Methods and Means 30
Project Costs 20
Total Points Phase One 100
Phase Two – Point Category Assigned Points
Interview/Presentation 25
References 25
Total Points for Phase Two 50
Total Points for Phase One and Phase Two 150
D. Interview
During the initial evaluation process, the City of Iowa City will request an oral interview with those
proposers that appear to meet the requirements for this contract. Proposers selected to participate
in an interview with the City of Iowa City will have the opportunity to discuss their qualifications,
experience, services that they will provide for this contract, as well as any proposed fee schedule.
The request for an interview shall be at no cost to the City of Iowa City.
E. Contract Award
1. The submitted proposal must be complete to be considered for award.
2. Award, if made, will be between the City of Iowa City and the proposer. The awarded vendor
shall not subcontract any part of this contract without the prior written approval of the City. All
subcontractors working on this contract must be employed by and responsible to the awarded
vendor; all fees for this project will be paid to the main contractor. Failure to comply with the
subcontractor provision will result in termination of the contract.
3. The City reserves the right to qualify, accept, or reject any or all proposers as deemed to be in the
best interest of the City. The City of Iowa City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all
proposals and to waive irregularities or technicalities in any proposal when in the best interest of
the City. The City of Iowa City reserves the right to accept or reject any exception taken by the
proposer to the terms and conditions of the Request for Proposal.
4. It is the City’s intent to make an award based on the schedule provided; the City reserves the right
to adjust the schedule when necessary.
5. Award, if made, will be in accordance with the terms and conditions herein.
6. Award, if made, shall be in the form of a contract issued by the City, which will include the terms
and conditions of the Request for Proposal, and any additional submittals by the proposer that
have been accepted by the City.
7. Any change to the contract must be approved in writing by the Assistant Finance Director and the
awarded vendor.
8. Consideration may be given to, but not limited to, demonstrated creative and appropriate
proposed services to evaluate and provide recommendations for Recreation Master Plans, the
firm’s resume and qualifications, experience with past and present clients, customer satisfaction
and references, proven success of other contracts, firm’s financial stability, the firm’s ability to
demonstrate an understanding of the work to be performed, demonstrated capacity to provide
timely and quality deliverables, the firm’s ability to comply with the requirements of this Request
for Proposal, value of service relative to proposed costs.
9. The awarded vendor will be given the City’s Contract Compliance Document to complete and
return before a Contract Purchase Order is issued.
10. By submitting a proposal in response to this Request for Proposal, the proposer acknowledges that
the proposal submitted shall become public information after the contract is awarded.
11. Before award of this contract, the selected proposer shall submit a certificate of insurance that
shall include professional liability insurance covering the selected proposer’s liability for the
proposer’s negligent acts, errors and omissions to the City in the sum of $1,000,000.
• The City of Iowa City will be named as additional insured
• Project proposal number and project title as the description
• Insurance carriers will be rated as A or better by A.M. Best
The above conditions and instructions clarify this specific proposal document but are in addition to the
attached General Conditions and Instructions to Proposers (Section Four).
Section Three - Specifications and Requirements
A. Scope of Work and Specifications
The Scope of Work shall include a Detailed Work Plan; Community Needs Assessment; Analysis of
Programs and Services; Recommended Improvements and Prioritization; Strategic Action Plan; Meetings,
Presentations and Graphical Reports.
This plan will include recreation centers, swimming pools, and athletic fields. This plan will not include
other park spaces, trails, splash pads, outdoor recreation spaces and the facilities/amenities
contained within. In order to fulfill these requirements, the Master Plan Consultant will be responsible
for the following tasks and the descriptions contained are intended to serve as a guide to illustrate
minimum project requirements.
1. Detailed Work Plan (Phase I)
Develop a comprehensive workplan that includes all anticipated tasks and deliverables to address
the RFP scope of work. Include a schedule for the work plan.
2. Community Needs Assessment (Phase I)
Conduct a community-wide needs assessment that will determine citizen interest and customer
satisfaction regarding the City’s aquatic facilities, recreation facilities, amenities and
programming. Collected data will be used to identify gaps to be addressed in order to meet the
current and future recreation needs of the community. This study should address projected
demographics, regional and national trends and how facilities owned by other entities will factor
into the recreation needs of the community. Consultant to propose framework for this assessment.
Specific Topics to be Addressed (not fully inclusive)
a. Collect community opinion on primary vision from the 2016 Park Master Plan
I. Every child in Iowa City learns how to swim.
II. Every child in Iowa City learns basic outdoor skills such as bicycle
riding, fishing, etc.
III. Programs and services integrate STEAM concepts into play.
IV. Special events serve to engage residents with other residents,
strengthening community conversations and commitment.
b. Future of City Park Pool
c. Assess level of community support for upgrades/renovations to continue operations at
current pool or a new pool/aquatic center as a replacement.
d. If a new facility is desired, determine the amenities that should be included.
e. Athletic Fields
I. Determine priorities for improvements and/or additions most needed for
sport facilities.
f. Recreation Programs and Events
I. Determine the type of programs and events the public would most like to
see.
II. Assess the preferred locations for these programs and events to occur.
III. Evaluate the public’s willingness to pay for participation in these
programs and events through program fees.
g. Communications and Marketing
I. How do you learn about Iowa City’s recreation programs, events and
facilities?
3. Analysis of Programs and Services (Phase I)
a. Evaluation of Aquatic Facilities
I. Evaluate Mercer Park Aquatic Center, Robert A. Lee Indoor Pool and
City Park Pool for safety, ADA accessibility, maintenance and other
deficiency concerns.
II. Create a list, by facility and/or amenity, that describes deficiencies along
with potential energy conservation improvements.
III. Provide photos of deficiencies
IV. Provide a budget estimate for both short and long-term repairs needed at
each pool.
b. Recreation Program Assessment
I. Analyze the department’s current level of recreation programs and
services.
Include a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term programming
operations, recommendations for minimizing duplication of service and
possibilities for programming enhancements through collaborative
partnerships.
II. Existing or new programming recommendations should include best
practice accessibility recommendations including eligibility,
participation, staffing, transportation, and communications in compliance
with the letter of the ADA.
c. Trends and Standards
I. Review and interpret demographic, cultural, socioeconomic and other
trends relevant to Iowa City. Includes racial equity and other services
that support inclusivity and diversity.
II. Highlight important changes expected in the demographic composition
of residents and illustrate emerging trends in parks and recreation that
will have implications on future recreation facilities, amenities and
programming.
4. Recommended Improvements and Prioritization (Phase I)
a. ADA Transition Plan
I. Update the current ADA transition plan with recommended phasing for
corrective work and recommendations of areas/items that may be left
“as is” along with reasoning for these recommendations.
b. Carbon Emissions Reduction Review
I. An initiative of the City of Iowa City’s strategic plan is to promote
energy and environmental sustainability. The Master Plan should
include a carbon emissions reduction review for each facility (Robert A.
Lee Recreation Center, Mercer Park Aquatic Center, City Park Pool)
with the following considerations:
II. A list, by facility, that describes opportunities for sustainability
improvements
III. Provide a comprehensive list of energy efficiency strategies and items
that could reduce the facility’s carbon emissions for two goals:
i. 45% reduction of Carbon
ii. Net Zero
c. Aquatic Facilities and Amenities
I. Develop detailed recommendations and prioritization for aquatic facility
improvements and/or maintenance needs along with cost estimates for
each. Prioritized recommendations should be based on financially
feasible alternatives and should identify short-term projects (3-5 years)
and long-term projects (6+ years).
II. Enhanced analytical efforts should be taken when evaluating the dated
City Park Pool.
d. Recreation Facilities
I. Assess the need for an additional recreation center on the west side of
Iowa City, the East Side Sports Complex location or some other area.
e. Recreation Programming
I. Develop and prioritize recommendations for recreation programming
based upon community demographics, recreational trends and
community interest.
II. Develop a plan that identified future programming opportunities and the
facilities need to deliver them to the community.
5. Strategic Action Plan (Phase I)
Develop a strategic action plan that represents the values of the community for recreation facilities,
amenities and programming. This action plan should outline implementation strategies to achieve the
recommendations while maximizing limited financial resources and staffing as well as leveraging
potential collaborative partnership opportunities identified in the study.
