HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 07/21/2016AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: July 21, 2017
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Julie Johnston, Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Vikki Feilmeyer, Melissa Rowan,
Ed Moran, Jason Schaben
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson, Ian Knutsen, Eric Norris
CALL TO ORDER: 3:59 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion by Rowan, second by Bierbaum to approve the June 16, 2016 meeting minutes.
No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved
PUBLIC FORUM:
No Public Forum
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
a. Introduction of New Staff
Ian Knutsen, Recreation Coordinator, was introduced to the members. He
will work primarily at Homewood Golf Course and the Ames/Isu Ice Arena.
Knutsen gave a brief overview of his education and experience.
Eric Norris was introduced as the newest member of the maintenance staff.
He also gave a brief overview of his education and experience.
b. Commission Action Form: Skate Park Naming Request
Abraham spoke to the Commission regarding the request to name the skate
park. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Commission to recommend to the
City council to name the skate park “GEORGIE TSUSHIMA MEMORIAL
SKATE PARK”
Discussion: Rowan asked Abraham about the logistics of signage. Abraham
stated that the department is working with the petitioner and Gerogie’s
mother.
Beirbaum stated he would like to see it mirror the plaque at Christopher
Gartner Park.
Feilmeyer would like to see a helmet message included.
Mckenzie Heddens (3814 Quebec St)
Thanked the Commission for listening.
Teresa Downing (1005 Jarrett Cr.)
Wanted to express her thanks to the Commission and she wanted everyone
to know that this is a significant event for him, his family and his friends.
Moved by Bierbaum second by Rowan to approve alternative #1.
No Discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved
c. Piano Project Update
Abraham stated that the piano project agreements are at Legal. One item
that needs to be resolved is getting a Certificate of Insurance for this project.
d. Healthy Life Center Update
Abraham stated the Commission, Council and Staff may have a workshop to
discuss the proposed healthy life center. What it would look like, if it is
feasible, and what direction do we want to go.
The Ames School District has pulled out of the discussions at this point as
they feel that the cold water competitive pool should be housed on school
property. The District is still looking for financial assistance from the Ames
City Council for the competitive pool. The Council is concerned about
subsidizing two pools.
The Ames City Council would like a report from City Staff on what direction is
the best option for the citizens. The Council would also like to see concrete
numbers on the operation of the competitive pool.
Bierbaum would like to see some operations numbers from similar sized
aquatic centers such as Iowa City, Urbandale or Sioux Falls.
Feilmeyer wanted to know when the current agreement ends. Abraham
reported it was June 30, 2017.
e. Miracle Group Update
Abraham reported a committee which includes Inis Grove neighbors will look
at a variety of options and discuss ways to address neighborhood concerns.
There are also additional locations that have been brought before the
committee. Some of the other options include Baltimore Avenue, 13th St
across from the softball complex, Edwards School or Ames Middle School.
Bierbaum stated that the field in Ankeny was subdued and not nearly as
unattractive as the ones on the presentation slides.
Johnston asked how the fundraising group was reacting.
The group feels there are donation opportunities out there and they are in a
holding pattern and are anxious to get moving.
Rowan asked about further discussion regarding the parking situation near
Inis Grove. Abraham reported that neighbors would like to see parking on 24th
Street be north side only and parking on the east side only on Broadmoor.
f) Project Update
Sand Volleyball project will be completed in August. Lights and poles are up.
Drain tiles, sand, poles and concrete border still need to go in.
Abraham said that the department is planning ribbon cuttings on some of the
projects.
Bierbaum asked about the status of the trail from South River Valley to
Lincoln Way going farther south and if there would be a drinking fountain
included. Abraham stated there will be a ribbon cutting on the opening of that
trail on August 13.
Bierbaum also asked about discounts for camps and daycares at Furman
Aquatic Center as Camp Canwita goes to Nevada for swimming since they
get discount admissions. Abraham stated anyone including camps and
daycares can participate in the 12 for the price of 10 admission cards that we
offer at both Furman and Municipal Pool.
e. Correspondence
None
MONTHLY REPORT:
Thompson reported that post cards asking for public input regarding a new play structure at Daley
Park were mailed today.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS:
Bierbaum asked about the status of Moore Memorial Pond. Abraham stated that it was not on the
schedule yet.
Feilmeyer commented that the dog drinking fountain in Roosevelt Park is the most fantastic thing.
Thompson said that any new fountains installed are of this type. They are ADA compliant and have
the dog drinking bowl attached.
Feilmeyer also commented on how nice the resurfaced tennis courts at Inis Grove look.
Bierbaum asked about the Adams Greenway near Ada Hayden Park. Said he thought it was great
but needed some work on the Ada Hayden side near the restrooms so that people can find it.
Moran asked about the Pokémon Go craze and if staff had noticed any activity around this. Bierbaum
asked if we could request a facility to have a Pokémon. Abraham said from what he has read, you
cannot request to have a Pokémon at your location.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Schaben to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:00 PM.
Next Meeting: - Thursday, August 18, 2016, at 4:00 PM