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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 10/17/2024CITY OF AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE October 17, 2024 COMMISSION PRESENT ABSENT None STAFF Keith Abraham, LeAnn Hawk, Nate Pietz, Joshua Thompson 1. CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: (Reeves/Iles) to approve the September 17, 2024, meeting minutes. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 3. PUBLIC FORUM None 4. STORY COUNTY WATER & LAND LEGACY BOND Mike Cox, Story County Conservation Director, outlined the Story County Water & Land Legacy Bond and potential projects it may fund. In the November general election, Story County voters will have an opportunity to support a $25 million, 20-year-obligation bond to dedicate funding for county-wide conservation and recreational projects. If passed, the bond would be repaid via property tax increases averaging $32 annually for the median residential household. Story County intends to issue bonds as projects are set to begin, thereby lowering principal plus debt service, decreasing the amount levied to taxpayers. Cox noted a track record of successful fundraising via private donors, grants, and partnerships. Story County Conservation (SCC) intends to leverage these funds to maximize the bond investment impact, with bond funding accounting for perhaps half the cost of the proposed conservation and recreational projects. Cox reported that since 2016, SCC completed over 70 projects worth nearly $21 million, with only $8 million in Story County tax dollars. In April, the Story County Water & Land Legacy Bond Committee commissioned a telephone survey of 300 Story County residents to gather feedback regarding potential projects. Water quality protection, flood reduction, outdoor recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat protection, and additional biking and walking trail connectivity topped respondents’ priorities. Cox indicated these insights supported a list of projects, roughly equally funded, grouped into three categories: [1] Preservation projects focus on land and water preservation to maintain wildlife habitat, protect water sources, mitigate flood damage, and preserve property value. Projects include greenbelt buffer acquisition and restoration, South Skunk River streambank stabilization, Hickory Grove Park beach improvements, Wicks Wildlife area oxbow restoration, and Hannum’s Mill dam renovation. 2 [2] Recreation projects address quality of life enhancements, livability, and attracting new residents and visitors. Projects include R38 recreational trail alternative; Ames to McFarland Park trail connection; Heart of Iowa Nature Trail paving from Collins to Marshall County; Deppe Family Wildlife Area development; Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor improvements; Hickory Grove accessibility improvements; year-round, family-style rental cabin at Dakins Lake Cabin; and Anderson and C.J. Shreck water trail access improvements. [3] Education projects include improving McFarland Park education and nature center, and an outdoor recreation initiative to promote more opportunities for residents to enjoy being in nature while developing skills and confidence to carry it on for their lives. Cox reviewed Story County Water & Land Legacy Committee membership, noting it includes a broad spectrum of conservationists, recreation enthusiasts, economic leaders, and others. Committee members raised funds to support the bond campaign and serve as coordinators. Cady inquired about acquiring easements along the Skunk River between Ada Hayden Heritage Park and Peterson Park and McFarland Park. Cox indicated the proposed bond projects do not include a trail along the river because of property acquisition/easement challenges, and that a soft river trail that does not serve as an arterial connection is preferred. Instead, SCC will look at developing a concrete trail – location to be determined – connecting with the rest of the system. Cady commented on the R38 trail connection to the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor, noting some portions of the trail are very nice while other portions have issues with odor and dust. Cox acknowledged these concerns and discussed potential future improvements. White asked for comment on access to the Skunk River at the 265th Street bridge. Cox noted challenges with river access at that location, indicating SCC is unable to include improvements with all accesses in the bond projects but know further improvements are needed. Abraham asked what would happen if the bond measure does not pass and how would SCC prioritize projects. Cox indicated the R38 trail alternative and Ames/McFarland Park connections are big priorities, as is the visitor center. He noted securing matching money would be easier if SCC has bond funding. Without the bond, the projects would still be goals, but the forecast would change from 10-12 years to 20 or more years to accomplish these priorities. Without the bond funding, Cox said, things will take much longer, and some projects may not happen at all. Rathe commended the efforts made to promote Story County Water & Land Legacy Bond. 5. IOWAY CREEK PROJECT IN BROOKSIDE PARK UPDATE Liz Calhoun, Public Works Stormwater Resource Analyst, provided project background and a summary of upcoming work activities. The initial concept, presented in several public meetings in 2021, was reworked, with a second concept presented at several 2022 meetings with property owners, stakeholders, and the public. Since then, full design work was undertaken, including: a landscaping plan produced by Confluence, an establishment and maintenance plan from Prairie Rivers of Iowa, and engineering drawings prepared by WHKS. Other work items during the last two years include: mussel relocation upstream; permitting with Army Corps of Engineers and Iowa DNR, including project timing considerations related to bat and bee habitat; property owner easements; and consideration of park usage and contractor access to minimize disturbances in the busiest portions of Brookside Park. 3 Upcoming project milestones include City Council approval