McManus Park upgrade outlined
MINUTES of BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
NOVEMBER 14, 2001
The Bettendorf Park Board held their regular meeting on November 14, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the Canteen Room at the Herbert D. Goettsch Community Center.
Present: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Absent: None
Chairman Hutter opened the meeting to anyone present to address the Board regarding any item of interest that does not appear on the agenda.
Pat Boyle, 2513 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport, presented a petition with 226 signatures requesting to ride their bikes on the ramps at the Skate Park. There are no other outdoor facilities available for bikes to ride. A lot of people are getting into trouble riding on private property. The ramps should be available to bikes and not just roller blades and skateboards. The skate parks all over the country have discriminated against bikes and they would like to have equal rights to use the facility in Crow Creek Park.
Commissioner Kamp asked their opinion on allowing bikes, but not pegs.
Pat Boyle stated that the pegs should not hurt the ramps, but it would be better than nothing.
Commissioner Adamson asked if the bikers and skateboarders could use the facility at the same times.
Commissioner Kamp stated that we would have to schedule different times.
Chairman Hutter asked Pat Boyle if he had addressed the City of Davenport.
Pat Boyle stated that he had. He did indicate that most of the signatures on the petition were from Bettendorf. The petition does not have any addresses listed.
Chairman Hutter stated that the swimming pool in Bettendorf is our priority at this time and we are not looking at any new projects.
Joe Boyle, 2513 Wilkes Avenue, Davenport, brother of Pat Boyle, stated that the facility located in Crow Creek Park now is usable.
Chairman Hutter stated that since this item is not on the agenda, no action would be taken tonight.
On motion by Kamp, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file the petition from the bikers of Iowa.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None
The petition is annex #1 to these minutes.
There was no one else present to address the Board regarding items not on the agenda.
Lee Lohman, representing Lohman Brothers, was presented a plaque in appreciation to the contribution toward the Duck Creek Recreation Trail.
On motion by Kamp, seconded by Makoben, that the minutes of the special meetings held on October 9 and October 22, 2001, and the regular meeting held on October 10, 2001, be approved and placed on file for future reference.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, 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: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None
A list of the bills is annex #2 to these minutes.
Ellen Bennett and Cecilia Barnes from the Junior League of the Quad Cities were present to update the Board on the changes to the playground plan and on their fundraising efforts. The Junior League has raised all but $76,000 of their $200,000 goal. They presented a layout of their plan, which is annex #3 to these minutes.
The rubberized playground surface is in the shape of a rocket. The ramping and surface is the most expensive part of the project. The equipment cost was $112,000, surface $68,000, materials under the surface $5,000, and other components of project consist of landscaping, park benches, and signs.
They updated the Board on all organizations that contributed to their project.
Ms. Bennett stated that the supplier of the equipment, Outdoor Recreation, wants to do something before the end of the year and has offered a $14,000 discount. We would have to store the equipment until Spring. We have to purchase the equipment before the end of January anyway, to get the equipment at the price quoted.
Commissioner Makoben requested they find out how much space they need for storage.
Ms. Bennett stated then they would have to move the equipment again and that would be an additional cost. The equipment is suppose to fit in two-semi truck trailers and it can be stored outside, but would need to be in a secured area.
Chairman Hutter stated that he would contact Mack Truck to see if they would donate two truck trailers.
Ms. Bennett informed the Board that two signs have been placed in McManus Park, announcing that the new playground is going to be installed next Spring and listed the organizations who have given money to the project.
Ms. Bennett explained that installation would take place in late April or early May and it would be a three twelve-hour day volunteer project.
Martin Bundy was not able to attend the meeting. He was requesting Board consideration to set aside land for a BMX Dirt Bike Track. A copy of the proposal for the use of City owned land for the construction and operation of a BMX Racing Park is annex #4 to these minutes.
Chairman Hutter asked Greg Jager, if we allow bikes to use the skate park, how would that affect the liability insurance coverage?
Greg Jager presented a hand out with the information regarding Chairman Hutterís question, which is annex #5 to these minutes. The cityís exemption from liability for skateboarders and in-line skaters does not extend to bikers.
Chairman Hutter stated if the Board allows bikers on the skate park, this will increase our liability.
Commissioner Kamp stated that the survey in the parks in Iowa showed some communities allowing bikes on Skate Parks at certain times. How are they handling the liability issue? Is it a Park Board decision to open the Skate Park to bikers?
Steve explained that the State provides additional protection for roller bladers and skate- boarders at Skate Parks. Itís not to say other facilities cannot be built. It is the Park Boardís decision to allow or not allow bikes at the Skate Park.
Commissioner Kamp stated that the Skate Park equipment has a ten-year warranty. The bikes would cause additional wear and tear and the maintenance department would have to provide more upkeep on the equipment.
Chairman Hutter stated after reading the material Greg Jager provided and knowing what our budget concerns are, this is not the time to expand our facilities.
Steve stated that on December 5 a Skate Park Committee Meeting will be held to discuss issues, concerns and problems. The bikers' request will be brought up at that time to discuss with the committee. A report will be brought back to the Park Board at the next Board Meeting.
On motion by Makoben, seconded by Glenn, to write a letter to Martin Bundy and thank him for his interest and inform him that the Board is not looking into any new projects, at this time.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None
The Board reviewed the enterprise account balances. The reports submitted through June 30, 2001, is annex #6 to these minutes.
The Board stated that they want more up to date reports on the enterprise accounts. It is the fourth month of the new fiscal year and there are no reports for the current year.
Steve reported that the enterprise accounts are at the discretion of the Park Board. If the Board wants to move funds from the Life Fitness Center to the pool or golf course, the Board has that flexibility. There is no legal responsibility to repay the enterprise fund, but Steve feels this should be done. The question was if there are short falls in one of the enterprise funds, where would subsidy come from. The Board has the flexibility to move Capital Improvement funds, also.
The Board decided they would rather reprioritize the Capital Improvement Program to take care of any short falls, if needed, than transfer funds from the different enterprise accounts.
Steve explained that the Board had asked about repayment of the $700,000 loan before paying on the gaming money to cut down on the interest. The approximate interest on paying back the loan in ten years is $165,000. The approximate interest on paying back the loan in four years is $75,000. We donít know what the exact interest rate would be until the bond is issued. Another option is to take out more funds from the Capital Improvement Program and pay the loan off quicker. It will be difficult to put off everything in the Capital Improvement Program, but Steve felt the loan could be repaid within three to four years. This would have to be approved by the City Council and after their approval they would have to hold a Public Hearing.
The Board requested Steve talk to Carol further and come back to the Board with a recommendation for repayment of the $700,000 pool loan out of the Capital Improvement Program.
On motion by Makoben, seconded by Glenn, to receive and file the budget and revenue updates for October 2001.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None
The budget and revenue reports are annex #7 to these minutes.
Steve reported that no bids were received for the addition to the Golf Course Maintenance building and recommended re-bidding the project. Three general contractors picked up the plans. Brad tried calling them to ask why they did not submit a bid and got a hold of only one of them. They indicated they thought the bids were due on November 15, and were interested in submitting a bid.
The Board approved re-bidding of the golf course maintenance addition.
Steve reported that the Community Development Department referred plans to us on property in the wooded area on the north side of Sunnycrest Park. A developer would like to build senior housing with 18-24 units. There is only one issue, on the south side of the property or north side of the park is an old alley easement. The city does not have any plans to do anything with it. The developer may request to use that easement to develop an area to redirect the water run off. This will carry the water out to the storm sewer and should be an improvement to the park.
The Board requested Steve stay on top of this to make sure there is no negative impact to the park.
The following items appeared on the consent agenda and were enacted by one motion:
On motion by Kamp, seconded by Adamson, to approve the Special Event Request from the Bettendorf High School After Prom Event to set up on May 11, 2002, and event hours to be from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) until 4:00 a.m. This request is only if Duck Creek Mall would not be available. Special Event Request is annex #8 to these minutes.
On motion by Kamp, seconded by Adamson, to receive and file the information from the Junior League of the Quad Cities regarding the special needs playground that will be installed in McManus Park. The information is annex #9 to these minutes.
On motion by Kamp, seconded by Adamson, to receive and file the Bettendorf Trees Are Us Committee minutes for September 19 and September 26, 2001. The minutes are annex #10 to these minutes.
On motion by Kamp, seconded by Adamson, to receive and file the Bettendorf Park and Recreation Foundation Financial Report through September 30, 2001. Financial Report is annex #11 to these minutes.
On motion by Kamp, seconded by Adamson, to adopt Resolution #46-01, approving payment to the Pleasant Valley Community Schools for the High School Tennis Court project. Resolution #46-01 is annex #12 to these minutes.
On motion by Kamp, seconded by Adamson, to approve the Special Event Request from Girl Scout Troop 2922 to hold a babysitting fundraiser event at the Community Center on December 1 and 8, 2001. Special Event Request is annex #13 to these minutes.
On motion by Kamp, seconded by Adamson, to approve the Request from Boy Scout Troup Leader, Mike Goettsch, for an overnight at the Community Center on December 14, 2001. Special Event Request is annex #14 to these minutes.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None
The Board requested Greg Jager give a brief overview of what is going on with Splash Landing.
Greg Jager stated that he is reviewing all the documentation from the last 15 months, which is very extensive. There are numerous correspondences, lab reports and two consultant firmís detailed reports. Both consulting firms indicated that there were water clarity problems and found both DE and paint components in the water.
Greg further explained that another attorney, Paul Massek, is assisting in this case. Decker Ploehn requested checking to see if there is any person in the country that has pool and engineering experience to double check all the materials to see if there is anything we may have over looked.
Paul Loete from Missman, Stanley and Associates will describe how the filter system works on videotape because the system will be destroyed when it is replaced.
All parties will be put on notice that the pool will be replaced and evidence will be destroyed. This matter will first have to go to non-binding mediation.
Commissioner Adamson asked if the design issues contributed to the poolís problems.
Greg stated that there are issues with the design, but did not want to discuss them outside an executive session.
Greg stated that he wants to try and figure out a way to uncover whatever evidence there may be to help us find out what happened. According to a letter from the general contractor, Hillebrand Construction, only $200,000 of the renovation funding was used in the original pool vessel and filter house. The majority of the money was put into improvements that are usable in the next renovation.
Chairman Hutter thanked Greg Jager for the time being spent on this and hopes to come to a conclusion that the Board will be happy with.
Commissioner Glenn informed the Board that he has been taking his grandson to the various playgrounds and feels the new playground planned for McManus Park will be an asset for the very young children.
Commissioner Kamp reminded the Board members that a Skate Park Committee meeting would be held on December 5 at the Community Center at 7:00 p.m. He will report back to the Board at the December meeting.
Chairman Hutter stated that he received many good remarks about the Skate Park being one of the good things the Park Board has done. He thanked Commissioner Kamp for his work on the committee.
Commissioner Adamson asked Greg Jager how the acquisition of property was moving along on the riverfront.
Greg stated that he was down to only four more properties to acquire.
Chairman Hutter asked if the Mayor had appointed a Council member to sit on the Y and Park Committee.
Steve informed the Board that the new Council Member, Tim Stecker, was appointed to represent the City Council.
On motion by Makoben, seconded by Kamp, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
