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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 08/21/2014AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: Thursday, August 21, 2014 COMMISSION PRESENT: Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran, Jason Schaben, Alisa Frandsen, Leo Milleman, Julie Johnston and Vikki Feilmeyer ABSENT: None STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Kellee Omlid CALL TO ORDER: 4:03PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Rowan, second by Feilmeyer to approve the minutes from the July 17, 2014, meeting. 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) Commission Action form: Proposed Sand Volleyball Courts at Emma McCarthy Lee Park Abraham again gave the timeline of the project from the beginning repeating information that has been stated in the two previous meetings. He also clarified that the use of the words expanding the program was not intended to be interpreted as adding additional courts to this location. The words expanding the program were in regard to potential new programming for a teen or middle school league or to attract tournaments. Abraham also gave the Commission a reminder that students are residents of this community. Abraham also addressed the locations suggested by the citizens that are opposed to this facility in their neighborhood. Ada Hayden (with regard to adding amenities to this location) “Ada Hayden has been a passive, natural area from the get go.” The department has no plan to add additional features or playgrounds to that park. Brookside and River Valley are not desirable because flooding concerns. “As we are moving forward, we are not putting amenities in the flood plain.” Abraham explained that the department is looking at minimizing costs to the tax payers associated with flood recovery. For example replacing the sand for these courts if flooded would be about $36,000. On top of those costs, there is a disruption of service to the customer, and the length of the disruption depends on the severity of the flood. “Sometimes we have to rent facilities to finish the season.” These costs are paid for by the tax payers. Carr Park would only support 2 courts. Dog Park (land adjacent) does not have the infrastructure in place or parking. Furman Aquatic Center land next to the parking lot is in the flood plain. Also, there is a shortage of parking there already with people using the high school lot and walking to the pool. Gateway Park, there could be 2 courts added to the north of the current courts. Cable, gas lines, water lines and electric lines are running underneath that space. The potential additional costs to tax payer is $30,000 - $50,000 for moving the utilities. South of the Ames/ISU Ice Arena, ISU is not supportive of this location because of the farm land. Adjacent to the Ice Arena, the original design of the Arena was to add a second sheet to the facility. The department is evaluating that option right now. ISU Courts on SE 4th Abraham reached out to the University. The University said they did not feel it is a viable option. First, they program their matches at the same time that Parks and Recreation would want to schedule matches. They also don‟t know what affect the Jack Trice expansion plan will have on that area. They may be looking be looking for another location to put those courts. Moore Memorial has rolling hills and no flat space to do anything. Hunziker Youth Sports Complex Abraham reached out to their management. The area that they have open has been earmarked for infield practice sites and additional soccer fields. They are also currently short on parking for their own programming. Abraham then outlined the options as listed on the Commission Action form explaining all of the options, the criteria used and any additional information gathered. Abraham “W hat is good for all customers?” We know there is a need (for these courts) and a passionate group that is opposed. Option 1 is placing 4 lighted courts at McCarthy Lee Park and Option 2 is placing the courts in Inis Grove Park. “Now, with option 2 we would need to engage the residents and the neighborhood to see if there are any concerns.” Schaben asked, “Would any of these, would they be up and running by fall?” Abraham, “I think that is very unlikely.” Abraham went on to explain that there are two components to the project, the grading etc. (which we are doing in house) and the lighting that would have to go out to bid. Feilmeyer commented on the fact that Abraham had been with the city for 20 years and asked, “In your experience have you ever had any complaints related to sand volleyball players?” Abraham answered that he is not aware that the department has ever ejected a sand volleyball player. He went on to state that in contrast softball has multiple ejections each year and a couple of lifetime suspensions. There have also been issues with adult basketball players. Abraham stated he contacted Police Records and there have been no police calls or calls related to sand volleyball. Feilmeyer asked, “Sand volleyball is a growing program, is that correct?” Abraham, “Correct.” Feilmeyer “And there is definitely a need?” Abraham, “Yes.” Feilmeyer, “Okay.” Abraham stated that the department is using the recreational courts for leagues and “that is why we really want to get some additional facilities for leagues”. Frandsen, “How would the lighting work on 2x2, would it still be just four corners?” Abraham, “Yes.” Frandsen, “What would be the pros and cons of the 2x2 configuration?” Abraham stated that the 4 x 1 configuration is preferred because there is minimal interference from the