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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 01/15/2026CITY OF AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE January 15, 2026 COMMISSION PRESENT ABSENT STAFF Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson 1. CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: (Iles/Rathe) to approve the December 18, 2025, meeting minutes. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 3. PUBLIC FORUM None 4. PARK RULES AND POLICIES Abraham provided an update on changes to Chapter 19 (Parks and Recreation) and Chapter 4 (Bicycles) of the Municipal Code approved by the City Council on January 13, 2026. Third reading and adoption of the ordinance changes is anticipated to occur at the Council’s January 27 meeting. Abraham indicated most of the changes recommended by the Commission were approved. An updated Parks and Recreation Rules and Policies document combining ordinances and park rules could be approved or amended by the Commission. Abraham asked for feedback and a motion to approve as written or motion(s) to amend. MOTION: (Iles/Reeves) to propose a 15 MPH maximum speed limit for bicycles, tricycles, unicycles, and personal transportation devices on identified trails. Iles shared he heard from several citizens who specialize in data analysis. As a cyclist, Iles is not sure speed limits have much to do with safety unless greatly exceeded, and going too slow may be just as dangerous. He suggested it may be easier to establish a higher speed limit and then scale back if needed. Abraham said staff’s opinion had not changed from 10 MPH. Like other park rules, a speed limit cannot be strictly enforced and must rely on self-policing. Some people will exceed the speed limit, whatever it is. Park user survey data revealed relatively light support of a speed limit of 15 MPH or higher. Shimanek stated the reason for a speed limit, even if unenforceable, is to set an expectation, and on a multi-use trail slower speed should be the expectation. Setting a 10 MPH limit may invite creep to 13- or 14 MPH, and a higher speed limit would invite higher creep. 2 Sappenfield spoke about setting the expectation for trails as shared use, that one should expect to encounter walkers, strollers, etc. using a shared use trail. A lower speed limit sets an expectation of encountering other users. Reeves said a 10- or 15 MPH limit, either one, would be the maximum allowable speed and would mean you should slow down when you see other trail users. He stated it may seem counterintuitive, but riders may have more control and maneuverability when going faster and may be more cautious when going faster because they look out farther. Shimanek cautioned that stopping distance increases exponentially with greater speed. Iles said this amounts to trying to legislate good behavior on trails. Bad behavior can occur at any speed. In his view, users will be more inclined to follow a rule when it seems reasonable, and 10 MPH is a pretty conservative speed, even on a multi-use trail. Shimanek stated he spent 20 years commuting through Ames by bicycle. For him, there is a big difference between restricting speed on trails through the parks versus bike trails. White noted very few people have speedometers. He supported the 10 MPH speed limit to keep speeds reasonable near other trail users. MOTION FAILED: (2-5). Opposed: Rathe, Sappenfield, Shimanek, Tapp, White Abraham reviewed other updates to the Parks and Recreation Rules and Policies document, including rules regarding fires, fishing, horses, motorized vehicles, skating, swimming, and tobacco and electronic smoking devices. Reeves noted horse riding along the river west of Moore Memorial Park and the presence of horse owner properties near Ontario Park. He wondered if those areas would be open for horse riding once park development activities occur. Abraham stated it would need to be examined but he suspected staff would not allow horse riding in those areas. Reeves asked if Miracle Park is considered a hard surface court. Abraham suggested the rule prohibiting skating/skateboarding/bike riding/scooters could be expanded to include poured in place rubber surfaces. MOTION: (Iles/Reeves) to add a bullet point ‘Not allowed on poured in place rubber surfaces.’ MOTION PASSED: (7-0) Abraham noted the prohibition of swimming in any lake or pond on City-owned property is now contained as an ordinance within Chapter 19. White asked if it would be waived for a triathlon. Abraham stated swimming waiver requests would likely continue to come to the Commission for a recommendation followed by a City Council approval action. Rathe asked if rivers are included in the swimming prohibition—Abraham said no. MOTION: (Rathe/Sappenfield) to recommend Alternative 2, which states: Approve the Park Rules as amended by the Parks and Recreation Commission. