Minutes_Park and Recreation Commission 6 14 16 PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
4:30 p.m., Comiskey Center, 255 East 24th Street
PRESENT: Paul Hoffmann, Robin Kennicker, Ken Klinge, Kate Larson, Karen Lyness,
and Jennifer Tigges
STAFF PRESENT: Marie Ware, Steve Fehsal and Eileen Trimble
MINUTES It was moved �y Lyness, seconded by Kennicker, to approve the minutes of
APPROVED; VOTE: the May 10, 2016, meeting. The motionap ssed unanimously.
MIRACLE LEAGUE Members of the Board of Directors of the Miracle League of Dubuque were
FIELD present to share information about the proposed miracle field project at
PRESENTATION: Veterans' Memorial Park. Miracle League is a national organization serving
children and adults with physical and mental disabilities that causes them to
be excluded, whether intentionally or not, from conventional youth baseball
leagues. The field and playground surface are flat and smooth, completely
rubberized and cushioned and accessible for all.
The Dubuque project started several years ago with Tom Witry's vision to
build a Miracle League baseball field and all-inclusive playground for Dubuque
area people with special needs. Over the last five years the group partnered
with Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque; researched multiple
locations (public and private) in the area; hired IIW, P.C.; consulted with
multiple community agencies and current site users; hired a local attorney;
completed legal documents to form a 501(C)3 organization; and formed a
Board of Directors. Several service organizations are interested in helping
fund the project but before the group officially begins fundraising they need to
have a definite site and city approval, etc. Joe and Linda Chlapaty have
agreed to help through matching funds up to $500,000. The Board hopes to
raise more money than needed to build the field and playground so funds are
available for uniforms, equipment and future maintenance.
In fall of 2015 Mike Jansen with IIW PC worked with the group to evaluate the
site of Veterans' Memorial Park and come up with a concept and cost
estimate.
Commissioners commended the board members for a great job, how well
thought out the project is and all the hard work in moving the project forward.
They felt our community needs something like this. General questions were
would there be enough parking if tournaments were being held on fields 2 and
3 and an event on the miracle field; ongoing cost of maintenance and repairs
of breakdowns; would we have to hire personnel to run the facility and
insurance costs.
Manager Ware said a good design and proper installation can reduce
maintenance. Over time, components of the project would go on a budget
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June 14, 2016 meeting
replacement schedule the same as other department assets. The department
would work with Wahlert High School to develop an agreement to allow
overflow parking in their lot; Leisure Services already maintains the field
where the Miracle League field would go. A playground is already maintained
at the park.
Ms. Ware is working on a draft agreement which is the next step. She
commended the board members for all their work and leadership roles in
meeting user groups face-to-face and being so dedicated to this project.
Miracle League Board members said they have a huge commitment to this
project and fundraising and they want it to be an ongoing success, not to just
get it built and then walk away. They look at this project as a partnership.
INTEGRAGED PEST Commissioner Larson provided the following information:
MANAGEMENT
WORK GROUP The last formal meeting of the work group was Tuesday, June 7th. A lot of
UPDATE: work has been done and the plan is ready to move forward to the Council.
The group came up with a list of approved chemicals and will be trying to
phase out the more toxic chemicals. Approving the IPM Program is on the
June 20th City Council agenda as an action item. Manager Ware and other
committee members will be giving a full presentation to the Council.
Ms. Larson personally feels the work group made a tremendous amount of
progress in a short amount of time. The plan is very in depth and will be an
ever evolving document. Manager Ware said this needs to be a continuous
and ongoing effort. The plan recommends that an IPM Coordinator and
committee be appointed for continued progress; and recommends that an
annual report be presented to the Environmental Stewardship Commission on
how the plan is working, what changes may need to be made, what plans are
for the upcoming year, etc.
Commissioner Lyness asked who decides if the plan is successful? Ware
said the work group created a work plan which lays out what to work on, data
and measurements and checking progress. Commissioner Hoffmann doesn't
want the city to be locked into something if it isn't working, just because a rule
was in the IPM Program. Ms. Ware said the program is set up to pilot actions
and if they don't work out we will try other options.
Ware thanked commissioners Larson and Tigges for working with the
Facebook group and being active as a part of the work group.
PARK DIVISION Park Division Manager Steve Fehsal informed Commissioners:
REPORT:
• All the flower baskets are out and the annuals will all be planted by the end
of the week. • The skate park location has been narrowed down to two
locations in Flora Park. The consultant is tentatively scheduled to come to
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Dubuque July 5th to evaluate the locations in Flora Park. • The City received
a $200,000 REAP grant in October for environmental restoration at Eagle
Point Park. The Request for Proposals was advertised and we are in the
process of scheduling a consultant. This will be an evaluation of the entire
park — drainage issues, trees, landscaping, runoff problems, etc. The
consultant fees will be $50,000 and the remaining $150,000 will be used to
start implementation of a management plan.
MANAGER Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware informed Commissioners:
REPORT:
• The department has sold 2,599 season swim passes since April 4th. • It is
that time of year for the City Council to work on their goals and priorities so if
commissioners have any ideas or projects they would like to pass on to the
Council, now is the time. Discussion of possible ideas will be placed on the
July agenda. Commissioner Larson asked if the information forwarded to the
Council the last two years could be sent to commission with July agenda.
• There will be three open commission spots at the end of June — vacant
position previously held by Mr. Schlueter and expiring terms for Larson and
Lyness. Ms. Ware said there is one new individual that has applied and
former commission Bob Blocker has re-applied. City Council will make
appointments at the June 20th meeting.
ADJOURN; It was moved by Lyness, seconded by Klinge, that the meeting be adjourned
VOTE: at 6:20 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairperson
Attest
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