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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 10/15/2020AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: October 15, 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: 4:03 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Bristow, with second by Ludwig, to approve the September 17, 2020, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) DISCUSSION Abraham went over the current CIP, the four items suggested by the public, and suggestions submitted by Staff. Cady asked if the surface under a parkour course and a climbing wall would use the same materials, and if so, should the items be placed close together. Cady is also interested in the climbing boulder, however probably not in year one. She wondered if enthusiastic climbers would be interested in some fundraising. Reeves asked about a partnership with ISU for a new ice arena scoreboard. Abraham said there will be conversation with the University and the user groups. Reeves also asked about the wetland project. Abraham said that the project will be discussed with Public Works, Water, and the Friends of Ada Hayden. There may also be some grant money available. Shimanek asked about the recreational trail from Lincoln Way to South 16th Street. Abraham informed Shimanek that the project is through Public Works. Abraham thinks they are still acquiring some easements. Abraham asked if the Commission would like someone from Public Works to speak at future meeting. Shimanek felt his question was answered. Cady would like to have someone speak regarding connections and accessibility of the path system looking into deficiencies in connections to bus services etc. COMMUNITY GARDENS AND FOOD FORESTS DISCUSSION Abraham asked if the Commission had any feedback on the survey results. Cady felt like people were enthusiastic for the North side. However, she would like that information more combined together. Abraham stated that the information could be cross tabbed to offer more insight. Cady asked for information about the shared use path extension from Arbor St. to Franklin Park (regarding previous agenda item). Thompson stated the project is scheduled for next spring. Ludwig asked about meeting with the neighborhood. Abraham stated that if there were target areas for more gardens, staff would meet with the neighbors and listen to any neighborhood concerns. Cady does not want to encroach on areas that have become informal neighborhood parks or green spaces. Lederhouse stated that she was glad there were so many responses. BROOKSIDE PARK HISTORIC PICTURES FOR POTENTIAL PLACEMENT ON THE RESTROOM BUILDING Litwiller stated that she loves the photos showing the history and uses of the park. Cady said she had recently seen a photo of the opening of the 6th St bridge which she thinks would be a cool photo to include. Abraham informed the Commission that th e Friends of Brookside Park would also review the photos and send any feedback to the Commission. Lederhouse has two concerns. The first is regarding the cost of doing this project. She would be heartbroken if a lot of money was spent and it was ruined by vandalism. She also loves the photos but is concerned this will come under attack for lack of diversity. Abraham stated that the University or the Friends group may have other photos and may help raise some funds. MOTION TO HOLD THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOVEMBER MEETING VIRTUALLY OR IN-PERSON It was moved by Bristow, with second by Reeves, to hold the November meeting virtually. Discussion: Bristow feels that virtual is more convenient but asked for input from the rest of the Commission. Cady feels that there needs to be protocols in place. Ludwig asked about the other boards and commissions. Abraham stated he is not sure what the others are doing, though he had not heard that any other boards were meeting in person. City Council is not meeting in person. Bristow asked if Abraham had received any negative feedback regarding virtual meetings. Abraham has not, in fact, the only comment he has received is that the online format is more convenient for the public. No opposition. Motion Approved UPDATE ON PARKS AND RECREATION OPERATIONS DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC Abraham gave an overview of the budget numbers to the Commission. UPDATE ON AUGUST 10 DERECHO STORM AND RECOVERY EFFORTS Abraham said staff has cleaned up a large portion of the park system. The debris will be tub-ground by FEMA. Thompson informed the Commission that once all the leaves have come off, the trees will show more damage. Reeves wanted to know if there is an opportunity to sell the mulch. Thompson said that under the state contract, the contractor is responsible for grinding and disposal. The mulch is going to Golden Valley in Randall, Iowa. We are getting this disposal at no cost. Cady asked how the public can get ahold of us or report tree issues. You can call the Community Center, the Cemetery, or use the Ames on the Go SEE CLICK FIX app. PROJECT UPDATES Abraham showed photos of construction projects including the Inis Grove restrooms, the Homewood Clubhouse and the Bandshell lighting project. Cady asked about the Emma McCarthy Lee bridge project. Thompson said the contractor is waiting on approvals from FEMA. We have been advised not to start construction until FEMA approval has been confirmed. The bridge will take a month to six weeks to build. Cady also asked about the sewer project. Thompson said all the lining has been done. The next step is the connections to individual properties. The project should be completed by the end of November. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson reminded the public that the maintenance staff will begin working on closing the restrooms and water fountains this week. Shelter reservations are over for the season. Omlid reminded everyone how to sign up for open swim, open skating and open basketball by going to www.amesparkrec.org for quick links to all available programs. Also, Homewood Golf Course was rated the Best of Story County. Omlid wanted to thank Pat, Nate and the Homewood staff. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Reeves asked if they are going to use the LED lights to do certain colors to highlight cancer or other items. Omlid said the upper lights will be on but she does not know if they can be programmed that way. Reeves asked about Hope church in McCarthy Lee. Staff will follow up with the Church members to make sure that they are not monopolizing the park as it is open to everyone. Cady said they have a large truck and sound equipment. She was down in the park around 5:00 and it was okay to get through. Sunday is their last outdoor service. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Ludwig to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:41 PM. NEXT MEETINGS: a. Thursday, November 19 at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting) b. Thursday, December 3 at 4:00 PM (Special Meeting with City Manager) c. Thursday, December 17 at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting)