PRB121498minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF MUSKEGO
Monday, December 14, 1998
The Monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of Muskego, was called to order at
6:07 p.m., by Chairperson Jerald Hulbert
PRESENT: Craig Anderson (Parks and Recreation Director), Toby Whipple, Howard Schneider and
Rich Manchester. Debbie Carlson, Ron Stephens and Ald. Pat Patterson were excused.
The meeting notice was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Howard Schneider moved to approve minutes of the November 9,
1998 meeting with the appropriate typographical corrections. Seconded by Toby Whipple.
Carried by all.
COMMUNICATIONS
PERSONAL APPEARANCES
Tom Zagar - Idle Isle Erosion Problem - Tom was present to discuss the Idle Isle erosion problem.
Approximately 200 feet between the beach and the fishing pier have eroded away. Plantings of
willow have been unsuccessful in halting the erosion. In lieu of large pieces of limestone being
placed in the area, Tom provided a plan which would consist of the placement of fieldstone 5-8
inches in diameter and the installation of geotextile fabric. Craig Anderson also indicated that a “T”
dock could be installed at a large cost to the City ($11,000 approx.). The Board discussed the merits
of using smaller material so boats would not sustain damage. Howard Schneider is concerned about
the size of the stone being used and the potential for complaints. Mr. Dave Taube was present in
the audience and gave some history of the creation of Idle Isle to the Board. He suggested the
installation of a 24 inch high “wall” that would stop further erosion. Tom Zagar indicated that the
DNR would not give approval to the installation of a wall type structure. Mr. Heinz Rehfeldt
suggested that a smaller area be protected first and a 1 year trial of the success/failure of the
remedy. The Board is concerned about the urgency of the problem and indicated that in a few
years, there may not be any Idle Isle to protect if a solution is not immediately put in place. Rich
Manchester moved to approve the conceptual plan of the erosion control at Idle Isle.
Seconded by Toby Whipple for discussion only. Howard Schneider would like to see several
different cross sections with the various materials used. Tom Zagar will talk with the author of “The
Lake Management Plan” ( Dr. Thornton) to find a mutually viable solution. Mr. Taube requests that
the Lake District be solicited for suggestions since it is in fact a lake issue. Members of the Board
questioned Mr. Taube that if the Lake District mandates what is to occur on this City owned property,
would the Lake District be sharing in the expense of the project? Howard Schneider moved to
defer the motion to approve the plan until next months meeting for further research and
consultation. Seconded by Toby Whipple. Vote 3-1 (Manchester cast No vote). Motion
carried. Rich reminded the Board and those in attendance that the money available in the budget is
for “erosion control” not pier installation.
Bruce Jacomet - Dog Problems on Muskego Recreation Trail - Mr. Jacomet reports that a number of
dogs are on the path near his home on Pamela Court without proper restraint or control by the
owner. His dogs are confined to his property by means of an “invisible fence”. Mr. Jacomet is afraid
that a non-leashed dog will engage his dogs. He is requesting a leash ordinance be adopted. Craig
Anderson reports that Ordinance #630 adopted June 15, 1995 does exist and that dogs are required
by City ordinance to be under the control of the owner and on a leash in park areas. The Board
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - December 14, 1998
Page 2
believes that the residents of Muskego may need to be reminded about the ordinance and an article
will be placed in the local press to re-educate pet owners in the area. Additionally additional signage
and Police education on the ordinance will occur. Board suggested that copies of the ordinance be
given when a person pays their tax bill and when a dog license is purchased at City Hall.
