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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 07/15/2021 AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: July 15, 2021 COMMISSION PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Nicole Fannin, Sarah Litwiller, Jacob Ludwig, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek ABSENT: Sarah Cady STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson CALL TO ORDER: 4:02 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Reeves, with second by Ludwig, to approve the May 20, 2021, and June 17, 2021, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum PRESENTATION ON AN IOWAY CREEK STREAM STABILIZATION PROJECT IN BROOKSIDE PARK Abraham introduced Tracy Peterson and Cesar Cintron from Public Works. Abraham went over the bank stabilization project scheduled for Brookside Park including why the project is taking place and the goals for the outcome of the project. Abraham shared slides showing areas of concern along the creek and photographs of potential repairs. Abraham opened the topic for questions. Shimanek asked how the previous stabilization project had held up. Peterson said the project Shimanek is referring to protects the water main running under the creek. She stated that the project has held up well. Ludwig asked about the timeline for finishing the project. Pederson said they would want to have the native vegetation planted in June. Native trees and other vegetation could be placed in the fall. Lori Biederman 1239 Orchard Dr. Biederman represents the Friends of Brookside Park. Generally, the neighbors are supportive and there are cool opportunities in the project. She feels education will be needed as people are always upset about losing trees. Thompson stated there has been success using signs that include the project timeline and goals for people passing the project. Reeves believes this has been needed for a long time. Fannin believes it will look much nicer. Litwiller believes this is a needed project for the better of the community MOTION APPROVING THE HOMEWOOD GOLF COURSE GROUP OUTING RATES Abraham went over the proposed fees for golf outings if 16 or more golfers at Homewood Golf Course. He informed the Commission that a group has reached out to us for September. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Litwiller asked if the groups book ahead. Abraham said yes, this kind of group would not walk-in. The people who are asking about this want something in September. Bristow asked how far in advance can people book this kind of thing. Abraham informed him that generally the public can book a group outing once the season starts. Fannin asked about any additional expenses with group outings. Abraham stated there are generally not any additional expenses, there could be pin prizes that staff would have to distribute, or score tabulating that staff would do, but we would not be bringing in additional staff. It was moved by Bristow, with second by Fannin to approve the Homewood group outing rates as presented in Alternative 1. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved MOTION APPROVING IOWA GAMES REQUEST TO SPLIT THE 10% OF GROSS SALES FOR SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS IN NORTH RIVER VALLEY PARK Abraham informed the Commission that Iowa Games had an apparel vendor set up at their softball tournaments held in River Valley. This vendor has been paying a 10% commission to the Iowa Games instead of to Parks and Recreation. Staff does not want to take an additional 10% commission from the vendor. Staff has proposed that the vendor pay 5% to each the Iowa Games and the City as outlined in Alternative #1. Shimanek feels that the city should not take the percentage and proposes Alternative #2. Bristow agrees seeing that the Iowa Games benefits the town. He feels it may seem kind of petty over $300.00. Fannin asked if the money is used to further the games in the future. Abraham told her yes, they are a not-for-profit organization and do have expenses. Ludwig is also comfortable with Alternative #2. Reeves asked Abraham if the department already waives all rental fees for the games. Abraham confirmed that facilities are provided at no cost. Ludwig asked why Staff was interested in splitting the fees instead of waiving them. Abraham said this option was brought forward by the Iowa Games staff. Reeves asked if this was something that would stay in effect for the future. Abraham said that this would need to be brought before the Commission yearly. Reeves likes the 50/50 split because Iowa Games gets everything free and even though this is good for the city, there is wear and tear on the fields. Abraham stated the department does provide staff for diamond maintenance, garbage rounds etc. Abraham stated that concession sales are up during the tournament, however there are other expenses. It was moved by Bristow, with second by Shimanek, to approve Alternative #2. No discussion. In Favor: Shimanek, Bristow, Fannin, Ludwig and Litwiller. Opposed: Reeves. Motion Approved UPDATE REGARDING THE STATE OF IOWA REINVESTMENT DISTRICT PROGRAM (REVIEW OF ATTACHED STAFF REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL ON JULY 13, 2021) Abraham shared the staff report prepared for the city council. The City has been given tentative approval for $10 million dollars from the Reinvestment District Program. There is currently a $7.5 million dollar shortfall for the costs associated with building an indoor aquatic center. Abraham went over the three options for obtaining funding as spelled out in the report. He also stated that the cost could be reduced by removing the second floor and using the currently planned green space to add additional fitness space, a gymnasium, and office/meeting space. Abraham went over the process for starting the downtown plaza projects Shimanek asked how long the city would be without an indoor pool. Abraham stated at least two years. Shimanek feels the more facilities we have to offer our citizens the better so it may be better to change the design to add the gym and additional spaces. Ludwig asked about the green space and what plans there would be for that space if we did the second floor. Abraham said that it would be saved for expansion, however if you did the two-story building now, and added gymnasium space later, parking could become an issue. Bristow wondered if cutting out the second floor entirely to save $5 million dollars would impact our potential $10 million dollars. Abraham stated that we have not had that conversation. Fannin asked if gym space was needed. Abraham said we need space that is in our control as our programs often get bumped from other facilities. We appreciate the school district letting us use the facilities, but it is nice to have programming space under our control. Ludwig asked if the second floor could be done later. Abraham said that it could be done later but there were some preliminary steps to build the first floor to accommodate a second floor. There would also not be any way to add the second floor without closing the facility. Reeves has yet to hear too many people balking at the price. Reeves wants this on the September ballot. Abraham said the Council will make some decisions regarding going to a vote or the urban renewal option. Currently the cost to the tax payers would be $7.5 million as there is $9 million in private donations and the $10 million-dollars from the Reinvestment District. Fannin asked how we are getting the word out to the public. Abraham told her we sent the information out to all our aquatic participants. PROJECT UPDATES None MONTHLY REPORT Customers have been coming back and enrolling in our programs. We are having to limit some classes due to staff shortages. There are eight preliminary candidates for the open Recreation Superintendent position. Staff is happy with the quality of applicants. Ludwig asked when we may have someone onboard. Abraham wants to have someone in the position in early September. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS None NEXT MEETING: Thursday, August 19, at 4:00 PM ADJOURNMENT Moved by Bristow to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:47 PM.