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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 05/20/2021AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: May 20, 2021 COMMISSION PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Nicole Fannin, Sarah Litwiller, Jacob Ludwig, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek ABSENT: None STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson, Craig Kaufman CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Chairperson It was moved by Reeves, with second by Bristow, to elect Sarah Cady as Chairperson. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved Vice-Chairperson It was moved by Reeves, with second by Fannin, to elect Sarah Litwiller as Vice- Chairperson. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Litwiller, with second by Bristow, to approve the March 25, 2021, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum MOTION APPROVING THE FRIENDS OF ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK REQUEST TO WAIVE ENFORCEMENT OF PROHIBITION OF MOTORIZED VEHICLES IN ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK Abraham stated that all the information regarding this matter is before the Commission members. The date is September 9, with a rain date of September 10. The request is similar to previous years and all expenses are incurred by the Friends Group. Staff recommends Alternative #1. It was moved by Ludwig, with second by Litwiller, to approve Alternative #1. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved MOTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH REIMAN GARDENS REGARDING SHARED PROGRAMMING Nancy Shaw, Wellness Manager, informed the Commission that Reiman Gardens reached out to Parks and Recreation to partner on wellness classes at the gardens with the details spelle d out in the memorandum. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Shimanek asked if there would be a possibility to expand on this if the classes are successful. Shaw says that would be a possibility. It was moved by Litwiller, with second by Ludwig, to approve Alternative #1. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved MOTION APPROVING THE AGREEMENT WITH GREEN HILLS REGARDING THE USE OF FACILITIES Shaw went over the details for this agreement reminding that we have been partnering on classes with Green Hills since 2011. These classes are open to the residents and the public. We pay Green Hills $6.00 per participant per class. Staff recommends Alternative #1. It was moved by Ludwig, with second by Litwiller, to approve Alternative #1. No Discussion. No opposition. Abstained, Lederhouse. Motion Approved MOTION APPROVING JAX OUTDOOR GEAR REQUEST TO RENT CANOES, KAYAKS, AND PADDLE BOARDS AT ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK AND WAIVE THE 10% OF GROSS SALES Abraham went over the Commission Action Form. Abraham stated that this agreement has gone very well since its beginning in 2005. Staff recommends Alternative #1. It was moved by Shimanek, with second by Fannin, to approve Alternative #1. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved STAFF REPORT REGARDING LOCATION OPTIONS FOR AN AGILITY COURSE Thompson went over possible locations for a fitness and agility course. An initial review with a set criterion has been used to determine the best locations. Cady does not have questions regarding the criterion, but she does have questions about bouldering. Thompson says bouldering is not included in this at this time. Bouldering is in the CIP for a later year. Reeves asked about where people would park in Brookside. Thompson said they would need to park in the parking lot and walk over the Ioway Creek bridge to the location. Cady asked if bouldering would be incorporated into this site. Thompson said it is something that staff can discuss. Staff wants to spread amenities throughout the park system. Abraham says that the CIP changes and evolves so they don’t know when or if the boulder will remain in the CIP. Reeves asked where this feature could be in placed in other parks. Thompson answered that alternate locations could be Carr Park (where the old pool was located) or in Emma McCarthy Lee Park near the tennis counts. Northridge Heights and Hira Park also have large open green spaces which would have the space needed. Moore Memorial would need extensive grading to put in this feature. Cady feels that everything in the report makes sense. Next step is gathering community input and staff will come back and ask for approval or recommendation later. UPDATE REGARDING THE STATE OF IOWA REINVESTMENT DISTRICT (RID) PROGRAM Abraham stated that a five-person team from Ames spoke to the RID board and showed the video presentation. Abraham said that the preliminary award will be announced in June and then staff will need to provide a completed application. Reeves asked about the issuance of bonds for the pool. Abraham stated that there could be a bond issue depending on what, if any, award the project receives from the board. Cady says that it is neat that this plan is coming together. However, she is still waiting for plans for crossing Lincoln way to get to the center. MOTION APPROVING 2021-22 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING DATES Abraham stated the meetings will continue to be held in the Council Chambers on the third Thursday of each month. Exceptions are the June park tour, the December CIP meeting, and the March meeting if moved to accommodate spring break. It was moved by Bristow, with second by Ludwig, to approve the 2021-2022 meeting dates. No Discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved MOTION TO HOLD THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION JULY 15, 2021, MEETING VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON. No action is needed as Council has determined that in person meetings will resume June 1. PROJECT UPDATES Abraham stated that the low-head dam and Homewood clubhouse and the Emma McCarthy Lee Park bridge have all had ribbon cuttings. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson said go out and enjoy the park system as this is a great time of year. Thompson thanked the volunteers pulling garlic mustard in the park system. Abraham stated that garlic mustard must be pulled out at the roots not cut. Omlid informed the Commission that Furman Aquatic Center is opening this summer. Participants who purchase their pool pass by Wednesday May 26 will receive a discount. Registration is ongoing for all programs. The first Miracle League season kicked off on Saturday with two team s, and 29 players participating. Abraham stated Kellee Omlid will be leaving Ames to become the Director of Parks & Recreation in Farmington, Minnesota. Abraham thanked Omlid for everything she has done for the Department, Organization, and community since 2013. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Cady took her niece to the inclusive playground and she loved the spinning apparatuses. It was great to see all the people enjoying the park. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, June 17, at 4:00 PM (Tour) ADJOURNMENT Moved by Ludiwg to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:07 PM.