Bettendorf Park Board Minutes 7/10/02

MINUTES
BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
JULY 10, 2002

The Bettendorf Park Board held a regular meeting on July 12, 2002 at 7:00 pm in the Canteen Room at the Herbert D. Goettsch 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.

Matt Ingleby, 3333 Parkwild Drive, was present to ask the Board for approval to conduct a free concert at the Middle Park Bandshell and Shelter for August 9, 2002.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Kamp, to move this item to the agenda for consideration of discussion and action, and thereafter to take action with the understanding that it is impractical and/or inexpedient to delay until the normal Board schedule due to the date of the request.

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

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, that the minutes of the special meeting held on June 10, 2002 and the regular meeting held on June 12, 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 Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to add three resolutions for pool construction payments to the consent agenda for approval. These include Resolution #44-02 for Hometown Plumbing & Heating in the amount of $55,730.00, Resolution #45-02 for Hy-Brand Industrial Contractors in the amount of $23,242.50, and Resolution #46-02 for General Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $86,805.00.

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

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Kamp, that the bills are 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.

Jim Crowder was present to review the Bettendorf Park Band’s Annual Report. The past year was very successful. He hopes that each Board member will be able to attend at least one concert this summer. He also mentioned the Fine Arts Center and would like to be considered for permanent residence there for his band practices and equipment. He had not been contacted by the committee as of yet and was wondering if he would be.

Commissioner Hutter stated that Jim should contact City Hall to see if he can use the building currently for practices. It is empty and the electricity is running.

Mr. Crowder stated that he would need something more permanent, including storage with locks.

Commissioner Hutter replied that it would at least be a good place to start and also suggested contacting the museum for information to the Fine Arts Center Committee.

Joe Kopacz was present to review his Eagle Scout project to place several benches and birdhouses at Crow Creek Park. He gave the Board a copy of his project report, which outlined his ideas, costs, and implementation plans. This report is annex #2 to these minutes.

Commissioner Hutter asked Mr. Kopacz why he picked this particular project.

Mr. Kopacz replied that he contacted Mr. Steve Grimes for possible project ideas and spoke with Mr. Stu Smith on the probability of completing the projects. This project seemed to be the most suitable for everyone.

Commissioner Hutter asked Steve if funds were available in the parks maintenance budget for this project.

Steve replied that yes, up to $500, which this project would fall under that.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to approve the Eagle Scout project of placing several benches and birdhouses in Crow Creek Park to be completed by Mr. Joe Kopacz.

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

The Board agreed to let the parks maintenance manager decide if treated or cedar wood should be used for the benches for this project.

An affidavit was published on July 4, 2002 for the public hearing to review plans, specifications, and form of contract for improvements to Palmer Hills Golf Course. A copy of the affidavit is annex #3 to these minutes.

Chairman Adamson opened the public hearing.

Steve Grimes reviewed the plans. He explained that they were working with the architect, Gill Miller and Associates out of Wisconsin. The 11th Hole concept is to revise it from a Par 4 to a Par 5 creating two new tee box areas. The tee box area would be pushed back a little more, pushing the fairway out to the west. New sand traps and new trees will stretch the fairway, making it a Par 5, and redoing sand traps around the green area. Final plans and specifications should be available at the end of this summer, and we should award the contract for construction by mid to late September. Most likely the work will be done in sections, allowing play to continue as a par 3 during construction.

Commissioner Glenn suggested adding a new tee box on Hole #15 as part of this project as well.

Steve agreed and mentioned that it would save on mobilization costs if the equipment was there already instead of bringing it back at a later date to do the two projects separately.

Commissioner Kamp stated that we should revise Hole #15 as an alternate to this project.

Chairman Adamson asked if there were any citizens present who wished to comment on the plans, specifications, and form of contract for the improvements to Palmer Hills Golf Course Hole #11. There was no one present. He asked if there was any written correspondence. There was none. He closed the public hearing.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to approve Resolution #41-02 for plans, specifications, and form of contract for improvements to Palmer Hills Golf Course Hole #11, including an alternate to add a men’s tee to Hole #15.

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

Resolution #41-02 is annex #4 to these minutes.

The June 2002 Budget and Revenue reports were deferred until after the City Audit.

