BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 21, 1999
The Bettendorf Park Board held a Special Meeting on April 21, 1999, at the Bettendorf Public Library in the Malmros Room at 5:00 p.m.
Present: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Absent: None
The Board reviewed the 1998/99 priorities and made the following revisions:
The top priority is the existing pool renovation.
High Priority: Remove the repairs to #14 hillside at Palmer Hills Golf Course and add the indoor pool facility, the new boat launch, and the Crow Creek Park Quarry.
Others: Add Skateboarding Park and Winter Activities
The 1998-99 Park Board Priorities is annex #1 to these minutes.
Chairperson Brown asked the Board Members if anyone wanted to work on a theme for the renovated pool.
Commissioner Adamson stated that he was already on the pool committee and volunteered to work on ideas for a theme.
Steve reported that there have been many weather-related delays in Phase I of Crow Creek Park development. The project should be completed by late June. Jim Seifert will provide site observations on a part time basis and will submit written updates. There should be some funds that will be carried over into Phase II development. The Board can discuss what to include in the phase. Options discussed in the past, restroom/concession facility, cross country trail, additional playgrounds, shelters, and landscaping.
Chairperson Brown stated that the pool needs to be completed first, before we start on the next phase of Crow Creek Park.
Chairperson Brown recommended writing a grant for the restroom/concession facility in Crow Creek Park near the new soccer and baseball complex.
Steve informed the Board that Water Technology would be at the May 10, 1999, Board Meeting to review the final plans and revised cost estimates for the Middle Park Swimming Pool renovation.
Steve informed the Board that Davenport dropped the protest on the grant received for the Hollowview to Devils Glen recreation trail. The timing is still an issue. We will need permission from the Iowa Department of Transportation to bid on the project. Does the Board want to go ahead and build the bridges under a separate contract and have the trail go through the Department of Transportation? Doing this, we will have a chance to complete the trail this summer. The project can be bid together and modified at a later date. If IDOT does not allow us to bid, we will have to wait until next Spring.
The Board was in agreement to do whatever possible to get the recreation trail built.
Steve explained that the other issue is land. We need the permanent easement. The property owner has not signed off yet. The other land owned by the church will have to go through their international church. We are optimistic that we can sign a quick claim deed. This should not be a problem and Ashton Engineers is preparing a legal description.
The committee has been working on possible land acquisition on property to the north.
Commissioner Hutter stated that he would talk to Greg Jager about the easement for the Hollowview Recreation Trail and about the Hellman property for future acquisition.
Steve informed the Board that the city is currently going through a revision of the Master Plan. Steve VanDyke will set a time with the Park Board for their input. They do have copies of the Park and Recreation Master Plan and Land Acquisition plan and are aware of our intent.
Steve informed the Board that there are three parcels of property along the riverfront needed for the recreation trail that are delinquent on taxes and will be up for sale. Greg Jager told Steve that we could request Scott County to transfer the property to our jurisdiction at no cost. It won’t happen until this fall.
Commissioner Hutter stated that as we acquire the property we should put in the path.
The Clubhouse plan for Palmer Hills Golf Course was completed by Tim Downing and is on hold until we have the funds.
Commissioner Hutter asked what was being done to McLamarrah Park.
Steve informed the Board that the barn has been torn down and a contract awarded for the parking lot. Once the parking lot is completed, the fence will be installed. The committee wants to try and do some planting near the pond and make natural improvements.
Chairperson Brown stated her desire to have a recreation trail through the park.
The Board authorized Steve to contact Ashton Engineering to submit a proposal for a feasibility study for a trail in McLamarrah Park from Pinebrook Lane to Crow Creek Road.
Commissioner Hutter requested how much funding was received from grants during the last five years.
Steve reviewed the proposal received from Stanley Consultant, Inc. to complete the design and bid specifications in the amount of $8,500 for the four-lighted tennis courts in Crow Creek Park. The proposal is annex #2 to these minutes.
Steve recommended bidding the tennis courts with the high school and middle school tennis court projects in June. He does not feel that the $100,000 allocation is going to be enough to light the tennis courts, based on the discussions.
The Board felt that the Stanley Consultant fee was too high and requested Steve get other proposals and talk to other park and recreation departments, such as, Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.
Steve informed the Board that he received authorization from Decker Ploehn to install fax machines in the homes of interested Board Members.
All Board Members were interested except for Larry Makoben. He has a fax machine next to his desk at work that he can use.
Steve will have the machines and phone line installed.
Steve informed the Board that Jon Ryan is working with the Chamber of Commerce ‘Go For the Gold’ program and requested day lilies be planted along the median by McManus Park. Also, a “Mayor’s Garden,” in honor of the foster children program, to be planted in the same area. The two projects would be part of the beautification project.
The Board had no objections to the two planting projects.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Brown (Chairperson)
Hutter (Vice Chairman)
MINUTES
BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
APRIL 14, 1999
The Bettendorf Park Board held a regular meeting on April 14, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. in the Canteen Room at the HDG Community Center.
Present: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Absent: None
Chairperson Brown opened the Public Forum.
There being no one wishing to address the Board, Chairperson Brown, closed the Public Forum.
The Board ascertained that the minutes of the special meetings held on March 16 and March 25, 1999, and the regular meeting held on March 10, 1999, be approved and placed on file for future reference.
On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, that the bills be allowed as presented and that the secretary be instructed to have checks drawn in the respective amounts.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Makoben
Nays: None
A list of the bills to be paid is annex #1 to these minutes.
Commissioner Hutter asked Stu Smith if the scoreboard on Lowry Field is going to be repaired.
Stu stated that the city electrician said that it would cost more to repair than to purchase a new scoreboard. It will be taken down and the plaque will be saved.
Bill Ashton, Ashton Engineering, presented a plaque to the Board of Park Commissioners.
Mr. Ashton informed the Board that he submitted the Devils Glen Park to State Street section of the recreation trail to the Iowa Consulting Engineers contest for projects that have significance. Ashton Engineers falls within the small firm category and the Devils Glen Recreation Trail received a third place Engineering Award of Excellence because of the terrain and the diverse problems that were handled.
Jim Benson, representing the Park and Recreation Foundation, was present to request a discounted golf rate for an eighteen-hole gift certificate to be given to all participants in the Jamie Hill Golf Tournament. One half of the proceeds goes back into the golf course and the other half goes to the scholarship program offered to children that cannot afford to pay for the Park and Recreation programs.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to allow the Park Foundation to purchase 150 eighteen-hole green fee gift certificates, at a rate of $10.00 each.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
The notice for the public hearing was published in the Bettendorf News on April 8, 1999. A copy of the affidavit is annex #2 to these minutes.
Chairperson Brown opened the public hearing.
Dave Irish, Schemmer Associates, was present to review the Crow Creek Quarry design and submitted a cost estimate, which is annex #3 to these minutes.
Mr. Irish stated that there have been only a few minor changes and improvements made from the last presentation. The upper and lower areas were disconnected to deter people from driving through with four wheel drive vehicles. The access to the quarry from the other park areas will be via a limestone trail connection that will be ADA compliant. The sand fill will be around the dock and fishing area, 180 feet of area that is usable for people to be near the water.
The concrete blocks that are now in the park area will be moved and placed where the bollards were planned. The fence will be PVC coated and will be four feet high instead of five feet high so children will be able to view the quarry. The Board will need to approve an addition to their contract for coordination of the decks, docks, ADA compliance, etc.
Mr. Irish asked the Park Board if they want to add sand along the shore line.
The Board stated they want gravel installed because it is too rough for people to get down to the water to fish. Sand would turn the area into a beach.
Commissioner Adamson requested that the visible debris be pushed into the deeper end of the quarry.
There being no one present to speak in favor of or against the proposed plans, specifications and form of contract for the renovation of the Crow Creek Quarry, Chairperson Brown closed the public hearing.
On motion by Glenn, seconded by Makoben, to adopt Resolution #10-99, approving the plans, specifications, and form of contract for the renovation of the Crow Creek Quarry.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
Resolution #10-99 is annex #4 to these minutes.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to add to the agenda review of additional services proposal for the Crow Creek Quarry Project by Schemmer Associates.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to approve the addition of $5,000 in consultant fees to Schemmer Associates for the items discussed in their presentation.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
Mr. Irish informed the Board that he felt construction would begin in June on the Quarry.
The Board reviewed the budget and revenue reports for March, 1999, which are annex #5 to these minutes.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file budget and revenue reports for March, 1999.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
The Board discussed the location of the indoor lap pool at the Life Fitness Center.
Steve informed the Board that Schemmer Associates feel that adding the facility on the east corner can be done within the budget.
Dale Christianson of Schemmer Associates stated that it will be a challenge to relocate the 24’ storm sewer, but it can be done. It will require permission from the schools to dig on their property and the building will be closer into the slope.
Dave Irish stated that there would have to be a corridor for egress no matter which end of the facility the pool is built.
