HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-22 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda Packet
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 10, 2021 MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
ITEM 4 AQUATIC FACILITY AND PROGRAMS DISCUSSION – BRAD BARKER
KATE CONNEL
ITEM 5 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 6 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 7 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 8 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 and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
5:00 p.m.
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center – Meeting Room B
220 S. Gilbert St.
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
MINUTES MARCH 9, 2022
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER – MTG ROOM B
Members Present: Missie Forbes, Alex Hachtman, Christopher Odinet, Boniface Penandjo Lemoupa, Melissa
Serenda, Michelle Wiegand, Brianna Wills
Members Absent: Brian Morelli, April Schmidt
Staff Present: Tyler Baird, Brad Barker
Others Present: Mary Bennett, Kevin Boyd, Mark Cannon, Susan Mellecker, Josie Neumann, Anne
Stapleton
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman Hachtman called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Odinet, seconded by Penandjo Lemoupa, to approve the January 12, 2022 minutes as written.
Motion passed 7-0 (Morelli & Schmidt Absent)
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Ann Stapleton came to present her concerns with the reduction of hours at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
Pool (RAL pool). She shared that her use of the RAL Pool has spanned over 36 years. She noted that her use of
the pool has provided her with many health benefits including exercise in the winter, rehab after an injury, and
local access when she chooses to bike or walk to the facility. She said the pool is a place where she has developed
many friendships over the years. She said that the reduction in pool hours effects those that may want to swim
after work or the elderly and others who don’t want to drive to Mercer. She pointed out that the RAL Pool water
is warmer than Mercer and offers easier access. She reported that she has been collecting data recently and that it
doesn’t coincide with what staff shared with her. She said the pool remains busy reporting that just yesterday
there were nine swimmers at the pool making it necessary for some to wait for a lane. She said that the only
notification she received regarding the reduced hours was an email that was sent four days prior to the new hours
were in effect.
Mark Cannon shared that he has been swimming at the RAL Pool for approximately 25 years. He said that for the
last ten years he has noticed that the facility has been in decline and that it seems that “band-aid” repairs are
taking place. He noted that he finds the temperature of the pool water to be unpredictable. He said at times he
would get dressed for swimming only to find the water too cold to do so. He stated that while he understands that
the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center is not a commercial facility, it would have been closed if it were. He
suggested that more thought be given to the marketing plan by targeting the Senior Center as well as Ecumenical
Towers and other places near the Recreation Center. He also suggested that breaks in parking fees be considered.
He complimented staff at the programming that has been created to increase diversity at the pools.
Susan Mellecker shared that she has participated in the aquacise program four days a week for several years. She
returned to using the pool last April. She says she has experienced increasing frustration with the management of
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 9, 2022
Page 2 of 6
the pools and as a taxpayer it concerns her to see staff that is not trained well. She said that they don’t know what
the programs are and that they don’t do anything. She says she has participated in all the surveys, but her concerns
cannot be addressed by filling out a survey. She sees a lot of money being spend on getting feedback. She said
that if staff were doing their best to market the facilities and to increase usership and it is still down, she would
understand. However, she doesn’t feel that to be the case. She stated that ActiveNet is very difficult to navigate.
She shared that last July, she and her partner spent $200 to participate in the aquacise program. While attending
others participated in the same classes and said they had just walked in or that they used a pool pass that had been
put on hold. She feels that these are things that should be check on by customer service staff when people enter
the facilities. She gave examples of some easy fixes such as a white board at the pool that states that there is a
class from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. This would alert those wanting to do lap swimming that a particular lane will not be
available. She said that she has seen 10 lifeguards sitting at a picnic table when they should have been putting out
equipment for an upcoming class. She feels there is a disconnect between management and staff.
Josie Neumann noted that she is a life-long resident of Iowa City. She is concerned that the core pool audience is
not being considered. She too said she has made many friendships using the pool and agrees that there are many
health benefits to swimming and participating in the aquatic programs. She noted that she has discovered that the
pool patrons know more about what is going on than the staff. She then expressed her wish that City Park Pool
remain as it is. She feels that adding amenities will take away from the open areas for swimming activities.