other courts. Rowan asked about the timing of the games. Abraham stated that the games are not timed. We schedule for the games to be done at 10:00 PM and the lights to go off a short time after.” The parks close at 10:30. Feilmeyer stated that there was a fair amount of discussion regarding traffic on Ross Road. She wanted to know if staff had consulted with Damion Pregitzer (Traffic Engineer for the City of Ames) Abraham, “Yes.” He continued that Pregitzer had no concerns with regards to this project about traffic on Ross Road or the drive into the park. The road is constructed to have a calming effect and people generally go slower. The neighbors have said that is not the case. Feilmeyer asked if Abraham thought the review of traffic in the area was thorough. Abraham said we did not do another traffic study, but as far as having the conversations, explaining the project he came up with no concerns. Frandsen asked if the space at Inis Grove had been used for other organized activities. Abraham stated that there has been youth soccer, youth flag football and other programs held at McCarthy Lee. Staff has not programmed in the proposed Inis Grove space because of the terrain and that some grading will have to be done to make it suitable for this project. Frandsen wanted to know how the department is doing with flat space. Abraham stated that one of the things that we have come across is that the turf in the areas we use heavily is starting to have some problems. We are moving some programs to other locations to give the turf in Inis Grove some rest. He also informed the Commission that there is some interest in a Lacrosse program and we would have to look at additional space for that as well. PUBLIC INPUT: Frandsen reminded the speakers to state their name and address and to please keep it to 3 minutes so the Commission would have adequate time for discussion. She also asked the public to please keep it to new thoughts and ideas which the Commission has not yet heard. J. Arbuclke (519 Oliver Circle) He is opposed because of noise and traffic and feels the site is not appropriate. He is all for sand volleyball just not in that park or neighborhood. Lee Burchinal (3122 Ross Road). He reiterated his opposition from the last two public input sessions about noise and safety. He also read quotes from letters that the Commission has already received. (He acknowledged that he was aware of this.) He stated that he wanted the Commission to explore any other options but Option 1. (Option 1 is Emma McCarthy Lee, a community park that is located in his neighborhood.) Feilmeyer, “Sir, if I may ask you a question. I wanted make sure that I asked you a question.” Feilmeyer went on to state that the Commission did receive correspondence from Mr. Burchinal that was highly critical of them for not asking him any questions so she wanted to make sure she asked him a question. Burchinal, “Well good!” Frandsen, “Your letter was highly critical of us for not recognizing the Friends of Emma McCarthy Lee Park and Munn Woods that was incorporated, and I guess my question to you is, that I believe the meeting itself was on July 17. I took a look, because I wanted to learn more about this particular organization, and it looks to me like it was organized on July 21 so it was actually organized after the last Commission meeting. Can you tell me what is it you would like us to recognize from this?” She went on to state that she felt the goals are laudable and wanted to make sure the Commission recognized him to the extent that he feels necessary. Burchinal stated that the friends group was informally started earlier (he doesn‟t know the official date) to take care of things that are needed in the park. The group offered their services at the July meeting and they were not asked any questions about that. He felt that they were offering good things to the City and were not being acknowledged for that. He also went on to say that the friends group will only pursue the goals listed if the courts are not put into the park. Feilmeyer asked how many members the friends group had as there are 5 incorporators listed. Right now they are a small group with 15 members. Alicia Carriquiry (3300 Ross Road) Thanked Keith and Kelly for meeting with her and her husband. She stated that she was going to repeat the same items as she has spoken about in previous meeting s regarding noise, traffic, parking and safety. Volleyball players chat, they go “Good for you” and that is still noise. She admitted that her traffic statistics were in error. She “doesn‟t mean to dump this on the Inis Grove neighborhood” but she does feel that it is an obvious choice. Feilmeyer, “Can I ask you a question as well, Ma‟am?” Carriquiry “Yes.” Feilmeyer, “The last time, when I listened to the tape, you had some comments related to the traffic on Ross Road.” Feilmeyer said that she tried to get the numbers from the DOT as Carriquiry suggested and that the last count done by the DOT was in 1999 and their number was 1600 cars on Ross Road. Carriquiry said that she feels the entrance to Emma McCarthy Lee is more like 200 per day. She alleged that it is 200 per day closer to the park and the 1600 is closer to Hyland. Feilmeyer stated that the data used is based on a 1976 number when she consulted with the DOT they said they didn‟t have any more recent numbers. Carriquiry said that those are the numbers they use today. Milleman, “Last month we took input and some people were critical of the commission for not doing a „you said he said‟ type of thing.” Milleman stated that Emma McCarthy is a community park used by the whole city. He wanted to know