6. Meetings, Presentations and Reports (Phase I)
a. Attend a minimum of six meetings with staff and six meetings with the community
steering committee to review progress and provide feedback throughout the process.
b. Present at an Iowa City Parks Commission meeting and at an Iowa City Council meeting.
c. Create a graphically illustrative document complete with maps, renovation concepts,
tables and charts. This document should assist in easing readability and understanding to
assist with implementation.
7. Additional Contracting Services (Phase II)
a. Upon the completion of Scope of Work and Specifications detailed above and
Deliverables detailed below, the City may choose, at its sole discretion, to retain and
enter into a separate contract with Consultant to perform additional services, which may
include but not be limited to the following for either the aquatic facilities and/or
recreation facilities:
I. Design Development
II. Construction Documents
III. Bidding and Negotiation
IV. Construction Administration
b. Contract Negotiations for these Additional Services will only be undertaken if the Master
Plan phasing design and budget is approved by City Council
c. The City also reserves the right to solicit proposals from other professional service firms.
B. Community Outreach and Engagement Strategy
It is critical that the consultant achieve high levels of engagement with the community so that they may
have the opportunity to have a voice in the creation of this recreation master plan. The consultant will
develop an innovative strategy and utilize creativity in the employed methods to maximize public
participation and reach a diverse population that often does not typically provide public input. This may
include, but is not limited to, students, long-term residents, minority groups and the business community.
This public outreach process should include community input regarding recreation facility and amenity
improvements and/or needs along with direction for recreational programming and events through public
forums, an online tool/portal and other means as proposed by the consultant. Interviews with
stakeholders, community groups and City staff to should also be included.
Note that special care must be taken to plan for the solicitation of public input in an environment that is
still operating through the Covid-19 prism where some individuals may not yet feel comfortable in the
traditional public input gathering settings.
All electronic engagement tools and data must be housed on the City’s website and servers.
C. Resources to be Provided to the Consultant
The City will provide the following items to the consultant to facilitate the project plan:
a. Project manager – Director of Parks and Recreation.
b. Advisory committee – comprised of Parks and Recreation staff, Planning staff and the
Parks and Recreation Commission.
c. Copies of all existing applicable studies, plans and other data including the City of Iowa
City Comprehensive Plan, City of Iowa City Comprehensive Park System Master Plan,
ADA transition plan, Neighborhood Open Space Plan, existing trail and park plans,
recreation activity brochures, etc.
d. Access to all applicable City records.
e. Assistance with logistics and scheduling of community meetings and interviews.
D. Items to be Provided to the City
To facilitate the project plan, the consultant is responsible for providing the following items to the City:
a. Detailed work plan.
b. Summary of existing conditions, inventories and analysis
c. One electronic version of a draft Master Plan for distribution and review; draft will
include all the information contained in the scope of work.
d. Appropriate written materials and graphics to be used for public presentations.
e. Electronic version of the final Master Plan and any relevant electronic files to be used by
the City for future reproduction. Includes all elements listed in the scope of work. The
electronic version must be provided in both a pdf and MS Word formats.
f. Final Master Plan maps showing all recreation facilities and amenities provided in a color
poster format (24-inch by 36-inch), one for each facility. These shall include the goals,
objectives and policies of the Master Plan as well as the climate action, ADA and
renovation concept improvements to be made.
E. Deliverables
The Consultant will produce an Executive Summary Recreation System Master Plan report and a Master
Plan Document from which the Parks and Recreation Department can envision its future and develop the
necessary procedures and operation to achieve the stated goals. The documents will be a management tool
designed to produce decisions and actions to shape and guide the purpose of the organization, the
operation of the organization, and the background for how the organization will focus and act in the
future. The product will, at a minimum, incorporate the following components and characteristics:
a. Evaluation of current recreation facilities and amenities to determine existing conditions
and its safety and maintenance needs. Include a report on the review for carbon emission
reductions and an update to the ADA transition plan.
b. Analysis of the department’s programs and services along with recommendations for
future direction. Includes an environmental scan of the community to include
demographics, trends and socioeconomic characteristics of each recreation service area.
c. Analysis of community input on recreation facility, amenity and programming needs.
d. A comprehensive list of recommended improvements and amenities for existing and new
facilities and amenities. Includes timeline reflecting the prioritized improvements that
will identify short-term projects (3-5 years) and longer-term projects (6 years and
beyond).
e. A master planning document that reflects programming and service priorities in both the
near-term (2-5 years) and long-term (6 years and beyond).
f. Executive Summary of Master Planning Document.
F. Fees and Project Budget
1. Outline your expected fees and schedule of payments. Standard disbursement of costs will be
billable to the City of Iowa City, if reasonable and approved for this type of project. All billable
hours including client meetings and site visits should be included in a not-to-exceed fee.
As projects may be funded by different revenues, please break up the fees per phase to include the
following scope:
a. Phase I (fixed not-to-exceed fee)
I. All items as outlined in the Scope of Work and Specifications section
and Deliverables noted Phase I.
b. Phase II (percentage of construction project estimate)
I. Design Development
II. Construction Documents
III. Bidding and Negotiation
IV. Construction Administration
2. Phase I has a project budget range of $90,000 to $130,000. The amount has been approved by
the City of Iowa City Council as part of the FY21 Operating Budget.
G. Schedule
The following schedule identifies milestone dates for the project. The Parks and Recreation Department
reserves the right to adjust the schedule when necessary.
a. Issue RFP – February 12, 2021
b. RFP Questions Due – March 4, 2021 Noon (local time)
c. Proposals Due – March 19, 2021 2:30 PM (local time)
d. Consultant Interviews – To be determined
e. Selection of Consultant – To be determined
f. Draft Report Submitted to Parks and Recreation Commission – To be determined
g. Formal Presentation and Final Report Submitted to Parks and Recreation Commission – To be
determined
Section Four - General Conditions and Instruction to Proposers
The general rules and conditions which follow apply to all proposals issued by the City unless otherwise
specified. Proposers or their authorized agents are expected to fully inform themselves as to the
conditions, requirements, and specifications before submitting proposals; failure to do so shall be at the
Proposer’s own risk.
Request for Proposal (RFP): is defined as a request for an offer, by one party to another, of terms and
conditions with reference to some work or undertaking. This document constitutes a Request for
Proposal and is thus a solicitation for responses. Conversely, this Request for Proposal is not a bid and is
not governed by state or federal bidding requirements.
Moreover, any acceptance of a proposal shall not result in a binding contract between the City and the
Proposer, but instead will simply enable negotiations to take place which may eventually result in a
detailed and refined agreement or contract between the Proposer and the City.
"Proposal date" as referenced herein shall mean the local date and time specified in the proposal
documents.
A. Conditions for Proposing
1. No Contact Policy. All questions regarding this Request for Proposal must be in written form and
must be submitted to the Purchasing Division, as stated above. After the date and time
established for receipt of proposals by the City, any contact initiated by the proposer or by a City
representative, other than the Purchasing Division representative listed herein, concerning this
Request for Proposal is prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may cause the disqualification
of the proposer from the procurement transaction.
Unless authorized by the Purchasing Division, no other City official or City employee is
empowered to speak for the City with respect to this acquisition. Any Proposer seeking to obtain
information, clarification, or interpretations from any other City official or City employee other
than the Purchasing Division is advised that such material is used at the Proposer’s own risk. The
City will not be bound by any such information, clarification, or interpretation.
Following the Proposal submittal deadline, Proposers shall not contact the Purchasing Division or
any other City employee except to respond to a request by the Purchasing Division.
2. Completeness/Authorization of Proposal. Proposer shall supply all information and submittals
required by the proposal documents to constitute a proper proposal. The proposal shall clearly
state the legal name, address, telephone number, and email of primary contact (signer) of the
Proposer. The proposal shall be signed above the typed or printed name and title of the signer.
The signer shall have the legal authority to bind the Proposer to the proposal.
3. Addressing of Proposal. Faxed proposals will not be accepted. Proposals shall be submitted in a
sealed envelope or box clearly marked on the front with proposal number and due date, and
unless otherwise specified, addressed to:
Attn: City Clerk’s Office
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street, Room 140
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
If the proposal is emailed, it must be received by theresa-vanatter@iowa-city.org before 2:30
p.m. (local time) on March 19, 2021. Vendors must email one (1) copy of the proposal. Proposals
must have “RFP #21-197” in the subject line of the e-mail. Faxed Proposals will not be accepted.
