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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 06/16/2016AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: June 16, 2016 COMMISSION PRESENT: Julie Johnston, Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Vikki Feilmeyer, Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran, Jason Schaben ABSENT: None STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Feilmeyer, second by Rowan to approve the May 19, 2016, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Commission Action Form: Green Hills Agreement Abraham went over the agreement with Green Hills. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Moved by Rowan and seconded by Schaben to approve Alternative #1, No discussion. Feilmeyer recused herself from voting on this matter. No opposition. Motion approved. b. Piano Project Update Abraham went over the plan for public piano use. Moran asked if this was ending in the fall or it would continue on next spring. Abraham explained that this could be either way. The pianos could be donated at the end of the season or they could be stored and used again. Possible locations are in Tom Evans Park, downtown near the Sheldon Munn, or Campus Town Court near Fire Station 2. Abraham explained staff is looking for direction from the Commission. Rowan asked if funding was secured for this year and what would happen to this funding if the Commission says no. Johnston explained that the funding is there but support is also needed for this project. Rowan asked if there was any financial obligation on the part of the department. Abraham stated the City has no financial obligation. Feilmeyer stated it seemed there was very little for the Commission to do except say yes. She does not know how we loose on that one. Motion by Rowan, seconded by Johnston to approve the placement of a public piano in Tom Evans Park, and if necessary, after proper communication with interested parties, in Campus Town Court for one year. Discussion: Johnston thanked staff for considering this project. No opposition. Motion Approved. c. Healthy Life Center Update Abraham gave an overview regarding the Healthy Life Center. He reported at this time Ames School District is leaning toward building a pool on the high school site. The Commission will need to determine what the greater benefit is for citizens, being part of the Healthy Life Center or partnering with the school. Staff’s initial feeling is that it would be better for the community and more bang for the buck for the pool to be located at the Healthy Life Center. d. Joint Ames City Council and Ames School Board Meeting Update Abraham reported on the meeting. The Ames School District has 3 buildings up for sale, Crawford School, the former Edwards School and a maintenance building. Part of the discussion centered on some of the Edwards site being used as a park. Rowan asked if the city has to purchase the property. Abraham stated that he does not know. Feilmeyer asked if the Commission should try to acquire any of this land. Abraham stated he would have to speak to the City Manager and the Council would have to decide. Abraham stated with regard to the pool, the district is still talking about building on the high school property. The school can build a competitive pool facility but can’t afford operate it. The district does not have concrete numbers for operational costs. The Ames School Board asked the Ames City Council to come forward with support. The Council would not commit to the tax payers subsidizing this project. Rowan stated she found it eye opening and a lesson in community politics. Rowan has concerns about the Healthy Life Center including the location and that the pool may be an afterthought in this project. Abraham said that ISU has not committed to the location on Ontario. The entire facility would be twenty to thirty million dollars. The City would need to pass a bond for 8 million and use 2 million set aside from the Winakor estate. The other entities involved may have to do some fundraising to get the rest. Bierbaum stated that all involved parties agree that it will not be a recreation complex even though there will be recreation components to parts of it. Feilmeyer stated that the money from the Winakor estate should be to fund a new pool. Feilmeyer also stated she feels there does not seem to be an end in sight which is frustrating. Maybe the Commission needs to revisit what we said we were doing with this gift as we are not there or anywhere close to being there. Bierbaum stated the District is trying to find any way to fund their operations. The board asked the city to help subsidize the cool water pool and would like a decision in two months. e. Project Update Greenbriar Park was enhanced by Woodruff Construction as they donated concrete work. The playground has been installed and a 12’ x 12’ shelter and an ADA compliant picnic table will also be placed in this park. The shelter was donated by Woodruff Construction and The Rotary Club of Ames. f. Correspondence None MONTHLY REPORT Thompson reported that the mosquito spraying program will start this week. The department has extended offers to fill 2 vacant positions. Johnston asked for information regarding the pond at Moore Memorial Park. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Rowan will be working with Kristin Pates of the United Way on an award for the Friends of Roosevelt Park. She asked if the Commission would send a letter of support in this nomination. TOUR The Commission visited Inis Grove Park, Lloyd Kurtz Park, old Edwards school, Franklin Park, Ames Middle School, and O’Neil Park. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Rowan to adjourn the formal meeting at 5:01 PM. The Commission members then toured the park system. Next Meeting: - Thursday, July 21 at 4:00 PM