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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 08/18/2016AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: August 18, 2016 COMMISSION PRESENT: Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Vikki Feilmeyer, Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran, ABSENT: Julie Johnston, Jason Schaben STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Feilmeyer, second by Rowan to approve July 21, 2016 meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Staff Report: All Inclusive Playground and Miracle League Field The Commission directed staff to put together a plan including, but not limited to Inis Grove Park. Keith Abraham went over the makeup of the focus group studying this issue which included two Inis Grove neighbors, two members of the project steering committee, Abraham and Moran. This group serves in an advisory role and will not be making a recommendation. Abraham spoke on the committee’s findings regarding each suggested location. Abraham asked the Commission for clarification so staff has a clearer direction regarding a recommendation. Rowan feels that it is clear that the two pieces should be located together. She states that she knows there are concerns in the neighborhood but there have been many positive responses as well. Bierbaum stated his opinion that the Edwards, Lloyd Kurtz, Ames Middle School and the Dog Park locations should be ruled out. He feels A, B or C are the most viable options. Bierbaum is interested in hearing feedback regarding the option with both features in the same park but in different locations. Bierbaum does not want to consider any property that is not owned by the city. Feilmeyer agrees with Bierbaum that ideally they should be in the same location but do not need to be on top of each other. Feilmeyer feels it would be perfectly okay to use land owned by the Ames School District and asked Abraham if the focus group discussions had changed his mind about a recommendation. Abraham does not feel Lloyd Kurtz or Edwards are very good options. Abraham does feel Option C is an interesting option as it helps address parking issues and does not eat up prime green space in the park. Option B is tough from the standpoint that you are now putting everything in one area along with sand volleyball and people would want to park in the same lot. There are a lot of unknowns if you wanted to put it by the Ames Middle School. Abraham said he would probably go with Inis Grove Option A or C if he had to make a decision tonight. Bierbaum asked if the middle school site would be open for families during the day. Abraham indicated that would be a discussion point with the School District. Larry Ebbers (220 24th St Ames) Ebbers stated that he has visited on several occasions with Superintendent Taylor. He alleges that the School District is very interested in the project. He asks the Commission to wait until things can be worked out with the School District. He feels like Ames Middle School would want the opportunity to use this facility as well. Ebbers states he understands there are community wide concerns about the City and the district working together but this could be a great opportunity. Bierbaum asked Ebbers if the school used that area for other activities. Ebbers stated “No they do not; it is not used for anything”. Bierbaum asked if the space was used at all for practice fields. Ebbers stated that the space was not used at all. He explained that it is the space that was originally intended for the pool which is why a parking lot is there. Abraham stated that Gerry Peters indicated the space in question is used for practice fields and for PE classes. Ebbers stated that Dr Taylor was open to moving those kinds of things. Ebbers asked to see any positive emails members have received regarding this project. He was told he would have to make a formal request to the Ames City Clerk. Bierbaum asked what the thoughts are in the neighborhood regarding Option C which is having both amenities in Inis Grove but in separate locations within the park. Ebbers said the neighborhood has not discussed that. Feilmeyer asked Thompson about the maintenance of this kind of structure. Thompson said that it would need to be checked for safety, wear patterns on the surface, garbage and other general items. Bierbaum stated that options A, C and the Ames Middle School are the options that are still on the table. Rowan agrees with Bierbaum. No one disagreed. Mary Ann Russell (3314 Polaris Dr). Feels like it should be at Inis Grove. She states it would feel safer if it is out in the community instead of “hiding us from the community because we are just like you guys, I know we are different but we are just like you guys.” Tom Russell (1206 Michigan Ave) Stated that from everything he heard at the previous meeting as well as what he has heard tonight he feels like Inis Grove is the obvious location. Feels like Option A and Option C are the good options. Shelly Jaspering ( 823 Duff Ave) She feels that keeping the playground and field together is a good plan. People may use one while waiting to use the other and support each other. She interacts with people of all ages and may want to use the playground with her niece before her game starts. Jim Mason (2016 Pinehurst Dr) Mason stated that he has been on the Steering Committee and the recent focus group. It is his opinion that fundraising would be difficult for a facility that was not in the control of the Parks Department. Larry Ebbers (220 24th St) He stated his opinion that this will change fundamentally the use of the park and the neighborhood feels that the sand volleyball destroyed the upper park. Feilmeyer asked Ebbers if his purpose in asking the Commission to defer for a month was so that the Commission could explore the Ames Middle School site. He stated that yes in part but it was also so his constituent group could be informed that the decision would be made at the September meeting. Feilmeyer stated that she felt we are all in agreement it is a worthy project and a great benefit to the community. Ebbers agreed but does not want the project in Inis Grove. Bierbaum asked Abraham what would happen if a recommendation was made by the Commission. Abraham explained if the Commission made a motion tonight we would go to the City Council to ask money to be appropriated to start the design and for conceptual designs that the steering committee could use for fundraising. The Council could say no and refer back to staff or they could say that the work that the Commission has done was good and they liked the location and appropriate the funds to have the conceptual designs done. Bierbaum would like to see the neighborhood have some feedback on the conceptual designs. Abraham feels there will be some public input as the Steering Committee would like to know what the people like and don’t like before they go out and fundraise. Larry Ebbers (220 24th St) Ebbers asked the Commission to let the focus group meet with the Ames Middle School before making a recommendation. Martin Edelson (2417 Duff Ave) He wishes to second Ebbers request to meet with the school again before making a decision. Edelson reported the middle school in Ankeny uses the Miracle League Field as a regular part of their PE Program. That it is a useful amenity to them and is a regular part of classes during the school day. He feels that the Ames Middle School could program the field similarly during the school day, they would have good uses for it, and it would be a welcome addition for them. Amber Corrieri (2012 E 13th St) She stated she was representing Mainstream Living which serves more than 500 adults with disabilities. Corrieri started her comments by thanking Abraham for the amount of time and effort Staff has put into this project. She hopes there is not opposition to creating recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. She understands there are disagreements on where this facility should be placed. She states that Parks and Recreation staff and the Steering Committee have been working on this for many, many months and have considered and examined many sites looking at the various issues settling on Inis Grove for a number of reasons. Accessibility is the primary and most important item. She asked the Commission to consider the people this park is intended for as some have severe physical disabilities and use a variety of mobility devices. The Steering Committee’s goal was for those individuals to be able to access the facility easily and safely. Cy Ride access was another reason Inis Grove was the choice of the Steering Committee as well as cost to develop. She informed the Commission that the Steering Committee is still recommending Option A as the most viable option and is not in favor of pursuing the Middle School site due to the accessibility and cost issues. This is an inclusive facility but it is intended to target an underserved population that deserves the right to play and to interact in their community in meaningful ways. Rowan asked Corrieri if the Steering Committee had conversations with the school district. Corrieri informed Rowan that Gerry Peters (Director of Facilities, Planning & Management) represented the School District on the original committee that met before the Steering Committee was formed. Peters attended several meetings about this project and then informed them that the School District loves the project but would need to bow out as they did not see the district having a role in this including district property. The Steering Committee has been operating under the assumption for many months that the School District was not interested. Larry Ebbers (220 24th St) Ebbers asked Corrieri if the Steering Committee had considered the Middle School site recently. Corrieri responded that they had. Beirbaum asked if it makes sense to explore the Middle School site if the Steering Committee is not supportive. Corrieri stated that if Inis Grove is eliminated the Steering Committee would go back and look at other City owned property. She stated that because of the previous conversations with the School District they have not considered district properties. She stressed that the Steering Committee was not going to draw a line in the sand. “If the School District came forward and said “Absolutely, hands down, we would love for you to build this here. We’ll make whatever agreement you want.” We would look at that. Nikki Messenbrink (603 E 16th ST) Messenbrink has worked with persons with disabilities for the past seven years. This population will be grateful wherever this field and park is built. She also works at Friendship Ark homes and wanted to inform the Commission that dayhab programs are being directed toward community integration. Her concerns with the Middle School site are that the school will be programming the facility during the day when we want to bring our clients. Her concern with splitting the facilities into two locations is because these special needs clients need emergency medical services. She feels that the field and playground should be close together and close to parking. Bierbaum asked if the field would be used during the day for adults with disabilities. Messenbrink stated that they are currently taking clients to Ankeny and to Courage League Gym in Urbandale. They are very active and we get them out as much as possible. Those car rides are pretty stressful. They are very excited at Friendship Ark to be getting these facilities. Tom Russell (1206 Michigan Ave) Russell believes that we are having the same discussion that was had in May. There is not much new being said. We know there is a group of neighbors who thinks this is going to mess up their park, a large city park. He pointed out that Ebbers used the phrase destroy the park. Russell feels that we are not destroying the park we are changing it. The nature of a growing city is that things change within that city. It seems like there is a lot of community members who think this would be a positive change and a small group of neighbors who don’t want to change how they have lived for several years. Larry Ebbers (220 24th St) It is not our park, it is a city park and we have some concerns about it. Shelly Jaspering (823 Duff Ave) Jaspering says it is a city park and it should be available