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Home My WebLink About~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 03/27/2013AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: Thursday, March 27, 2014 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Alisa Frandsen, Julie Johnston, Leo Milleman, Ed Moran, Melissa Rowan, and Jason Schaben ABSENT: Vikki Feilmeyer STAFF: Keith Abraham, Mike King, Kellee Omlid, Nancy Shaw, and Joshua Thompson CALL TO ORDER: 4:05 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Milleman, seconded by Rowan to approve the January 16, 2014 meeting minutes. Motion Approved DIRECTOR’S REPORT Prior to addressing the Director’s Report items, Abraham stated a departmental goal is to continue to develop staff. One opportunity is for staff to present to the Commission on items related to his/her responsibility. This also gives the Commission an opportunity to meet staff and understand what each person does within the Department. He then introduced Nancy Shaw, Public Wellness Manager, and Mike King, Auditorium and Bandshell Manager, as they would be presenting Commission Action Forms. Green Hills Health Care Center, Inc., Wellness Services/Facility Use Agreement Shaw explained Green Hills came to us several years ago asking if Parks and Recreation would be interested in offering fitness programs at their facility. The first year, many fitness and aqua classes were offered to the public, however, the aqua classes were most successful. As part of the agreement, six chair based classes are offered exclusively for Green Hills residents. Staff met with Green Hills to review the agreement and discuss any needed changes. The 2014-15 agreement is very similar to the 2013-14 agreement. Main points include Green Hills paying Parks and Recreation $9,062 annually for the services provided; Parks and Recreation can utilize Green Hills facilities to offer classes to the public; excess revenue is split 75% to Parks and Recreation and 25% to Green Hills; and Parks and Recreation will pay Green Hills $3 for every public class registration. Shaw mentioned eleven aqua classes were held each of the last three sessions with 114 registrations each session. New offerings for 2014-2015 include prenatal classes, parent/child swim classes, and additional aqua classes. The morning classes are focused towards older adults. Motion by Milleman, seconded by Moran to approve the Wellness Services/Facility Use Agreement for 2014/15. Discussion: None. Motion Approved Ames Jaycees Request for Use of Bandshell Park and Wavier of Fees King gave a brief discussion in regards to the history of Ames on the Half Shell which started in 2003. Initially, half of their proceeds were donated to the Bandshell renovation project. During the renovation, Ames on the Half Shell was held on Clark Street in front of City Hall and in 2007, Ames on the Half Shell moved back to Bandshell. This Jaycee activity has been very successful with few, if any, problems. A band plays music for approximately three hours beginning at 5:00 PM. Alcohol and other beverages are sold with alcohol sales stopping at 8:00 PM. The band is allowed to play the total of three hours if they start later than 5:00 PM but must be done no later than 8:30 PM. Becky Perkovich, Ames Junior Chamber, addressed the Commission. The Chamber has been in Ames for 83 years and is a not for profit leadership organization. This is the 12th season of Ames on the Half Shell. Proceeds from this event have been used for holiday gift baskets, Ada Hayden overlook, and many other projects. Nine dates are requested May 30 through August 1 (excluding July 4). The Ames Police will handle all identification of patrons. A rain decision will be made by 3:00 PM and posted on halfshell.com website. The Jaycees are requesting the waiving of the 10% vendor fee and alcohol be allowed to be served in Bandshell Park. Motion by Schaben to approve alternative 1, second by Milleman. Discussion: None. Motion Approved Ames Community School District Brookside Park Concession Agreement Abraham gave a brief discussion in regards to the use of the concession stand at the Brookside baseball field by Ames High School. Instead of a 10% vendor fee, the cost is a flat fee of $300. Motion by Johnston to approve alternative 1, seconded by Rowan to approve Ames Community School District Park Concession Agreement. Discussion: None. Motion Approved Indoor Recreational Aquatic Center Timeline Abraham discussed an overview of the steps needed before a referendum can take place in regards to an Indoor Recreational Aquatic Facility. Each step indicated the approximate amount of time needed to conduct each step. He stated it may be best to determine when is the best time to hold a referendum and then count backwards to determine when to start. Discussion: Rowan: “How will we know when to start counting backwards?” Abraham: “Hopefully by April 17 commission meeting, we will have information on the best time to start.” Schaben: “Do we know when the best time to have a referendum is?” Abraham: “I do not have that information at this time but will get it for the next meeting.” Milleman: “Will consultant help with decision?” Abraham: “Consultant more than likely will not be retained before that decision.” Rowan: “Would it be this year?” Abraham: “To do the fall of this year, the process would have to move quickly. Want to make sure that we are educating residents well.” Frandsen: “We need to be cautious on not taking too much time and to keep the process moving.” Johnston: “I don’t think it would take two months for public input.” Johnston: “As far as priority, are there other city projects planned?” Abraham: “As far as I am aware of, no.” Johnston: “We need to make sure priorities and vision is clear.” Milleman: “How is consultant paid?” Abraham: “Timeline reflects phase one. A consultant is approximately $20,000. There would be a competitive process to hire a consultant for phase one. If the consultant is good, we can go to Council to waive bid process to retain consultant for phase two.” Milleman: “Any way to work with the school or will there be two holes in the ground?” Abraham: “The focus of the two entities is completely different so at this time it does not look like it will be one building.” Milleman: “What about shared meeting space?” Abraham: “Still on the table as to what components may be shared.” Rowan: “Is it possible to have a one page document of talking points we can share when asked?” Milleman: “Pictures with talking points would be nice.” Rowan: Mentioned that Abraham is part of the school planning committee for their pool. Milleman: “If there is a community room, who would pay for it?” Abraham: “To be determined.” Naming of Parks There is no official park policy on the naming of parks. Northridge Heights Park will hopefully have a ribbon cutting in the fall, but what do we name it? Do we look at a different name for Roosevelt Park? Discussion: Johnson: “Anytime you can recognize anyone is a nice way to commemorate someone.” Rowan: “Has there been any feedback from the Northridge Heights organization?” Abraham: “There has not.” MONTHLY REPORT Omlid talked about the release of the Spring/Summer program guide and the ECO fair. Abraham talked about the recruitments taking place within the department. Hopefully, an offer will be extended in the next few weeks for a Turf Maintenance Coordinator. Kevin James, Parks and Facilities Supervisor, has resigned and his last day is March 28. Abraham thanked him for his 12 years of service. Thompson thanked the DNR and JAX for a successful outdoor family ice fishing event held in early February. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Milleman, second by Rowan to adjourn at 5:22 PM NEXT MEETING Thursday April 17, 2014 at 4:000 PM