if there been a concern in the past with flag football and soccer games being held there. Carriquiry only addressed the traffic and said she felt that the traffic increase is less with those programs. Donna Newbrough (3122 Ross Road) She repeated her same concerns from the past meetings. She wants to make sure the staff and commission knows that in her opinion sand volleyball and tennis are conflicting programs. She stated her opinion that many cities are envious of us because of this park. (She didn‟t name any) She stated that she believes that businesses coming to Ames want more green space and look for that when relocating. She spoke about the demographics of the neighborhood, and stated her opinion that Emily McCarthy [sic] has the worst access of any park in the city. Gary Aitchison (3312 Ross Road) Explained where he lived in relationship to the park. “I have a couple of questions, Kevin” [sic] (addressing Keith Abraham, Parks and Recreation Director) “W ho, who will be the people participating?” He stated that he has fears “about the booze”. Aitchison admitted that he was aware that alcohol is already permitted in this park. Abraham replied “Currently it is adult programs, adult leagues is what we have . Do they have a beer or two while they are playing? Yes.” Abraham also stated that there have never been any issues and if there were additional courts staff would look at other programs, maybe middle school or high school leagues. Atichison admitted that they were reacting because they had not paid attention to what is going on in the City. That no one knew because “we don‟t keep up with City Hall”. He wanted to know what happened to the word complex. Abraham said that the word complex was used in one sentence in one letter and that from the staff perspective it is 4 courts. Abraham feels like the word complex is more of a term for multiple fields, courts and diamonds in one area. Atichison wanted to know why the “water complex” on 13th was not available. Abraham repeated the information given earlier in the meeting regarding that location. Milleman also added that the area Aitchison is speaking about floods and this Commission has elected to keep that open space as overflow parking so they didn‟t have to spend anywhere from $0- $40,000 of tax payer‟s money in repairs every flood. Milleman and Abraham also noted that the land is leased from ISU and would need ISU approval for anything done to that area. Aitchison then wanted to know, “What about Gilbert? Gilbert does not have as much of this?” Abraham, “Are you asking if Gilbert people are coming to Ames?” “We do have non-residents that use our facilities.” Steve Wilson (5304 Flynn) Stated that he moved to be close to the park and he bird watches a lot and has concerns that the birds will move over by Munn Woods. He does not want to see the green space made smaller and feels like it would be detrimental to the park. Roy Switzer (510 Forest Glen) Stated that he uses the park to watch wildlife. He asked if anybody had done a comparative environmental impact study. He feels that Munn Woods is a unique piece of land. He has concerns about the wildlife. Suzie Petra (2011 Duff Ave) She stated that by her address it is evident that she does not live by Emily McCarthy Park [sic] but was interested in the parks in general. Stated that her opinion is that parks do not need to have space for games and compared the Ledges (a state park in Boone County) to Emily McCarthy [sic]. She wants Option 3. She asked for a budget increase to add a Park Specialist as “We don‟t really have a person on staff who has knowledge on how to take care of the parks” Feilmeyer thanked her for coming to the work session and the encouraging email she sent regarding the Indoor Aquatic Center. Robyn Switzer (3604 Annear) He urged the Commission to purchase land for facilities. Feilmeyer thanked him for working with the former Park Superintendent on improving the park. Switzer, “We hope to be able to resume doing that when things get ironed out.” Milleman wanted to clarify that his comment regarding purchasing land also included the suggestion that someone could donate land. Carol Johnson (Green Hills) “I just want to say one thing that maybe you can remember, sometimes it‟s a luxury to keep things as they are.” Donna Newbrough (3122 Ross Road) Spoke again. Lee Burchinal (3122 Ross Road) Spoke again. Johnston asked, “Dr Bruchinal, I have a question for you. Did I understand you to say that if the courts are placed in Emma McCarthy Lee Park you would no longer be a member of the friends group?” Bruchinal admitted that he would be reluctant to offer his volunteer services if this does not go his way. Johnston, “My concern, of course, is that there is a lot of that park that can still be protected, that has use and life and so much to offer the commun ity…” Burchinal interrupted with his opinion that it will affect the quality of his life, the park and the neighborhood. Johnston, “It makes me question the sincerity of the friends group , and I hate to say that because I love the friends group, and have been a member of one…” Burchinal, “Well, I‟m sorry, I‟m giving you my personal view. Johnston, “I wanted to get clarification on that, because I was surprised by that.” Rose Bayless (3510 Oakland) Disagrees with putting courts in the park. Insists that she thinks it is great that the department wants to add more sand volleyball courts, just not in the parks. Her opinion is that ball diamonds ruined River Valley and that parks are for kids. Not everyone plays sports and this makes her sad. Michael Peterson (3302 Morningside) Spoke against the Breckenridge