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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 09/17/2020AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: September 17, 2020 COMMISSION PRESENT: Jeremy Bristow, Sarah Cady, Eve Lederhouse, Jacob Ludwig, Duane Reeves, Nathan Shimanek, Sarah Litwiller ABSENT: STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson, CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Bristow, with second by Shimanek, to approve the August 20, 2020, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum CIP PUBLIC INPUT Abraham stated that there was only one email regarding input on the plan. Abraham went over the difference between the Capital Improvements Plan, which is funded by local option sales tax, and the Operations Budget, which is funded by Fees & Charges and property taxes. Abraham went over the next steps in the process. The final CIP is scheduled to go before City Council in January with final approval in March. Abraham reminded Commissioners that funds only get allocated for year on of the five-year plan. Joan White (no address given) White informed the Commission that the Emma McCarthy Lee bridge washed out five years ago and needs to be added to the CIP. Abraham informed White that the bridge washed out two years ago, planning to replace the bridge started immediately and construction will begin on the new bridge this fall. White would also like an enclosed shelter in the park system. Abraham stated that the next shelter in the plan is the former bath house in Carr Park. He also informed her that typically the more a shelter is enclosed the higher the risk for vandalism and illegal activity. Parks and Recreation staff are working with the Police Department on increasing facility safety through design. Abraham gave out the email address if anyone has other ideas, they can email him. DISCUSSION ON COMMUNITY GARDENS AND FOOD FORESTS SURVEY Abraham asked for feedback on the draft of the survey . The department wishes to gather feedback from the public on interest in developing new garden spaces. Lederhouse asked about specific questions regarding race and education. Abraham stated we are trying to gather data on who we are reaching/not reaching to help us make sure we are working toward making our programs more inclusive. Ludwig asked for information on response rates. MOTION TO HOLD THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION OCTOBER MEETING VIRTUALLY OR IN-PERSON It was moved by Bristow, with second by Lederhouse, to hold the October meeting online. Discussion: Lederhouse asked if there is any feedback from the public on holding meetings this way. Lori Biederman (1239 Orchard Drive) Biederman’s feedback was that she feels zoom meetings are better. She also wanted to state that the food forest area should be cultivated so people don’t eat poisonous plants. No opposition. Ludwig muted. Motion Approved UPDATE ON PARKS AND RECREATION OPERATIONS DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC Abraham gave an overview of the budget numbers to the Commission. Abraham stated that expenses are down over $400,000, however revenue is also down $300,000 which is a concern for the department. Omlid gave an overview on operations at the various facilities. • Municipal Pool adding open swim time and private rentals in October. • Adult indoor volleyball is going to run at about 50% for the fall season. • Fitness classes in the outdoor sessions are going well. • Indoor classes are also scheduled, but not doing as well. • Nancy Shaw is going to be offering some pay per view virtual fitness classes. • Some youth programs are running; the numbers are generally down. • The ice arena is beginning to allow birthday parties. Abraham also informed the Commission that the Ames Community School District is not allowing outside groups to use its facilities at least through November. Staff will need to adapt some of our programs such as basketball. UPDATE ON AUGUST 10 STORM AND RECOVERY EFFORTS Thompson informed the Commission on the recovery efforts are ongoing in the park system. Public Works is helping with the effort to clean up the parks. The state of Iowa is going to be handling the grinding and disposal of the tree debris through FEMA at no cost to the City. Cady asked for an update to be sent out regarding the clean -up effort in the parks system including where we have been and the schedule for cleaning up. Citizens are asked to call 515-239-5341 if you see storm related tree damage or use See Click Fix on the city’s web pages. PROJECT UPDATES The Brookside Park restroom project has been completed. The remodeled restroom on Duff Avenue in Inis Grove is also finished and open to the public. Bank reshaping is finished at the low-head damn project in River Valley; the contractor is getting ready to pour paths. The Homewood Clubhouse footings have been poured and the contractor is working on the basement walls. MONTHLY REPORT Staff has been participating in storm clean up, constructing park signs and prepping soccer and softball fields for play. Omlid gave the email address to sign up for department newsletters as this is the best way to get information regarding programs at this time. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Several members indicated that they are going to view the new inclusive playground. Abraham said there is some documentation to present and then the Ames Foundation will turn the area over to the City. Abraham wanted to thank the steering committee and the foundation for their efforts in making this project happen. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Ludwig to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:00 PM. Next Meeting: - Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 4:00 PM via Zoom