On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, that the lap pool be constructed on the northeast part of the Life Fitness Center building.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
Steve informed the Board that the grant applied for is in question for the recreation trail from Hollowview Park to Devils Glen Road. There will be a meeting on April 20 and after that it will be determined in May if we have the grant or have to reapply for the grant. If we do receive the grant, we have to go through the IDOT bid process. The next IDOT bid letting is on August 17. If we miss that date, we will have to wait until next year. We need to proceed and hire Ashton Engineers to complete the design plans and specifications for the project to be ready to submit to IDOT.
Mr. Ashton stated that he spoke today to the property owner, Quad City Maintenance Company, who is holding onto the easement documents. The owner questioned the width of the curb cut and wants to see the final drawing. Once he sees it, he stated that he would sign the easement documents.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to enter into a contract with Ashton Engineering for professional services for the recreation trail from Hollowview to Devils Glen Road, contingent on a written agreement from the Quad City Maintenance Company and upon approval of such agreement and contract from Ashton Engineering by the City Attorney.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
Steve informed the Board that there is another property issue for the same section of recreation trail.
Mr. Ashton reviewed the additional .57 acre that needs to be purchased from the Latter Day Saints Church. The property is in the flood plain, and is heavily under brush and not usable. The cost of the property should be less than $1,000. The IDOT does not want you to acquire the property until they review the plans, but staff should be in the negotiation process.
On motion by Glenn, seconded by Hutter, to direct staff to negotiate for the additional property needed for the recreation trail.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
Steve informed the Board that the 62nd Street boat launch easement has been finalized and is on the City Council consent agenda, as well as, transferring jurisdiction of property to the Park Board.
Steve requested Board approval that once this has been approved by the City Council, to proceed to enter into a contract with Ashton Engineering for the design and specifications in the amount not to exceed $17,400. The administration and observation contract can be approved at a later date. The contract will be reviewed by the City Attorney.
The Board requested that this item be brought back to the May meeting.
The information presented by Ashton Engineering is annex #6 to these minutes.
The Board reviewed the request from Youth Baseball to be allowed to have a private concessionaire sell concessions at their games. They will provide the necessary insurance and health department forms. The company will donate 10% of their profits to the Youth Baseball Organization. Their request is annex #7 to these minutes.
On motion by Makoben, seconded by Adamson, to approve the request from Youth Baseball to allow the vendor to sell concessions at their games, with the exception of games played in Crow Creek Park.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
The Board discussed a date for the dedication of the new playground by the band shell. They decided to have the dedication in June and coordinate it with a Park Band Concert and the Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Park Foundation.
The Director and Chairperson will determine the date.
Steve informed the Board that River Action has funding available for 10 additional kiosks and Kathy Wine asked if there are potential sites along the Bettendorf Riverfront.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to approve the installation of a kiosk in the new boat launch area on 62nd Street Court.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
The Board scheduled a special meeting to be held on April 21, 1999, at 5:00 p.m. at the Bettendorf Library to discuss capital improvement projects and goals.
The following items appeared on the consent agenda and were enacted by one motion.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to approve the request from the First Evangelical Free Church to hold a concert at the Band Shell on July 11, 1999, from 3:00-8:00 p.m. The request is annex #8 to these minutes.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to approve request from the ‘4th Dimension Ensemble’ to use the Band Shell for a percussion concert on May 22, 1999.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to approve request from Jefferson School PTA to use Meier Park for a Fun Fair on Saturday, May 1, 1999. The request is annex #9 to these minutes.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #8-99, approving payment #1 to Water Technology for professional services completed on the Middle Pool renovation project through March 14, 1999. Resolution #8-99 is annex #10 to these minutes.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #9-99, approving final payment to Williams Associates for the Middle Park Swimming Pool Study. Resolution #9-99 is annex #11 to these minutes.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
Commissioner Glenn stated that the Board has to think about and actively pursue hiring more people with all the new facilities and added park acres.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
Brown (Chairperson)
Hutter (Vice Chairman)
MINUTES
BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 12, 1999
The Bettendorf Park Board held a Special Meeting on April 12, 1999, at 4:00 p.m. in the Canteen Room at the HDG Community Center.
Present: Brown, Hutter, Makoben
Absent: Adamson, Glenn
Brad Peterson reviewed the golf course maintenance report, which is annex #1 to these minutes.
Brad reviewed the storm water damage, which occurred on the golf course. The concern is along the creek by the bridges in three areas. The force of the water rolled the gabions over. The gabions are five years old and have not had any problems in the past.
Mike McCubbin submitted a proposal to repair the damage. Some heavy equipment will need to be brought in to work in the channel and with the rock. To restore the areas along #1, it will cost $5,589.00; #3, $9,333; and #14, $2,789; or a total cost of $17,811.
