Bettendorf Park Board Minutes 8/14/02

MINUTES
BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
AUGUST 14, 2002

MINUTES
BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
AUGUST 14, 2002

The Bettendorf Park Board held a regular meeting on August 14, 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.

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

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Kamp, that the minutes of the special meeting held on July 8, 2002 and the regular meeting held on July 10, 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 Makoben, seconded by Glenn, 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.

Gail Benson, representing past members of the Discover the River Committee, reviewed a proposal for use of the funds for improvements to Leach Park. The Committee existed from 1985-1995 and ended with a balance of $9,300 that had been turned over to the Park Foundation Treasurer and earmarked for the riverfront beautification. They came up with three separate projects that they would like to do: (1) Sculpture of a boy skipping a rock on the river to be located near the gazebo at a cost of $13,000. (2) Ship's Wheel to be mounted on the end of the old boat pier at a cost of $1,000. (3) A non coin-operated telescope to be located on the levy at a cost of $3,000. They would also need to do some electrical work for lighting and landscaping for an additional $3,000. Gail and other members present requested Board approval to place all three items in Leach Park and approval to write a grant to the Scott County Regional Authority for the additional $11,000 needed to complete the projects.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to approve the project for Leach Park and apply for the $11,000 grant from the Scott County Regional Authority.

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

A copy of the proposal is annex #2 to these minutes.

Will Dwyer was present to discuss the Park Ambassador program and present a brief slide show. The Park Foundation funded the Americorps program for Will's $1900 stipend, which began in May. They have nine volunteers who provide 30 hours per week in the Bettendorf Parks. The program will log it's 300th hour in the community at the end of this week. Twenty-three specific incidents of park violations have been reported to the police department. Will reported that they are not seeing as many people in the parks after 10:30 pm. The program has assisted full time employees and freed up more of their time to do other projects.

Will thanked Bettendorf for giving him the opportunity to be of assistance to the community to build the program from the ground up and hopes that this is a program that is worthwhile to continue. The Ambassador Program has been very rewarding to everyone involved.

Chairman Adamson stated that since this program depends on funding, he recommended having Will present his slide presentation to the City Council.

Commissioner Hutter felt money could come from the Park Foundation or out of the Park Board budget to continue the Ambassador Program. He recommended a very thorough report be written on the program, including information on the 23 incidents reported to the police department and submitting that to the City Council. He suggested running this by Decker Ploehn about whether or not to have Will present his slide show to the City Council.

The Board discussed closing the 25th Street access to the park.

Steve reported that a remote control gate will cost between $6,000-$7,000, which is about the same cost as a hammerhead.

Chairman Adamson stated he sees two situations. Would the Board want to close access to the park from 25th Street if someone came in and gave us $7,000 or restrict access and open it up for special events only and budget and plan for it next year. This is something that will not be done immediately.

Jerry Wells stated she would like something done that would resolve the problems that exist and be visually pleasing for the neighborhood and park. With the construction going on, the neighborhood has seen an improvement and now knows how much more traffic goes through when the park road access is open. Vandalism and litter has also been less. Mrs. Wells asked what would be the next step?

Les Finkel, 25th Street, concurred with all of Mrs. Wells’ statements and would like to see plans to restrict the 25th Street access.

Ed Bodnar, 2430 Lincoln Road, stated that the activity has cut down with the construction going on. There is a problem with children leaving the park and people racing up the street. He would like to see something restricting access to the park that would look good and also keep the cost low. They do not expect to have something overnight. This problem has gone on for a long time. This problem has been brought before the Board before and nothing has happened.

Steve suggested an option of putting in a gate with a timer. The problems for the most part are after dark, the gate could close on a timer.

Commissioner Hutter stated that we need to try speed bumps no matter what we do.

Chairman Adamson asked if the Board is in favor of restricting through traffic except for special events on 25th Street and try and budget for it later.

Commissioner Makoben stated he would not vote to spend any money until after the pool project.

Commissioner Glenn stated we have too many other projects with the pool cost overruns, Club House, and addition to the Life Fitness Center. We need to sit down and prioritize again.

Chairman Adamson stated that we need to approve the project before we can prioritize it.

Lisa Brown stated that she could not speak for the Council and in looking at the safety concern feels that amount of money is only a drop in the bucket.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Makoben, to direct staff to look into the possibilities and options to restrict traffic at the 25th Street entrance into the park pending funding.

Roll call on motion: Ayes: Adamson, Kamp, Makoben
Nays: Glenn, Hutter

Commissioner Hutter stated that he would like more input from the public because of the park's heavy usage, before restricting access to 25th Street. He has heard from other City Council members that they do not approve of closing this access. A lot of people do not want to see this access closed or restricted. If the traffic and speed is an issue, go with the speed bumps. A traffic light for the skate park is needed before this project.

Commissioner Glenn stated that he agreed with Joe and does not know if the City Council would go along with this.

