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Home My WebLink About~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 08/17/2023AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: August 17, 2023 COMMISSION PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Thyra Cox, Rachel Cramer, Duane Reeves, Jeff White ABSENT: Nathan Shimanek STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Courtney Kort CALL TO ORDER: 4:02 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Bristow moved, with a second by Reeves, to approve the June 15, 2023, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved. PUBLIC FORUM No public forum MOTION RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE DONATION OF THE PROPERTY AT 1000 JARRETT CIRCLE. The property owners of 1000 Jarrett Circle have proposed donating this parcel to the City with two stipulations. First, the lot in question would become part of the Emma McCarthy Lee Park and Munn Woods greenbelt and remain in its undeveloped natural state. Second, the City will not install or develop any formal entrance on the property at 1000 Jarrett Circle for twenty years or until the owners have vacated their residence at 1002 Jarret Circle, whichever date comes first. Abraham explained the Commission does not have the authority to accept land. Staff is looking for the Commission to make a recommendation to the City Council to accept this donation. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Herman Quirmbach (1002 Jarrett Circle) was present for the discussion. Bristow thanked Quirmbach for this very generous offer. Bristow asked Abraham if there would need to be a set of stairs built for safety. Abraham asked Quirmbach if installing stairs would be going against his stipulation for the land. Quirmbach indicated that their intention is that there would be no building placed upon this lot, that stairs would be acceptable, and he is open to altering the agreement. Reeves asked questions regarding the co-owners’ expectations regarding the maintenance of the property, such as invasive species, what the co-owners felt was the property's natural state, and other items that the maintenance staff would need to know. Quirmbach informed Reeves that once the land becomes City property, it would be the City’s responsibility to maintain the property similarly to the adjacent woodland. Cady informed the Commission that it was her opinion that only neighborhood people would access the woods in that location. Abraham said that the benefit of this property would be the future access to the corridor and that the access would be added to the park master plan. Cramer favors adding to the greenspace and natural spaces and feels this land would give another access point about halfway through the trail. Abraham informed the Commission they could recommend Alternative #1, with additional wording regarding restricting buildings and defining more specifically how the property would be maintained. Cox moved, with a second by Reeves, to approve Alternative #1 with the following modifications: Clearer language regarding the stipulation that no buildings be placed on the property, and clear expectations on the owners’ request regarding natural state and property maintenance, including the area down to the main parkway No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved MOTION APPROVING THE FOLLOWING FOR THE 2024 AMES TRIATHLON AT ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK (AHHP): a. Waive the enforcement of the No Swimming Rule at AHHP North Lake, 7:00 – 10:00 AM, on Sunday, June 23, 2024, to allow Iowa Multisport to host the Ames Triathlon. b. Approve Iowa Multisport to enter Ada Hayden Heritage Park at 5:00 AM on Sunday, June 23, 2024, for event preparation. c. Recommend City Council waive enforcement of Ordinance 19.9 from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sunday, June 23, 2024, to allow Iowa Multisport to utilize two motorized golf carts on the AHHP trails. Thompson informed the Commission that the event staff are requesting the same items as they have in previous years. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Cady stated that she feels this event is very well run. Bristow moved, with a second by Cox to approve Alternative #1. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved 2024-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) DISCUSSION Abraham gave an overview and timeline of the process to develop the CIP, as there are new members who have not gone through this process. He also asked the Commission if they had any items or suggestions from the public to share. PROJECT UPDATES a. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (July 27 City Council Staff Report Attached) Abraham went over the staff report presented to the City Council and informed the Commission of any changes that have taken place in the design of the project. b. Steven L. Schainker Plaza Abraham informed the Commission the permit has come through for the spray pad portion of this project. The chiller for the ice portion of the project was ordered in May and is not scheduled for delivery until mid-January. Crews will get as much done this fall as possible. The spray pad could open at the end of May or early June, with the ice season starting in November 2024. c. Sands-McDorman Property Staff will present a purchase agreement to the Council at an upcoming meeting. If Council approves the agreement, the property will be deeded to the City in September. There could be some work in the park this fall, such as removing fencing and hazardous trees. A plan will need to be developed. d. RAGBRAI Thompson had a follow-up meeting with staff from Discover Ames and RAGBRAI staff. Brookside Park was filled with tents, showers, medical personnel, and food. Abraham gave kudos to Department staff for their efforts. Rider feedback was positive, and the park was open by 10 the next morning. Abraham stated that he wanted to publicly thank Thompson as the meetings and coordination mainly fell on him. Abraham noted that it was an excellent event for the community. e. Ames/ISU Ice Arena Sand Releveling Project The Ames/ISU Ice Arena closed in June to begin the project of leveling the sand beneath the ice. Problems occurred as the ice was being reinstalled, and staff had to remove and restart the ice portion of the project. Opening in early September is the best-case scenario. Bristow asked if there were any ideas of what the problem was. Abraham said they are inspecting the 15 miles of pipe under the sand base for leaks. Reeves asked if there was any discussion regarding ISU hockey having a team this year. Abraham informed the Commission that the indication from the University is yes. Bristow asked about the maintenance plan from now on. Abraham said this process will be performed every seven to ten years. MONTHLY REPORT Inis Grove Park restroom repair is to begin in the next two weeks. The restroom will be open next spring. The pickleball contractor has been held up on other jobs but will be coming. The Inis Grove court resurfacing project includes repairs to the tennis courts and repainting lines for pickleball and tennis. Staff held several activities for Parks and Recreation Month. Homewood reports that rounds of golf are up almost 4,000 compared to last season. The theater technical classes offered through the Ames City Auditorium were a great addition to our programs. Fall program guides have been released, with swimming lessons coming soon. Abraham informed everyone that we are entering the lack-of-staff season for the pool. Staff is quickly dwindling, and there may be some adjusted hours. We are working through this week and moving to school-in-session hours next week. Abraham reminded the Commission that many facilities around the state are already closed or will be closing this weekend. Staff will continue to keep as much of the facility open as much as possible through Labor Day. Cox said she visits the pool regularly and has been impressed with things this season. The training the pool staff received has been serving them well. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT Bristow moved to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:17 PM. NEXT MEETING Thursday, September 21 at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting)