Minutes_Park and Recreation Commission 10 29 18 Copyrighted
November 19, 2018
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 1.
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council proceedings of 11/5; Civil Service
Commission of 10/31; Human Rights Commission of 10/8;
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission of 10/9, 10/19;
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of 10/15.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
City Council Proceedings of 11/5/18 Supporting Documentation
Civil Service Commission Minutes of 10/31/18 Supporting Documentation
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of Supporting Documentation
10/9/18
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of Supporting Documentation
10/29/18
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
10/15/18
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, October 29, 2018
5:00 p.m., Bunker Hill Golf Course
PRESENT: Matthew Garrett, Robin Kennicker, Richard Kirkendall, Rebecca
Kuhle, Robert McCoy and Jennifer Tigges
ABSENT: Ray Werner
STAFF Dan Kroger, Steve Fehsal and Eileen Trimble, and
PRESENT: Marie Ware via phone
OTHERS Former City Councilman Kevin Lynch; Ryan Peterson from RDG
PRESENT: Planning; Jesus Aviles from Dubuque Racing Association; Laura
Carstens, Planning Services Manager; and Maureen Quann,
Assistant City Attorney
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CHAPLAIN SCHMITT ISLAND
IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DUBUQUE AND
DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION, LTD; VOTE:
Kevin Lynch reminded commissioners that the last time they made a presentation to
Park and Recreation Commission it was a placemaking plan for Chaplain Schmitt
Island master plan and the commission recommended approval of the plan to the
City Council. The DRA committee considered feedback from different groups and
meetings, talked about the various projects in the plan and prioritized which ones
they wanted to do first.
Ryan Peterson of RDG Planning & Design is the lead consultant on the veterans'
memorial pond project. RDG is partnering with WHKS and was hired by Dubuque
Racing Association (DRA) to design the project. The DRA is funding the entire $3.2
million project.
The partners focused on the pond area directly north of the ice arena and south of
the highway. They wanted to tie together, enhance and expand the existing
memorials to create a world class memorial that honors all those who have served
and sacrificed for our nation and also honor Father Aloysius Schmitt and his
sacrifices.
Mr. Peterson presented a concept slideshow. A video showing current elements
and future concepts was also shown. Plans include cleaning and stabilizing the
pond area; a new limestone sign wall and entry plaza; pond overlook; new plaza
that connects the existing memorials; waterfall and colorful lighting; new memorial to
Chaplain Schmitt called "Skyward" providing visitors with a vicarious experience of
Chaplain SchmitYs final moments as he rescued sailors on the USS Oklahoma
during Pearl Harbor.
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Commissioners asked if a new rest room would be available; will the memorial be
ADA compliant; had anyone contacted Schmitt family; will the memorial be pet
friendly; and will the storage shed next to the memorial be relocated.
• They considered a new rest room building but the cost would have taken a
large part of the budget and there is an accessible rest room east of the ice
arena. • The memorial will be ADA compliant. • Mr. Lynch said they had met
with a group dedicated to preserving Chaplain SchmitYs memory and they are
fully aware of the proposed plan. • The plan advocates for pets in design but
whether they are allowed or not would be related to city ordinance and City
Council; • RDG looked at relocating the shed but have no funds and no
location was ever chosen. They may be able to screen around it.
Commissioner Tigges asked about upkeep. Assistant City Attorney Maureen
Quann said it depends on what would need to be done and the cost — which is
covered in the proposed agreement on pages two and four. Mr. Aviles said the
DRA has set aside $40,000 for upkeep.
Copies of the proposed agreement were sent to commissioners as part of the
agenda packet and may be found as part of the original minutes.
It was moved � Garrett, seconded � Kennicker, to recommend approval of the
Chaplain Schmitt Island Improvement Aqreement � and Between the C� of
Dubuque and Dubuque Racinq Association, Ltd. Unanimous.
ADJOURN; VOTE:
It was moved by Tigges, seconded by Kennicker, to adjourn the meeting at 536
p.m. Unanimous.
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