HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 03/21/2024AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
DATE: March 21, 2024
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek, Jeff White
ABSENT: Thyra Cox, Rachel Cramer
STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Courtney Kort, Joshua Thompson,
CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2024
Bristow moved, with a second by Reeves, to approve the February 15, 2024,
meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
Lori Biederman (1239 Orchard Dr), representing the Friends of Brookside Park, shared the Friends
are holding nature walks in the park this spring and summer. The first will be a bird and flower
walk on April 15, sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited and the Friends of Brookside Park.
INTRODUCE PA GOLDBECK, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
Abraham introduced Pa Goldbeck to the Commission. Goldbeck told the Commission that she
was originally from Minneapolis, had lived in Des Moines for the last nine years, and was moving
to Ames at the end of the month. She enjoys the parks' amenities and is excited to join the City
of Ames Team.
MOTION APPROVING THE AMES CYCLONE AQUATICS CLUB ITEMS:
a) Memorandum of Understanding with Ames Cyclone Aquatics Club regarding the Annual
Rock the Blocks Swim Meet, and
b) The agreement with Ames Cyclone Aquatic Club regarding the Rock the Blocks Event to
be held on May 31-June 2, 2024, at Furman Aquatic Center.
Kort reviewed the history of the meetings and agreements between the City of Ames and
the Ames Cyclone Aquatics Club (ACAC). The parties met several times last year, as the
event was canceled in 2023. The City and ACAC have discussed the goals of both parties
and drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an Agreement for the 2024
swim meet. Staff recommends Alternative #1.
Abraham added that the rental rate charged to ACAC is about 40% of the regular rental
rate so they will receive exclusive use at a 60% discount.
Doug McCorkle (1018 Vermont Cr)
McCorkle spoke on behalf of ACAC, sharing the board's perspective regarding the
agreement with the City. ACAC has been a long-standing partner with the City, working
to provide a beneficial service to its community members and surrounding communities,
including the Rock the Blocks swim meet, for the past twelve years. The goal was to
provide a framework to operate the meet in a financially viable manner. He informed the
Commission that the board also understands and appreciates the City’s need to operate
the facility and recover its costs for operating and maintaining it for decades.
He continued by stating that the board specifically wants to point out two things:
The rental fee is approximately ten times higher than what ACAC paid in 2014 and
approximately four times higher than in 2023. ACAC will use the facility rain or shine, hot
or cold, wind or calm. ACAC is guaranteed for the weekend, no matter what the weather.
ACAC will also use the facility during hours when it is normally not open for public use.
McCorkle also noted that in the past, ACAC had exclusive use of the facility on Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday. In the MOU, access to the pool will be from 1:00 PM on Friday
through 4:00 PM on Sunday, allowing the City to hold a noon lap swim on Friday and a
public swim on Sunday.
These two concessions are significant to ACAC in terms of both the cost and the operating
times for the meet.
He wrapped up the ACAC board's perspective by acknowledging that concessions have
been made on both sides, but those should be noted as we move forward.
White moved, with a second by Reeves, to approve Alternative #1,
option a) Memorandum of Understanding with Ames Cyclone Aquatics Club
regarding the Annual Rock the Blocks Swim Meet and b) the agreement with Ames
Cyclone Aquatic Club regarding the Rock the Blocks Event to be held on May 31 -
June 2, 2024, at Furman Aquatic Center. No discussion. No opposition. Motion
approved.
MOTION APPROVING THE JAYCEES REQUEST TO:
a) Sponsor “Ames On the Half Shell,” utilizing Bandshell Park on five Fridays between May
31 and June 28, 2024, and
b) Recommend City Council approve alcohol to be served at Bandshell Park on five Fridays
between May 31 and June 28, 2024, and
c) Waive the Jaycee's payment of a $1.00 facility fee per ticket sold and 10% of their gross
food/beverage sales from “Ames On the Half Shell “events.
Kort went over the Commission Action Form (CAF). Kort stated there was a request for a rental
fee adjustment; however, due to the short turnaround and budget finalization, there will be no
adjustments this year.
Melissa Engstrom (1108 S 4th)
Engstrom, representing the Jaycees, stated that this event has been happening for the last 20
years, with 2023 being the most successful year. The money earned will provide funds for
Jaycee’s community projects.
Cady asked if a MOU would work for this event. Abraham stated it would be a separate motion
from the Commission if they felt it was needed. He thinks something other than an MOU is
required for this situation. Staff and the Jaycees need flexibility regarding how fees or other items
could be done differently if needed.
Engstrom stated that the Jaycees would like to increase the funds and have the opportunity to
provide food baskets in the summer in addition to their annual holiday food baskets. They want
to be able to use the funds in the Community. They are okay with ha ving some discussions
regarding next year.
Staff recommends Alternative #1.
Shimanek moved, with a second by Bristow, to approve Alternative #1, a) Sponsor
“Ames On the Half Shell,” utilizing Bandshell Park on five Fridays between May 31
and June 28, 2024; b) Recommend City Council approve alcohol to be served at
Bandshell Park on five Fridays between May 31 and June 28, 2024; and c)Waive
the Jaycee's payment of a $1.00 facility fee per ticket sold and 10% of their gross
food/beverage sales from “Ames On the Half Shell“ events. No discussion. No
opposition. Motion approved.
