Minutes_Park and Recreation Commission 9 8 15 PARKAND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
4:30 p.m., EB Lyons Addition Pavilion (Mines of Spain), 8991 Bellevue Heights
PRESENT: Robin Kennicker, Ken Klinge, Kate Larson, Karen Lyness, Dave Schlueter and
Jennifer Tigges
STAFF PRESENT: Marie Ware, Steve Fehsal, Dan Kroger and Jolene Rettenberger
CALL TO ORDER: Prior to boarding the trolley, Commissioner Larson called the meeting to order
at 4:30 p.m.
MINUTES It was moved �y Lyness• seconded by Kennicker, to approve the minutes of
APPROVED; the August 11 , 2015, meeting. The motionap ssed unanimously.
VOTE:
BOARD TROLLEY The commission meeting began with a facilities tour to the following areas:
FOR Creekwood Park, Marna Ridge Forest, Valentine Park, Center Grove Open
DEPARTMENT Space, Dubuque Industrial Center South, Bergfeld Recreation Area, Usha
FACILITIES AND Park, Flora Park, Lombard Street/Highway 20 and along Grandview Avenue.
PARKS
TRAVELING
TOUR AT 4:30
P.M.:
Creekwood Park, 1798 Creekwood Drive. Creekwood Park was donated by
the developer. It has power lines above. The park will be developed soon per
the development agreement. Along Creekwood Drive, there have been many
street trees planted.
Marna Ridge Forest, 1694 Geraldine Drive. Marna Ridge Forest is a parcel
of donated property (approximately 4 acres) at the intersection of Geraldine
Drive and June Drive. There is a narrow strip that serves as entrance to the
park. With deer on this property, Commissioner Kennicker asked if this
property could be added to our Deer Management Program. Leisure Services
Manager Marie Ware has spoken with Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health
Specialist, regarding the deer issue. Because of the clearing that has taken
place, it is not eligible as a deer hunt area. Leisure Services Manager Marie
Ware stated that this is an area where an Eagle Scout project could be done,
such as creating an entry/walkway to the forest.
Valentine Park, 860 Valentine Drive. The park offers a handicap accessibility
picnic area, basketball court, softball field, playground equipment and a walking
trail. Recreation Division Manager Dan Kroger shared with commissioners
how we reserve the softball field and how we have been working with various
organizations to increase utilization of the field. The City of Dubuque has an
agreement with the Dubuque Community School District regarding this
property.
Center Grove Open Space, off Crescent Ridge. Leisure Services Manager
Marie Ware shared that the City received this land donation several years ago.
The area is a natural open space. At the bottom of the property, there are
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September 8, 2015 meeting
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railroad tracks and a creek. This is an area that could have Eagle Scout
projects in the future. Commissioner Tigges asked if a Wish List has been
established for Eagle Scout projects.
Dubuque Industrial Center South, along Seippel Road. Park Division
Manager Steve Fehsal shared that the park maintenance staff mows along
both sides of the shoulder along this property. Leisure Services Manager
Marie Ware stated that this land has a development agreement, in which the
property/business owner pays to maintain the shared spaces. There is a creek
area down below, as well as native space and plantings in the area.
Berqfeld Recreation Area, 7600 Chavenelle Drive. As we approached the
Bergfeld Recreation Area, Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware spoke to the
commissioners about the Westbrook Park (over to the left of the Bergfeld
property). This will be a future neighborhood park pending approval of budget
monies. Some features of Bergfeld include a walk/bike trail around the pond
area, as well as a trail that extends along Chavenelle Drive, native plantings,
historical bridge, restrooms and pavilion. A REAP Grant provides for a trail that
will continue to connect to the North West Arterial trail and add bike lanes on
Chavenelle Drive. There is a lot of pedestrian traffic in this area because
citizens can bring their dogs to the area. Park Division Manager Steve Fehsal
shared that the park maintenance staff mows this site and maintains the street
trees.
Usha Park, 3937 Pennsylvania Avenue. Prior to the trolley traveling to Usha
Park, Park Division Manager Steve Fehsal pointed out where the Medical
Associates Greenbelt area is located at (on the left side of the North West
Arterial). Commissioners saw the parking lot that was recently developed for
usage at Usha Park. There are a lot of cricket players who play at Usha Park.
To the right of the parking lot, there is a Bio Swale drainage area. This helps
remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water of the parking lot. The land
(8 acres) was donated in memory of R.V. and Nalini Mullapudi's daughter,
Usha.