Steve explained that this could not be covered by insurance and would have to come out of the enterprise funds.
Brad stated that the costs submitted are at the extreme end. Mike McCubbin will try and slide the gabions back up and roll over. It may work and it may not. The cost submitted is for rebuilding the gabions. He also recommended to install concrete in front of the gabions to try and stop them from rolling over again.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to authorize the staff to go ahead with the repair of the gabions.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Makoben
Nays: None
Brad stated that they will not close any holes, but the construction for the repairs will probably annoy some golfers, but not to the point where they would golf some where else.
Rita VanWetzinga reviewed the recreation report which is annex #2 to these minutes.
Rita reviewed the request from Mark Lewis to hold two girls softball tournaments at Crow Creek Park. The dates are open and they will be charged the required rental and maintenance fees. They also requested to ask for donations at the gate and run a concession.
Commissioner Hutter stated that the Jaycees have the concessions for Crow Creek Park.
Rita stated that she would inform Mr. Lewis and would check to make sure that the Jaycees will provide the concession service for the event.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to approve the girlís softball tournaments in Crow Creek Park.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Makoben
Nays: None
Jon Waddell, golf administration, and Stu Smith, park maintenance, monthly updates are annex #3 and #4 to these minutes. Stu Smith will be attending Wednesday’s meeting for the Crow Creek Quarry public hearing.
Steve Grimes monthly update is annex #5 to these minutes. He informed the Board that he just received in the mail today, the information regarding rooms for the National Park and Recreation Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in October. The Iowa Park and Recreation Association has only 19 rooms reserved and reservations must be made by May 10, 1999.
The Board requested reserving six rooms for the conference. Nashville is close enough that more Board and staff members will want to attend.
Steve informed the Board that he attended a public meeting with the school officials regarding the renovation of the high school and middle school tennis courts. In the cost estimates, the project could potentially be short $60,000, but until it is bid out, we don’t know.
Steve recommended waiting until we have better cost estimates, than have a meeting with the School Board and determine how to seek additional funding.
The Board agreed to meet with the School Board, once the cost has been determined.
Steve informed the Board that the staff has met with representatives from Water Technology and Schemmer regarding the mechanicals. They are in the process of developing the plans and specifications.
Steve also informed the Board that Schemmer has developed four options on placement of the lap pool at the Life Fitness Center. A copy of the options is annex #6 to these minutes.
The Board eliminated options # 1 and #4. Commissioner Makoben will review the site before option #3 is eliminated. The Board, at this time, felt option #2 was the most logical. This will be discussed further at the Wednesday meeting.
Steve stated that he hopes to get a variance regarding the additional parking spaces needed for the addition of the lap pool.
Steve informed the Board that with the assistance of Greg Jager, a compromise was settled with Williams Associates regarding their final billing for services on the Middle Park Swimming Pool Study in the amount of $13,000.
The Board approved this amount and requested to approve payment by Resolution.
The Board discussed a year round special rate membership to college age students at the Life Fitness Center.
Rita explained that a summer pass is offered currently. The annual adult resident and non-resident rate is cheaper than what the other health clubs in the area are charging college students. We are crowded at the hours most college students would be using the facility, which is between 4-8 p.m. and on the weekends.
The special rate for college students discussion was tabled and no action taken.
The Board reviewed the request submitted by Tom Stelk, representing the Alcoa Retireeís Club, to have a modified shotgun start at Palmer Hills Golf Course on June 18, 1999. This request is annex #7 to these minutes.
Steve explained that they have between 50-60 golfers that rotate around to the different golf courses in the area each month. Their request does violate two policies. Our policy does not allow a shot gun start unless there are144 golfers and a shot gun start can never be scheduled on a Friday. They were not interested in golfing on another weekday.
The Board was concerned, if approved, how many other requests they would have and authorized the Director to notify Mr. Stelk that they would like to be able to accommodate the Alcoa Retiree’s, but based on the fact it violates policy in two areas, they will not be able to.
The Board reviewed the petition requesting investigating the development of a facility for skateboard, rollerblade, and free-style biking activites. The petition is annex #8 to these minutes.
The Board requested the Director respond to the petition that staff will look into the feasibility, potential locations, cost, and liability issues of such a facility.
The Board requested a written request from George Thuenen regarding a plaque at the Life Fitness Center recognizing the Mayor and City Council Members that were in office when it was acquired.
The Board requested further discussion at Wednesday’s meeting on the proposal from Schemmer for a feasibility study for the expansion of the cardio room at the Life Fitness Center.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben to adjourn at 4:57 p.m.
Brown (Chairperson)
Hutter (Vice Chairman)
