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Home My WebLink About~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 07/17/2014AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: Thursday, July 17, 2014 COMMISSION PRESENT: Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran, Jason Schaben, Alisa Frandsen, Leo Milleman ABSENT: Julie Johnston and Vikki Feilmeyer STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Kellee Omlid CALL TO ORDER: 4:05 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Moran, second by Rowan to approve the minutes from the May 15, 2014 and the June 19, 2014, meetings. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM Frandsen explained that the public forum is an opportunity for people to discuss items that are not on the meeting agenda. No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT a) Staff Report: Proposed Sand Volleyball Courts at Emma McCarthy Lee Park Abraham handed out copies of the additional letters, Tribune articles and other items pertaining to public comment on the proposed project at McCarthy Lee Park that were additions to what was distributed in the July packet. Attachment C Abraham went over the history of the project from the first public request in 2011, to the staff recommendation for the addition of 4 lighted courts to the 2012-2017 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The Park and Recreation Commission recommended the approval of the CIP and in 2012 it was approved by the Council (with the courts included in the plan). In 2013 this project moved up to year one of the plan and funding was approved for this project by the Ames City Council. Attachment A is all of the feedback via e email and phone that Abraham has received about the project. At the May meeting the Commission members listened to comments from the public about this project and decided to put the project on hold. For the June meeting the Commission toured the proposed location of this project as well as touring other parks and locations. Attachment B Addresses questions that Park and Recreation Commission members asked staff after touring McCarthy Lee Park as well as other parks in the system. They requested these questions be answered and any research needed be done in time for the July meeting. Abraham also went over the diagram and gave an overview of the growth of the sand volleyball program. Attachment D Criteria for selection: Was there enough developed flat space? (flat mowed area) Does the space accommodate a North/South orientation? Is the area out of the flood plain? Are there already lights located in the park? Is there a buffer between the park and the homes? Is there adequate parking? Is it a community park where amenities are placed to service the entire community not a neighborhood park where amenities are planned to serve the immediate neighborhood. The criteria matrix was shown that was used by staff for locating this project showing all of the locations looked at and why McCarthy Lee was selected. Attachment E: Opinion of the City Attorney regarding the Deed to the property. This project is within the criteria spelled out in the property deed. In regards to the set aside of natural area, the deed spells out setting aside up to 4 acres of natural vegetation from the time of the settlers. Right now the park has 10 acres of developed space and 28 acres of undeveloped space. Other concerns: W ith regard to flooding. Abraham showed the floodway fringe map which does not put flooding near the parking lot or tennis courts. Abraham showed pictures taken the morning of the tour, showing standing water on the field at 10:00 AM. At the time of the park tour the field was dry. This happens in all parks and at times we do have to cancel because fields are wet. Also shown were photographs of both Brookside and North River Valley during the flooding on July 2. A photo taken at McCarthy Lee Park was shown from the same day and time and no flooding was occurring. Abraham also cited numbers from a traffic study done in 1993 and 1996 with the estimate of cars going through the area and also estimated increase on traffic and showed a brief video taken by Channel 12. PUBLIC FORUM: Robin Switzer (3604 Annear) States that the park is where he learned to love and enjoy nature. He gave his credentials. He is the President of the newly formed Friends of Emma McCarthy Lee Park and Munn Woods. The vision of the group is to preserve the natural environment of the park. He stated that he had done volunteer work at the park about 2.5 yrs ago where he worked with Kevin Shavo [sic] (Shawgo, Retired Feb, 2013) to cut back invasive species. It is his belief that the surrounding woods are heavily degraded by invasive vegetation. If sand volleyball courts are built, he believes he will not be able to use the park in the afternoons and evenings. He fears that the city will cut trees and widen the road. He believes that the friends group has a different vision for the park than the Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Bob Deppe (3923 Fletcher Blvd) He does not live by the park now. He believes that the Commission is taking responsibility for what the University should be doing. He stated he ran the grain elevator for many years and knew Lloyd Kurtz who was the Commission Chair at that time. He acknowledged that he can’t speak for Lloyd because he is “gone from this earth” but his (Kurtz’s) family from Chicago is very emphatic about neighborhood parks. “You don’t need lighted volleyball courts at night to shake up the neighborhood on Ross Road.” Gary Aitchison (3312 Ross Road) “Park and Rec property is about 6 feet from our living room.” When Little League baseball was there in the summertime he remembers traffic going in and out of that park very clearly because it was all times. He also stated he and his wife counted cars and people at the university and there were more cars than people playing. He is concerned about “port-a-potties, garbage and booze”. Lee Burchinal (3122 Ross Road) He is the Secretary/Treasurer of the newly formed friends group. “When planning a public facility it is customary to at least consider there are three requirements.” He believes that there must be a substantiated need for that facility, a rigorous examination of all alternatives and ample public input. He alleges that “This project does not meet any of that criteria [sic].” His belief is that the location criteria is too narrow. He stated that he has other concerns including what it is going to be like for him to hear the noise of the park users while on his patio. He shared that there is a petition with many signatures asking for the staff to come up with a new plan. He is not opposed to the courts, just opposed to the location (near his home) where they enjoy a nice quiet evening. Sue Ravenscroft (455 Westwood) “I’m someone who lives south of this whole region.”. She stated that the path is rutted and slippery and the road is treacherous. She alleged that “When Judge Lee gave money [sic] for this park he thought it was going to be a nature preserve in honor of his wife, and if he gave that money [sic] he probably thought it would be preserved that way for a very long time.” She states that it (the park) is really a lovely aspect of the neighborhood. She is not opposed to sand volleyball players and sand volleyball. She believes we can cooperate and allow the sand volleyball people have their league and preserve the nature of the park. Her request is to give this more time, involve the league players and the neighborhood for more creative solutions. David Gradwohl (2003 Ashmore Drive) Lived in Ames for 53 years and has been impressed with the quality and diversity and range of the parks of the City of Ames. He believes that the idea, if there is a need, of having volleyball courts should be explored. “It’s a great sport.” He has used the park with kids and grandkids to go and enjoy nature. He feels others have made good points and it is not a good idea. Jo Rod (4235 Eisenhower Ct) “I do not live near this park, I live right near Ada Hayden.” Agrees with what the others have said. She was surprised that the city has been working on this for 2 to 3 years. She stated that she is for the common good and for the neighborhoods affected. Judith Lemish (327 S Maple) She was raised on Forest Glen. She explored McCarthy Lee Park as a child and it was great. She has concerns about the nature of the park and what this complex will do to the children who need quiet time and back to nature time. She asked that the Carr pool area be considered when looking at locations as it has a lovely flat area there is lighting there. As far as she knows the pool area never flooded just the parking lot. Dario Zaffarano (731 7th St, Nevada) His mother has lived on Ross Road since the 50s. He stated that when the tennis courts came in it made a difference in the quality of her life. People playing tennis after hours bother her. He would like to see to see fewer tennis courts and no sand volleyball. Kayleen Catus (802 Norland Drive) Her best friend growing up through 8th grade lived on Ross Road. She exclaimed, “Shame on the city of Ames, making all of these decisions for three years”. She believes volleyball is a fabulous sport and there are plenty of courts in Ames. “Keith said these tennis courts [sic] will represent 13% of the green space at McCarthy Lee. I hope not!” Steven Schroeder (1524 Roosevelt Avenue) He stated that he has been playing sand volleyball for over ten years and knows that there is a need for more sand volleyball courts. This year they have been scheduled to play triple headers because there is not enough courts. Teams have been playing at Brookside and Carr (parks) because the number of teams has been increasing. “Last night, we were playing at Brookside and we actually had to kick a team off that was just playing for recreational use. We are kicking off recreational players for league play.” It is his understanding that the lights will be programmed for league play only. He does not feel that the sand courts will affect the wooded area as this area is already maintained and mowed. He believes more people coming to the park will increase the awareness of the park. “Right now some of the parks that we play at currently have no restroom facilities.” He states that the reason that people are just hearing about this now is because they were not paying attention and that if people wanted to they are able to read the Capital Improvement Plan and see the notes. People coming to the party this late is not on you (Staff and Commission) or the City. “People have not been paying attention or they would have known.” Randy Beckett (2936 Ross Road) He has had mixed feelings about