HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 10/20/2016AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: October 20, 2016
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Julie Johnston, Allen Bierbaum, Vikki Feilmeyer, Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran,
Jason Schaben
ABSENT: Sarah Litwiller
STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson
CALL TO ORDER: 4:03 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Rowan, with second by Bierbaum to approve the September 15, 2016, meeting minutes.
No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved
PUBLIC FORUM
No Public Forum
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
a. Ames Jaycees – Youth Scholarship Donation
Melissa Angstrom, chair of the Ames on the Half Shell spoke regarding the Jaycees
decision to allow service groups to raise awareness and accept free will donations at
the Ames on the Half Shell events. She also presented a check for $1,500.00 to be
donated to the Parks and Recreation Scholarship fund on behalf of the Ames
Jaycees.
b. Staff Report: All Inclusive Playground and Miracle League Field Request
Abraham went over the requests made by Larry Ebbers on behalf of the Friends of
Inis Grove Park. Abraham also went over the design process including community
input that a consultant would go through before a final design will be approved.
Feilmeyer would like to know what type of additional programs would utilize this field.
Abraham said staff can make an effort to put something together regarding what
additional programs could utilize this facility without over programming the field and
the park.
Johnston asked if there was a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) from the Inis
Grove Friends Group. Abraham said that the three groups that have memorandums
on file are 501C3 nonprofit groups that are very strong supporters of the parks they
are friends for. Abraham does not know if this friends group is interested in
organizing like the other friends groups have.
Johnston states that she has seen nothing to make her doubt Mr. Ebbers is
speaking on behalf of the people in the neighborhood, but can’t know for sure. She
stated that it is a concern, with all the time that has been put into this project, if he is
representing a group that does not exist. Abraham will speak to Ebbers regarding
this group.
Jim Mason (2016 Pinehurst)
The Steering Committee feels that the only way this will work is to make sure this is
a very transparent design process
c. Commission Action Form: ACAC 2016 Swim Meet Review and Approval of
2017 Swim Meet Dates
Omlid reviewed the Commission Action Form presented. Staff recommends
Alternative #1. Moved by Schaben with second by Bierbaum to approve Alternative
#1. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved
e. Healthy Life Center Update (Out of Order)
The group has met twice in preparation for the November 1 informational meeting
with local governing bodies. This will be an overview of the process, what has been
happening so far and what this facility may look like. Abraham gave a list of the
representatives who may be presenting at this meeting. Feilmeyer asked if the
school district was going to be involved and Abraham stated that they would not be
presenting as building a pool off of the school site will not work for their needs.
Rowan asked if funding will be discussed. Abraham stated that there will be some
funding information shared.
Rowan asked if there will need to be discussion regarding the bequest that had
previously been voted to offset the cost of a pool. Abraham assured her that the
main focus is still on the aquatic center piece.
Feilmeyer asked Abraham to clarify what this November 1 meeting is going to be.
She stated that to her it sounds like it is a discussion that is open to the public about
the concept of a potential facility that we don’t know where it’s going to be, we don’t
know how we are going to fund, and we don’t know who is going to participate in the
project.
Johnston wanted to know if it is public input on a concept. Abraham stated it is not a
public input session and only the governing bodies will have input at this meeting.
He stated that he knows that his information about the project seems vague at this
point.
d. Capital Improvement Plan Discussion
Abraham went through the allocation process for the Capital Improvement Plan.
Abraham pointed out changes in the process from previous years. Abraham went
over in detail the current Capital Improvement Plan. Abraham and Thompson
answered questions and listed to comments from the Commission members.
f. Ribbon Cutting Events
Abraham went over the details for the ribbon cuttings at Duff Ave Park and
Greenbriar Park.
g. Project Update
None
h. Correspondence
No Correspondence
MONTHLY REPORT
Omlid informed the Commission that a new fitness session begins on Monday. Thompson stated that
the maintenance staff will start closing restrooms and water fountains next week.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Feilmeyer asked about the new volleyball courts in Inis Grove. Abraham stated that the players love
the new courts and there have been no issues.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Bierbaum to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 6:24 PM.
Next Meeting: - Thursday, November 17, at 4:00 PM