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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 04/19/2012AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: April 19, 2012 COMMISSION PRESENT: Vikki Feilmeyer, Alisa Frandsen, Michaeleen Gerken, Julie Ham, Leo Milleman, and Ed Moran ABSENT: Jason Schaben STAFF: Keith Abraham, Nancy Carroll, and Kevin Shawgo CALL TO ORDER: 4 PM WELCOME and INTRODUCTION of NEW COMMISSIONERS Michaeleen Gerken and Julie Ham were welcomed by the Commission and they expressed enthusiasm for joining the Commission. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Moved by Feilmeyer, seconded by Moran to elect Alisa Frandsen as Chairperson. Motion carried Moved by Moran, seconded by Feilmeyer to elect Leo Milleman as Vice-Chairperson. Motion carried APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Moran, seconded by Feilmeyer to approve the March 29, 2012 meeting minutes. Motion carried PUBLIC FORUM: None DIRECTOR’S REPORT Park System: Vending / Mobile Concession Units Carroll explained that in 2003 the Commission adopted a Park System Concession Vending Policy and that for 2012 an April 6th deadline was established for vendors wanting to submit an application for the upcoming season. She noted that by that date, applicants were required to submit a completed Application Form and provide a copy of their Insurance Certificate. Carroll said that three (3) complete applications were received from Eric McVey (Cuppy’s Coffee), Christopher Drinnin (C& K Sweets and Treats), and Lorna Lauridsen (Lauridsen Sno Cones). Carroll noted that Mr. McVey received permission to vend in the park system in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. Mr. Drinnin received permission in 2009, 2010, and 2011 to sell concessions within the park system. Moved by Moran, seconded by Ham to approve, per City of Ames Vending Policy Eric McVey, Christopher Drinnin and Lorna Lauridsen to operate mobile concession units in the park system and require that they submit 10% of their gross receipts to the City of Ames by October 5, 2012. Motion carried Ada Hayden Heritage Park: Request from JAX Outdoor Gear to rent canoes and other times at this site and to waive 10% of their gross receipts Carroll reviewed that due to the popularity of Ada Hayden Heritage Park, JAX Outdoor Gear would like to rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboats to the public on Saturdays and Sundays between the approximate hours of 11 AM and 5 PM. She noted that in the event public requests warrants, JAX may expand this rental opportunity into the early evening hours of Monday thru Friday. Carroll referred to the Commission Action Form that provided the history of rentals and the related revenue that JAX has realized as follows: 2005: 250 rentals = $1,875 2006: 280 rentals = $2,100 2007: 435 rentals = $3,262 2008: 510 rentals = $3,794 2009: 445 rentals = $4,000 2010: 307 rentals = $2,456 2011: 350 rentals = $3,150 Carroll noted that rental rates for 2012 will remain the same as in 2011 for 30 and/or 60 minutes respectively: Canoes $8 / $10 Kayaks $8 / $10 Paddleboats $8 / $10 Carroll commented that with the initial capital costs that JAX has incurred with purchasing equipment and with the uncertainty, due to weather, of how many additional rentals will occur in 2012 that JAX is requesting the 10% of gross sales payable to the City for 2012 be waived. Carroll said that this is an excellent public / private partnership because the public appreciates rental equipment being made available at the site and the City does not have to invest in the capital cost of purchasing equipment nor the ongoing operation expenses of staffing the operation. Gerken asked if the JAX had considered offering a student rate. Carroll said that JAX determines their fees and that rate is for each piece of equipment not a per person fee. Feilmeyer clarified that the City is being asked to approve JAX being at the site and not their rate structure. Gerken encouraged staff to include this rental opportunity on the City’s web page. Frandsen expanded that suggestion to also include the City’s seasonal brochure. Carroll said that both ideas would be incorporated into the City’s promotional materials. Moved by Feilmeyer, seconded by Ham to approve the request from JAX Outdoor Gear to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats at Ada Hayden Heritage Park during 2012 and waive the 10% fee of gross sales. MONTHLY REPORT Milleman questioned if additional community garden space could be created since the existing plots have all been rented for the 2012 season. Carroll commented that currently no additional space has been identified. However, she commented that if Ames becomes a demonstration community for Blue Zones that staff would welcome the opportunity to work with the co-chairs of the Community Gardening efforts of Blue Zones. Gerken asked if low income individuals can receive reduced rates at the Community Garden plots. Carroll responded that the Commission has the authority to establish all program and facility fees once per year during the month of January. Carroll said that is the best time due to the City’s budget being established for the upcoming year to address fees and charges. Milleman commented that he believes the existing fee of $20 for a 10’ x 40’ plot is most reasonable. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Milleman asked Carroll to provide insight on who actually makes the “staff recommendations” that are included in Commission Action Forms. Carroll said that staff is all inclusive - meaning that it includes Parks and Recreation staff and the City Manager because the City Manager approves all items / recommendations going forth to the Commission. To assure that quality staff recommendations are made, Carroll said the development of a recommendation can begin with hosting focus groups or meeting with neighborhood groups. She said that to gain input from Parks and Recreation staff that the Department is structured in teams. Carroll said that she is the Team Leader of the Leadership Team, Shawgo is the Team Leader of the Parks and Facilities Team, and Abraham is the Team Leader of the Recreation / Support Staff Team. Milleman shared that as a private property owner adjacent Skunk River that he attended a public meeting on designating Skunk River as a Water Trail. He showed a map of Story County that highlighted existing water trails within Story County. He noted that this designation is helpful because efforts are then made to make the river safer and that additional access points would be installed to afford the public greater ease in getting onto the Skunk River. Milleman commented that water trail designation is positive because the public can become better educated for how to respect the private property adjacent the water. Ham shared that she is a current participant in the Chamber of Commerce sponsored Leadership Ames class. She invited everyone to attend their class project which centered upon providing more awareness to the Animal Shelter. She said that on Sunday, April 29 at 2 PM they will be hosting a dedication of a new message board at the Dog Park and then going to the Animal Shelter for some educational sessions and refreshments. She noted that the message board will be used to promote adoption of the “residents at the Animal Shelter”. Frandsen inquired about the status of Blue Zones. Carroll said that the community should be notified in early May if we have been selected as a demonstration site. Frandsen encouraged everyone to go to bluezonesproject.org and pledge their support. The Ames community needs to show 20% of its population supports becoming a Blue Zones community. Currently Ames is at 17%. Meet Adjourned: 4:47 PM