Mary Bennett is a 50-year resident of Iowa City. She too would like City Park Pool to remain as is. She said she
works for the State Historical Society and loves the history of City Park. She said that Mercer classes have been
interrupted often by pool temps, swim team use, etc. She also said that the ladder at Mercer is built into the pool
wall and is difficult to use. She pointed out that many seniors cannot tolerate the colder water at Mercer. She
expressed that the RAL Pool provides a good place for seniors to bond. She works two blocks away and lives six
blocks away, so the Recreation Center is more convenient for her. She further noted that Robert A. Lee was a hero
and that the building is treated with dishonor and disrespect. She shared that she has heard that the Recreation
Center parking lot is in threat of becoming a lot for an apartment building. She urged staff to be respectful of this
building.
Barker reported that staff will add aquatics as an agenda topic for a future meeting. He said that it might be best to
address some of these issues individually rather than grouping all aquatics into one agenda item. He noted that he
could not speak to everything brought up tonight as it is not on tonight’s agenda. He shared that consultants have
been in to evaluate the state of Recreation facilities as part of the master plan process.
Bennet asked Barker if he was aware of changes planned for the Recreation Center parking lot. Barker said that he
was not aware of such a plan.
Odinet requested to move ahead on the agenda to item #8, “suggestions for future agenda items.” He noted that in
listening to the guests this evening, he gathers that there is a concern regarding the administration of front desk
staff and with the physical plant. He said that he would like to hear more about some of the particulars in
management of staff, staff training, and internal processes when patrons arrive. He believes this to be a good
place to start.
Hachtman suggested adding pool access as a topic for a future agenda as well.
Wiegand requested that a review of the Parks and Recreation Foundation be added to a future agenda as well.
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March 9, 2022
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RECREATION FACILITIES AND PROGRAM MASTER PLAN UPDATE – BRAD BARKER
Barker shared a presentation with Commission that included a review of the “Gather Here” Recreation Master
Plan process. He explained that the department is working with the consulting firm BerryDunn to provide a study
of the City’s current recreation facilities including the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center, Mercer Park
Aquatic Center and Scanlon Gym, and City Park Pool. Additional facilities assessed include City Park Ball Fields,
Kickers Soccer Park, Mercer Park Ball Fields, and Napoleon Park Softball Complex. Staff is looking to gain
input from the public about the programs currently offered as well as what they would like to see added. Staff
wants to hear from non-users as well to determine what the barriers are that prevent them from using the facilities
and participating in the programs offered.
Barker pointed out that a hot topic of the surveys refers to the future of City Park Pool; do they want the pool to
remain as is or do they want to see some play features added to the pool? He shared that there are behind the
scenes issues that will need to be addressed as soon as possible. One of those items is the fact that the City Park
pool is losing 30,000 gallons of water per day due to leaks in the structure.
Staff and the consultants will move into the “visioning” phase of the process later in March. Per the website
(https://www.iowa-city.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=2020932&dbid=0&repo=CityofIowaCity) the purpose of
this phase “is to develop the most appropriate response to the identified needs and priorities of the community
based on all of the technical aspects compiled during the Analysis phase. A vision workshop will be conducted
with City staff, the Advisory Committee, and the Steering Committee. From the meeting the formation of the
action plan will begin. There will be another opportunity at this juncture for public input to ensure that the action
plan is headed in the right direction.” This phase will be followed up with the draft and final Plan. This document
will be reviewed with City staff and then presented to this commission and City Council.
Barker presented a summary of survey results. Surveys included a statistical survey, as well as public
engagements where staff were present to speak with individuals in person. Wiegand asked if staff knows there is a
barrier, is the public being asked for their suggestions for a better way. Barker confirmed that there are questions
on the survey that do ask this question. Penandjo Lemoupa asked what is being done to spread the word, referring
specifically to athletic fields. Barker explained that outside groups were invited to participate in the surveys as
well.
Wills asked when the improvements will begin. Barker stated that some of the changes should be seen
immediately. Wills also assumed that leak repairs to City Park Pool would be moved to the top of the list. Wills
asked if the consultant did any population projections. Barker said he believes so.
Odinet asked to what degree projects will be budgeted through the capital improvement plan and what items will
require a bond referendum. Barker explained that any items that need renovations will likely fall within the CIP
budget and items such as pools will require a bond referendum.
