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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 11/17/2022AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: November 17, 2022 COMMISSION PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Rachel Cramer, Jacob Ludwig, Duane Reeves ABSENT: Nathan Shimanek STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Courtney Kort, Nate Pietz, Pat Wynja CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Bristow moved, with a second by Reeves, to approve the October 20, 2022, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No public forum STAFF REPORT REGARDING THE HOMEWOOD GOLF COURSE 2022 SEASON Abraham introduced Nate Pietz and Pat Wynja to the Commission. Pietz reported on golf and clubhouse operations. He noted that golf rounds were well above average this year. There were four new and nine returning Staff in the clubhouse. Wynja reported on upgrades to the grounds and bunkers. He stated that his Staff was great and kept the course in good overall condition. There has been vandalism and damage to the turf, as many access points exist. Cady asked if there were orientation classes or videos that may help with the etiquette issues and new golfers. Wynja said a video on etiquette could be shown in the clubhouse. Cramer asked if Staff could host a workshop on etiquette. Wynja stated that many golfers who have poor etiquette are students and they would probably not watch the video. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) Abraham went over the current CIP. He informed the Commission that some projects are being delayed and are no longer proposed for this year’s CIP due to rising costs of items like playground equipment. Ludwig asked about the ADA audit and the time frame for bringing facilities compliant. Abraham stated that if you have a transition plan, you generally have 10-12 years to get things compliant. Cady asked if the rest of the city facilities are also doing this plan. Abraham stated he is speaking specifically regarding the Parks & Recreation facilities, but many other city departments are also working toward this. Bristow asked how long the ice arena water heaters had been out. Abraham says they are working. Reeves stated that putting a sound system in the Auditorium is, in his opinion, like putting lipstick on a pig. He feels the seats are worn, and the place needs an overall refresh. Abraham stated that the facility is changing to LED lighting and using a state-of-the-art projection system belonging to Hope Church. Abraham will have a conversation with Craig Kaufman regarding the facilities. Abraham also reviewed the projects that were removed or delayed from the CIP. Cady asked if there was any plan for the land purchase in west Ames. Abraham said that this purchase would deplete most of the park development fund. There will need to be input from the public to develop the plan for this park. Then, there will be a determination of how to fund the project. Reeves asked about the facade of the ice arena. Thompson informed him Staff painted the building last week using savings from the Ice Arena Capital Replacement Fund to complete the project. PROJECT UPDATES Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center The offer to purchase land has been finalized with the DOT. The City is also finalizing contracts with RDG and Story Construction. Steven L Schainker Plaza The Ames City Council waived the naming policy and named the plaza after City Manager Steve Schainker, who has worked for the City of Ames for 40 years. Pickleball Courts Project This project had no bids. Abraham stated Snyder and Associates spoke with some vendors about why they did not bid on the project. One company no longer court renovations; they only work on new construction. One did not want to do the fencing work or work with sub-contractors on the fencing. One didn’t get their bid in but were interested in bidding. Abraham stated that Staff would be looking into bundling the Inis Grove tennis court resurfacing project with this project to make it more attractive to bidders. MONTHLY REPORT Kort reported that staff retention at Homewood helped with their successful season. She also said that Staff was able to provide swim lessons this fall by utilizing Forker Pool on the ISU campus. Thompson reported that fall maintenance is completed, and Staff is working on forestry tasks such as trimming trees. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Reeves stated a customer commented that our Tae Kwon Do program had a rotation of three different instructors and that he feels people are looking for consistency. Abraham stated that staff would discuss this comment with Nancy Shaw. ADJOURNMENT Ludwig moved to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 4:59 PM. NEXT MEETINGS Thursday, December 1 at 4:00 PM – CIP Meeting with City Manager (Homewood Golf Course) Thursday, December 15 at 4:00 PM – Regular Meeting (City Hall Council Chambers)