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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 01/11/2018AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: January 11, 2018 COMMISSION PRESENT: Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Sarah Cady, Ed Moran, Jeremy Bristow, Melissa Rowan ABSENT: Julie Johnston STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson, Craig Kaufman CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Bierbaum, with second by Litwiller, to approve the November 16 and December 7, 2017 meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. PUBLIC FORUM No public comments DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Update: Healthy Life Center Abraham reported that the consultants are still working through their report. The final report will be presented to stakeholders on February 5, 2018, at the Ames Public Library. Abraham also reported the Boys and Girls Club have decided not to be involved in the project due to the costs involved. This will reduce the footprint of the building and decrease operating costs. d. Commission Action Form: Program Fees [out of order] Abraham reviewed the fees and charges document included in the meeting packet. Auditorium and Bandshell fees changed most, as simplifying the fee structure has been a goal since Craig Kaufman was hired to manage the facilities. Bierbaum asked about the nonprofit rates, ticket fees, and facility fees. Kaufman explained the fees in depth including the facility (service) fees. Abraham explained that Co’motion Dance Theater and the Story Theater Company will keep their Ames Community Arts Council rates until July 2020. Staff recommended Alternative #1. Bierbaum moved to approve Alternative #1 with changes in ACAC extended use rates as described by Abraham. Second by Litwiller. Discussion: Lori Sulzberger, 905 Douglas Avenue, representing Story Theater Company indicated her group anticipated change, appreciated the simplified fee structure, and understands the facility needs to stay afloat. She also appreciated the amendment to the fee changes giving Story Theater extra time to work on grants and funding. Story Theater keeps fees as low as possible so families can enjoy the performing arts. No opposition. Motion approved. b. Staff Report: 2018–2023 Proposed Capital Improvements Plan Abraham outlined the proposed Capital Improvement Plan. Moved by Cady, with second by Bierbaum, to recommend City Council approve the CIP as presented. No Discussion. No Opposition. Motion approved. c. Staff Report: 2018/19 Proposed Budget Abraham reviewed the proposed operations budget. e. Update: Tree Removal at 427 Lynn Avenue The property owner requested trees in the parking be removed that are causing sidewalk issues on his property. Parks and Recreation staff posted the removal of the trees and received two objections. As per city code, once protested, the removal of these trees requires City Council approval. The individuals objecting to the tree removal did not attend the January 9 Council meeting. The item was tabled pending a final Council decision at the January 23 meeting. Abraham said there may be policy changes for right-of-way trees as this may not be the best use of Council time. Cady spoke about a tree removal sign posted in a park she visited. She feels with the age of many of the street trees in Ames there will need to be an efficient way to handle removal of older trees to maintain tree variety and age diversity. Rowan asked what happens to trees when removed, i.e., if there was a reuse of the wood. Abraham informed her most of the trees are chipped for use in the park system and for citizens to use. There has been some resale of walnut or other desirable wood. f. Project Update i. North River Valley Low Head Dam Modification Project There was one bid received for the project that was $110,000 over the engineer’s estimate. There will be some modifications or alternatives made to the project and it will be put back out for bid. The mussel survey done previously stated that the work needed to start within 90 days. The DNR will grant an extension to that timeframe. g. Correspondence i. Erv Klaas Proposal Abraham went over the proposals in the letter. An invasive species task force is being discussed and will be kicked off after City Forester position is filled. MONTHLY REPORT Omlid thanked the people who donated over 50 bags of food for MICA during the drop-in fitness classes over winter break. Thompson spoke on the fishing event scheduled for February 3, 2018. Hy-Vee is providing hotdogs and other food, with all donations going toward improving fish habitat. Abraham stated there will be tagged fish that may be redeemed for prizes. Registration for spring and summer programs will start on February 15, 2018. The Parks and Facilities Guide will be mailed to homes by March 1. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT Moved by Bierbaum to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:23 PM. Next Meeting: Thursday, February 15, 2018, at 4:00 PM.