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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 10/16/2014AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: Thursday, October 16, 2014 COMMISSION PRESENT: Melissa Rowan, Ed Moran, Jason Schaben, Alisa Frandsen, and Vikki Feilmeyer ABSENT: Julie Johnston and Leo Milleman STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Kellee Omlid, Jill Burt CALL TO ORDER: 4:04PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Moran, second by Rowan to approve the minutes from the September 18, 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 PUBLIC IMPUT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2015-2020 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP). Abraham gave a brief overview of the CIP. These improvements can be amenities in park system or improvements/amenities in an existing building. He reminded the public that these are capital improvements, not operational expenses. Those are in the Operating Budget. He also explained that the only projects that are currently funded in the plan are fiscal year 2014/2015. Abraham also explained that the Parks and Recreation department sent out over 9000 e-mail invitations to current program participants and shelter and facility users. The department also reached out on the web page and on Facebook to receive input from as many people as possible. Abraham pointed out that only 4 citizens have chosen to attend. Erv Klass (1405 Grand Ave) Klass, representing the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park asked for the department to create a naturalist position. He feels that the city has gotten large enough and has enough natural areas to add a naturalist position. He does not want to come across as critical of the current staff; he would like to see someone with the training and education to coordinate their efforts. Abraham explained that staffing is an operational budget item not a capital improvement item. Jerry Chase (1707 Northwestern) Mr. Chase stated that “We love the park system in Ames, it is fantastic. The parks that we have are precious.” He would like to suggest a capital acquisition not a capital improvement. He would like to see the department purchase the land west of the Boys and Girls Club and turn it into a park. He would like us to first approach the land owner for a donation and if not then purchase this land. He feels that the flood potential is not an issue as we already have parks in the flood plain. He also requested a buffer strip planted between the school’s proposed athletic fields on 24th Street and the residential neighborhood to the west. Abraham explained that this is a school district project and encouraged Jerry to contact Gerry Peters at the School District to discuss his request. Judy Lemish (327 S Maple) Wants to make sure that if we build a new pool that we leave room to grow that facility. Before we say yes to a location at Ames High, maybe we should be looking at a facility that is more than just water. DIRECTOR’S REPORT a) Staff report – 2014 Furman Aquatic Center Season Review . Jill Burt, Aquatics Coordinator, gave an overview of the Furman Aquatic Center (FAC) survey. Overall the results were very good with staff scoring very high marks from the public in both job skills and customer service. She felt the season was successful though there were some bumps in the road. She spoke of some special programs and addressed areas that the survey showed need improvement. A drawing was held from the participants in the survey and Mary Ann Silence won a 2015 individual season pass and Jennifer Madsen won a 2015 Family Pass . b) Meeting Summary – Inis Grove Proposed Sand Volleyball Courts Abraham explained that approximately 800 letters went out regarding this meeting which was held at Shagbark Shelter. About 20 people attended the meeting. Abraham gave them a brief overview and history of this project. Abraham listened to the concerns of the attendees which were all right from the immediate area. Parking on 24th Street seemed to be the biggest concern. Also that the park is already very busy with Adult Soccer, Shelter Reservations, Youth Sports etc being programmed at the park. There was also concern about potential drainage issues with the proposed location. Next steps on this project are for the Commission to either ask for more information or a staff recommendation. Abraham, “We need to choose the best location for all involved based on items such as Can the park handle it?, safety, parking, amenities, uses etc. Look at all of that and make a decision that is based on what is good for the community, and that is a tough thing.” Rowan, “The parking is totally separate from sand volleyball. Can we paint lines in the parking lot or work with the city on the parking situation on 24th St.” Rowan also wondered how volleyball players got such a bad rap. Abraham commented that this group of people were very thoughtful and came to the meeting with ideas and solutions in mind. Abraham, “What would you like staff to do?” Rowan asked about the drainage issues. Abraham will speak with the consultants and our own staff who mow that area and should have some knowledge. He also explained that we would tile under the courts either way. Schaben, “What should we do now, make a decision or hear more input from Snyder?” Schaben also commented that this has been dragging on too long and that the commission has other items to work on. Abraham, “The Commission needs to make a decision on where these courts are going to go.” Feilmeyer, “I really want staff to make a recommendation to the Commission as to where you think is the best location for these courts. What we asked you to do was to investigate the possibilities, and I want you to tell me where do you think is the best location. From my perspective, Emma McCarthy Lee is not out of the picture. I want you to tell us your opinion on where they should be.” Schaben wants a recommendation at the November meeting. “This has been going on too long.” Frandsen, “We need to give this neighborhood time like we gave the last neighborhood.” Schaben made a motion to”Look at the drainage, address the parking situation and programming recommendations. Make an affirmative recommendation from staff on where we are going to put these courts. Rowan second. Frandsen, “The motion is for staff to look into the drainage and parking issues at Inis Grove and then make a recommendation to the Commission on where these courts should be located. Motion Passed c) Update on Elementary Gymnasiums Abraham gave an overview of the process so far including the money appropriated to expand the gymnasiums at the school locations. Abraham reported that the district does not need the appropriated money for these projects and that the gymnasium at Edwards school was not expanded in such a way that it would be useful for adult programming. The gymnasium at Sawyer school is not an option for expansion as it is going to be used a s a safe room. We are looking at other options and will have more conversation with the district on what programs, such as Little Dunkers, we can hold in these gyms. Abraham also reported that the school district is looking at how they charge us user fees and at this time we don’t know what those fees will look like. Abraham stated that we appropriated $165,000 to this project, and we can do something else with this money such as put it in the land acquisition fund. Rowan wanted to know who the final decision maker is on the fees charged to Parks and Recreation for use of the school facilities. Abraham stated that there would be recommendations made to the School Board and they would approve the rates. d) Harrison Road Property Follow-up Abraham reported that he has received push back from Public Works and the City Manager about this property. One idea is to turn it into community gardens. Abraham showed a drawing of what the property could look like. Frandsen, “What would it cost to do that?” Abraham, $80,000 plus.” Rowan asked if there was any parking. Abraham, “Street parking only.” Feilmeyer, “The Commission has already determined that we don’t have a need for a park there, and nothing that I see here makes me change my mind.” Schaben, “We have a lot higher priorities.” Feilmeyer, “Low priority for me, but I am not opposed to it in the future.” Frandsen indicated it could be a project five years from now and does not need to be done right now. MONTHLY REPORT Staff gave a brief overview of the Emerald Ash Borer project and indicated a more thorough overview will be presented at the November meeting. Staff highlighted the upcoming Halloween activities at Municipal Pool, the Ames/ISU Ice Arena and the Dog Park. Staff spoke on some maintenance issues at Furman Aquatic Center. Staff reported on broadleaf control in the parks. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT Moved by Rowan, second by Feilmeyer to adjourn at 5:57 PM. Next Meeting: November 20 at 4:00 PM