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Home My WebLink About~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 01/29/2019AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: January 29, 2019 COMMISSION PRESENT: Sarah Litwiller, Sarah Cady, Ed Moran, Jeremy Bristow, Kelsey Culbertson, Eve Lederhouse, Sean M. Carlton-Appleton ABSENT: STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Kellee Omlid CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT Staff Report: Homewood Clubhouse – LEED Certification Abraham showed an overview of the design of the new clubhouse. This design has been optimized for energy efficiency. Abraham went over the staff report regarding LEED Certification. The current construction budget range was included in the presentation as well as the costs to pursue LEED Certification. This certification takes the construction costs up an average of 15 to 25 percent, which for this project is in excess of $205,000. LEED Certification would may hold up the bidding process until late summer and would probably hold off demolition of the current clubhouse and construction of the new clubhouse until 2020 and possibly delaying the opening until 2021. Carlton-Appleton asked if there were funds identified to pursue LEED certification. Abraham informed him that there are no funds allocated, therefore pursuit of LEED certification would cause a shortfall of $205,000 to $380,000. Abraham also informed the Commission that staff is working to make choices for the design that are as energy efficient as possible. Included in the green design are geothermal heating and cooling, LED lighting, green fixtures and window placement. Lederhouse asked if buildings previously certified by LEED have their certification nullified when the certification standards change. Abraham said there is a recertification process if people choose to do so, but they don’t lose the certification they already earned. Lederhouse also pointed out that the points listed for each item are the maximum point allowances so even if we pursue the certification there are no guarantees. Bristow commented that he feels the city could spend $250,000 pursuing a plaque we don’t get. Lederhouse commented that staff could optimize energy performance but for some reason only qualify for two of the four points. Lederhouse also pointed out that the Ames City Council goals do not include pursuing LEED certification, just being as energy efficient as we can. Lederhouse asked why CyRide and the Water Plant pursued certification. Abraham informed the Commission that the Water Plant could have six million of the seventy million dollar project forgiven if they are granted certification. Bristow stated that staff has a good eye on energy efficiency and that the LEED Certification seems like a risk to him. Litwiller agrees with Bristow. She feels that we are not gaining that much more energy efficiency and sustainability and that staff has always been mindful in the design process. Bristow stated that in finding the money, other projects could be delayed or go away. He feels there are a lot of projects that we need to do for the community. Lederhouse stated she feels that a year delay increases costs and delays the income received from facility rental. She would like to see that income pour back in to the golf program or other programs. Bristow feels the golf community has waited for this facility for a long time and it is long overdue. He also knows there is a need in the community for the meeting space that is included in the project. Abraham clarified with the Commission that they are guiding staff not pursue LEED Certification but continue with current design and include as many energy efficient options as possible while staying within the one million dollar construction budget? Lederhouse commented that she knows the staff will pursue all options and we can be energy efficient without LEED Certification. Cady stated that something like solar panels for charging the carts would be really visible and interesting to pursue instead of some of those nit-picky items in the LEED Certification. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT Moved by Bristow to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 4:55 PM. Next Meetings: Thursday, January 31, 7:00 PM (Special Meeting) Thursday, February 21 at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting)