HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 01/15/2015AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Thursday, January 15, 2015
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Leo Milleman, Vicki Feilmeyer, Ed Moran, Julie Johnston, Melissa Rowan, Alisa
Frandsen (came late)
ABSENT: Jason Schaben
STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Kellee Omlid
CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Feilmeyer, second by Rowan to approve the December 18, 2014, meeting minutes.
Motion Approved
PUBLIC FORUM
Donald Maroney (3328 Jefferson Cr.)
Mr Maroney addressed the Commission regarding outdoor ice skating opportunities. He feels it is a
free and simple thing to share with his children. He would like to see rinks added to some of the
parks. He has no issues with the Ames/ISU Ice Arena except the availability of public ice time is
limited and very crowded. Milleman asked if there were any outdoor rinks in Ames now. Abraham
answered that Ames Minor Hockey has been doing this in North River Valley. That group is not doing
one this year due to some losses they had during spring flooding. They are looking for a place that is
more visible and accessible.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
A) Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY 15/16 to FY 19/20 (hard copies were distributed at
meeting)
Abraham went over the current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The department will take it to the
City Council next week. (Tuesday January 20). He reminded the Commission that the City Council
approves the entire plan but only approves funding for FY 15/16 projects. Abraham went over any
changes in the CIP including cost changes for projects and new projects that the department has
added.
Milleman inquired about the Freon conversion at the ice arena. Abraham explained that the facility is
currently using R-22, which is no longer being manufactured. A decision has not been made as to
what type of coolant will be used.
Rowan moved to recommend the City Council Adopt the current Parks and Recreation CIP. Second
by Feilmeyer. No discussion. Motion Approved.
B) Operating Budget for FY 15/16 (power point presentation at meeting)
Abraham went over the operating budget which is funded through property tax. He explained that the
Ames/ISU Ice Arena and Homewood Golf Course are enterprise funds and no taxes subsidize those
activities. The tax subsidy for Ames Parks and Recreation is around 57%. The goal is to be less
than 60%.
Feilmeyer asked if the Commission has to approve the operating budget. Keith explained this
presentation was informational and no action is needed by the Commission.
Johnston asked about the success of the Groupon at Homewood Golf Course. Omlid recommends
doing it again.
Feilmeyer excused herself at 5:04 PM.
Milleman commented that the budget was nicely presented with pictures
C) Fees and Charges for FY 15/16
There has been a 2.1% increase in our subsidy. About ½ of the fees are looking at an increase.
There are some fees that have not been raised in 5 years.
Milleman moved to approve Alternative 1 and adopt the fees and charges as presented. Rowan
Second. No discussion. Motion Approved
MONTHLY REPORT
It was reported that the fitness class participants donated over 300 pounds of food for MICA.
The January special event for families will be W inter Water Fun at Municipal pool January 24, 2015
from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. The admission fee will be $2.50.
Happy Birthday to Joshua Thompson.
Ames residents can drop their Christmas trees off at 700 E 13th St. through the month of January free
of charge. The trees will be ground into mulch for the park system.
There will be a family ice fishing weekend in February sponsored by Jax and the Iowa DNR.
Participants need a current fishing license and trout stamp.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Moran had some questions regarding Early Bird Lap Swim that he received from a citizen. Some
suggestions were to change this to a drop in program instead of a class and would also like to see the
times extended. Abraham explained to the Commission what is currently in place and why. Abraham
explained that it would be dark at an earlier start time and that the department would need to have
staff in place to take money for drop in fees. Adding staff would have an impact on the cost of the
program. Abraham directed Omlid to have staff to take another look at this program.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Milleman, second by Rowan to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:18 PM.
Next Meeting: February 19, 4:00 PM