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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 07/20/2017AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: July 20, 2017 COMMISSION PRESENT: Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Sarah Cady, Ed Moran, Jeremy Bristow, Melissa Rowan (arrived at 4:18 PM) ABSENT: Julie Johnston STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson, Apolonia Rybicki, Brian Phillips CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Bierbaum with second by Cady to approve the May 18, 2017 and June 15, 2017 meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved. PUBLIC FORUM Melanie Rogotzke, 508 Carroll Avenue, a Bandshell Park neighbor, thought last week’s Firefly event was well managed and very successful. She experienced no issues with parking, sound management, guest departure, or cleanup, and thought the lighting was beautiful. She thanked the Commission for approving the event at Bandshell Park. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Introduce Apolonia Rybicki, Ice Arena Manager Abraham introduced new Ice Arena Manager Apolonia Rybicki and asked her to share a brief history with the Commission. b. Update: Healthy Life Center Abraham informed the Commission that nine proposals were returned after the Request For Proposal was distributed. Of those nine proposals, two firms have been selected for an interview to be held Thursday, July 27. After discussion, staff will recommend to City Council awarding a contract to one of the two firms. Abraham reminded the Commission the consultant’s duties include looking at operational expenses as well as meeting with community groups and interested parties. The consultant will make recommendations on room size and expense sharing, and will provide conceptual designs with construction cost estimates in 2019 dollars. Moran asked if the study includes the feasibility of a bond or a community survey. A community survey was not included, according to Abraham. Public meetings will follow the finished study. Information will likely be shared in January 2018. Each entity will then make decisions regarding their participation in the Healthy Life Center. Abraham indicated the consultants will be asked—at the request of the City Council—to weigh the options of a 50-meter pool or a 25-yard stretch pool and to add space to the facility footprint for indoor tennis courts to be added later. c. Update: Miracle Field and Inclusive Playground Abraham reported the City Council approved the Miracle Field and Inclusive Playground design in May. The design was submitted to the Development Review Committee (DRC) and several changes were suggested. Snyder and Associates will hopefully complete the plans and specifications by the end of July and then resubmit to DRC. Abraham will then share the final design with the Inis Grove neighbors. Jim Mason, 2016 Pinehurst Drive, spoke as a representative of the Steering Committee and thanked the Commission for its help with the project. He informed the Commission that the Ames Foundation and the Steering Committee entered into an agreement for the Ames Foundation to be a fiscal partner in this venture. A public fundraising kickoff event is planned for September 16, 2017, at Inis Grove Park. There are already monetary commitments and in-kind donations coming in, including one major donor for $300,000. Harold Pike Construction will serve as the project general contractor. d. Commission Action Form: Silver Fit Agreement Abraham described the program as very similar to Silver Sneakers. Coventry Health asked for the program to help keep individuals active and social. The agreement is ongoing until one of the parties wishes to terminate. Staff recommended Alternative #1. Motion by Cady with second by Bierbaum to approve Alternative #1. No discussion. No Opposition. Motion Approved. e. Update: Municipal Pool Agreement with Ames Community School District The current agreement expired on June 30, 2017. The City Manager and the School Superintendent recommended amending the agreement to go through 2020. An Ames School Board member asked to table this item and amend the agreement. This member would like to see the Ames School District share in any revenue that comes into the pool through Parks and Recreation programs and fees. The extension was tabled and a special meeting was held where Director Abraham and City Manager Schainker reviewed revenue numbers. They explained the City’s position is that if revenue were shared the expenses should to be shared as well. Aquatics programs are subsidized by approximately $25,000 per year and the District should share that expense. The School Board voted down the amendment to share revenue and passed the extension to 2020. The City Council will review the matter at its next meeting. An agreement regarding the eventual demolition of the Municipal Pool will be made at a later date. f. CIP Public Input Session – August 17, 2017 Abraham explained that Staff would like to increase the number of people who attend this meeting. He asked if the Commission would consider changing the August meeting to a later time to see if it would increase public participation. Bierbaum asked if the projects could be made public before the meeting in a way that people could actually look them and give feedback. Cady said some of the town budget meetings are very interesting and make people part of the process. Assistant City Manager Phillips informed staff that changing the time of the August meeting would be a conflict with the television schedule—a later meeting could not be televised. Abraham explained that the regular meeting could occur at 4:00 PM and a special meeting or a public input session could be held on a different date. He reminded commissioners that at a public input session they cannot discuss or debate but could be a part of the audience and listen to public feedback. Abraham told the Commissioners he would find a date in early September for a public input session. g. Project Update Project updates are included in the monthly report. Bierbaum asked about the outdoor public pianos, as he saw Facebook posts regarding Fire staff fixing a vandalized bench. Staff was not aware of any vandalism taking place. h. Correspondence None MONTHLY REPORT Registration for fall and winter programs began July 15. There is still time to register for the princess- and/or superhero-themed pool parties. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Cady shared that a citizen contacted her regarding a shortage of lounge chairs at the pool. Bierbaum asked if Abraham had spoken to Public Works concerning a crossing on 13th Street between North and South River Valley Parks—Abraham had. Cady informed Abraham she saw a citizen comment on this matter posted to the Ames Bicycle Coalition Facebook page. Moran asked about the fireworks at Ada Hayden over the Fourth of July weekend. Moran thanked the public for help in cleaning up the mess left behind. Thompson encouraged the public to call Police if firework activity is going on in the parks as it is prohibited behavior. Abraham reminded everyone that fireworks are illegal in Ames. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Bierbaum to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 4:52 PM. Next Meeting: Thursday, August 17, 2017, at 4:00 PM