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 3 5. BUDGET a. 2026-27 Requested Budget Abraham provided an overview of Parks and Recreation funding and program budgets. City Council approves the budget, and the Commission approves fees and charges. Most department activities are supported via General Fund. Enterprise Funds include Ames/ISU Ice Arena and Homewood Golf Course. Projected FY 26/27 expenses of $5,988,872 against $2,677,127 in revenue shows projected $3,311,745 subsidy, or 55 percent, for the department, with 36 and 95 percent subsidy for Recreation and Parks, respectively. Abraham noted proposed State legislature property tax limits could create municipal budgeting challenges and potential impacts on public services and amenities. Abraham reviewed projected expenses, revenue, fund support, minimum fund balances, and unreserved fund balances for Ames/ISU Ice Arena and Homewood Golf Course. Both Enterprise Funds are healthy. The department budget also includes right-of-way and cemeteries—neither fall within Commission jurisdiction. Parks and Recreation Admin projects include Daley Park Splash Pad, Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (FFIAC), Ontario Park Master Plan, and a Rec Center study. Highlights for Instructional programming include youth golf lessons, summer camps, and rock climbing via a new partnership with Bluestem Boulders. Athletic highlights include partnerships with Sixty Forward and Harvest Pickleball and Tennis. For Aquatics, Abraham highlighted FFIAC and the Schainker Plaza and Daley Park Splash Pads. Community Center and City Auditorium issues include, respectively, open gym demand and Hope Lutheran Church rentals ending in Fall 2026. Wellness highlights include new classes, virtual class options, Sixty Forward Center activities, and FFIAC programming. [Abraham noted Nancy Shaw will retire in March 2026 after more than 20 years with Parks and Recreation.] For Homewood Golf Course, Abraham highlighted more rounds played, Sixty Forward Golf League, Hole #9 bridge renovations, and additional parking. Ames/ISU Ice Arena items include fee increases and revenue exceeding expenses. Park Maintenance items included Daley Park Splash Pad, engineered wood fibers for playgrounds, and continued work to eliminate trimming in the parks. Rathe asked if the Daley Park Splash Pad will be free or have a fee like the Brookside Park Splash Pad. Abraham indicated it will be free because the Daley Park Splash Pad will utilize remote monitoring and timed activation buttons and can operate without staff onsite at all times. b. Fees and Charges Fees and charges will increase across 37 percent of activities and programs, down from 42 percent the previous year, Abraham reported. The presented schedule includes fees and charges for both Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center (FFIAC) and Furman Aquatic Center (FAC). Abraham reviewed Season Pass discounts for both facilities and a new Aquatic Facilities pass enabling purchasers to receive discounted admission to both FFIAC and FAC. Daily admission rates will be same for both facilities. Sappenfield asked if the multipurpose and walking track areas at FFIAC will be handled separately from aquatics – yes, Abraham replied, noting there will be no charge for using the walking track. The multipurpose space will be used for classes with program fees. Rathe asked how staff will know someone who asks to use the walking track does not slip in and use the pool. Abraham replied control desk staff will be attentive and trained to intercept anyone attempting to avoid paying for admission to the pool area. White asked if the wellness pool is included in the Aquatics Pass – Abraham said yes. There will also be rental opportunities for the wellness pool. 4 Abraham stressed that programming and fees at a new facility may require adjustment. MOTION: (Iles/Tapp) to recommend Alternative 1, which states: Approve the fees and charges as presented. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 6. CIP OVERVIEW Abraham presented a ‘Year in Review’ slideshow of 2025 accomplishments and thanked the Commission for its support of Parks and Recreation projects. Projects in the Parks and Recreation 2026-31 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) include: Ontario Park development; park system improvements, including North River Valley Park (NRV) soccer field parking, Tom Evans Plaza mini-shelter and lighting upgrades, canoe/kayak accesses at NRV and Southeast 16th Street, and NRV Cottonwood Shelter; playground equipment improvements; Miracle Park surfacing; solar panels at Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center; Moore Memorial Park bridge; ADA transition plan improvements; additional parking at Homewood Golf Course; solar panels at Steven L. Schainker Plaza; Ada Hayden Heritage Park pond renovation, solar aerator, fishing dock, and north parking lot replacement; and Furman Aquatic Center light fixture replacement and pool basin painting. White asked about parking lot painting at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. Thompson stated parking lot restriping would occur in the spring. Abraham indicated staff would present the CIP at the January 20 City Council meeting. He encouraged the Commission to formalize its discussions with a recommendation vote. MOTION: (Rathe/White) to recommend the City Council approve the CIP as presented. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 7. CAMERAS WITHIN THE PARK SYSTEM Thompson described problems with vandalism and damage to park property and facilities. Staff have had some success using game cameras to catch perpetrators and seek feedback about purchasing additional cameras to use within the park system, as needed and temporarily. It is hoped that additional cameras will deter vandalism and damage and reduce both the cost of dealing with problems and the negative impacts on the park system. Abraham noted areas where structures and dwellings continue to be erected. Staff recently had to clean an area requiring removal of 10 tons of debris. Game cameras with cellular data can help staff monitor areas remotely and respond sooner when needed to avoid larger problems. Also, some areas adjacent parks are public property not designated as parks or greenbelts (e.g., Stuart Smith flood buyout area, South River Valley Park trail going to Lincoln Way). A designation would allow application of park rules to these locations. Staff will bring a list of locations to the February 19 meeting for Commission consideration. Iles shared his general suspicion of cameras but supported cameras in this case, assuming solid legal ground. Thompson noted use of cameras within City facilities. Abraham cited use of cameras along Welch Avenue as precedent within the City. Staff will check with the City’s Legal Department but are confident there are no legal issues with using cameras in the park system. 5 Iles anticipated public complaints. Iles and White encouraged development of written policy. Thompson indicated existing indoor policy may be amended to add policy for outdoor cameras. Tapp asked if cameras would go up and stay up. Thompson said the idea is more an as-needed basis to help get on top of recurring problems, reduce ongoing staff deployments to check on numerous problem areas, and to improve safety. Staff is not considering permanent camera installations in all cases. Rathe appreciated the safety aspect afforded by cameras. She asked if signs need to be posted to alert the public to the presence of cameras. Thompson said signs are typically not posted. Reeves supports use of cameras and spoke about how extensive use of cameras throughout the Iowa State University campus protects resources and people. He encouraged City Council to support and fund more robust and integrated permanent installations. Shimanek shared that the City of West Des Moines added Flock license plate reader cameras to every park in response to the volume of criminal mischief and crime against people. He said he was almost shocked to learn the City of Ames does not have any cameras. Sappenfield was curious what others had done for signage and spoke about privacy concerns, especially in park locations adjacent to houses. Reeves noted camera views can be precisely configured. He advised against signs because people look for cameras to disable them. MOTION: (Tapp/Iles) to recommend Alternative 1, which states: Purchase and place cameras, when necessary, as determined by staff. MOTION PASSED: (7-0) 8. PROJECT UPDATES a. Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center Abraham indicated staff anticipates State of Iowa inspection of the facility in early March followed by opening the aquatic center in April. Construction continues and looks good. b. Steven L. Schainker Plaza At its January 13 meeting, City Council directed staff to correspond with the plaza contractor. Abraham cannot disclose details at this time. 9. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson reported:  Staff filled the outdoor ice rinks on January 15. An announcement will be made when the ice is ready for skating.  The Christmas tree drop off site at 1015 E 13th Street is available through January. Iles asked if this would become permanent. He thought it works better and is less muddy than the previous site south of the Parks Maintenance Building. Thompson agreed but was unsure how long the new site would be used. Abraham indicated Christmas tree drop off at the E 13th Street site would likely happen at least one more year but may eventually move to the Resource Recovery & Recycling facility under development. This facility will be located on Freel Drive and will include a yard waste drop-off area. 6 Abraham noted job postings for Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center and Furman Aquatic Center, as well as for various spring and summer seasonal positions. Application review and candidate interviews are ongoing. 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Rathe praised the new shared use paths at Ada Hayden Heritage Park—the increased width will improve users’ experience and reduce conflicts between bikes, people, and dogs. White noted the side slopes are smoother and could help when cyclists veer off the path to avoid collision. 11. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 19, 2026, 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting) 12. ADJOURNMENT MOTION (Reeves) to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 PM.