Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 11/20/2014AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: Thursday, November 20, 2014 COMMISSION PRESENT: Leo Milleman, Jason Schaben, Ed Moran, Julie Johnston, Melissa Rowan ABSENT: Alisa Frandsen, Vicki Feilmeyer STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Kellee Omlid CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Rowan, second by Moran to approve the November 20, 2014, meeting minutes. Motion Approved Motion by Rowan, second by Johnston to approve the December 4, 2014, workshop minutes with the following correction: Milleman explained that his statement regarding the low head dam project was “I like the idea of the river as a trail”, not “I like the idea of a trail along the river.” Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Public Forum DIRECTOR’S REPORT A) CAF – Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park Abraham stated that the agreement has been reviewed every three years. Staff met with representatives of the group and made a couple of changes. In Section 6 with regard to the heritage stones, decisions on which naturalists receive a stone in the park will be made by the Friends of Ada Hayden in cooperation with Ames Parks and Recreation and the City Council. The other change is to review the agreement every 5 years instead of every three. Abraham explained the role of the friends group and the activities that they provide to the park. “It has been a very positive relationship and one that we want to continue for a very long time.” Milleman raised questions regarding the friends group and that we are reviewing every 5 years may bypass some commission members. Erwin Klaas (1405 Grand Ave.) Mr Klass is representing the friends group and spoke of past fundraising activities such the Great Adventure Race that has been held at the park. James Schlick (5810 Oak Crest Cr.) Came to the meeting asking for approval to hold a paddle board race at Ada Hayden Heritage Park as a fund raiser. Milleman stated that he felt the reason we use canoes instead of swimming in races at the park was because we don’t want people in the water with body lotion etc. Abraham informed the group that all activities held at the park do not need approval from the Commission. “We only need to come to the Commission if we need a decision on park rules etc.” It was determined that Mr. Schlick and Abraham will meet in the future to discuss this project. Motion by Rowan, second by Moran to approve Alternative 1. Motion Approved B) CAF – 2015 Summer Aquatic Fees Omlid went through the proposed 2015 fee structure pointing out that the daily admission rates have remained the same since the facility opened and that the season pass fees have been the same for 3 years. Staff proposes a 5% fee increase across the board for season passes and a 50¢ increase across the board for daily admission. Milleman reminded the viewers that pool passes make good gifts. Motion by Schaben, second by Rowan to approve Alternative 1which is to increase season passes 5% and daily admission 50¢. Motion Approved C) Staff Report – Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Response Plan Thompson gave an overview of the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Response plan as it pertains to the parks. He showed mapping of all the ash trees in the parks and how it will look after the trees have been removed. Moran asked if we have an inventory of ash trees in the forested areas. Thompson stated that the department will be inventorying forested areas in the near future. Abraham stated that we will be treating the more mature trees in year #1 and year #4 of this plan and then start the removal process of those trees so the treatment costs will go down and the removal costs will go up. Milleman asked about ash trees on private property. Abraham said that owners are responsible for their own trees and do not have to remove them, however if it is dangerous or near a property line they may be required to remove the tree. Thompson explained that the new trees will be planted with a diversification of species. Abraham explained that the plan will be reviewed frequently as there may be other treatment options in the future. This plan is fluid and changes can be made if best practices change. D) Correspondence – Ada Hayden Carp The department has had a request to allow bow fishing for carp at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. Abraham stated as bows are not allowed in the City of Ames, we are not proposing to allow bow hunting for carp at this time. Abraham also reported that the City Council on Tuesday proposed having a High School student on the Park and Recreation Board. He asked “What are your feelings about this as a Commission?” Rowan is in favor as it is always good to get people involved at a younger age; however she is interested to know what Staff thinks. Milleman would like to mull it over a little more and see what the library thinks. Abraham, “Should it be a high school student or an ISU student or both? Is this a way to get some additional feedback and a different perspective?” Johnston does not think it would necessarily be filling a void, however if it is about the experience in general then she feels it would be a great experience. Milleman also feels that it would be a great experience for them. He does have concerns as the members learn so much the first year that he does not know how helpful to either party it would be if it only lasts one year. Most members agreed that it would have more weight if it the request was from the school rather than a council request. Schaben wanted clarification; would it be a September to May appointment or a one year term? If someone wants to gain that experience it is a good idea. He also had concerns, “Do we get into a slippery slope if we identify one group and invite them?” MONTHLY REPORT Omlid invited the public to come and play with us over winter break as we have open gym, open skate, open swim and free fitness classes over the holidays. Staff worked with Phi Kappa Psi to assist in the invasive removal of Honeysuckle and Common Buckthorn in Emma McCarthy Lee Park. Phi Kappa Psi provided 51 volunteers to aid in cutting, treating, and removing of the brush. Two ISU Construction Club groups assisted Staff in refinishing damaged picnic tables. Both clubs repaired bent frames and replaced broken boards. The clubs will be assisting staff throughout the winter in repairing all tables needing repair. Abraham asked if the Commission feels we need a memorandum of understanding from our other friends groups. Rowan is in favor of doing it pretty quickly after they have been created. She feels there needs to be some level of accountability and oversight of the things that the group wants to do. It would make it clearer as to who does what, and what the purpose of the park is. Milleman supported giving groups a year to do this, Schaben thought 6 months was more appropriate. Commission would have to approve any agreements. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT Moved by Rowan, second by Schaben to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:14 PM. Next Meetings: January 15, 4:00 PM, Council Chambers, regular meeting