Bettendorf Park Board Meeting Minutes for April 10, 2002

Steve Grimes recommended to the Board to apply for the transportation enhancement funds for the River Drive Recreation Trail now that all the properties needed have been purchased.

MINUTES
BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
APRIL 10, 2002


The Bettendorf Park Board held a regular meeting on April 10, 2002, at 7:00 pm in the Canteen Room at the HDG Community Center.

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

Chairman Adamson 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 Hutter, seconded by Makoben, that the minutes of the special meeting held on March 11, 2002, and the regular meeting held on March 13, 2002, be approved and placed on file for future reference.

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

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, 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: Adamson, Kamp, Glenn, Hutter, and Makoben
Nays: None

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

Ellen Kelley, 3445 Oakory Lane, Bettendorf, was present to address the Board concerning erosion in Devils Glen Park. Ms. Kelley is a Scott County Extension Master Gardner, Tree Steward, Member of the Trees Are Us and Tree Board. She reported the problems in Devils Glen Park mainly caused by human activity. She presented pictures that virtually show no ground cover around the disc golf pads and holes. Her concern is the longevity of the trees and erosion in the park. Her recommendations on how to address this at the present time is outlined in her letter, which is annex #2 to these minutes.

Steve Grimes informed the Board that he had discussed this at length with Ellen. There are different ideas that can be tried. The main concern is the impact of the disc golf and is something we may want to look at relocating someday.

Steve informed the Board that he and Ellen went to DesMoines on April 4, 2002 and received our 6th year ìTree City USA Awardî. Ellen was also the recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award. Steve and Ellen will go to the City Council to present this certificate and make them aware that we are one of 120 cities throughout the country that received the Tree City USA Award.

Commissioner Kamp asked if we should look at moving the disc golf and where?

Steve stated that he would discuss the possibility of relocating the disc golf course with Stu Smith and report back to the Board.

Sue Laimans was present to address the Board regarding the planting proposals for the Centennial Garden. She informed the Board that seven nurseries picked up the plans and three responded. She recommended purchasing plant materials from all three nurseries; Aunt Rhodieís, Loweís, and Hoerrís. There was $6,000 budgeted for the plants and the total cost for the plants is $5,164.00. However, the nurseries that did submit a proposal, do not have all the plants needed. She informed the Board that she is under the construction portion of the budget by $10,000 and requests to proceed to order the other plants needed to complete this phase of the project. A copy of plants to be ordered by each nursery is annex #3 to these minutes.

The Board authorized Sue Laimans to proceed with ordering the extra plants needed for the project, since the budget had already been approved.

Commissioner Makoben informed the Board that the plant list for each decade of the garden would be available at the library for people interested in planting those types of flowers.

Ms. Laimans recommended to the Board to have Hansen Monument do the stones for the garden. They were the low bid. The deadline for ordering the stones was extended to September 1, 2002, but they will be adding stones throughout the year. They have 46 stones sold to date.

Ms. Laimans also informed the Board that the Master Gardners would also have a project this year in Meier Park and a clean up project in McLamarrah Park and Crow Creek Park this Spring.

Steve complimented Sue Laimans and the Centennial Committee for all the work they have done.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to approve the recommendation made by Sue Laimans for the purchase of plant materials for the Centennial Garden.

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

Bruce Black was present to address the Board to discuss a request for a golf clinic that he would like to run at Palmer Hills Golf Course. He requested to hold the Pepsi Short Game Series, which is two sessions; each two hours in length. These golf series would run all summer. The focus of these golf series is to lower the participantís handicap. He informed the Board that a practice bunker would be required to hold the golf series and recommended adding the bunker between the 13th hole and pavilion. This area is never used. The bunker would be very beneficial for the junior program.

Commissioner Hutter asked what the Park Board was going to get out of Pepsi, since they are sponsoring the program. Why would we want to spend money to build a bunker that does not benefit the park system?

Mr. Black stated he would check to see if Pepsi would pay for the bunker.

Chairman Adamson stated that if we would put in the bunker and approve Mr. Black to have the Pepsi Short Game Series at Palmer Hills and he receives the revenues from the program, how would that benefit Palmer Hills Golf Course.

Mr. Black stated that the benefits would be with the marketing and exposure throughout the summer.

Chairman Adamson asked Greg Jager since this is a program that would be run like an independent contractor, how would this effect the cityís liability issues?

Greg Jager stated that the Park Board needs to work out the bunker request first, then we can talk about the liability issues.

