PRB071398minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF MUSKEGO - CORRECTED 8/10/98
Monday, July 13, 1998
The Monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of Muskego, was called to order at
6:00 p.m., by Acting Chairperson Howard Schneider
PRESENT: Craig Anderson (Parks and Recreation Director), Alderman Pat Patterson, Debbie
Carlson, Toby Whipple and those per the attached list. Richard Manchester, Ron Stephens and
Jerald Hulbert were excused.
The meeting notice was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on July 9, 1998.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Ald. Patterson moved to approve minutes of the June 8, 1998
meeting as submitted. Seconded by Toby Whipple. Carried by all.
COMMUNICATIONS
PERSONAL APPEARANCES: - Denise/David Spencer - Dock Improvements for Public Lake
Access #10 - Due to conflicts with employment, David Spencer was unable to attend the meeting.
Denise Spencer, on behalf of several residents who use the lake access spoke on behalf of the
group. Craig Anderson sent a letter to the residents earlier this year indicating that the citizens
should halt the further expansion/improvement of the pier until this Board was able to discuss the
issue. The pier that was previously on the site was removed and replaced by the City with a smaller
pier (3 feet wide by 7 feet long). According to the residents, the pier is much too short (water level at
the end of the pier is approximately 6 inches) to property properly dock a boat. The pier suffered
some vandalism earlier this year with fire damaging the pier and making it unsafe for the number of
individuals who utilize the pier. The residents pooled their resources in 1997 and replaced much of
th
the pier with 3, 8 foot sections, with a 4 “L” portion of the pier yet to be installed. Due to liability of
the pier, which was installed on City property residing with the citizens, Craig Anderson has
suggested, at the recommendation of City legal counsel in 1986 (residents donated the original pier
on that particular lack access), that the residents “donate” the pier to the City, therefore placing all
liability with the City. The residents indicated that over $1,000 has been spent on replacing the pier
and the residents wish to maintain the pier and handle the installation, removal and storage of the
pier. Debbie Carlson moved to accept the donation of the pier, located at Public Lake Access
#10 to the City with the understanding that said pier is the property of the City of Muskego,
with the understanding that the residents will maintain, remove and install the pier, contingent
upon the residents contacting the Parks and Recreation Department to inspect the pier prior
to installation and before use, with the City removing the damaged section of the pier.
Seconded by Ald. Patterson. Carried by all. Ald. Patterson questioned if other piers, located
within the City are in similar states of disrepair? Peter Theis and Craig Anderson will be making site
visits to assess situation.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Idle Isle Park - Request to erect a tent - Letter was received on June 23, 1998 from Steve Donovan,
Quad Graphics requesting park usage on July 20, 1998. The event will be from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00
p.m., with live music from 4:00-8:00 p.m. The Committee had several questions regarding the
request including, the number of individuals participating, tent request/placement, parking
accommodations, clean-up and power requirements needed. Due to the time between the event
and the request for approval, Ald. Patterson moved to approve use of Idle Isle Park contingent
up upon power requirements and parking overflow plan being discussed with Craig Anderson
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - July 13, 1998
Page 2
and tent request clarification made. Parking only in paved spaces available, excluding trailer
stalls. Speaker placement shall be towards the lake and all costs associated with portable
toilets (cleaning/pumping) to be incurred by the group. Clean-up of the site shall be the
responsibility of Quad Graphics and will be done to the satisfaction of the Parks and
Recreation Department or will be charged accordingly for additional clean-up necessary. All
relevant permits shall be properly secured for this event. Seconded by Toby Whipple. Carried
by all.
Accident Report - On June 28, 1998 at 3:15 p.m. EMS was called to Idle Isle regarding an individual
who fainted. The individual refused EMS care. Craig reports that the procedure for this type of
situation was followed to the letter. However, due to the use of a whistle to call for help (having to
be blown twice in order for it to be heard over the noise at the park), a bull horn has now been
employed and can be heard over the noise.
Idle Isle Boat Mishap - Craig Anderson received a letter from a resident requesting reimbursement
for damage on his boat, allegedly caused by the Waterbugs Ski Team. The resident only tied his
boat by the bow eye to the steel launch pier. Due to the amount of wake caused by the ski team,
the resident claims that his boat slammed into the pier, causing damage to the boat structure as well
as the paint. Craig Anderson requested written reports from both parties involved. The Police
Department was sent to inspect the damage at the residents home, no official report was filed.
Doug Aird has been given the cost of the damage and will possibly forward reimbursement request
to their insurer. Ald. Patterson moved to deny negligence on the part of the City regarding the
6/20/98 incident at Idle Isle. The Board concurs that the negligence appears to reside with the
boat owners failing to secure his boat at both ends. Seconded by Toby Whipple. Carried by
all.
Police Department Incident Reports - No formal report submitted due to no incidents. Craig
Anderson reports that today an individual was caught at Idle Isle doing graffiti.
OLD BUSINESS
Easement Widths (bike path standards) - Craig Anderson provided additional data regarding the
industry standards used by Milwaukee County for minimum specification for off-road trails. Craig
has recommended an 11 foot wide easement with 3 inches of pavement to accommodate vehicle
traffic. The costs incurred with increasing the width and the amount of pavement was discussed by
the Board. Toby Whipple moves to recommend to Plan Commission an 11 foot wide easement
with 2 inch thick bituminous concrete based course pavement. Seconded by Ald. Patterson.
Carried by all.
Horn Field Improvements (scoreboard, fence, field) - Scoreboard: Craig reports that Coca Cola has
yet to respond to this Board’s request that the vending machine placement exclude City Hall. Ald.
Patterson moved to defer this item until next months meeting. Seconded by Debbie Carlson.
Carried by all. The Board requests that the contract also stipulate that the 24 hour/7 day a week
service availability verbiage be expanded to include “at no charge”.
Fence: 2 quotes were received for the job. Century Fence and J&R Fence submitted bids in the
amount of $2,175.00 and $2,716.00 respectively. Craig reports that there is no money in the budget
for the fence installation this year. Toby Whipple moved to approve the bid from Century Fence,
contingent upon the $2,175.00 quote be guaranteed until next year, when the project will be
performed. Seconded by Debbie Carlson. Carried by all.
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - July 13, 1998
Page 3
Field: Craig and Peter Theis will be meeting with a turf consultant regarding maintenance of this
highly used field. The consultant will be providing his thoughts and a proposal at no cost to the city.
Park Dedication Carry-overs - Due to the full Board not being present at this meeting and Kurth Park
expansion possibly costing more than previously budgeted, Ald. Patterson moved to defer until
next months meeting. Seconded by Toby Whipple.
Power Loading - Craig Anderson reports that the DNR was contacted regarding this issue. Adding
additional rock at the launches will take approximately 6 months to gain approval. Signage may be
added to stipulate that “No Power Loading” is allowed, however, enforcement of such a rule
(Ordinance?) will need to be determined. Toby Whippe moved to defer until next months
meeting. Seconded by Debbie Carlson. Carried by all.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
RECREATION
Summary of Five Neighborhood Meetings - Craig shared a portion of the 2001 Comprehensive Plan
Committee Five Neighborhood Meeting input. The residents directed the majority of their input
towards the “Parks” area. Craig suggests a “working” meeting to plan a strategy and answer
questions posed by the residents. Toby Whipple would like to see this Board more proactive in the
procuring of green space when it becomes available for the future development of park/recreation
areas. Ald. Patterson suggest that a detailed plan be developed and presented to Council or he can
represent this Board at a future Committee of the Whole Meeting and obtain input from that group
for this Board. Craig would like a needs assessment developed and conducted to determine how,
what and where residents would like future park/recreation areas located as well as the elements
contained at each site (baseball diamonds, soccer fields, community pool, or green space).
Visa/Master Card Information - Craig explained that a 2.4-2.61% fee would be paid to Elan for the
special service of allowing Parks and Recreation participants the ability to charge their classes. The
Board questioned the ability of the P/R Department to charge a “service fee” to those utilizing the
credit card option and charging a small fee to compensate for the service charge imposed by Elan.
Craig will explore. The card swipe machine will cost $650.00 and will require a dedicated line.
Ameritech will be providing a cost estimate for that line as soon as it is known. Craig will also be
discussing the on-line registration option with Joe Sommers and will be working out the process.
Budget Set-up - To enhance the reporting of revenue vs. costs, Craig will be setting up a detailed
budget with each specific area, i.e., aquatics specified and how each area is doing compared to
budget for the upcoming 1999 budget cycle.
Regency Programming - Craig and Irene visited the Regency senior home to propose some joint
activities. The Regency was in favor of this suggestion and will be hosting several seminars there.
These programs will be open to all residents, not just Regency occupants.
PARKS
Budget Set-up - Craig reports that salaries will continue to be broken out, however he is suggesting
that a less detailed approach to tracking salaries be employed. He will create line items that will
describe tasks performed i.e., “mowing”. He feels that this approach will provide the same level of
information. Justification for the replacement of equipment will be changed to include photos of the
equipment needing replacement and a comparison of industry standards on longevity of such
equipment within other communities for Finance Committee review.
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - July 13, 1998
Page 4
BMX Bike Trail - A BMX bike trail was discovered. To deter the bikers, poles and a snow fence was
installed. In one day, the fence was cut down and the poles removed. Steel ties were installed and
were subsequently removed in two days. Finally, loads of fill and boulders were placed at each of
the 4 entrances to the created trail. As of today, the fill and boulders remain in place.
Voice Mail - Craig reports that the Departments voice mail has been enhanced to include 4
“compartments” with data respective to those areas (baseball field conditions, aquatics, etc.).
NEW BUSINESS
Alliance Publications Contract - Parks and Recreation Department employed Alliance Publications to
solicit and invoice advertising/sponsoring space on the Parks and Recreation brochures. The
Department has received $2,950 from the sale of advertising space. This revenue helps to defray
the cost of the brochures. Toby Whipple moved to approve the agreement between the Parks
and Recreation Department and Alliance Publications for one year. Seconded by Debbie
Carlson. Carried by all.
OTHER BUSINESS
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Idle Isle Dock Bumpers - Craig has received a written request to install dock bumpers at Idle Isle.
Approximately a total of 90 feet of product will have to be installed to complete both docks at Idle
Isle. A volume discount was discussed due to the amount of product the City is ordering. Craig will
explore. Ald. Patterson moved to approve the purchase of dock bumpers, contingent upon
funds coming from current budget revenue available. Seconded by Debbie Carlson. Carried
by all.
Park Arthur (lease) - The yearly renewal of this lease was signed by Karl Thiesenhusen reported
Craig.
Kurth Park - Architectural Firm - Ald. Patterson reported that the Council will be voting on the
recommendation to accept the bid from and change the architectural firm to Toki & Associates for
the Kurth Park project.
Park Naming Parameters -Toby Whipple reports that it is difficult scheduling athletic events at
“Parkland Plaza Park” since the park has no formal name. He would like to see the procedure for
the naming of parks determined quickly. This issue was to be addressed by the Council nearly a
year ago. Please place this item on next months agenda.
ADJOURNMENT - Being no further business to discuss Toby Whipple moved to adjourn the
meeting at 8:30 p.m. Seconded by Ald. Patterson. Carried by all.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Gulgowski
Recording Secretary