BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
JULY 14, 1999
The Bettendorf Park Board held a regular meeting on July 14, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. in the Canteen Room at the HDG Community Center.
Present: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Absent: Brown, Makoben
Due to the absence of Chairperson Brown, Vice Chairman Hutter will serve as Chairman and Commissioner Adamson will serve as Vice Chairman.
Chairman Hutter opened the Public Forum.
There being no one wishing to address the Board, Chairman Hutter, closed the Public Forum.
The Board ascertained that the minutes of the special meeting held on June 14, 1999, and the regular meeting held on June 16, 1999, be approved and placed on file for future reference.
On motion by Glenn, seconded by Adamson, that the bills are allowed as presented and that the secretary be instructed to have checks drawn in the respective amounts.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
A list of the bills to be paid is annex #1 to these minutes.
Jim Smith, Youth Baseball Commissioner, and Mark Robbins, Board Member on the Youth Baseball Commission, were present to address the Board regarding installation of batting cages in parks.
Mr. Smith requested Board approval to install a batting cage in Devils Glen Park and the new youth baseball complex in Crow Creek Park. At a latter date, they would like to install another one in Crow Creek Park or Kiwanis Park. Youth Baseball would install them, provide the maintenance and construction at no cost to the parks or citizens of Bettendorf. A quality netting would be installed, to protect the kids on the outside.
The cages are 70’ x 15’. An 80’ x 25’ area would be cleared; scraping the grass out and replacing with a peat or pea gravel so it can be used in wet weather conditions. He presented pictures and a design; ideas received from a facility located in Chicago, which are annex #2 to these minutes.
Mark Robbins reviewed the technical aspects of the batting cage. The nets will be a three millimeter material, steel piping forms a U shape and a cable runs front to back with hooks and clips. There would be eight holes in the ground for the pipe and a cement base.
Steve informed the Board that he reviewed the locations with Stu Smith. There is no problem with the locations in Devils Glen Park and Kiwanis Park. A batting cage can be placed on the far east outside edge of the mustang field in the new youth complex in Crow Creek Park. Baseball fields may have to be relocated to accommodate a second cage in Crow Creek Park.
Mr. Smith indicated that they would like to build two batting cages this year and if everything goes well, they want to add two more.
Chairman Hutter stated that he wants to see the Youth Baseball Complex in Crow Creek Park completed before a batting cage is put in.
On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to authorize the installation of a batting cage in Devils Glen Park and any further requests for batting cages must be brought back to the Board for approval.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
Heidi Carr and Paul Viner, representing the Scott County Water and Soil Conservation District, and Kathy Wine, representing River Action, were present to address the Board regarding a proposal for an erosion control project along Duck Creek near Grant Wood School.
Ms. Carr informed the Board that they would like to have an educational demonstration project to control erosion along the recreation trail on Duck Creek. They want the public and private land owners living along Duck Creek to see the different ways to control erosion other than retaining walls for the same cost.
Paul Viner presented a slide show that included what was done this past Spring with retaining walls, how close the erosion is to the recreation trail, and the area they propose to do their project.
Ms. Carr informed the Board that they have a $6,000 grant to help with the project and River Action has $3,500. The signage will also be donated. The estimated cost for the project is $25,200.
Steve informed the Board that there is $30,000 a year in the city budget for stream bank erosion control. The funding can be used for this project.
Kathy Wine informed the Board that River Action will have brochures and public meetings to help educate the public and inform them on what they are doing.
Ms. Carr informed the Board that there are a number of organizations involved in the project: Scott County NRCS, Scott County SWCD, River Action, Interstate Resource and Development, American Rivers, City of Bettendorf representatives and a local citizens group.
On motion by Glenn, seconded by Adamson, to enter into an agreement with the Scott County Water and Soil Conservation District for the Duck Creek Erosion Control Project as presented.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
A copy of their report and cost estimates for the erosion control project is annex #3 to these minutes.
Jason Kilberg was present to address the Board regarding an Eagle Scout tree planting project in Devils Glen Park. He proposes to plant 6-8 trees, 1’ in diameter, and approximately 6-8 feet tall. The type of trees to be planted consists of Walnut, Hickory, Sugar Maple, or White Oak. He will water the trees through the fall season. The date for planting the trees is scheduled on August 28, 1999. He is requesting $300 from the Park Board and the remainder to be funded through donations. A copy of his proposal is annex #4 to these minutes.
Steve informed the Board that the Trees R Us Program may contribute money for the trees for this project.
On motion by Glenn, seconded by Adamson, to allow Jason Kilberg to do the tree planting project in Devils Glen Park as an Eagle Scout Project.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
Mike Brannan, representing Iowans for Sensitive Priorities, was present to address the Board on the same issue as presented at Monday’s Board Meeting. They have changed the date to Monday, July 19, 1999.
Steve informed the Board that all the required insurance and not for profit documents have been received. The insurance company has been verified.
Mr. Brannan again explained that their organization is asking that the Federal Military budget be cut by 15% and to use these funds for educational programs and health care for children. They explain to the public how the federal budget works and how the money is spent now and how it would be better to shift this money for other uses.
Chairperson Hutter stated that he wants the public to be aware that the Park Board does not endorse their program one way or the other. The group is just being allowed to use our facilities.
Mr. Brannan stated that there most likely will not be any advance media. They are just calling churches and other organizations to make them aware of being in the area. He has asked that during performances, they announce that the Park Board and the City is not endorsing the program.
On motion by Glenn, seconded by Adamson, that the Board has agreed to allow the Iowans for Sensitive Priorities use of the Band Shell area for their program on July 19, 1999, however, they do not endorse their program.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
Monty Yegge informed the Board that June, 1999, final reports for the 1998/99 fiscal year will be finalized after the City Audit.
Julie Arneson was present to review the request from the Family Museum for an art project to be placed on the Middle Park Lagoon Island. She explained that it would be a welded sculpture that is being created by youths. They are learning to design, cut, and weld. The sculpture they would like placed on the lagoon is a family of three ducks. The other sculpture has a theme, “This Is Our Community.” It consists of a six-foot high stainless steel cylinder with figures placed around the cylinder of people in our community reaching toward the sun. Julie would like to see the community sculpture placed at one of the Welcome Signs in Bettendorf and have it lighted.
The Board stated that she would have to address Decker Ploehn and the City Council regarding the Welcome Sign location.
Julie asked if there was another site in a park that perhaps the community sculpture could be placed.
It was recommended perhaps at Leach Park.
Julie will review other sites for the community sculpture.
On motion by Glenn, seconded by Adamson, to approve placing the duck sculpture on the island at the lagoon in Middle Park.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
Steve informed the Board that the Park and Recreation Foundation brought up restoring the rose garden at the HDG Community Center. One of the Foundation members received a cost for a sprinkler system in the amount of $2,000 - $5,000, depending how many beds are irrigated. Then there would be the cost of the rose bushes and on going maintenance. The city beautification project is now funding the cost and maintenance of the flowers that are being planted on a yearly basis.
Chairman Hutter stated that since the city is picking up the cost and it looks nice, he does not want to spend the money for a rose garden.
Steve recommended to the Board to apply for a Recreation Infrastructure Grant for the Crow Creek Park concession and restroom facility and a replacement restroom for Meier Park.
The Board agreed with the Director and authorized the grants be written.
The following items appeared on the consent agenda and were enacted by one motion.
•On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file the monthly summary report for the Crow Creek Park Expansion and Improvement Project submitted by James Seifert. The report is annex #5 to these minutes.
•On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file the letter from Kathy Wine dated June 15, 1999, informing the Board that, at this time, the committee has decided not to place a kiosk at the new 62nd Street Court boat launch site. The letter is annex #6 to these minutes.
•On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to approve the request from Mary Richmond and Kathleen Conway to place a memorial at the Palmer Hills Golf Course in the name of Bill Herd. The letter of request is annex #7 to these minutes.
•On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #23-99, approving payment to Schemmer Associates for professional services for work completed on the Crow Creek Park Development Project. Resolution #23-99 is annex #8 to these minutes.
•On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #24-99, approving payment to Ashton Engineering, Inc., for professional services completed on the Middle Park Swimming Pool Renovation Project. Resolution #24-99 is annex #9 to these minutes.
•On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #25-99, approving payment #4 to Water Technology, Inc., for professional services completed on the Middle Park Swimming Pool Renovation Project. Resolution #25-99 is annex #10 to these minutes.
•On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #26-99, approving payment #8 to Valley Construction Company for work completed on the Crow Creek Expansion and Improvement Project. Resolution #26-99 is annex #11 to these minutes.
•On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #27-99, approving final payment to Gilbert E. Leech Company for construction of the Devils Glen Park Restroom Facility, in the amount of $6,109.90. Resolution #27-99 is annex #12 to these minutes.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to close the regular meeting and go into executive session, Iowa Code, Section 21.5 (1) j, to discuss the purchase of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property. The minutes and the tape recording of a session closed under this paragraph shall be available for public examination when the transaction discussed is completed.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
On motion by Glenn, seconded by Adamson, to close the executive session and resume the regular meeting.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to approve hiring a landscape architect, not to exceed $1,500, to look into the possibilities of use of land that the Board is considering.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
Commissioner Glenn recommended looking at Hollowview Park for a possible Frisbee Golf location. Also, he recommended installing a goal or backstop in the park.
