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Home My WebLink About~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 09/15/2022AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: September 15, 2022 COMMISSION PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Rachel Cramer, Jacob Ludwig, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Bryce Benedict, Gabriele Edwards CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Bristow moved, with a second by Reeves, to approve the August 18, 2022, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No public forum INTRODUCTION OF GABBI EDWARDS, CITY FORESTER, AND BRYCE BENEDICT, RECREATION COORDINATOR Abraham introduced the new staff members. Abraham stated that Edwards had just secured a grant for $9,000 for tree planting. Commission members introduced themselves. Edwards stated she had worked with the Iowa DNR serving statewide urban forestry for five years. Before the DNR, she worked as an Urban Forrester at the Iowa State Extension. Benedict stated that he graduated from the University of Iowa in 2021 with a bachelor's in Sports and Recreation Management. He is now working on his master's degree. Benedict told the Commission that he has enjoyed meeting coaches and staff members and is excited to have the opportunity to improve existing programs and start new ones. MOTION APPROVING RENTING FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER AT $840 PER DAY ON JUNE 2, 3, AND 4, 2023, TO ACAC FOR A YOUTH SWIM MEET, TO INCLUDE THE LAZY RIVER AND COST OF ADDITIONAL LIFEGUARDS Abraham stated that the event would be similar to last year. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Cramer moved, with a second by Bristow, to approve Alternative #1. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) DISCUSSION (PUBLIC INPUT ATTACHED) Abraham went over the CIP projects and input received via public meetings, phone, email, and Staff. Abraham stated that some items might need to be moved up or delayed due to price increases and maintenance needs. He asked the Commission to identify the high-priority items so that Staff could proceed with the plan. 23/24 Cady stated that the Carr Park project is a priority, and the Ada Hayden overlook is a lower priority. Shimanek asked about the item concerning parking by Cottonwood Shelter. Abraham informed him that moving the parking would ensure the users would not cross the parking lot to get to the water feature as there are safety concerns. The shelter and the playground will also move as part of this project. 24/25 Commission did not prioritize any projects. 25/26 Cramer asked about the paths in Ada Hayden. Abraham said there had been quite a bit of patching and repairs in recent years, and the edges were crumbling. The current paths are 10 feet wide asphalt, and the replacement paths will be 12 feet wide concrete. Shimanek stated that we are trying to provide the best possible services. It is hard to think of cutting anything from these projects. 26/27 Ludwig did not feel Jensen Pond was a priority. Abraham said that Staff has been looking into a better draining system there so that beavers can't get in and close off the pond. Thompson says the pond is very shallow due to silt. Abraham gave the Commission a list of immediate needs and public submissions as follows: Immediate Needs Auditorium HVAC System (funded through City Hall CIP) Inis Grove Tennis Court Repair Inis Grove – Restroom $150,000 to repair the fire damage. There is insurance that has a $25,000 deductible. Ice Arena sand leveling, sound system, and exterior painting. Public Submissions Homewood #9 Ravine Benches along Carr Park Path Parkview Park Path Bocce Courts Dog Park on West Side Commission Member Comments. Cady would like to see staff work on trail easements to get around the city. Abraham stated that most of that is in the Public Works plan, not the Parks and Recreation plan. Ludwig stated it is his opinion that the retaining wall at Furman Aquatic Center should be a priority so we can get ahead of it. Reeves asked about losing the ISU Hockey program. Abraham informed him the rental fees are part of the operating fund, so the fund grows if annual revenues exceed expenses or is drawn from when expenses exceed revenues. Abraham stated that Iowa State intramurals would allow the city to use the ISU curling equipment to host Learn to Curl classes and start a curling league. Intramurals are also holding curling and broomball leagues and may add hockey. Some hockey ice time was purchased by other groups. Staff is also looking into having special events and activities. There are a lot of great items in the plan, but we also need to take care of what we have. UPDATES Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Council directed Staff to purchase the DOT land. Staff held a very productive meeting with Story Construction and RDG. Abraham stated that we are hoping to start the design process in October to have a finished design and put the project out for bid in July. Construction is estimated to take around 18 months. We may be able to start some construction in the fall of 2023 or the spring of 2024, with the opening of the building sometime after the Furman Aquatic Center closes for the season in 2025. Purchase of Sand-McDorman Property, 5658 Ontario Street, for a F uture Community Park The Council directed Staff to purchase Parcel 1 and Parcel 2 for a new community park. Two other motions passed one directing Staff to look into securing a portion of the parcel with the creek and the other to inspect the existing buildings to determine if they can be resused. Agreement with Cameron Gray to place an Obelisk (free library) in Franklin Park Council approved the agreement. The artist asked for cameras on the piece as it is a loaned piece of artwork; however, Staff did not recommend cameras at this time. Request to place an eagle sculpture in Ada Hayden Heritage Park The Public Art Commission loved the idea, and the project is moving forward. Lighting the piece and vandalism concerns also came up in their conversation. Reeves asked about the standard to bring the eagles off of the ground. Abraham informed him of the artist’s vision of 10-12 feet of concrete columns with wisteria and juniper bushes at the base. Reeves asked if the height would keep people from enjoying the sculpture. Abraham stated that in the artist's recommended placement, you would be almost level with the piece as you came down the hill from the south. Abraham also noted that the Public Art Commission felt very strongly about lighting and protecting the sculpture. RIBBON CUTTINGS Accessible Kayak Launch: Wed., September 21, 5:30 PM, Ada Hayden Heritage Park There have been many positive comments regarding this project. Tahira and Labh Hira Park: Thurs., October 6, 4:00 PM, Tahira and Labh Hira Park The Hiras are going to be visiting Ames and will be in attendance. PROJECT UPDATES No other project updates. MONTHLY REPORT Furman Aquatic Center is being drained slowly as to not overwhelm the wetland cells in the area. Still monitoring mosquitos for West Nile Virus. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Cady commented there seemed to be a lot of charcoal mess on the ground in Emma McCarthy Lee Park and asked if there could be a bin to deposit charcoal. Also, there is a water fountain in the park with an internal leak. Reeves asked about the replacement for Commissioner Nicole Fannin. Abraham stated Mayor Haila is reviewing applications and will make an appointment. ADJOURNMENT Ludwig moved to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:20 PM. NEXT MEETING Thursday, October 20 at 4:00 PM (City Hall Council Chambers)