All times and dates are Central Standard Time.
4. Proposal Deadline. Proposer shall be responsible for taking whatever measures are necessary to
ensure that the proposal reaches the office of the City Clerk or other specified agent on or before
the local time and date specified. The City shall not be responsible for, and may n ot consider,
any proposal delayed in the postal or other delivery service, or in the City's internal mail system,
nor any late proposal, amendment thereto, or request for withdrawal of proposal received after the
date specified. Proposals received after the time and date specified on the Request for Proposal
will not be opened and will not be considered for award.
A written request for withdrawal of a proposal or any part thereof may be granted, provided the
request is received in writing by the City prior to the specified proposal date.
5. Receipt of Proposals. Unless otherwise required by the Iowa Public Records law, during the
process of negotiations, no proposals shall be handled to permit disclosure to competing
Proposers of the identity of the Proposer with whom the City is negotiating or the contents of the
proposal.
6. Proposals Binding 120 Days. Unless otherwise specified, all formal proposals, including any
negotiations, submitted shall be binding for one hundred and twenty (120) working days
following the due date for the proposal or negotiations, unless the Proposer(s), at the City's
request, agrees in writing to an extension.
7. Trade Secrets or Proprietary Information. Responses to this Request for Proposal become the
exclusive property of the City of Iowa City. All documents submitted in response to this Request
for Proposal may be regarded as public records and may be subject to disclosure. Protection from
disclosure may apply to those elements in each submittal which are marked as “Trade Secret”,
“Confidential”, or “Proprietary”. During the course of the submittal evaluation process or the
course of the project, City of Iowa City will accept materials clearly and prominently labeled
“Trade Secret”, “Confidential”, or “Proprietary” by the respondent or other submitting party. The
City of Iowa City will not advise as to the nature of the content of the documents entitled to
protection to disclosure, or as to the definition of trade secret, confidential, or proprietary
information. The respondent or other submitting party will be solely responsible for all such
determinations made by it, and for clearly and prominently marking each and every page or sheet
of materials with “Trade Secret”, “Confidential”, or “Proprietary” as it determines to be
appropriate. Respondents which indiscriminately so identify all or most of their submittal as
protected from disclosure without justification may be deemed non-responsive.
The City of Iowa City will endeavor to advise the Respondent of any request for the disclosure of
the material so marked with “Trade Secret”, “Confidential”, or “Proprietary”, and give the
proposer or other submitting party the opportunity to seek a court order to protect such materials
from disclosure. If a party other than the proposer submitted the requested material, the proposer
shall be solely responsible for notifying the submitting party of the request. The City’s sole
responsibility is to notify the proposer of the request for disclosure, and the City of Iowa City
shall not be liable for any damages resulting out of such disclosure, whether such disclosure is
deemed required by law, by an order of court or administrative agency, or occurs through
inadvertence, mistake, negligence on the part of the City of Iowa City or their officers,
employees, consultants, or subconsultants.
8. Multiple Proposals. Proposers may submit more than one proposal, provided the additional
proposal or proposals are properly submitted on the proposal forms or in the proposal format.
9. Competency of Proposer. No proposal may be accepted from or contract awarded to any person,
firm or corporation that is in arrears or in default to the City of Iowa City upon any debt or
contract. Prior failure of a Proposer to perform faithfully on any previous contract or work for the
City may be grounds for rejection. If requested, the Proposer shall present evidence of
performance ability and possession of necessary facilities, pecuniary resources and adequate
insurance to comply with the terms of these proposal documents; such evidence shall be
presented within a specified time and to the satisfaction of the City.
10. Collusive Proposing. The Proposer certifies that the proposal is made without any previous
understanding, agreement or connection with any person, firm, or corporation making a proposal
for the same project, without prior knowledge of competitive prices, and that the proposal is in all
respects fair, without outside control, collusion, fraud or otherwise illegal action.
11. Officers not to Benefit. Upon signing this agreement, Consultant acknowledges that Section
362.5 of the Iowa Code prohibits a City officer or employee from having an interest in a contract
with the City, and certifies that no employee or officer of the City, which includes members of
the City Council and City boards and commissions, has an interest, either direct or indirect, in this
agreement, that does not fall within the exceptions to said statutory provision enumerated in
Section 362.5
12. Equal Employment Opportunity. All Proposers are subject to and must comply with the
provisions of the City's Equal Employment Opportunity policy and applicable local, state and
federal antidiscrimination laws. All City contractors, subcontractors, vendors or consultants with
contracts of $25,000 or more (or less, if required by another governmental agency) must abide by
the requirements of the City's Contract Compliance. Emergency contracts are exempt from this
provision.
13. Wage Theft. All City contractors with contracts of $25,000 or more must abide by the
requirements of the City’s Wage Theft Policy. Pursuant to the Wage Theft Policy, the City will
not to enter into certain contracts with, or provide discretionary economic development
assistance to, any person or entity (including an owner of more than 25% of the entity) who has
admitted guilt or liability or been adjudicated guilty or liable in any judicial or administrative
proceeding of committing a repeated or willful violation of the Iowa Wage Payment Collection
law, the Iowa Minimum Wage Act, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act or any comparable state
statute or local ordinance, which governs the payment of wages, for a period of five (5) years
from the date of the last conviction, entry of plea, administrative finding or admission of guilt.
The Wage Theft Policy does not apply to emergency purchases of goods and services, emergency
construction or public improvement work, sole source contracts excepted by the City’s
purchasing manual, cooperative/piggyback purchasing or contracts with other governmental
entities.
B. Insurance
1. Insurance Requirements. When required, the successful Proposer shall provide insurance as
follows:
a. Certificate of Insurance; Cancellation or Modification
1. Before commencing work, the Contractor shall submit to the City for approval of a
Certificate of Insurance meeting all requirements specified herein, to be in effect for the
full contract period.
2. The Contractor shall notify the City in writing at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to
any change or cancellation of said policy or policies.
3. Cancellation or modification of said policy or policies shall be considered just cause for
the City of Iowa City to immediately cancel the contract and/or to halt on the contract,
and to withhold payment for any work performed on the contract.
4. The policy shall be primary in payment, not excess or contingent, regardless of any other
coverage available to the City.
b. Minimum Coverage
Any policy or policies of insurance purchased by the Contractor to satisfy his/her
responsibilities under this contract shall include contractual liability coverage, and shall
be in the following type and minimum amounts:
Insurance Requirements
Informal Project Specs: Class I (under $1 Million)
Type of Coverage Each
Occurrence Aggregate
a. Comprehensive General Liability
(1) Bodily Injury & Property Damage $500,000 $1,000,000
b. Automobile Liability Combined Single Limit
(1) Bodily Injury & Property Damage $500,000
c. Worker’s Compensation Insurance as required by Chapter 85, Code of Iowa.
The City requires that the Contractor’s Insurance carrier be “A” rated or better by A.M.
Best.
Additionally Required:
Errors & Omissions $500,000
C. Specifications
1. Formal Specifications. The Proposer shall abide by and comply with the true intent of the
specifications (i.e., not take advantage of any unintentional error or omission and bring this
information to the attention of the City). Whenever mention herein is made of a service to be
provided in accordance with laws, ordinances, building codes, underwriters' codes or similar
expressions, the requirements of these laws, ordinances, etc., shall be construed as the minimum
requirements of the specifications.
The absence of a written list of deviations submitted with the proposal shall hold the Proposer
strictly accountable to the City and to the specifications as written. Any unauthorized deviation
from the specifications may be grounds for rejection of the service when delivered.
2. Proposed Alternate. When an item is identified in the bid document by a manufacturer's name or
catalog number, it is understood that the Proposer proposes to furnish the commodity and/or
service so identified by the City unless the Proposer specifically proposes an alternate. In bidding
on a proposed alternate, the Proposer shall clearly state on his/her bid exactly what he/she
proposes to furnish, and forward with his/her bid, a complete description of the proposed
alternate, including brand, model number, drawings, performance and test data, references, and
any other information necessary for a complete evaluation. Proposer shall include a statement
setting forth any changes in other materials, equipment, or other work which would be required
by incorporation of the proposed alternate. The burden of proof of the merit of the proposed
alternate is upon the Proposer.
