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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 04/18/2024AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: April 18, 2024 COMMISSION PRESENT: Sarah Cady, Rachel Cramer, Jeff Iles, Janet Rathe, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek ABSENT: Jeff White STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM by Keith Abraham, Parks and Recreation Director INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONERS Jeff Iles was introduced to the rest of the Commission. He informed everyone he is looking forward to the next year. He works for the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State. His involvement in the park system, tree planting, and Miracle Park prompted him to join the Commission. Janet Rathe was also introduced. She stated that she grew up and raised her kids in Ames, where lots of things are happening and great things are coming up. The other commissioners introduced themselves to the new members. ELECTION OF OFFICERS a. Chairperson Abraham asked for Chairperson nominations. Reeves moved to nominate Cady as Chairperson. Shimanek seconded this nomination, stating that Cady has done a wonderful job. There were no additional nominations from the floor. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. Abraham then passed the gavel to Cady as the new Chairperson. b. Vice-Chairperson Cady asked for nominations for the Vice-Chairperson. Reeves moved to nominate Shimanek, with a second by Iles. Shimanek nominated Reeves; there was no second. The motion on the table is to appoint Shimanek as Vice-Chairperson. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MARCH 21, 2024 Shimanek moved, with a second by Reeves, to approve the March 21, 2024, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. PUBLIC FORUM None MOTION APPROVING THE AMES FOUNDATION REQUEST TO HOST ITS ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT IN INIS GROVE PARK ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 Abraham gave some history of Parks and Recreation and The Ames Foundation (TAF) working together on projects that included renovations at the Durham Bandshell and Bandshell Park, tree plantings, and fundraising for the Miracle Park. TAF would like to focus on raising funds to endow the scholarship fund, build a new animal shelter, and install a second miracle playground. TAF would like to hold its annual fundraiser in Inis Grove Park, which includes food, live music, and alcohol. This would be atypical for the park system but could be allowed. The City Council would have to approve a temporary liquor license for the caterer, and TAF would need to carry DRAM Shop insurance. This event would have to be cleared through the Ames Police Department and the Fire Inspector as well. TAF has contacted the neighbors on 24th Street and done everything else they have been asked to do. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Chris Anderson, 2603 Kingston Dr, Ames, Chair of The Ames Foundation Board. Anderson has been on the Foundation Board since 2020. He first would like to invite everyone to the Ames Foundation open house on Arbor Day at Homewood from 4 to 7 p.m. The second item he would like to add is that Sheila Lundt has worked with a Renewable Energy Group to provide funds for planting trees in Inis Grove. Shimanek asked Anderson about the neighborhood's concerns. Anderson stated that the neighborhood did not seem concerned about this event. When Iles asked about parking, Anderson said there was enough space between the two lots for everyone. Cramer moved to approve Alternative #1, which is to approve the Ames Foundation request to host its annual fundraising event in Inis Grove Park on Sunday, September 29, 2024, provided it meets all requirements specified by Ames Police Department, Ames Fire Department, and the Ames Parks and Recreation Department. Second by Reeves. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. UPDATE ON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT PROJECT PLAN (FROM MARCH 26 CITY COUNCIL MEETING) Abraham reviewed the project plan and explained that it does not include any of the staff's day- to-day activities. This plan is to give the Council an understanding of the projects. The staff is trying to adhere to the schedule as much as possible. The Carr Park shelter and restrooms, the Parks Maintenance Facility, the Daley Park Splash Pad, and the paths at Ada Hayden will all go to bid this fall. Reeves asked about the Ioway Creek Restoration (Project #16), which Public Works is doing. Abraham informed Reeves that one property owner was holding off on giving the city an easement to do this project. Staff hopes this will be resolved and go to bid this fall. It is a cooperative effort between the two departments. Cady stated that the project plan document was a great way to display and understand. Reeves asked about the Carr Park project. Thompson informed him that the agility equipment Request for Proposal (RFP) is out now. Abraham added that the RFP includes proposals on the equipment and how the course would be laid out in the area. Shimanek wanted to highlight that the Department has so much going on. He feels that one thing Staff does well is the small projects and maintenance items, such as the steps at Inis Grove being fixed, have not been pushed off because Staff is busy. He is happy that the project is completed and is “very, very nice.” He feels that those small things are what makes our park system “really, really good because that’s not lost.” Abraham commended the maintenance staff for accomplishing those projects in-house. He also informed the Commission that out of our 29 full-time staff positions, there are eight vacancies. MOTION APPROVING THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DATES FOR APRIL 2024 THROUGH MARCH 2025 Abraham reviewed the schedule changes with the Commission members, including moving the March 2025 meeting one week later due to spring break and the special meeting scheduled for December 5. Iles moves to approve Alternative #1. Approve the Parks and Recreation Commission 2024- 25 meeting dates as shown in Attachment A. Second by Shimanek. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. PROJECT UPDATES a) Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Groundbreaking is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24. Staff hopes for a good turnout, and several speakers will be featured. City staff has heard from several donors who plan to attend. Over 11 million dollars have been raised from donations and grants. The demolition has been moving along. Most of the demolition debris has been removed, and the job trailer has been placed on the site. Iles asked if the project was fully funded. Abraham stated that it is fully funded. With all of this, we will issue a good portion of the bonds in September 2024, with a final issuance in September 2025. Because of the donations and the bids coming in $3 million less than the cost opinion, we have been able to lower the amount of bonds issued. b) Steven L. Schainker Plaza The project is moving forward. The condenser, part of the ice-making system, has been installed. The building's interior has been painted. The prep work will be finished, and concrete will be poured around the spray pad. Then, landscaping will happen. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson informed the Commission that the water has been turned on to all the restrooms, daily sanitation rounds have begun, and three new playgrounds are being installed. A contractor is painting the basins at Furman Aquatic Center in preparation for the 2024 summer season. New compressor controllers have been ordered for the Ames/ISU Ice Arena. One of the compressors needed a complete overhaul. This overhaul was supposed to have been completed last December, but there were delays in getting the parts. The arena received a $1,500 grant from the Ames Noon Kiwanis Club to purchase skate helpers. The tribute band series at the Ames City Auditorium went well. LeAnn Hawk, Aquatics Manager, has developed a partnership with ISU Rec Services to provide lifeguard training for ISU and City of Ames employees. She has also spoken to the Ames High School lifeguard class and recruited some lifeguards. Iles asked about the pay rate for lifeguards. Abraham informed him that the starting pay is around $14/hour. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Cady commented that she had feedback from a community member regarding the number of downed trees in Brookside and the general maintenance of the wooded areas. Abraham stated that all of the wooded areas have downed trees. The Regional Forrester for the Department of Natural Resources will work with staff on a management plan for these areas. Cady asked about the significant forestry grant that the department received. Abraham stated there were some delays; therefore, grant approval had not been taken to the Council. Abraham stated that touring the 60 Forward Center will be the first thing on the June parks and facilities tour. Shimanek wanted to know if the duckpin bowling would be ready. Rathe asked if there was a website or email to report maintenance items to the city. Thompson explained the app is See Click Fix or Ames on the Go. Thompson said the app is a big help to staff. Abraham said if the public sees any safety issues, etc., please let us know. There will be a ribbon cutting on Saturday, April 27, for the pickleball courts at Inis Grove. The event will include pickleball lessons, prizes, and food. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, May 16, at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting) ADJOURNMENT: Shimanek moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:04 PM.