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PRB011397minutesl Corrected 2/l/97 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD, CITY OF MUSKEGO MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1997 The monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of Muskego, was called to order at 6.:15 p.m. by Chairperson Jerald Hulbert. PRESENT: Jerald Hulbert, Richard Manchester, Ald. Pat Patterson, Howard Schneider, Toby Whipple, Gordon L. Jacobson (Recreation Director), Peter Theis (Parks Director) ABSENT: Debbie Carlson (excused), Ron Stephens (excused). GUESTS: List attached. Notice of the meeting was posted on January 9 in accordance with the Open Meeting Law. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Toby Whipple to approve the minutes of the Board meeting held on Monday, December 9, 1996, as mailed. l Richard Manchester seconded. Motion carried. PERSONAL APPEARANCES: Comprehensive Parks and Open Space Plan l Pete Theis informed the Board members of the benefit of incorporating lake projects in the Comprehensive Parks and Open Space Plan. This would be a cost-sharing Plan production. The DNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) would be approached to contribute $3,000. He had contacted Mark Paulat who felt that incorporating some of the phases of the Priority Watershed program into the Plan would be appropriate and by doing this, more funding may be available at the State level to cover these expenses. Mark Paulat stated some of the costs incurred in the Plan relating to watershed goals and objectives including storm water ordinances which he is working on currently, there would be a valued cost to adding this to the Plan and he would asked the committee to recommend that he pursue adding those items to the Plan and ask DNR if they would be interested in making a contribution to the Plan under a lake grant or priority watershed funds. Alderman Pat Patterson moved, Howard Schneider seconded, to broaden the scope of the Comprehensive Parks and Open Space Plan to incorporate lake projects. Discussion followed. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. LMLA Use of Idle Park on July 4 or 5, 1997 Mr. Will Vidal of the Little Muskego Lake Association discussed a fund-raiser event proposal with the Board members. This Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 13, 1997 2 event would be July 3rd at Idle Isle Park. l approve p They are requesting to sell pizza burgers, beer and soda. Alderman Patterson to reliminary concept and requests that discussion with Water Buqs take place with plans to be brouqht back to the Park Board. Toby Whipple seconded. Money collected from event goes back to lake association projects and parks projects. Concern expressed regarding the concession stand. Pete said in the past, that was always worked out with special events. Concern regarding parking plans also were discussed. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: Luther Parker Cemetery maintenance concerns The Board members were in receipt of a letter concerning the maintenance of the Luther Parker Cemetery. Pete reviewed these concerns with the Board. Chairperson Hulbert stated that the cemetery was to be in a prairie grass state by burning or trimming. In the past, this had been done by a scouts. Pete informed the Board that he had contacted the concerned party. He further contacted the Retzer Nature Center to look at the cemetery in the Spring. No action was taken by the Board. Snowmobile patrol report m The Board received a written response from Chief Johnson regarding snowmobile patrol. Chief Johnson also stated in his letter their patrol activity of parks on a regular basis and response to citizen complaints. Chairperson Hulbert questioned that if repeated incidents occurred at a park, could the information be identified for possible Park Board action? Pete will be meeting with Chief Johnson and will discuss the issue further. S.E.W.R.P.C.--Comprehensive Park and Open Space Plan Pete received correspondence from Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission that they would be able to start on updating the park and open space plan in 1998. Having discussed this issue earlier in the meeting, Pete will send the expanded plan request to S.E.W.R.P.C. for evaluation and cost breakdown. Lake access lots for sale The Board members were in receipt of an inquiry sent to Clerk Marenda from Attorney Schaus regarding possible lake access lots for sale. Chairperson Hulbert reviewed lake access history. Alderman Nancy Salentine informed the Board that the DNR stated that if a lake access lot was discontinued, that another access site would then have to be created. No action a taken by the Board. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 13, 1997 3 OLD BUSINESS: Kurth Park expansion of facilities Chairperson Hulbert reviewed history of park expansion for expanded facilities, specifically Kurth Park and Thiesenhusen property. Pete identified $60,000 for Kurth Park Development. Howard Schneider felt the price was good to purchase the Thiesenhusen property. Chairperson Hulbert indicated the Board would have to come to some decision on what they are going to do with these properties. They are close to purchasing the Thiesenhusen property, the City's offer has been accepted and they would like to close on that property. They would not be able to close on that property without taking some sort of action, either they have a forthcoming offer to purchase on the Kurth Park expanded property or they will need to waive the contingency that was placed on it and send that recommendation to Finance Committee to allow the City to move forward with purchase of the Thiesenhusen property. It may or may not be possible for the City to purchase the Thiesenhusen 0 property depending on funds available. It is being purchased for about $4,000 per acre. Chairperson Hulbert stated that the Board needs to move forward to purchase the property. Mrs. Thiesenhusen is very interested in the City acquiring her property, with her being given naming rights. The name that she would like used would be "Park Arthur" in honor of her deceased husband. Chairperson Hulbert also recommended as there has been no action on the purchase of the Kurth Park expanded area, the Board needs to move forward on the plan prepared