Cady asked if anyone wanted to make a motion directing Staff to engage the Ames Jaycees in
rental rate discussions in 2025 and beyond.
Reeves asked for clarification as he didn’t remember the Commission directing Staff to engage in
this type of discussion with ACAC.
Abraham stated that the Commission did not direct the development of the MOU with ACAC.
However, the Commission directed the discussions with ACAC that became the MOU document .
Abraham feels that conversations with the Jaycees should remain flexible. The Jaycees are not
the only non-profit group that uses our facilities. It is important to have time to see how changes
would impact not only the Jaycees but also other non-profits and the budget.
Shimanek stated he feels there are methods already in place for this event, and there is no need
for an MOU.
Kort stated that the Jaycees presented other options for fees for future years, and all that is
needed is for the Commission to direct Staff to have these conversations.
Bristow moved, seconded by White, to direct Staff to discuss alternative rental fee
options for future events with the Ames Jaycees. No discussion. No opposition.
Motion approved.
APPROVE AMES MAIN STREET’S REQUEST TO:
a) Utilize Bandshell Park on May 17, 2024, with the band playing 6–9 PM with teardown
completed by 10 PM; and
b) Recommend City Council approve alcohol to be served at Bandshell Park on May 17, 2024.
Kort went over the CAF. She informed the Commission that this event has been expanded from
prior years. The Ames Police and Parks and Recreation Staff reported no past issues. Staff
recommends Alternative #1.
Shimanek moved, with a second by Bristow, to approve Alternative #1. a) Utilize
Bandshell Park on May 17, 2024, with the band playing 6–9 PM with teardown
completed by 10 PM; and b) Recommend City Council approve alcohol to be
served at Bandshell Park on May 17, 2024. No discussion. No opposition. Motion
approved.
MOTION APPROVING THE AGREEMENT WITH AMES YOUTH BASEBALL REGARDING USE OF
FIELDS 7, 8, & 9 IN BROOKSIDE PARK FROM APRIL 1, 2024 TO NOVEMBER 1, 2024.
Thompson went over the CAF. Ames Little League uses the smaller fields at no charge, but they
do pay for the use of the larger field. Staff recommends Alternative #1.
Bristow moved, with a second by Shimanek, to approve Alternative #1. Approve
the agreement with Ames Youth Baseball regarding use of fields 7, 8, & 9 in
Brookside Park from April 1, 2024, to November 1, 2024. No discussion. No
opposition. Motion approved.
PROJECT UPDATES
a) Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
All contracts and bonds are in place. Story Construction has erected 6-foot-tall fencing
around the site. Banners with more information will be placed on the site, with a QR code
for more details. The buildings on site will be demolished next week. Staff is working with
Media Services on installing a time-lapse camera. We will be moving some Mediacom and
Metronet lines. City Council has directed Staff to get some pricing on additional amenities,
such as solar, and bring it back to them.
b) Steven L. Schainker Plaza
The pumps are in the building; the condenser will be delivered on April 15. The irrigation
and landscaping plans have changed. We should see some concrete and plantings this
spring and a ribbon cutting this summer.
c) Mini-pitch Court
The Commission's recommendation was taken to the City Council, which directed Staff to
move forward with one court specific to soccer. The Council did approve the agreement
with Stonebrook Church. We will move forward with the Mini Pitch with a ribbon cutting
to be held this fall.
Abraham also informed the Commission that the pickleball courts, which were finished last year,
will have a ribbon cutting and open house on Saturday, April 27. The Ames Pickleball Club is
considering offering free lessons and refreshments before and after the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.
We may incorporate the park's 75th anniversary into this celebration.
MONTHLY REPORT
Kort informed the Commission that the hiring tailgate was held at Homewood. This event
informed the public about job opportunities throughout the department. Staff was on hand to
provide information regarding open positions, and anyone interested in working with Ames Parks
and Recreation could apply at the event.
Homewood opened on March 11 as golfers have been raring to go.
The concert series has the tribute band Jett Threat in the auditorium on Friday, March 22.
Thompson stated that park staff will begin opening restrooms in the coming weeks.
Lloyd Kurtz, Christopher Gartner, and Country Gables parks are getting new playgrounds.
The MOTUS wildlife tracking system has been installed at Ada Hayden and will gather data
regarding bird migration.
The Ames Anglers and the Department of Natural Resources will drop cedar trees in Ada Hayden
Heritage Park Lake to improve fish habitat.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Cady thanked Jeremy Bristow as this was his last meeting after seven years of service on the
Commission.
Bristow stated that it has been great working with everyone and serving the citizens of Ames—
a great experience for the last seven years.
Abraham stated that working with Bristow has been a pleasure as he is always thoughtful and
supportive of Staff. Abraham presented Bristow with a gift of 10 rounds of golf at Homewood
for his service. Thyra Cox could not attend the meeting, but Abraham also wanted to thank her
for her service.
Two new Commissioners, Dr. Jeff Iles and Janet Rathe, have been appointed. They will begin
their terms in April.
Abraham wanted to emphasize that Staff does not do everything alone. The department has a
large number of seasonal staff. Abraham also wanted to acknowledge the passing of two long-
time softball staff members, Jim Kemis and Billy Cole.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, April 18, at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting)
ADJOURNMENT: Bristow moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:03 PM