MINUTES
MARION PARK BOARD
August 8, 2007
4:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Terry Speral, Charles Kress, Ed Begley
STAFF: Richard Fox, Mike Carolan, Karlene Hummel, Pat Carlson
MINUTES:The minutes of the July 11, 2007 meeting were corrected and placed on file
FINANCIAL REPORT: The June Financial Report (year end) report was reviewed. It was noted expenses stayed within budget and revenues were over estimates.
PURCHASE ORDERS: The July Purchase Order Report was reviewed and placed on file.
Arts & Environment Alcohol Requests
Two requests for alcohol were reviewed and approved.
Cemetery Mowing
The contractor for cemetery mowing submitted a request to increase the mowing fees. The original bids for the cemetery mowing contract were reviewed and it was noted the request for the fee increase would still be less than the next highest bid. It was motioned by Ed Begley and seconded by Terry Speral to increase the mowing fees effective immediately. Motion carried.
Arts & Environment Center Maintenance Contract
Bids were received on the maintenance of the heating and cooling equipment from Modern Piping and Bowker Mechanical. Although Bowker provided the lower bid, some of the items that Modern Piping was including were not in the Bowker bid. Based on the extra items included and our past experience with Modern Piping, we are recommending the bid from Modern Piping be approved. It was motioned by Charles Kress and seconded by Terry Speral to award the bid to Modern Piping. Motion carried.
Request for Hours Extension
Richard reported Mark Cole had contacted him about the possibility of extending the hours for the Arts and Environment Center to midnight for their 25th class reunion scheduled for August 9, 2008. They also asked about the possibility of having music outside. They are renting the complete facility for $400. After discussion it was motioned by Terry Speral and seconded by Ed Begley to approve the request to be in the building until midnight, however, the band must be inside by 9:30 P.M. Motion carried.
Replacement Playground Equipment
Mike Carolan presented information on the budgeted replacement of playground equipment for Willow Park. Six quotes were obtained with three of the quotes presented to the board. It was motioned by Charles Kress and seconded by Terry Speral to accept the bid from Boland Recreation for replacement swings and slide in the amount of $7,150 from Boland Recreation. An Adventure Climber was available from only one source. It was motioned by Terry Speral and seconded by Ed Begley to approve the purchase of that equipment in the amount of $2,451 from Midwest Sales Company. A Tilted Sky Runner is also being purchased for Willow Park. There was only one source available for that item. It was motioned by Charles Kress and seconded by Terry Speral to purchase that item from Premier Recreation in the amount of $2,360. Motion carried. Mike reported the balance in the Equipment Reserve account for playground equipment is $4,039.
Other
Karlene reported that was an accident at the swimming pool involving a 10 year old that fell off the high dive. After discussion about the diving board and the sharing of information about other swimming pools and their placement of high dives, it was recommended by Charles Kress and seconded by Ed Begley to remove the high diving board at the swimming pool. Motion carried.
Recreation/Aquatics
Karlene provided copies of the Arts Council revised schedule which outlines classes through August 2009. Arts Council meeting minutes were also distributed. The Art Council continues to meet two times per month. Crayon Art is the next scheduled exhibit for the Arts Council. Karlene distributed pool reports which indicate attendance is down with swim lesson participation showing an increase. She reported she has a great staff working for her this summer. The pool will close for the season on August 26th. The baseball/softball season is over. Overall we had good comments about the programs the excellent maintenance of the ball diamonds. Football registration ends on August 10th with the games starting on September 15th.
Park Operations
Mike reported mowing and trimming of park land continues. The mowers are holding up well. Due to the recent storms a lot of time was spent cleaning up tree debris. There were 46 trees with major damage. The department is still finding hangers in trees. Approximately 300 man-hours was spent in clean up from the storm. The caboose At City Park was painted and the deck was also stripped and painted. Everett was in charge of that project and did an excellent job getting the work accomplished. Mike reported there is a clover issue on the turf area at Lowe. Approximately 1,000 gallons of 2-4 D was applied in an effort to control the problem. There was damage to the Boyson Trail. Lime was hauled to the site to fill the washouts. Park staff has started working on the scheduled project for the dugouts at the upper diamond at Starry. Concrete slabs are going to be poured. There was also storm damage at the Starry Diamonds with a dugout roof being blown off. The split rail fence and playground equipment was painted at Donnelly Park. Sub grading has been done at Donnelly Park for the installation of the new pavilion at Donnelly Park. The pavilion is scheduled to arrive at the end of next week. Park crew is also getting Willow Park for the installation of new playground equipment. There are some drainage issues at Lowe Park ball diamond #1 which will be addressed. Dan Urban is retiring after 35 years with the Parks Department. His retirement date is September 14th; however his last official day to work is August 22nd. Mike Cimprich, a seasonal employee for the last four years, has left to take a job with the DNR.
