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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 02/21/2013AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: February 21, 2013 COMMISSION PRESENT: Vikki Feilmeyer, Alisa Frandsen, Michaeleen Gerken, Julie Johnston, Leo Milleman and Ed Moran ABSENT: Jason Schaben STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kevin Shawgo, Kevin James, Joshua Thompson and Katie Kole CALL TO ORDER: 4:03 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Moran, seconded by Milleman to approve the January 17, 2013 meeting minutes. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Comments DIRECTOR’S REPORT Introductions Abraham introduced James, Thompson, Kole and Melissa Mundt, Assistant City Manager. Brookside Park Concession Agreement with the Ames Community School District Moved by Milleman, seconded by Feilmeyer to approve the Concession Agreement for Brookside Park. Motion Approved. Park Master plan Chapter 1 - Introduction Milleman asked if the contact information for staff could be included in chapter one of the master plan. Abraham replied “Yes”. Frandsen wanted to know if the Master plan was going to be on the web. Abraham replied that it would be on the web and at the library. Milleman requested more than one copy at the Library. Frandsen noted the NPRA information included in chapter one was helpful to put our master plan in context. Chapter 2 – Inventory and Analysis of the Existing System Feilmeyer asked how the manual will get amended. Abraham replied that it will be amended periodically with the exception of the CIP which will be amended yearly. Chapter 3 – Existing Park Facilities and Trail System Milleman asked if the address and hours for each park are included. Abraham stated there is a listing of park rules and ordinances in Chapter 2 which includes park hours are from 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM. Milleman asked if users understood the hours. Abraham replied that staff does not take reservations for hours the parks are closed. Shawgo said that the timers on the lights at the tennis courts go off at 11:00. Abraham said this gives people time to finish up and pack up their stuff before the lights go out. Frandsen asked if there was talk of relocating the Ames High baseball field out of Brookside Park. Abraham said there has been some discussion of the School District Building a field at one of their properties. Little League could then use the Brookside field instead of the North River Valley field. The diamond at North River Valley could be removed resulting in more open green space at that park. Abraham also mentioned that on page 25, the lease expiration date for Stuart Smith Park is listed as 2013; however, it expires in 2015. Chapter 4 – Park, Facilities, and Trails Future Enhancement Recommendations No Comments APPENDICES A. Capital Improvement Plan a. No Discussion B. Road Map for Future Recreation Facility Development a. Abraham informed Commissioners that the plan listed to give citizens access to Leid Recreation Center is not going to move forward at this time. C. Park Land Acquisition and Development Funding a. No Discussion D. History of Park Land Acquisition a. No Discussion E. Model for Maintenance Level Standards a. This will be updated and added in for the March meeting. F. Management of Prairie Species and Recommendations for Enhancing Prairie Biodiversity a. Milleman asked if this applied to Ada Hayden or parks in general. Abraham stated that it applied to parks in general. G. Natural Resource Recommendations as an Element of The City of Ames’ Land Use Policy Plan a. No Discussion H. Natural Areas Inventory a. No discussion I. Partnering Opportunities for Maintaining Quality Parks, Facilities, and Trails a. Milleman asked if it is defined any place about ownership of shared facilities like Furman Aquatic Center and the Ice Arena, stating that it would be nice to have a listing of which properties are shared, the agreements and leases. Frandsen wanted to clear up if this plan was for the parks only or the department as a whole. Abraham answered that the intent for this plan is for the parks only. J. Park Maps a. Milleman asked if the Skunk River water trails and access points could be added. Shawgo answered that it could be added to this section. Other Comments or Questions about the Park Master Plan Frandsen, “Because we know the CIP will change every year. Each year can we move to change the CIP without going through the whole book?” Abraham “Yes”. Frandsen “Excellent job, great to have it all together”. Gerken asked if an appendix could be added listing all of the other facilities etc. Johnston asked if that would wander away from the intent of the project. Abraham said all facilities in the parks are included, the other items can be discussed if they should be added to this document. MONTHLY REPORT Abraham reminded the commission members that we are hosting a regional varsity hockey tournament this weekend and junior varsity next weekend. Feilmeyer inquired about the outdoor hockey rink. Abraham stated that Ames Minor Hockey oversees the outdoor rink but that anyone can use it. Frandsen inquired about the new program guide. Abraham stated that the classes were open for registration now and the books will be mailed March 7. Feilmeyer wanted to know if we give a break to people who register online for programs. Abraham, “Not at this time, but it has been discussed. We can take a look at it.” Johnston inquired if we are looking to get more people into programs or are the programs full. Abraham told the Commission that it is our goal to get people into our programs, however not all programs go. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Milleman asked “Where are we in the process of picking a new director.” Assistant City Manager Mundt stated that the job was posted along with a brochure on the city’s web page. The deadline to apply is March 22. “We are hoping to have someone on board in June.” Milleman wanted to know who would be in on the interviews. Mundt stated that the Human Resources Director, City Manager and Assistant City Manager will interview the candidates as well as a panel component consisting of Parks and Recreation employees, staff from other departments, and commission members. The third component will be a public component. The final appointment will be made by the City Manager with input from the others involved. Gerkin stated that she will be graduating this year and not returning to the Commission. Next month will be her last meeting. Frandsen thanked Kevin Shawgo for all he has done. Milleman said “Kevin, you’re a great guy, thank you.” NEXT MEETING Abraham informed the Commissioners that the March 21 meeting is during spring break and if they wanted to meet March 28 instead. The Commissioners decided to meet March 28. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Milleman, seconded by Gerken to adjourn at 4:42 PM.