The City's decision to approve or disapprove of a proposed alternate shall be final.
3. Qualifications, Credentials and References. The Proposer shall provide a description of
qualifications, credentials, experience, and resources as they relate to the provision of the
proposal. The Proposer shall also provide a list of clients for whom similar work has been
performed within the last two years, including the firm, contact person, address, and phone
number of each contact person.
4. Addendum to Specifications. Any substantive interpretation, correction or change of the
proposal documents shall be made by written addendum. Unless otherwise specified the
addendum will be posted to the City of Iowa City website: https://icgov.org/purchasing-bids.
Proposers are required to visit the City’s website periodically for any and all addendums or
other pertinent information regarding this opportunity. It is the Proposer's sole responsibility to
check daily for Addenda to posted documents.
Interpretation, corrections or changes of the proposal documents made in any other manner shall
not be binding. Such interpretations, corrections or changes shall not be relied upon by Proposer.
Any addenda shall be issued by the City within a reasonable time prior to the proposal date. It is
the Proposer’s responsibility to visit this web-site to ensure that they have received all important
addenda or revisions to the Request for Proposal prior to bidding.
5. Receipt of One Proposal. In the event only one proposal is received, the City of Iowa City may
require that the successful vendor submit a cost proposal in sufficient detail for the City to
perform a cost/price analysis to determine if the proposal price is fair and reasonable.
D. Selection of Firm
1. Rejection of Proposals. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to
waive irregularities and technicalities, and to request resubmission. The City also reserves the
right to reject the proposal of any Proposer who has previously failed to perform properly or
complete on time contracts of a similar nature, or a proposal from a Proposer who, investigation
shows, is not in a position to satisfactorily and timely perform the contract.
2. Selection. The City desires to enter into negotiations and ultimately reach an agreement with a
Proposer who demonstrates the best combination of attributes to conduct the project, and who
also negotiates a project cost with the City that is fair and reasonable. The City may conduct
discussions with any Proposer who has submitted a proposal to determine qualifications, for
further consideration. Since the initial review by the City will be deemed preliminary in nature,
the document and process will be deemed confidential until such time as the successful Proposer
is selected. Criteria for selection will include but not be limited to:
• The quality, availability, adaptability and life cycle costing of the commodities and/or
service.
• Guarantees and warranties.
• Ability, capacity and skill to provide the commodities and/or service required within the
specified time.
• Ability to provide future maintenance and service.
• Character, integrity, reputation, experience and efficiency.
• Quality of performance of previous and/or existing contracts.
• Previous and existing compliance with laws and ordinances relating to contracts with the
City and to the Proposer’s employment practices.
• Whether the Proposer is in arrears to the City, in debt on a contract or is a defaulter on
surety to the City.
• If reasonable doubts arise as to Proposer's solvency, the City reserves the right to require
financial information sufficient to show solvency and/or require a performance bond.
• Such other relevant information as may be secured by the City.
• Cost estimate; the City is not required to accept the proposal with the lowest cost
estimate.
Once the City has reached an agreement with the Proposer, a purchase order will be issued to the
awardee. The purchase order will define the conditions of the contract between the City and the
contractor selected to receive the award.
3. Corrections to Submitted Proposal. Any changes that are made to this proposal using correction
fluid, writing utensils, etc. before submission must be dated and initialed in each area that a
change was made.
4. Pricing Requirements. All pricing submitted by the Proposer shall be indicated in both words and
figures. (Ex. $200.50, Two hundred dollars and fifty cents).
5. Presentations. When required and based on an evaluation of proposals submitted, the City may
select finalists who will be required to participate in interviews, including key personnel
designated for the proposal, and to make presentations regarding their qualifications and their
ability to furnish the required service to best serve the needs of the City.
Formal presentations will be scored and evaluated by a committee. The evaluation committee
will make a recommendation to the City Manager and if required, to the City Council for final
approval. Nothing in the proposal can obligate the City to enter into a contract.
6. Errors in Proposal. Any ambiguity in any proposal as a result of omission, error, lack of clarity or
noncompliance by the Proposer with specifications, instructions and conditions shall be construed
in the light most favorable to the City. Changes in proposals shall be initialed and dated.
E. General Contract Provisions
1. Contract Award. Upon City's selection and satisfactory negotiation between City and Proposer
on the work to be performed, a written award in the form of a Purchase Order, contract or other
instrument shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. The contract
shall be on forms provided by the City; or if the Proposer's contract document is used, the City
reserves the right to modify any document to conform to the request for proposal and to do so in
the light most favorable to the City.
2. Insurance. Current Certificate of Insurance in the amounts specified shall be on file with the City
before work can commence.
3. Availability of Funds. A contract shall be deemed valid only to the extent of appropriations
available to each project. The City's extended obligation on these contracts which envision
extended funding through successive fiscal periods shall be contingent upon actual appropriation
for the following fiscal year.
4. Change in Laws: In the event of a change in law that frustrates the goals of the City relative to
this contract, the City will be entitled to terminate the contract upon written notification to the
vendor without cost or penalty to the City.
5. Contract Alterations. The City reserves the right to make changes to the good and/or services to
be provided which are within the Scope of this Contract. No assignment, alteration, change, or
modification of the terms of this Contract shall be valid unless made in writing and agreed to by
both the City and the Vendor. The Vendor shall not commence any additional work or change the
scope of the goods and/or services provided until authorized in writing by the City. The Vendor
shall make no claim for additional compensation in the absence of a prior written approval and
amendment of this Contract executed by both the Vendor and the City. This Contract may only be
amended, supplemented or modified by a written document executed in the same manner as this
Agreement by the Purchasing Division.
6. Subletting of Contract. Proposer shall not assign, transfer, convey, sublet or otherwise dispose of
the contract or their right, title or interest therein, or their power to execute such contract to any
other person, firm or corporation without the prior written consent of the City, but in no case,
shall such consent relieve the Proposer from their obligations, or change the terms of the contract.
7. Contract Period. Contract shall remain in force for the full specified period and until all services
have been satisfactorily delivered and accepted and thereafter until all requirements and
conditions shall be met, unless:
a. Extended upon written authorization of the City and accepted by contractor, for a period
negotiated and agreed upon by both parties, when in the best interest of the City.
b. Terminated due to default, as described below.
8. Default. The contract may be cancelled or annulled by the City in whole or in part by written
notice of default to the Proposer upon non-performance, violation of contract terms, delivery
failure, bankruptcy or insolvency, or the making of an assignment for the benefit of creditors.
The City reserves the right to grant Contractor a specified cure period during which to cure or
remedy the default, which cure period shall be included in the written notice of default. If default
is not cured within the specified time, City reserves the right, but is not obligated to, extend the
cure period or City may deem the Contract terminated without further notice. In either event, the
defaulting Contractor (or his/her surety) shall be liable to the City for cost to the City in excess of
the defaulted contract price. Lack of knowledge by the Contractor will in no way be a cause for
relief from responsibility.
If the Contract is terminated, an award may then be made to the next qualified Proposer; or when
time is of the essence, services may be contracted in accordance with Emergency procedures.
9. Delivery Failures. Failure of a contractor to provide commodities and/or service within the time
specified, unless extended in writing by the City, or failure to replace rejected commodities
and/or service when so directed by the City shall constitute delivery failure. When such failure
occurs, the City reserves the right to cancel or adjust the contract, whichever is in the best interest
of the City. In either event, the City may purchase in the open market commodities and/or service
of comparable worth to replace the articles of service rejected or not delivered. On all such
purchases, the Contractor shall reimburse the City, within a reasonable time specified by the City,
for any expense incurred in excess of contract prices, or the City may deduct such amount from
monies owed the Contractor. If the contract is not cancelled, such purchases shall be deducted
from contract quantities. The City reserves the right to accept commodities and/or service
delivered which do not meet specifications or are substandard in quality, subject to an adjustment
in price to be determined by the City. Acceptance will be at the sole discretion of the City.
10. Force Majeure. The Contractor shall not be liable in damages for delivery failure when such
failure is the result of fire, flood, strike, and act of God, act of government, act of an alien enemy
or any other circumstances which, in the City's opinion, is beyond the control of the Contractor.
Under such circumstances, however, the City may at its discretion cancel the contract.
