BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
OCTOBER 11, 1999
The Bettendorf Park Board held a Special Meeting on October 11, 1999, in the Canteen Room at the HDG Community Center at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Absent: None
The Board had no questions on the staff reports. The reports are annex #1 to these minutes.
The Board reviewed the rough draft report submitted by Dan Bozik regarding the Board/Staff Workshop held on September 17, 1999, which is annex #2 to these minutes.
Steve informed the Board that a presentation would be put together for the City Council highlighting successes and goals for the upcoming year.
The Board requested Steve check with Decker Ploehn about scheduling the presentation the week of November 15th. The new council members should be in attendance of the meeting by then.
Changes made to the goals: Ice Skating/Winter Activities
Create student Ad Hoc Committee for Skate Park
Review the need for advisory boards
The luncheon with full time staff, hosted by the Park Board Members, was scheduled on October 29, 1999, at the Palmer Hills Golf Course pavilion at 11:30 a.m.
Chairperson Brown asked how the year end report would be completed.
Steve stated that the summary and materials from presentation to the Council would be used for the report and will check into the cost of a brochure.
The Board scheduled the annual meeting with the Park Foundation on Wednesday, December 8, 1999, at 5:30 p.m. at the Library.
The Board reviewed the revised specifications and bid documents for the golf carts for the next four years. The proposal is annex #3 to these minutes.
Steve reported that only a few minor modifications from the last contract were added. We are asking for a driving range and concession cart and requested increase in the liability insurance. Greg Jager, City Attorney, has reviewed the document. Notices will be sent out to the vendors that the bid packets are available to be picked up.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Adamson, to seek bids for the golf carts for the next four years.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
Commissioner Hutter asked if consideration was given to purchasing the golf carts.
Brad Peterson stated that this is not an option with the current facilities and staff available.
The Board discussed the next phase of Crow Creek Park development.
Steve explained that the next phase would include the concession/restroom facility, shelters, parking, playground, cross-country trail, and landscaping. We need to get the cost estimates for the next phase and recommended hiring Schemmer Associates, as long as they use the same staff that has been working on the quarry and phase I of Crow Creek Park.
Steve further explained that our staff would order the shelter and contract out installation and order the playground and would install it.
The Board recommended including the lighted tennis courts as an alternate.
Commissioner Adamson suggested bringing back the Master Plan to review. It has been some time since the Board has seen where all the amenities will be placed within the park.
Stu Smith explained that there is not a lot of land to change the location of the planned improvements.
Steve stated that a public hearing would be scheduled once the concept and design is completed and the project will be bid out in late winter. The contract can be awarded on the stipulation that the project cannot start until May. The proposal for the next phase of Crow Creek Park development will be presented at the November Board Meeting.
Steve informed the Board that he received a letter from the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce requesting the Park Board to support inviting RAGBRAI to finish their race in Bettendorf. This would involve closing Leach Park in the morning and afternoon. The boat ramp could be opened in the late afternoon. Lady Luck would provide the parking. The event would be on July 29, 1999.
On motion by Makoben, seconded by Glenn, that the Park Board will support the RAGBRAI event, subject to approval by the City Council.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
The Board was interested in knowing what other events are planned in the community that day.
Steve informed the Board that he received the revised cost for the new boat launch on 62nd Street Court. The cost of the project would be less, due to the change in the access route. This revised contract will be placed on the consent agenda for Wednesday’s meeting.
Steve informed the Board that a letter was received from Jeanne Luebke requesting a memorial in Middle Park, near the lagoon, for Amy Kristin Porter. The letter will be placed on the consent agenda for Wednesday’s meeting.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to adjourn the meeting at 5:08 p.m.
Brown (Chairperson)
Hutter (Vice Chairman)
MINUTES
BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
OCTOBER 13, 1999
The Bettendorf Park Board held a regular meeting on October 13, 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 called and said she would be late and Vice Chairman Hutter opened the Public Forum.
There being no one to address the Board, Vice Chairman Hutter closed the Public Forum.
The Board ascertained that the minutes of the special meeting held on September 13, 1999, and the regular meeting held on September 15, 1999, be approved and placed on file for future reference.
Roll Call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
On motion by Adamson, seconded by Makoben, 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: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
A list of the bills to be paid is annex #1 to these minutes.
Jason Kilburg was present to describe his completed Eagle Scout project of tree plantings at Devils Glen Park. He informed the Board that eight scouts assisted in the project on October 2 from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Eight trees were planted and Terry Jay, Trees-R-Us Committee Member, assisted. The trees will be watered for the next two months. He thanked the Board and City Staff for helping with this project.
Evan Markley was present to discuss his proposal for an Eagle Scout Project to clear the trail extension in Pigeon Creek Park. The trail is to be surfaced in concrete after it has been cleared. A copy of his proposal is annex #2 to these minutes. This project would extend the trail 600 feet. He would have ten to twelve scouts and four adults assisting with the project. He would like to start the project on October 30.
