Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 09/21/2017AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: September 21, 2017 COMMISSION PRESENT: Julie Johnston, Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Sarah Cady, Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran, Jeremy Bristow (left at 4:44) ABSENT: None STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Jacob Perkins CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Bierbaum, with second by Rowan to approve the August 17 2017, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Introduce Jacob Perkins, Recreation Manager Jacob Perkins gave a brief overview of his education and career history. b. Update: Healthy Life Center Abraham reported that the f irst workshop with RDG had been held. On Monday representatives from RDG toured all of the facilities involved. On Tuesday meetings with the planning committee members, the individual entities involved, and the stake holders were held. On W ednesday planning committee members met with RDG to discuss the size and costs associated with the building. Abraham also informed the Commission that the recommendation on pool size will go before the City Council on October 10, 2017. Rowan asked if there will be more details regarding the whole center before the 10th. Abraham informed Rowan a decision needs to be made on the aquatics piece before there can be projections on operational expenses. Rowan asked if the Ames School District is in or out. Abraham stated they did attend the last meeting but are continuing to explore other options. The District needs to decide soon because they are going out for bond in April for a new high school. c. Commission Action Form: Ames Cyclone Aquatics Club Request to Utilize Furman Aquatic Center for 2018 Swim Meet Abraham stated this event gets better every year. He stated that there are some complaints about ACAC using the pool for the weekend, however the aquatic center has multiple users and ACAC is one of those. Abraham informed the Commission that ACAC receives a greatly reduced fee for using the pool for this meet. Staff recommends Alternative #1. It was moved by Bierbaum with second by Rowan to approve Alternative #1. Discussion: Rowan asked if there had been any increase in cost for the use of the pool. Abraham informed Rowan that the fee was raised $35 per day. No Opposition. Motion Approved. d. Commission Action Form: Request from Owner of 400 Main Street to Encroach into Tom Evans Plaza Abraham explained to the Commission that they do not have the authority to say yes or no. The role of the Commission is to approve the concept of this project. The property owner will complete the paperwork and follow the process until the request is presented to the City Council. It is Abraham’s opinion that the encroachment process should be separate from any improvements to the park. Abraham informed the Commission that this project will reduce concrete and increase green space. Mr. Pyle is willing to pay for the demolition, new concrete and the turf restoration. Bristow asked about the width of the path. Abraham informed him that the path needs to be wide enough to safely accommodate pedestrians and bikes. Staff recommends Alternative #1. It was moved by Rowan, with second by Litwiller to approve Alternative #1. Discussion: Moran feels that it would be a great addition to Tom Evans Plaza. No opposition. Motion Approved. e. Discussion: 2018 – 23 Capital Improvement Plan Abraham went over the plan and how it is funded. Rowan asked Abraham how much money was in the park development fund. Abraham informed her that the fund balance is between $700,000 and $800,000 and is invested by the City Treasurer. Bierbaum asked if the potential future projects listed in the presentation are currently in the CIP. Abraham informed him that they were not. Those projects were an overview of what Staff has heard from citizens. Bierbaum stated that his opinion is that Edwards site and the safety concerns at Franklin Park are the most important items on the list. Abraham informed the Commission that the lighting in Franklin Park has been converted to LED and additional lighting has been added. W hen the proposed path is added to the park it will bring in additional lighting as well. There will also be the removal of some some trees. Bierbaum wants to make sure the Franklin and Edwards neighborhoods get what they need. Bierbaum also commented on the proposed restrooms in Tom Evans Park. Bierbaum is against taking up park space for bathrooms. It was pointed out that the City of Ames already provides three sets of public restrooms downtown - located at Bandshell Park, the Community Center and the Ames Public Library. What they really want is restrooms located on Main Street. Is this something that the Chamber, the Cultural District and the business owners would be willing to fund? Johnston also wants to prioritize projects regarding to safety. Litwiller is interested in converting to LED lighting in all the parks as it is low maintenance and provides more light. Rowan asked Abraham to explain why the Cemetery now falls under Parks and Recreation. Abraham explained that the Grounds Division was under Public Works however the function of this division includes mowing and tree work. Since the Park Division is responsible for parks, turf and forestry wrapping in the Grounds Division is a good fit. Abraham also explained that including cemeteries in Parks and Recreation is very common. Cady feels that the bridge crossing in Moore Memorial for 20-21 should include a shared use path especially if the Healthy Life Center goes there. Rowan feels that ADA compliance is a priority. Abraham explained that the department is having a complete audit done which will include all parks and facilities. He feels that in the long run $25,000 per year may not be enough. Moran asked about sidewalk improvements at Inis Grove. Abraham said there is the potential that those may be funded other than local option sales tax dollars. f. Discussion: Great Places Grant Application The Main St. Cultural District has been awarded an Iowa Great Places designation and is therefore able to apply for grants. A grant application for improvements to Bandshell Park and the Durham Bandshell is being written. Abraham pointed out that as the department already has $245,000 in the CIP and the application would be for matching funds. g. Update: Ames Miracle Park Harrison and Brittany Barnes donated $300,000 to the playground project which will be named after them. The Ames Rotary Club gave the $300,000 designated for field. Long time resident Grace Amemiya bequeathed $125,000 from her estate for this project as well. The United Way has committed $90,000. So far around $900,000 has been raised. Moran commented that anyone interested in giving to this project should contact the Ames Foundation. Bierbaum asked Abraham about the fundraising goals and timeline. Abraham stated that they needed roughly $2,000,000 and were hoping to get all of the money raised by next spring. The best case scenario would be to start building in the spring of 2018 with the project taking four to six months to complete. If there is a struggle with the fundraising, the construction could be pushed back. h. Project Update None i. Correspondence All correspondence is already in the packet provided. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson reported that 42 people took the golf cart tour of Ada Hayden Heritage Park provided by the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Litwiller asked why they had not used the Bandshell for the second Firefly concert. Abraham informed her that the Main Street Cultural District wanted to keep the second concert downtown. Bierbaum asked if any other groups were using the Bandshell. Abraham stated ISU is using the bandshell for an event during parent’s weekend. ADJOURNMENT Bierbaum moved to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:26 PM. Next Meeting: - Thursday, October 21, at 4:00 PM