Wiegand pointed out that the presentation shows that 16% of those taking the survey did not answer the question
about City Park Pool and wondered if that was also noted with other questions asked. Barker said that there were
some that elected not to answer various questions. Wiegand also noted that in looking at the slides, it seems as
though some of the requests were contradictory. For example, some people said they wanted slides and a lazy
river added to City Park Pool, while also saying that they wanted lap swimming and open swim spaces available.
Barker’s full presentation is available on the City’s website at https://www.icgov.org/city-
government/boards/parks-and-recreation-commission.
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March 9, 2022
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MONTGOMERY-BUTLER HOUSE DISCUSSION – TYLER BAIRD:
In the absence of Seydell Johnson, Baird reported on this item. The commission packet includes a memo from
Seydell Johnson, as well as a memo from Kevin Boyd, Historic Preservation Chair, a City staff report to the
Historic Preservation Commission, a 2001 Feasibility Study and recent photos showing its current condition.
Baird noted that the Montgomery Butler House was purchased by the City of Iowa City in 1995 as part of the land
acquisition to allow for the construction of the Iowa City Water Treatment Plant. Staff is looking for a
recommendation to City Council from the Commission regarding the future of the structure
Odinet shared that his initial impression was that the house was part of Waterworks Park but then was informed
that it is not an actual park. Baird explained that Waterworks Park is a part of the Water Division complex,
however, Parks shares in the maintenance including plowing snow and managing the prairie.
Kevin Boyd, Historic Preservation Chair, was present and reported that the Historic Preservation Commission has
proposed that a working group to discuss possible reuse ideas of the house. He proposes that this group include
City staff, members from both Historic Preservation and Parks & Recreation Commissions, Iowa River Trail and
Waterworks Park users and possibly other interested members of the public. He is asking for the Parks and
Recreation Commission approval of this proposal. Boyd proceeded with sharing the history of the house and other
information. In summary, the house is owned by the City and previous City leaders made a commitment in
finding a use for the building once funds became available. Boyd stressed that it is a part of the city’s shared
history.
Per a memo from Anne Russett, Senior Planner for Neighborhood Development Services, staff from multiple
departments of the City gathered for a site visit in 2021. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the property and
discuss possibilities of reuse. Staff expressed concerns of accessibility of the home in its current location. The
group determined that if the home were relocated nearer to the trail head, it may be feasible to include a part of
the house with interpretive signage as a shelter or other park amenity.
All documents referred to above are available in the Parks and Recreation Commission archived agendas on the
City’s website at https://www.icgov.org/city-government/boards/parks-and-recreation-commission.
Josie Neumann, a member of the audience, commented that City were allowed to remove two homes outside of
the city limits to allow construction of the water treatment plan. She further commented that when this occurred,
the well dried up that served these homes. While she is glad that this addition helped to improve the water in
Iowa City, it seems fair to say that it detracted from services to people who live near to the facility and outside of
the city limits and feels that the City should have given back to that community in exchange.
Mary Bennett, member of the audience, echoed Boyd regarding the historical significance of this property. She
said that the City is rapidly losing such buildings and structures that remind one of the early history of Iowa City.
She suggested that the restoration of the Montgomery-Butler House would not be much different than what was
done with the City Park cabins and that there is funding available for this kind of project. She pointed out that she
is not suggesting that the house be opened up to use, but that it be honored as a monument in place.
Serenda expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to read the story of the house and hearing from others
about its historical significance. She said that regardless of what is done, she wholeheartedly supports further
conversation about its future.
Bennett stated that it is a rare opportunity to interpret African American History. Mr. ____ was a barber who cut
the hair of legislatures. When he passed away his wife became the first female property owner of this city. Both
tell a story of African American history in this town.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 9, 2022
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Moved by Serenda, seconded by Wiegand, that the Parks and Recreation Commission partner with the
Historic Preservation Commission to form a working group to further discuss the future of the
Montgomery-Butler house. Passed 7-0 (Morelli and Schmidt absent).
REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Recreation Division Superintendent – Brad Barker
Farmers Market: Barker announced that it has been decided to cancel the Wednesday evening farmers markets
this season due to the steady decline in both vendors and patrons over the past few years. The market vendors
have been notified of this decision.