Director Report
Richard reported the REAP grant to request funds for bridges at Krumholtz Woods is scheduled to be mailed out this week. The budget process is just around the corner. Richard also reported that 99% of the comments about the ball games held at Lowe Park were positive. There are some issues with parking and walking through mud to get to the diamonds that need to be addressed. LinnMar had 19 teams this season and is looking to add more teams for next season. The Arts & Environment Center is steadily being used. There are some issues with cooling on the west side of the building. The fountain pump at the center had to be replaced which was covered under warranty. There are some issues with the handicap door on the west side of the building. Prices are being solicited for more lighting for the entrance to the building. There were some large trees at the cemetery that appeared to be dying. It was determined that the problem was not Oak Wilt, it is a fungus with some types of trees and underlying stress from the summer of 2005 which was very hot and the results are just starting to show on the trees. Some of the trees are just very old. At this point it looks like there are 4 dead trees.
September Meeting
The September meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2007.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:15 P.M.
MINUTES
MARION PARK BOARD
JULY 22, 2007
4:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Terry Speral, Charles Kress, Ed Begley; STAFF:Richard Fox, Mike Carolan, Karlene Hummel, Pat Carlson
MINUTES:The minutes of the June 13, 2007 meeting were approved and placed on file
FINANCIAL REPORT:The June Financial Report was not available. It is the end of the fiscal year and City Hall has not provided the report to us
PURCHASE ORDERS: The June Purchase Order Report was reviewed and placed on file.
Arts & Environment Alcohol Requests
A request for alcohol for an October 12, 2007 wedding rehearsal dinner was reviewed and approved.
Wal-Mart Request
Wal-Mart requested to have the fees waived to use Thomas Park pavilions and volleyball courts for a fund raising event on July 27th. The Park Board approved the request to waive the rental fees.
Wilkins School Playground
Richard presented drawings for the addition of playground equipment at Wilkins School. Due to the size and dimensions of the new equipment, the school has asked permission for the equipment to be placed on Taube Park property. During discussion it was recommended a Hold Harmless or other type of document be drawn up for this situation. It was motioned by Charles Kress and seconded by Ed Begley to approve the request subject to the completion of a Hold Harmless or other type of document to protect both parties’ interests.
Gill Park Restroom
Richard presented three quotes for the restroom facility at Gill Park. The lowest bid was $37,847 and the highest bid was $45,866. The sewer has been installed. Richard reported there is approximately $28,000 left in the budget for the completion of the project. Due to the bids coming in over budget, the decision was made to postpone the project with no action taken.
Farmers State Bank
Correspondence was received from Farmers State Bank which outlined concerns about a sandwich board being placed at City Park to advertise Art Council events at the Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center. The Park Board recommended Lynn Ciha be invited to a future Park Board meeting to further discussion the situation. In the meantime, the Granger House has been granted permission to erect a “sandwich board” to publicize their annual Ice Cream Social.
Other
The subject of soundproofing for the Arts and Environment Center was brought up. Richard advised there is approximately $28,000 remaining in the budget for the building. Another item discussed was the need for entrance lights to the center. It was suggested decorative street lights be purchased.
Equipment Replacement
Mike presented information on the budgeted replacement of equipment. A trailer was budgeted for $5,000. The prices came in over budget, with the lowest bid submitted by Rexco Equipment in the amount of $5,549. Due to other equipment coming in below budget the amount will not be a problem. It was motioned by Charles Kress and seconded by Terry Speral to approve the bid from Rexco. All ayes. Motion carried.
Mike presented bids on the budgeted replacement of mowers. The amount budgeted was $8,000. Three bids were received. The low bid was received from All Season Equipment, however due to concerns with past issues with billing and delivery with that vendor, the recommendation was made to purchase from a different vendor for a slight price difference. It was motioned by Terry Speral and seconded by Ed Begley to approve the bid from Sindt Implement. All ayes. Motion carried.
Recreation/Aquatics Report
Karlene distributed the last two months of meeting minutes from the Arts Council along with their calendar for June of 2007 through October 2009. The council is meeting twice per month. Karlene reported Pee Wee Baseball and Softball is almost done and there have been two rain outs so far. Football registrations will be accepted until August 13th.
So far the pool season is going well, the heater is still running. The pool was inspected today with the only item being written up was how to super chlorinate the pool. The pool will close for the season on August 26th. It was noted the pool is now 22 years old. It was suggested that a slide be installed which would reduce the size of the deep end. The major issues with the addition of a slide would be piping.
