Bettendorf Park Board Minutes 1/14/04

The Bettendorf Park Board held a regular meeting on January 14, 2004 at City Hall in the Council Chambers at 7:00 pm.

Present: Kamp, Makoben, Beckman, Gackle, and Glenn
Absent: None

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

Joy Kelly, 5303 Mayfield Drive, was present to address the Board. She presented a handout, which is annex #1 to these minutes. She requested the Board review the fees and consider family passes for the use of Splash Landing.

Chairman Kamp informed Mrs. Kelly that there is a $1.00 reduced rate in the evenings at Splash Landing. Also, the rates were based on operating expenses not by tax dollars.

On motion by Beckman, seconded by Glenn, that the minutes of the special meeting held on December 9, 2003 and the regular meeting held on December 10, 2003 be approved and placed on file for future reference.

Roll call on motion: Ayes: Kamp, Makoben, Beckman, Gackle, and Glenn
Nays: None

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Beckman, 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: Kamp, Makoben, Beckman, Gackle, and Glenn
Nays: None

A list of the bills is annex #2 to these minutes.

The December financial reports are annex #3 to these minutes.

Commissioner Makoben informed the staff of the good job on the 2002/2003 final reports.

Steve Grimes explained that the Field Sike project was placed on the agenda again to try and get a decision on what direction the Board wants to go with the project. Sandy Doran from Shive Hattery and Wayne Peterson from the Natural Resources Conservation Services were present to review the project and answer questions from the homeowners that live in the area. Wally Mook, Public Works Director, was also present. Bob Sheets, State Wildlife Biologist, also submitted a letter concerning the project.

Mr. Peterson reviewed a slide presentation. The key point of this project is to stabilize the banks along the creek. It is his opinion the prairie system is the best way to improve the soil and water quality and help control the down cutting in the creek banks. It is also his opinion, that the wooded banks do not do the job. He feels the community will be asked to control their own water management lot by lot in the future. It is his hope that the public will construct prairie management systems. The Field Sike project will provide stream stabilization, water quality, an educational opportunity for the city, and protect the wildlife habitat. The wildlife habitat will shift during the project, but there will be a wildlife habitat when the project is completed.

Jeff Jollay, 6467 Eagle Ridge Road, expressed his concerns about tearing out all the trees. He felt Mr. Petersonís opinion was in the minority for use of prairie systems rather than planting trees. There are also grasses that will survive with shade. He also stated that the wildlife habitat would lose one generation. It is unknown if the wildlife habitat will come back.

Jim Bradley, 6471 Eagle Ridge Road, requested the Board take another look at the project concerning the trees. He felt if this is going to be a first time educational project, it should be something the city is proud of, instead of a broad open space.

Bruce Norton, 6489 Eagle Ridge Road, presented pictures of his neighborhood and how the removal of the trees would affect it. He was concerned on how the water quality would be improved, since the improvements were only taking place on one side of the creek on a very small section. He felt there were more critical erosion areas within the city that this funding could be used for. The majority of the neighbors do not want this project. The park and the bike trail can be constructed without taking out trees.

Jerry Neff , informed the Board that he is the President of the Sierra Club and is interested when something is going on that effects the environment . He is familiar with the area and feels this would be a good project for the neighborhood and community. He believes in the prairie grass concepts. Most of the residents in the area spend a lot of money on their yards. The chemicals drain into the stream. He feels the wildlife will come back after the project is completed. He would like to see a compromise to save more trees, but agrees with the plan for the project.

Leanne Tyler, 6551 Eagle Ridge Road, stated her concerns about the loss of trees. She has seven bald eagles that visit her yard. She also stated her concerns about the bike trail increasing crime.

Paul Viner, District Conservationist, stated he is called to deal with erosion control when it has become a problem. The development is going on and nothing is being done to control the erosion. This will be a long-term benefit for the neighborhood. The stream is down cutting. It can be lived with now, but as further development goes on, it will be a problem. That is the advantage of doing this project now. This project will be a prototype for Iowa.

Ellen Kelley, 3445 Oakory Lane, informed the Board that she is a Member of the Trees Are Us Committee since 1998 and is committed to planting of trees. She is also a master gardener, member of the tree steward program, Scott County Planning and Zoning Commission, and wrote the booklet identifying the ìTrees In Bettendorfî. She has walked the greenway and made the following observations: The trees that will be removed are fast growing and not the most desirable trees. There is drain tile running down from homes into the streams. Erosion is occurring along the banks. She sees this project as an opportunity for the residents, community, and the environment. Erosion is not a problem to the residents at the present time, but problems do exist and they will become worse. She feels the project will increase the property values by increasing the esthetic values. This is also an opportunity to plant other trees. Homeowners can plant trees on their own properties that would screen and help with the noise from the interstate. This project will provide an additional park and recreation area and will demonstrate the best water shed practices. It will be good for the citizens, the city of Bettendorf, and property owners. She urged the Park Board to do the right thing environmentally along the creek.

Karen Peterson, 6581 Eagle Ridge Road, informed the Board that her property backs up to the creek. She stated that they would not have any control over these watersheds and we need to take control of what we can now. The Field Sike project has some merit. She requested more of a compromise with the trees.

Jeff Jollay stated that the builders have informed them that their property values will go down. The wooded lots increased the value of their property. No one is against the park area. The neighborhood would like the Park Board to wait until development starts on the other side of the creek, before the bike trail is constructed. They would like to have some assurance on that part of the project. He contacted DNR regarding the funding and was told that the grant could be used for other parts of this project and that the Board has two years to spend it. According to the agreement with the developer, the park needs to be completed in 2008 and the recreation trail in 2013.

