Bettendorf Park Board Minutes 6/8/04

MINUTES OF BETTENDORF PARK BOARD SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 8, 2004

The Bettendorf Park Board held a special meeting on June 8, 2004 at 4:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

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

Stu Smith reviewed the park maintenance monthly report, which is annex #1 to these minutes. He reviewed the bids for the mower and tractor that will be purchased in July and funded under vehicle replacement. The Board will approve the low bids for the equipment by resolution at the Wednesday Board Meeting. A copy of the bid tabulation is annex #2 to these minutes.

Rita VanWetzinga reviewed the recreation monthly report, which is annex #3 to these minutes. She requested Board approval to enter into an agreement with Jim Pea***** to draw up the specifications for the nursery addition at the Life Fitness Center. The nursery has inadequate space and is a service that is provided to the members year round. Mr. Pea***** recommended bidding the project out in January in hopes to get a better price and complete the addition in July 2005.

Commissioner Makoben suggested looking into building the addition sooner than next July.

Chairman Kamp asked what the results have been from the survey sent to the members that did not renew their memberships.

Rita reported that most of the surveys indicated they moved, some said they would join in the Fall, others said they joined other clubs, and others said they were waiting to see what other options will be available in the Fall. There were no negative comments made about the facility.

Rita also reported that 808 coupon sheets were sold for Splash Landing. That is 4,040 paid admissions and 808 free admissions. This is somewhat higher than what was sold last year.

Commissioner Glenn asked if the drain problem was resolved at Splash Landing.

Rita reported that it has not been resolved. Pool Tech was unable to clear the line and will come back in the fall to repair it. They will have to go down through the deck. This will not effect the operation of the pool, but will have to be repaired before the pool can be winterized.

Brad Peterson reviewed the golf maintenance monthly report, which is annex #4 to these minutes. Brad reported that the heavy rains brought Stafford Creek out of its banks a couple of times causing a lot of debris that needed to be cleaned up along the banks. He feels that the crossing at the stream by #11 tee needs to be addressed soon. That crossing was supposed to be temporary for construction equipment and has been used for 30 years. The more development there is means that much more water being brought through the golf course.

Commissioner Makoben asked if the storm water funds could be used to address some of the problems with the creek at the golf course.

Steve Grimes stated that he does not know if there are storm water funds for the golf course, but would check into it.

Steve Grimes informed the Board that he requested Brad get a couple of proposals to do the 10th hole improvements, which includes a holding pond, and spillway to number 10 green and replace the bridge to #11 green.

The Board reviewed Jon Waddellís monthly golf administration report, which is annex #5 to these minutes.

Steve Grimes reviewed the administration monthly report, which is annex #6 to these minutes. Steve informed the Board that there are changes to the Wednesday Agenda: Charles DeCamp will be present to address the Board requesting use of the Bandshell for the 5th Army Band Reunion concert and to waive the fees. The Eagle Scout, Nick Borcherding, will not be attending the meeting and will reschedule next month.

Steve Grimes informed the Board that the Y/Park Joint Committee held a meeting today and presented an agreement and other materials that were reviewed during the meeting. The agreement is a draft that Greg Jager, City Attorney, put together. The joint committee would be made of two different groups: Steering and Program Committee. There are a number of concerns for potential duplication. This agreement would try to enhance communication and minimize duplication. It is an agreement to strictly develop the two committees. This information is annex #7 to these minutes.

Commissioner Glenn expressed his concerns and thought there should be a meeting with the staff before meeting with the Y people and wanted to know what the rush is for approving the agreement. He also would like the whole Board to make the decisions and not the two Board members on the committee.

Steve Grimes explained that the intent of the agreement is to set the tone for cooperation. Once the policies are made, the staff carries out the policies. The agreement is showing a spirit of cooperation of what the two facilities are doing. We are not committing to any specific areas.

Rita explained that she would like to know what the Park Boardís goal is with the agreement and what direction we are going.

Commissioner Makoben requested Rita come up with a list of the duplicated programs that are being offered.

The Board requested Steve Grimes set up a meeting with Commissionerís Glenn and Makoben and City Councilman Stecker with the staff before the next Park Board meeting in July and bring back the agreement to the July Board meeting.

Steve Grimes informed the Board that the Community Center has approximately $125,000 in capital improvement funds for fiscal year 2004/2005. A list of potential improvements to the facility was submitted to the Board to prioritize. Some of the costs for the improvements were not available at this time.

The Board decided to table further discussion and will tour the Community Center on July 8, 2004 at 3:00 pm, prior to the Board meeting held at 4:00 pm. The list of improvements will be placed on the July 8 agenda.

The meeting was adjourned on motion by Makoben at 4:45 pm.

Kamp (Chairman)

Makoben (Vice Chairman)