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Home My WebLink About~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 01/21/2021AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: January 21, 2021 COMMISSION PRESENT: Sarah Cady, Eve Lederhouse, Sarah Litwiller, Nathan Shimanek, Jeremy Bristow, Duane Reeves, Jacob Ludwig ABSENT: STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson, Nate Pietz CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Lederhouse, with second by Bristow, to approve the December 3 and December 17, 2020, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum Discuss the Indoor Aquatic Center a. Indoor Aquatic Center Draft Concept Abraham gave an overview of reinvestment district program including program details and what projects are in the proposed district. These projects include the development along Lincoln Way from Kellogg to Clark, the proposed downtown plaza, and the proposed indoor aquatic center. Abraham went over the preliminary design concepts for the aquatic center with the Commission. Bristow asked the size of the multi-purpose room on the second floor. Abraham said it was 2,000 square feet. Abraham went over the cost estimates. Reeves asked what the price tag would be if the second story was added later. In his experience, the costs could be significantly larger down the road. Abraham informed Reeves that RDG uses a 4% to 5% rate for inflation. Bristow also likes the idea of the second floor and room for expansion. Abraham stated the comments in the neighborhood meeting were positive. Most of the concerns were with regards to traffic and parking bleeding out into the neighborhood, and affordability for users. There was one concern regarding the safety of a fenced detention pond and what that would look like. There was also a concern with the aesthetics fitting in with the neighborhood. Aspen Pflanz (815 Burnett Ave. # 201) Pflanz asked if there will be solar panels on the building. Abraham informed her that the outside design had not been determined and that the City Council’s direction for all projects includes energy efficient design. Pflanz also asked if using the existing building had been considered. Abraham stated that the existing building is old and would increase the footprint of the project. Pflanz would like to see monetary incentives for carpooling, biking, and walking to the center which would reduce the need for so much parking. Cady asked about evening overflow parking. Abraham said some agreements could be explored with the neighboring businesses. Shimanek asked if the greenspace by the building could be turned into a pickup/drop off area. b. Feedback from Oak to Riverside Neighborhood January 20 meeting As the feedback from the neighborhood had already been discussed, Abraham went over next steps. Reeves asked for clarification on the funding. He wanted to know if the projected fundraising and the rebate would pay for the project without a bond. Abraham said that is the goal. These things could realistically pay for the one- story facility, however, adding a second story to the project would most likely need a bond. Cady feels like if there is enough buy in from the public for the project the second story should be done. Abraham stated again that the project would have to go out to bond. Discuss Downtown Plaza Concept Staff shared the Council’s goals for the proposed plaza and are working with Confluence on the design of the downtown plaza. The public meeting for this project is tonight at 7:00 PM. There will be a presentation, a Q & A, and some other real time opportunities for input. Cady asked who would maintain this space. Abraham said it would be Parks & Recreation who would manage this space. Staff Report regarding the Homewood Golf Course 2020 Season Nate Pietz, Recreation Manager, stated Homewood had a very successful season. He went over the COVID19 precautions Staff put in place including golfer check-in and payment via phone. Once the clubhouse opened in June patrons had to wear masks and swipe own credit cards. There were additional precautions regarding the golf carts and on the course. He also reported on rounds played, passes sold and league participation. Pietz stated that goals for the upcoming season include attracting new user groups, hosting special events and increasing youth participation. He also stated that golfers enjoyed the phone check-in process so it will be continued next season. Thompson thanked Pat Wynja, Turf Maintenance Supervisor and Craig Kaufman, Auditorium, Bandshell and Community Center Manager, for all their hard work this summer. Due to the pandemic, Kaufman worked 30 to 40 hours per week out at the course as the Bandshell and Auditorium were not in use. Golfers did not know we had to cut costs. Thompson also informed the Commission that the derecho impacted over 100 trees on the golf course. A project to stabilize the slope will be overseen by Public Works. This project should be finished in March. The contractors will be coming in and out of the course through the east parking lot at Inis Grove Park. Shimanek asked if the path was going to be closed. Thompson informed him the path will be closed. FY 2021/22 Budget a. Operational Budget Abraham went over the budget and reminded the Commission that any proposed increased fees are included in this budget. Homewood is anticipated to pull $11,000 from the fund balance which will leave $104,000 in the unreserved fund balance. The Ames/ISU Ice Arena is anticipated to pull $27,394 from the fund balance leaving the unreserved fund balance at $49,458. The pandemic has had an impact on participation, on revenue, and on part time staff. Looking at about $770,000 less revenue this year with expenses down $711,000 which will increase the tax subsidy. Green fees will have an increase of $1 per round. Season pass increases vary. The goal is to offer a Miracle League this year. The department has been a gold level swim lesson provider 2017, 2018, and 2019. The Auditorium qualified for a grant to purchase live streaming equipment and will be presenting the Virtually Anywhere concert series. Homewood was voted the best golf course in Story County. Thank you to Pat, Nate, and the staff. The new clubhouse will open this year and be available to rent. The Forestry goal is to trim trees every five years. The 20-year EAB plan is in year 8 with one tree left to remove. Paul Tauke, Forester, is also directing woodland burns at Munn Woods and Moore Memorial Park as part of the invasive species program. b. Fees and Charges It was moved by Bristow, with second by Ludwig, to approve Alternative #1. No Discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) update Abraham presented the CIP to City Council on Tuesday, January 19. He informed the Commission that there were not many questions from the Council regarding the CIP. Pandemic Update Abraham stated that participation has been low and therefore so has the revenue. The decision has been made to increase the spectators at the Ice Arena from two to four per player. Omlid informed the Commission that water walking has been added at Municipal Pool. Motion to hold the Parks and Recreation Commission February 18 meeting virtually or in person It was moved by Shimanek, with second by Ludwig, to hold the February meeting virtually. No Discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved Motion to move the March 18, 2021, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to March 25, 2021. Generally, the meeting has been moved as the third Thursday is during spring break and some members may be unavailable. It was moved by Bristow, with second by Shimanek, to hold the meeting on March 25. No Discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PROJECT UPDATES Abraham stated the low head dam project is almost finished; the fencing will remain in place until the grass is established. The Emma McCarthy Lee Bridge project is still on hold awaiting FEMA approval. MONTHLY REPORT Omlid reported that the new fitness session starts Monday, February 1. There are openings in youth dance and gymnastics. Thompson reported that the cross-country ski trails are being groomed by staff and the outdoor ice rinks are open. Dave Flory is a volunteer maintaining the ice rinks and Staff would like to thank him for a great job. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Cady said her family has been visiting different parks on the weekends and it is good to see how busy the parks are, and that people are getting outside. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Ludwig to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:46 PM. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 18, at 4:00 PM (Via Zoom)