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Parks and Conservation Packet - 11/1/2016 CITY OF MUSKEGO PARKS AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE AGENDA November 1, 2016 5:40 PM Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 4, 2016 NEW BUSINESS 1. Park and Conservation Plan Recommendation Prioritization COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Announcements only. No discussion or action will be taken. 1. Public Works Report 2. Conservation Coordinator's Report 3. Recreation Manager's Report ADJOURNMENT NOTICE IT IS POSSIBLE THAT MEMBERS OF AND POSSIBLY A QUORUM OF MEMBERS OF OTHER GOVERNMENTAL BODIES OF THE MUNICIPALITY MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE ABOVE-STATED MEETING TO GATHER INFORMATION; NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL BODY AT THE ABOVE-STATED MEETING OTHER THAN THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY SPECIFICALLY REFERRED TO ABOVE IN THIS NOTICE. ALSO, UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS THROUGH APPROPRIATE AIDS AND SERVICES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST THIS SERVICE, MUSKEGO CITY HALL, (262) 679-4136. Unapproved CITY OF MUSKEGO PARKS AND CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MINUTES October 4, 2016 5:30 PM Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue CALL TO ORDER Chairman Whipple called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Toby Whipple, Brett Hyde, Jerry Hulbert, Sharon Roy, Ald. Kevin Kubacki, Barbara Erdmann, Paul Peardon and Director Jeff Muenkel. Excused: Bill Miller and Howard Schneider. STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE The meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting laws. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 2, 2016 Sharon Roy made a motion to approve the minutes of August 2, 2016. Paul Peardon seconded. Motion Passed 7 in favor. NEW BUSINESS Park and Conservation Plan Recommendation Prioritization DIRECTOR’S REPORT Public Works Director's Report Conservation Coordinator's Report Recreation Manager's Report COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW ADJOURNMENT Brett Hyde made a motion to adjourn at 6:10 PM. Jerry Hulbert seconded. Motion Passed 7 in favor. Respectfully submitted, Kellie McMullen, Transcribing Secretary CITY OF MUSKEGO Staff Report to Parks & Conservation Committee November 1, 2016 Meeting To: Parks and Conservation Committee From: Jeff Muenkel, CEcD AICP EDFP Subject: Park and Conservation Plan Recommendation Prioritization Date: October 26, 2016 Background The Committee agreed at our October meeting to have staff setup an online survey for each Committee member to aid in prioritizing Park and Conservation Plan recommendations. A survey was sent out these past couple weeks and staff has compiled and summarized that information below for Committee consideration. The next step would be for us to review each individual area, have a good discussion on the results thus far, and then approve or change the results after the discussion. Once we get thru each area staff can then start assembling ranges of costs for the top recommendations from each park. We can then come back to re-review the results with the costs and re-prioritize the results where need be. The end goal again is to prioritize the larger projects over the next few budget years so proper projects are implemented during the lifespan of the current Parks and Conservation Plan. 1. Overall Park System Recommendations for Consideration  Comments:   Need identification of parks – main sign more important ‐ 3   A splash pad would not be the best use of city money – used only 5 months out of year ‐ 2   Combine splash pad and ice skating – Moorland Park   Ice Skating is a relatively low expense for the 4‐5 months is would be used    Ice Skating far less cost, but winter can be unpredictable   Dog Park would be benefit for many citizens – central location   Not sold on dog park – Minoka’s dog park not too far away   Have interpretive signage   Designated area for dogs with fee to generate revenue to cover costs           Staff Discussion:  Investigating the splash pad clearly is the priority for the large “overall park system” projects. Ice skating is  a close second and there is a good comment to investigate a splash pad/ice skating combo. There are  companies making this combo happen in climates such as ours. Creating such a combo at a park that  already has a good central location with a shelter could be a huge advantage for the city’s park system  offering services throughout the year. Staff suggests we make the splash pad a priority for budgeting  purposes and staff will include looking at costs for the combo option at the same time.     1  2  5  3  4    2. Bluhm Park  Comments:   Bike path would increase safety along McShane   Repair/replace bleachers   Add parking to south lot   Trail to Tudor Oaks   No lights/tough sell to residents   Trail along Woods Road                                                 Staff Discussion:  Adding a paved trail connecting down McShane to Tudor Oaks seems to be a clear favorite. Replacing the  bleachers could be completed sooner with a costs share. Lastly, adding lights may be a future possibility if  lighted fields are lost in light of any of the school expansions in the next few years.       1  4  2  3  2  3. Denoon Park  Comments:   Permanent bathrooms – 3   Not sure how well football would mesh with other park activities   Don’t give up soccer for football; football further east   Update boat launch (Channel from launch to main lake is unnavigable)‐2          Staff Discussion:  Launch modifications a clear pick. Remember disc golf is slated for 2017 already as well.    4. Freedom Square Park  Comments:   Clean surface important for tennis players   Many new residents within walking distance   Update for reasonable price   Updates should be minimal to this park until Parkland Towne Center is developed more.                                                                         Staff Discussion:  Surface update key in light of larger population living in this area after Parkland Towne Center is complete  in next few years.       