to everyone in the city to use. She has had trouble in the last ten years getting her wheelchair to things. It would make life better, make her more active, and help her meet more members of the community disabled or not. Litwiller appreciates the feedback both positive and opposing. She like the Inis Grove location but is open to the possibilities at the Middle School location. Fielmeyer agrees and feels a month isn’t going to change anything. Everyone who has spoken says that they support the project and the question is where. She is not ready to make a decision tonight. Abraham stated the only reason making a decision tonight was brought it up because he was asked if a motion could be made without a Commission Action Form. Martin Edelson (2417 Duff Ave) He feels that the city needs to make it a priority to make parks accessible. Jim Mason (2016 Pinehurst Dr) Mason asked what is going to change between now and a month from now. Rowan asked if there could be some definitive feedback from the District by the next meeting. Abraham stated that if the Facilities Committee indicated it was in favor of the placement of this at the middle school location it would then go to the Ames School Board with the recommendation. Bierbaum stated that even if the middle school site was a go, he still may not think it is the best match. We need to make sure that people understand that it’s not - go see if the Ames Middle School will do it and if they will then that’s where we’ll go. Ebbers interrupted Bierbaum stating let the process work. Bierbaum continued. He feels that the information Staff brought to this meeting was exactly what the Commission was looking for and that part of the process has worked really well. Feilmeyer stated if the Ames Middle School comes back a potential option the Commission would like to hear feedback from Staff on if it is a recommended option. Abraham stated that he will be coming back in September with a recommendation for either Option A or C in Inis Grove or the Middle School Site. Bierbaum would also like feedback from the A and C Options in Inis Grove. Litwiller wants feedback on what works best for the people that will utilize the park on all three options. Jim Mason (2016 Pinehurst Dr) No one thought there was going to be a recommendation tonight. He wants it to be the coolest darn thing there is no matter where it is. We would hire someone who has that experience and get feedback from everyone. It will be a comprehensive plan. Rowan wants to state that the Commission wants to do their diligence and do the right thing. b. Commission Action Form: Request to Utilize Golf Carts at Ada Hayden Heritage Park for Educational Tours Abraham went over the Commission Action Form to waive the enforcement of the motorized vehicle ordinance on Wednesday, September 14, for the Friends of Ada Hayden Group to use motorized golf carts to provide drivers and interpreters for park tours. Staff feels this is a great idea for people with mobility issues and is recommending Alternative #1 to waive the enforcement of the motorized vehicles ordinance. Feilmeyer stated there is no chance she would not support this. Bierbaum would like to see it monthly. Erv Klaas of the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park explained they are in the process of recruiting drivers. He feels this is a great opportunity for people and would love to have it more often. Motion by Rowan to approve Alternative #1 changing the date to Wednesday, September 14, 2016, Second by Bierbaum. No discussion, no opposition Motion Passes. c. Commission Action Form: FLC Skateshop Request to Waive 10% Fee for Selling Merchandise in the Parks Abraham went over the above Commission Action Form. They would like to sell merchandise at the skate park dedication to raise money for the Dream Fund which is a for profit group. The shop is asking for the waiver of the 10% fee. Staff had originally recommended #1 but after listening to questions and concerns recommends alternative #2. Feilmeyer has concerns that the Dream Fund is to keep a for profit business in business. She wishes the skate shop all the good but has concerns about that idea. Abraham informed the group they could use option #4 and refer back to staff. Bierbaum thinks it is a good idea what they are trying to do. Bierbaum moves Option #4 to refer this back to staff. Rowan seconds the motion. No Discussion, No opposition. Motion passes. d. Healthy Life Center Update Abraham stated that there was a 2.5 hour meeting earlier today. There are two options, the request for the City to partner with the School District and the request that the City partner with the proposed Healthy Life Center. Once both options are on the table, Staff will work with the Commission and then give a recommendation on which way they feel we should go. Then the Commission and the Council will get together and decide. e. Project Update i. North River Valley Park Low Head Dam The project consultant has been chosen. Design and permitting could take up to a year. There is also a need to provide some additional money to the project as well as thinking about what could be incorporated into future developments. f. Correspondence Abraham will forward correspondence. MONTHLY REPORT Furman aquatic center is open through Labor Day. School in session hours will start Wednesday August 24. Those hours are posted on our Facebook page and at the facility. Feilmeyer stated that her friend had a child working there who felt it was a wonderful experience to work at the aquatic center and was a great job for a teenager to have. Bierbaum mentioned that evening hours for lap swimming don’t meet the needs of lap swimmers in the winter. Abraham stated that we do use the pool for aqua aerobics swim lessons and lap swim. Bierbaum wanted to know if we could expand the early lap swim program. Abraham informed him that we often can’t get enough to register. Abraham reminded the Commission that an item on the agenda of the September 15 meeting is CIP input. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Bierbaum to adjourn the meeting. The meeting concluded at 6:02 PM Next Meeting: Thursday, September 15, at 4:00 PM