Heinz Rehfeldt - Muskego Icetronaut Snowmobile Club’s Use of Lake Access #17 - Mr. Rehfeldt was
present on behalf of the snowmobile club to request use of lake access #17. This is similar to past
years requests. The Board questioned the installation of the erosion control material and whether or
not it was completed. The club members reported that the material has been installed. Howard
Schneider moved to approve the use of lake access #17 for the Icetronaut Snowmobile Club,
contingent upon Parks and Recreation Director approval of erosion control material
installation and appropriate restoration of site (if necessary) in the spring. Seconded by Toby
Whipple. Vote 3-0-1, with Rich Manchester abstaining. Motion carried. Discussion by Board on
the type of motorized vehicles are permitted on these type of park areas.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Police Department Incident Reports - Craig Anderson reported that 3 incidents have occurred. On
11/21 at Idle Isle graffiti was found (the same word that was found last month also at Lions Park and
Denoon Park were again at Idle Isle) and a garbage can was set on fire. Photos of the graffiti were
taken by the police and the area was repainted. At Denoon Park a large pile of broken glass was
found and cleaned up. The Board questioned Craig about a past request by the City to seek
restitution to turf damage that was done at Denoon Park. According to Craig, several requests have
been made to seek justification for the cost estimates provided to the perpetrator. According to the
police, no restitution has been made to-date.
OLD BUSINESS
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
RECREATION
Muskego/Norway School District Facility Agreement - Craig reported that the agreement that was
presented to the City for adoption has been sent back. George Haines (Norway School District)
informed Craig that the agreement was not the final form. The new agreement will be for 3 years
and will include the costs of the pool into the agreement. The new agreement will be drawn up by
Mr. Haines. The priority of the City with respect to the facilities, needs to be clarified within the
agreement.
Recreation Supervisor - Craig reports that he currently has 3 candidates for this 25 hour a week
position. Interviews are currently underway and he estimates that the position will be filled in mid-
January. This person will be reporting directly to the Parks and Recreation Director.
Winter/Spring Brochure - Craig has received many compliments on the recent brochure. The pre-
school programs were very well received and some of the programs at Country Dale School are filled
(non-resident registration has not yet begun). Parkland Plaza naming contest was also included in
this brochure. No entries have been received at this time.
Kiwanis Presentation - Craig gave a presentation to the Kiwanis Club on December 9, 1998. The
group was impressed with the programs and plans for the Parks and Recreation Department. They
have asked Craig to appear on an annual basis and would like to pursue cooperative opportunities
and monetary support for the Department.
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Summer Evaluations - Craig provided several written reports that gave the Board the participants
opinions for the Summer Recreation Department offerings. All of the evaluations were very positive.
Craig will, in the future, provide to the Board a chronological report in order to give baseline
measures of satisfaction with the program participants. The Board indicated that they appreciate the
feedback and are extremely happy to see concrete data to support or refute trends.
Publications Concepts of America (Brochure Ads) - Craig was approached by a person from
Publications Concepts of America. The brochures currently bring in approximately $3,000 for the 2
half page ads sold. The individual from Publications Concepts could increase the City’s cut in the
profit to 60%. The Board directs Craig to secure proposals from both ad service providers.
PARKS
Boat Launches Permitted (DNR) - Craig indicated that all of the lake boat launches in Muskego have
now received permits from the DNR. This will allow his department to do minor restoration for the
launches. The permits are good through 2003. Additionally Chairman Hulbert was approached by a
Lake District individual who mentioned that area marine dealers are using the launches without
paying the launch fees. Discussion by the Board on the need for a revised category of “commercial”
passes. Please place Commercial Boat Launching on next months meeting agenda.
Victim Restitution (Lions Park Graffiti) - Craig has received a letter from Waukesha County Juvenile
Court regarding an incident at Lions Park on October 2, 1998. Craig has been requested to provide
a list of the cost of supplies and labor for the repairs.
Bike/Pedestrian Trail - Franklin Update - Regarding the extension of the bike path on Highway 36,
Craig has spoken with the individual at the City of Franklin responsible. Craig reports that this
project will not be implemented by Franklin for 1-2 years.
