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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 07/18/2024AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: July 18, 2024 COMMISSION PRESENT: Sarah Cady, Janet Rathe, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek, Jeff White, and Jeff Iles (via phone) ABSENT: Debra Tapp STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Courtney Kort, Joshua Thompson, CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MAY 16 AND JUNE 20, 2024 Reeves moved, with a second by White, to approve the May 16 and June 20, 2024, meeting minutes. There was no discussion and no opposition. Motion Approved. PUBLIC FORUM Richard Deyo (8th and Clark) Deyo wanted to express to the Commission that he was cut off by Mayor Haila at the last council meeting and not allowed to speak regarding “the park across the street.” MOTION APPROVING THE FRIENDS OF ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK REQUEST TO WAIVE ENFORCEMENT OF PROHIBITION OF MOTORIZED VEHICLES IN ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK Abraham gave a brief history of the event and spoke about any changes. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Rathe moved, with a second by Reeves, to approve Alternative #1 and recommend that the City Council waive enforcement of Ordinance 19.9 on Monday, September 9 (9 am – 7:30 pm) and Tuesday, September 10 (9 am – 3 pm) at Ada Hayden Heritage Park to allow the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park to provide golf cart tours to mobility impaired individuals. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved. UPDATE REGARDING STEVEN L. SCHAINKER PLAZA ICE SKATING RIBBON (ATTACHED CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT) Abraham explained issues with the ice skating ribbon concrete poured in December 2023. Abraham and Thompson inspected the ribbon in the spring and found the surface unacceptable. Staff met with Confluence (project leader and landscape architect), Henkel (general contractor), and Everything Ice (ice rink subcontractor). Abraham explained that two options have been presented, 1. Remove and replace the existing concrete. Everything Ice could default on the project and a new subcontractor for the ice portion would need to be secured. It is uncertain if the new contractor would agree to use the equipment that has already been installed. Also, there is concern that a new pour may be of the same quality or worse. 2. Grind down the current rink's surface and apply a surfacing product. A mockup of the product was installed on the ice skating ribbon and staff did not find the product to be acceptable. No site superintendent from Henkle or manufacturer’s representative was present for this application. Staff feels that a concrete expert is necessary; Henkel does not agree. Staff asked the City Council for direction, and the Council directed staff to hire an expert to review everything and report back to Parks and Recreation and the Council with recommendations. Reeves asked if the staff knew what coating the surface would do to the quality of the ice and if the cooling system could handle that option. Abraham stated all of that is unknown, and the manufacturer will not state that the coating is suitable for ice. The manufacturer has not put this particular series of chemical coatings on concrete. There will also be maintenance for sealing every three years and replacement in 15 years. Iles asked who would pay for the expert, and Abraham stated that the cost would be the City's responsibility for now. Rathe asked if Staff had seen other outdoor rinks done by Everything Ice. Abraham stated that the concrete was poured by a subcontractor working for Everything Ice. There were pour preparation meetings with representatives from all entities; several things were specified in these meetings. The representative from the concrete contractor was not present for the pour. Abraham continued to explain that there are many layers here, but the Staff’s conversations are with Henkel as the general contractor for this job. Henkel did conduct ground penetrating radar tests, and of the six areas tested, two had voids or honeycombing. The concrete strength test exceeded the parameters, but there are other concerns. White asked about the standards for pouring slabs as opposed to ice rink slabs. Abraham stated that Everything Ice has expertise in this area, and their staff made some changes to the design. It was all based on a refrigerated slab. Shimanek believes it is worth waiting two years for a good product if that is what must happen. Abraham informed him that staff from the City Manager on down are willing to wait if remove and replace is the direction chosen. Rathe asked if we would use the same companies if we started over and if the design would be modified. Abraham said we could redesign to have a greater chance at success. Iles asked Abraham why it would take two years to complete. Abraham informed him there is a potential that there could be bond companies, insurance companies, and contractors that would all have to hammer this out. Abraham said he would keep the Commission up to speed on this project. PROJECT UPDATES Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center As of Tuesday morning, three of the contractors were on site. Some aquatic piping is being laid before footings can be poured and steel may go up in August. Abraham informed the Commission that, so far, all the soil samples have been under the limit for contamination, and there has been no groundwater seeping into dug holes. The most contaminated area is in the northeast corner of the lot, and construction has not begun in that area. Abraham also informed the Commission that there may be a Request for Proposal (RFP) done for solar panels. This would be a separate project. So far, the facility is on schedule to open in the fall of 2025. MONTHLY REPORT Kort informed the Commission that we have hired Michael Lady as the Ice Arena Manager. The Duck Derby information is out, and duck adoptions are available. The event will be on Monday, September 2nd at 6:30 PM. Thompson informed the Commission that hiring maintenance workers with four open positions is ongoing. We will hire a maintenance supervisor once the maintenance worker positions are filled. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Rathe informed Staff that she has been getting questions regarding the proposed splash pad in Daley Park. Abraham said that many of the plans are ready to go, but we are waiting for an answer from the state regarding a waiver for the existing restrooms. Outdoor showers would still need to be constructed regardless of the State’s decision on the restrooms. The goal is to have construction sometime next year. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, August 15 at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting) ADJOURNMENT: Shimanek moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:15 PM