11. Indemnity. The Proposer shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City of Iowa City and its
officers, employees and agents from any and all liability, loss, cost, damage, and expense
(including reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs) resulting from, arising out of, or incurred by
reason of any claims, actions, or suits based upon or alleging bodily injury including death,
license, patent, or copyright infringement, or property damage rising out of or resulting from the
Proposer's operations under this Contract, whether such operations be by the Contractor or by any
Subcontractor or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by either.
Proposer is not, and shall not be deemed to be, an agent or employee of the City of Iowa City.
Responsibility for Damage Claims - It is specifically agreed between the parties executing this
contract that it is not intended by any of the provisions of any part of the contract documents to
create in the public or any member thereof a third party beneficiary hereunder, or to authorize
anyone not a party to this contract to maintain a suit for personal injuries or property damage
pursuant to the terms or provisions of this contract. It is understood that no subcontractor is a
third-party beneficiary to any contract between the Contracting Authority and the prime
contractor. Nothing in any special provision or any supplemental specification shall be construed
as eliminating or superseding the requirements of this section.
Proposer further agrees to:
a. Save the City, its agents and employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind for the
use of any copy-right or non-copyright composition, secret process, license, patented or
unpatented invention, article, apparatus, or appliance, including any device or article forming
a part of the apparatus or appliance of which the Proposer is not the patentee, assignee,
licensee or owner, furnished or used in the performance of the contract.
b. Obtain all permits and licenses required by city, state and federal governments and pay all
related fees. The Proposer shall also comply with all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations
of the City, State of Iowa and the Federal Government.
12. Anti-Discrimination. Proposer shall not discriminate against any person in employment or public
accommodation because of race, religion, color, creed, gender identity, sex, national ori gin,
sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, marital status or age. "Employment" shall
include but not be limited to hiring, accepting, registering, classifying, promoting, or referring to
employment. "Public accommodation" shall include but not be limited to providing goods,
services, facilities, privileges and advantages to the public.
13. Choice of Law and Forum. The laws of the State of Iowa shall govern and determine all matters
arising out of or in connection with this proposal, including but not limited to any resulting
Contract, without regard to the conflict of law provisions of Iowa law. Any and all litigation
commenced in connection with this proposal or any resulting Contract shall be brought and
maintained solely in Johnson County District Court for the State of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, or in
the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, Davenport Division,
Davenport, Iowa, wherever jurisdiction is appropriate. This provision shall not be construed as
waiving any immunity to suit or liability in State or Federal court, which may be available to the
City of Iowa City.
F. Payment Provisions
1. Payment Terms. Payment may be made only after inspection and acceptance by the using
department. Payment of balances shall be made only after approval and final acceptance by the
City.
1. Invoicing. Following acceptance of each payment term, payment shall be made within thirty (30)
calendar days from receipt of itemized invoice. Before City will pay any invoice, the invoice
must first include proposal number, department name, dollar amount, and any other pertinent
information. Submit invoice to:
Recreation Division
Attn: Brad Barker
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington St
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
3. Withholding Payment. Consideration for withholding payment shall include faulty materials, or
workmanship, failure to meet delivery deadlines, and liens that have been filed, or evidence
indicating a possible filing of claims. In all cases, regulations and limitations imposed by the
Federal Government and State of Iowa shall prevail.
4. Taxes. The City of Iowa City is exempt from all Federal, State of Iowa and other states' taxes on
the purchase of commodities and services used by the City of Iowa City within the State of Iowa.
The Purchasing Division shall provide tax exemption certification to out of state suppliers as
required. Out of state taxes imposed on purchases of commodities and/or services which are used
within another state are applicable and subject to payment.
Section Five – References Form
Provide a minimum of three (3) references from agencies that contracted with your company for similar
services. The City of Iowa City will not be accepted as a reference. The City reserves the right to
contact references to assist in awarding the contract. Note: This form (Section Six) must be included in
the vendor’s submitted proposal. All information listed below is required and must be completed.
1. Agency Name: _____________________________
Agency Contact & Title: _____________________________
Contact Phone Number: _____________________________
Agency Address: _____________________________
Date of Services: _____________________________
Description of Services Provided: _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Agency Name: _____________________________
Agency Contact & Title: _____________________________
Contact Phone Number: _____________________________
Agency Address: _____________________________
Date of Services: _____________________________
Description of Services Provided: _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Agency Name: _____________________________
Agency Contact & Title: _____________________________
Contact Phone Number: _____________________________
Agency Address: _____________________________
Date of Services: _____________________________
Description of Services Provided: _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Section Six – Company Information Form
Note: This form must be completed by an authorized representative of the vendor and must be
included with the vendor’s submitted proposal. Any omission of fees required to complete each of the
locations listed below will be the responsibility of the vendor.
Exceptions, Deviations or other Agreements
Exceptions/Deviations to this Request for Proposal shall be taken below. Exceptions may not be added to
any submittals after the due date. If adequate space is not provided for exceptions/deviations, please use a
separate sheet of paper. If your company has no exceptions/deviations, please write “No Exceptions" in the
space provided. If you state no exceptions, you may not add your company’s terms and conditions or
any other documents to your submitted proposal or any submittals after the proposal due date.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Prohibited Interest
Section 362.5 of the Iowa Code prohibits a City officer or employee from having an interest in a contract
with the City, and certifies that no employee or officer of the City, which includes members of the City
Council and City boards and commissions, has an interest, either direct or indirect, in this agreement, that
does not fall within the exceptions to said statutory provision enumerated in Section 362.5
Your firm shall identify any relationship that has existed, or presently exists with the City of Iowa City
and its staff that may interfere with fair competition or may be a possible conflict of interest for either
party. If no relationship has existed or does not presently exist, the company must make this statement in
the space provided below (companies are subject to disqualification based on any potential for conflict of
interest as determined by the City of Iowa City).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Liens, Unsatisfied Judgments, Disciplinary Actions
List any and all disciplinary actions, administrative proceedings, malpractice claims or other like
proceedings against your company or any of its personnel relating to your firm’s services that are current,
pending, or occurring in the last five (5) years. If your company has no liens, unsatisfied judgments, or
disciplinary actions that have occurred you must state this also.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Voluntary Demographic Information
“Women owned business” means a business that is fifty-one percent or more owned,
operated, and actively managed by one or more women.
“Minority-owned business” means a business that is fifty-one percent or more owned,
operated, and actively managed by one or more minority persons. "Minority" persons are
persons who are Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American.
“Service-disabled veteran-owned business” means a business that is fifty-one percent
or more owned, operated, and actively managed by one or more service-disabled
veterans, as defined in 15 U.S.C. §632.
None of the Above
Designated person(s) who can be contacted for information during the period of evaluation and for
prompt contract administration upon award of the contract. Provide the following information:
Name:
Phone Number:
E-mail Address: ______
The undersigned proposer, having examined and determined the scope of this Request for Proposal,
hereby proposes to supply and deliver the proposed services as described in the proposal documents at the
prices set forth within.
The undersigned proposer states that this proposal is made in conformity with the specifications and
qualifications contained herein. If there are any discrepancies or differences between any conditions of
the vendor’s proposal and the Request for Proposal prepared by the City of Iowa City, the City’s Request
for Proposal shall prevail.
The undersigned proposer certifies that this proposal is made in good faith and without collusion or
connection with any other person or persons bidding on the project.
Name of Firm: ___________________________________
Authorized Representative: ___________________________________
Signature of Representative: ___________________________________
Title of Authorized Representative: ___________________________________
Address: ___________________________________
City/State/Zip: ___________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________________
E-Mail Address: ___________________________________
Date Signed: ___________________________________
Addenda Form
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the following applicable addenda:
Addenda Number Date
_________________________________ ________________________________
_________________________________ ________________________________
Section Seven - City of Iowa City Wage Theft Policy
It is the policy of the City of Iowa City, as expressed by City Council Resolution No. 15-364 adopted on
November 10, 2015, not to enter into certain contracts with, or provide discretion ary economic
development assistance to, any person or entity (including an owner of more than 25% of the entity) who has
admitted guilt or liability or been adjudicated guilty or liable in any judicial or administrative proceeding
of committing a repeated or willful violation of the Iowa Wage Payment Collection law, the Iowa Minimum
Wage Act, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act or any comparable state statute or local ordinance, which
governs the payment of wages, for a period of five (5) years from the date of the last conviction, entry of
plea, administrative finding or admission of guilt. (hereinafter “Wage Theft Policy”)
1. Application. The Wage Theft Policy applies to the following:
a. Contracts in excess of $25,000 for goods, services or public improvements.
b. Contracts for discretionary economic development assistance. “Discretionary” economic
development assistance shall mean any economic development assistance provided by the City of Iowa
City that is not required by law.
