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Recreation staff cite growing program demand, new custodial hire and recommend moving indoor pool filter replacement to FY27
Summary
Recreation staff told the commission that registrations rose with the winter/spring activity guide, a new custodial hire (Spencer Mechum) started Dec. 1, and staff recommend accelerating replacement of an indoor pool filter after discovering a leak; youth programs and special events also continue to draw participants.
Recreation staff briefed the North Liberty City Parks and Recreation Commission on program growth, staffing and an urgent pool maintenance need.
Shelly, who delivered the recreation report, said registration for January–April programs began Dec. 1 after staff finalized the winter/spring activity guide. She announced the hiring of Spencer Mechum as a custodial employee, who started Dec. 1 and is training on evening shifts before moving to a daytime rotation.
Shelly said staff recommend moving replacement of the indoor pool filter into the FY27 budget cycle because one of the two filters serving the indoor pool has developed a leak. "One of the pool filters for the indoor pool…one of them has a leak and…we're also looking at pricing to change from the sand filters…they now have glass media filters," Shelly said, explaining staff are collecting pricing and considering replacement technologies.
Staff also summarized program growth: about 40 participants in contracted youth wrestling, expanding pee‑wee basketball offerings, and year‑round indoor soccer in alternating venues; staff said space constraints are a limiting factor. Shelly noted partnerships or facility-sharing with neighboring jurisdictions for some grade groups and said Tiffin and Coralville programs and facilities affect scheduling.
On special events, staff recognized strong community interest in Matt Messik's turkey medallion hunt and noted discounted ticket programs for an Iowa men's game drew about 20 participants. Staff also confirmed upcoming seasonal events including a vendor fair and "Breakfast with Santa," and Matt Messik's Santa's workshop scheduled Dec. 10–23.
The commission discussed use of park lots as designated off‑street parking during a winter storm to keep streets clear; staff said designated areas exist at the rec center and that the pilot worked but complicates snow removal when vehicles remain in place. Shelly said staff will evaluate communications so residents can find designated parking locations in future storms.
No formal action was taken on pool funding at this meeting; staff requested the commission consider prioritizing the filter replacement in FY27 budget discussions.
