Bettendorf Park Board Meeting Minutes for September 12, 2001

BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
SEPTEMBER 12, 2001

MINUTES


BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
SEPTEMBER 12, 2001

The Bettendorf Park Board held their regular meeting on September 12, 2001, at 7:00 pm in the Canteen Room at the Herbert D. Goettsch Community Center.



Present: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Absent: None



Chairman Hutter opened the meeting to anyone present to address the Board regarding any item of interest that does not appear on the agenda.



There was no one present to address the Board regarding items not on the Agenda.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Makoben, that the minutes of the special meetings held on August 8, August 13, and August 28, 2001, and the regular meeting held on August 15, 2001, be approved and placed on file for future reference.



Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Adamson, that the bills be allowed as presented and that the secretary be instructed to have checks drawn in the respective amounts.

Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None



A list of the bills is annex #1 to these minutes.



The Board presented a plaque to a representative for Steve Swisher thanking him for his efforts and his contribution of the railings on the gazebo project at the Herbert D. Goettsch Community Center.



Mark Brockway was present to discuss the acquisition of property in the Highland Green Valleywynds subdivision along Field Sike Road. He introduced the City of Bettendorfís new planner, Greg Beck, to the Board. He presented an aerial view of the property and explained that the acquisition of the McCarthy Bush property consisted of 20 acres and would cost the Board $60,000.



Mark explained that if the City acquired the 20 acres, they could hire a design consultant team to develop the storm water corridor within the surrounding 15 acres. Then the Park Board could develop 5 acres into a park and 15 acres into a recreation trail. The City would pay for the recreation trail, but the design and landscape costs for the park would be the Park Board's choice.



Steve reminded the Board that at this time, they would only need to purchase the property. There was no timeline on developing it.



Chairperson Hutter stated that he had concerns with the $60,000 when we donít know yet how much the pool repairs will cost, plus we have an agreement with Pleasant Valley School District and we would be using land right across the street on Hopewell for a playground.



Commissioner Kamp stated that there are 250 homes and we have the potential for providing those kids with a neighborhood playground in a good location.



Mark stated that the property appraised at $77,000 and McCarthy-Bush has agreed to sell for $60,000. He also stated that the quote for design and landscape was not included in this acquisition. He felt this was a good opportunity to acquire land inexpensively. He said they could prevent long-term maintenance costs by installing the storm water corridor.



Steve stated that the time allowed for grant application was not good. He said there would be plenty of time to apply for a grant for the development of the land, but not for acquiring it.



Chairperson Hutter asked what would happen with the storm water if they donít acquire the land.



Mark stated that it would run into the gulleys like on other properties, and McCarthy-Bush would have to re-plot the lots.



Commissioner Makoben stated that this was not a good thing to let happen.



Chairperson Hutter asked Mark how much it would cost for the recreation trail.



Mark stated that the paving would be approximately $48,000. The City normally would pay for the development of the trail.



Chairperson Hutter stated that we had just put an item on hold at Mondayís meeting because of the pool issues. He stated that he thought we should put this on hold also.



Commissioner Kamp stated that he was for the park, but not for spending $60,000.



Commissioner Glenn stated that if we purchase the land, weíll be obligated to develop it.



Steve stated that if we donít purchase it, weíll lose the good price for the land.



Chairperson Hutter stated that the kids would want a pool more. He said we shouldnít commit to anything. He said our financial situation has changed since we last inquired about purchasing this property, plus we are already committed to the skate park.



Commissioner Adamson stated that we have this chance for a 5-acre park at an inexpensive price. Since the remaining 15 acres would be used as a recreation trail, would the City pay for any portion of the acquisition?



Chairperson Hutter asked if we had any commitments from the City regarding the trail.



Mark stated that they had not presented it to the City yet. They wanted to get approval from the Park Board first.



Commissioner Adamson stated that the land is a good opportunity, but the City just took $100,000 from our CIP budget each year for the next four years. He said he would be sick about it if we couldnít do it, but he didnít want to look foolish when we donít have money later for the pool.



Chairperson Hutter stated that right now, our major concern is the pool. We need to let the City Council know that our priority is the pool.



Mark asked if he could phase the acquisition, would that be better?



Chairperson Hutter stated that money is their main concern, so if he could spread the payments out, that would be better.



Mark stated that he would continue to work with Steve and talk to McCarthy-Bush about phasing it out. He would get back with the Board later.



The Board discussed Resolution #44-01 regarding regulations to be posted at the skate park in Crow Creek Park.



Chairperson Hutter asked if the police department had seen the regulations yet.



Commissioner Adamson stated yes, they had seen them and approved of them.



Steve mentioned that Greg Jager has been out of town since the regulations were revised and has not seen them. If they were to approve them, it could be contingent on his reviews.



Commissioner Makoben asked if there was a phone located at the skate park.



Steve said no there was not, but the regulations sign will say that the nearest phone location is the post office and will also list the hours of the post office.



Commissioner Adamson stated that he thought the police officers might have more authority if the sign says ìNo Bikes Allowedî.



On motion by Kamp, seconded by Makoben, to approve Resolution #44-01 for regulations to be posted at the skate park in Crow Creek Park.



Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None

Resolution #44-01 is annex #2 to these minutes.



The Board reviewed the August 2001 budget and revenue reports, which are annex #3 to these minutes.



On motion by Adamson, seconded by Makoben, to receive and file the August 2001 budget and revenue reports.

Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None

The Board reviewed the consent agenda items.

Steve stated that item D needed to be removed from the consent agenda.

The following items appeared on the consent agenda and were enacted by one motion:

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Makoben, to receive and file the Bettendorf Park Foundation Financial Report and July Meeting Minutes. The financial report is annex #4 to these minutes.



On motion by Kamp, seconded by Makoben, to receive and file the Trees Are Us Committee Minutes for August 15, 2001. The minutes are annex #5.



On motion by Kamp, seconded by Makoben, to approve, receive, and file the Special Request from Hamilton Technical College to have their 4th Annual Kickball Tournament in Crow Creek Park on two of the new youth baseball fields on October 7, 2001, from noon to 3:00 pm. The special request form is annex #6 to these minutes.



Chairperson Hutter asked if there were any updates from the Board members.

Commissioner Kamp stated that the concrete slab was laid yesterday for the skate park and that the equipment should arrive within 2-3 weeks. October 13th is the opening date.



Chairperson Hutter mentioned that we should ask for help from the Summit Program, the United Neighbors, and the AmeriCorps for the skate park equipment assembly.



Commissioner Kamp stated that we could also get Kiwanis helpers and the skate park committee.

Chairperson Hutter mentioned that the Board received a letter from the Bettendorf Park Foundation thanking the Board for being a hole sponsor at the 8th Annual Jamie Hill Memorial Golf Tournament.



On motion by Adamson, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file the thank you letter from Bettendorf Park Foundation. The letter is annex #7 to these minutes.

Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Kamp to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 pm.