Horn Field and Lions Park Work - Field renovation at Horn has been completed. Craig reports that it
looks terrific. The scoreboard contract is in the mail. At Lions Park, all of the facia board has been
removed and repaired. Vents have been installed per Christopher Zoppa’s direction and Pinky
Electric has been contracted to wire the motion light detectors. 2 coats of paint were needed on the
building due to a lighter color being used.
NEW BUSINESS
Zebra Mussels Signage at Boat Launches (Tom Zagar) - Tom has found that no signs are posted at
the various boat launches throughout the City alerting boaters on the Zebra Mussel problem. The
DNR makes signs available for posting. Tom will have samples available for next months meeting.
Lannon Bike Path Aesthetics - At last months meeting options to improve the look of the Lannon
bike path were discussed. Craig and Peter Theis visited the site and found that grass planted on the
shoulder will die due to the amount of parked cars on it. Curbing could be an option. Please place
on next months agenda.
Improvements to Horn and Bluhm Parks - Proposals were provided for fence and bench work at both
Horn field and Bluhm Farm Park. The cost of extending the fence and the installation of new
benches, the total cost would be $5,720 ($1,200 exist in the Park Dedication Account for this portion
of the project.). Bluhm Farm Park would include the complete renovation of the backstop, both
dugouts and the sideline fencing as well as new benches. The cost would be $5,420 ($1,000 exist
in the Park Dedication Account for this portion of the project.). The extension of the fence at Horn
Park is the priority and Craig is asking that the $2,200 be directed towards the completion/extension
of that fence. Toby Whipple moved to use the $2,200 in Park Dedication Account to
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Page 4
complete/extend the fencing on the south side of Horn Field. Seconded by Howard Schneider.
Carried by all.
Muskego Historical Society Annual Report - The Historical Society provided a copy of their Annual
Report to this Board for their review and approval. The report is attached. Rich Manchester moved
to accept the annual report for the Muskego Historical Society 1997-1998. Seconded by
Howard Schneider. Carried by all. The Board requests that this document be forwarded to the
Finance Committee for review.
No Overnight Parking - Parkland Plaza Lot - Chairman Hulbert placed this item on the agenda for
discussion. After Craig approached Police Chief Johnson to discuss the signage on the lot, it was
found that citations could be written for individuals found parked in the lot after 10:00 P.M. One
evening, a squad was dispatched to the lot and found that no cars were illegally parked.
Master Plan Amendment (Muskego Recreation Trail) - Chairman Hulbert placed this item on the
agenda for discussion and consideration. With the City/County contemplating the expansion/
enlarging of the City’s two major roadways (Janesville Road/Racine Avenue), it is time for the Board
to consider the amending of the current Master Plan to accommodate any potential changes in the
current plan and making enhancements/additions to proposed trails for future developments. The
Board directs Craig Anderson to provide a map with the current/proposed paths locations as set in
the current Master Plan for next moths meeting. Craig will also provide copies of the current Parks
Master Plan.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission - The plans for Avian Estates was provided to the Board
for their review. No problems were found with the plan as presented.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Chairman Hulbert brought to the attention of the Board of another subdivision on Durham where a
portion of the area is identified as “Dedicated to the City”. Chairman Hulbert will report to the Board
the outcome of this subdivision after the December 15, 1998 Plan Commission meeting.
Additionally, the Leisure Park Plan has the temporary name “Peoples Park” placed on the plans
which Terra Firma has drawn up. This Board requests that the name Peoples Park be stricken from
subsequent plans submitted. According to Chairman Hulbert, Terra Firma has moved the
playground per the direction of this Board, but has yet to provide options to the boardwalk, which this
Board was strongly not in favor of. Craig Anderson to forward copies of the paragraph which pertain
to these areas of concern in last months meeting minutes to the appropriate individuals on the Plan
Commission.
ADJOURNMENT - Being no further business to discuss Rich Manchester moved to adjourn the
meeting at 8:25 p.m. Seconded by Toby Whipple. Carried by all.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Gulgowski
Recording Secretary