2. Exceptions. The Wage Theft Policy does not apply to emergency purchases of goods and services,
emergency construction or public improvement work, sole source contracts excepted by the City’s
purchasing manual, cooperative/piggyback purchasing or contracts with other governmental entities.
3. Affidavit. The contracting entity must complete the attached affidavit showing compliance with
the Wage Theft Policy and submit it along with the request for bid or request for proposal required
documents.
Contract provision: Any contract to which this policy is applicable will include the following contract
provision: If the City becomes aware that a person or entity (including an owner of more than 25% of the
entity) has admitted guilt or liability or been adjudicated guilty or liable in any judicial or administrative
proceeding of committing a repeated or willful violation of the Iowa Wage Payment Collection law, the
Iowa Minimum Wage Act, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act or any comparable state statute or local
ordinance, which governs the payment of wages, within the five (5) year period prior to the award or at
any time after the award, such violation shall constitute a default under the contract.
4. Waivers. If a person or entity is ineligible to contract with the City as a result of the Wage Theft
Policy, it may submit a request in writing indicating that one or more of the following actions have been
taken:
a. There has been a bona fide change in ownership or control of the ineligible person or entity;
b. Disciplinary action has been taken against the individual(s) responsible for the acts giving rise to
the violation(s);
c. Remedial action has been taken to prevent a recurrence of the acts giving rise to the disqualification
or default; or
d. Other factors that the person or entity believes are relevant.
The City Manager or Designee shall review the documentation submitted, make any inquiries deemed
necessary, request additional documentation if warranted and determine whether a reduction in the
ineligibility period or waiver is warranted. Should the City Manager or Designee determine that a reduction
or waiver of the ineligibility period is warranted the City Manager or Designee shall make such
recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will make a final decision as to whether to grant a
reduction or waiver.
Wage Theft Affidavit
State of )
) ss:
County )
I, , upon being duly sworn, state as follows:
1. I am the (position) of ______
(“contracting entity”) and have the authority to execute this affidavit on behalf of said contracting
entity and any person or entity with an ownership interest in said contracting entity of more than 25%.
2. Neither (contracting entity) nor any person or entity with an
ownership interest of more than 25% of said contracting entity has been adjudicated guilty or liable in
any judicial or administrative proceeding of committing a repeated or willful violation of the Iowa
Wage Payment Collection Law, the Iowa Minimum Wage Act, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act
or any comparable state statue of local ordinance, which governs the payment of wages in the last 5
years.
Signature
Section Eight – Consultant Agreement
This Agreement, made and entered into this ___________ day of ____________________, ______________,
by and between the City of Iowa City, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as the City and
___________________ of ____________, hereinafter referred to as the Consultant.
Whereas, the City seeks a consultant to assist the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Iowa
City in the development of a Comprehensive Master Plan for the City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities
and Programs (hereinafter the Plan); and
Whereas, in accordance with the City’s Request for Proposal 21-197, Consulting Services for a
Comprehensive Master Plan for the City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities and Programs, the Consultant
proposes to present a comprehensive, robust, and innovative Plan that will define Consulting Services for
the development of a Comprehensive Master Plan for the City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities and
Programs. This plan will focus on community needs and requests for aquatic facilities, indoor recreation
space, outdoor athletic/specialty use areas and recreation programming. The plan will prioritize resources
to provide aquatic and recreation facilities along with community recreation programming that is
equitable, accessible and responsive to the Iowa City community. The Master Plan will build upon the
vision established by the Department’s 2016 City of Iowa City Parks System Master Plan
Now Therefore, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto that the City does now contract with the
Consultant to provide services as set forth herein.
I. Contract Requirements
Consultant agrees to perform the following services for the City, and to do so in a timely and satisfactory
manner.
A. Scope of Work
The Scope of Work shall include development by the Consultant of a Comprehensive Master Plan for the
City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities and Programs as described in City Request for Proposal #21-197,
Consulting Services for a Comprehensive Master Plan for the City of Iowa City Recreation Facilities and
Programs, and the associated tasks, planning process components, and deliverables as set forth in City
Request for Proposal #21-197.
B. Time of Completion
The Consultant shall complete the following phases of the Project in accordance with the agreed upon
schedule.
Task One Establish a Detailed Work Plan
Task Two Evaluation of Facilities and Amenities
Task Three Analysis of Programs and Services
Task Four Community Needs Assessment
Task Five Recommend Improvements and Prioritization
Task Six Provide a Strategic Action Plan
Task Seven Draft a Report to be Submitted to the Parks and Recreation Commission
Task Eight Formal Presentation and Final Report Submitted to Parks and Recreation
Commission
II. General Terms
A. The Consultant shall not commit any of the following employment practices and agrees to
prohibit the following practices in any subcontracts.
1. To discharge or refuse to hire any individual because of their race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, gender identity, or sexual
orientation.
2. To discriminate against any individual in terms, conditions, or privileges of
employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability,
age, marital status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
B. Should the City terminate this Agreement, the Consultant shall be paid for all work and
services performed up to the time of termination. However, such sums shall not be greater
than the "lump sum" amount of XXXXX. The City may terminate this Agreement upon
seven (7) calendar days' written notice to the Consultant.
C. This Agreement shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto,
provided that no assignment shall be made without the written consent of all Parties to said
Agreement.
D. It is understood and agreed that the retention of the Consultant by the City for the purpose of
the Project shall be as an independent contractor and shall be exclusive, but the Consultant
shall have the right to employ such assistance as may be required for the performance of the
Project.
E. It is agreed by the City that all records and files pertaining to information needed by the
Consultant for the project shall be available by said City upon reasonable request to the
Consultant. The City agrees to furnish all reasonable assistance in the use of these records
and files.
F. It is further agreed that no Party to this Agreement shall perform contrary to any state, federal,
or local law or any of the ordinances of the City of Iowa City, Iowa.
G. At the request of the City, the Consultant shall attend meetings of the City Council and the
Parks and Recreation Commission relative to the work set forth in this Agreement. Any
requests made by the City shall be given with reasonable notice to the Consultant to assure
attendance.
H. The Consultant agrees to furnish, upon termination of this Agreement and upon demand by
the City, copies of all basic notes and sketches, charts, computations, and any other data
prepared or obtained by the Consultant pursuant to this Agreement without cost, and without
restrictions or limitation as to the use relative to specific projects covered under this
Agreement. In such event, the Consultant shall not be liable for the City's use of such
documents on other projects.
I. The City agrees to tender the Consultant all fees in a timely manner, excepting, however, that
failure of the Consultant to satisfactorily perform in accordance with this Agreement shall
constitute grounds for the City to withhold payment of the amount sufficient to properly
complete the Project in accordance with this Agreement.
J. Should any section of this Agreement be found invalid, it is agreed that the remaining portion
shall be deemed severable from the invalid portion and continue in full force and effect.
K. Upon signing this agreement, Consultant acknowledged that Section 362.5 of the Iowa Code
prohibits a City officer or employee from having an interest in a contract with the City, and
certifies that no employee or officer of the City, which includes members of the City Council
and City boards and commissions, has an interest, either direct or indirect, in this agreement,
that does not fall within the exceptions to said statutory provision enumerated in Section
362.5.
L. The Consultant agrees at all times material to this Agreement to have and maintain
professional liability insurance covering the Consultant’s liability for the Consultant’s
negligent acts, errors and omissions to the City in the sum of $1,000,000.
M. No Modifications to the Scope of Services or other contract terms can be made without the
written consent of both parties. For purposes of this clause, e-mail is to be considered a
writing. Authority to approve changes from the City side is vested solely with the City
Manager, unless the City Manager delegates that authority to another named City employee
in writing.
III. Miscellaneous
A. It is further agreed that there are no other considerations or monies contingent upon or
resulting from the execution of this Agreement, that it is the entire Agreement, and that no
other monies or considerations have been solicited.