Vice Chairman Hutter asked why he had selected Pigeon Creek Park for his Eagle Scout Project.
Evan Markley stated that this project would expand the park for future scout projects.
On motion by Makoben, seconded by Adamson, to approve Evan Markley’s proposal for an Eagle Scout Project in Pigeon Creek Park.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
Bob Sartor addressed the Board regarding his concerns with the closing hours in our parks. His letter is annex #3 to these minutes.
Mr. Sartor reported that he is a resident near the Band Shell. At the last party at the shelter near the band shell on September 25, 1999, the music was so loud his windows were rattling. He and other neighbors called the police and were told that they have free reign until the park closes at 10:00 p.m. Others who live elsewhere in Bettendorf have police protection against those who disturb the peace. The neighbors of the park are told that disturbances are sanctioned by park rules. There was lack of enforcement by police, because the party went past 10:00 p.m. and alcohol was being served.
Mr. Sartor requested the Board consider moving special events back an hour or so. The City of Davenport closes its parks at sunset. Bettendorf is the only game in town for this type of party. He had no problem about keeping the parks open until 10:00 p.m. for physical activities.
Vice Chairman Hutter asked Mr. Sartor how many times he had experienced this type of disturbance.
Mr. Sartor stated that he has lived in his present home for four years and has experienced two such incidents.
Commissioner Adamson stated that the police dispatcher gave him incorrect information. The City does have a noise ordinance. The problem was the Police Department was not enforcing the ordinance.
Mr. Sartor stated that the Police Chief told him that they can only ask them to keep it down and if they do not, what then?
Commissioner Adamson stated that they could be removed from the park.
Mr. Sartor was concerned as to why the parties are allowed to go that late at night and also having alcohol in the park that late at night.
Vice Chairman Hutter stated that the Board takes under advisement each request and will look at the requests more closely in the future.
Chairperson Brown arrived at the Board Meeting.
Ron Ganslein, new head coach for the Bettendorf Swim Team, presented information regarding enclosing the Middle Park Splash Landing. The information is annex #4 to these minutes.
Mr. Ganslein stated that during his interview process, he was told that Middle Pool would be going through renovations. There was a facility that went through something similar in Cincinnati, Ohio. They enclosed their pool with a clamshell structure, which was the least expensive process.
The clamshell structure is manufactured in California. They provide these structures for the military and for recreation facilities. The difference between an air support and clamshell structure is that the clamshell does not require air for support, but anchor bolts are installed into the decking.
Mr. Ganslein explained that the fabric could be removed for the summer months, but not the supports. The cost to remove and reinstall the fabric is $30,000 each. There is only a downtime of three weeks between the winter and summer months. The facility can remain essentially open year round.
A minimum of three activities can be going on at the same time; lessons, aerobics, swim team and diving.
The cost of Cincinnati’s facility was projected at $350,000 and the final cost was $650,000. Overruns were caused by the general contractor hiring subs with no control. The pool volume was 450,000 gallons. Heating the air and water was $4,000 a month. The facility greatly enhanced Cincinnati’s program.
Mr. Ganslein stated that Bettendorf’s facility would be unique with the slides. There are no other facilities in the area that are open in the winter months that offer water slides. All amenities could be covered, the zero depth area, sand play area, and up to the bathhouse.
Mr. Ganslein requested the next step from this presentation would be to contact the manufacturer and get the specifics. You can offer something to the community year around.
Vice Chairman Hutter asked if the swim club had money to contribute to this proposal.
Mr. Ganslein stated that they did not. However, the Quad City Aquatic Foundation is looking for something for the community as a whole.
Vice Chairman Hutter stated that the Board has discussed this before with the Swim Club members and what they told us was they are going to build an indoor pool. There are problems with the cost of this type of facility and having the employees needed to run it. The plan for the indoor lap pool at the Life Fitness Center already has the employees there.
Mr. Ganslein stated that the Life Fitness Center pool would only benefit the residents of Bettendorf and members. You can provide a facility for the whole Quad Cities and have revenue from rentals. No one has this type of facility.
Commissioner Glenn stated that the cost to take the fabric off and reinstall is $70,000 a year plus the $4,000 a month to heat it. There is an enterprise account established and we cannot break even with the pool we have now. Iowa City’s indoor pool looses a quarter of a million dollars each year.
Greg Jager recommended the Board discuss this at their capital improvement program meeting and rank it with other planned projects.
Commissioner Adamson stated that the cover could be customized and added at a later date. We need to have the pool completed by June.
Mr. Sartor stated that Barry Sottack is the contact person from Clamshell Buildings, Inc. and he is willing to give a cost estimate for Middle Park’s Splash Landing.
Chairperson Brown stated that the Board would investigate it further and bring it up when discussing the Capital Improvement Program.