Flora Park, 2606 Pennsylvania Avenue. There are a lot of Ash trees in Flora
Park that will need to be removed due to EAB.
Lombard Street/Highway 20. Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware directed
attention to the beautiful perennial beds that have been renovated along the
sidewalk area adjacent to the highway. The plantings were designed, planted
and maintained by the Park Division Horticulturalist.
Grandview Avenue. Volunteers established the new perennial flower beds
along the avenue. Staff has been working with the volunteers reminding them
to wear their safety vests as they are out watering the flower beds and to not
utilize watering hoses across the sidewalks/street area as it is a safety hazard
to pedestrians and bikers.
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September 8, 2015 meeting
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Prior to the trolley returning to EB Lyons, we drove past the park/seating area
at the intersection of South Grandview Avenue and Rockdale Road. This is a
donated area and developed with funds by an anonymous donor. Leisure
Services Manager Marie Ware pointed out that an Eagle Scout project was
completed in this area.
During our travels, Recreation Division Manager Dan Kroger shared with
commissioners on what a great pool season and great staff we had this past
summer. The department received more compliments about the pools this
year. Next summer the City of Dubuque will be taking over the concession
stands at both pools.
DISCUSS TOUR All commissioners were pleased with the tour and found it very interesting.
OF FACILITIES: Upon our tour return to EB Lyons, Commissioner Tigges spoke about the new
addition (52 acres) to EB Lyons. One of the new features includes a handicap
accessible (ADA) trail. At the end of the trail there is a compass gathering area
which has a 70' circle with limestone seating around it. Other features include
a pavilion shelter, restrooms, grills, water fountain and a "Woodland Walk".
HILLCREST Leisure Services Manager Ware discussed with commissioners the agreement
AGREEMENT between the City of Dubuque and Hillcrest Family Services. There are two (2)
FOR MURPHY changes to the agreement. In Section 5 (2), All temporary wiring and required
PARK FOR ground fault interrupted must be installed by a state licensed electrical
REFLECTIONS IN contractor. No utility poles may be energized until approved by the City of
THE PARK; Dubuque Building Services Department. In Section 11, Special Event Permit:
VOTE: Hillcrest must apply for and comply with all requirements of the Special Event
Permit.
It was moved �y Lyness• seconded by Kennicker, to recommend approval of
the Agreement between the City of Dubuque and Hillcrest Family Services for
Reflections in the Park. The motionap ssed unanimously.
COMMISSION Park Division Manager Steve Fehsal shared with the commissioners
COMMUNICA- that on August 28th, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was found on private
TIONS / property along Maquoketa Drive. Evidence of an EAB infestation on
QUESTIONS: Dubuque's south side was investigated and confirmed following
protocols set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Iowa Department of
Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The infestation overlaps city and
county boundaries in the area of Hwy 61/151 between Twin Valley Drive
and Maquoketa Drive on both sides.
The City of Dubuque prepared for the EAB infestation and developed an
EAB Readiness Plan. In preparation of the EAB arrival, the City has
inventoried trees on right-of-ways and other public property. During this
inventory, it was found that Ash Trees make up 24% of the City's total
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street tree canopy, so an infestation could be devastating to our
communities' tree population.
Over 500 letters have been mailed out to residents who live in the area
that has been infested with the EAB. The City of Dubuque will hold a
public information meeting on EAB at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
September 9th at the EB Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain
Recreation Area.
Staff has detailed information regarding EAB posted on our city website
at www.citvofdubuque.org/EAB. Clerical staff has also been informed
on how to handle customer telephone calls regarding EAB.
• Commissioner Tigges asked if a plan has been developed for FDR Park.
Manager Ware responded that a Master Plan has been developed, but
due to budget constraints, funding has not been available for
development. Some of the land is leased (Model Airplane Club) under a
short-term agreement.
• Commissioner Larson asked a question about signage at the Port of
Dubuque Marina. Can additional signage be posted explaining docking
fees? Recreation Division Manager Kroger will talk with Facilities
Supervisor Ben Alden regarding additional signage/clarification.
• Park Division Manager Fehsal shared that we will be installing some
concrete pads at the Miller Riverview Park and Campground. Concrete
sites will include the handicap site, 13A, 13B, 15A and 15B, pending
City Council approval.
• The 28th Annual Dragon Boat Festival will take place the weekend of
September 12th and 13th, 2015.
ADJOURN; It was moved by Schlueter, seconded by Kennicker, that the meeting be
VOTE: adjourned at 6:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson
Attest