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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 11/17/2016AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: November 17, 12016 COMMISSION PRESENT: Julie Johnston, Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Vikki Feilmeyer, Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran ABSENT: Jason Schaben STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson, Craig Kaufman, Jill Burt CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Rowan, second by Bierbaum to approve the October 20, 2016, meeting minutes. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Introduction of Craig Kaufman, Auditorium, Bandshell, & Community Center Manager Abraham introduced Craig Kaufman as the Auditorium, Bandshell and Community Center Manager. Kaufman gave a brief overview of his education and work history and also stated that he was happy to be here. Moran inquired about how we can meet the goal of expanding concerts at the Bandshell while complying with the noise ordinance. Kaufman stated he would meet with police about where the readings are taken and how we can comply. b. Discussion: Healthy Life Center Director Abraham state that he is looking for feedback and direction from the Commission. He stated that a feasibility study would probably be the next step in this process. Rowan thought it was an interesting discussion and wondered if the Staff is sure all possibilities the School District have been exhausted. She also feels the Healthy Life Center is so far away from being a reality. Litwiller asked Abraham if there has ever been discussion on a time frame for getting the Healthy Life Center built and open as to her it seems like the Commission needed to be looking at an indoor pool, as in yesterday. Abraham stated that the best case scenario would probably be going to bond spring of 2018 with the facility opening in 2020. Abraham does not know if working with the School District would be any earlier. Bierbaum stated that he felt indoor play facility incorporated into the Healthy Life Center would greatly benefit the community. Bierbaum would still like to see an indoor play facility even if a pool project was partnered with the School District. Rowan asked Abraham to define the role of the Parks and Recreation Commission in this process. Abraham stated that council members will make their decisions relying heavily on the work the Commission has done. Feilmeyer commented that she was in agreement with Litwiller’s assessment that Municipal Pool is on its last legs. She feels that the City of Ames has to have a Learn to Swim program. Feilmeyer stated her opinion that it is surprising how little detail there seems to be on this project. The decision was made in January of 2014 for the Winakor gift to go toward an aquatic center. Feilmeyer stated she does not know where this went off the rails. In her opinion, the priority for the Commission has to be to continue with deliberate speed on the pool and not get bogged down with the rest of this stuff. Bierbaum asked Abraham about a joint facility with the School District. Abraham gave a brief history of what has transpired between the District and the City. Abraham informed the Commission that the Ames School District is looking at moving forward on their own with a 30 meter stretch pool and are exploring ways to fund operations on their own. At one time, the School District asked the City Council to fund all but $50,000 of the operation costs in addition to funding a city facility. The District will make space available if the City wants to put something next to their aquatic facility. Johnston stated that in her mind the partnership with the school has sailed. Litwiller asked Abraham if the Community Center would go away if the Healthy Life Center is built. Abraham stated that it would not as the facility would be even more important to the department if the schools raise the fee that we pay for using their facilities. Bierbaum does not want two great projects to hold each other up. Johnston likes the partnerships being built with the Healthy Life Center discussions. c. Discussion: North River Valley Low Head Dam Modifications Christina Murphy and John Dunn gave a presentation on the modification of the low head dam project. Feilmeyer stated that the bank improvements make the project for her. It is her opinion if you are going to do it, do it right. She does not know why we would bother with Option A and B. Abraham informed the Commission that they may need to put in some additional funding. The Commission members will have to decide if they support the project strongly enough to reprioritize any other projects that are in the CIP. Litwiller likes the idea and definitely would like to pursue it. The Commission supports the project. d. Staff Report: Furman Aquatic Center 2016 Season Review Burt gave a brief overview of the Furman Aquatic Center 2017 season. e. Staff Report: Special Events Policy Thompson informed the Commission that there has been an increase in staff time to take care of facilities after special events. He asked if the Commission supports developing a policy and a fee schedule to offset costs incurred. Commission supported policy development and suggested staff look at different rates for non-profit and for-profit groups. f. CAF: Dog Park Fees Abraham went over the dog park fees which are designed to cover expenses. Staff is not recommending any fee increases. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Moved by Rowan, second by Litwiller to Approve Alternatative #1. No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved g. Capital Improvement Plan Meeting with City Manager (December 6 or 8) It was decided that the 8th would work better for everyone. h. Project Update None i. Correspondence None MONTHLY REPORT Thompson reported that the DNR would be stocking trout at Ada Hayden on November 18. Omlid reported that there would be fitness classes held over the Thanksgiving break. Citizens are asked to bring items for the food pantry for each class they attend. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT Moved by Litwiller to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 6:19 PM. Next Meetings: December 8 at 4:00 PM (CIP Discussion with City Manager) Thursday, December 15 at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting)