HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 05/04/2015AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
WORKSHOP MINUTES
DATE: Monday, May 4, 2015
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Vicki Feilmeyer, Julie Johnston, Ed Moran, Alisa Frandsen, Melissa Rowan
ABSENT: Jason Schaben, Dakota Canning
STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Kellee Omlid, Jill Burt
CALL TO ORDER: 4:08 PM
INDOOR RECREATIONAL AQUATIC CENTER: Keith Abraham went over the process explaining that tonight is the first step as we prepare for public
input sessions. Feilmeyer asked if the job of the consultant has changed in this process. Abraham
explained that it had as we are gathering public input before hiring a consultant. The consultant may
or may not be the same firm as the school district is using. The City wants someone who will work
with us for our interests. Frandsen asked if the consultants may at times work together. Abraham
stated yes as even though the school district has done some design work, if the facilities are side by
side we will want them to blend together.
Abraham explained which dates are open for a special election and the Commission discussed the
pros and cons of specific dates. Abraham explained once we receive input from the consultant we
will need to pick a date, however, it looks like Commissioners prefer March 2016.
Information sessions could consist of a welcome which includes what we want to accomplish, a
history and future of the pools, and an update of the school district plans. It should also show
amenities that are generally incorporated into an indoor aquatic center and find out what is important
to people. Who are the potential customers? Then public comments and questions, which staff is
hoping will be the largest part of the meeting.
Abraham went over a sample questionnaire wanting to know if there was any other information that
the Commission would like to gather.
Frandsen would like to tighten up the questions, and be more specific. She would also like to see
some numerical data on the current use of Municipal Pool. She would also like to see the facilities
offered by communities that are similar to Ames.
Johnston asked how many meetings should be held. Abraham said that was what the Commission
will be deciding tonight. To keep in mind that we will also be meeting with focus groups as well as
holding public meetings.
Feilmeyer would like to see some focus on the finances, where we are at as it related to Municipal
Pool including repair and maintenance etc. She also stated that we need to make sure we know the
real status of the school district plans.
Frandsen would like to see the meetings listed as Public Education and Input Sessions.
Feilmeyer feels that partnership with the school district should be included in the discussion.
Abraham reminded the group that they should not ask questions about items that are not in our
control. He wants to make sure that the group can deliver on the points that are brought up.
The group further discussed what shared facilities such as parking or locker rooms could look like as
well as potential management of the new Ames School District Pool and educating the public that the
needs of the two populations are not the same.
Johnston wanted to know if we are meeting everything that is being requested at this time. Burt
stated that we are not meeting all of the requests including interest in new programming.
Abraham asked how many sessions the Commission felt should be held. Johnston three, Rowan
three or four, Moran three or four. Abraham stated that meetings could be recorded for Channel 12
and linked on the website along with survey or some other way to gather more input. He reminded
the group that there is no deliberation at a public input session. It is not the same as a public
meeting.
Frandsen wanted to know about the role of the Commission with regard to these meetings. The
Commission and Staff are there to inform and educate. Abraham said that members should listen to
what the public is saying. A big part of the Commission’s role is asking the right questions and having
a clear understanding of what people are saying.
The group decided to hold three public education and input sessions, one in the morning and two on
different week nights. The group will also determine who should take part in the focus groups.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS:
Johnston stated that there was a successful tree planting event at Roosevelt Park. Frandsen stated
that she loved the idea of the Park Passport family event.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, May 21 at 4:00 PM
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Johnston to adjourn at 5:33 PM