HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 09/19/2013AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Thursday, September 19, 2013
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Vikki Feilmeyer, Alisa Frandsen, Melissa Rowan, Julie Johnston, Leo Milleman, Jason
Schaben and Ed Moran
STAFF: Keith Abraham, Kevin James, Joshua Thompson, Steve Schainker
CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Feilmeyer, seconded by Moran to approve the August 15, 2013, meeting minutes.
Motion Approved
PUBLIC FORUM
Shelli Wilson, 919 S 16th St Unit 418 asked for consideration for playground equipment, a basketball pad, and
a trail in Greenbriar Park.
Ed Knight, 202 Hartford Drive, asked for playground/park area for the Sunset Ridge neighborhood.
Neighborhood also has no shared use paths and poor lighting along Lincolnway.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Winakor Bequest Discussion
The bequest has approximately $1.8 million available. Abraham reported that the property in West Ames,
which the Commission recommended using the bequest for, is no longer available for purchase. The West
Ames property was one of seven priorities that met criteria set forth by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Four of these priorities are for parks listed in the Parks Master Plan; however there is no land available to
purchase. The other three needs were an outdoor aquatic center (accomplished); indoor gymnasiums
(accomplished through Ames Community School District Building plan); and an indoor aquatic center (not
accomplished).
Milleman is in favor of using this gift for an indoor aquatics facility. Frandsen stated that there were no
stipulations placed on this bequest and that an indoor aquatic center is a high need. “She gave us this money
to help us do whatever we needed.” Rowan asked if we would honor or recognize her as the donor and
Abraham stated “That is a recommendation that the Commission could make.”
Motion to recommend using the Winakor bequest to move forward with an indoor aquatic center by Milleman.
Second by Feilmeyer.
Discussion:
Moran: “Fantastic way to honor this person. Affecting multi generational, even generations that are not born
yet. Really constant with her wishes.”
Motion Approved.
Indoor Aquatics Center Process
Abraham distributed information on the proposed pool being built by the School District. The school district’s
perspective is still for a competitive pool only. The focus of the School District is very different than that of
Parks and Recreation. We would not “piggy back” onto their facility - just the potential of the site. The citizens
may want us to look at another location.
Process:
• Recommend to City Council to pursue an indoor aquatic center.
• Hire a consultant for conceptual designs and cost estimates.
• Public meetings - public reaction to features, location, what are you willing to pay?
• Fee Structure - What kind of passes and fees.
• Establish a bond referendum date.
• If the referendum passes, move forward with architect and engineer. Would probably work with one of
the 2 prominent pool design firms.
Rowan “What is the potential time line?”
Schainker gave an overview of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau project. They have not asked to be placed
on the ballot yet but will probably go out to bond in March 2014. “So the earliest that you could get on the ballot
would be late summer or early fall 2014”.
The commission was also reminded that no money or city time can go into friends group. We can only give
factual information as employees or commissions. Need an active group of advocates.
Motion for an official recommendation to the City Council to pursue an indoor aquatic center by Schaben,
second Milleman.
Motion approved.
ACAC Swim Meet Review
ACAC has requested to utilize Furman Aquatic center for a swim meet in 2014. Abraham stated, “It has been
very good to work with ACAC”. Approximately 400 swimmers attended this meet in 2013. Parking was an
issue. New this year, we provided a lifeguard and allowed them to use the lazy river to warm up at the times
that FAC is closed. They pay the rental fee for the facility and we sell the concessions. In 2014 ACAC did
ask that the Aquatic Center be closed as they would like to continue to grow this meet and feel they can’t do so
if we continue to keep the Lazy River and Splash Pool open to the public. It has been the Commission’s
philosophy that we keep the pool open to the public. Staff recommends Alternative #1, keep doing what we
have been doing.
Milleman moves to approve Alternative #1, second Johnston
Discussion:
Feilmeyer, “Has the pool stayed open later those nights?” Abraham thought that we may have stayed open an
hour later on Sunday. Milleman thinks this is the best compromise that we can do. Moran thinks this gives
people exposure to the swim meet and maybe they would like to try this someday, could bring in the next
generation of swimmers.
Motion Approved.
Northridge Heights Park Update
We are trying to get some free black dirt. Plans are finalized and we are going out to bid. Hope to finish that
up by May 31, 2014.
Guidelines for Speaking to the Media
Abraham put together some guidelines. It is always okay to talk to the press. We want Commissioners to be
honest, open and transparent, we are not trying to hide anything. Provide factual information. No speculation.
Okay to say I don’t know and refer to staff. Support the group decision. No personal opinions. Take time.
Speak as though on the record. Johnston stated, “This fits in everyday life.”
MONTHLY REPORT
Abraham noted that the final Furman Aquatic Center attendance numbers are in the report. This August was
the best August we have had in the history of the pool.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Frandsen commented that she was frustrated at the negative comments from some swimmers at times. The
same lifeguards were there every day. That Commission did discuss it, and it was our decision to keep it open
even though all amenities may not be available.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Moran with second by Rowan to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:18 PM.
Next Meeting: Thursday, October 17 at 4:00 PM