Mrs. Wells stated that she felt the Police and Fire Department’s did not have a problem with this so felt the city did not have a problem with closing the access.

Greg Jager stated that the Park Board has a budget session each November and December to review the Capital Improvement Program. They will be able to find out where this project is within the plan.

Josie Hurdis requested Board approval to renew the USA Trampoline and Tumbling contract for ten weeks, August 19-October 26. They will not have classes the last week of August during the Labor Day Holiday.

Steve updated the Board that USA Trampoline and Tumbling offered a summer session and they complied with all stipulations and met all the requirements. They are trying to rebuild the program again and recommended that the Board renew their contract for another session.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Kamp, to renew the USA Trampoline and Tumbling Contract for another session at the Community Center.

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

The Board reviewed the Budget and Revenue Reports for July 2002, which are annex #3 to these minutes.

Steve recommended the Board defer the McManus Park court improvement grant application until Spring, due to the other two grant applications that will be submitted for the Splash Landing water toys and the Discover the River Committee projects.

Greg Jager informed the Board that he is nickel and diming the Splash Landing Enterprise Account funds with legal fees and more tests.

Steve stated we would not know what our balance would be in the Splash Landing Enterprise Account with all these unknown charges.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Kamp, to defer the grant application for the McManus Park game court improvements until next Spring.

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

The Board reviewed the request from Kathy Clevinger to waive the rental fees at the Herbert D. Goettsch Community Center.

Steve distributed information on what the Miss National Pre-Teen program is about. He recommended the Board not approve waiving of fees for a private individual and enterprise due to the potential precedent that it could set.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Kamp, to accept the staff recommendation and not accept the request from Kathy Clevinger to waive the rental fees at the Community Center.

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

The special request from Kathy Clevinger and program information is annex #4 to these minutes.

Steve reported that a woman fell at the Life Fitness Center on the entrance sidewalk. The metal plate drains that run across the sidewalk are not stable and caused her fall. This has been the second incident so the maintenance staff has looked at getting the drains and sidewalk replaced.

Steve reported the cost to eliminate the drain going across the sidewalk and into the storm sewer will cost approximately $4,500 and the sidewalk replacement will cost approximately $5,580.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Hutter, to approve Resolution #53-02 authorizing staff to award a contract for the concrete sidewalk at the Life Fitness Center not to exceed $5,580.00

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

Resolution #53-02 is annex #5 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to approve replacing the drain system at the Life Fitness Center and not to exceed $4,500.

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

The Board reviewed a memo dated August 13, 2002 from Brad Peterson, which is annex #6 to these minutes. He recommended working on the drainage and restoration issues and holding off on the golf cart path repairs. The tile work quotes will be brought back to the September Board Meeting.

Steve recommended approving the cart path repairs behind #9 and the verti-drain airification on the holes specified in the memo.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Kamp, to approve the cart path replacement behind #9 at a cost not to exceed $4,262.40.

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

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Hutter, to approve Resolution #54-02, authorizing staff to award a contract for the verti-drain airification at a cost not to exceed $5,885.00.

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

Resolution #54-02 is annex #7 to these minutes.

Commissioner Makoben stated he would like to see more roping off of areas and restricting carts to the cart path in the problem areas on the golf course.

Chairman Adamson officially appointed an ad hoc committee for the Golf Course Club House Study. The members will be: Harvey Moore, Matt Mooney, Larry Makoben, Bob Glenn, Jon Waddell, Brad Peterson, and Steve Grimes.

Steve informed the Board that the next step would be to hire an architect to draw up a plan and cost estimate.

Steve reviewed change order #2 for the Splash Landing facility. The transformer needs to be relocated to the west side of the mechanical building with a pole to be set directly across the street from the Life Fitness Center and electrical service being brought to the transformer. This was necessary to provide three-phase power to the pool. With a deduct eliminating the painting of the interior concrete block in the mechanical building the cost of the change order totals $5,633.00.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Glenn, to adopt Resolution #52-02, approving change order #2 for Splash Landing.

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

Resolution #52-02 is annex #8 to these minutes.

Greg Jager informed the Board that he recommended sending the Proclamation to Celebrate the American Character to the City Council to adopt.

The Board accepted Greg Jager’s recommendation.

A copy of the proclamation is annex #9 to these minutes.

Commissioner Hutter requested removing item F from the consent agenda.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to remove item F from the consent agenda for discussion.

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

Commissioner Hutter wanted it made a matter of record that he did not attend the Joint City Council/Park Board meeting on July 1, 2002 and did not vote on the matter.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file the minutes of the Joint City Council/Park Board meeting and Resolution #42-02.

