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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 08/17/2017AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: August 17, 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 Bierbaum with second by Cady to approve the July 20, 2017 meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. PUBLIC FORUM None DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Update: Healthy Life Center Abraham informed the Commission that the City Council awarded the contract to RDG Design. All of the project sub partners worked positively with the department on previous projects. The final report will be sometime in December. b. Commission Action Form: Request to Utilize Golf Carts at Ada Hayden Heritage Park for Educational Tours Abraham explained that this request is similar to last year. Abraham reminded the Commission that the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park incurs all event costs. There was a great turn out in the past and staff supports seeing this event continue. Staff recommends approving Alternative #1. Moran asked how people would sign up. Abraham stated people should contact Erv Klaas. Rowan asked about posting signs so runners and walkers know this is happening. Abraham informed Rowan the department had not posted signs in the past and there were no problems. Motion by Bierbaum with second by Cady to approve Alternative #1. No discussion. No opposition. Motion approved. c. Staff Report: Request from Owner of 400 Main Street to Encroach into Tom Evans Plaza Randy Pyle (617 Clark Avenue) informed the Commission that he is the owner of the building located at 400 Main Street. The building was constructed in 1911. Hard rains can produce several inches of standing water in the building basement. This drainage issue is exacerbated by two issues: The sidewalk along the building is pitched toward the building, and a large gap exists between the sidewalk and his building. Pyle would like to resolve the drainage issue, replace the sidewalk, and widen the stairway, making the basement usable space. Abraham stated to the Commission that if this request is approved, staff would consult with the Main Street Cultural District and look at what should be done with the entire plaza. Motion by Bierbaum with second by Rowan to continue to work with both Mr. Pyle and the Main Street Cultural District to reevaluate Tom Evans Plaza. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved d. Staff Report: Firefly Country Night Review Craig Kaufman, Auditorium, Bandshell and Community Center Manager, gave an overview of the Firefly Country Nights concert held July 14. Kaufman informed the group that overall the event went very well. There could be adjustments to future agreements that include fees for additional staff time for setting up risers or other equipment. e. CIP Public Input Session – September 14, 2017, 6:00 PM at the Ames Public Library Abraham reminded the Commission of this public input session. Bierbaum asked if there was a survey sent out regarding the current projects. Abraham said that this has not been done in the past. Rowan asked about how the comments and emails will be shared, as she cannot attend. Abraham said he will put all the emails, phone calls and comments into a document to share with the Commission. Abraham will have a presentation to show the public with descriptions and photos of projects. This meeting will be about the CIP, not the Healthy Life Center or the Miracle Playground. f. Project Update Projects are in the monthly report included with the Commission packet. g. Correspondence None MONTHLY REPORT Omild stated that the Furman Aquatic center moves to back to school hours next week. Fitness classes also start next week. Drop-in classes are going on this week. Furman Aquatic Center held a Princess Pool Party and Super Hero Pool Party. The department received positive feedback about these programs. Bierbaum asked about the fees for these programs. Omlid informed him that the fee was $20 per parent/child combination. Staff informed Bierbaum that additional parents or family members could attend by paying gate admission. Thompson informed the Commission that even though this has been a dry year, the mosquito population is still being monitored and West Nile Virus has been detected. The public risk is small but citizens need to take precautions. Bierbaum asked about the source of the contamination incident at Furman Aquatic Center. Abraham informed Bierbaum that an individual visited the aquatic center and had later been diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis. This individual had been at other pools as well – cryptosporidiosis contact may not have been at Furman Aquatic Center—but staff followed mandatory protocol and closed the pool to ensure public safety. Abraham mentioned the conversion to a new refrigerant for the Ames/ISU Ice Arena included in the current CIP. The refrigerant was $18/lb. but has risen to $35/lb. in two years. There will be some conversion costs but the department will offset some expense by selling old R22 (about 2,700 lbs.) for about half the going rate. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Cady mentioned the kick-off rally and benefit concert for the Miracle Park will be held on September 16 starting at 11:00 AM. Moran said he enjoys various park videos posted on Facebook. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Bierbaum to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:15 PM. Next Meeting: Thursday, September 21 at 4:00 PM.