Chairman Hutter stated that the improvement to 23rd Street and the new entrance into Middle Park is underway. He hated to see the trees cut down.
Steve requested the Board to look at the National Park and Recreation Registration information to let us know what they are interested in for the conference in Nashville in October.
On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.
Hutter (Chairman - Protem)
Adamson (Vice Chairman - Protem)
MINUTES
BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 12, 1999
The Bettendorf Park Board held a Special Meeting on July 12, 1999, in the Canteen Room at the HDG Community Center at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Absent: Makoben
Stu Smith reviewed the park maintenance monthly report which is annex #1 to these minutes.
Stu explained that Metrolink has requested to reserve a portion of the dock for their use only. There has been a problem with boats being tied up at the dock and the water taxi has not been able to tie up.
Commissioner Adamson recommended getting an official request, in writing, before the Board discusses this any further.
Steve informed the Board that they require a three-percent draft for their pontoon boat. The jet ski dock would not work.
Stu received two estimates for wood fencing at the McLamarrah Park parking lot.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to proceed with the fencing in McLamarrah Park, not to exceed $1,500.00.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn
Nays: None
Stu informed the Board that soil samples are being taken at Crow Creek Park to determine the type of tennis courts to construct; either the traditional asphalt or the post-tensioned concrete. The soil conditions will be sent to companies for their recommendations and cost estimates to construct the tennis courts.
Commissioner Hutter asked if any work can be included regarding lighting the courts at a later date.
Stu explained that they will probably run the conduit and will only have to pull the wires when they are set up for lighting.
The Board discussed the drainage problems in the Bandshell area. They agreed with Stu, that since the park maintenance division is doing the work, to try the less expensive options first.
Commissioner Hutter asked Stuís opinion regarding Youth Baseball’s request to install batting cages in Crow Creek and Kiwanis Parks.
Stu stated that there is no problem in Kiwanis Park but he has concerns about Crow Creek Park. After you leave the Pony League Ballfield, it slopes downhill. He does not want a batting cage across the street. It will interfere with flag football and soccer.
Stu stated that he will try and meet with the Youth Baseball Commissioner, Jim Smith, before the Wednesday Board Meeting to discuss what they want to do, how they are going to be maintained, and planned locations.
The Golf Course and Recreation monthly reports are annex #2 to these minutes.
Steve Grimes indicated that the Skate Park Report is part of the recreation update this month. It includes cost ranges and location recommendations. If the Board is interested in pursuing this further, a consultant will be required.
Commissioner Hutter stated that the report indicated to get the people who will be using the facility involved. He would like to see more of a demand before building one. This needs to be a community project and requested to table further discussion at this time.
Commissioner Glenn stated that Angie Moore did a good job on the report and a Skate Park is something we will have to look at in the future.
Commissioner Hutter stated that he would like to see an outdoor ice skating facility first before looking at the Skate Park.
Mike Brannan, representing Iowans For Sensitive Priorities, was present to address the Board. This is a newly formed, non-profit organization, educating the community on the federal budget. They are trying to get the military budget cut by 15% annually to use for children’s health insurance and education. He was requesting to set up in the band shell area this Wednesday as a way to promote their cause. There is a tour bus show on their way at this time, which is why the request is being made on such short notice. There has been no time to advertise event, only the people in the park would probably listen to what they have to say. They would need electricity for their inflatables that are used for the show. They are not selling anything or collecting any money.
Commissioner Hutter stated that their organization would have to provide the insurance and non-profit status and have the City Attorney review the documents.
Steve received a faxed copy of their certificate of insurance and it was not legible and informed the Board that Greg Jager is out of town. The Bandshell shelter is available and they would be paying the standard non-profit rental.
The Board took no action because the insurance certificate was not legible, nothing was provided indicating that they are a non-profit organization and there was not enough time to verify the insurance.
Chairperson Brown submitted three proposed logo designs for the swim pool project. A report submitted by Greg Gackle is annex #3 to these minutes. The theme selected by the committee is “Splash Landing.”
The Board reviewed the three choices and unanimously selected the “children’s look” logo. They requested the logo be finalized with color.
Commissioner Adamson asked when discussion should take place, for security issues of the new pool facility. This will be a big expense.
Steve suggested discussing security at our Board workshop.
The Board discussed the feasibility of a frisbee golf course in one of the parks.
Stu stated that there are people in the parks that are playing it now. It is not a lot of cost and easy to maintain. The biggest area available is in Crow Creek Park; the old camp ground site.
The Board requested Steve meet with the people that are active in the sport for assistance with a design and look at the different locations in the parks and bring back during the budget process.
Steve Grimes' monthly Administrative Report is annex #4 to these minutes.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Adamson, to adjourn at 5:03 p.m.
Brown (Chairperson)
Hutter (Vice Chairman)