this. He stated that he deeply appreciated the work the Parks and Recreation Commission has done over the years, “Your projects and creative ideas is [sic] one of the reasons that Ames is consistently listed as one of the best places to live in.” He is also aware that there are times that the needs of the neighborhood have to be weighed against the public good. His issue is noise. The residents don’t want to hear noise from sports. He wants other locations considered. Ruby Buck (1108 Scott) Lived there for 60 years. She knows there are a number of parties down there as it is a good place for college kids to party. A volleyball court would not affect her; her concern is the safety on Ross Road. She loves the nature part of the park as she is a farm girl. She stated, “There’s no sidewalks [sic] on Ross Road. When they came to make sidewalks to get to Sawyer School, the people on Ross Road fought it.” She said “W e on the sides put in the sidewalks so that the children could go to Sawyer School.” She would like a traffic test before you make a decision. She has concern for the many little dogs that walk along Ross Road. Alicia Carriquiry (3300 Ross Road) She gave her credentials and stated that she is here to challenge the numbers in the report. She does not know who made those studies that Keith used and alleges that the current official numbers from the DOT say the average traffic volume is about 200 cars per day. She has lived in that house for 25 years. She believes there is no way there are 1500 cars going by that road. There are no sidewalks and nobody respects the speed limit. She challenged the anticipated number of cars per day in Attachment B and gave her estimate for how much traffic would increase. She stated that this is a 2 lane road with no sidewalks, with cars parked on the south side. She believes people out walking up and down Ross Road will not be able to walk in the street anymore. The 93 parking spaces are not enough based on her calculations. Access into the park is very steep narrow one lane road with no shoulders that falls off into the ravine and is dangerous. Wolfgang Kliemann (3300 Ross Road) He states that he is a volleyball player and has intramural champion t-shirt to prove he can play it “Let’s assume we do need this volleyball, what are the criteria for locating this volleyball.” He believes the criterion that staff used is concentrated on what is good for a volleyball player. He disagrees with the buffer between homes and courts. He disagrees with the number of parking spots being adequate. He disagrees that existing programming matters. He believes these things should not be criteria; he wants to come up with a new set of criteria. He mentioned a petition. He believes that there are at least half a dozen other locations that are better and there’s at least three locations where it is possible to do it and it would not interfere with community use. “Don’t just look at the little space you have at this moment.” Darrell Erickson (3403 Oakland) He states that the park property is what is mowed and everything else is part of our lots. We allow people to use the creek and paths to enjoy nature. We bought our property for that reason. He is concerned that he won’t be able to have the windows open and people will be going in and out of the park at night. Jeff Hart (2824 Ross Road) He is concerned about traffic on Ross Road. He states that people come in off of Hyland fast, coming around curves and speeding. “It’s not going to be a pretty picture as far as that goes.” His son and his friends left to go play tennis at 9:00 and the lights were not operational. They couldn’t even play tennis in the park at 9:00 at night. He believes that we are eating up the green space but we are not keeping up what we have. “The best soccer games ever were the soccer games at McCarthy Lee Park.” He states that he creek running through the park is clean. He believes deer will move out and raccoons will move in because of all the beer cans, trash, McDonald’s wrappers and pizza boxes (left by sand volleyball players). He then told an anecdote regarding missing important work meetings because he did not use his calendar. “I have to pay attention to the computer at work so that I get to those meetings that I’m paid to be at.” He feels that information on the web site is not sufficient way to inform the public of important municipal decisions. Erica Fuchs (4014 Marigold Dr) She feels that volleyball courts would change the park and not for the better. She would like to keep park as it is. She and her child love the secluded peace of the park. She believes that the funds could be used to change the Brookside court to the proper orientation. Donna Newbrough (3122 Ross Road) Donna introduced Mary Watkins stating that “Mary’s first husband was the grandfather [sic] of the man who gave us the park.” Donna agrees with many of the things that others have said and also believes this is a city issue as many people signed a petition. She believes the policy for Emily McCarthy [sic] Park is the management should focus on protecting the native woodland and natural beauty of the park. She states that even though it is legal to use the park as she quoted “Group recreational facilities are allowed and within the scope of the Commission’s decisions” it is her belief that the proposed sand volleyball courts is really not what Judge Lee had in mind. She alleges that there are resources, there’s money, there’s land, there are locations and there is time to address the future without tearing up what the city has. Irene Switzer (2224 Hamilton) “McCarthy Lee was our kingdom.” “It was our park.” She stated that there weren’t many people, just us. She does not think volleyball courts would give the joy that we as residents on the edge of the park had years ago and could still have. She would like the courts to be built some other place. Patty King (206 N Franklin) “You (the Commission) already have my letter.” She states that she loves and uses the park and does not believe the sand volleyball courts will change the park that much. This area has already been baseball fields and soccer fields. This park has restrooms. She believes that it is evident staff has done their research. She wants to keep it brief and hope that the Commission has read her letter. . Frandsen thanked everyone for coming and speaking. Comments from the commission Schaben, “Thank you everyone for coming out. We have thought and spent a lot of time on this”. Milleman “I’d second that.” Milleman asked Abraham to address the old Carr Pool site as someone said it was an obvious location. Abraham stated that currently in the CIP the bath house is to be removed and a shelter placed there. If the commission would like staff to look at the flat area where the old pool was, they can do so. Rowan asked Abraham to clarify for her, as it was her understanding that teams played 2 matches when they are scheduled and that also some of matches would be 4 on 4 as well as 6 on 6. Abraham, “Yes”. He stated that he used 128 instead of 256 when calculating the number of cars because teams play double headers every night. He stated that they based the numbers on 16 total teams and also based the number of players per team as 8 players came for every match. He also stated that in reality, some matches would be 4 on 4 and not all 6 on 6 teams have 8 players present. Alicia Carriquiry and Wolfgang Kliemann interrupted Abraham’s answer to Rowan’s question, speaking over his answer and stating that he is not giving the right information. Abraham stopped his answer to Rowan to address the interruption by stating that they have already spoken in the public forum and that he was addressing a specific question regarding how he arrived at the numbers he used in his report. Moran stated that he wanted to thank everyone for coming and that he was involved in the CIP in 2011. He hopes that people realize that there are open forums for those meetings and that it is lucky if 3 or 4 people attend. He is glad to be involved and encouraged everyone to take what we have heard here tonight and take it to the next level. “Thank you to everyone for your true love for this park.” Frandsen “We are at a point that we need to decide is there additional information that we need from the staff?” Milleman would like to compliment the staff and Keith. “They have done a lot of work. The Commission too, we have traveled around and looked at other sites, and obviously we have heard more things tonight.” He believes that it was a fair process. He believes the other locations on the document (Attachment D) are not as good as Emma McCarthy but wondered if there was someplace else, or if there was anyone out there that would be willing to donate 25 acres in a private place that courts could be built. He believes it is a growing sport. He requested more information on the Carr Pool area and what it would look like. “If you are going to build it, do it right is where I come from on sand volleyball or anything.” As to the request to do it at Brookside Park, “If you want to to clear cut Brookside Park to put courts north/south, I’m not going to do it, I won’t vote for it.” He reminded everyone that Ada Hayden is a heritage park it has its own purpose. He stated that Park and Recreation professionals have to listen to both sides and that Keith and the staff have been as fair as they can be and he hopes the Commission is too. Alicia Carriquiry interrupted the meeting again asking to speak. Frandsen allowed her to ask her question but stated not everybody can ask another question. Carriquiry admitted “maybe I have a very biased view” and wanted to know there was a lot of support or if it was just a few players. It seemed to Carriquiry that from this meeting more people were against. Frandsen stated “If it was counted one for one a vote, yes it is significantly different, however, I would challenge that. Frandsen said that she believes that when it comes to our homes we are driven passionately and she appreciates that passion. “No, we won’t look at a public vote, if we voted on everything in the city of Ames; I don’t think we’d get anything done.” She stated that the Commission had received communication on both sides. Kliemann interrupted Frandsen’s answer to ask a question regarding the petition. Frandsen said that in terms of the petition, she has heard that it has been portrayed as a sports complex. She does not view it as a sports complex; she views it as four volleyball courts with lights. Abraham stated that no additional courts are in the CIP. He explained, “Expansion was referencing the number of players we have playing... Carriquiry interrupted Abraham’s answer alleging that the CIP said that there was room