by the consultant. The Board members discussed taking the contingency off to allow the Thiesenhusen property to be purchased. Alderman Pat Patterson, questioned if they could take the contingency off of Kurth Park to purchase Thiesenhusen and develop Kurth Park first, that the Thiesenhusen property would not be developed until Kurth Park is finished? Chairperson Hulbert felt this was a good idea. Richard Manchester felt that Kurth Park should be finished first. Alderman Patterson felt the Thiesenhusen property should be obtained because they have the opportunity to do so now and possibly prioritize it as a secondary project, with Kurth Park to be first. Pete informed the Board members that the Park Dedication funds are not strictly earmarked per project; funds can be adjusted. Toby Whipple moved that the Board remove the continqency on the purchase of the Thiesenhusen property pendinq the sale of the Kurth Park property first so the Board can proceed with the purchase of the Thiesenhusen property. Howard Schneider seconded. Discussion followed. Alderman Patterson asked that the motion be amended to include that the Board does not plan to develop the Thiesenhusen property until after the Kurth Park development is finished. Toby Whipple did not want to place a priority on his motion because he wanted to give the Board options on what they could do although he agreed with the concept. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. The Board will recommend to the Finance Committee that they grant a waiver proposed for purchase. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 13, 1997 4 a Chairperson Hulbert opened up the meeting for comments from the audience on the Kurth Park development. Gary Martin: Who was offered the opportunity to purchase the parkland? How much property is available and what is the cost? He expressed concern regarding fluid runoff from the parking lot into the adjoining creek. Chairperson Hulbert stated that Susan Lewis and Manfred Kreuspainter were very interested in purchasing, but the Board could not react quick enough because they did not have another property to develop at that time. The Board has another property at this time and are looking for an offer to purchase from people interested in buying the property. Pete Theis said that there is a little more than ten acres to purchase. Chairperson Hulbert, the cost would be the going rate on development land, fair market value. In the City of Muskego, land has been selling for approximately $lO,OOO-$12,000 per acre. Some of the land would not be built upon. The runoff from the parking lot would be no different than that for private homes specified by the DNR. l Arlen Zurowski: She mentioned that it seems to her that everyone is against the municipal sports complex. She would like to see the Board address the concerns of parking, danger to the children. People will park on Hidden Creek Court. How will police monitor the park? She said they were protesting the sports complex, not a neighborhood park with picnic tables, walks, wading pool for the children, tennis courts, baseball diamond. She questioned the vandalism that is occurring at the park now, neighbors evergreens damaged. Chairperson Hulbert responded that to avoid conflict between the residents adjacent to the park and the people using the park, they felt it would be necessary to put up fencing or some kind of barrier, working with the residents. She questioned if the access roads were for emergency vehicles? Chairperson.Hulbert stated they were purposely not putting a road through, they will have an informal access through for both the maintenance staff and emergency vehicles, accessible from both sides, but not intended for public use. Daryl Hantula: He lives on the corner of Brentwood Drive and Belmont Drive. He is against expanding the park because of too much traffic, people driving too fast, and people driving on property. Brett Hyde: He felt there was too much facilities crammed in too small a space on the plan. It would be too busy for a residential area. Kay Martin: She said the plan looks good if you don't live there. Could the police force handle potential vandalism? Traffic problems would occur with a 153-car proposed parking lot, including children on bikes. She asked if it was feasible with this area spread out with indirect access that if there was a case of vandalism that our police force as staffed now cannot handle that area? She asked if the Board could scale the plan down and come to a more workable compromise? Chairperson Hulbert said the Board's position has not changed, Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 13, 1997 5 if the original people want to purchase it for a private park and they want to include others in that, that would be their prerogative. It was not the Board's intent at the time of purchase to provide a private green space for those living in the area. The Board purchases land for children and adults for recreation. He felt the police department was adequately staffed to cover the area. Alderman Patterson cited the Kurth Park development plan goes back in time and has always been regarded as a recreational site and not a private green space. As the City continues to grow, the police service would have to be addressed. Chairperson Hulbert said they do take into account the concerns of the neighborhood and if the Board decides they can deviate from the plan, that could be done. Alderman Rasmussen: Reservations on the initial park plans were expressed. If the plan is to continue for Kurth, then the Park Board should go back to the plan and review the concerns of the public. Alderman Suhr: He felt that it is an inappropriate plan for the Kurth Park area. Felt that a natural area would work better than athletic facilities. Kathy Stohhaug: She mentioned that problems occur late at night when teens roam the park. Snowmobiles running through their property damaging trees and plants. Lisa Tischer: She presented the Board members with 112 signatures on a petition to stop the expansion, objecting a multitude of soccer fields, and a 153-car parking lot. Susan Lewis: The plan has a direct impact on her property. Confirmed that negotiations were requested by her. Questioned where was the negotiation? She has not been contacted by the Mayor's office. Chairperson Hulbert suggested that the Mayor's office has been sending correspondence out and has not been contacted by the interested parties. The Park Board has not been privy to the business dealings of purchasing property. Alderman Patterson confirmed that all correspondence has come from the Mayor's office. If a meeting is needed, then a meeting should be set up with the Mayor's office. Mrs. Lewis indicated she no longer has the funds to purchase the property. Expressed concerns regarding proposed parking lot problems with traffic. Concerned with berming and the potential flooding. She was in agreement with Alderman Suhr regarding the park plan to be natural rather than a sports complex. Katie Kuehn: Opposes plan for many reasons. Requests review of plan again. Requests all people on petition be informed of any negotiations. Alderman Patterson requested anyone who wants to be contacted regarding negotiations for purchase to leave their names. Susan Lewis: People are not interested in purchasing the property, only chanqinq the plans. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 13, 1997 6 a Dave Rozman: Felt that the audience was not being listened to regarding the audience's wishes. Roland Zurowski: He noted traffic patterns at certain times of the day. From 3:00 p.m.-7:OO p.m., Woods Road is awful for traffic. Hidden Creek Court will be filled with cars. Mike Pintar: Supply/demand. Benefit value should be looked at. Felt everybody would benefit the natural area versus sports complex. Brenda Tom: She suggested opening the property to the open market for a developer to purchase? Who would bring the concept to Council? Chairperson Hulbert stated that Alderman Patterson would bring the concerns to the Mayor's office. The Planning Department and Finance Committee would be contacted and involved if viable. Jim Lorenz: He noticed flooding around woods. How will this affect soccer fields? Will the soccer fields be open to people from outside the community? He questioned only one comfort station? Is the Moorland Road traffic impact going to impact the area? Toby Whipple responded that the majority of the games played at Kurth are played by kids within the community. Occasionally, older teens may come in to play from outside communities. a Nancy Lewis: She lives on Hidden Creek Court and mentioned that there are 27 kids on the block. She felt that the area is a traffic hazard. Rhonda Piering: She said they have already payed indirectly for the Kurth Park property through taxes. She requests being given more consideration. Paul Wieland: He mentioned that the dead-end road is most convenient for parking cars in Hidden Creek Court. It is a concern and will be a problem. Mike Barren: He questioned, when is the park planning going to occur? Richard Manchester commented that traffic is caused by the people on the petition. People should control their teenagers. Alderman Patterson felt that a better solution could be found with the plan. Funding may not be available for simply green space. Toby Whipple reminded everyone that the citizens proposed to purchase, not the Park Board. 0 Howard Schneider remembered the citizens also initiated the proposal to purchase. Feels the concept of opening up to market purchase may have merit. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 13, 1997 7 Toby Whipple concerned with the lack of communication with citizens regarding purchase or otherwise. Chairperson Hulbert suggested the following options: (1) residents are interested in purchasing? (2) Finance and Park Board explore the open market. (3) City ownership, will the plan be modified? Alderman Patterson asked that if citizens wished to be contacted, to please leave their names. Chairperson Hulbert stated that the Kurth Park issue will be brought back next month. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: RECREATION Proqram status Gordy shared program information with the Board members. City/School District meeting--pool rental fee Gordy shared pool usage formula with the Park Board. Community ice rink Gordy reported that usage has occurred. No complaints received regarding usage conflicts. Lights for the other pole could be utilized for next year. Parks had to refill the rink due to water runoff and melting. Regrading should occur and be looked at for next year. Toby Whipple brought up the potential for a liner. Chairperson Hulbert would like to review the potential of Parkland South for an ice rink. New school recreation/athletic facility meeting Gordy reviewed the facility proposal for the new middle school with the Park Board. Recreation proqram waiver Gordy shared information regarding waiver/release form. City attorney recommended removing Recreation Department and replacing it with City of Muskego. PARKS Denoon Park shelter Peter reported that the poles are set in concrete at this time. Pouring will start to occur at 32 degrees. Police Department incident reports No reports. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 13, 1997 8 a Idle Isle Concession Stand Person last year has experienced no interest for the stand this year. Pete has a lead and could pursue it. Pete could run it by the Water Bugs again. NEW BUSINESS, OTHER BUSINESS Subdivision plans from Plan Commission Park Estates In the matter of the Park Estates, the Board recommended the recreation trail proposal to connect with the Muskego County Park. Chairperson Hulbert will pursue this at the Planning Commission meeting. COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW: Mayor De Angelis formulated a committee to study the Little Muskego lake accesses cash boxes. One person from the Park Board should volunteer to serve on the committee. Ron Stephens will be asked to serve. If unavailable, Howard Schneider agreed to serve on the committee. l Toby Whipple shared a report of the status of the Muskego Kickers Soccer Club. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Ald. Pat Patterson moved to adjourn, Richard Manchester seconded~. The motion carried, all approved. The meeting adjourned at lo:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, P;nrann L. Jarnbsan for Parks and Recreation Board sjd pc: Board Members, Mayor, Aldermen, City Clerk, Parks Dir., Plan Dir, Recreation Dir, Recreation Supvr, News Media Released by Chairman Hulbert l/17/97 - - - __.~ -~- .--. -