PRB071497minutesMINUTES
INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD, CITY OF MUSKEGO
MONDAY, JULY 14, 1997
The informational public hearing to hear concerns and comments
on the conceptual plan for Kurth Park held by the Parks and Recreation Board, City of Muskego, was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Vice-President Toby Whipple.
It was noted that the notice of this informational public hearing was posted on July 10, 1997 in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
PRESENT: Debbie Carlson, Alderman Mark Slocomb, Howard
Schneider, Toby Whipple, Gordon L. Jacobson
(Recreation Director) and Peter Theis (Parks Director).
ABSENT: Jerald Hulbert (excused), Richard Manchester
(excused), Ron Stephens (excused)
GUESTS: See attached list.
PRESENTATION:
Peter Theis, Parks Director, gave a historical background: 1992
expansion of the park property; 1994 conceptual plan for Kurth
Park developed; 1994-97 no action taken; 1997 subcommittee established to create a scaled-down plan; 1997 new, revised
conceptual plan approved by the Parks and Recreation Board.
Parks Director Theis pointed out the changes in the revised
conceptual Kurth Park plan. He shared financial figures with
those in attendance.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:
JoAnn Gillespie questioned when delineation study was done.
Pete would provide a copy of the study to JoAnn.
Susan Lewis questioned about fencing adjacent to her property.
Toby Whipple responded regarding fencing that fencing and
shrubbery would be used.
Manfred Kruezpaintner felt parking lot was in a bad area due to
wetland. Toby Whipple explained difference between a wetland and a flood plain. Mr. Kruezpaintner felt it was an outrage
that the Parks and Recreation Board was shoving it down the
public's throat. There should not be a parking lot. Toby
Whipple responded that the Parks and Recreation Board's intent has always been to develop the park.
Lisa Tischer stated it was silly to spend $200,000 on a parking
lot and managed grass. She has talked to every person on Woods
Minutes,
Board, Informational Public Hearing, Parks and Recreation July 14, 1997, 2
Road and they agree. "building rehab." Pete Theis explained "play structure" and
JoAnn Gillespie questioned why they were trying to put in this
type of park instead of a natural area? Pete Theis felt the Parks and Recreation Board was trying to combine passive as well as active play areas in any development plan.
Toby Whipple responded that the Parks and Recreation Board is representing the whole community as well as the residents who live around the Kurth Park area. He questioned the audience, where is the community going to access the park if the parking
lot doesn't get put in?
JoAnn Gillespie asked couldn't they have active participation
in other park areas?
Mr. Kreuzpaintner asked where were the people who do want this
park?
Katie Kuehn questioned the dollar figure for the park? Pete Theis explained the financials again.
Katie Kuehn felt Thiesenhusen Park should be used for soccer fields, etc. as opposed to Kurth Park. Felt bikers and walkers
on Woods Road is a dangerous situation. Felt traffic to the
park would add to the danger factor. These additions would be added to cost to the City for safety precautions. She requested the City grade the soil, smooth it, seed it, and just
let it go natural.
Parking lot estimates were discussed. The public suggested the
Parks and Recreation Board let the park go.
Lisa Tischer questioned runoff of water, retention/detention areas necessary? Paul Skidmore felt that the DNR feels that
the park plan is sound regarding water runoff.
Toby Whipple informed the audience that the Parks and Recreation Board will take the steps to improve the area and
improve the water filtration through runoff.
JoAnn Gillespie stated the proposed soccer field area is not a
wetland but a "wet meadow."
Susan Lewis said the park flooded about 50' into her yard and
asphalt will not change the flooding. Questioned the changing
of the grade? Toby Whipple did not feel that changing the
grade was possible. Paul Skidmore responded that you are not
allowed to fill, you can change the slope, but you cannot raise it.
At 7:05 p.m., Alderman Mark Slocomb moved to recess, seconded by Debbie Carlson. The motion carried, all in favor.
Minutes, Informational Public Hearing, Parks and Recreation Board, July 14, 1997, 3
Alderwoman Woodard asked what the positives are for the park7 Toby Whipple responded by adding the managed turf, you are adding an area for play and sports.
JoAnn Gillespie questioned what is the next procedure? Where does the resolution to change occur next?
Rhonda Piering asked if there was any consideration for the bike trail to be established? People are riding bikes through residents yards. Toby Whipple stated that there is a path planned.
Lisa Tischer stated at the last meeting, the Parks and
Recreation Board was going to check with the Chief of Police regarding safety concerns. Pete Theis said emergency vehicle access was discussed. The police department felt that with three access points, safety and patrolling access is not an
issue.
Katie Kuehn asked where does the Parks and Recreation Board go
from here? Could there be citizen input at the sub-committee level? Alderman Mark Slocomb replied that this will be brought
back next month for the whole Parks and Recreation Board to review. Pointed out that the plan is still conceptual.
Katie Kuehn continued, will another final conceptual plan be
brought to a public hearing? Has the Parks and Recreation
Board put a plan together for Park Arthur? Pete Theis responded to the last question that no plan conceptual or
otherwise has been established yet, for development purposes.
Howard Schneider felt the plan is a compromise as it is. The
money has already been spent.
Mr. Kreuzpaintner suggested to the Mayor that he make the
property sellable. Stated there was no dialogue from the Mayor's office.
Susan Lewis asked for an approximate width of the proposed
parking lot? Pete Theis responded, loo'+ across possibly.
Susan Lewis questioned what was a retention/detention pond?
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, Howard Schneider moved to close the public hearing. Alderman Mark Slocomb seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried, all in favor. The
public hearing adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
&n&n L. 3acahsan
for Parks & Recreation Board
pc: Board Members, Mayor, Aldermen, City Clerk, Parks Dir.,
Plan Dir, Recreation Dir, Recreation Supvr, News Media