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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 07/19/2012AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: July 19, 2012 COMMISSION PRESENT: Vikki Feilmeyer, Alisa Frandsen, Michaeleen Gerken, Leo Milleman, Ed Moran, and Jason Schaben STAFF: Nancy Carroll and Kevin Shawgo CALL TO ORDER: 4 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Two corrections (words underlined below) were made to the June 28 minutes. Director’s Report: Moore Memorial Park, conceptual design of Golf Maintenance Facility Feilmeyer expressed appreciation that the Tree Memorial will not be impacted by the construction of the building. Milleman questioned the size of the basement and ISU staff reported it would be approximately 50% of the overall building size and that the basement space will be made available to the public (park users, golfers, etc) during bad weather events. It was then moved by Feilmeyer, seconded by Schaben to approve the June 28, 2012 meeting minutes. Motion carried PUBLIC FORUM: No comments PUBLIC INPUT: Geitel Winakor bequest: Frandsen informed those in attendance that the Commission would receive input related to the Winakor bequest. She shared that no decisions would be made at this meeting; rather the Commission would discuss all input received at a later date. Input included: Lisa Hein, 721 Northwestern Avenue, Ames Ms. Hein summarized (from her written submitted letter / attached to the meeting minutes) that she is a member of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF). She voiced support for permanent land protection. She stated that over the years the INHF had also received significant funds from Dr. Winakor and that her donations went towards protecting land throughout Iowa. She provided the following examples: 1,000 acre addition to Effigy Mounds National Monument Jennett Heritage Area – Story County Jasper County Fen – Jasper County General protection of land in the Upper Mississippi River Bluff lands Iowa Great Lakes – Loess Hills Ms. Hein shared that INHF staff met with Dr. Winakor many times and that she made numerous comments to INHF staff that she was mostly concerned about suburban sprawl, water quality, parks, and wildlife. Ms. Hein suggested that because of Dr. Winakor’s “interest in birding, hiking, woodlands and creatures in general, putting the bequest funds towards the preservation of open space on the edge of the advancing residential neighborhoods in west Ames would be the most appropriate match”. Ms. Hein also noted that the City of Ames is fortunate to have a landowner in west Ames who has had a long time dream to see their property protected. She said that these landowners have worked for many years to enhance the wildlife habitat, protect the stream banks from erosion, and preserve Iowa’s heritage. Ms. Hein concluded her comments by stating that in the event this project is selected, INHF hopes to continue to be part of the project to ensure that the end result is the preservation and restoration of an area that supports the values and goals of all parties. She noted that; “it’s extremely moving for me to see this once in a lifetime opportunity to create a ‘nature park’ that gives priority to quiet uses and supports the ecological restoration of the land. It meets the goals for the landowners and the donor”. Evelyn Shibles, 1518 Stone Brooke Road, Ames Ms. Shibles shared that she worked with Dr. Winakor in the Department of Textiles and Clothing at Iowa State University. She said that, over the years, Geitel had been supportive of projects that received State of Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) funding. She noted that Geitel lived near Moore Memorial Park and East River Valley Park during her life and that she enjoyed nature and natural settings. Ms. Shibles said that she did not believe Geitel would want her donation to be used for organized sports. She said that Geitel appreciated the “art world” and she encouraged the Commission to commit a portion of her funding toward a “contest” for designing chairs / benches to be used in a park. She also said that Geitel enjoyed tulips and iris and that if those flowers could be planted in a park that would be most appropriate. Chris Lyng, 704 Duff Avenue, Ames Mr. Lyng (from his written submitted letter / attached to the meeting minutes) suggested that a portion of Dr. Winakor’s bequest (estimated at $150,000) be used to improve the public address system in the City Auditorium. He said that although the City recently installed a new sound system that additional improvements are needed to attract “world- class” performers. He also stated that he would like to see a fund established ($100,000) whereby “it would be created for guarantees to be paid from, promotion and production costs”. He said the fund would be replenished by income from concerts. Mr. Lyng said that the benefits of his ideas would; serve to bring thousands of visitors to Ames each year, Ames would position itself to become known as a cultural hub nationally bolstered by world-renowned guests, and it would provide residents with significant cultural events to attend. Gary Eyles, 5201 Cervantes Drive, Ames Mr. Eyles, representing the Ames Soccer Club, shared that an indoor multi-use sport facility is needed within the community. He said that Ames lacks indoor facilities and that multiple groups could use a year-round sport facility. Jeff Beetham, 3213 Oakland Street, Ames Mr. Beetham echoed Mr. Eyles suggestion of Ames needing to construct an indoor sport facility. He commented that a year-round indoor recreational sport facility would be a great addition to the community. He noted that the outdoor area around the facility could be made to feel park-like. Peter Orazem, 4941 Utah Drive, Ames Mr. Orazem encouraged that a portion of the bequest could be used to develop a multi- use trail, adjacent Clear Creek, to connect the Inner-Model facility to ISU’s Arboretum. He noted that Eagle Scouts could assist with the project and assure that it is ADA accessible. Corbin Stone, 2117 Stevenson Drive, Ames Mr. Stone also expressed support of constructing an indoor multi-use sport facility. He noted that the facility could be used for both youth and adult sports. Jan Beran, 304 24th Street, Ames Ms. Beran thanked the Commission for asking for public input regarding how the bequest should be utilized. She encouraged the Commission to take older adults into account and specifically noted the need for a warm water recreational pool in the community. She noted that current facilities do not meet the aquatic needs within Ames. She also shared that gravel paths are not ideal for older adults and encouraged that trails be hard surfaced. Ms. Beran also noted that Ames does not have programs for athletes with mobility issues. She suggested that the City consider programs for individuals that are in wheelchairs or that have other physical challenges that limit their mobility. Valinda Parsons, 530 River Oak Drive, Ames Ms. Parsons shared that she was a student of Dr. Winakor’s in the 1970’s. She encouraged the Commission to consider investing a portion of the bequest into projects that would make Ames greener - such as increasing biking and walking trails. She specifically noted that a trail should be developed on Duff to Grand to South Duff (south of Lincoln Way). She said that it would be ideal if the City could construct an over or under pass at the railroad crossing on Duff Avenue, that would include a bike trail. Frandsen thanked everyone for providing input and stated that the Commission would be discussing the bequest and the suggestions received from the public at their meeting on August 16th. She also noted that the Commissioners appreciated gaining more insight into the life of Geitel Winakor. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Update on the Deer Management Program Carroll reminded Commissioners that the City of Ames has had an Urban Deer Management Program for several years. She said that the program is administered thorough the Ames Police Department. She referred to a handout (attached) that states the locations that are approved for bow hunting deer during the 2012 season. She then ask Commissioner Milleman, who serves as a representative on the Deer Management Task Force if he had any comments to share. Milleman noted that approximately eight deer were harvested in 2011. Gerken asked if data related to this program was available. Carroll said that she would e-mail a copy of the Police Department’s Council Action Form to the Commission in the near future. Milleman noted that he continues support this program. Schaben commented that he is a bow hunter and that the requirements / ability related to becoming authorized to hunt in the City’s program is very stringent. He said that you have to be an excellent marksman. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS No comments. Carroll provided Commissioners with a written summation of the input she had received electronically related to the Winakor bequest. The meeting concluded at 4:53 PM