Staffing: Barker noted that Tammy Neumann has moved to a new position in the City Clerk’s Office. He
explained that there has been some restructuring of positions within the administrative office. The special events
and communications staff member will take on the Iowa City Farmers Market. The Administrative Secretary
position has been retitled to the Administrative Coordinator.
Parks & Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
Tree Planting: Baird said staff is currently working on the tree planting plan for this year. He shared that the
Request for Proposals went out. The City will hire a contractor to assist in planting 500 trees on the south, north,
and northwest sides of Iowa City. Staff is applying for a grant through the DNR to fund the planting of 41 trees in
Thornberry Dog Park with the help of volunteers. Staff will be partnering with City High School’s Community
Inclusion Club in planning an Arbor Day celebration. They will assist staff in planting trees at Glendale Park.
Park Projects: Baird noted that some of the larger park projects have gone out to bid. Staff will keep
Commission apprised of the progress. Wills asked if staff is finding the bids to be high. Baird said they have not
been too bad but added that the increase in costs is due in part to the increase in shipping fees. Also challenging is
the time it takes to receive goods.
CHAIRS REPORT:
Hachtman thanked Tammy Neumann for her service to the Parks and Recreation Department and the
Commission.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Odinet, Hachtman and Wiegand mentioned upcoming agenda items during Public Discussion.
Wiegand further commented that she walks daily on the trails of Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and appreciates
that staff plows those trails. Baird noted that staff began plowing an additional 7.5 miles of trail and have received
many positive comments.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Hachtman adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
March 9, 2022
Page 6 of 6
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 04/14/21 5/12/21 06/09/21 07/14/21 08/11/21 9/8/21 10/13/21 11/10/21 12/8/21 1/12/22 02/09/22 03/09/22 Steve Bird 12/31/21 X X X NM X X X X NM * * *
Missie
Forbes
12/31/25 * * * * * * * * * X NM X
Brian
Morelli
12/31/25 * * * * * * * * * X NM O/E
Alex
Hachtman
12/31/24 X X X NM O/E X X X NM X NM X
Christopher
Odinet
12/31/24 X X O/E NM X X X X NM X NM X
Boniface
Penandjo
Lemoupa
12/31/23 O O O/E NM X X O O NM X NM X
Ben Russell 12/31/21 X X X NM X X X X NM * * *
April
Schmidt
12/31/22 * * X NM X X O O/E NM O/E NM O/E
Melissa
Serenda
12/31/23 X X X NM X X X X NM X NM X
Angie Smith 12/31/21 X X O/E NM X X X X NM * * *
Brianna
Wills
12/31/22 X X X NM X X O/E O/E NM O/E NM X
Michelle
Wiegand
12/31/25 * * * * * * * * * X NM X
1 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
April 2022
Upcoming Events
• Underwater Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 9, 10-10:45 am
• Woo Hoo! It’s the Insect Zoo! – Sunday, April 24, 1-4 pm; Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
o View and interact with live insects and other arthropods from the Iowa State University’s diversity,
ecology and behavior of arthropods. No registration required, free event for the community.
• Superheroes Family Day, Saturday, April 30, 1-3 pm
• Mommy & Me: Paint Party, Friday, May 6, 6-8 pm
• Iowa City Farmers Market; Saturday, May 7, Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp
• Open Roller Skating –Saturday evenings 6-7:45 pm; Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• Staff is working to get water turned on at restrooms, drinking fountains and yard hydrants.
• Community gardens have been tilled and are in the process of being staked out (weather has delayed
process).
• Prescribed prairie burns are occurring as weather allows.
• Projects are beginning to start for the spring with projects finishing or starting in the following parks:
Glendale, Whispering Meadows, Court Hill, Chadek Green, Ped Mall, tree planting projects, natural areas
(Terry Trueblood, Whispering Meadows and Ryerson’s Woods), and smaller ADA improvement projects
in multiple parks.
• Seasonal staff hiring is mostly complete with just a few opening remaining.
• Staff has coordinated with Public Works to seed some areas where they removed vegetation this winter.
• Tree plantings are planned with Rotary volunteers, Thornberry volunteers and an Arbor Day planting
with the City High Inclusion Club.
• Athletic fields have started hosting practices and games for the season.
Recreation:
• Staff continues to work with Berry-Dunn on strategizing for the recreation master plan, most specifically
as it pertains to community engagement, surveys, data analysis and visioning.
