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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 10/20/2011AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: October 20, 2011 COMMISSION PRESENT: Jane Acker, Vikki Feilmeyer, Alisa Frandsen, Jim Gunning, Leo Milleman, Ed Moran, Jason Schaben STAFF: Keith Abraham, Nancy Carroll, Kevin Shawgo CALL TO ORDER: 4 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Milleman, seconded by Schaben, to approve the July 21, 2011 meeting minutes. Motion carried. PUBLIC FORUM: Sue Olson, 824 Clark Avenue informed the Commission that she is an avid lap swimmer and that during the evening hours she can not get a lane at the Aquatic Center because children are frequently occupying the lanes. She suggested that “adult” hours be established during the evening to address this situation. She said that the hours at Municipal Pool between 8 and 9 PM “are great”. Peg Johnson, 608 Hodge shared that she has been swimming laps for years and that specific guidelines are needed to govern lap swimming – especially during the day time hours. She noted that the lifeguards are reluctant to inform people / children that they should not be attending during the 11 AM to 1 PM timeframe. She also commented that the lifeguards need to “implement the rules”. The discussion then focused upon lap swimming. Acker commented that two specific points have surfaced with this issue: 1) Enforcement issues 2) Consider increasing the amount of adult lap swimming to include some evening hours at the Aquatic Center Carroll said that staff will review the facility schedules at the Aquatic Center and Municipal Pool to determine how additional time / lanes can be established for “adult lap swimming”. It was agreed that adult lap swimming would continue to be a program for those 16 and above between the hours of 11 AM to 1 PM. Staff would also strive to offer additional lanes for adult lap swimming during the early evening hours at the Aquatic Center and Municipal Pool. DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Furman Aquatic Center • Overview of User Feedback for 2011 o Carroll reviewed the Executive Summary making note that staff needs to consider allowing people to carry in food between 11 AM and 1 PM. She noted that it would not be cost effective to open the concession stand any earlier than the current time of 12:30 PM. She said that the policy could allow carry in food to be eaten in the concession seating area (versus on the pool deck). o Frandsen asked if outdoor swim lessons will be an option for the summer of 2012. Carroll said yes, an outdoor session will be offered. o Carroll noted that overall the feedback from the user survey was positive and that the only real point of frustration continued to focus on the lack of consistent restroom cleanliness. She said staff will put additional energy to improving this concern. CyRide Aqua Route – Usage Report o Data shows that ridership totaled 2,761 people in 2010 and 2,159 for 2011. The subsidy for the Aqua Route averages $24,000 per season. o Feilmeyer questioned if staff knew if they same people generally take advantage of this service and what the ridership from Ames Community Preschool (ACPC) totaled. Carroll did not know, and said she would ask staff at CyRide and ACPC and report back to the Commission. o Carroll noted that CyRide is trying to resolve a $250,000 budget shortfall and that to date; the Aqua Route has not been discontinued. However, she said that this will be a discussion item for the Transit Board during their upcoming budget meetings. Carroll said that if the Commission would like to submit a written statement to the Transit Board this should be accomplished at the November 17th Commission meeting. Fees for 2012: o Staff presented the recommended fees for the Aquatic Center and Dog Park (attached). Gunning questioned if the Dog Park fees could be lowered since twice as many permits as anticipated to be sold in 2012 (900 versus 450). Carroll responded that the revenue generated from permit sales is reinvested into making identified enhancement to the Dog Park. She explained that additional trees and benches have been installed and that future improvements could include some mini-shelters being constructed. Gunning suggested that a user survey be implemented whereby gaining user input. Carroll agreed and said that staff would implement an electronic survey. Moved by Milleman, seconded by Frandsen to support the recommended fees (formal action will be taken in January when the other fees and charges are presented to the Commission for approval). Motion carried. Acquiring Trail Connections between McCarthy Lee Park and Munn Woods Carroll reviewed that in June 2011 the Commission toured two privately held parcels of land adjacent Clear Creek; the Benson’s 4.3 acres and the Satterwhite-Weiner’s 5.5 acres (for access City needs 2.7 acres of this parcel). An attached map showed that these two properties separate McCarthy Lee Park and Munn Woods. Carroll shared that at the tour Commissioners expressed support for the City to proceed in acquiring both parcels. Carroll said that at this time, formal Commission action is being pursued for the City Council to authorize staff to Carroll reviewed with the Commission that the Benson parcel is valued at $48,000 and that the Benson family has verbally offered to sell this land to the City for $28,000, with the City incurring all associated expenses of the purchase (appraisal if required, survey, closing costs, etc). The Satterwhite-Weiner parcel totals 5.5 acres with an assessed value of $49,300. Mr. Satterwhite met with a real estate agent who told him that he estimated the value of his home and property to decrease approximately $50,000 if he sells 2.7 acres to the City. Carroll said that Mr. Satterwhite has verbally offered to sell 2.7 acres at a cost of $50,000 with the City incurring all associated expenses of the purchase (appraisal if required, survey, re-platting the parcel, closing costs, etc). Carroll informed the Commission that even though both property owners have established their asking price, City Council will need to determine if formal land appraisals will still be required. Additionally, Carroll explained that due to the Satterwhite-Weiner parcel needing to be sub-divided, City Council will also have to determine if the requirements for “major subdivision” process will be waived. Carroll said that the City’s Planning staff will recommend that these requirements be waived due to the unique nature of the two parcels being land-locked and with their intended purpose of becoming park land. Milleman commented that the City has two willing sellers, we are a willing buyer and that this opportunity should be captured. Additionally, he encouraged that the City Council should expedite this process and waives the requirements associated with subdividing the Satterwhite-Weiner parcel. Moved by Milleman, seconded by Moran, to recommend to City Council that they authorize staff to make an offer to purchase the Benson and Satterwhite-Weiner parcels and that Council waive the requirement a “major subdivision” be waived. Motion carried. MONTHLY REPORT: Shawgo reported that the DNR is stocking the north lake at Ada Hayden Heritage Park with trout. This will occur this fall and again when there is ice in the lake. Frandsen inquired about the bridge north of 6th Street. Shawgo responded that FEMA will approve funds to restore it “as is” but Public Works staff wants FEMA to approve additional funds so the bridge supports can me moved out of the flood channel. Otherwise, the next time it floods the same damage will occur. The City is waiting for a response to this request from FEMA authorities. Carroll inquired if the Commission would be willing to hold a special meeting to discuss risk management issues (ice activities, sledding, and trail usage in the winter) with the City’s Risk Manager. They agreed to a meeting and Carroll will get it scheduled in the near future. OTHER BUSINESS: Adams Property: Milleman inquired about the status of the Adams property. Carroll said that it had been sold for $145,000 in July and that once the City’s expenses for maintaining / selling the property were reimbursed the City would transfer approximately $65,000 to the Ames Historical Society. Carroll reminded the Commission that Ms. Adams had given her personal processions to the organization and that they were in the process of purchasing a building to display historical items for Ames residents to view and appreciate. Deer Task Force: Milleman gave an update reporting that fall is the most dangerous driving season due to deer movement. He shared that this program is administered through the Police Department. He said that a new program was enacted this past year whereby cameras are located in strategic places within the park system to track migration patterns of the deer. Playground Equipment Replacement Program: Frandsen said that as an “Edwards parent” she really appreciates the jointly funded playground equipment program that occurred this year between the City and the School District’s PTOs. She said that Edwards installed their new equipment this summer and children are really enjoying the experience. Winakor Bequest: Acker asked Carroll to provide an overview of the process that will be enacted for the $1.6 million bequest of Geitel Winakor. Carroll said that as ideas and projects are developed for the City’s Capital Improvement Plan that in the months to come a worthy project should be identified. Carroll noted that it will be several months before the estate is settled and that there is no sense of urgency to determine a specific project. Meet adjourned at 5:15 PM