Jerry Wells, 2302 Lincoln Road, Bettendorf was present to discuss the 25th Street closure at the Middle Park Bandshell area. She mentioned the petition she had presented to the Board at the May Board meeting, which was signed by residents along 25th Street to Lincoln, 25th Street to 23rd Street on both sides, and Carpenter Court to close off 25th Street completely. The road going through the park is being used as a city street and is too dangerous. Their main concern is safety. She has taken into account the cost factor and came up with a suggestion. She gave the Board members a draft of her plan. She would like to make the area behind the bandshell a greenspace instead of paving it and continue with the hammerhead on 25th street, but apply the funds from paving this area to the hammerhead.

Commissioner Kamp asked if this area was needed for access to the bandshell.

Steve Grimes stated that yes, it does get used as access for events. It is not the primary access, but does get used more for exiting than entering. A traffic study has never been done to give any specific numbers.

Jerry stated that most of the problem is not people going into the area, it’s the kids that play in that area. There is a blind spot and there is no way for a vehicle to see anyone when they come around the corner. She is afraid something terrible will happen. She also mentioned that the people on Carpenter Court, when they built there home in 1985 or 1986, were told by the builders and the City of Bettendorf that this problem would be eliminated, therefore, they have dealt with this problem since then.

Steve stated that this plan would be a significant cost savings, however, you would lose your parking area behind the bandshell.

Chairman Adamson asked Jim Crowder for his opinion on the use of this area.

Jim Crowder stated that his band uses this area for loading and unloading, and some of his band members have a hard time walking. If this area was turned into greenspace, and they had to park farther away, it would be very difficult.

Jerry stated that she understood his concern, but her concern was for the safety of the children. She suggested putting in a soft gravel road for his band needs.

Commissioner Makoben stated that that would cause additional cost, too.

Chairman Adamson stated that the main problem seems to be that it is a “through” street. Maybe we could pave the back of it and landscape one part of it.

Steve stated that if you closed off access, you would need to provide a turn-around in the hammerhead. He mentioned that he and Chairman Adamson discussed putting a remote control fence that City employees could open up with a remote when they needed to get through and then close it when they were done.

Chairman Adamson explained how this type of fence operated at City Hall for the police department.

Jerry asked if the fence would be on the cement and would go all the way around 25th Street.

Chairman Adamson replied yes.

Jerry asked if the Board would put the expense of the cement into it and still add a gate.

Chairman Adamson stated that the gate would be instead of a hammerhead. There would just be the gate.

Steve said it would be the same design as we have now. The gate would be less money than the hammerhead. He could get some costs from the contractor that put in the gate at the police department.

Commissioner Hutter stated that after all the cuts that our budget has undergone, he can’t justify spending money on something that has been the same for 40 years. Maybe the residents, if they were really concerned, could come up with the money to pay for it. Is it that high of a priority for the safety of the children?

Jerry said you had her on the spot, if she had money, she would do it.

Commissioner Hutter stated that was what the Board was facing, too.

Jerry said she understood but these were kids they were talking about. Do they have to wait until something happens to have the money?

Commissioner Hutter stated that the Skatepark at Crow Creek Park was still waiting for a street light to be put in so kids could cross the street safely. He didn’t know if that was a higher priority than this, but when the people were here talking about it, the Board agreed to put a traffic signal there.

Jerry replied that when these people built their homes in 1985, they were told that this street would be closed.

Commissioner Hutter stated that the entrance was closed.

Chairman Adamson stated that 25th Street was not.

Commissioner Hutter stated that the entrance that is closed today was the one that was told would be closed.

Jerry said that they were also told that there would be no more entrances made into the park.

Commissioner Hutter stated that if she could find the minutes in those proceedings that states that, then they would be obligated to do it.

Commissioner Makoben stated that the City would have to fix it.

Jerry stated that she would have no idea where the minutes were. She would not know where to begin.

Commissioner Makoben stated that he did not dispute the traffic complaint, but that the problem lied with having money.

Commissioner Kamp asked if we could look at the cost of the fence and go from there.

Steve stated yes.

Chairman Adamson stated that in the seven years he has been on the Park Board and the 30 years he has been with the city, we have never asked people to kick in money to do a project. Plus, we have always tried to facilitate citizen’s requests, especially when it is a safety issue. We at least owe them to move forward positively with this and look at some alternatives. Its not going to affect the parking lot we have planned.

He also mentioned that we already have the money budgeted to do the cement and this gate would not affect that. We wanted to get this done this year, in fact we’ll be starting soon. We may have another project that is a few dollars less than we budgeted for, and then we could borrow some of those funds for this project. We would like to set up a traffic counter that would run 24 hours a day to clock traffic speed and number of cars to gather some more information.

