HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 12/19/2013AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Thursday, December 19, 2013
COMMISSION
PRESENT: Alisa Frandsen, Melissa Rowan, Julie Johnston, Leo Milleman, Jason
Schaben, Vikki Feilmeyer, and Ed Moran
ABSENT: None
STAFF: Keith Abraham, Joshua Thompson, Kellee Omlid and Melissa Mundt
CALL TO ORDER: 4:06 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Feilmeyer, seconded by Milleman to approve the October 17, 2013 and
December 5, 2013 meeting minutes. Motion Approved
PUBLIC FORUM
No Comments
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Sesquicentennial Update
Abraham introduced - Sheila Lundt, 806 Furman Dr., who is organizing a
Sesquicentennial Legacy Project which entails planting 150 trees throughout Ames.
The Legacy Project Committee is interested in planting 150 trees in Ames parks and
newer areas of town and has been working with Keith, Joshua and staff. They are also
interested in replacing street trees. A tree list has been developed and pricing has been
obtained. During presentations and conversations, people are excited about the project
are willing to volunteer to plant the trees in late April or early May. The group is looking to
have a broader mix of trees including Oak, Elm, Linden and Red Budd, mostly hardwood,
some ornamental and evergreens. Rowan asked “Have you already started fundraising?”
Lundt replied, “Yes we have started; we are looking to raise about $30,000.”
Sesquicentennial Update on other activities
Melissa Mundt, Assistant City Manager
Mundt reported that there are about 15 people on the steering committee for the
Sesquicentennial events. They would like to do four community focused events starting
with the chamber annual dinner in January, a large July 4th event and festival, a
September Dinky Days event in the campus area and the last event in December.
Commission member Ed Moran is serving on the Steering Committee.
Squaw Creek Park Cell Tower Agreement
Motion by Feilmeyer to approve amended Alternative 1 to “Recommend that the City
Council approve a contract to install a cellular antenna at Squaw Creed Community
Gardens with the $4,800 initial payment going to the Parks and Recreation Department”,
second by Milleman to accept amended Alternative 1. Motion Approved
Ames Minor Hockey Association Request
Stacy Woodward, 2035 Country Club Blvd. President Ames Minor Hockey Association
The association would like to see another sheet of ice attached to the current Ames/ISU
Ice Arena. AMHA has outgrown their allotted practice times and games. They have small
children practicing at 9:30 at night. A second sheet of ice would allow their program and
others such as the Ames Figure Skating club to grow and also bring more tournaments
and ice skating events to Ames.
Abraham reported that the building was designed to do this. The current arena was over
three million dollars to build with ISU GSB donating half of the funds. The other half was
raised through a bond referendum. Capital costs and operational costs would need to be
addressed. “If the Commission views this as a worthwhile endeavor, you can make a
motion for staff to investigate this further. We would need to meet with all the user groups,
investigate operational costs, capital costs and utilities. What would it look like, enclosed,
outdoor, roof only, what kind of seating, locker rooms and restrooms?”
Milleman expressed the Commissions priority right now is to pursue an indoor recreational
aquatic center but is interested in what the user groups have to say about this idea.
Milleman moved and Schaben seconded requesting City Staff meet with Ice Arena User
Groups to gauge interest, research options, and determine approximate costs for the
options. Motion Approved.
Talking Points for January 14, 2014, City Council Meeting
A letter on behalf of the Commission went to City Council recommending the following two
items:
1. Recommend to use the Winakor bequest ($1.8 million) to move forward with an
indoor aquatic center.
2. Recommend that the City Council direct the Parks & Recreation Commission to
initiate the exploration of a new indoor aquatic center which may ultimately result in
a bond referendum.
City Council referred this to staff and a joint meeting with the Commission and Council will
be held January 14 to discuss this topic. Abraham has met with the new council members,
getting them up to speed on the issues. Abraham then reviewed Discussion points for
that meeting.
Commission member suggestions included:
• Utilize pictures
• Identify next steps
• Discuss that the agreement with the School District does not address demolition of
the Municipal Pool
• What percentage is aquatics to the overall operation of Parks and Recreation?
• Discuss best and worst case scenarios regarding programming
• Mention other referendums
• Educate community that the City is not part of the School District pool
It would be easy for many people to think that a new pool for the school means that it is a
part of the city. Johnston, “Furman Aquatic Center has an extremely loyal following. The
average person can’t fathom that the city won’t provide swimming opportunities.”
Abraham, “Education is a part of the process. There could be an assumption that the city
is a part of all of this. “
Follow-up from December 17 City Council Meeting
Staff recommended to add additional community gardens to the current park system rather
than purchase land for this purpose.
The council also approved the transformation of the Moore Memorial pond area into a
memorial area including a children’s memorial. Most likely it will be Joshua who will head
this up.
The mosquito control program will be continued in 2014.
Department Organizational Chart
Keith handed out the new department organizational chart with the seasonal positions
included.
MONTHLY REPORT
Free fitness classes were held over the Thanksgiving holiday break. Four bags of food
were collected for MICA.
The city is working on an Emerald Ash Borer tree management plan.
There were 16 charity/running events in 2013. We already have some scheduled for 2014.
A drawing was held for free summer aquatics passes from those who filled out the end of
season online survey. The family season pass went to the Brad Gerndt Family and the
individual season pass went to Mary Leung.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Milleman commented that 18 deer have been harvested through the Deer Task Force
program. Hunters need to be careful that they do not go on to private property.
Schaben asked about trout stocking at Ada Hayden. Thompson reported that trout were
stocked in the north lake on November 22. They are planning another event in February.
There is a barrier in place so that the trout stay in the north lake.
Rowan commented that the scoreboards in the gym are very nice and work well. The
volleyball participants really appreciate them.
Milleman commented to Abraham, “I have a great feeling that you have things under
control. Feels comfortable.”
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Milleman with second by Johnston to adjourn. The meeting concluded at 5:45
PM.
Next Meeting: January 16 at 4:00 PM