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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - August 21, 2025, Regular Meeting of the Ames Parks and Recreation CommissionCITY OF AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE August 21, 2025 COMMISSION PRESENT ABSENT STAFF Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson 1. CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: (Reeves/Iles) to approve the July 17, 2025, meeting minutes. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 3. PUBLIC FORUM None 4. IOWA MULTISPORT REQUEST TO HOST THE AMES TRIATHLON ON JUNE 28, 2026, AT ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK Thompson shared background on triathlon events held at Ada Hayden Heritage Park, all very successful. Staff and Iowa Multisport discussed opportunities for improvement and ways staff may assist, including golf cart alternatives and earlier park admittance for setup. New requests from the event organizer include: use of a jet ski with a qualified lifeguard, hosting a youth triathlon, starting a youth triathlon course/clinic, and allowing participants to swim in the lake the evening prior. Thompson reminded the Commission it may waive park rules, but City Council authorization is needed to waive the ordinance related to motorized vehicles. Reeves asked if being unable to swim the day before is detrimental to athletes. Abraham replied there is no indication this was an issue in the past. The event organizer, Alex Syhlman, agrees with staff’s recommended Alternative 1, Abraham added. Shimanek has not heard any negative comments about the event from Friends of Ada Hayden or community members. Abraham said use of a jet ski was the only concern voiced at the most recent Friends of Ada Hayden board meeting. White said as a safety boater at these events he would not want a jet ski around because they are loud and make a wake. Canoes and kayaks are safe. He stated the event has gone on a long time with a good safety record, and he did not see how a jet ski would enhance things. 2 MOTION: (Rathe/White) to recommend Alternative 1, which states: The Parks and Recreation Commission can: a. Waive the enforcement of the No Swimming Rule in the north lake at Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 7:00 – 10:00 AM, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, to allow Iowa Multisport to host the Ames Triathlon. b. Approve Iowa Multisport to enter Ada Hayden Heritage Park as early as 3:30 AM on Sunday, June 28, 2026, for event preparation. c. Recommend City Council waive enforcement of Ordinance 19.9 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026, and from 3:30 AM to 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 28, 2026, to allow Iowa Multisport to utilize two motorized golf carts or similar type vehicles on the AHHP trails. d. Deny the request to use a jet ski on the lake during the event. e. Waive the enforcement of the No Swimming Rule at Ada Hayden Heritage Park North Lake for the Ames Triathlon Youth Event from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on June 27, 2026, and direct staff to work with IM to develop the details for the event. f. Deny the request to allow Sunday Triathlon participants the ability to swim in AHHP Lake on Saturday, June 27, 2026. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 5. DEER HUNTING IN MUNN WOODS UPDATE Abraham offered an update on staff work since the previous Commission meeting on July 17. These efforts include: (1) Developing questions for a public survey; (2) Contacting White Buffalo Inc. for deer management information—no response; (3) Contacting Iowa DNR—no response; (4) Police Chief gathering information on deer/vehicle collisions and requesting feedback on municipal deer control from a State of Iowa police chief chat. (Abraham noted the Police Chief supports doing a deer count this winter.) City GIS staff confirmed survey data may be stratified to map respondent locations. The survey will be community-wide, not focused exclusively on the Munn Woods area, enabling examination of whether similar concerns exist in other locations. Staff wish to bring good information to the Commission by asking the right questions. Abraham also reviewed approved hunting locations outlined in the Urban Deer Management plan. Reeves asked if White Buffalo uses bows or other lethal force—Abraham indicated rifles. Also, Thompson added, other control methods are available, like reproduction suppression. Shimanek liked the idea of collecting and analyzing data from across the City. While driving to work that morning, he observed Homewood Golf Course “full of deer.” Iles asked if the deer population reduction goal is 50 percent, 75 percent, or something else. Abraham said he did not have an answer, that the total population is not even known. Deer responding to hunting by moving to another location is another variable, he added. A new winter count would be very helpful to get better information about the total deer population and density. Reeves asked if off-duty police officers are used to shoot deer. Abraham said he had never seen Ames Police do anything like that during his 31 years with the City. 3 Rathe inquired about what happens after deer are killed. Abraham indicated it appears field dressing is applied after a deer is shot and the meat is donated to various sources. Tapp asked if White Buffalo is the only option. Abraham replied other deer control companies exist and staff would try to get information on their effectiveness. Reeves asked how many deer were taken in