Commissioner Hutter suggested we add some speed bumps as a cheaper alternative.

Steve stated that we are looking into that as well.

Chairman Adamson stated that we would look into that and several other alternatives and get back with Jerry on the outcome.

The Board discussed with Matt Ingleby, who was present but not on the agenda previously, his request to conduct a free concert at the Middle Park Bandshell on August 9, 2002 from 7:00-9:00pm. This request is annex #5 to these minutes.

Matt explained that there are no conflicts with any other activities on this particular date. He added that they were working with JEL (Just Eliminate Lies) and were also looking for another sponsor to serve food and beverages.

Steve Grimes stated that they had met all of staff’s requirements for conducting a special event at the bandshell, and as long as they complied with the noise ordinance, he would recommend approval of their request.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Kamp, to approve the request from Matt Ingleby to conduct a free concert at the Middle Park Bandshell on August 9, 2002.

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

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

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to receive and file the Bettendorf Trees Are Us Committee minutes for May 29, June 12, and June 27, 2002. The minutes are annex #6 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to receive and file Gene Meer’s construction observation reports for the Splash Landing Project dated June 7 and June 17, 2002. The reports are annex #7 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file the special event request from Bill Wallace of Vanguard Distributing for a company picnic at the Bandshell Shelter on October 4, 2002 from 12:00-5:00pm. The request is annex #8 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file Resolution #39-02 approving payment #1 to Hometown Plumbing and Heating for work completed at Splash Landing in the amount of $117,700.00. The resolution is annex #9 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file Resolution #40-02 approving proposal from Missman, Stanley & Associates for $9,900.00 for professional services for interpretive signage and native plantings in Pigeon Creek Park. The resolution is annex #10 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to receive and file the Bettendorf Park and Recreation Foundation meeting minutes for May 23, 2002. The minutes are annex #11 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file the special event request from Russ Johnson to hold a softball tournament in Crow Creek Park on September 8, 2002. The request is annex #12 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file the special event request from Joli Madsen of Rhythm City Casino to hold their company picnic at the bandshell shelter and bandshell on July 18, 2002. The request is annex #13 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file the special event request from Sara Princell from Youth of Christ to hold a city-wide youth worship service on September 8, 2002 at the Middle Park Bandshell Shelter. The request is annex #14 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file the special event request from David Hocamp of Deere and Company Information Systems for a company picnic at the Bandshell and shelter on August 23, 2002. The request is annex #15 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file an e-mail from Brenda Wiese dated July 1, 2002 requesting permission for the Bettendorf Jaycees to hold a garage sale at the Devils Glen Park Building on Saturday, July 13, 2002. The e-mail request is annex #16 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file a request from Tammy Lewis to have concessions at Crow Creek Park Fields #6 and #7 during their July 12-14, 2002 softball tournament. The request is annex #17 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file Resolution #43-02 for payment to McCubbin Construction in the amount of $10,875.00 for improvements to Palmer Hills Golf Course #2 sand traps and #18 forward tee. The resolution is annex #18 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file Resolution #44-02 approving payment to Hometown Plumbing & Heating in the amount of $55,730.00 for work completed at Splash Landing. The resolution is annex #19 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file Resolution #45-02 approving payment to Hy-Brand Industrial Contractors in the amount of $23,242.50 for work completed at Splash Landing. The resolution is annex #20 to these minutes.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve, receive, and file Resolution #46-02 approving payment to General Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $86,805.00 for work completed at Splash Landing. The resolution is annex #21 to these minutes.

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

Chairman Adamson discussed the recent incident at the Old Fashioned 4th of July event where a vendor selling offensive items was asked to leave. We need to tighten down on specifics on the application.

Commissioner Makoben asked Greg Jager, City Attorney, if he could draft something to add to the vendor application.

Greg Jager replied yes, he would. He also wanted to state that we are not trying to discriminate against any vendors, we are simply looking for a specific market.

Steve Grimes stated that the Cardio Room preliminary study and cost estimate from Pea*****, Inc. for the Life Fitness Center will be completed within 30 days and will cost $1,500.00. This will provide a more refined design with better numbers.

He also stated that we will take a look at the LFC’s enterprise fund account activity and go ahead and order the spray amenities before their prices increase and we will apply for the grants.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Hutter, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 pm.

Adamson (Chairman)

Kamp (Vice Chairman)