Bettendorf Park Board Minutes 9/09/02

MINUTES
BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 2002

The Bettendorf Park Board held a special meeting on September 9, 2002 in the Canteen Room at 4:00 pm at the Herbert D. Goettsch Community Center.

Present: Adamson, Kamp, Glenn, and Hutter
Absent: Makoben

Stu Smith reviewed the monthly park maintenance report, which is annex #1 to these minutes.

Stu explained that the Band Shell roadway is to grade and the rock is in place. The construction company is on hold until the Board decides what to do with 25th Street.

Stu reported that Pleasant Valley held their invitational cross-country meet at Crow Creek Park this past Saturday. There were 12 schools participating. Everyone likes the course and commented that it is very tough. The cross-country trail was highlighted in the "Runners World Magazine" and the hill near Tanglewood Road is called “The Exterminator”. Stu informed the Board that the course is in very rough shape because of the heavy use. The Mac Conference will be held at the site on October 17.

Stu also reported that parking is a problem in Crow Creek Park and there are not enough restrooms to handle the amount of people that attend these events. Stu also suggested looking into the concession contract next year to determine if it is worth having the concession or allow Youth Baseball and other groups utilizing the facility to have concessions for their fund raisers.

The Board discussed having a traffic count into Crow Creek Park to justify getting another access into and out of the park from Tanglewood Road.

Brad Peterson reviewed the golf course monthly report, which is annex #2 to these minutes.

Brad reviewed the time line draft for the 11th hole project. The planned date for the bid opening is October 9, 2002 at 2:00 pm.

Brad informed the Board that he did not receive the proposals for the 600 feet of drain tile for holes #2, #3, #5, #6 and #8. He should have them by the Wednesday Board Meeting and requested Board approval after review of the bids.

The Board reviewed Jon Waddell’s monthly golf course administration report, which is annex #3 to these minutes.

Commissioner Hutter asked Brad Peterson if someone checks the golf course daily for vandalism or any damages, as reported in Jon Waddell’s report.

Brad explained that the majority of the work is completed on the golf course in the early morning and everything reported and other repairs are made at that time. The sand traps are maintained daily and pins and tee markers are moved daily.

The Board reviewed Rita VanWetzinga’s monthly recreation report, which is annex #4 to these minutes.

Chairman Adamson stated that the improvements to the Life Fitness Center are very nice.

Steve Grimes stated that the staff put in a lot of work on the Life Fitness Center improvements. The staff included Rita, Tracy, Liz, Kevin and some part time staff. They worked very hard to get the facility cleaned up and renovated and should receive recognition for a job well done.

Steve Grimes' monthly administration report is annex #5 to these minutes.

The Board reviewed the staff’s options for restriction of access to the 25th Street area at the Middle Park Bandshell.

Commissioner Glenn would like to see a traffic count to see the amount of traffic that goes through this area and the times of the day.

Stu stated that the contractor would not proceed with the paving project at the Bandshell until the Board makes a decision on any changes.

The Board stated to go ahead and finish the project according to the original design. The Board will budget for the changes, whenever they can get the funding, to restrict the access to the 25th Street area.

Commissioner Hutter stated that speed humps is a good idea to slow the traffic down within the park and still be able to plow snow.

The Board would like to see traffic counts and times as soon as the parking lot is completed.

Steve informed the Board that there is $50,000 in the Capital Improvement Budget for the Golf Course ClubHouse design and cost estimates. The direction is that we are looking at a new facility in the same area as the old facility. We may be looking at operating out of a trailer for one year. The ad hoc committee recommended Tim Downing, Architect, to complete the feasibility study which includes preliminary drawings and cost estimates at a cost of $17,000.

On motion by Kamp, seconded by Glenn, to prepare a Resolution to accept Tim Downing's proposal to complete the preliminary drawings and cost estimates for a new ClubHouse at Palmer Hills Golf Course at a cost not to exceed $17,000.

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

Monty Yegge reviewed the draft enterprise balances received from the Finance Department, which is annex #6 to these minutes.

The Board requested Monty provide a simplified report explaining the enterprise balances for the Wednesday Board Meeting.

Commissioner Hutter stated that he has not gotten a hold of Pepsi Cola regarding the logo on the bottom of the pool. He had some concerns about how much it should be worth and whether or not a proposal should be written to go out to other vendors.

Commissioner Kamp expressed his concerned about the cost of attorney fees for Splash Landing. What type of money is it possible to get back? Are we going to spend a lot more money than we will get back?

Steve recommended we review those questions at the Wednesday Board meeting when Greg Jager is present.

Steve reviewed hosting an Iowa Park and Recreation Workshop in 2004. The attendance for a fall workshop is approximately 85 people. A proposal needs to be written; facilities contacted; tours set up; and a golf outing. The golf outing is a fundraiser. Golf would need to be offered at a reduced rate. The workshop would be in September on a weekday. The golf season has slowed down by then.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Glenn, to authorize staff to prepare a proposal to bid on the IPRA Fall Workshop in 2004 and waive the green fees and charge the normal fee for the golf carts.

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

Information from IPRA is annex #7 to these minutes.

Steve explained that he was looking for direction from the Board on 80 acres of proposed housing development located north of 53rd Street and west of Middle Road. One of the Board’s long range planning goals is to acquire green space in new developments. This development will contain about 135 lots. Mel Foster Realty owns the property. They are only interested in donating the detention basin. Steve further explained that he has not discussed price, but is looking at two additional lots that would enhance a potential park site.

Commissioner Hutter stated that he would like to see an 80-acre park around Interstate 80 for a major park.

The Board authorized Steve to pursue getting the information on property for a neighborhood park in the new housing development.

Chairman Adamson stated he would be willing to go with Steve to get the information on acquiring the property.

On motion by Hutter, seconded by Kamp, the meeting was adjourned at 5:05 pm.

Adamson (Chairman)

Kamp (Vice Chairman)