Greg Jager presented the Easement Agreement needed to finalize construction of the Duck Creek Recreation Trail from Hollowview Park to Devils Glen Road. A copy of the proposed easement is annex #5 to these minutes.
Greg stated that he is still working on the legal description and presented a diagram of the property owned by Quad Cities Industrial Maintenance and Construction, Inc. The easement will cost $10,000 and other considerations as detailed in the easement agreement.
Some of the stipulations were: no picnic areas will be allowed, only park benches and location must be approved by grantors. A new access road to be completed as part of the construction of the trail. All tree removal, tree planting or landscaping to be approved by the grantors. Any name change designated on the trail along the easement to be approved by the grantors.
Vice Chairman Hutter requested that the word “permanent” be added to easement document.
Greg stated that if the Board approved the easement, the check will be prepared and the easement filed.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to enter into this easement agreement with Quad Cities Industrial Maintenance and Construction, Inc.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file all budget and revenue updates for September, 1999.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
The budget and revenue reports are annex #6 to these mintues.
The following items appeared on the consent agenda and were enacted by one motion:
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file the Middle Park Pool Construction Meeting Minutes of September 22, 1999. The minutes are annex #7 to these minutes.
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #45-99, approving payment to Ashton Engineering, Inc., for professional services for work completed on the new boat Launch Facility. Resolution #45-99 is annex #8 to these minutes.
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #46-99, approving payment #11 to Valley Construction Company for work completed on the Crow Creek Expansion and Improvement Project and payment #3 for Crow Creek Park Quarry. Resolution #46-99 is annex #9 to these minutes.
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #47-99, approving payment #2 to Ashton Engineering, Inc., for professional services for work completed on the Duck Creek Recreation Trail. Resolution #47-99 is annex #10 to these minutes.
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #48-99, approving payment #7 to Water Technology, Inc., for professional services completed on the Middle Park Swimming Pool Renovation Project. Resolution #48-99 is annex #11 to these minutes.
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #49-99, approving payment #1 to Hillebrand Construction of the Midwest for work completed on the Middle Park Swimming Pool Renovation Project. Resolution #49-99 is annex #12 to these minutes.
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #50-99, approving the change order and fiber optic request for Hillebrand Construction of the Midwest for the renovation of the Middle Park Swimming Pool Project. Resolution #50-99 is annex #13 to these minutes.
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file the letter dated October 6, 1999, from the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce requesting Park Board support inviting RAGBRAI to finish their race in Bettendorf.. The letter is annex #14 to these minutes.
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to approve the request from Jeanne Luebke to place a memorial in the name of Amy Kristin Porter in Middle Park near the Lagoon. The letter of request is annex #15 to these minutes.
• On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to approve the revised contract costs for the new boat launch facility. A copy of the revised contract cost is annex #16 to these minutes.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Brown, Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Makoben
Nays: None
Steve informed the Board that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers would be having a dedication at 10:00 a.m. on November 12, 1999 at the New Princeton Wildlife Refuge.
Steve stated that the Board was concerned about other activities going on the same day that RAGBRAI may be in Bettendorf. In checking with the Chamber, Bix changed its race day and the John Deere Classic Golf Tournament is the only other major event that weekend. The Chamber of Commerce will be having a luncheon meeting on October 25, 1999, regarding inviting RAGBRAI to end their race in Bettendorf. The Board is invited to attend.
Steve informed the Board that the Iowa Park and Recreation Association is asking if any agencies would be interested in hosting the Fall Workshop in 2001 or 2002. The staff is supportive in hosting this event. If the Board is supportive, calls will be made to local hotels, and a bid will be submitted.
The Board had no problem with submitting a bid to the Iowa Park and Recreation Association for a Fall Workshop.
Steve requested the Board check their calendars and discuss at the November meeting a date for the Christmas party.
Commissioner Glenn stated that he received a call regarding standing water on the recreation trail and asked if there was yearly maintenance to correct this type of problem.
Steve stated to let him know the areas in question. Repairs are made on the trail as needed.
Commissioner Adamson informed the other Board members that the Mayor appointed a committee to develop a 30 year land use plan for the city. There are 15 members and he is one of them. This will take six months to a year to complete. The plan should help with the land acquisition for parks. The plan will be put together, go to Planning and Zoning, and then to the City Council for approval. The developers will have to conform to this plan. Ordinances will also be looked at and may have to be changed.
Jeff Weindruch was not present for the Public Forum and asked if he could address the Board concerning what has been done regarding the green space at the old Jackson School.
Steve stated that he talked to Dr. Finnessey and was informed that the basketball hoops would be restored and they will maintain the property for recreation use.
Mr. Weindruch asked if a letter could be written and sent to the schools regarding that discussion.
The Board authorized the Director to write the letter.
On motion by Hutter, seconded by Adamson, to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.
Brown (Chairperson)
Hutter (Vice Chairman)