The Board tabled further discussion until Mr. Blackís request can be discussed with Brad Peterson and Jon Waddell. Mr. Blackís request will be brought back to the May meeting.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to receive and file March Budget and Revenue reports.

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

The revenue reports are annex #4 to these minutes.

Tom Bush, representing the Barnstormerís Baseball, was present to address the Board to request use of two ball fields in Crow Creek Park for a tournament on April 19 and 20, 2002.

Steve informed the Board that the Barnstormerís have already cleared the use of the fields with the Bettendorf/P.V. Youth Baseball Program. They have complied with the Special Event Permit and are aware of the rental fees. In the Special Event Request they are asking for donations at the gate, but will not restrict entrance to the park.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to approve the request from the Barnstormerís to have a tournament at Crow Creek Park on April 19 and 20, 2002.

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

The Barnstormers' Special Event request is annex #5 to these minutes.

Steve reported that Stu Smith met with Nutri Jet representatives and they feel they can do the Leach Park dredging project. They thought it would be in the mid $20,000 range, which would be comparable to the low bid received from McCubbin Construction.

The Board requested the Nutri Jet formal proposal be brought back to the May Board Meeting for review.

The Board reviewed the bids for the Band Shell Road Parking Extension.

Steve presented two handouts for the Board to review: (1) Pros and Cons for concrete versus blacktop (2) Capital Improvement Funds available for additional funds needed for the concrete. The handouts are annex #6 to these minutes.

Steve informed the Board that the matching funds needed for the River Drive Recreation Trail would come out of the gaming funds. He also informed the Board that the pool is another issue. The alternates for the spray features can be delayed if more funds are needed for contingencies. We can write a grant for the spray features in the Fall. There are funds in the Capital Improvement Program for Crow Creek Parkís entrance in 2003/2004 that could be applied to the pool, if needed. It would be a matter of working out the cash flow with the Finance Department.

Commissioner Hutter stated that he would rather delay the entrance into Crow Creek Park and proceed with the Band Shell Road. If we need money for the pool, he would like to see it come from the Capital Improvement funds for Crow Creek Parkís entrance.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #25-02 approving Blackhawk Paving Companyís bid in the amount of $111,271.00 for the concrete for Middle Park Band Shell Road Parking Lot Extension.

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

Resolution #25-02 is annex #7 to these minutes.

The Board set the Skate Park Dedication date on June 29, 2002, at 10:00 am.

Steve reviewed the preliminary plat going to the Planning and Zoning Commission for the potential development of 93 lots on Middle Road and the northwest corner of Tanglewood Road by Advance Home Builders. There is an easement along Crow Creek for the recreation trail that has been planned. The trail will cross the creek several times due to the terrain. There is a five-acre parcel that is primarily in the flood plain and they propose to donate it for parkland. Steve told Advance Home Builders informally that the Park Board would be interested in the land.

The Board reviewed the Run with Carl annual request.

Steve informed the Board that this item would normally be placed on the consent agenda. However, this year Goldís gym is offering a prize of one-month membership to each runner placing in their respective age groups, which amounts to 52 one-month memberships. The race directors wanted to make sure the Board would not object to this.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to approve the Jayceeís Annual Run with Carl request.

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

A copy of the Run with Carl Special Event Request is annex #8 to these minutes.

The Board reviewed the Park and Recreation Foundationís request for permission to purchase 150 golf green fees at a discounted rate of $10 each to be used for the Jamie Hill Memorial Golf Tournament.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to approve the Park and Recreation Foundationís request.

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

The request from the Park and Recreation Foundation is annex #9 to these minutes.

The following items appeared on the Consent Agenda and were enacted by one motion:

