Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Park and Recreation Commission Meeting 10/18/2012AMES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATE: October 18, 2012 COMMISSION PRESENT: Alisa Frandsen, Michaeleen Gerken, Leo Milleman, Ed Moran, Julie Johnston, and Jason Schaben ABSENT: Vikki Feilmeyer STAFF: Keith Abraham, Nancy Carroll, and Kevin Shawgo CALL TO ORDER: 4 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Moran, seconded by Gerken to approve the September 20, 2012 meeting minutes. Motion Approved PUBLIC FORUM: No comments Public Input on the Development of the 2013 to 2018 Capital Improvement Plan Judy Lemish, 327 South Maples shared that she would like to see a warm water facility built in the future. She commented that it should include convenient parking. She also noted that the cost of aqua classes should be kept reasonable so that people are able to participate. Sue Croll, 817 Ridgewood, shared that she would like the Commission to consider installing tennis court lighting at Brookside Park and that a neighborhood park should be located at the closed Roosevelt Elementary School site. Carroll provided the Commission with the following two e-mails that had been submitted from Darryl Bennett, 824 Ridgewood: • Re-install the lights at the remodeled Tennis & Basketball courts in Brookside Park • Investigate an alternative entrance (bridge/entrance from S Dayton Rd) to the Dog Park and the Hunziker Youth Sport Complex • Consider purchasing and remodeling the former Roosevelt School, the park surrounding it and making use of the additional gymnasium space, classroom space and meeting space. • Initiate a plan to utilize parts of the City of Ames Parks as community garden plots. Resident at 1415 Kentucky Avenue: • Supports the development of the 80 acre park in west Ames. Presentation on Shared Use Paths Plan (SUPP) Damion Pregitzer, Traffic Engineer with the City of Ames, provided an overview of the Shared Use Paths within the community. He shared that the SUPP is developed through a local group that includes representation from individuals that have specific interest in bus, car, bike and pedestrian uses. He said the goal is to have 10’ wide paths when possible. Pregitzer said that funding generally includes $100,000 from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the City of Ames through Local Option Sales Tax Funding of $350,000 annually. Pregitzer said that the priority for the next few years will be completing the trail extension from 13th Street (South River Valley Park) south to the Hunziker Youth Sport Complex. Frandsen questioned how the City determines where future trails will be constructed. Pregitzer said that it is through a comprehensive process that includes public meetings related to updating the City’s Transportation Plan, working with members of the MPO (as noted above), and staff placing emphasis on connecting “loose ends” of the system together. He noted that the map he was showing the Commission didn’t include the “road network”. Pregitzer said that when that is also included that the system is becoming well connected. However, he noted that if the Commission or residents have concerns or issues related to the system they should contact him. He said that it is important to understand that the City will also consider making adjustments to this 5-year plan. DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Winakor bequest update Carroll shared that at the October 9th City Council meeting that Council raised three questions for staff to pursue related to acquiring an 80 acre parcel in west Ames. These issues are: 1) Can the City retain naming rights to the park – versus the land owner’s request to name the site after their parents? 2) Would they consider selling approximately 20 to 30 acres for residential development on the southern part of the overall parcel? 3) What would it cost to build a new barn versus renovate the existing structure? Carroll said that she will meet with the property owners in the near future to gain reaction these questions and report back to City Council. She also commented that the land appraisal should be forthcoming within the next several weeks. Furman Aquatic Center – Overview of User Feedback for 2012 Carroll reviewed the survey results from approximately 350 season pass holders that responded to an e-survey. Carroll noted that hundreds of “memories” were shared and that they captured how important this facility is to the overall vitality of the community. Additionally, the she noted that the survey results demonstrate that the facility is being operated professionally and safely. Carroll said that staff will continue to be attentive to the cleanliness of the lockerooms. Frandsen commented that she too valued all the comments related to people’s memories and that they do capture how much people enjoy and value the Aquatic Center. Furman Aquatic Center and Dog Park – Proposed Fees for 2013 Carroll shared that due to its popularity, Water Walking in the Lazy River will be increased in 2013. Specifically, it will be offered on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 8 PM. This is in addition to daily between 11 AM and 1 PM. The Commission agreed with the City staff recommendation to maintain the same 2012 fee schedule for 2013 at the Aquatic Center and Dog Park. Adoption of these fees will occur in January 2013 during budget hearings. This also includes offering a 10% (new pass holders) and 20% (returning pass holder) discount for those purchasing a season pass to the Aquatic Center between December and May 15, 2013. MONTHLY REPORT Milleman questioned how the golf season turned out at Homewood. Shawgo said that it was a great year at the course including that cart rentals generate significant revenue for the operation. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Frandsen shared that she was impressed with the three-way partnership that developed related to Moore Park. This neighborhood park is located adjacent Beach Avenue. Residents raised funds for a young boy that died last year and they applied and received a City Neighborhood Improvement Program grant. When combined with $10,000 from Parks and Recreation an approximate $22,000 play structure will be installed at this park. Frandsen commented that the residents of this area, including young children, enjoyed being included in the process of selecting the specific play structure. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Milleman, seconded by Moran to adjourn and the meeting concluded at 5:03 PM