Steve explained that the project would have to be rescored and perhaps the Board could lose the grant. There is $350,000 for this project. There are plans for additional fund raising. We are only short $20,000 for doing the entire project. However, these are cost estimates. Perhaps we will be able to do the complete project, depending on how the bids come back.

Jeff Jollay further stated that he counted 1,050 trees that are 8 foot or taller. Only 170 of these trees will be saved. He does not feel that is a compromise. He does not understand why the Park Board is not working with them.

Commissioner Glenn stated that he felt the project was a good one when it started. However, he does not support it due to the comments received at the hearings. He recommended investigating turning the property over to the neighbors.

Commissioner Makoben stated that we have completed a lot of projects and have had concerns from residents; such as, Hollowview Park, Ed Scheck Park, and the Skate Park. The Board needs to think about the benefit to the whole city. He would like to proceed with the adoption of the resolution to approve the plans and specifications.

Commissioner Glenn stated that he would like to look at other areas where we need parks. This neighborhood is close to Crow Creek Park.

Chairman Kamp stated that we need to listen to our residents, but we also need to look at the community as a whole and in the future. What we donít do now could effect us later. He feels it is important to do these things now. Regarding the trees, this may not be determined until the project is awarded and the work has begun. But, they will be informed to keep what trees can be saved.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Gackle, to adopt Resolution #2-04 approving the plans, specifications, and form of contract for the development of Field Sike Park and Greenway Areas.

Roll call on motion: Ayes: Kamp, Makoben, and Gackle
Nays: Beckman and Glenn

Resolution #2-04 is annex #4 to these minutes.

The Board discussed the press release regarding the upcoming REAP meetings. The press release is annex #5 to these minutes.

Commissionerís Glenn and Makoben will attend one of the REAP meetings in Maquoketa on February 18, 2004 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

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

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to receive and file the Trees Are Us minutes dated November 5, 2003. The minutes are annex #6 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to receive and file the letter dated December 16, 2003 from Mid American Energy informing the Board that the Trees Are Us Committee received a $1,000 grant. The letter is annex #7 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to receive and file a letter from Mark Peterson, 6581 Eagle Ridge Road, dated December 17, 2003 expressing support of Field Sike Greenway and Detention Area Improvement Project. The letter is annex #8 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to receive and file a letter from Bob Sheets, State Wildlife Biologist, dated December 30, 2003 regarding wildlife related observations near the proposed Field Sike development project. The letter is annex #9 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to approve the Special Event application from Marcus Wood to hold his annual soccer camp on the 23rd Street fields in Middle Park June 7-10, June 14-17, and July 26-29, 2004 from 10:00 am. to 12:00 pm. The Special Event application is annex #10 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to approve the Special Event application from Grace Lutheran Church to use the Middle Park Lagoon shelter on Sundays from June 6 through August 29, 2004 for their worship services from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm at a reduced fee. The Special Event application is annex #11 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to approve the Special Event application from Christís Family Church to use the Bandshell shelter and stage on July 11, 2004. The Special Event application is annex #12 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to receive and file the 2002/2003 Final Parks and Recreation Reports. The reports are on file in the administrative office.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to adopt Resolution #01-04, approving sponsorship status to the Bettendorf Parks and Recreation Foundation, the 4th of July Committee, the Bettendorf Trees Are Us Committee, and the Bettendorf Park Board Band Foundation. Resolution #-1-04 is annex #13 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to adopt Resolution #03-04, approving revised Special Event Policy. Resolution #03-04 is annex #14 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to approve the Special Event application from Modern Woodmen of America for an employee picnic at the Bandshell Shelter July 17, 2004. The Special Event application is annex #15 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to approve the Special Event application from Andrea Johannsen of CPC Pregnancy Resources to hold a walk-a-thon at the Bandshell shelter, stage and recreation trail on September 11, 2004, waiving fees. The Special Event application is annex #16 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to approve the Special Event application from MS for a walk on Sunday, May 2, 2004 at the Bandshell shelter. The Special Event application is annex #17 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to approve the request from the Quad City Law Enforcement Association to hold a golf outing at Palmer Hills Golf Course on June 18, 2004. The request is annex #18 to these minutes.

On motion by Glenn, seconded by Beckman, to approve the Special Event Application from Moline Parks and Recreation to use the Crow Creek Park Softball Complex for the Girls 12 and under ASA National Fastpitch Tournament, August 3-6, 2004, from 8 am to 10 p.m. The Special Event application is annex #19 to these minutes.

Roll call on motion: Ayes: Kamp, Makoben, Beckman, Gackle, and Glenn
Nays: None

Commissioner Beckman asked how Joy Kellyís request for review of Splash Landing fees and passes would be handled.

This item will be placed on the February agenda.

Commissioner Glenn stated his concerns about the Director and staff being moved from the Herbert D. Goettsch Community Center to City Hall. It takes the identity away. It was much easier for registrations and reservations at the Community Center. He felt it would become more of a burden on the staff, also. The parking may become an issue at City Hall. He feels it will in the end cost more money. He would like to see the Park Board move our staff back to the Community Center.

Steve Grimes stated that there are some concerns about accommodating our citizens. It is a change that we donít have all the answers. We hope we can serve our citizens at City Hall and hope the Community Center will serve our citizens as well.

Steve Grimes reported that the staff would be working on revising the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program. This will be put together in the next week and will be mailed to the Board members and placed on the February Agenda for discussion.

On motion by Makoben, seconded by Gackle, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.
Kamp (Chairman)

Makoben (Vice Chairman)