Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 05/16/2026AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: May 16, 2024 COMMISSION PRESENT: Sarah Cady, Rachel Cramer, Jeff Iles, Janet Rathe, Duane Reeves, Jeff White ABSENT: Nathan Shimanek STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MARCH 21, 2024 Iles moved, with a second by Rathe, to approve the April 18, 2024 meeting minutes There was no discussion or opposition. The motion was approved. PUBLIC FORUM Richard Deyo 505 8th St, Apartment #2 Deyo explained that he was not allowed to perform at the Senior Variety Show. He was once told that his performance didn’t fit the theme, and his performance was pulled from the show at the last minute because his partner didn’t come to the final rehearsal. Cady interjected that the Parks and Recreation Commission does not have jurisdiction over the variety show. Deyo does not feel Heartland should be allowed to use the Auditorium because of how they treat him. Cady said he should contact Heartland of Story County, as the Parks and Recreation Commission does not have jurisdiction over the variety show. MOTION APPROVING THE AGREEMENT WITH THE AMES CYCLONE AQUATICS CLUB TO USE THE 50-METER BASIN AT THE FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER FROM MAY 27, 2024, UNTIL AUGUST 2, 2024, FOR PRACTICES, MONDAY-FRIDAY, EXCLUDING MAY 31, 2024. Kort reviewed the agreement regarding Ames Cyclone Aquatics Club (ACAC) swim practices at Furman Aquatic Center. ACAC proposed a change in the agreement. They prefer a flat fee for renting the facility instead of requiring their students to purchase a season pool pass. This will help with the administrative tasks of tracking the pool passes on both sides. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Reeves moved to approve Alternative #1, Approve the agreement granting the Ames Cyclone Aquatics Club use of the 50-meter basin at the Furman Aquatic Center from May 27, 2024, until August 2, 2024, for practices, excluding May 31, 2024. Second by Cramer. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. MOTION APPROVING THE AMES JAYCEE'S REQUEST TO ENTER ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2024, AT 5:30 AM, PRIOR TO JAYCEE'S REQUEST TO ENTER ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2024, AT 5:30 AM, PRIOR TO REGULAR PARK HOURS, REGULAR PARK HOURS, TO SET UP FOR THE GAAR EVENT. Thompson stated that the Great Ames Adventure Race (GAAR) has occurred for several years and has been very successful. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Iles asked if the park would be monitored to ensure the correct people got in. Thompson informed Iles that the staff would speak with the Jaycees, but there have been no problems, and the Staff trusts them. Moved by White to approve Alternative #1, approving the Ames Jaycees’ request to enter Ada Hayden Heritage Park on September 8, 2024, at 5:30 AM, prior to regular park hours to set up for the GAAR event. Second by Iles. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. MOTION APPROVING JAX OUTDOOR GEAR REQUEST TO RENT CANOES, KAYAKS, AND PADDLE BOARDS AT ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK FROM MAY 25 TO SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 AND WAIVE THE 10% OF GROSS SALES. Abraham stated that this partnership has been ongoing since 2005. It is a great partnership. Jax provides the staff, and they lay out the capital costs for equipment. It has been very successful. It is a positive relationship and a win-win for everyone. Iles asked who covers the liability insurance. Abraham informed him that Jax carries liability insurance. Moved by Iles to approve the request from JAX Outdoor Gear to rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards at Ada Hayden Heritage Park from May 25 to September 2, 2024, and waive the 10% fee of gross sales. Second by Rathe. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. POTENTIAL SITES FOR THE JUNE MEETING Abraham said he arranged a tour of the 60 Forward Center for the June 20 meeting. He would like to know if the Commission had anything else they wished to see. A potential option would be to view the Fieldhouse in Nevada. White would be okay with leaving it up to the staff to set up the tour list. PROJECT UPDATES a) Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Abraham informed the Commission that there had not been much movement. Some rubble and a foundation from the old church and parsonage were discovered. That has been taken care of, and all fill work has been done. The work now focuses on utilities, sanitary sewer, grading, and footings. The good news is that no groundwater has been found in any of the holes so far. b) Steven L. Schainker Plaza It does not seem like a lot is happening, but the splash pad area is formed, and concrete will be poured soon. We should see some grading, landscaping, paths, and sidewalks going in. The staff has a meeting with Henkel tomorrow. Rathe asked about grassy areas. Abraham stated that there is not a lot of grass on the south end, but there will be a grassy area on the north end. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson stated that it has been crazy, and staff has been very busy. The Furman Aquatic Center pools have passed all initial tests, and the facility is ready. Softball and soccer fields are being maintained. Some projects have been delayed by the weather and some by staff shortages. Thompson informed the Commission that the Furman Aquatic Center had changed the water disinfection system from a liquid chlorine to solid chlorine (briquettes). This system is safer to handle and less caustic on the pool basins and equipment. The company donated the equipment. Rathe asked Thompson the dollar value of the equipment. Thompson said the equipment was valued at $23,000. Thompson states that the briquettes don’t lose its efficacy over time and store well. The Fitch Family Aquatic Center, the Schainker Plaza spray pad, and the Daley Park splash pad will use the same equipment. Cady stated the parks look great. Many programs and activities are being scheduled through the Department. The public is encouraged to visit the website and view the available programs. Kort told the Commission that the Ames/ISU Ice Arena is closed for annual maintenance and will reopen on June 1. This summer, Furman Aquatic Center is hosting many activities and events. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Cady remarked on the incredible turnout for the ribbon cutting for the new pickleball facility at McCarthy Lee. She stated it was one of the happiest ribbon cuttings she has attended. Abraham also thanked the pickleball club for partnering on this event by providing food and door prizes. Abraham thanked Cramer for her time on the Commission and congratulated her on her new job. Cramer said that anyone who can serve on a board or commission should do so; it is a great opportunity to learn about all the work that goes into getting projects to the finish line. Abraham informed the Commission that the Mayor’s Bike Ride on May 18 begins at 9 AM. Water and snacks will be provided at Lloyd Kurtz Park. Helmets are encouraged. We would love to see you out there. White commented that the bike ride is scheduled at the same time as the tree planting. Thompson said the city of Ames and the Ames Foundation have been working together to hold tree planting in the spring and fall. Volunteers should meet at the corner of Northwestern and Murray Drive at 9 AM. White received an email today regarding resurfacing trails at ADA Hayden. The proposed paving is concrete. He inquired if a dirt track could be placed outside the concrete for passing or running. Abraham listed some concerns regarding the asphalt surface, including patching and edge crumbling, and the current path has not lasted 20 years. He stated the concrete would be 12’ instead of 10’ and have a line down the center of the path. A policy could be put in place for path use, such as wheels using the outside and walkers on the inside lane. Staff wants to minimize costs, mobilize once, and do the work over two fiscal years. Abraham stated that a project like this is always challenging. There are competing interests: What is best for the masses? What is best from a maintenance standpoint? What is the best use of taxpayer dollars? Thompson stated the paths around the city are all moving to concrete as the upfront costs are about the same, but concrete is longer-lasting. Rathe reported a dead deer in the creek at McCarthy Lee Park. The Ames Main Street 515 Days final event is a big bash at the Bandshell featuring the music of “Punching Pandas.” NEXT MEETING: Thursday, June 20 at 4:00 PM (Parks and Facilities Tour). Meet at City Hall west parking lot. ADJOURNMENT: Cramer moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:49 PM.