PRB061499minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF MUSKEGO
Monday, June 14, 1999
Approved, As Amended 7/12/99
The monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of Muskego, was called to order at 6:05
p.m., by Chairperson Jerald Hulbert
PRESENT: Howard Schneider, Ron Stephens, Ald. LeDoux, Craig Anderson (Parks and Recreation
Director), and those per the attached sheet. Debbie Carlson, Rich Manchester and Toby Whipple were
absent.
The meeting notice was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on June 10, 1999.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Ron Stephens moved to approve minutes of the May 10, 1999
meeting. Seconded by Howard Schneider. Carried by all.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES
Pedestrian Paths - Bill Carity - Mr. Carity along with his engineer of the development between Woods
Road and Janesville Road were present to discuss the location of the requested pedestrian path along
the development. Mr. Carity questioned what the requirements of the path were. Chairman Hulbert
stated that the City has determined that connecting parts of the City, especially along the stream that
runs through this development be enhanced with a pedestrian path. Craig iterated to the group that
this effort is in response to the Comprehensive Plan where the residents gave a high priority to these
type of paths. Due to Carity not owning the total land for the pedestrian path, they would essentially
place a path “to nowhere”. The Board indicated that this would not be the case with the land
surrounding the development being, in the near future also developed and the path would be
connected. The detention pond layout was explained by Mr. Carity. By using the topography of the
berms that will surround the portion of the detention ponds, a 10 foot wide path could be created and
an easement could be granted by Carity to the City. The permitting process to make this possible
(construction of the path) would not be performed by the City. Running the path along the front of the
properties was also briefly considered an option. Utilization of the sewer easement between the homes
could provide access to the path. The developers were not in favor of this option. The Board and the
Carity representatives created a viable solution to all parties. The developer will provide revised
drawings to detail the proposed path and location of the path. The Board agreed to the proposal by
consensus. Ron Stephens moved to agree to the 10 foot easement for the proposed pedestrian
path from the south side of the creek bed to the first stub street (lot #76). Seconded by Ald.
LeDoux. Carried by all.
Community Festival Committee - Ald. Chiaverotti - Ald. Chiaverotti provided a draft drawing of the
entrance sign to the newly named Veteran’s Memorial Park as well as the lighting fixtures and color
samples of the painted surface of the lights. Ald. LeDoux questioned Ald. Chiaverotti on the starting
point of the parade this year if it was not to be the Parkland Mall location. Ald. Chiaverotti stated that
no starting point has been established (the Festival Committee will meet tomorrow).
Woods Road - Lauren Reusch Property/Wayne Salentine - Mr. Salentine and Mr. Bertic were present to
discuss the property they are currently considering developing. Both individuals have gone to the most
recent Comprehensive Plan Committee meeting to discuss their plans and how these plans fit into the
Comp Plan. The Comp Plan Committee suggested that the development be side-by-side units rather
than single-family dwellings. A portion of the property abuts park land. Peter Theis and Craig
Anderson performed a site visit and determined that at this time the area is not suitable for athletic
fields, but a passive park area (green space) would be great for this site. Access to the land was
Minutes, Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - June 14, 1999 Page 2
discussed and an easement exists on Woodcrest where access could be gained. The Board would like
to see access off of Woods Road along the western property line with a 30 foot easement. The Board
would entertain the idea of donation of the land in lieu of Park Dedication fees (approximately $7,200).
11-12 acres would be acquired by the City within the 20 total acre parcel. Ron Stephens moved to
recommend the acquisition of the parcel in question with access to the land via a Deed
Restriction from Woods Road in lieu of Park Dedication Fees. Seconded by Howard Schneider.
Carried by all. The Board requests that a representative from Public Works along with Peter and Craig
perform an additional site visit to the area.
Recognize Betty Czarapta - Ald. Chiaverotti requested that this Board recognize Ms. Czarapta. Betty
provided several examples of invasive weeds that she has spotted in and around Muskego. Garlic
Mustard being her primary target. Ms. Czarapta applauds the support she has received from this Board
as well as the City as a whole. She is looking for direction from the Board on how she can promote
invasive weed control and education of the public. The Garlic Mustard that she has found, especially in
the Horn Park area has been difficult to control. Several patches of the weed are on private property,
with the property owners less than enthusiastic to assist in the control of the spread of the weed. She
indicated that the Village of Greendale is looking into obtaining grant money to hire a part-time
seasonal employee who would assist in the controlling of invasive weeds. Ald. Chiaverotti suggested
that a letter to the residents in the Horn Park area be alerted to this issue by this Board. The
development of a “Friends of the Parks” volunteer group could be established. The Board suggested
the use of the cable channel to run a video that the Cable Club could assist in creating. An “Outdoor
Wisconsin” segment on tape could be provided at the Library and the Parks and Recreation
Department can include articles about this issue in upcoming brochures and newsletters. Parks and
Recreation will work to help in the control of the weeds in the areas owned by the City. Betty will work
with Craig to determine other areas that are park land to survey the extent and type of infestations.
