Minutes_Park and Recreation Advisory Commission 5 13 14PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
MINUTES
APPROVED;
VOTE:
NATIONAL KIDS
TO PARKS DAY:
REQUEST FROM
SISTERS OF ST.
FRANCIS TO
DONATE A
PEACE POLE TO
CITY AND PLACE
IN WASHINGTON
PARK; VOTE:
HILLCREST
SERVICES
REQUESTRE
TOBACCO -FREE
PARKS AND
RECREATIONAL
AREAS. VOTE:
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
4:30 p.m., Log Cabin Pavilion, Eagle Point Park
Bob Blocker, Robin Kennicker, Ken Klinge, Kate Lydon, Karen Lyness, Evelyn
Nadeau and David Schlueter
Marie Ware, Steve Fehsal, Dan Kroger and Eileen Trimble
It was moved by Lyness, seconded by Klinge, to approve the minutes of the April
1, 2014, meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware told Commissioners that the last couple
years the City was asked to join the National Park Trust and communities across
the country in proclaiming a "Kids to Parks Day" in May. A proclamation was
read at the May 5th Council meeting, proclaiming May 17th as Kids to Parks Day
in Dubuque, encouraging adults, children and families to go enjoy a park for a
day. Commissioner Nadeau asked if we had ever waived the entrance fee into
Eagle Point Park on that day. Manager Ware said no, but we could do that if the
Commission wanted to. Commissioners thought it was a good idea and it would
encourage people to go to the park.
Staff was directed to send out a news release notifying the public that the
entrance fee into Eagle Point Park would be waived on Saturday, May 17th.
Sister Michelle Balek was present representing the Sisters of St. Francis. They
plan to mark the 150th anniversary of their founding with 150 days of
commemoration, celebration and service. As part of the commemoration the
Sisters would like to gift the people of Dubuque with a Peace Pole that would be
inscribed with the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in eight languages
significant to Dubuque's history. The Sisters propose that the Peace Pole be
placed in Washington Park because that venue would provide a visual reminder
of peace and the importance of diversity to the many people who gather, utilize
or pass through this park on a daily basis. The Sisters would like to present the
Peace Pole to the City at their public celebration event on October 5, 2014, since
October 5th is the Sunday closest to St. Francis' Feast Day.
Commissioner Schlueter asked how tall the pole was and Sister Balek said it
was 8 feet tall. After discussion, it was decided Washington Park site was
acceptable.
It was moved la Nadeau seconded la Kennicker to recommend acceptance of
the Peace Pole gift from the Sisters of St. Francis to the City Council. The
motion passed unanimously.
Vicki Gassman from Hillcrest Family Services was in attendance representing a
community partnership group working for Tobacco Use Prevention and Control.
The group is working on the cessation of smoking in youth so they are trying to
reach kids where they play, etc. They have a grant and are trying to get at least
one park that is tobacco, nicotine and smoke free. They are willing to help in any
way they can — do a survey of citizens or a needs assessment to see how
citizens feel.
Mr. Blocker said buildings and pavilions are already smoke free and he thinks
totally smoke free is over the top and can't support it. Ms. Kennicker can't
support a complete ban, feels we would lose income if that type of rule was put
in place. Ms. Nadeau said the City is already following state laws for parks, golf
course, outside areas, etc. She doesn't like cigarettes but we need to be
consistent and we allow liquor in some parks and not in others — maybe there
could be a middle ground like a designated smoking area. Ms. Lydon did some
research and all the reasons for going totally tobacco and smoke free seem to
be related to children so she would possibly support the ban at pools, ball fields
or within so many feet of a playground area.
Manager Ware said this is a request at this point and the Commission can
decide how they want to work with it. Mr. Schlueter asked if Ms. Gassman
could come back with a less extensive request at a future meeting. Ms.
Gassman clarified that the request is for the City to designate one entire park or
trail which would be tobacco and smoke free. Ms. Nadeau would be open to
one designated park or a designated area where no tobacco or cigarettes would
be allowed. She felt it would be taking away a right to ban the tobacco and
smoking since it is legal to smoke if you are the correct age. Ms. Lydon said
she could see the ban in playground areas but felt it would be too confusing.
Ms. Gassman said the group could do a community survey with questions
approved by the Park and Recreation Commission. Ms. Lyness asked how they
get the survey out to citizens and Ms. Gassman said Telegraph Herald,
Mediacom, nonprofits, Wellness Coalition, Dubuque Advertiser, YM -YWCA and
possibly the city's website.
It was moved ta Blocker seconded ta Kennicker to deny the request for
Commission support of tobacco and smoke free parks and trails at this time
The motion passed unanimously.
PARK DIVISION Park Division Manager Steve Fehsal updated Commissioners:
REPORT:
• Miller Riverview Park is under water so it is not looking good for Memorial
Day; staff will put out a news release and refunds will have to be issued. •
There were 600 cars admitted to Eagle Point Park free for the Boy Scout's
Mother's Day breakfast. Staff will tally the number of cars that enter free on
"Kids to Parks Day" on May 17th. • Seeding was done at the Usha Park parking
lot and trees/shrubs will be planted next week. • The irrigation project for the
All Veterans' Memorial is moving forward. The veterans' are paying for their part
of the irrigation and will re -sod their area. • Vandalism at Eagle Point Park:
The repairs to the historic covered bench at Eagle Point Park are under way.