1  2  3  4  1  2  5. Idle Isle Park  Comments:   Boat wash (cost share with lake district) – 4   Rental concession (kayaking)‐2   Generate more revenue   Improvements to boat launch, beach frontage, more parking restore shoreline, add ADA  playground    Park can cash flow thru fees   Memorial benches, shelter updates, gazebo after major improvement    No more parking – look at overall layout   Weed harvesting equipment needs to be where operators have access (fuel and maintenance)   What did City bring in for boat launching fees this year?                                                                           Staff Discussion:  This is the trickiest of all the parks to prioritize projects.  Certain projects simply can’t happen until others  are completed first.  Of any of the parks, Idle Isle is going to be the most key in setting up a timeline for  implementing projects over a number of years in order to realize the goals we want to meet for this area.  Restoring the shoreline and beach area came out as the highest priorities and probably are good places to  start. Such restoration will naturally lead to increased usage and the need to consider implementing the  other projects referenced such as new rec equipment, pavilion usage, and rentals etc.  The boat wash  option is also a high priority in the short run.       2  3  3  1  2  2  3  3  1  1  3  2  3  6. Kurth Park  Comments:   Remodel storage building ‐2   Shoreline in rough shape – debris could impede water removal in big flood‐2   No parking lot   Needs basketball court  Baseball fencing, etc. – combine cost with other parks          Staff Discussion:  Restoring the storage structure and rehabbing the bathrooms is the highest priority along with  establishing a safer basketball environment.    7. Jensen Park  Comments:   Building should be removed ‐3   How much does building get used and is there a drainage problem around building?   Redirect usage to Denoon   Enhance baseball area (field should be turf) ‐2                                              Staff Discussion:     Removing the rec building and finding alternative programming is highest priority.  Many feel that this  simply hinders the rec system otherwise.       1  1  2  3  1 2  8. Lee Hubka Park  Comments:   Need more local input before doing anything   Basketball court gets used; only full court city owns   Not sure of tennis court use   Shoreline needs to be maintained to keep it from eroding into the creek.             Staff Discussion:  Cleaning up creek access and shoreline is highest priority. Such a project will make this park more of an  amenity as well.    9. Lions Park  Comments:   No bocce ball    Increased use of this park – good time to do some upgrading   Parking is always needed; People need parking before expanding programs   High use of park with pickleball court if bocce is added parking will be a problem   Bathrooms more important than parking        Staff Discussion:  We have a few projects ranking as a top priority and will need to break this down a bit more at our  meeting.         2  1  1  1  2  2  3  10. Manchester Hill Park  Comments:   Would be nice to have an ice rink here   Restrooms   Pond Enhancements (fishing/skating) ‐3          Staff Discussion:  Pond enhancements/cleanup a top priority. Ice skating could come after cleanup or be re‐associated with  a splash pad as discussed earlier.      1  3  5  2  4    11.  Moorland Park  Comments:   Add pavilion with bathrooms   How much demand is there for basketball courts?   Maintain skate park equipment   Being close to senior housing, pickleball and bocce ball would be great addition        Staff Discussion:  A pavilion with possible bathrooms seems to be a top priority to start rounding out this high traffic park.   Adding additional rec items thereafter.     2  1  3  4  5  6    12.  Park Arthur  Comments:   Need something for smaller children (playground equipment) ‐2   West side of park excellent for football or soccer   Opportunities to generate revenue, be our crown jewel of parks, be a destination park    Exercise trail                   Staff Discussion:  Adding playground equipment a main priority. Other improvements could happen sooner with cost share  from various clubs. Ice skating a possibility here but has more hardships than other locations in city.    13.  Schmidt Park  Comments:   Neighborhood Park   Tennis is played here – don’t think we should switch to pickleball   Benches and tables would be a quick fix for the park                            Staff Discussion:  Fixing tennis court fencing will aid neighborhood and programming.     1  2  4  3  2  1  2  1    14.  Horn Field  Comments:   How much use does this baseball field get?   If water issues can be resolved, Horn field could be an ideal rec area/facility   Trails are cheap to make/maintain                 Staff Discussion:  Adding a new trail thru the woods and finding alternative rec uses for Horn Field came out as high  priorities.  Both can be done with minimal costs.     15.  Veteran’s Park  Comments:   Is park big enough for disc golf?   Heard there is need for more storage area. Instead of band shelter add storage wing to  building   Concerts in the park                      Staff Discussion:  Both items came out as high priorities. Adding the smaller rec items around the “bumpouts” along the  open turf pathway would get the most bang for the buck due to the summer rec programming here.     2  3  1  3  1  1  1    16.  Settlement  Comments:   If Jensen building goes we will need programming space   Barn repairs will bring revenue once completed   Enhance equipment for playground programs   City owned barn needs to be upgraded for public use   How much room would we be able to use at OTH?  Historical Society seems to have need for it   Anyone playing basketball would have to drive there, not sure if it’s the best place        Staff Discussion:  Working out the details of the barn to possibly make that a future event location is highest priority.    17.  