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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 05/21/2015AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: May 21, 2015 COMMISSION PRESENT: Jason Schaben, Melissa Rowan, Alisa Frandsen, Dakota Canning, Ed Moran ABSENT: Julie Johnston, Vikki Feilmeyer STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Kellee Omlid CALL TO ORDER: 4:02 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Rowan, second by Moran to approve the April 16, 2015 Meeting and May 4, 2015 Workshop minutes. No Discussion. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT a. Commission Action Form: Jax Request to Rent Canoes/Kayaks at Ada Hayden Heritage Park Jax has been doing this for many years. The changes to this agreement will include stand up paddle boards. The department has had discussions with Jax regarding swimming and dangerous conditions. All paddle boarders will have to wear a PFD and all boards will have an ankle leash. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Schaben clarified that life jackets will be provided and required by Jax. Frandsen inquired if the hours for Jax are posted at the park. Abraham said the hours can be posted. Rowan asked about safety requirements for people bring their own boards. Abraham says people are already doing so. Schaben moved Alternative #1 with paddle boards added to CAF. Rowan Second. No Discussion: Motion Approved. b. Commission Action Form: Mobile Concession Units in the Park System This is the same agreement as in the past. The current Vending policy was adopted in 2003. This year only one vendor applied to vend in the parks. Steve Bensema, owner of Kona Ice. He is not interested in the Municipal Band concerts but is interested in working at many events throughout the park system. Staff recommends Alternative #1. Rowan moved to approve Alternative #1, Moran second. No Discussion. Motion Approved. c. Pool Update Abraham stated that the department did schedule the dates of the Pool Education and Input sessions regarding the proposed indoor aquatic center. Abraham gave the dates and the structure of these meetings. Stating that the department wants public input and will listen to ideas and answer questions. Staff would also like to hear what programs that the public would like to see if there would be more pool time available in a new facility. Channel 12 will be filming one of these meetings as well. The department’s focus on this is an indoor aquatics center not a recreation center. Commission Member comments: Frandsen encouraged people to attend the input sessions. Also if you are not certain of the facts or information call the department or a commission member. We just ask that the facts you post to Facebook are correct. d. Project Update Abraham highlighted of the department projects. The low head dam project near Cottonwood shelter in River Valley Park could be in place by next summer. Ada Hayden water line. Quarry estates waterline get the sinks operational and the fountains working on that side of the lake. Roosevelt Park kicked off the fund raising efforts. Trying to raise $35,000 to increase the size of the playground. They have raised half the goal already. We are ordering the shelter and hope to have it ready before the end of the concert season. Northridge Heights. All the concrete is poured and staff will be grading and seeding. Then we will be adding the other amenities. Drinking fountains, hoops shelter etc. Ada Hayden parking lot in NW corner of the park. This was added as an alternative to the Grant Avenue paving project. Bids were recorded. Council will award that bid at the next meeting. May be by this fall. Sand Volleyball. Staff will start constructing the courts. The plan is to have the courts constructed in June and the electric will added right away after the courts are complete. Greenbriar Park will have a new path off the parking lot. A mini-shelter, playground equipment and water fountain. Bandshell Park. The power plant is converting to natural gas. Some lines will run through the park. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson stated that the Skate Park public input session had a very positive turnout. This meeting was hosted with American Ramp Services who will take care of the design process. We are hoping to make some repairs and maybe add some amenities. The skate community was very grateful that the money was allocated for this project. Omild reminded people that there is still time to register for summer programs. Chris Barkema has resigned his position we want to wish him well in his future ventures. Frandsen asked what the plan is to cover his positon? Kellee has been working with staff, coordinators and shift leaders until we can get the position posted and filled. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Schaben mentioned that the Furman Aquatic Center is scheduled to open on Saturday. Omlid encouraged the Public to watch the Facebook page or call the hotline to make sure it is open. Water temperature is only 60-65 degrees depending on the basin. Air temperature and rainy weather is forecast. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Rowan to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 4:35 PM. Next Meeting: -Tour on June 18. Meet in the parking lot west of City Hall. Will take the van and will go around and view some sights.