Development. Also stated that volleyball people are transients and wants the Commission to listen to the residents. Sheila Coady (3004 Ross Road) She admitted that she didn‟t have anything new to say. It is her opinion that Damion is dead wrong on that and the traffic will be dramatic. Gary Aitchison (3312 Ross Road) Spoke again Frandsen, “We will go ahead and move on then.” She thanked the public for their time and reminded them that the Commission is taking this seriously. Moran, “How much money has been spent already?” Abraham said it was about $10,000 for the consultant services. “There will be additional costs if we have to reconfigure the courts.” Milleman expressed concerned about Option 3 (Kurtz) “To me it is not even a viable option.” Feilmeyer agrees that Option 3 is not viable. Moved by Milleman, second by Schaben, to pursue Option 2 with the stipulation that Staff gathers feedback from the neighborhood. Rowan appreciates the passion that we have heard. Her only comment is that though she agrees with Milleman, she wants it on the record that there may be future needs at Emma McCarthy. “Needs change, the community changes we need to make sure that is part of the discussion moving forward.” Johnston stated that the flat space has been used for other things. It is not there in perpetuity. “To be so certain about how this changes your life, to wholeheartedly say that these things completely change your life, maybe it does not change forever. We have so many needs for recreation in this community. With decisions like this you never make anybody happy. We are just trying to address those needs.” Moran agrees that the need is there. He also thanked the staff. Johnston said she would hate to see the friends group lose people, because again, the need is out there. She continued “That for Robyn to say „we will see if this continues‟, you know, to think that there is nothing left of the park if there are volleyball courts there”…Robyn Switzer interrupted Johnston from the gallery to state his opinion that putting courts there “is really gonna mess up the whole park”. Johnston pointed out that to have the whole friends group pull if the courts are put there “makes it appear that it is a group that met for a single purpose only” and the need is still there, for the undergrowth… Robyn Switzer stood and stated that “When I first spoke to Kevin Shavo, [sic] he suggested starting a friends group and I didn‟t take him up on it that at the time.” He stated that when this issue came up he thought “now‟s the time to do it.” Frandsen stated that she did another tour today. She felt that at Inis Grove , kids would not have to cross the parking lot to get to the play equipment. She has concerns about Ross Road and the neighborhood not having sidewalks. “I am sad for your neighborhood that you don‟t have sidewalks.” She also stated that is always a gamble to purchase a house by public land as you will not have a vote in how that land is used. She stated that the commission and staff are trying to balance things for all of the community members. All in favor of Option 2 with input from the Inis Grove neighborhood. Schaben, Frandsen, Milleman, Rowan, Moran, Feilmeyer Opposed Johnston. So Moved Frandsen went on to thank Abraham and his staff as any report or information they have asked for has been done. Thanks for all of the work and thorough reports and data. Thanked Kellee and Joshua as well. Applause and shouts of “we won” from the gallery. Donna Newbrough (3122 Ross Road) Spoke for the third time. “I want to thank „you people‟ for having this discussion. Frandsen “Can we please have it quite in the chambers so we can hear the speaker? Thank you.” Newbrough, “Thank you for having this discussion.” b. Proposed Committee Members for Selecting a Consultant for the Indoor Recreational Aquatic Center Staff proposed the following members for the RFP Selection Committee Keith Abraham, Lead, Kellee Omild, Recreation Superintendent, City of Ames – Involved with the whole aspect. Jill Burt, Aquatics Coordinator, City of Ames Bill Hadaway, Maintenance Specialist, Mechanicals Lead on Furman Aquatic Center and CPO, City of Ames, - Leader on all the mechanicals Mike Giles – Director of Recreation Services, ISU - Involved with this selection and in the whole process John Dunn, Water and Pollution Control Director, City of Ames - Has just gone through this process with a similar RFP Gerry Peters, Director Facilities, Planning and Management, Ames School District, - Has also just gone through this process. Staff requested that a Commission member serve on the committee as well. After discussion, it was determined that the committee would narrow down the proposals and a commission member would join the group at that time. Schaben will serve on the committee with Moran as the alternate. MONTHLY REPORT Thompson gave an update on the park in Northridge Heights. Omlid mentioned that Furman Aquatic Center is open through Labor Day. Reminded the public that the school in session hours are in effect and that the Facebook page is updated with the pool hours daily. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS The commission members thanked the staff for what you have gone through and everything that is going on. The Commission has some concerns about when do you notify the public. We hold public CIP meetings and open forums and no one comes. Abraham commented that how and when to engage the public is a conversation that City staff and Department Heads are having. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Johnston, second by Rowan to adjourn at 6:40 PM. Next Meeting: September 18 at 4:00 PM