of plans and specifications on November 12; construction bid letting on December 4; and four to six months of construction set to begin April 1, 2025, at the earliest. Project updates will be available via social media and a project website. Calhoun presented a map showing construction access from southeast 6th Street, along with several stream crossings allowing east/west movement. Abraham noted earlier discussions involved potential staging along 13th Street and closure of the trail through the park for the project’s duration. The current access plan represents a best-case scenario, with a lot of work done to develop a plan allowing the trail to remain open and usable by the public. Calhoun noted there may still be brief periods where trail closure will be needed to complete some work. Landscaping work will include stabilization and in-stream features to address erosion; varied seeding; creek rerouting enabling work to flatten and effectively vegetate a steep embankment; and adding stream features, such as large rocks to use as stepping stones. Primary clearing will occur between the two pedestrian bridges, with care to minimize width and overall disturbance. Lori Biederman, 1239 Orchard Drive, indicated Friends of Brookside Park supports the project. Reeves asked if moving the work from winter to spring presented new challenges or increased costs. Calhoun replied that is a big part of why the work will be done in phases to minimize the amount of open ground at any time. The construction plans include temporary stabilized stone crossings to avoid vehicles and equipment carrying mud into the creek, as well as matting placed after grading work. The project may proceed more during summer/fall when water levels drop. One of the challenges is how to manage the creek while work is being done. Cady asked if similar large stones placed within Munn Woods reduced stream flow rates and erosion. Calhoun stated she noticed some water pooling behind stones that otherwise would drain out. Some in-stream features are designed to create habitat, especially during dry times, she explained. 6. APPROVAL OF 2025 DOG PARK FEES Thompson explained that the Commission approves most Parks and Recreation fees and charges each January. Dog Park fees are an exception because permits are valid for the calendar year, with sales beginning in December to enable permit usage on January 1. The proposed 2025 fee schedule includes minimal price increases, about 3.5% for each rate. Dog Park permit/pass sales for 2024 total 575 annual passes and 58 daily/weekly passes, a decline from 2023 staff attributes to people making purchase decisions in a broader context of increased costs in other areas of their lives. Thompson noted the access control system, added in 2023, reduced service calls to Animal Control, from 70-80 calls per year to 10-15. The service calls are now both fewer in number and less serious in nature. MOTION: (Shimanek/White) to recommend Alternative 1, which states: Approve the proposed Dog Park fees for 2025 as stated [in the Commission Action Form]. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 7. FURMAN AQUATIC CENTER END-OF-YEAR REPORT Hawk reviewed Furman Aquatic Center (FAC) facility goals of safety and quality, along with staff goals related to values, culture, and service. She noted numerous off-season maintenance and facility improvement items. The FAC season spanned 101 days. Inclement weather resulted in 4 12 facility closures. The splash pool closed 12 times for Tot Time due to low temperatures. Amenity and/or basin closures, most due to lifeguard staffing shortages, totaled 23. Pietz reviewed admissions and concession staffing. Hawk reported on two new recruitment efforts: (1) speaking to the Ames High School lifeguard class and providing interview/application opportunities during the class, and (2) speaking to 8th Grade students about water safety and how to prepare for aquatic work opportunities, along with promoting swim camp opportunities. Prior to opening day, Hawk reported, all lifeguards received extensive training according to new Red Cross guidelines. Various staff retention initiatives proved to be popular and successful, e.g., Badge of Honor Awards demonstrating values related to service, safety, etc. These incentives align with core City of Ames employee values. Total season attendance of 84,916 aligned with the four-year average of 84,305, Pietz reported. Daily Admission payments decreased 5 percent in 2024, while both Punch Card and Season Pass admissions increased over 2023 totals. Season Pass sales aligned with the four-year average total. Punch Card sales increased in 2024. End of Season Pass sales were successful and will continue as a promotion in 2025. Pietz reported above average daily concession sales totaling $90,571 for the 2024 season. Hawk noted a decline in private rentals. Special events were varied and successful. Hawk singled out Christmas in July as a new and particularly successful program. Swimming lessons spanned June 10 to August 2, along with a couple of weather-related makeup dates. A total of 931 participants registered for swimming lessons. A majority of FAC swim instructors are certified as American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors, Hawk added. Hawk noted improved water depth signage installed by the diving board and drop slide. Rescues in these areas were considerably reduced in 2024. Future safety initiatives will focus on educating participants about areas in the pool with greater water depth. Sales of 588 ducks for the second annual Scholarship Duck Derby raised $4,065 for the scholarship fund, Hawk reported. User survey responses included many positive comments about FAC and staff, Hawk noted. Cady commended staff for its follow-up to address rescues in deep water areas. Shimanek shared his observations about how busy FAC is during daytime lap swimming, a good problem, in his view. He also complimented staff service and facility cleanliness. Rathe noted water walking is also very popular. 5 Iles asked if 16 hours is an average work week for lifeguards. The number seemed low. Hawk confirmed that average is accurate. She sees a balance between high school age employees, who often have many other obligations during the summer months, and college student employees, who tend to want as many hours as they can get. With high school employees, many working at FAC as a first job, Hawk encourages planning ahead and making a commitment. Abraham added that high school staff are subject to work restrictions related to age and whether school is in session, and that some FAC jobs are age restricted. Hawk shared that some employees may wish to work more but face these sorts of limitations. 8. PROJECT UPDATES a. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Abraham reported concrete removal/reconstruction work resolved issues with required vapor barrier installation under the pump pit and backwash basin. Contractors are working on completing shop drawings and submittals, with around 80 percent approved. Precast panels are expected to arrive on or around November 11, with installation to start shortly thereafter. A lot of steel is already on site. Initial building priorities are the natatorium walls and roof. Other walls are scheduled to be up mid-January. Numerous change orders total $224,000, or 1.2 percent of the construction budget. The project contingency totals $2.1 million. About one-third of the change orders relate to underground and unknowns from demolition and utilities connections. Another million dollars is available for site contamination – none found so far. The aquatic center is part of a downtown reinvestment district, Abraham explained. The City received a preliminary program award of $10 million from the State to be rebated from receipts generated from approved district development. Changes with The Linc along Lincoln Way may affect the program award, depending on how The Linc project redesign/reductions impact scoring. In early October, the City Council directed staff to submit a final application to maintain eligibility for the Reinvestment District award. b. Steven L. Schainker Plaza Abraham listed numerous recent project site changes, e.g., redone/bonded concrete along the spray pad, spray pad colored concrete, pavers installed underneath the building overhang, and pouring the stage on the south end of the project. Landscaping will begin in October, with more to be completed in the spring. Dormant seeding will be done this fall. Most of the work inside the building is done. Staff continues to work through ice ribbon options from Henkel Construction – additional information needed. Tapp asked if the City has a timeline for answers about the ice ribbon – Abraham said no. The City wants to be certain whatever solution is selected is good. Rathe said noticeable progress helps with public concerns about project delays and completion. 9. MONTHLY REPORT Abraham reported the following:  Mid-October staff began shutting off and winterizing drinking fountains due to freezing temperatures. Restrooms will remain open as long as possible.  Leadership Ames, The Bridge Home, and area businesses partnered to dismantle the decommissioned Stuart Smith Park playground to be reinstalled at The Bridge Home. New playground equipment will be installed at Stuart Smith Park, then Bandshell Park. 6  The Parks and Facilities Supervisor position has been open for nearly a year. One recruitment failed. The application deadline for the second recruitment is October 23. Staff believes it will fill the position from this candidate pool.  Abby Nelson will begin as Ice Arena Coordinator the week of October 28, working a 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Wednesday through Sunday schedule, to provide user groups with more consistent, full-time leadership at the Ice Arena.  Three candidates for the Recreation Coordinator position declined employment offers. Further interviews with other candidates are scheduled.  Parks and Recreation Department Secretary Katie Kole retired on September 27.  Homewood Golf Course will remain open into November to take advantage of warm weather. Rounds played in 2023 shattered records. This year will set another record. Abraham thanked all Parks and Recreation staff for their work, noting the department employs 29 full-time employees and 400 temporary staff. Cady commented the full-time staffing is very lean relative to the number of facilities the department operates and maintains. 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Reeves inquired about City Council discussions surrounding homelessness. Abraham explained a committee formed, led by Assistant City Manager Pa Goldbeck. City Council and Story County appropriated funding to hire a consultant to gather feedback from the homeless population and service providers and ultimately produce a community action plan. Initial conversations identified three top issues: substance abuse, mental health, and lack of housing. Abraham indicated the November Commission meeting will include discussion about park rules and policy adjustments to allow for enforcement of rules. Abraham stressed the issues are complex, difficult, and extend beyond Parks and Recreation. Balancing the needs and preferences of residents who want services, amenities, and a safe experience with issues caused by 30-50 individuals is difficult. Abraham encouraged Commissioners to consider possible park rule adjustments and how to gather feedback to prepare for future discussion(s). Rathe asked for comment on the October 16 neighborhood meeting regarding the Carr Park Agility Course. Abraham indicated approximately 15 attendees discussed with Thompson how issues from previous meetings will be addressed. Options for surface color were presented, with green on green preferred by attendees. Plans and specifications will go before City Council for approval on October 22, with bids due November 27 and contract award on December 10. Project construction would begin in Spring 2025, weather dependent, with a flexible completion window intended to reduce construction costs. 11. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, November 21, 2024, 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting) 12. ADJOURNMENT MOTION (Shimanek) to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:37 PM.