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

The minutes and Resolution #42-02 are annex #10 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to receive and file Gene Meer’s pool construction observation reports for the Splash Landing Project dated June 21, July 9, July 13, July 26, and August 3, 2002; and the Bandshell parking observation report dated August 3, 2002. The reports are annex #11 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to receive and file the Riverway Steering Committee meeting minutes for June 12, 2002. The minutes are annex #12 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to receive and file the Riverway Wayfinding Committee meeting minutes for June 19, 2002. The minutes are annex #13 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to receive and file the Bettendorf Park and Recreation Foundation meeting minutes and financial report for June 27 and June 30, 2002. The minutes and report are annex #14 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to receive and file the Bettendorf Trees Are Us Committee meeting minutes for July 10, 2002. The minutes are annex #15 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to receive and file the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce Business Report dated July 2002, regarding the Park Ambassador Program. The report is annex #16 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to receive and file the letter from Norm Doty, Tri-County Community Band Co-Manager. The letter is annex #17 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to approve the special event request from K & K Hardware to hold a kids fishing derby at the Middle Park Lagoon on September 8, 2002 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The special event request is annex #18 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to receive and file a letter submitted to Decker Ploehn dated July 13, 2002 regarding Meier Park and a copy of the response dated July 18, 2002 from the Director. The letters are annex #19 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to adopt Resolution #47-02, approving payment #3 in the amount of $56,700.00 to HomeTown Plumbing for work completed at Splash Landing through July 31, 2002. Resolution #47-02 is annex #20 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to adopt Resolution #48-02, approving payment #3 in the amount of $104,805 to General Constructors, Inc., for work completed at Splash Landing through July 31, 2002. Resolution #48-02 is annex #21 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to adopt Resolution #49-02, approving payment #3 to Hy-Brand Industrial Contractors, Ltd., in the amount of $23,006.47 for work completed at Splash Landing through July 23, 2002. Resolution #49-02 is annex #22 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to approve a request from Margie Martel, 320 Holmes Street, Bettendorf, for a memorial tree and plaque to be placed in Leach Park in honor of her mother. The request is annex #23 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to approve the special event request from Ron Foster, dated July 23, 2002, for permission to hold a softball tournament for Alcoholics Anonymous at Crow Creek Park fields #2 and #3 on September 21 and 22, 2002. The special request is annex #24 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to approve request from Ruth Hitch***** dated July 12, 2002 for permission to donate a swing bench and plaque in a Bettendorf Park. The request is annex #25 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to approve the special event request from Joyce Lee dated August 8, 2002 to hold a wedding at the Herbert D. Goettsch Community Center Gazebo on September 14, 2002. The special event request is annex #26 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to approve the special event request from John Truitt of the Quad City Senior Softball dated August 7, 2002, to use two to three ball fields in Crow Creek Park for a tournament the second weekend of May 2003. The special Event request is annex #27 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to adopt Resolution #50-02, approving payment to Burbach Aquatics in the amount of $66,420.90 for professional services on Phase III Basic Services at Splash Landing. Resolution #50-02 is annex #28 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Kamp, to adopt Resolution #51-02, approving payment to J.F. Brennan Company in the amount of $24,000 for dredging the boat dock area in Leach Park. Resolution #51-02 is annex #29 to these minutes.

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

Greg Jager updated the Board on the legal issues at Splash Landing. A mediator, William Mitchell, has been hired. He is the Chairman of Mediation, College of Law at St. Paul, and has been involved with two other pool construction disputes. His fee is $295 per hour including travel. This is being charged to the enterprise pool account. Mr. Mitchell is in the process of talking to the attorneys on the other side and hopes to have all discussions completed in September.

Greg also reported that he is working with members of AA for a new lease for use of the addition on the back of the Community Center. They would make a monthly rental payment. However, they have two concerns: (1) They have borrowed $3000 for the air conditioner and would like to have that paid off first. (2) They would like the Park Board to take over the ongoing maintenance of the air conditioner. Greg is looking into a five-year lease with two options to renew. Because it is more than a three-year lease, a public hearing is required. The public hearing can be held at the September Board Meeting. Members of the AA group will be present to address the Board.

Greg further reported that the Park Board owns the building. AA has operated and programmed the facility independently and they want the same privilege. The rent discussed is $100 a month plus the cost of utilities.

Commissioner Hutter complimented the Ambassador Program and hopes to see the program continue.

Commissioner Glenn has been on the Duck Creek Recreation Trail and reported that he is amazed at how much it is used by the general public.

Steve informed the Board that the date of August 25 for touring the Life Fitness Center would not work.

The Board requested the Director to submit dates for a tour of the Life Fitness Center and finalize at a later time.

Steve submitted a couple of handouts for the Board. (1) Davenport Valley Archers (2) Sports Summit Invitation to Board at no charge. These handouts are annex #30 to these minutes.

Commissioner Hutter stated that he has the contact name from Pepsi and will follow up on the Splash Landing issue and report back to the Board.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Makoben, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 pm.
Adamson (Chairman)

Kamp (Vice Chairman)