• Program Supervisor staff are planning and hiring for Summer programs and events.
2 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
• The ‘Things That Go’ two-day STEAM event at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center was well attended
and included a variety of activities. This was a free event to the community and featured Duplo, Brio,
Lego, Hot Wheels, trains, RC vehicles and more.
Cemetery:
• Total Tree Care removed 3 more Ash trees in the cemetery. Only two Ash remain for removal.
• Plans are in place to plant 6-8 trees this Spring and more in the Fall.
• Seasonal hiring continues as the cemetery is still needing to hire one more person.
Facilities:
• Peter Flynn has been hired to fill to the permanent part-time weekend custodial position. Welcome
Peter! The part-time weekend position rotates between multiple facilities to provide coverage for
evening events and cleaning for facilities open and operating during those hours; such as the Recreation
Centers, City Hall Police and Fire and events at TTRA lodge.
• Dereck Adams moved from the part-time weekend position to the full-time weekday morning position
at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, after the staff moved to another position in Parks.
• Staff training took place for Building Automation System (BAS) for the new Dehumidification System at
the Court Street Transportation Center on April 29th. The new dehumidification system BAS will allow
staff to better plan and adjust building humidity, water and air temperatures for events like future large
scale swim meets and patron capacity loads.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Inflation and availability of goods/supplies is an ongoing challenge.
Recreation
• Applications for positions have begun to pick up and full-time staff are feeling positive about this
direction.
• Summer registration begins Tuesday, April 19 for Iowa City residents. All others may register beginning
on Wednesday, April 20.
Cemetery
• Staff has been busy with spring clean-up. Raking and gathering downed tree debris.
• Rut repair is also a top priority with the wet conditions and narrow roads at the Cemetery.
• Staff has removed all snow equipment and readied the equipment for the Spring mowing season.
3 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
Facilities
• We have an exciting project that has been approved for the Fairmeadows and Wetherby splash pads
that will have a combined potential significant water savings of up to 50,400 gallons per day! The Parks
and Recreation staff is working with the Neighborhood and Development Services Department on using
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds to finance the replacement of existing
above ground water feature components with major water savings features at both parks. The
projected date for delivery and implementation will take place in July of 2022.
• Spring is here! One of the first signs of Spring at our facilities is the shade sail going up in the outdoor
edible classroom garden at RALRC! You can see it above the south garden fencing when traveling along
Burlington Street. The maintenance staff are starting building prep for the garden areas by turning on
outdoor water systems and assisting with items like installing the sail for the volunteers and garden
staff.
• Another hopeful sign of Spring are the variations in temperatures. We had lovely temperatures in mid-
March in the high 60s and following with 30’s at the beginning of April, the unpredictable daily
temperatures have been keeping maintenance staff on their toes as they work to adjust to keep office
staff and patrons comfortable.
• Staff are continuing to work on small interior projects; and are also gearing up for the next outdoor work
weather permitting, such as ordering materials to prep City Park pool for the outdoor swim season!
4 Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission Packet | City of Iowa City
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 $1,275.00 $5,641.00 4 7.4 $2,610.00 $4,200.00 $3,885.00 $9,841.00
August $10,097.50 $4,723.00 10 6.4 $6,337.50 $3,405.50 $16,435.00 $8,128.50
Sept $13,900.00 $7,781.75 11 7.6 $5,992.50 $4,532.75 $19,892.50 $12,314.50
Oct $25,007.50 $10,031.00 12 5.6 $8,167.50 $3,141.50 $33,175.00 $13,172.50
Nov $5,360.00 $4,388.50 9 6.2 $5,295.00 $3,144.50 $10,655.00 $7,533.00
Dec $1,110.00 $3,306.00 3 6.2 $1,575.00 $3,569.00 $2,685.00 $6,875.00
Jan $7,425.00 $3,523.00 1 4.4 $325.00 $2,789.50 $7,750.00 $6,312.50
Feb $3,290.00 $3,230.00 4 4.0 $3,550.00 $2,559.19 $6,840.00 $5,789.19
March $1,700.00 $5,141.50 0 5.2 $0.00 $3,829.50 $1,700.00 $8,971.00
April
May
June
Totals $69,165.00 $47,765.75 54 53 $33,852.50 $31,167.44 $103,017.50 $78,937.19