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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 10/21/2021AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE October 21, 2021 COMMISSION PRESENT Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Nicole Fannin, Sarah Litwiller, Jacob Ludwig, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek ABSENT None STAFF PRESENT Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Courtney Kort Dustin Albrecht and Ashley Geesman - Water and Pollution Control CALL TO ORDER 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Shimanek, with a second by Bristow, to approve the September 16, 2021, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum MOTION TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL THE INSTALLATION OF AN AGILITY COURSE IN CARR PARK Thompson brought the Commission some additional information regarding the demolition of the former bathhouse in Carr Park. The estimated cost is $12,500. Park and Recreation Staff will complete this task with assistance from other city departments. Bristow feels that this project has been covered very thoroughly. Shimanek likes that the demolition of the bathhouse is happening this winter. Cady feels that staff has addressed the concerns of the neighbors. Cady asked if there was any public comment, there was none. It was moved by Shimanek, with a second by Ludwig, to approve Alternative #1. No Discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved. PRESENTATION ON THE LAND RETIREMENT OF THE CITY-OWNED AREA WEST OF IOWAY CREEK AND MOORE MEMORIAL PARK Abraham stated that most people know the developed area east of the creek where the shelters and playgrounds are located. There is also undeveloped land west of the creek included in the original donation. Iowa State University has been leasing this land for farm ground. The City has decided to end this agreement. This land will be taken out of farming and developed into a natural area. Staci Williams and Bethany Brittenham from ISG showed a presentation with some of the possible features could be incorporated into this project, including in-stream features for fish habitat, limestone steps to encourage interaction with the creek, and natural plants to attract pollinators. Ashley Geesman from Water and Pollution Control added that they are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate on this project. Cady asked about the boardwalk shown in the slide presentation as she has walked out there and feels the land is pretty swampy. The ISG representative answered that this project is still in the conceptual stages. There could be opportunities for boardwalks in small areas. Cady asked if there would be signage marking the ISU trails and the City of Ames trails. Abraham pointed out some of the paths on the map. He also stated that paving the main trail and installing the bridge are both in the 25/26 CIP. Public Works will work with us on that project. There is no action needed at this time. MOTION RECOMMENDING TO CITY COUNCIL THE RENAMING OF SQUAW CREEK PARK Abraham reminded the Commission that it directed staff to receive public input regarding a proposed name change. The three applications that were received are attached to the meeting packet. Abraham briefly touched on each application. Abraham shared his recommendation that the best and the easiest thing would be to rename this park Ioway Creek Park. Staff did not want to identify this park as gardens. Parks change and evolve over time and this area may not always include community gardens. Staff recommends Alternative #2 which is to rename the park Ioway Creek Park. Bristow asked Abraham if he knew of or about Native Americans from Ames. Abraham stated that Ioway is the name of the tribe native to the Ames area. Cady asked about any discussion at the time the name was changed from Squaw to Ioway. Abraham informed Cady that the name change was a federal decision, not a local decision. It was moved by Ludwig, with a second by Reeves, to recommend Alternative #2. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved. UPDATE REGARDING THE STATE OF IOWA REINVESTMENT DISTRICT PROGRAM a. Downtown Plaza City Council has approved using natural ice for this project. Abraham would like to bring an updated design concept to the Commission as there have been some changes to the proposed water feature and food truck spaces. b. Indoor Aquatic Center Abraham has met with the Department of Transportation. The appraisal will come back soon. The timing of this project is essential as the pool is scheduled to open while the annex will still be in use by the DOT. The DOT feels this project is great for the community as well as great for their employees. Reeves asked about pool space from February of 2022 to June of 2024. Abraham stated that he is meeting with Courtney Kort, Recreation Superintendent, and Jill Burt, Aquatics Manager, regarding this matter. Abraham introduced Courtney Kort, Recreation Superintendent, to the Commission. c. Final Application Submittal Abraham informed the Commission that the final application is due at the end of February of 2022. All the City’s components are in place. The team has not been able to get additional information from the developer. PROJECT UPDATES Abraham wanted to thank staff for their work on several projects that are just finishing up. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Franklin Park on October 28, and at the fishing pier at Ada Hayden on November 3. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson reminded the Commission that the cooler temperatures mean the water fountains, restrooms, and irrigation systems are shutting down for the season. Kort highlighted upcoming programs and activities. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Abraham stated that the Ames/ISU Ice Area is going to offer a class on driving the Olympia (ice resurfacer). ADJOURNMENT Ludwig moved to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 4:57 PM. NEXT MEETINGS: Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 4:00 PM.