Betty indicated that May is the optimal month for the control of Garlic Mustard. The Urban Forestry
Committee has received grant money and is currently in the process of conducting an inventory of plant
material and they will be furnishing data on the presence of Garlic Mustard. The Board will consider the
hiring of employees for the sole purpose of weed control on a part-time, seasonal basis during the next
budget cycle.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Police Department Incident Reports - Craig Anderson reported that on June 5, 1999 Idle Isle was hit
with graffiti on all sides of the building including the port-a johns. The building had to be completely
repainted. The Board questioned how much this type of damage is costing. Craig stated that the paint
is approximately $20.00 per gallon and the employee time ranges from $7-15.00 per hour. Kurth Park
had picnic tables with graffiti. They were repainted. At Denoon Park the road near the tennis courts
was extensively damaged due to the use of heavy trucking. The contractor is being contacted for
restitution.
OLD BUSINESS
Park Hours - At the June 8, 1999 Common Council meeting, the Ordinance amendment was adopted to
change the closing hours of all parks to 10:00 p.m. and to add “and except for the purpose of using the
boat launch to launch or remove a water craft”.
Veteran’s Memorial Park - The name change was approved.
Kurth Park Fencing - Craig provided a diagram with the fencing option preferences voiced by the
citizens along Kurth Park. Only one resident failed to respond. The Northern and Central sections are
all in favor of a “natural” fence line as long as the plantings are dense. The two resident nearest the
ball diamond have requested 6 foot chain-link fence. The Board agrees with their request.
Approximately $100,000 is available for the project, not including any cash awards from the landfill.
Craig requests that the Board provide a priority schedule for the redevelopment of this park. Ald.
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LeDoux moved to proceed first with the installation of the natural fencing from the Northern to
the Central section of the park. Second, the creation of level surfaces by grading for the Central
section. Seconded by Ron Stephens. Carried by all.
Linnie Lac Dam - New Berlin is looking to finalize the agreement. Included is an access drive with
volume and cubic yards of the fill. The quality of the fill is yet to be determined. Chairman Hulbert
requests that if good quality spoils exist from Linnie Lac, to consider using them for Kurth Park.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
RECREATION
Teacher Letter - Craig reported that a letter went out to teachers in the area requesting those that may
be interested in teaching a course this summer contact his office. This mailing will occur two times per
year.
Registration - Craig reports that registration has been great with very few class cancellations. The
credit card fee payment has also been a great success with over 100 residents utilizing the service.
PARKS
Zebra Mussel Signage - Tom Zagar has used a sample sign from Minnesota and has made minor
changes to the wording and has printed the card on bright pink laminated card stock. All signs have
been posted at the various boat launch sites.
Lion’s Park Drainage Problems - A letter was sent to Craig from Mr. Lyle Johnson regarding a drainage
problem. Public Works will clean out the ditch that appears to be causing the problem.
Hometown Leadership Award - A grant application for Veteran’s Memorial Park has been submitted by
Craig. The maximum amount of award is $10,000. He’s anticipating a $1,000 grant.
Horn Park Monument - Ald. LeDoux questioned at last months meeting the location of the monument at
Horn Park. With the renamed Veteran’s Memorial Park, he wondered if the monument should be
moved and what the history of the monument was. Chairman Hulbert, speaking with relatives of the
Horn family, indicated that the monument was erected for veteran’s of World War II where the family
lost two cousins. The family would like the monument to stay at Horn Park. Craig also questioned the
Board about the two flag poles at Horn Park and wondered if lighting could be installed to illuminate an
American Flag or a State flag. Without lighting, the Board was unsure if the State flag could be flown at
all times. The Board did indicate that at one time, a “Horn Field” flag had flown over the area. The
Board suggested to Craig that he should investigate the location of the flag or to secure a donor for a
replacement.
Luther Parker Cemetery - Richard Barloga was present to discuss the cemetery and the native species
of prairie plants that are within the cemetery. Keeping the prairie maintained has been his hobby for
quite some time. Some confusion with the renovation of the cemetery with respect to the mowing of the
area was questioned. Craig indicated that the only mowing that was to be considered was a single
path to the cemetery to make access easier to those wishing to view the cemetery. Mr. Barloga was
not in favor of any type of mowing operation due to the large number of native species growing in
abundance in the area. Currently there are 65 native species. In the past, 2 million acres of prairie
were in Wisconsin, now, 2,000 acres remain scattered around Wisconsin. This represents a 99.9%
decline in the amount of prairie in the State. The Board suggested that there are several areas around
Muskego that may favor a reintroduction of native species, especially the Denoon Park area. Mr.
