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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 05/18/2017AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: May 18, 2017 COMMISSION PRESENT: Julie Johnston, Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Sarah Cady, Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran, Jeremy Bristow ABSENT: STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson, Craig Kaufman CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Cady with second by Johnston to approve the April 20, 2017, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Update: Healthy Life Center Abraham updated the Commission members on the status of the Healthy Life Center. He informed the Commission the School District is going to rejoin the conversations regarding the center starting in June. b. Commission Action Form: Miracle League Field and Inclusive Playground Design Abraham informed the Commission that a public meeting was held in which the park neighbors and other citizens were invited to share concerns and comments regarding this project with representatives from Snyder and Associates. Common concerns include lighting, sound, fencing and color. Diane Goering and Don Marner from Snyder and Associates gave a presentation to the Commissioners on the field and playground design elements. Bierbaum asked Abraham to explain how lighting is handled at the volleyball court. Abraham informed the Commission that the volleyball lighting is programmed by our staff. He also explained the basketball and tennis lighting are on a timer that does not allow lighting after 10:30 PM. Bristow asked Abraham when Miracle League games are played. Abraham informed him that the Miracle League games are on Saturdays. Abraham also informed the Commission that the idea of having lighting at this facility is for other programming on the field. Any programs that use this field would need lighting past 6:30 PM in the fall. The Commissioners also had questions regarding erosion, the ravine, safety and fencing. Snyder stated there are pros and cons with fencing off the entire area. This will be up to the City to decide. Johnston stated that she feels there are a good variety of features for children and adults. Bierbaum asked if the drawings were to scale. Snyder replied that the drawings were to scale. Abraham went over all of the alternatives in the Commission Action Form. Abraham reminded the Commission that no matter how they try to address concerns and mitigate problems, there are going to be people that are not happy. Staff is recommending Alternative #1. Bristow asked who will control the sound. Abraham stated that Parks and Recreation would control the sound system. The speakers will be installed at the field and the system could be wireless or plug in depending on the system that is purchased. Parks and Recreation will bring the sound system out on Saturday for the games and maybe for something special like the final day of t-ball. Martin Edelson (2417 Duff Ave) Edelson asked if the Commission Action Form could have an Alternative #1A. He stated that the subject of lighting is a concern for the neighborhood. He would like Parks and Recreation to put in the utilities but not install the lights. If lighting is necessary it could be installed later but he feels it is not needed for the people with disabilities to use the field. The lighting is being installed for ancillary purposes. He also states that he wants to be sure as much as possible that no work starts until the funds are in hand. Abraham stated that the funding discussion has already been held and there will not be construction if the money is not in hand. Bierbaum asked if other improvements are going to be part of the fundraising effort. Abraham stated that the Miracle League field and the playground are the items involved in the fund raising efforts of the Steering Committee. Other improvements will be a part of the Capital improvement Plan. Bierbaum moves approval of Alternative #1 with second by Cady. Discussion: Litwiller is very excited about this opportunity for the Ames Community. It is her opinion that Snyder and Associates have done a wonderful job of addressing the concerns of the neighborhood. Moran agrees with Litwiller. Rowan recused. No Opposition. Motion Approved. c. Out of order. Commission Action Form: Firefly Country Night Concert at Bandshell Agreement The agreement for this venture is attached. The one thing that has come up and is addressed in the CAF is any unexpected delay. Concerts can be delayed for artist travel issues, medical emergencies, weather or other circumstances. Language has been added that would give Abraham or his designee (most likely Kaufman) the authority to let the concert go over the designated 9:30 PM end time if the concert is delayed. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Moved by Bierbaum, seconded by Rowan to approve Alternative #1 No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved d. Commission Action Form: Green Hills Agreement Abraham went over the agreement. Staff is recommending the Commission approve the agreement from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. It was moved by Bierbaum with second by Rowan to approve Alternative #1. No Discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved e. Commission Action Form: Silver Fit Agreement Pulled from the Agenda f. Commission Action Form: Jax Request to Rent Equipment at Ada Hayden Heritage Park Abraham informed the Commission there have been no changes to this agreement. Staff feels this is a great opportunity for residents and park users. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Moved by Cady with second by Bierbaum to approve Alternative #1. Discussion: Rowan asked how many rentals were made. Abraham stated there were 574 rentals last year. No opposition. Motion Approved g. Discussion: Municipal Pool Air Quality – Test Results and Next Steps Abraham stated that the air quality testing had been performed and the results have come back. There are a few things that need to be addressed and the School District is working on those. For most of the day it was well below t he limit. During ACAC practice it went up over the limit and back down when practice was over. ACAC has been informed that they can open windows and doors during practice when needed as a short term fix. h. Project Update Projects information is included in the monthly report in the Commission packet. i. Correspondence All correspondence has been shared. MONTHLY REPORT Omlid stated that the Furman Aquatic Center is opening on May 27. Johnston stated that the goats were a home run and says bravo to everyone who came up with this. The goats will finish up this round and then come back at the end of June. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Rowan participated in the tree planting and stated that it was really fun and a great experience. Bierbaum said he had a comment from a community member regarding a crossing between North and South River Valley Park. Who would we talk to get a crossing with signs and lights similar to the ones located on 13th St. and the one near Northridge and Northridge Heights on George Washington Carver. Abraham said he would initiate the conversation with the traffic engineer. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Bierbaum to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:21 PM. Next Meeting: - Thursday, June 15, at 4:00 PM (Park Tour)