Minutes_Park and Recreation Commission 11 13 13PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
WELCOME NEW
COMMISSIONER:
ADMINISTER
OATH OF OFFICE
AND SIGN PAPER
FOR NEW
COMMISSIONER:
MINUTES
APPROVED;
VOTE:
FYI 2015 -2019 CIP
BUDGET
SUBMITTAL
REVIEWS:
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
4:30 p.m., Snack Bar, Bunker Hill Golf Course
Bob Blocker, Robin Kennicker, Ken Klinge, Kate Lydon, Karen Lyness, Evelyn
Nadeau and David Schlueter
Marie Ware, Steve Fehsal, Dan Kroger and Jolene Rettenberger
Commissioners and staff present welcomed Robin Kennicker to her first official
meeting as a new Park and Recreation Commissioner. Robin is replacing
Commissioner Chuck Harris.
David Schlueter administered the Oath of Office to new commissioner, Robin
Kennicker.
It was moved by Karen Lyness, seconded by Evelyn Nadeau, to approve the
minutes of the October 8, 2013, meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Leisure Services Manager Ware reviewed the Park Division and Recreation
Division Capital Improvement Budget (C.I.P.) Priority Listings with the
commissioners. Staff is still working through the improvement packages,
therefore, they will be provided at the December commission meeting.
The biggest changes in the C.I.P. are golf related. Recreation Division Manager
Dan Kroger shared with the commissioners the capital improvement of
developing a driving range at Bunker Hill Golf Course. Cost for the project is
$430,000.
One item that was not listed on the C.I.P. Recreation Division is an artificial turf
field. This was presented as a part of the C.I.P.'s. Cost for the synthetic turf is
$900,000 or $1.8 million if two multi -use fields. (field measurement is 150' long
x 120' wide) The field could fit every college -level sport.
Leisure Services Manager Ware shared that numerous C.I.P. projects were cut
last year and have been placed back in the budget. Staff is currently
researching security cameras at all our City parks.
Commissioner Kennicker asked who monitors the security cameras in the park.
Leisure Services Manager Ware shared that it depends on the type of camera
and placement.
Commissioner Lydon asked if cameras will be placed in all parks. The City
Manager has requested information to install cameras in all parks.
continued
FY 2015
OPERATING
BUDGET
SUBMITTAL
REVIEW; FEE
CHANGE
RECOMMENDATION
November 12, 2013 meeting
page two
Leisure Services Manager Ware reviewed the Expense / Revenue Summaries
for the Park Division and Recreation Division.
Recreation Division Manager Kroger reviewed the following fee increases
proposed as a part of the FY15 budget:
• Weekday and Weekend Rounds increased by $.25
• Beer product increase of $.25
• Beverage increase of $.25
• Golf Cart Rentals increase $.50/$.25
• Punch Tickets increase $5
• Season Cart Pass increase $10
• Pull Carts increase $.25
Last year, the Adult Athletics Softball Entry Fees were increased so there is no
requested change.
Commissioner Blocker asked if Bunker Hill Golf Course has comparable golf
fees to other courses. It was noted that we have very competitive rates at
Bunker Hill.
Leisure Services Manager Ware distributed a copy of the Expense / Revenue
Summary for the Port of Dubuque Marina (including the C -Store and Docks).
The figures listed under Actual 2013 are numbers from the marina opening up in
the month of June to the date of the report. The Port of Dubuque Marina ended
its opening season stronger than what was anticipated. Fuel sales and slip
rentals were strong.
Commissioner Blocker asked what is included in the C -Store expenses? dock
expenses? Leisure Services Manager Ware said the C -Store expenses include
wages /salaries, supplies, credit card charges, beverages, utilities, supplies for
the outdoor public restrooms at the Port of Dubuque Marina and more. The
Dock expenses include utilities, fuel and wages /salaries and more.
Commissioner Blocker also stated that we need to be working on advertising
our Port of Dubuque Marina and what the costs of our boat slips rent for. How
are we spreading the word? Leisure Services Manager Ware shared that we
have $7,200 budgeted for promotion. Port of Dubuque Manager, Ben Alden, is
working three extra months to help work on communication and promotional
projects, in addition to other projects. Commissioner Blocker asked if there will
be any signage placed outside of the flood walls. Leisure Services Manager
Ware shared that there has been an idea, but it has not received approval.
Commissioner Lyness shared that it would be a good idea to speak at
clubs /organizations about the Port of Dubuque Marina in order to get the word
out.
continued
CHAPLAIN
SCHMITT ISLAND
PLANNING:
USHA PARK
PARKING LOT
UPDATE:
EAGLE POINT
PARK PHASE 1A
ARCHEOLOGICAL
INVESTIGATION:
November 12, 2013 meeting
page three
Park and Recreation commissioners will approve the recommended budget at
the December meeting.
Leisure Services Manager Ware shared information pertaining to the Master
Planning Process for Chaplain Schmitt Island. The City of Dubuque has
retained a consultant team to create a comprehensive Master Plan for Chaplain
Schmitt Island that will include:
• Economic Feasibility and Market Study, including economic models
• List of potential Financial Incentives and Opportunities, including contacts
• Site Development Plan, including bird's eye view perspective
• Development Guidelines and Standards
The City and the consultant team will engage and obtain input from
stakeholders of businesses, non - profit groups and lease holders, other
interested parties and representatives from state and federal regulatory
agencies. The City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA)
are funding the planning process jointly.
The City's consultant team will complete the following scope of work:
• Assessment
• Redevelopment Evaluation
• Economic Feasibility and Market Study
• Financing
• Community Engagement
• Chaplain Schmitt Island Master Plan
• Recommend Action Plan
The Park and Recreation Commission will be involved with the Chaplain Schmitt
Island Planning project.
Leisure Services Manager Ware discussed the update of the parking lot at Usha
Park. As noted in the October 8, 2013 minutes, the City Manager asked the
Engineering Department to design a parking lot and prepare bid documents for
a 25 -car lot. To date, the dirt has been moved for the installation of the new
parking lot. Cost of the project is $95,294, with the monies coming from
negotiating leases.
Leisure Services Manager Ware shared that Eagle Point Park is having a Phase
1 A Archeological Study performed by State archeologists. In going back to the
archive files to review information, the archeologists have been amazed at the
property and stated that Eagle Point Park needs to be added to the National
Register. Park Division Manager Fehsal shared that the archeologists are
looking at our 1920 plot map, plans and drawings. Commissioner Klinge asked
what the cost of this project is. The cost is $2,500.
continued
November 12, 2013 meeting
page four
PARK DIVISION Park Division Manager Steve Fehsal updated commissioners:
REPORT:
• With the City parks being closed for the 2013 season, we are in the process of
winterizing our parks. People are welcome to walk in the City parks during
daytime hours only. • The Port of Dubuque Marina closed on October 31st. •
Currently working with the Eagle Point Park Phase 1A Archeological
Investigation. • Installing additional electric locks on restrooms in Allison -
Henderson Park, A.Y. McDonald Park and Comiskey Park. • At Chaplain
Schmitt Island, an irrigation system is being installed for a city water line to be
used around both the memorials. • Concrete will be poured over the weekend
at the new Usha Park parking lot. • Hillcrest Family Services is installing all the
electrical and light displays for the 2013 Reflections in the Park which will begin
the evening of November 28th through and including January 1st. • Last
weekend, significant vandalism was done inside Eagle Point Park. Broken
windows, kicked in doors, shade structure near Promenade Bridge Complex
was completely pushed over, as well as other damage throughout the park. A
police report has been filed and the police continue to patrol the park area.
Later this week, Park Division Manager Steve Fehsal will be meeting about the
installation /placement of cameras in the park.
RECREATION Recreation Division Manager Dan Kroger updated commissioners:
DIVISION
REPORT: • The last day for the 2013 golf season at Bunker Hill is Sunday, November
24th. • The Civil Service Test was given for the position of Adult Athletic
Program Supervisor. Interviews were conducted and it was determined that the
Program Supervisor position be posted again. • Program supervisors are
currently working on course offerings for the Winter /Spring brochure, with
information being due on November 18th. The brochure will be available mid -
December. New online registration will begin one week earlier than the regular
registration, which begins on Monday, January 6th. • Be looking for some new
Special Events coming such as an Easter Egg Hunt at the Mystique Community
Ice Center. This will be a free, family event. • At our December meeting, we
will review the numbers of the Bunker Hill Golf Course rounds, as well as
registration /participation numbers from our Fall classes.
MANAGER
REPORT:
Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware updated commissioners:
• Budget has been a big project the last two months, especially when adding in
new employees learning the system, as well as new responsibilities such as the
Port of Dubuque Marina.
• An AmeriCorps Grant has been written. The grant centers on education,
which will help focus on our Third Grade Reading Program. Every three years
we submit a grant for funding resources. Our AmeriCorps workers help with our
summer playground programs, Multicultural Family Center, and will be in the
schools helping Kindergarten through grade 3 students learn to read. To date,
continued
OTHER
BUSINESS:
ADJOURN;
VOTE:
November 12, 2013 meeting
page five
the grant is in at the State level. We hope to hear soon regarding any feedback
before it moves onto the Federal competition level. • Commissioner Lyness
asked about the status of Sledding in City parks and at the Bunker Hill Golf
Course. Leisure Services Manager Ware is researching the subject.
• Commissioner Blocker shared some of the background history and usages of
Chaplain Schmitt Island over the years. At one time, a CPT program was held
at the island in which people learned how to fly. Not too far from the island, was
a bar called "Airport Inn ". Other usages included a race track, as well as a
landfill.
• Commissioner Nadeau asked about the status of our second Pet Park. At the
present time, Leisure Services Manager Ware is continuing to work on site
options.
• Leisure Services Manager Ware shared that we still have about 2 -3 weeks left
of work with the budget in completing the new Performance Measures.
• Commissioner Lydon asked about the status of Eagle Valley Park. Leisure
Services Manager Ware shared that this project is on the project list with the
other new small parks (Westbrook and Creek Wood), as well as the Aquatics
Center, skate park plan and additional Pet Park.
It was moved by Bob Blocker, seconded by Karen Lyness, that the meeting be
adjourned at 5:45 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest
Chairperson