B. Documents produced and provided for or by the City will be retained as property of the City.
Items will be produced and provided electronically, or a copy thereof will be made available
in an electronic format.
C. The following documents are hereby incorporated into this Agreement by this reference, in
order of precedence: Request for Proposal #21-197 for Consulting Services for an Electric
Vehicle Readiness Plan for Eastern Iowa, the Consultant’s Proposal, and any subsequent
written language agreed upon by the parties.
For the City For the Consultant
By: ___________________________ By: ___________________________
Title: __________________________ Title: __________________________
Date: __________________________ Date: __________________________
Attest:
Approved by:
City Attorney's Office
Date
Section Nine - Contract Compliance Document
(To be completed by awarded vendor only)
General Policy Statement
It is the policy of the City of Iowa City to require equal employment opportunity in all City Contract
work. This policy prohibits discrimination by the City’s contractors, consultants and vendors and requires
them to ensure that applicants seeking employment with them and their employees are treated equally
without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation,
disability, marital status, and age.
It is the City’s intention to assist employers, who are City contractors, vendors or consultants, in
designing and implementing equal opportunity so that all citizens will be afforded equal accessibility and
opportunity to gain and maintain employment.
Provisions:
1. All contractors, vendors, and consultants requesting to do business with the City must submit an
Equal Opportunity Policy Statement before the execution of the contract.
2. All City contractors, vendors, and consultants with contracts of $25,000 or more (or less) if
required by another governmental agency) must abide by the requirements of the City’s Contract
Compliance Program. Emergency contracts may be exempt from this provision at the discretion
of the City. Regardless of the value of the contract, all contractors, vendors, and consultants are
subject to the City’s Human Rights Ordinance, which is codified at Article 2 of the City Code.
3. Contracting departments are responsible for assuring that City contractors, vendors, and
consultants are made aware of the City’s Contract Compliance Program reporting responsibilities
and receive the appropriate reporting forms. A notification of requirements will be included in
any request for proposal and notice of bids.
4. Contracting departments are responsible for answering questions about contractor, consultant, and
vendor compliance during the course of the contract with the City.
5. All contractors, consultants and vendors must refrain from the use of any signs or designations
which are sexist in nature, such as those which state “Men Working” or “Flagman Ahead”, and
instead use gender neutral signs.
6. All contractors, consultants, and vendors must assure that their subcontractors abide by the City’s
Human Rights Ordinance. The City’s protected classes are listed at Iowa City City Code section
2-3-1.
Suggested Steps to Assure Equal Employment Opportunities:
1. Company Policy
Determine your company’s policy regarding equal employment opportunities. Document the
policy and post it in a conspicuous place so that it is known to all your employees. Furthermore,
disseminate the policy to all potential sources of employees and to their subcontractors asking
their cooperation. The policy statement should recognize and accept their responsibility to
provide equal employment opportunity in all your employment practices. In regard to
dissemination of this policy, this can be done, for example, through the use of letters to all
recruitment sources and subcontractors, personal contacts, employee meetings, web page
postings, employee handbooks, and advertising.
2. Equal Employment Opportunity Officer
Designate an equal employment opportunity officer or, at a minimum, assign someone the
responsibility of administering and promoting your company’s Equal Employment Opportunity
program. This person should have a position in your organization which emphasizes the
importance of the program.
3. Instruct Staff
Your staff should be aware of and be required to abide by your Equal Employment Opportunity
program. All employees authorized to hire, supervise, promote, or discharge employees or are
involved in such actions should be trained and required to comply with your policy and the
current equal employment opportunity laws.
4. Recruitment
(a) Let potential employees know you are an equal opportunity employer. This can be done by
identifying yourself on all recruitment advertising as “as equal opportunity employer”.
(b) Use recruitment sources that are likely to yield diverse applicant pools. Word-of-mouth
recruitment will only perpetuate the current composition of your workforce. Send recruitment
sources a letter annually which affirms your commitment to equal employment opportunity
and requests their assistance in helping you reach diverse applicant pools.
(c) Analyze and review your company’s recruitment procedures to identify and eliminate
discriminatory barriers.
(d) Select and train persons involved in the employment process to use objective standards and to
support equal employment opportunity goals.
(e) Review periodically job descriptions to make sure they accurately reflect major job functions.
Review education and experience requirements to make sure they accurately reflect the
requirements for successful job performance.
(f) Review the job application to ensure that only job-related questions are asked. Ask yourself
“Is this information necessary to judge an applicant’s ability to perform the job applied for?”
Only use job-related tests which do not adversely affect any group of people.
(g) Monitor interviews carefully. Prepare interview questions in advance to assure they are only
job related. Train your interviewers on discrimination laws. Biased and subjective judgments
in personal interviews can be a major source of discrimination
(h) Improve hiring and selection procedures and use non-biased promotion, transfer and training
policies to increase and/or improve the diversity of your workforce representation.
Companies must make sure procedures for selecting candidates for promotion, transfer and
training are based upon a fair assessment of an employee’s ability and work record.
Furthermore, al companies should post and otherwise publicize all job promotional
opportunities and encourage all qualified employees to bid on them.
Below for your information is a copy of Section 2-3-1 of the Iowa City Code of Ordinances which
prohibits certain discriminatory practices in employment as well as a sample policy. Please note that the
protected characteristics include some not mandated for protection by Federal or State law. As a
contractor, consultant or vendor doing business with the City of Iowa City you are required to abide by
the provisions of the local ordinance in conjunction with your performance under a contract with the City.
2-3-1: Employment; Exceptions:
A. It shall be unlawful for any employer to refuse to hire, accept, register, classify, promote or refer
for employment, or to otherwise discriminate in employment against any other person or to
discharge any employee because of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, marital status,
national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. (Ord. 03-4105, 12-16-2003)
B. It shall be unlawful for any labor organization to refuse to admit to membership, apprenticeship
or training an applicant, to expel any member, or to otherwise discriminate against any applicant
for membership, apprenticeship or training or any member in the privileges, rights or benefits of
such membership, apprenticeship or training because of age, color, creed, disability, gender
identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation of such applicant
or member.
C. It shall be unlawful for any employer, employment agency, labor organization or the employees
or members thereof to directly or indirectly advertise or in any other manner indicate or publicize
that individuals are unwelcome, objectionable or not solicited for employment or membership
because of age, creed, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex
or sexual orientation. (Ord. 95-3697, 11-7-1995)
D. Employment policies relating to pregnancy and childbirth shall be governed by the following:
• A written or unwritten employment policy or practice which excludes from employment
applicants or employees because of the employee’s pregnancy is a prima facie violation
of this title.
• Disabilities caused or contributed to by the employee’s pregnancy, miscarriage,
childbirth and recovery therefrom are, for all job related purposes, temporary disabilities
and shall be treated as such under any health or temporary disability insurance or sick
leave plan available in connection with employment or any written or unwritten
employment policies and practices involving terms and conditions of employment as
applied to other temporary disabilities.
E. It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit or require as a condition of employment of any
employee or prospective employee a test for the presence of the antibody to the human
immunodeficiency virus. An agreement between employer, employment agency, labor
organization or their employees, agents or members and an employee or prospective employee
concerning employment, par or benefits to an employee or prospective employee in return for
taking a test for the presence of the antibody to the human immunodeficiency virus is prohibited.
The prohibitions of this subsection do not apply if the state epidemiologist determines and the
director of public health declares through the utilization of guidelines established by the center for
disease control of the United States department of health and human services, that a person with a
condition related to acquired immune deficiency syndrome poses a significant risk of
transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus to other person in a specific occupation.
F. The following are exempted from the provision of this section:
• Any bona fide religious institution or its educational facility, association, corporation or
society with respect to any qualifications for employment based on religion when such
qualifications are related to a bona fide religious purpose. A religious qualification for
instructional personnel or an administrative officer, serving in a supervisory capacity of a
bona fide religious educational facility or religious institution shall be presumed to be a
bona fide occupational qualification. (Ord. 94-3647, 11-8-1994)
• An employer or employment agency which chooses to offer employment or advertise for
employment to only the disabled or elderly. Any such employment or offer of
employment shall not discriminate among the disabled or elderly based on age, color,
creed, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or
sexual orientation. (Ord. 95-3697, 11-7-1995)
• The employment of individuals for work within the home of the employer if the employer
or members of the family reside therein during such employment.