Operations Report
Mike reported that all parks are being mowed every week. The Willow Court tennis courts have been demolished and back fill is being hauled in to cap and level the ground. A lot of time was devoted to assistance with events at City Park by moving tables and hauling equipment (for the Community Band). The caboose at City Park is in the process of getting painted and sidewalks were also repaired at the park. A swing set was removed from Legion Park.
Director Report
Richard reported the Tree Board is still working on revisions to the tree ordinance and arboricultural standards. Vandalism at City Park seems to have decreased. The lights now remain on in the pavilion during the late night and overnight hours. There has been discussion on the possibility of a joint pool, community center and wellness facility. This
discussion involved Tyler Olson, Bob Carlson from the YMCA and Swati Dandekar. Richard reported the Lowe Park ball diamonds have experienced a lot of use this season. Richard is also working on a maintenance agreement proposal for the Arts & Environment Center. A proposal for a concession/restroom facility for the Lowe Park diamonds should be completed by mid August. The final agreement with Dusek is being completed with a 50/50 split of the $150,000.
August Meeting
The August meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 8, 2007.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:25 P.M.
________________________________
J. Edward Begley
MINUTES
MARION PARK BOARD
JULY 19, 2006
4:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Charles Kress, Ed Begley, Terry Speral
STAFF: Richard Fox, Mike Carolan, Karlene Hummel, Pat Carlson
MINUTES: The minutes of the June 14, 2006 were corrected to indicate Karlene was in attendance, approved and placed on file
FINANCIAL REPORT: There was no June Financial Report available as the year end report has not been received from City Hall
PURCHASE ORDERS The June Purchase Order Report was reviewed and placed on file
Lowe Park Update
Richard reported there are still items not resolved which include the roof and water pressure. A representative for the roof was in the building yesterday but there has been no time set to remedy the situation. The regulator for the dish washer was changed in an effort to obtain better water pressure but that was not the answer to the problem. RDG has suggested a booster pump; however, we have no costs on that proposal. There has been a slight improvement on the floor situation and a sub contractor has come in to remedy the lack of drawers problem. The health department has given the Senior Dining site permission to now serve the hot meals. The fountain will be installed after a pump is installed for it. We have finally figured out how to use the floor electric outlets and are keeping the grass watered. The sound issue has not been resolved. It has been determined the lights are too low in some of the rooms for cloudy days/night events.
Other
Karlene advised it is time to obtain bids for the budgeted painting of the pool. The painting will include sandblasting and painting. The budgeted amount is $50,000. It was motioned by Terry Speral and seconded by Ed Begley to solicit bids for the pool painting project. Motion carried.
Mike presented information on the purchase of a budgeted replacement mower. Mike advised we already have two of the same mower and it is a very good mower for our needs. The bid received is a state bid price which enables the department to purchase equipment without additional bids. The mower is $22,670 which does not include options which will be purchased later. The trade in for the old mower is approximately $9,890. It was motioned by Charlie Kress and seconded by Terry Speral to recommend purchase from All Seasons Equipment. Motion carried.
Mike presented information on the purchase of budgeted replacement playground equipment for Taube Park. There is $18,000 in the equipment reserve account which will also be used to purchase mulch and swings. Two bids were received for the equipment. The first bid was from Miracle Recreation in the amount of $10,208 and the other one was received from Premier Recreation in the amount of $8,975.48. It was motioned by Charlie Kress and seconded by Terry Speral to recommend purchase of the equipment from Premier Recreation. Motion carried.
Recreation/Aquatics Report
Karlene reported the Arts Council Summer Play will be presented the last weekend in July. The Arts Council is working on their programs for the July 2007 to June 2008 year. There have been quite a few cancellations due to weather for Pee Wee Baseball and Softball which has extended the season. The season end pool party is scheduled for this coming Saturday. The Dream Team’s season will end the first week in August.
We are working on putting information together for the 2007 Activities Brochure. The pool is consistent with other seasons. So far there have been 575 family and 295 individual pool season passes sold. Pool rentals end on August 20th. The annual pool inspection has been completed with minor problems corrected. Karlene asked if any of the Park Board members would be interested in being in the Swamp Fox Parade. Terry indicated he would be interested in being in the parade.
Park Operations
Mike advised he re-printed the previous list which was enclosed in the Park Board packets. The major project is the Lowe Park Ball Diamonds. Fencing and backstops have been completed. Park Staff will be installing dugouts, pads for bleachers, assembling bleachers and benches. Mike reported the restrooms at Hanna have taken a few hits with vandals blowing up the toilets. The Police Department is now helping by locking the restrooms up in the evening. Operations staff is working on a major tree pruning of trees five years and younger and advised they were approximately 90% done which includes removing tubex, tree stakes and suckers. The weekly mowings are going good, there have been minor issues with equipment and the weekly mowing is now done in three days. Jay Moore joined the mowing crew about two weeks ago. Everett Young was chosen for and accepted the Park Supervisor position. Mike advised the following Park Operations full time and part time/seasonal personnel have done a great job for this season and we commend them for their efforts.
Everett Young,Randy Beadle, Larry Stutt, Steve Smola, Scott Sagers, Tyler Harrison, Dan Urban Mike Cimprich Ed Chalstrom, Colin LeBeau, Don Smith, Max Carlson, Dee Serbousek Ian LeBeau, Wayne Collum, Hugh Ellingson,
Jay Moore
Administration
Richard reported that he is still continuing talks with Dusek and Bjornsen on the Krumholtz property. We will be finishing up the paperwork and reports for the final CAT Grant requirements. The engineering department is working on a project that is impacting traffic in the cemetery. Richard advised the Park Board he would like them to think about the possibility of allowing alcohol in the Lowe Park Arts and Environment facility.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 4:55 P.M.
August Meeting
The August meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2006. ________________________________
Terry Speral
MINUTES
MARION PARK BOARD
APRIL 21, 2007
4:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Terry Speral, Charles Kress, Ed Begley
STAFF: Richard Fox, Mike Carolan, Pat Carlson
MINUTES: The minutes of the March 21, 2007 meeting were approved and placed on file.
FINANCIAL REPORT: The March Financial Report was reviewed and placed on file.
PURCHASE ORDERS: The March Purchase Order Report was reviewed and placed
on file.
Arts & Environment Alcohol Requests
The Park Board reviewed and approved alcohol requests for the following events:
4/21/07 Shower – Turner
4/28/07 40th Birthday – Surprise Party – Hoffman
8/4/07 40th Wedding Anniversary – Enneking
Request for City Park Usage – May 16, 2007 “Live Strong” Event
Further information was provided by Morgan Hazelbaker, the coordinator for the Lance
Armstrong Foundation Live Strong Day. After discussion it was motioned by Charles
Kress and seconded by Ed Begley to approve the request and waive the rental fee with
the stipulation that a Hold Harmless Application be filled out for review by all city
departments. Motion carried.
Alburnett Post Prom Request
Alburnett School requested that a donation be made for their post prom event. It was suggested that daily pool passes be issued to them. It was motioned by Charles Kress and seconded by Terry Speral to provide 15 daily admission passes for the 2007 season.
Lowe Park Concession Stand
Three options for a concession stand were presented to the board for review. The option #3 would be slightly higher, however, the style and construction of that option would better suite the ball diamond site. It was motioned by Charles Kress and seconded by Terry Speral to proceed with the plans for Option #3 for the Lowe Park concession stand. As part of the concession stand discussion, Richard advised that he is working on exclusive contracts with soft drink providers for the stand. As part of this agreement, machines would also be placed at the Arts & Environment Center, Starry Park, the swimming pool and two machines at City Park. It was recommended that a shorter than 3 year term be reached with Coke.
Recreation/Aquatics
Richard reported for Karlene that soccer has started. The minutes of the last Arts Council meeting were also provided for members. The design work has been completed and now bids are being solicited for the pool door repair project.
Park Operations
Mike reported that the biggest project for March was cleaning up the debris from the recent ice storm. This involved raking 33 acres by regular staff as the seasonal employees have not come on board yet. There are a few areas that need to be done. It was estimated that eight, 1 ton loads of debris was removed from Legion Park. The mowing contractor was hired to start early and clean up the cemetery. Seasonal employees will be starting, 16 will be hired with three of them for Lowe Park. Horticulture will be done by in-house staff. The Marion Library presented a letter of appreciation for all the hard work park staff does for them.
Director Report
Richard reported that the Police Department was recently called to the Arts & Environment Center due to drug paraphernalia on the grounds. In addition, tracks from vehicles have been making a mess of the grounds. Beer cans and vodka bottles have also been found close to the parking lot and along the trail. A garlic mustard pull is scheduled for Thomas/Legion Park within the next few weeks and all Park Board members are invited to help. Larry Starr has contacted the city about a possible joint recreation center/swimming pool between the schools, YMCA and the city. This is just early discussion with no action being taken. Ankeny and Marshalltown will be contacted on their joint facility to obtain feedback. Flowers are being ordered for planting in various parks and facilities.
May Meeting
The May meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 4:00 P.M.