Minutes_Park and Recreation Commission 10.15.24 Copyrighted
December 2, 2024
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: Cable TV Commission of October 23, 2024; City Council
Proceedings of November 18, 2024; Community
Development Advisory Commission of October 16, 2024;
Equity and Human Rights Commission of October 8, 2024;
Five Flags Civic Center Advisory Commission of September
9, 2024; Historic Preservation Commission of October 17,
2024; Library Board of Trustees Update of October 24, 2024;
Park and Recreation Commission of October 15, 2024;
Zoning Advisory Commission of October 2, 2024; Zoning
Board of Adjustment of October 24, 2024.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Cable TV Commission Minutes
2. 11 18 24 City Council Minutes
3. Community Development Advisory Commission Minutes
4. Equity and Human Rights Commission Minutes
5. Five Flags Civic Center Commission Minutes
6. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes
7. Library Board of Trustees Update
8. Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
9. Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes
10. Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes
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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
JOTC East View Conference Room 2
949 Kerper Blvd., Dubuque, lowa 52001
PRESENT: Robin Kennicker, Ron Axtell, Jessica Ochoa, Lori 011endick,
Jennifer Tigges (Virtual), Josh Jorgenson
ABSENT: Jason Henkel
STAFF PRESENT: Dan Kroger, Marie Ware, Jared Charland, and Angie Metcalf
CALL TO ORDER: Tigges called meeting to order at 4:31 pm.
MINUTES APPROVED; VOTE:
It was moved by Kennicker, seconded by Axtell, to approve the minutes of
the September 10, 2024, meeting. Unanimous.
PUBLIC INPUT:
None
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RFP REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION:
Recreation Division Manager Kroger presented the Comprehensive Plan
RFP. Ochoa asked if the mission statement would be developed by Leisure
Services Staff. Kroger confirmed, yes. He also confirmed that there will be a
robust process for community involvement. Kennicker made a motion to
approve and recommend Comprehensive Plan RFP. Ochoa seconded.
Unanimous.
SCHMITT ISLAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW AND
RECOMMENDATION:
President & CEO Q Casino, Alex Dixon and Ryan Peterson a consultant with
RDG gave a presentation of the Schmitt Island Development plan. The motion
by Axtell "We like the plan and the concept and appreciate the presentation. We
are not against it, but we feel strongly public input is necessary before we give a
recommendation." Kennicker seconded. Unanimous.
MANAGER REPORTS — COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS:
Park Division Manager, Steve Fehsal was not present at the meeting, but did
provide a written update on ongoing projects for the parks division:
• Eagle Valley Park, English Ridge Park, Westbrook Park Development:
Construction on English Ridge scheduled to start October 7t"
Page 40 of 645
• Jefferson Park wall- Contractor started work September 23�d. Much of the
existing wall has been removed. Clean up of trees and debris along eastern
side of park is complete. Project is on schedule.
• Welu Playground replacement- Staff is finalizing contract with Vendor to
purchase equipment. This most likely will be a spring 2025 project due to
timing.
Other Proiects and Updates-onqoinq
• Staff continues seasonal maintenance including grass mowing, litter control,
planter maintenance and restroom and facility maintenance.
• Staff is working to fill a Forestry Technician position.
• Staff is working to fill a Part-time year-round Parks Groundskeeper.
• The "park season" officially ends on October 27t" and the campground will
also close on October 27tn
• The City was awarded a 1.974 million dollar grant from the National Park
Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership project to complete Phase
2 of Comiskey Park. Staff is working with Saiki Design for final design
plans.
• AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps(NCCC) assisted with
planting 13 trees in the north end neighborhoods for our Branching Out
Dubuque campaign.
• Staff has begun working on the FY26 budget recommendation.
• Staff has begun maintenance responsibilities of 897 Central Park.
• Fall flowers have been incorporated into landscaped areas.
• Flora Pool playground has been updated with a tiled rubber surFacing that
replaces the sand.
• Staff is working to complete an RFP for a consultant to complete a
Comprehensive Master Plan for the Leisure Services Department.
Recreation Division Manager, Dan Kroger, provided an update on ongoing
projects in the recreation division:
• Mineshaft project to cap the sink hole at Bunker was completed on Monday.
• The Port of Dubuque Marina's last day was Sunday, October 13tn
• Adult Softball finished for the year on Monday.
• We have again had a record number of registrants for Adult Volleyball.
• Our new Golf Pro, Nick Stroschein, started a couple weeks ago and the
feedback from gofers has been very positive.
• Steve and Dan are currently working on FY26 CIP's and Operating
Budgets.
• Steve and Dan finalized the RFP.
• The new playground surFace project started at Flora Pool.
• We have been able to expand our before/after school programs at Lincoln,
Marshall and Prescott to accommodate more kids.
• Staff are working to finalize Phase 2 plans for Comiskey.
• Dan worked with Jenny Larson in finance to find a way to fund Phase 3 of
the irrigation project which will be going to council in November.
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COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS/QUESTIONS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
It was moved by Ochoa, seconded by 011endick, to adjourn the meeting 6:54
p.m. Unanimous.
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