in the park for expansion. Abraham, “I will say right now publically, we have no intentions to expand beyond four courts.” Carriquiry interrupted Abraham again alleging that the term “expansion” meant more than four courts. Abraham explained again that the context of the word expansion was in regards to the number of players participating in the league and or additional tournaments, not the number of courts. Carriquiry still arguing in the background as Frandsen states that she hoped that provides clarification and puts aside some fears. There are no plans to go beyond four courts. Frandsen asked other than Carr Pool area are there any other requests for staff. Moran would like to look at additional courts and lights at Gateway. Frandsen asked how the Commission would like staff to proceed. Milleman would like a decision on McCarthy Lee at the next meeting, “yes or no for all of us and all of you.” He moved to have a Commission Action Form on McCarthy Lee, with additional information on the other proposed locations from staff. Rowan wanted to know if the Commission would have the information about the other locations before that time to make a decision in August. Abraham stated that would be presented and shared at the meeting. It will be in the Commission Action Form. He can bring those options and alternatives and clarification on things that have come up at this meeting. Abraham stated that the Commission can make a request to have the staff bring a Commission Action form with the information about McCarthy Lee, Carr and Gateway locations to the next meeting. Moved by Milleman, second by Schaben that the staff will put together a Commission Action Form regarding Emma McCarthy Lee Park and the four sand volleyball courts including additional information on Gateway Park and the former Carr Pool location. Discussion: Milleman addressed Kliemann regarding his earlier statement that there were 6 better locations as Kliemann did not name them and Milleman would like to hear it. Milleman would like that list and would like a copy sent to Keith as well. Question from the audience in the gallery as to if Carr Pool is big enough. Milleman explained that is what the Commission is asking staff to investigate. He wants to remind the public that these courts have to have some space between them and if we are going to do them we are going to do them right. Frandsen asked any more discussion from the Commission Members? Motion approved by unanimous vote. b) Workshop to Discuss Indoor Recreational Aquatic Center Abraham explained that initially staff was looking at July 31. Frandsen to crowd, “If you could keep comments, maybe to the hallway please, we do have to finish the rest of our business.” Abraham stated that there were some Commission members… Frandsen to crowd, “If you could just move to the hallway, we respect if you want to have discussions. Thank you..” Abraham stated that some members could not attend on the 31st. He said he did put out some additional dates but it looks like August 14 would be the best date. Meeting is set of August 14 at 5:00 PM. Staff will bring the results of the Resident Satisfaction Survey in which 62% are in support of a bond referendum. We will send out the information prior to that date. Milleman requests the current thinking of the school district as well as any other comments received. This meeting will be open to the public. MONTHLY REPORT Keith introduced Kyle Jacobson, the new Parks and Facilities Supervisor. Keith reported on the repair of the posts to the slide at Furman Aquatic Center. Shut down for 2 days and 2 hours. Publically thanked Howe’s Welding looking out for the community and getting the slides back open. Staff is looking at this further as far as responsibility. Omlid wanted to speak about “Yoga in the Park” a free at program in Bandshell Park. It has had great participation with 80-100 people per Saturday. Also, we started an Ultimate Frisbee league this year with 56 participants. Thompson gave some information regarding Ada Hayden Heritage Park and the new playground being installed at Brookside. The playground was delayed by flooding. Keith reported on Northridge Heights. There may be grass planted and paths in this fall and we would like to have a ribbon cutting in October. Milleman wanted to know if there were any problems with the electrical in South River Valley park. Thompson reported that with the design of the new electrical panels the water did not get high enough to reach them. Milleman wanted to know if there was any flooding or damage to our existing sand volleyball courts. Thompson reported there was minor flooding at Brookside. All and all it wasn’t a bad situation. COMMISSION COMMENTS Rowan wanted to thank the staff as she knows that they have been through a lot over the last few months. Milleman agreed. Rowan, “This is tough. I really appreciated going around and seeing all of the locations and seeing the pros and cons of each.” Frandsen agreed. Milleman made a report from the deer task force and reminded the public that the Police Department is in charge of this program. Milleman also commented about the article that was in the Facets. Abraham commented that Milleman had done a really nice job on the article ADJOURNMENT Moved by Rowan to adjourn, second by Moran at 6:35 PM. Workshop: August 14 at 5:00 PM Next Meeting: August 21 at 4:00 PM