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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 03/28/2013AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: Thursday, March 28, 2013 COMMISSION PRESENT: Alisa Frandsen, Michaeleen Gerken, Julie Johnston, Leo Milleman, Jason Schaben and Ed Moran ABSENT: Vikki Feilmeyer, STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kevin James, Joshua Thompson and Katie Kole CALL TO ORDER: 4:06 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Milleman, second by Gerken to approve the February 2013 meeting minutes with correction to misspelled name. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM No Comments DIRECTOR’S REPORT Commission Action Form: Parks Master Plan Abraham handed out and explained additions to the Parks Master Plan based on comments from last meeting. Johnston moved and Milleman seconded to approve the Parks Master plan with the understanding that the CIP will change yearly. Motion Approved Commission Action Form: Ames Jaycees Request for Use of Bandshell Park and Waiver of Fees. Moved by Milleman, seconded by Schaben to approve Alternative 1 of the Commission Action Form. Motion Approved. MONTHLY REPORT Abraham presented a certificate of appreciation to Gerken for her years of service. She stated that she had really enjoyed being on the Commission and “I have learned a lot”. The new commission member will be Melissa Rowan Abraham reported that the weather has complicated outdoor programs, including delaying the opening of Homewood Golf Course to April 5. Gerken asked “What determines when the golf course opens?” Joshua Thompson stated the course superintendent will consider the turf and overall conditions of the course to determine the opening date. Milleman asked if the Oaks closing may impact Homewood. Keith Abraham stated we are expecting some of Oaks golfers to be at Homewood and that Chris Barkema has talked to the Oaks patrons. Gerken asked about the water crossing over the trail in the back of Inis Grove Park. Kevin James stated “There are a lot of wet areas and thawing ground water washing sediment over the trail. Parks and Recreation may have to do some work with berms to control the water in that area”. Gerken suggested Kevin contact ISU Environmental Science Department. They often have Natural Ecology students looking for projects. Johnston asked “How’s the Dog Park looking?” Kevin James stated that there was some work to do with the muddy areas. Abraham stated there may be a Dog Days event at the dog park in June which will include a picture contest and the department would be looking for judges. Milleman stated, “Great idea.” Johnston volunteered to be a judge. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Schaben reported that the beavers have returned to Daily Park. They have dammed up the creek in the area. A tree has fallen on a bridge built to cross the creek to get to Wilder Blvd. Wondering if the city is liable? Kevin James stated that he believes the west side of Wilder is not city property. He will check into this and drive out to take a look at the area tomorrow. Gerken wondered if we have a beaver management plan in place. James stated that the DNR relocated the beavers that were in the area 2 years ago. Gerken stated that she had worked on a wildlife management plan in a previous location. Milleman indicated he would like staff to review the plan and bring it back to the Commission. Gerken said that she would forward a wildlife management plan that she worked on in a previous location. Milleman asked for an update on a new director for the department. Abraham stated that there were over 100 applicants. The City’s Human Resources Department had a plan to fill the vacant City Attorney and Housing Director positions before the Parks and Recreation Director position. Frandsen asked, “Are we still hopeful for a start date in June?” Abraham responded, “Yes”. NEXT MEETING April 18 at 4:00 PM ADJOURNMENT Moved by Gerken, seconded by Milleman to adjourn at 4:32 PM.