HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 08/15/2024AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: August 15, 2024
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Jeff Iles, Janet Rathe, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek, Debra
Tapp, Jeff White
ABSENT: Sarah Cady
STAFF PRESENT: Keith Abraham, Courtney Kort, Joshua Thompson,
CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY 18, 2024
Reeves moved, with a second by Iles, to approve the July 18, 2024, meeting
minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
No public forum.
MOTION APPROVING THE VINTAGE COOPERATIVES OF AMES FITNESS
AGREEMENT FOR AUGUST 12, 2024 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025.
Kort stated that the first contract was last year, and the classes have been successful,
with enrollment meeting the minimum for each class. Iles asked about the prices. Kort
stated that the only change from last year’s agreement is the fee structure, which now
matches the rest of our fitness classes.
Motion by Reeves, with a second by Iles, to approve Alternative #1, Approve
the Vintage Cooperatives of Ames Fitness Agreement from August 12,
2024, through December 31, 2025. No discussion. No opposition. Motion
Approved.
2025-2030 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT DISCUSSION
Abraham reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process, funding, and timeline.
He asked the Commission to think of things they wanted to see in the CIP and reminded
them that not every suggestion can be implemented.
Abraham stated that the Department typically receives around $800,000 per year.
However, if the City continues to add additional parkland and amenities, $800,000 will not
be sustainable, and maintenance will need to be deferred. Once maintenance is deferred,
it can cost millions.
Shimanek feels that the Commission's role as citizen oversight is to represent the majority
of people who use our facilities and don’t say a word because they appreciate what is
offered. Sometimes, one person will come in with a negative aspect, and we tend to focu s
on that instead of all the people who are really enjoying what we already have, especially
with costs increasing. He feels we should look at how best to serve the most people.
Reeves encouraged the commissioners to attend public input sessions as the people who
attend are engaged and speak from the heart.
PROJECT UPDATES
Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center
Abraham informed the Commission that the footings and foundations were going in, that
some of the contingency funds had been used, and that there had been some change
orders. Thus far, no contamination has been detected, and there has been no
groundwater.
Steven L. Schainker Plaza
The concrete expert believes the contractor may have lost control of the pour. Where the
mesh is next to the surface, there are already areas of cracking and some corrosion. The
expert is not in favor of the bonding/coating option.
The concrete along the spray pad needed to be bonded per city code. Some areas will
need to be corrected. Everything except the ice ribbon is to be completed by October 1.
Mini Pitch
Staff is working with a local company to finalize design and construction documents and
will work toward getting the plans and specs approved at the next Council meeting.
MONTHLY REPORT
Thompson is happy to report that three new maintenance workers will start next week
and one the week after. The supervisor position will be posted in September.
Kort informed the Commission that the Recreation Coordinator and Ice Arena Coordinator
positions have been posted, and there has been significant interest and many
applications.
The Gym flooring project will take place from September 9 to 15. The gym, weight room,
and cardio room will not be open during this time.
Most area pools are closed or closing this weekend. Staff will keep as much of the facility
as they can safely operate open until Labor Day. The Duck Derby will close out the
season. Ducks are on sale at the Community Center, and the winners will receive some
great prizes from local businesses.
Abraham spoke about the agility course, shelter, and restroom project in Carr Park. There
is not enough funding to complete the entire project. We may do the agility course and a
smaller shelter in this area, as this may not be the best place for a restroom in the park
system.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Iles mentioned there have been some concerns regarding motorized scooters at Miracle
Park. Abraham says they are not allowed. They have been jumping off the ramps, which
can damage the surface and harm patrons.
Shimanek said he encountered some problems while running in Carr Park. These
scooters are not peddled and can go quickly and keep up with vehicle traffic. They are
full-on electric dirt bikes that can kill someone.
Staff is also looking into the use of e-bikes in the park system. There is no biking or
peddling involved with some of these bikes. There will need to be more discussion on it,
probably sooner rather than later. There are problems with the very competitive bikers at
Ada Hayden. Staff is working to find the balance between encouraging people to get out
and making sure they are safe.
White said that he was at the 13th St. dam recently and one of the fishermen asked if the
department could stock trout in the river. White’s observation is that the area has seen an
increase in paddling, tubing, and fishing. Abraham said staff could contact the DNR, as
he doesn’t know if they have a river stocking program.
Rathe stated that people have mentioned the increase in homeless camping in the
restroom facilities and at Bandshell Park.
Abrham stated that a team is discussing public and staff safety concerns and the overall
issue of homelessness across the city. Assistant City Manager Pa Goldbeck is leading
the effort and has asked for funding to hire a facilitator to unite social service providers,
homeless individuals, and others.
NEXT MEETING: September 19, 2024, at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting)
ADJOURNMENT: Rathe moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:14 PM