HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 12/07/2023AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Homewood Clubhouse – 401 East 20th Street
DATE: Thursday, December 7, 2023
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Rachel Cramer, Thyra Cox, Duane Reeves, Nathan
Shimanek, Jeff White
ABSENT: Sarah Cady
STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Courtney Kort, Joshua Thompson
CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM
PUBLIC FORUM None
DISCUSS THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN WITH CITY MANAGER STEVE SCHAINKER
Schainker gave an overview of local option sales tax. He informed the Commission that this tax grew
from revenue sharing being discontinued at a federal level. Schainker explained how local option sales
tax provides the funding for the CIP. He also explained that 60% of the funds collected go to property
tax reduction. The other 40% goes to community betterment, including human service agencies, the
arts, Parks & Recreation, accessibility, and the Ames Public Library.
Schainker also explained that several projects across the City have been delayed due to t he economy,
supply chain issues, rising interest rates, and staffing/hiring issues. Because of this, few new projects are
being added or moved forward, and this will be a catch-up year.
Schainker also spoke about the park development fund. The City Council allocates money to this fund so
that there would be available funds if an opportunity presents itself. This is why the City was able to
acquire the Sands-McDorman property.
Abraham gave updates on the 2024/25 (year one) projects and an overview of the projects in years two
through five.
Schainker states that the City’s most urgent projects should be a New Animal Control Shelter, moving
Fire Station #2 out of Campus Town, adding a new Fire Station #4 somewhere in the northern part of
town, adding an indoor fieldhouse, and development of the new park on Ontario. He explained that
these projects will be bond issues and need 60% of the vote to pass. These things need to be prioritized.
Abraham stated that there are some improvements we are going to have to make at the Sands-
McDorman property, including adding some parking and mowed trails. These improvements must
happen within three years of receiving the grant funding we have been awarded.
He also said the gymnastic space at the Community Center is being redeveloped into administrative
offices. As a result, some improvements will be made at the Parks and Recreation Administration
building to continue this program.
Abraham also asked the Commission if they would like to visit the new field house in Nevada.
Schainker also informed the Commission of proposed changes in the Iowa Legislature, which could
include taxes paid by Ames residents being allocated to other towns that do not collect local option sales
taxes.
Schainker said the department will need to raise fees incrementally to provide the same level of service.
However, we do need a healthy scholarship fund in place. Schainker stated that Ames is in good financial
shape.
Cramer asked about the CyTown project. Schainker stated that he believes there are concerns about
competing with local businesses by crossing the line into private development. He said the City and the
University are trying to work things out.
Abraham mentioned there will be improvements on Scholl Road, including work on bike paths. The area
from the bridge to Applied Sciences needs to be worked out. Schainker also explained that streets and
paths with university property on both sides are the University’s responsibility. Streets and paths that
are University on one side and the City on the other are the City's responsibility, and the two have to
work together.
ADJOURNMENT: Reeves moved to adjourn at 5:03 PM