HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 11/16/2023AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
DATE: November 16, 2023
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Rachel Cramer, Thyra Cox, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek, Jeff
White
ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Courtney Kort, Joshua Thompson, Pat Wynja, Nate Pietz
CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 19, 2023
Cramer moved, with a second by Bristow, to approve the September 21, 2023, meeting minutes.
Discussion: Reeves stated that Rachel Cramer's last name was repeated in the members present list in the
September minutes. No opposition. Motion Approved with correction.
PUBLIC FORUM None
HOMEWOOD 2023 SEASON REVIEW
Nate Pietz, Recreation Coordinator, and Pat Wynja, Turf Maintenance Supervisor, presented the season review.
Pietz went over the clubhouse operation, rounds played, passes sold, special events, and clubhouse rentals.
Wynja thanked his staff for the summer, including Gary Larson. The biggest challenges this season were vandalism
from people and animals and keeping up with maintenance due to increased rounds. Staff improved the
landscaping near the clubhouse and the course's turf quality with aerations. Since the weather has remained
good, staff was able to double the size of the #9 tee box. There will be some clearing of trees. Wynja informed the
Commission that it was a great year.
White asked if walkers or skiers cause any winter damage to the course. Wynja told the Commission that the two
most significant issues are that dog walkers leave bags of feces at the course and when there is frost on the course,
people who walk on the grass instead of the paths snap the grass off.
Abraham thanked Nate, Pat, and the rest of the staff for doing a phenomenal job.
2024-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DISCUSSION
Abraham went over the items in the current plan. He reminded the Commission that there will be a special
meeting on December 7, 2023, at 4:00 PM in the Homewood Clubhouse.
Some of the projects in the 24/25 plan include continuing progress on the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center,
moving forward with the plan to build a splash pad in Daley Park, refinishing the Community Center gym floor,
consolidating the Park Maintenance Facilities, installing a new path on the south lake at Ada Hayden, installing a
new playground at Patio Homes West, and continuing ADA Improvements. Abraham then went over years two
through five of the plan, explaining that staff did move some of those projects around.
Bristow commented that it "looks like a good plan."
Abraham also told the Commission there would be a shift to seeing fewer new things and more maintenance
projects.
Cady feels the department has been in a period of growth for a while, and it is reasonable to enter into a phase of
maintaining what we have.
PROJECT UPDATES
Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
Plans and specifications did not go to the Council on November 14 as previously planned. Due to soil problems
encountered during drilling test well bores, geothermal heating/cooling will not be an option for this project.
The latest cost estimate, including the add alternate, has come in less than expected. So far, staff feels good about
how the estimates have come in. The City can add the multi-purpose rooms and walking area if the bids are close
to the projected estimates. The new plan is to take this to Council on November 28, distribute construction
documents on November 29, and bids being due on January 11.
Reeves asked about laps on the indoor track. Abraham stated about 19 laps.
Steven L. Schainker Plaza
The contractor is preparing to pour cement for the ice rink next week. There are a few things to work through with
the aquatic section, but the contractor still hopes to pour concrete this fall.
Sands-McDorman Property
The City now owns this property. Abraham wanted to remind everyone that undeveloped land does not suddenly
become a park.
He also spoke to the Commission about some ISU design students and their ideas for this property. Abraham
stated that elements in the student plans may be included in the information given to the consultants at design
time.
Cady said her west Ames neighbors are interested and highly optimistic about the project.
Reeves commented that the street from Kentucky Ave. heading west is rough. Abraham informed him that street
improvements would be a Public Works project, the cost of which would not come from the Parks and Recreation
CIP.
Reeves also mentioned CyRide access and concerns regarding speed in the area. Abraham stated that once the
park was being developed, the appropriate city staff would investigate those concerns.
MONTHLY REPORT
Kort stated programs are transitioning from outdoors to indoors.
Thompson went over some of the projects listed in the report.
He also reviewed the compressor issues at the Ice Arena, as these compressors can no longer be replaced. Parts
replacement is the only option we have at this time. The City Council has approved the overhaul of the
compressors, which will be done over the next couple of months.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Cady asked a question regarding the pipes in Carr and River Valley parks. Thompson stated that this is a project
overseen by the Water and Pollution Control Department. They are adding three new wells with fiber and
electricity for monitoring. Thompson explained that the pipes must be a certain depth, and some trees had been
removed. New trees will be planted throughout the park. Thompson said a lot of what was removed was invasive
species, which helps the department the control of these invasive trees.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, December 7 at 4:00 PM (Special Meeting with City Manager)
ADJOURNMENT: Bristow moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:15 PM