Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island Parks and Recreation Board Met Feb. 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order

President Fred Dasso called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.

2. Attendance

Members Present: Fred Dasso, Bill Anderson, Kate Hotle, Moses Robinson, Members Absent: Don Deleu, John McEvoy

Staff Present: John Gripp, Parks Director; Todd Winter, Assistant Director; Kimberly Kruse, Parks Administrative Office Manager; Nikki Carr, Community Recreation Manager

Staff Absent: none

Audience: none

3. Move to Item 11A: Nikki Carr: Youth Financial Assistance Presentation Mr. Anderson moved to go to Item 11A. Ms. Hotle seconded. All voted yes.

Nikki presented about unique program opportunities that were utilized during Covid-19. This included outdoor fitness classes and zoom which constituted for 95% of 2020 programming. Outdoor programs were held at the Schwiebert Stage and RIFAC parking lot to ensure social distancing. In the past outdoor programming was a challenge but this has really had customers excited and even want to sign up in the future for outdoor classes after the pandemic. In the midst of the pandemic, virtual classes thrived and were able to do challenges that members could participate in. Zumba gold is still being held virtual as it is very popular for our senior citizens and is an outlet for those that have been isolating during this time for safety. Indoor classes had changes made as necessary. Five new classes were added to the guide.

Some unique opportunities presented themselves as well during this time. Drive In Movies were held in place of the Movie in the Park and went over very well. This year there will be some Movies in the Park and the Drive In Movie option. Several delivery programs were introduced. The Grinch program where a person can “grinch” a house with signs and “rotten” eggs was a huge success as people would want to retaliate the grinching back. Valentine’s deliveries were done as well with sweet heart signs, balloons and candy. Bundle craft activities were also made available for families that were isolating for safety.

The Financial Assistance program underwent renovation to partner with local agencies to not only spread the word but to also ease the process to qualify for assistance whether it’s a sport program, swim lessons or any number of other opportunities. These groups include Spring Forward, MLK Jr Center, and more. It is a really exciting opportunity because many did not know about the program or may not know how to sign up and these partnering agencies will help with those barriers.

John Gripp mentioned that the parks programming has taken initiative to think outside of the box and be a step ahead to provide programming and ways to keep busy during the pandemic and commends staff.

4. January Park Board Minutes

Mr. Robinson motion to approve the minutes as written; Ms. Hotle seconded. All voted yes.

5. There were no correspondence this meeting.

6. Monthly Report from Finance Department as of December

These are unaudited Financial Statements. The numbers will change as year end journal entries are done. Admin revenue is up from the Johnson Controls project and should be in the RIFAC budget where the expenditure resides. The Finance Director will come to a meeting once the numbers are finalized.

Financials were reported to the board with a summary explanation of changes and discrepancies. There is a two month lag that will ensure that all revenues and expenditures are reported to give a more accurate look at the department financially.

7. Approval of the Bills for the Month of January for $123,116.96.

Mr. Dasso: Aye Mr. Deleu: Absent Mr. McEvoy: Absent Mr. Robinson: Aye Ms. Hotle: Aye Mr. Anderson: Aye

8. Director’s Report and other reports

Programming is underway. Soccer just finished, other indoor programs have started. Seasonal positions have been posted to get people hired and trained before facilities open. Talks with First Tee and fundraising efforts are underway for the Highland Springs clubhouse to be used as a classroom and to build a new clubhouse. First Tee is willing to put $50,000 to the campaign and $100,000 towards the existing building. Foundations and other donors will be approached and then funding will be discussed with the City Manager and Finance Director. The old clubhouse will need about $150,000 and the new clubhouse construction will be around $1.5 million. However, this will allow hosting outings, small events, weddings and receptions and year-round programming. Work continues at Douglas Park. ADA bathrooms and bleachers are in. The Weber Park sign will be up this spring. The Kiwanis bike path will be completed this spring. There is a pile of debris from storm damage and leaf bag collection at

Sunset Park that is pretty substantial from Public Works. However, they have partnered with a company to get it all hauled away.

Spring programs are scheduled for First Tee. Some were held indoors. Met with Big Brothers Big Sisters to get their kids into programs. Some additions to this will be getting passes for the golf courses and Whitewater Junction as well. New golf carts are delayed and will not arrive until May or June. The old ones will be brought back in the meantime. Interviews for staff were held. Maintenance staff openings are a big focus. Trees are being harvested. Chris and Tanner have ordered new top dresser.

RIFAC is experiencing a lifeguard shortage this week due to a COVID-19 exposure outside of the facility for safety precaution reasons with the swim team. All who have been in contact went to the clinic and have been cleared before coming back. The sweat equity program is going well. Prizes are golf and Whitewater Junction. It gives a good opportunity for customer engagement.

Nikki covered programs in her presentation. There are talks with a kayak instructor about possible programming. The Valentine’s deliveries went really well. Easter Egg and bunny visits will be offered next. Facebook has been the main method of advertising. Basketball and Volleyball are back and going well. There is more participation this year. Baseketball is a new program and starting out well with four teams. The recreation team took a tour of the Davenport new YMCA facility. There is a hope to look at new equipment for this year and it was good to see what’s out there.

Plants are growing nicely in the greenhouse. A lot of work is being done by David Driskill and crew at Douglas and currently working on a training manual. The garage doors at Longview got replaced as well as lighting updated. Mowing contracts are underway to get ready to bid out.

9. New Business

Special Event Application: Turning Pointe Dance Studio

Staff recommends approval of the Turning Pointe Dance Studio rental on June 4th at Schwiebert Park with music and food for about 300 people. Mr. Anderson motioned. Ms. Hotle seconded. All voted yes.

Special Event Application: Catalyst Awards Dinner Auction

Staff recommends approval of the ARC holding an event on July 30th at Schwiebert Park with music and food for about 80 – 90 people. Mr. Anderson motioned. Mr. Robinson seconded. All voted yes.

10. Old Business

From 2006 to present, the Rock Island Girls Softball (RIGS) group has put in thousands of dollars to the fields for improvements and are now very close to completing the project. Staff requests permission to look for funding to help close the gap to make the project come to fruition. Motion made by Mr. Anderson for permission to work with

RIGS to partner and secure finances to finish the project. Mr. Robinson seconded. All voted yes.

Motion to adjourn by Mr. Robinson. Ms. Hotle seconded. All voted yes. The meeting adjourned at 6:14 pm.

https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02162021-719