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prbm20121008 City of Muskego PARKS & RECREATION BOARD Monday, October 8, 2012 Approved 11/12/12 Board President Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board (Board), City of Muskego, to order at 5:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting notice was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on Thursday, October 4, 2012. Present: Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mr. Hyde (excused at 5:58 p.m.), Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. “Butch” LeDoux, Mr. Paul Peardon, Ald. Dan Soltysiak (5:45 p.m.), Mr. Toby Whipple, Director Anderson and Intern Donovan Winter. GUESTS: Ald. Borgman, Mark Moriarty, Tom & Tracy Lembke, Tom Fredrick, Terri Boyer, Jim Mortle, Dave Burns, John & Sheila Barnes, Mel & Sandy Schwulst, Eugene & Colette Bibis, Donna & Mike Ferguson, Dennis Kaminski, Dan Maas, Robert Maas, Elayne Maas, Denise Konkol, Ald. Rob Glazier, Fred Korth, et. al. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 10 Minutes Mr. Hyde moved to approve the minutes of the September 10 meeting, seconded by Mrs. Koble. Mr. Hyde requested that the minutes reflect he was excused from the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve as amended carried. COMMUNICATIONS: American Legion Officer--Muskego American Legion Post 356 decorative brick engraving Director Anderson refreshed the Board members on what transpired at the August meeting whereby Mr. Hulbert had moved to approve the request for the brick donation subject to finding it ’s not being used as a fund-raiser on public property. Mr. Fred Korth was present to discuss the issue with the Board and inquired why they would not be able to use the brick sales as a fund-raiser. Director Anderson stated it was not addressed in their request letter regarding using it as a fund- raiser. Anything that uses public lands for fund raising needs to be approved. Mr. Korth mentioned they would like to use it as a fund-raiser with the stipulation that veteran names only would be stamped on the bricks surrounding the flag as a memorial to them. There would only be a certain number and the installation would be flush with the surface of the grass; no cost to the city at all as the Legion will be providing the bricks and the labor. Mr. Hulbert said he represented the histo rical society and the society has an ongoing brick sale and the money they raise from the sale of bricks goes back into the settlement site to repair the buildings, to clean them, and so on. His question was what is the Legion going to do with the money they raise on public property? Mr. Korth responded that the money will probably go to the veterans for their Camp American Legion (donation $500 annually), the Honor Flight (donate $500 a year) and, also, a scholarship fund. He did not see them making a huge amount of money. The money would go to veteran’s affairs or the City of Muskego. Mr. Hulbert questioned at what point do they allow private groups to do fund -raising on public property? He added that money raised by other groups (Lions Club, ski club, baseball clubs) have gone back into the city whereas this money will leave the site. In the city, who are you going to allow to raise funds on public property and those funds will leave the specific site. This initiat ed a conversation on the precedent this would set, if approved, and may necessitate a policy change for the city on how to treat public lands. (Ald.Soltysiak arrived.) Board members, as in the past, will continue to review each request on a case -by-case basis. Mr. Hyde moved that since the American Legion has contributed so much to the property to approve the Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, October 8, 2012, page 2 fund-raiser. Mr. Pearson seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. Terri Boyer/Tom Fredrick—Muskego Warriors Youth Football (football field) Mr. Fredrick, President of Muskego Warriors Youth Football, addressed the Board on the need for green space for the football group. He gave a historical account also on the two groups that have merged into one. They want a space that they can truly call home. Their older group, Grades 6, 7 and 8 play at the high school with practices being done at Bay Lane. The younger group, Grades 1-5, are typically practicing at Jensen, Lions, Mill Valley, Muskego Elementary and Meyer Park in Wind Lake and Meyer is the home field for those games. He wanted to know if there was a place where the group could fit in and use for three months out of a year, August-October. They are willing to invest in the site. They have around 400 participants for football and they also have cheer and dance at the Grade 6 -8 level. He had looked at Bluhm Park as they had some multi-team scrimmages there this year. Board President Whipple inquired if the ir need was immediate or down the road. Mr. Fredrick was looking at immediate not being locked in 100% for the high school field. He presented several scenarios to the Board for potential home field. Director Anderson advised that an area of Kurth Park would be available for practice. He mentioned that there is a planned football field in Park Arthur West but it would not be available for a couple of years. Board members suggested that if they are going to invest in a field, they invest in the one at Park Arthur. After muc h conversation, (Mr.Hyde excused.) Director Anderson will contact the M.A.A.and the soccer club and report back to the Board in the coming months. Mark Moriarty—Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. Year-end Director Anderson summarized the ski team’s use of Idle Isle during 2012. There were only 3 complaints received by the Police Department and they were found in compliance. Mr. Peardon inquired about the relationship they had with Island Ice Cream. Mr. Moriarty said though her business did impact their sales somewhat, they tried to co-exist and be good neighbors. Mr. Bueckers had submitted a letter which will be addressed in March for the 2013 season. At 6:00 p.m., Mr. Hulbert moved, Mr. LeDoux seconded, to temporarily adjourn the Board meeting and move to the public hearing. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL HEARING Board President Whipple read the public hearing notice for consideration of partial land purchase of Lake Access #12 by Mortle. The following spoke: Director Anderson gave a synopsis on what led up to Mr. Mortle’s request to purchase a portion of Lake Access #12. Mr. Mortle gave his presentation on what he proposed to do with the property. Renderings were available for the public to view; one on the current view and one on the proposed improvement. Dave Burns spoke in favor of the request. The lake access doesn’t necessarily affect him. He had confidence that Mr. Mortle’s project would bring beautification to the access like you see on Lake Geneva. He was supportive of anything that would beautify the street and Jim does really good work. John Barnes was against it. He mentioned the width would be a little tiny path to walk down. He stated the access looks fine the way it is. He stated that Jim had told him about 12 years ago that he had received approval from Craig Anderson to beautify the end of the road, to put in some shrubs, some lava rock, and maybe some more green grass. He did not see eye-to-eye on this as it all took place adjacent to the east side of the property. In fact, it widens Jim’s land. He also moved an oak tree. Mr. Barnes had surveys from 1928 and 1972 and he c ontended that the access park should be 44.8’ not 20’ in width. He felt the Board members should take a look. Ald.Glazier questioned the development that would require Mr. Mortle to do it. He could not see the difference in the two views. He would like to see the Parks & Recreation Board clean up the lake access especially the left side for a better way to define the access. He felt the renderings misrepresented the width. He wanted to hear what the neighbors had to say. He Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, October 8, 2012, page 3 was nervous about selling public access to home owners. Donna Ferguson was against it. She would no longer be able to see the lake. It would decrease the property values. There could be many improvements made to the access lot and she would support those. Aesthe tically, she thought it was not a good plan. She could not see how the city trucks could get through. She was surprised that someone would be able to buy public property. She probably goes down to the access every day. She felt they would be boxed out by the smaller path. Dennis Kaminski was opposed to it. He felt the path was too small for even two people carrying something between them down to the lake. It would not be wide enough. Elayne Mass was opposed to it. She never minded the parking of his vehicles. She did not feel they needed to sell the land. She felt the city should clean it up and make it more accessible for everyone. A gentleman asked what happen to the fence on the right side. Dave Burns commented on the road where the road ends and the lake access on down. He stated there was no reduction in size of the lake access down. He thought maybe Mr. Mortle would take some input from the Board on making improvements to make things prettier. Gene Bibis was in favor if the renderings are a true picture of how the lake access would look, then how can they say no to beautifying the area. He felt it would look nicer as well as easier to access. It would certainly look better and improve the property values. Gentleman stated when you look at the picture; it seems the pathway is so much smaller. Could the path be wider? Would he still be able to drive his car down to the access with gas tanks for his boats? Discussion was affirmative. There would be an 11’ pathway going down to the lake. Donna Ferguson reiterated again her comments. Gentleman from Lake Drive commented that it is park all the way to the end of the road. No motorized vehicles are supposed to be driven in the park. The pavement is completely park area and people should be able to play ball in that area. There were two oak trees at the end of the pavement. On a Friday night, Jim cut down a live tree and by Monday morning, it was gone. He had removed the stump and filled the area with dirt. Neighbors called the city and they took out the dead one. During the summer, the pavement was extended 20 feet to the lake taking away the green space. He also extended on the opposite side of the pavement 2 feet making it easier to get the limos out. Down by the lake, he put up a boulder wall about 20 feet into the park; th en he backfilled to match his lot. The city has half of what it is supposed to have for lake access. Gentleman acknowledged that there are many things that are done illegally; buildings and garages built and dumping large pieces of concrete. Mel Schwulst said he had a survey taken and he noticed where the survey stakes were. He felt that Mr. Mortle should provide the city with a copy of the survey. He once owned the adjacent lot and agreed with the new owner that he would maintain the lot. He shared with the Board a copy of the letter he received from Craig Anderson saying he would maintain part of the grass area on the left side. He spent dollars on soil, plants and labor to do the whole side. He added that Jim h ad dumped a whole lot of salt for his business on the pavement which had never been done before and it washed into the lot, killing the plantings and the gentleman felt this was not giving consideration to his neighbors. At 6:53 p.m., Board President Whipple closed the public hearing and the Boar d reconvened into their regular Board Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, October 8, 2012, page 4 meeting. Ald. Soltysiak moved to reconvene the Board meeting. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Partial Land Sale of Lake Access #12 to Mortle Board members discussed further the partial land sale, taking into consideration the comments made during the public hearing. Mr. Hulbert felt the people that use the access had spoken as well as those that don’t need to use the access. There are many residents that pay lake district fees and some of their deeds actually identified this as part of it. He apologized that the Board didn’t take better care of the accesses due to lack of manpower and dollars. There are a lot of other issues of things going on with the possibility of a survey being done. He stated the whole issue needs to be brought back into compliance before the Board could move forward with the request. Mr. LeDoux stated it was a good thing that someone wanted to beautify the property; however, he had an issue if th ere was encroachment on city property so a survey is needful. He would like to know when the road end was dedicated to the department. Mrs. Koble’s concern was there were a lot of loose ends to clear up as well as the need to have a survey done. Mr. Peardon felt as Ald. Glazier that the access/property lacked definition and this is an opportunity to provide that definition. He did not know if the renderings di d it justice as to the width of the path, but he understood the concerns of not being able to see t he lake. He felt there may be things that could be done to the left side to make the access better. He was in agreement with the o ther members that it needs to conform and do a survey. Mr. Mortle may have taken the liberty of doing some things that he should not have and those need to be addressed. He was not opposed to the concept as it would add a lot to the access. Mr. Hulbert moved to defer the item. Ald. Soltysiak seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: Little Muskego Yacht Club Letter re: Idle Isle Lift Crane Director Anderson shared the letter from the Little Muskego Yacht Club that they had no formal record of ownership and would not object to its removal. In that regard, the lift was taken down last Friday. NEW BUSINESS: Concessions at Idle Isle Review On Tuesday, September 13, Director Anderson was notified that Kristin Formolo was closing the ice cream shop indefinitely due to the repeated vandalism. He said that she still has equipment in the building which was recently unplugged. She was trying to sell the equipment. He had advised her to keep him posted; however, he would like it out by November 1. The water is scheduled to be shut off within the next two weeks. He informed the Board that he had two partie s inquire about doing the concessions for next year; therefore, he asked the Board if they wanted him to move forward with the preparation of an RFP (Request for Proposal). It was the consensus of the Board and they directed him to prepare the RFP. This will be an agenda item for November. Snow Removal Priority List The snow removal list was presented by Director Anderson. He noted the following updates to the list:  #4 Park Arthur roadway and parking lots were added.  #6 Big Muskego Lake Access at Durham including overflow lot and Boxhorn launch. The Boxhorn launch was added because the city now owns it.  #12 Trail Sections, the walkways that are currently done. He provided a list of the additional new trails that the Board may want to consider indicating the additional miles involved. He advised the Board that with the Janesville project, they now have planters that come right up to the path. The department needed to purchase markers to stay clear of the planters. Mr. Hulbert was not in favor of expanding t he trails to be cleaned. He felt the businesses will take care of them as it enhances their business. He would like to do the Moorland area as it is used by many and benefits many citizens. Mr. Peardon moved to approve the list. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, October 8, 2012, page 5 Present Intern’s Major Project Donovan Winter presented his intern project, providing an outline for the Board. He will be doing a feasibility study on the possibility of installing a spray ground or splash park within the Muskego community. The study will involve past and current aquatics programming, possible park locations, cost and a survey to ascertain the public need or demand. The project is scheduled to be completed and presented to the Board at their December/January meeting. ALDERMAN’S REPORT Ald. Soltysiak announced the Council is still working on the budget. They straw pole approved $5,000 addition to the parks operational budget for increased park maintenance. Also, approved the Idle Isle improvements from the capital budget. The hearing on the budget is scheduled for October 22. STATUS OF PROJECTS: Park Arthur The 90’ ball field is probably 50 percent done. Pictures are being taken as the development progresses. They set the stake for home plate yesterday. They should get the trail up to the sledding hill done. Payne & Dolan will start paving on Monday and 75% should be done before the end of the year and, also, fencing will be done before the end of the year. The Warriors are purchasing the fencing and the department will be hiring a contractor for installation. The archery stands will be done within the next week. The signage will be arriving shortly for installation. F&W has agreed to mow the sledding hill, north face, for free this year as he wants to find out what it will be like for next year. There is going to be enough space for the equestrian trail to go around the retention pond. He will be contacting Bob of 4Js to set up an appointment to meet at the park sometime within the next few weeks. Next year, possibly looking at them to help install the trail. The stables will be responsible for maintaining the trails. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Recreation Staff is working on the Winter/Spring Activities Guide. Articles are due October 15. No Snow Removed from Trail Sign Costs Staff assessed the number of signs, looking at where people get on to the trail, needed for signing the additional trail segments. The cost estimate to put the signs up is $6200 and not budgeted. There may be a request to the Finan ce Committee to cover it. It will be done out of the operating budget but that GL will go over. It is needful that the signs go up as soon as possible. Board members discussed using less signage to cut cost. Ald. Soltysiak suggested putting a notice in the utility bills, an ad in the paper, web page, activities guide. Mr. Hulbert asked if they could put up less signage, cutting the cost in half, if that was doable. Director Anderson said it would be real close. It’s important to put signage up to communicate to the users. It was the consensus of the Board members to put up the minimum signs. OTHER BUSINESS A. Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission None ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 7:55 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Peardon. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. pc: Board Members, Craig Anderson; email: Peter Theis, Tammy Dunn; posted: www.cityofmuskego.org