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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 10/19/2023AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: October 19, 2023 COMMISSION PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Rachel Cramer, Thyra Cox, Cramer, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek, Jeff White ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Courtney Kort, Joshua Thompson CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 Shimanek moved with, second by Reeves, to approve the September 21, 2023, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM Merle Brendeland (Stated address as Huxley) Brendeland wanted to thank everyone for the pickleball courts. He stated that there may be grant funding available for a grand opening. The club would like the City to help publicize this. Abraham stated he is aware of this grant, and the City will work with the Ames Pickleball Club to plan something for spring. Abraham reminded the Commission that they can take no action on items presented during the Public Forum but can provide some direction to staff in the Commission Member Comments portion of the meeting. DECORUM POLICY FOR CITY MEETINGS Abraham explained that the City of Ames has adopted the decorum document in the packet. He wanted the Commission to know that these policies govern all meetings, including city boards or commissions. FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER 2023 SEASON REVIEW LeAnn Hawk, Aquatics Manager for the City, and Courtney Kort, Recreation Superintendent, presented the information. Hawk stated that the Furman Aquatic Center has goals for safety and success as well as staff goals that align with the objectives of the City of Ames. Hawk reviewed staff recruitment this year and her strategies for recruiting lifeguards for the 2024 season. Hawk spoke on changes she has implemented, including ensuring staff knew that this was a commitment and that coming to work was a responsibility. She stated that she made it clear to staff that they needed to understand their work schedule. She is also implementing changes such as cross-training and using in- service days to work on certifications. Hawk reviewed the special events held at Furman Aquatic Center this summer and stated that the staff is planning some new events for 2024. Kort went over attendance numbers and the details of the Duck Derby that was held on the last day of the season. Hawk presented information regarding swim lessons, which were held in two-week sessions from June 12 to August 3. She stated a total of 840 students ages six months through adult participated. She informed the Commission that staff certified ten Water Safety Instructors (WSI) by partnering with the Boys and Girls Club to help staff with training. Hawk also presented information regarding rescues performed and location tracking. She will make some changes to the signage to include universal deep-water signs. Cady asked if the majority of the rescues were from the international population. Hawk stated they may not have had English as their first language but could read and speak it. Hawk stated that lifeguard training and swim lessons have moved to Forker, and several new staff members have WSI certifications. Cramer asked about the event for application, interview, and pre-skill class. Hawk stated staff would explain the pre-skills involved, and the applicant could take the test at the event and either pass or find out what they needed to work on to pass. Cady felt there had been many proactive changes in Hawk’s first season. She felt that events were well publicized on social media. Shimanek knows recruitment is challenging and likes staff's out-of-the-box thinking. He knows that it is like herding cats and appreciates the efforts. Hawk said it helps to educate the staff that accepting the job is a commitment. Cox said she felt the lifeguards were wonderful and interacted well with the public. She wanted to thank the staff for making it a great experience for everyone who attended. APPROVE DOG PARK FEES FOR THE 2024 SEASON Thompson explained that the new access control system has been very well received. Animal Control responded to 61 calls at the dog park in 2022. So far, in 2023, they have responded 15 times. The access control system has benefited Animal Control, Parks and Recreation , and the citizens purchasing passes for their dogs. The annual fees have increased by $2, and weekly and daily pass fees have not changed. Cady wanted to know if there were significant increases or decreases in past purchases in the last few years. Thompson said that we were down around 20 passes from last year. Bristow moved with, second by Reeves, to approve the 2024 proposed dog park fees as stated. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved 2024-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DISCUSSION Abraham wanted to update the Commission on his discussion with Steve Schainker, City Manager, and representatives from the Finance department. The direction from Schainker is to do a catch-up year. Some projects, such as the new splash pad, the park maintenance facility consolidation, and the skate park repairs, need additional funding. Abraham informed the Commission that he would bring more information at the November meeting. White asked if the staff was looking for outside grants. Abraham informed him that the staff looks for opportunities and has received grants for the Sands- McDorman Property and the accessible kayak launch, auditorium programming, and forestry. He explained that the difficulty in applying is staff capacity and time. PROJECT UPDATES Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Plans and specs are 95% complete. The goal is the drawings will go to purchasing by November 2, go to Council on November 14, and go out to bid on November 15. The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting is on November 16, and Abraham will share an update then. Steven L. Schainker Plaza The Ice ribbon borders have been installed, and pipes are being placed in the ice ribbon area. Staff hopes the contractor for the aquatics component will begin soon. Sands-McDorman Property City staff is working with the sellers on missing documents, and we are hoping to close late next week. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson reported to the Commission that the process for shutting down water fountains and restrooms has begun, along with shutting down irrigation systems and other prewinter activities. Kort reported that Homewood will be open through October. There are a lot of activities happening at the Auditorium and Bandshell, plus swimming lessons are happening at Forker. Cady asked if the liquor license was approved. The Ames City Council has approved liquor sales at the auditorium; however, leadership staff is still working on the policies, so sales have not begun. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Cramer asked about plans for managing invasive species in the park system. Thompson stated that maintenance staff works with multiple friend groups to help develop a plan for removal in the park system. Groups of dedicated volunteers work at Brookside, Ada Hayden, and Emma McCarthy Lee Parks. Staff also sprays, mows, and burns some areas. Neighbors will organize a workday as some species, such as garlic mustard, must be pulled. They can publicize these events in the department’s weekly newsletter. Thompson told the Commission that there are some funds for managing invasive species in the grant that Forestry received. Cady would love to have a conversation with the Forester regarding the grant. Reeves asked for an update on the creek restoration project. Abraham answered that not much has happened as the easements have not been forthcoming from the property owners, which has halted this project. It will not be worth stabilizing the banks on the park side of the project if the property owners won’t let the City stabilize the other side. Shimanek asked if there has been any talk of adding to the staff to help manage these projects. Abraham stated that there are two new positions on the maintenance side to help get things done in the park system. Abraham, Thompson, and Kort regularly discuss how things are going and eliminate things such as doubling up on meetings. They are looking at who has the capacity and changing how projects are managed. Cady feels relief that we can push through these projects without adding more to the list. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, November 16 at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting) ADJOURNMENT: Bristow moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:15 PM