HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 12/15/2016AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: December 15, 2016
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Julie Johnston, Sarah Litwiller, Allen Bierbaum, Vikki Feilmeyer, Melissa Rowan,
Ed Moran
ABSENT: Jason Schaben
STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Joshua Thompson
CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Bierbaum, second by Rowan to approve the November 17, 2016, meeting minutes.
No discussion. No opposition. Motion Approved
PUBLIC FORUM
No Public Forum
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
a. Staff Report: Goats on the Go
Thompson went over the management plan for the Oak Savannah area at Ada Hayden
Heritage Park that is in question. As controlled burns in this area have not been
successful, it was suggested by the Friends of Ada Hayden group to use Goats on the
Go to manage the invasive plant species in the area.
Aaron Steele from Goats on the Go and Erv Klaas of the friends group were present to
speak about the process and answer any questions. Johnston asked about the size of
the area that the goats do at a time. Steele stated that they will make decisions on the
plot size as they go as the goats are content as long as there are things to eat. This will
help to restore the savannah area which is a transition zone between the prairie and the
forest. Most of this savannah area has been lost. This is a very scarce ecosystem.
Moran asked if there had been problems keeping people away from the electric fence.
Thompson stated the other communities contacted said that there were no problems
whatsoever.
b. Update: Park Land Leases with Iowa State University
Abraham went over the lease agreements negotiated by Warren Madden from ISU and
Steve Schainker, City Manager. The lease agreements were approved by the City
Council and the Regents.
c. Update: Healthy Life Center
Abraham gave an update to the members regarding the City Council’s decisions
regarding the proposed Healthy Life Center. The Council approved all four items on
their action form determining that the city staff should move forward.
Feilmeyer asked how much money had been spent with Water’s Edge when we first
started this process. Abraham stated between $10,000 and $15,000 had been spent.
This new study will be a much more detailed study.
d. Capital Improvement Plan Meeting with City Manager (December 19)
Abraham reminded Commissioners of this upcoming meeting.
e. Project Update
No updates.
f. Correspondence
No correspondence.
MONTHLY REPORT
Omlid spoke regarding the Nada Silent Night event on Saturday, December 17, and the holiday break
drop in fitness classes. She invited the public to join in the fun at our various locations over the
break.
Abraham stated that the clerical position at the Community Center has been upgraded to a Principal
Clerk and is currently in recruitment. Abraham wanted to inform the Commission Katie Kramer took a
position with Iowa Games and Amanda Moore from the Ice Arena took a position with the City of
Ames Purchasing Department. The Staff would like to publicly thank them for all they have done for
the residents.
Abraham spoke briefly on merging Public Works Grounds with the Parks Maintenance. There will be
two maintenance worker positions and a forester position open with this merge and the crew will be
part of Parks and Recreation.
Litwiller asked about the next steps with the Miracle Field. Abraham stated Staff is working with
Purchasing on the design RFP.
Abraham discussed the upcoming meeting schedule.
December 19 at 5:30 PM located at Parks and Recreation Admin. (CIP Discussion with City
Manager)
Thursday, January 19 at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting)
Motion by Bierbaum, second by Rowan to move the January meeting to January 12. No discussion.
No opposition. Motion Approved
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Bierbaum to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 4:47 PM.
Next Meeting: - Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 4:00 PM