the previous year’s park hunt—Abraham said 10. Rathe asked if rules govern deer culling, such as avoiding killing does and fawns. Thompson indicated all deer could be targeted since the point is to reduce the population. Sappenfield suggested having information about sustainability—how often this would need to be done—would be helpful for decision-making. Abraham discussed Iowa DNR deer management practices, variations in bow tag availability throughout Iowa, hunting quotas, chronic wasting disease, and natural reductions to deer population. He stated there are many components to the issue and staff does not yet have all the needed information to produce a survey and bring information to the Commission. Max Rothschild, 511 Oliver Circle, said while he appreciated staff’s desire to get information, it is not the universal question he and others are concerned with but the immediate question of how to reduce the number of deer as quickly as possible. Given bow hunting is already allowed on City property, he asked what is the problem with expanding it and/or encouraging City Council to allow private property owners to have someone come in and reduce deer numbers. He reviewed deer observed on his property, damage, and extensive efforts to keep deer at bay. Saying “you folks are fiddling while Rome burns,” he argued for expanded hunting, as a starting point, followed by long-term information gathering and analysis to answer wider questions. James Bernau, 3511 Oakland Street, agreed with Rothchild’s remarks. He suggested caution with putting effort and trust in the Iowa DNR since, in his view, its directive has changed in the last decade to create incentive to keep deer numbers higher to create revenue from hunting licenses. He spoke about liking deer but also being frustrated by loss of property investments. The effort to examine the issue is appreciated, but there is urgency in getting this done quickly. Bob Haug, 3517 Oakland Street, said while he understands the desire to get broad community input, most people likely do not have deer in their yard. Drawing conclusions from that kind of general survey does not strike him as the best way to get good information. He wondered if input from the City Forester and Iowa State University experts had been considered. That would be better information on which to base a decision than a general population survey. Abraham indicated the City Forester will contribute to staff’s work. Iles stated he knew the Commission and staff must be measured, but he knows what residents are up against. Iles argued against waiting to do something for months until after a survey and other data collection is done. He characterized Rothschild’s use of an idiom as “cutting but probably appropriate.” Iles asked if there is a way to do something while a long-term plan is developed. Abraham indicated he was not prepared at that moment to address Iles’ question, as others need to be involved with any proposed actions. If the Commission wished to act before its next meeting on September 18, a special meeting could occur and a recommendation could be made to City Council for its September 23 meeting. With the legal hunting season beginning on September 20, only a handful of hunting days might be lost. Abraham noted if a change is approved by City Council, information could be sent out to hunters in very short order. 4 Rathe expressed concern about property owners hiring hunters or hunting themselves on their property, or allowing hunting in parks where it is not currently allowed. She did not see hunting as a good fit with people in the parks or hiking in the woods. Abraham said hiking is uncommon in public spaces on the approved list; however, he added, there is concern among some about safety. He recalled Munn Woods neighbors objected to allowing hunting there. Rothchild said he understood Rathe’s concerns and agreed about safety. He suggested skilled hunters could, in a matter of seconds, kill 20 deer from his back deck, which would affect no one in Munn Woods. The City absolutely has a responsibility for safety, he said, and closes things all the time, e.g., roads. If a park were closed, people could walk there another time. He urged recommending City Council allow hunting on other community properties, then close the properties briefly and see the effectiveness of bow hunting. At least then, he argued, an effort is made for good citizens affected by deer overpopulation the City has not addressed. Sappenfield asked if the criteria used to establish the approved hunting areas would be used to evaluate expanding bow hunting to include Munn Woods. Abraham said most approved hunting areas are not high traffic areas, if any traffic, or are areas without trails. If hunting is allowed where people are present, hunting is timed outside of activities. Thompson added the approved hunting locations, unlike Munn Woods, have no nearby homes/residents. Police have standards and would need to weigh in, he said. Sappenfield asked if hunting areas are expanded and fall under the existing bow hunting policy, would it also include hiring someone to come in for deer culling. Thompson thought that would likely be a separate policy component. Reeves expressed appreciation for public comments and supported the aggressive pursuit of a solution. He recalled past park hunting discussions included strong opposition voiced by Munn Woods neighbors. The immediate nuisance is one thing. The larger issue is development on deer range land on all sides of town will push the problem inward because deer have nowhere to go. He proposed accelerating efforts to find people (snipers) to address the nuisance. Abraham indicated staff would bring recommendations to the next meeting on September 18. He advised commissioners to be prepared to sort through potentially divergent viewpoints from people who think deer are a nuisance as well as those who oppose hunting. Reeves would like to hear from the greater neighborhood but wanted to address the nuisance. Shimanek stated the Commission has an obligation with immediacy in mind but, given all the stakeholders, really needs to make a data-driven decision. 