Badertscher Preserve  Comments:   Adding appropriate paths would be best use of property    If boy/girl scouts would like to do an educational thing all for it   High areas ideal for observation platform   Education center could be looked into   Need more info on bow hunting   Trails encourage the public to use the facility        Staff Discussion:  Investigating an interpretive center is highest priority for both Badertscher and Engel.  One location might  outweigh the other with Engel being closer to the High School and having partnership possibilities.  Continued investment in trail system will take place by conservation staff while an interpretive center is  investigated. Observation platform would add more value to trail system and create a destination. 1 2 3 2  1  4  3  1    18.  Engel Conservation Area  Comments:   Park too small for safe hunting   Adding appropriate paths would be best use of property    If boy/girl scouts would like to do an educational thing all for it   Not a fan of bow hunting near residential areas                      Staff Discussion:  Investigating an interpretive center is highest priority for both Badertscher and Engel.  One location might  outweigh the other with Engel being closer to the High School and having partnership possibilities.  Continued investment in trail system will take place by conservation staff while an interpretive center is  investigated. Bow hunting allowance is something we will investigate and discuss in early 2017 due to  multiple inquiries from the public this past year.  .    1  1  3  2    Page 1 of 1    CITY OF MUSKEGO Staff Report to Parks and Conservation Committee To: Parks and Conservation Committee From: Jeff Muenkel, Community Development Director Subject: Public Works Report Date: October 26, 2016 The Committee requested information on painting and upkeep of the Old Town Hall building. Painting of the Old Town Hall is on the Public Works staff list. They hoped to get to the area of the building where peeling has occurred late this year. However, it may be in spring 2017 depending on the weather. The project would include repainting the whole structure. Memo To: Parks and Conservation Committee From: Tom Zagar CC: Jeff Muenkel Date: September 27, 2016 Re: Conservation Coordinator Report Below is an update of projects related to Lakes, Forestry, and Conservation:  The contractor who cleared buckthorn from the understory of Denoon Park’s woodlot earlier this year returned to spray the shoots of regrowth with herbicide. It appears that it has been effective in killing a majority of these invasive shrubs.  This same contractor will also be clearing invasive shrubs from the woods in Veterans Memorial Park. This woodlot is named “Betty’s Woods” in memorial of Betty Czarapata who was a Muskego resident who advocated strongly for invasive plant control and had conducted extensive control work at this site. Over 12 years ago we had pretty much knocked back the buckthorn and honeysuckle here but it has aggressively returned in some portions. Betty’s Woods has one of the nicest assemblages of spring wildflowers within our community so its continued maintenance is worthwhile!  Staff has also been busy with invasive shrub control work at Blattner Preserve, Engel Conservation Area, and Badertscher Preserve.  Two citizen volunteers, Maddie Schneiker and Pat Horn each helped collect prairie seed at Luther Parker Cemetery this fall.  Muskego High School science club picked prairie seed at Engel Conservation Area on October 13th. This seed, and the seed noted above, will be sown at Holz Preserve this upcoming fall/winter.  Muskego Lakes Conservancy (MLC) has offered a $500 donation toward seed and tree planting at Holz Preserve. MLC has derived funding from the Jerome & Dorothy Holz Family Foundation (affiliated with Holz Chevrolet, Hales Corners) for various projects in the past and their president Ron Ford knows the Holz family personally. He also indicated that MLC would likely help fund a sign commemorating this former portion of the Holz Farmstead. Community Development Department CITY OF MUSKEGO Staff Report to Parks & Conservation Committee November 1, 2016 To: Parks & Conservation Committee From: Tammy Dunn, Recreation Manager Subject: Recreation Program Miscellaneous Updates Date: October 26, 2016 Please find the following items in relation to various recreation programs/activities in the city. Such items don’t require committee action but can certainly be discussed during the Miscellaneous Business portion of the meeting. 1. Winter/Spring Guide will be moving on to the printer by November 4. Registration is scheduled to start on November 14. 2. We are now using the new registration software provided by eCity. We have been working on getting all of our information transfered into the new software and will be using the software with the Winter/Spring Guide. All users will now need to set-up an account with us when using the software so we anticipate a very busy few weeks as we help everyone with the creation of their accounts and walk them through the software. This will also help us in making sure we have everyone’s current contact information. The software has some nice email features which will allow us to easily notify participants of changes to their programs including cancellations for weather. The recreation component of this software is very new to the company, so they have been working with us to continually, making improvements or modifications to ensure it will work well for our needs. 3. Jensen update- when the facility study was done about 2 years ago throughout all city owned buildings, it was noted that Jensen was not a suitable site for us to run programs and should be listed as one of the buildings to discontinue use. The building did not fail any structural tests, it was just outdated, had limited parking, small restrooms, and was not easy accessible. We have discussed about taking that building offline and not using it for programs, but at this time, because we do not have enough city owned facility space to offer programs, we are going to continue to use the space at least through May of 2017 to house a few fitness and dance programs.