Beams were donated by Tony LoBianco; stone work was donated by John
Gronen; shingles were donated by Spahn and Rose and the kids are doing the
roofing work. Mr. Fehsal will do a Telegraph Herald article to thank all the
workers and donations to repair the vandalism.
• Staff began planting flowers today at the Port of Dubuque and next week will
be putting out the hanging flower baskets. • Crews are working hard to stay on
top of the grass cutting that needs to be done. • Staffing: Jeff Steuer was
promoted to the Foreman position, vacant since Gerry Apel's retirement. With
Jeff's promotion, a Maintenanceworker position becomes vacant and there are
also vacant Park Ranger and Horticulturist positions. With the hiring freeze we
can't fill these positions at this time but we are working on the Civil Service test
and list for Horticulturist to be ready when hiring is approved. The City
Manager approved changing the Park Ranger position so it is no longer a law
enforcement position. The patrol trucks will be modified a little so there are no
lights or sirens. The job description has been revised and a Civil Service test will
be developed.
• The Jule requested running the trolley through Eagle Point Park on a regular
basis. They would go up to the turn -around by the Eagle to drop people off and
then go back out. We would not charge entrance fee to the trolley since it is
City -run. They will start the route on May 26th for a trial period and track usage.
Mr. Fehsal told commissioners he asked Health Services Manager to check with
her animal control people about reports of dog bites. There have been no
reported dog bites on parks or trails where pets are allowed since the ordinance
was changed but she said there were not many before the ordinance change.
Park staff did not hear of any dog bites. There has been some pet waste
everywhere but it has been minimal. Staff will keep track of number of pets in
parks again this season.
RECREATION Recreation Division Manager Dan Kroger informed Commissioners:
DIVISION
REPORT: • Pools are scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. Flora Pool is ready to
go and we are working on Sutton. • Golf rounds are up 11% from 2013 and golf
cart revenue is up 28%. We are having problems with the irrigation because of
weather, frost and the age of the system. • Marina opened May 1st even
though the flood gates are closed for actual boats; outdoor signage is up and
looks very nice. • The first special event we are having is a used boat show
scheduled for May 31st. We are partnering with Telegraph Herald. Telegraph
Herald is sponsoring the ads. • Brian Feldott was hired as the new Recreation
Supervisor for adult and youth sports. He started last Monday.
MANAGER
REPORT:
Commissioner Blocker suggested doing a full page ad in the paper to advertise
the short term slip rental because there is a real market for it. Commissioner
Klinge asked if all golf leagues start in April and do the leagues have the right to
cancel their league or is it a pro shop staff decision? Mr. Kroger said a couple of
the leagues are decided by the league captain.
Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware informed Commissioners:
• Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware told Commissioners that the
department received an anonymous letter from an individual that drove tour
buses 20 years ago. The person drove through one of our parks and in order to
give as much room as possible to an oncoming car on narrow road, sideswiped
a rock retaining wall. There was considerable damage to the bus but not much
damage to the wall in person's opinion. The individual is now dying of cancer,
thoughts of this incident came back, and he or she felt they should take care of
it. The person estimated it would have cost $200 for repairs 20 years ago, plus
interest, so sent a check for $300. Ms. Ware thought it was very nice to come
forth now and suggested a tree be planted in a park with the donation.
• The City Council approved the budget cuts as presented and recommended
OTHER
BUSINESS:
ADJOURN;
VOTE:
by City Manager and Budget Director to offset the FY 2014 budget shortfall.
There were a lot of park projects eliminated, including the three mini parks and
greenhouse. The eliminated projects can be considered again in FY 2016.
■ Renovation of the second floor of the Multicultural Family Center is moving
forward and will be done in a couple phases so the Center can remain open
during renovation. When the project is completed the Human Rights Department
will move to offices on the MFC second floor, along with MFC office staff. The
project includes installing an elevator. Staff will be working on an RFP for
architectural services.
■ Tuckpointing and replacing the roof on the Five Flags Theater is a project that
will be moving forward with RFP process for engineering/architectural services.
■ Chaplain Schmitt Island planning process has continued. The consultants
and City Council have a work session scheduled June 2nd at 5:00 p.m. The
consultants will share analysis and preliminary alternatives.
■ A presentation was made recently to the City Council on landscaping for the
Upper Bee Branch. The low bridge has been eliminated because of safety
concerns. There is a 45 -minute video on the city website if interested.
■ City staff is working on the Street Tree and Landscaping Policy. Staff was
directed to look at ways that we could allow citizens to plant flowers, bushes, etc.
in the right-of-way between the curb and sidewalk.
■ AmeriCorps Director Deb Bell resigned to take a full time job at Clarke
College so that position will need to be filled.
Commissioner Kennicker asked if someone was overseeing the MFC since
director left. Manager Ware said there is a transition plan in place which
included moving Assistant Director to Acting Director and Site Supervisor to
Acting Assistant Director. Cinco de Mayo was held at Washington Park on May
3rd and they had a great day and great crowd. Commissioner Nadeau asked if
the hiring process would include some emphasis on possibly hiring people in the
community that are familiar with the MFC and its mission.
Commissioner Lydon asked the Commission to reconsider proposing that
leashed and licensed pets be allowed in city parks, especially since the funds
for new dog park were cut due to the budget shortfall and it affects a lot of
Dubuquers. She would like the original ordinance that included all parks except
Eagle Point and Murphy to be reviewed, along with the most recent approved
version. Commissioners agreed the item will be placed on the June meeting
agenda.
It was moved by Blocker, seconded by Lydon, that the meeting be adjourned at
5:55 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Attest
Chairperson