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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 11/19/2015AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: November 19, 2015 COMMISSION PRESENT: Julie Johnston, Sarah Litwiller, Dakota Canning, Vicki Feilmeyer, Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran ABSENT: Jason Schaben STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kellee Omlid, Jill Burt CALL TO ORDER: 4:04 PM Abraham introduced Sarah Litwiller as the new Commission member replacing Alisa Frandsen who resigned her position. Litwiller gave a short history of her background in Ames and in recreation. Abraham asked for nominations for Committee Chair. Rowan nominated Moran, second by Feilmeyer with no other nominations. No Discussion, No Opposition. Motion Approved. Chairman Moran opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chair. Rowan nominated Johnston, second by Feilmeyer with no other nominations. No Discussion, No Opposition. Motion Approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Feilmeyer, second by Rowan to approve the October 15, 2015, meeting minutes. No Discussion, No Opposition. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM: No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT: a. Staff Report - Water’s Edge Comparison of Indoor Pool Options Report Director Abraham explained the background of the project. He explained that the Commission will not be making any decisions regarding the competitive pool options. Those options are up to the School District. The Commission is only looking at the recreation piece of the program. No decisions need to be made today; however, staff will be looking for more direction at the December meeting. Dave Schwartz, from Water’s Edge, went over the Comparison of Indoor Pool Options Report. Moran asked for an explanation on types of sanitation systems. Schwartz explained the different types of systems to sanitize the water. Water’s Edge feels that Ultra Violet is absolutely necessary. Canning asked about the difference between the indoor and outdoor slide. Schwartz explained that it is mostly a space issue. Johnston asked if most dual purpose aquatic facilities have the glass wall between the pools. Schwartz replied that most do not but in his opinion they should. Rowan asked if the total square feet of the largest pool will fit at the high school. Abraham replied that staff is going to look and see if that is a possibility. Canning asked if there were ways to have a multi-level facility. Schwartz replied that it was possible. He explained that it would not save in building costs but it will save on the footprint. Feilmeyer stated that she felt combining the facility is something that makes sense. Schwartz stated there is always a cost savings in combining as the facility won’t need two sets of restrooms, etc. William Jenks (3101 Greenwood Rd) It is really important the Commission come to a decision that is forward looking and benefits the community as a whole. That doesn’t divide. We need additional pool space. We can’t really separate the competitive style swimming or fitness swimming. Johnston replied that the Commission can appreciate what he is saying, however the School District has the decision on what the competitive pool may be. Jenks stated that the School District can make their own decision but you need to get together and get off your butts and do what is best for the community. Johnston wants to make it clear that we all want to do the right thing. Gerry Peters (representing the School District) The School District has not made a decision on the size and type of pool they are going to build. They would like to do it alone but they need to have a partner and want to move forward together. Rowan stated that the Commission members are all very interested in doing what is best for the Ames community. Peters stated that the District has made some modifications to their concepts including raising the bottom of the pool and the number of bulkheads. Feilmeyer asked what the current operational cost is at Municipal Pool. Abraham replied with a detailed description of the costs. Susie Petra (2511 Duff Ave) Ms. Petra stated her opinion that parking and availability would not be good for the citizens of Ames if the pool was located at the High School. School functions will also disrupt swimming for citizens. Melissa Sorenson (5050 North Dakota) She feels that high school kids want to park close to the building not back where the pool will be. She does not feel parking is an issue. She does not feel that swim meets will take over the whole recreation area. She would like everyone to attend a swim meet. She feels there could be great cohesion between all parties working together. Judy Lemish (327 S Maple) Lemish stated that it is not just therapy, it’s lap swimming, it’s swim lessons and recreational swimming. She likes some of the items in the designs shown. She feels that there are partners in this town such as Workiva, Mary Greeley, Heartland, or the County. She is not convinced that the high school site is the best place but is willing to discuss it. Jason Horras (3026 Weston Dr) He is the current president of ACAC, a Physical Therapist and an Ames resident. He stated his opinion that a therapy pool is a must. He feels that some of the operating costs listed in the report (such as salaries) are items we are already paying for. Feilmeyer asked about the numbers as to the operational costs. Schwartz stated that the numbers are strictly there for the comparison of each option based on the pool size and features. Abraham explained the report is not budgeted the same way as Parks and Recreation currently budgets operating expenses. He explained that water aerobics and swim lessons are not budgeted in the pool operation costs now. In the report, they are in budgeted in the operating costs of the different scenarios. Abraham stated that a new facility could be open much longer hours. The department could program certain features from 6 am to 10 pm. Facilities would be open longer, additional staff time. Schwartz said to look at the table that shows the range of cost recovery. The subsidy is the number he would like the Commission to see. Operating Expenses - Cost Recovery (fees) = Subsidy. Rowan, asked what decisions the Commission will be making. Abraham said staff would like to have some more direction from the Commission. b. 2016 Dog Park Fees Staff is proposing for the 2016 fees to stay the same. Permits go on sale December 1st. 10% discount for purchases in December and January. Moved by Feilmeyer second by Rowan to approve the 2016 Dog Park Fees. No Discussion, No opposition. Motion Approved. c. *Additional Item – CAF – Reallocating Wellmark 3-Point Play Money The Commission had allocated this money to purchase outdoor fitness equipment with approval from Wellmark. Staff determined that there was not a good location for this equipment and staff research showed that this equipment has not gotten much use in other communities. Staff would like to allocate the money to purchase bikes to start a spinning program and use the excess funds for equipment in the Community Center weight room and a new Pilates reformer. Staff recommends Alternative 1. Motion by Feilmeyer, second by Rowan to approve Alternative 1. Discussion: Canning asked if Pilates is a fad. Abraham replied that this is an upgrade to a commercial grade of equipment we already use. Omild explained that reformer training is a one on one personal training session. No opposition. Motion Approved. d. Project Update Abraham gave updates on several projects including the water line at Ada Hayden Heritage park and the new park in Northridge Heights. e. Correspondence Abraham state there was no correspondence to share at this time. MONTHLY REPORT Jill Burt wanted to highlight the Breakfast with Santa Special Event. This program will be held at Green Hills Retirement Community. Festive music, games and crafts for the kids. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Motion by Rowan, second by Canning that staff connects with Raising Readers regarding the proposed signage and little libraries for the parks. No discussion, abstention Rowan, no opposition. Motion Approved. Feilmeyer stated great job in reallocating the Wellmark funds. She also appreciated having the consultant here. She feels that looking at the needs of the community is first but looking at the dollars is very important as well. Rowan stated she hopes that the Commission and Parks and Recreation staff can really figure out things with the School District and end the confusion and unnecessary angst that the folks in the community feel because it isn’t clear. Resolve things and get moving on things we need to do. Moran stated that in the public input sessions the message was to “go big or go home”. Looking at “go big” and looking at the numbers in the report really helped. We need to look at what we need a little bit more. Litwiller has an 84 degree pool and a hot tub on the hotel property she manages. She knows that public has a need for therapeutic recreation as seniors come to her property to use the pool. Abraham stated that at some point there will be an invitation to a road trip to see some facilities. Moran feels they should observe a swim meet as well. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Rowan to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 6:37 PM. Next Meetings: Thursday, December 3 at 4:00 PM (Workshop - CIP Discussion with City Manager) Thursday, December 17 at 4:00 PM (Regular Meeting)