Barloga will provide to this Board his inventory of the plant varieties found at this unique site.
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Access #14 (Schubring Drive) - Ald. Pionek and Craig performed a site visit to the lake access #14. 50
feet is what is supposed to be available. The pole was measured at 44 feet. At some point, the pole
was moved. The City will be writing a letter to the property owner to have the poles returned to the
original 50 foot mark. A split-rail fence may be installed to retain the space.
P.E.C.F.A. Funds (Tank Closure) - Craig reports that the tank closure due to lack of water pressure will
cost approximately $62,000. This will be reimbursed by the Federal Government, but a two-year time
frame is expected before the money is paid back.
NEW BUSINESS
Slow-no-wake Ordinance Change - Ordinance 20.02(3) was changed to “No person may operate a
motorboat within 150 feet of any dock, pier or buoyed restricted area at a speed in excess of slow-no-
wake”. Stickers and decals with the change in verbiage are being printed to replace the old wording.
Ald. LeDoux quested the rationale regarding the hours of the slow-no-wake in the evening. The Board
was unsure as to the reasoning to setting a specific time rather than “dusk”. Ald. LeDoux contends that
during the summer, there is sufficient light for safe boating up to a full half hour after the slow-no-wake
rule. Ald. LeDoux will be checking with the Police Department and the Public Services Committee for
the reasoning.
Fishing Pier - During last winter, the pier on Little Muskego Lake seized up. Aqua Doc has provided a
quote to repair/replace the pier at a cost of $5,910.00. Since Craig has no funds in his budget for this
project, he is requesting that the Finance Committee fund the project from the Contingency Fund.
Howard Schneider moved to recommend to Finance Committee the approval of the repair of the
fishing pier on Little Muskego Lake at a cost of $5,910.00. Monies to come from Contingency
Fund. Seconded by Ron Stephens. Carried by all.
Parks Building City Water Hook-up - The current well does not supply sufficient water pressure to the
Parks Department building. Allen Pump Services estimated the cost of the project to be $10,000. After
bids were received and opened (attached), Rawson Contractors provided the lowest bid at $22,222.00.
Allen Pump Services was invited to bid on the project, but failed to submit a bid. Howard Schneider
moved to recommend approval to Finance Committee for the bid submitted by Rawson
Contractors at $22,222.00. Additional monies to come from Contingency. Seconded by Ald.
LeDoux. Carried by all.
Playgrounds (Manchester Hill/Idle Isle - Of the two proposals provided, Craig recommends accepting
the bid submitted by GameTime for the playground equipment for both parks ($16,000 for Idle Isle and
$30,000 for Manchester Hill Park). The City will receive a 25% discount on the equipment and they do
provide graffiti remover with their product. All equipment is compliant with ADA regulations. Ron
Stephens moved to accept the bid submitted by GameTime for Idle Isle and Manchester Hill
Parks. Seconded by Howard Schneider.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission - Final - champions Village #2 - the board reviewed the final
plan and the access point on the plan was indicated by Craig.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Chairman Hulbert and Debbie Carlson (in writing) had a few issues regarding Idle Isle and the number
of attendants at the launch. They both agree that these individuals could be using their time better by
assisting in the direction of traffic, cleaning the site and assisting the boaters. Additionally, the use of
the area between the WaterBugs pier and the dock area due to the rocks by the jet skis appears to be
a problem. The Board may need to consider the installation of the pier next year if the problem
continues.
Minutes, Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - June 14, 1999 Page 5
Howard Schneider questioned if the City was able to get any marine dealer to assist in the cost of a
pier. Craig reports that no dealers came forward to sponsor a pier.
Ald. LeDoux indicated that a resident called regarding the problems he has been having with the path
at the back of his property with respect to the leash law. Signs were to be posted? Craig reports that
signs were and have been installed (bright pink-laminated) at every entrance as well as placing a blurb
about the leash law in the City newsletter, brochures, City cable channel and the Ranger has handed
out copies of the law to those individuals using the path with dogs (with or without leashes). The
property owner will be sent a sign for him to post at the end of his property.
ADJOURNMENT - Being no further business to discuss Ron Stephens moved to adjourn the meeting
at 9:30 p.m. Seconded by Howard Schneider. Carried by all.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Gulgowski
Recording Secretary