6. PARK POLICIES UPDATE Staff continue to work on park policy updates and hope to bring information to the September 18 meeting, Abraham stated. Staff recommendations will include potential updates to park rules (under Commission authority) and ordinances (authorized by City Council, enforced by Police). 5 7. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN TIMELINE Abraham reviewed steps in the five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process. Each year, City Council allocates funds for Plan Year 1 and approves Years 2-5 in concept. Abraham noted several planned and requested projects. Parks and Recreation will host a public input meeting at Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse on September 10. Abraham encouraged the public to participate and submit ideas and suggestions. On December 4, the Commission meets with the City Manager to discuss the CIP. The CIP process ends with City Council approval in February. 8. PROJECT UPDATES a. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Abraham suggested the Commission may wish to hold a special meeting for a second tour to view progress since the June tour. Recent accomplishments include wall framing, duct work, lap pool walls, and recreation pool digging. Rec pool decking will go in soon, allowing other trades to begin their work, and dry wall installation will start soon. Parking lot concrete is poured, and sidewalks are underway. Permeable pavers will be installed later. Most digging is complete and there is no evidence of contaminated groundwater or soil. Several commissioners expressed interest in another site tour in fall or early winter. b. Steven L. Schainker Plaza The previous week, City staff met with Henkel Construction to discuss options for the ice ribbon. Abraham indicated that conversation will hopefully lead to a solution to bring to City Council for approval. Spray pad features will also need to be corrected. Planting was recently completed. If everything works out, the ice ribbon could open this winter. c. Ada Hayden Heritage Park Trail Replacement Thompson reported Caliber Concrete started work and milled the entire asphalt path in one day. Upcoming work will include leveling the gravel base and pouring concrete after Labor Day. Dry weather conditions will help the project progress more quickly. Abraham stressed the public should remain out of the construction zone. d. Daley Park Splash Pad City Council awarded a contract to TK Concrete. Work begins in September, Thompson said. The goal is to complete water equipment bases with concrete around them before snowfall. Other component installation and minor landscaping will be done in spring. The target project completion date is June 1, 2026. e. Park Maintenance Facility Expansion King Construction will build the new cold storage maintenance facility, renovate the main maintenance building, and relocate the bulk water station, Thompson reported. In the next couple of weeks, construction trailers will be located on site and erosion control will be done. Next will be grading work and construction of the new building. Work then moves inside. The bulk water station will be unavailable for approximately three weeks while it is relocated. In the future, the City will offer a new site where the public may get free mulch, Abraham added. For now, mulch will not be available. Abraham expressed thanks to those who attended the mini-pitch ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Brookside Park 100th birthday celebration is scheduled for September 13. Abraham said various City departments will participate, and speakers will include Mayor Haila and Iowa State University President Wintersteen. The celebration will focus on partnerships and will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new fire-themed playground. 6 9. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson shared:  Mosquito spraying continues throughout the park system. Reports indicate West Nile Virus is very prevalent this year. He encouraged park visitors to take precautions, such as using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves.  Work for the Brookside Park 100th anniversary commemoration is underway. Staff began preparations for installation of a new playground and will replace concrete sidewalk. Abraham noted:  Recreation programming is transitioning to fall offerings.  Miracle League’s fall season began with 71 participants, continuing yearly growth. He encouraged those interested in a meaningful volunteer opportunity to get involved.  The third annual Scholarship Duck Derby raised over $3,500 for the scholarship fund.  Furman Aquatic Center may be able to complete the season without having to close a basin. Abraham thanked staff for their work and a good summer. 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS None 11. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting) 12. ADJOURNMENT MOTION (Reeves) to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:24 PM.