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to approve the Special Event request from Rick Withycombe to hold a concert at the Band Shell on June 20, 2002 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Special Event request is annex #10 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to approve the Special Event request from Shari Souza on behalf of the Terrace Park Association to hold a family picnic for 50 people and moon walk at Kiwanis Park on June 22, 2002 from 4:00-8:30 pm. Special Event request is annex #11 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to approve the Special Event request from Thomas Lau for the Quad City Metro Optimist Club to use the Middle Park Bandshell on May 11, 2002, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm to hold a Bike Safety Event and to waive all fees. The Special Event request is annex #12 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to approve the Special Event request from Mike Wennmacher to hold a wedding ceremony with 50 people at the Crow Creek Park Quarry on May 4, 2002 from 3:00 to 3:30 pm. The Special Event request is annex #13 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to approve the Special Event request from Marcus Woods to host the Woodyís Soccer Camp at Crow Creek or Middle Park July 29-August 1, 2002 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. The Special Event request is annex #14 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to approve the park memorial from Michele Askren along the Duck Creek Recreation Trail. The letter is annex #15 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to approve the Special Event request from Claudia Reich on behalf of the Girl Scouts to use Devils Glen Park for their annual Twilight Camp from 6:00-8:30 pm the week of August 5-8, 2002 and to have all fees waived. The Special Event request is annex #16 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to approve the Special Event request from Lisa Dalley, to hold a musical event picnic at the Middle Park Bandshell and Shelter for 250 people on May 10, 2002 from 5:00 ñ 10:00 pm. The Special Event request is annex #17 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to adopt Resolution #21-02, approving the agreement for construction management and inspection services for Splash Landing with Gene Meer. Resolution #21-02 is annex #18 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to adopt Resolution #22-02, approving payment #4 in the amount of $11,631.80 to Swanson Construction for work completed on the Maintenance Addition at Palmer Hills Golf Course through March 31, 2002. Resolution #22-02 is annex #19 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to adopt Resolution #24-02 approving payment in the amount of $15,384.56 to Burbach Aquatics for professional services completed on the Splash Landing project through March 8, 2002. Resolution #24-02 is annex #20 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to receive and file the Bettendorf Park and Recreation Foundation Amended Meeting Minutes, dated January 24, 2002. The minutes are annex #21.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to approve the request from David Hemberger, Cub Scout Pack 89, requesting to build birdhouses to be placed along Duck Creek Parkway. The letter is annex #22 to these minutes.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to receive and file the letter and resolution from Scott Tunnicliff, President of the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce, encouraging the Park Board and the Scott County Y to work together. The letter and resolution is annex #23 to these minutes.

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

Commissioner Glenn stated he did not understand where the letter and resolution from the Chamber of Commerce was coming from regarding working with the Y. We have been working together.

Steve explained that the Y is a member of the Chamber and they are showing their support.

Commissioner Hutter stated that the Park Board has worked with every organization, business, and school system and will continue to.

Greg Jager informed the Board that yesterday the last property needed on River Drive was purchased. He indicated how grateful he was to the neighbors in working with the city. A total of 22-24 parcels of property were assembled for this project.

Steve explained that all the properties were out right purchases. There are no easements.

Greg indicated that the parkís department would have to maintain both sides of the railroad tracks.

Greg reported that the city is trying to get a better handle on contractors who do have past experience on construction projects. A rating system has been developed on a number of factors to determine their ability to perform the work properly. This rating will be reviewed prior to awarding any contracts. There will be an appeal process for all contractors. He recommended the Board consider passing a Resolution that mirrors the City Councilís at the May Board Meeting.

Steve Grimes recommended to the Board to apply for the transportation enhancement funds for the River Drive Recreation Trail now that all the properties needed have been purchased.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Kamp, to proceed with the application for the grant money for the River Drive Recreation Trail.

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

Monty Yegge informed the Board that a gift was received from the Alcoa Credit Union for a televison, VCR, and stand. A thank you letter has been sent.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to accept the donation from the Alcoa Credit Union and request that the Chairman send a thank you letter.

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

Commissioner Hutter requested official approval from the Park Foundation, if they will fund the money necessary for the Park Ambassador Program to start in June. He also informed the Board that the swim clubs are considering merging.

Commissioner Makoben informed the Board that he would not be at either meeting in May.

Commissioner Kamp will not be at the Wednesday meeting in May.

Commissioner Glenn expressed his concern with not having a stop or yield sign on 21st Street.

Chairman Adamson stated that it would be cost effective to figure out how to build up the recreation trail along the river so we donít have do deal with the flooding in down town Bettendorf again.

Greg Jager stated that the Corp has to recommend the project and that has not happened yet.

Commissioner Hutter stated that if there is going to be new businesses in Bettendorf, we need to approach certain people to contact the Corp to give it another shot.

Steve presented a draft letter to be sent to past season pass holders of Splash Landing informing them that the pool will not be open for the 2003 season. A letter went out earlier that the zero depth would be open.

The Board decided not to send out a second letter. They felt the recent publicity was enough to inform the residents that the pool will be closed this summer.

Commissioner Hutter requested that the refund policy on memberships at the Life Fitness Center be placed on the May Agenda for discussion.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 pm.





Adamson (Chairman)



Kamp (Vice Chairman)