HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 12/07/2017AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
CIP Meeting Minutes
DATE: December 07, 2017
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Julie Johnston, Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Sarah Cady, Melissa Rowan, Ed
Moran
ABSENT: Jeremy Bristow
STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson, Steve Schainker
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 4:07 PM
PUBLIC FORUM
No Public Forum
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN DISCUSSION
Abraham went over the development of the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and explained to
the Commission the differences between the Operations Budget and the CIP
Abraham also noted that local option sales tax, which provides the funding for the CIP, has
been flat. Online shopping has had a negative impact on the number of sales tax dollars
available.
Sixty percent of the local option sales tax funds property tax relief. After property tax relief it
funds the human service agencies. The rest of the tax funds are divided between Streets,
Police, Fire, Public Library and Parks and Recreation.
Abraham went over all 5 years of the CIP and then opened the meeting for discussion.
Bierbaum asked where the splash pad will be located. Abraham explained that staff has been going
through all of the parks looking at the pros and cons for each location. The department will host
public meetings to help determine the best location. The Edwards neighbors have been receptive.
Rowan asked if all items in the CIP have been funded. Schainker answered that he is going to be
conservative because the City has taken in less local option sales tax due to Amazon and other
online shopping. Online shopping has reduced the money that we have for these projects. He does
not want to cut anything in Parks and Recreation.
Bierbaum asked how much money was available. Schainker said in total about $7.9 million but $4.8
goes to property tax relief and Human Services has asked for $1.5 million. The rest will be split up
between the other entities.
Schainker reminded the Commission that they are doing good things; a new splash pad is a big deal.
The new clubhouse and community space at Homewood is a great thing. The bridge in Moore is a
great thing and could include a walking path or loop with bio swales and restored prairie. This will
help with water quality and develop the riparian zone. Some of this project may be funded with REAP
or other grants.
Schainker asked what kind of projects excited the Commission. Bierbaum would like to have an
indoor playground somewhere in the city. Sioux City is building a tubing hill. Locations for plaza
space are being looked at in the downtown and campus town areas.
Some discussion was had regarding the proposed Healthy Life Center, including when a bond for the
Parks and Recreation space (including the indoor pool) would be held.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Bierbaum to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:17 PM.
Next Meeting: - Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 4:00 PM