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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 01/17/2013AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: January 17, 2013 COMMISSION PRESENT: Vikki Feilmeyer, Alisa Frandsen, Michaeleen Gerken, Julie Johnston, Leo Milleman and Ed Moran ABSENT: Jason Schaben STAFF: Keith Abraham, Nancy Carroll and Kevin Shawgo CALL TO ORDER: 4:03 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Moran, seconded by Gerken to approve the December 6, 2012 meeting minutes. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Comments DIRECTOR’S REPORT Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY13/14 to 17/18 Carroll distributed and reviewed the CIP handout. She mentioned that unless Commissioners had questions she would not go into much detail on each of the related projects because this would be the second review for the Commission (met with the City Manager on December 6, 2012) Milleman asked who will be the City’s spokesman for the park in West Ames. Carroll indicated it would be the Mayor or City Manager. Feilmeyer questioned if the Winakor fund was growing. Carroll responded the fund currently is at $1,758,000. Frandsen inquired as to where are we at regarding the Clean and Green spaces donated to the City by the Ames Community School District. Carroll said the School District is working on selling several properties (Wilson-Beardshear, Roosevelt, Crawford and Edwards) and we may know more in April or May. There has been conversation with Roosevelt neighborhood residents and that group may come to a City Council meeting requesting CIP funds for FY14/15. There still needs to be conversation about keeping the recently installed playground equipment at Edwards and possibly doing a 50/50 funding of equipment at Miller. Milleman requested that before Shawgo retires, he would like a map of the City’s trail system and pictures of what the bridge at Moore Memorial might look like. Shawgo said he could do that and added the bridge would be steel with wood decking and be 8-10 feet wide. Moved by Milleman, seconded by Johnston to recommend that the City Council approve that portion of the CIP pertaining to the CIP in the Parks and Recreation Department. Motion carried. Operating Budget FY13/14 Carroll reminded Commissioners the City Council formally approves the operating budget and the Commission approves the Fees and Charges. However, the two must work in tandem to assure an appropriate level of tax support and a market driven fee schedule to Parks and Recreation participants. Carroll then reviewed the attached power point presentation for the FY13/14 operating budget. Milleman asked if the Parks and Recreation office facility was OK and if there were any problems with the Dog Park. Carroll responded the facility is OK and there were no issues at the Dog Park. Fees and Charges FY13/14 Carroll explained the Commission approves the fees and charges and asked if there were any questions or comments. Johnston asked if we rotate fee increases from program to program each year. Carroll said no. We look at each program individually and try to keep the fees the same if we can. When fees are raised, it is generally because of a change in service level. It should be noted that we always find a way to get youth into programs if they cannot afford it. Johnston added, “ You just made me feel good about being on the Commission”. Milleman asked what does a pickleball look like and where are the new horseshoe courts are at. Carroll said a pickleball is like a hard wiffleball and the game is a lot of fun. She also said the new horseshoe courts are located in North River Valley Park. Milleman added, “I think this is great!” Gerken asked if this information is on available to the public. Carroll responded it is through our brochure, website and on channel 12. Moved by Milleman, seconded by Johnston to adopt the Fees and Charges as presented for FY13/14. Motion carried. Park Master Plan Carroll then reviewed the draft Park Master Plan. She asked all Commissioners to review this plan as there will be discussion about it at the February meeting. The Commission will then be asked to approve the plan at the March meeting. MONTHLY REPORT Milleman asked how the trout fishing was going at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. Shawgo said the DNR is stocking trout on February 2 in the North lake and will be promoting a youth ice fishing day. Gerken asked if the fence under the bridge is permanent. Shawgo responded it is a temporary structure installed to the stocked trout in the north basin of the lake. Gerken asked how often fish are stocked and do we have input on this. Shawgo responded trout are stocked two times per year and we do provide input. Milleman commented residents should get outside and participate. Gerken questioned if there are any areas where sledding and outdoor ice skating are available. Carroll said the hill east of the cemetary is available for sledding and Ames Minor Hockey maintains an outdoor rink in North River Valley Park. Feilmeyer asked if the free fitness classes are used to promote upcoming classes and are the effective. Abraham indicated they are promotional and some people do register after taking a free class. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Milleman commented he appreciates the minutes include the questions Commissioners ask so the community sees it all. Milleman thanked Carroll for everything she has done for the community during her time as Director. Frandsen reminded everyone of the farewell for Carroll is January 31, 1:30-3:30 PM at the Community Center Gymnasium with a program being conducted at 2:00 PM. She also thanked Carroll for her accomplishments which included the Dog Park, Furman Aquatic Center, Ada Hayden Heritage Park and many others. Carroll thanked the Commissioners for the kind words and although it takes leadership, she can name a person who came forward for each one of the projects. She encouraged residents to continue to come forward with ideas to make Ames a better place. Carroll ended with “It’s been an honor”. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Milleman, seconded by Moran to adjourn and the meeting concluded at 5:21 PM.