• The employment of individuals to render personal service to the person of the employer
or members of the employer’s family. (Ord. 94-3647, 11-8-1994)
• The employment based on sex in those certain instances where sex is a bona fide
occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of a business or
enterprise. The bona fide occupational qualification shall be interpreted narrowly. (Ord.
03-4105, 12-16-2003)
• A state of federal program designed to benefit a specific age classification which serves a
bona fide public purpose. (Ord. 94-3647, 11-8-1994)
• The employment based on disability in those certain instances where presence of
disability is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal
operation of a business or enterprise. The bona fide occupational qualification shall be
interpreted narrowly. (Ord. 03-4105, 12-16-2003)
• Any employer who regularly employees less than four (4) individuals. For purposes of
this section, individuals who are members of the employer’s family shall not be counted
as employees. (Ord. 08-4312, 8-11-2008)
Sample: Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
To all employees of
This Company and its employees shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for
employment based on his or her age, national origin, color, creed, disability, gender identity, marital
status, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. The antidiscrimination policy extends to decision
involving hiring, promotion, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or
termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection of training, including
apprenticeship. Further, this Company and its employees will provide a working environment free from
such discrimination.
All employees are encouraged to refer minority and women applicants and applicants with disabilities for
employment.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Officer for is:
Name:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Note: This is a sample only. You may wish to confer with your EEO officer or legal counsel to
formulate a policy which specifically meets the needs of your company.
Assurance of Compliance
(To be completed by awarded vendor only)
The following sets forth the minimum requirements of a satisfactory Equal Employment Opportunity
Program which will be reviewed for acceptability.
With respect to the performance of this contract, the contractor, consultant or vendor agrees as follows:
(For the purposes of these minimum requirements, “contractor” shall include consultants and vendors)
1. The contractor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment and will
take affirmative efforts to ensure applicants and employees are treated during employment
without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, disability, marital status, and age. Such efforts shall include, but not be limited to the
following: employment, promotion, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising;
layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training,
including apprenticeship.
2. The contractor will, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of
the contractor; state that it is an equal opportunity employer.
Note: Contracts that are federally funded are subject to Executive Order No. 11246, as amended, and the
regulations (see generally 29 U.S.C. § 1608 et seq.) and relevant orders of the U.S. Secretary of Labor.
The Secretary of Labor, and not the City, enforces said regulations and orders.
3. Provide a copy of your written Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.
Where is this statement posted?
4. Print the name, telephone number, email and address of your business’ Equal Employment
Opportunity Officer?
Name:
Phone Number:
Email:
Address:
5. The undersigned agrees to display, in conspicuous places at the work site, all posters required by
federal and state law for the duration of the contract. Note: The City can aid in obtaining the
necessary posters.
6. How does your business currently inform applicants, employees, and recruitment sources
(including unions) that you are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer?
The above responses to questions 1 through 6 are true and correctly reflect our Equal Employment
Opportunity policies.
Business Name Phone Number
Signature Title
Print Name Date
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
February 2021
Upcoming Events – COVID Updates
• Sledding Pop-Up Party – Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Happy Hollow Park, 3-5 p.m.
• Winter Dog Sweater PAWty – Saturday, February 14, 2021 Thornberry Dog Park, 1-3
p.m.
• Mercer Park Aquatic Center pool is open for lap swim Monday through Friday from 6:15
a.m. to 4:00 p.m and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• City High boys swim team uses Mercer pool weekday afternoons and Saturday
mornings. ICE uses the pool weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.
• Scanlon gym has reopened for pre-reserved tot time, walking, pickleball, basketball time
blocks during weekdays and Sundays.
• Robert A Lee Recreation Center’s lower level continues to be used as a public warming
shelter from mid-November through March. Shelter House will be supervising all
operations of this shelter.
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• Snow removal continues to be a constant with above average snowfall and the
additional 7.5 miles added to our routes this year.
• The tree removal project in the Normandy Dr neighborhood is complete and removals
are well underway in Court Hill Park. Plans to replant in Court Hill with the assistance of
local Rotary clubs are also underway.
• Winter street tree pruning continues.
• Request for Proposals for REAP grant work at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and
Whispering Meadows Wetland Park are set to close on February 19th with contractor
selection to follow.
• Engineering is working on plans for tree planting in the Mackinaw Village neighborhood
and infill along the entire length of Scott Blvd. Our staff specified the locations, species
and sent letters to all adjacent properties.
• Staff are working to paint walls and partitions in restrooms at the athletic field
complexes.
• Seasonal jobs are all posted and applications have begun to arrive.
Recreation:
• Spring programming options, set to begin in April, are being planned. These programs
will be outdoors only.
• Staff are planning for small-group summer programs, small-scale events, neighborhood
programming (i.e. Party in the Park, Mobile Pop-Up Park Events; Playground), and a
modified summer camp structure.
• A traditional summer guide is not likely but programming opportunities will be
communicated through a digital guide, targeted newsletters, and a hybrid of social and
digital media.
• Staff is moving forward with plans to open City Park Pool, including the hiring and
training of staff.
• Full-time and hourly staff have been lifeguarding at Mercer Park Aquatic Center.
• Full-time staff continue to serve in the customer service role at Mercer.
Cemetery:
• Staff completed the winter pruning of the smaller trees.
• Stump removal will be scheduled sometime this spring.
Facilities:
• The Government Buildings teams from SC and RALRC continue to work at City Hall,
Senior Center and RALRC to help with sanitizing, deep cleaning, and maintenance during
this time. Mercer is open for limited activity.
• The Shelter House continues to operate the Warming Center from Robert A. Lee
Recreation Center. The hours are from 8 am to 5pm, 7 days a week including holidays.
Schedules have been adjusted to provide custodial/maintenance coverage in the facility.
This partnership has been going well and the onsite manager is great in communicating
with our team.
• Staff continue to work on coordination of multiple projects from the On-Deck
restrooms, RALRC fire alarm project.
• Staff have been taking the opportunity of the partially closed facility to paint lower level
areas of the locker rooms and pool areas at RALRC.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Timing and quantity of the snowfalls continue to be a challenge. There is not much area
left to push snow to in most areas and we have had to haul piles in many locations.
Recreation
• Division staff continues to implement programming and facility drop-in options during
unique COVID-related circumstances. As programming starts back up in the Spring,
Program Supervisor staff will gradually transition back to their traditional roles with the
assistance of customer service and lifeguard hourly staff covering some additional
shifts..
Cemetery
• Staff has been busy with snow/ice removal.
• Staff has also been busy with equipment repair and maintenance between snow events.
Facilities
• Staff continue to work through winter conditions, with adjusting HVAC systems for
comfort, snow removal and increased time in changing air filters to meet COVID air
quality recommendations.
• Mercer/Scanlon Dehumidification and Tuckpointing project are presently out for bids.
We held onsite pre-bid meetings with contractors and consultants for both projects the
week of January 25th. Bids are due on February 9th.
Oakland
Cemetery
FY 19 Revenue Report
** shaded areas represent previous 5yr average
Revenue from Lot Sales Lot Sale 5yr
Average
# of
Interments
Interments
5yr avg.
Revenue
from
Interments
5-year Avg.
on
Interments
Total
Revenue
5yr Avg. on
total
revenue
July $3,345.00 $5,832.00 8 7.8 $3,590.00 $4,297.00 $6,935.00 $10,129.00
August $5,950.00 $5,813.00 5 7 $2,675.00 $4,250.50 $8,625.00 $10,063.50
Sept $4,250.00 $8,351.75 5 8 $3,815.00 $4,519.75 $8,065.00 $12,871.50
Oct $18,810.00 $8,299.00 8 6 $4,112.50 $3,502.00 $22,922.50 $11,801.00
Nov $6,367.50 $4,075.00 8 6.2 $4,745.00 $2,804.00 $11,112.50 $6,879.00
Dec $2,550.00 $3,316.00 4 6.8 $2,375.00 $3,764.00 $4,925.00 $7,080.00
Jan $850.00 $4,633.00 6 3.4 $3,142.50 $2,301.00 $3,992.50 $6,934.00
Feb
March
April
May
June
Totals $42,122.50 $40,319.75 44 45.2 $24,455.00 $25,438.25 $66,577.50 $65,758.00