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PRB041000minutes PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF MUSKEGO APRIL 10, 2000 APPROVED 5/8/00 The monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of Muskego, was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chairperson Jerald Hulbert. The meeting notice was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on April 6, 2000. Present: Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Ald. Le Doux, Mr. Toby Whipple, Mr. Richard Manchester and Mr. Craig Anderson (Director of Parks & Recreation), Mr. Howard Schneider, Mrs. Kelly Koble and those per the attached sheet. Mrs. Debbie Carlson was absent. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: A new process for electing a Plan Commission representative was discussed. Previously, the Board President was automatically put in this role. Now, any individual on the Board who wishes to serve on the Plan Commission as a representative is possible. A. Plan Commission representative: Howard Schneider moved to nominate Jerald Hulbert, seconded by Kelly Koble. Motion carried by all. B. President: Rich Manchester moved to nominate Howard Schneider as President. Howard Schneider declined the nomination. Kelly Koble moved to nominate Toby Whipple as President. Seconded by Rich Manchester. Motion Carried by all. C. Vice President: Toby Whipple moved to nominate Jerald Hulbert as Vice President. Seconded by Howard Schneider. Ald. LeDoux moved to nominate Howard Schneider as Vice President. Seconded by Rich Manchester. Roll Call Vote: 4 votes for Howard Schneider, 2 votes for Jerald Hulbert (cast by Schneider & Whipple). Howard Schneider appointed Vice President by majority vote. D. Secretary: Howard Schneider moved to nominate Kelly Koble as Secretary. Seconded by Rich Manchester. Carried by all. At this point, Mr. Toby Whipple assumed the Chair position for the remainder of the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jerald Hulbert moved to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2000 meeting. Seconded by Rich Manchester. Motion carried by all. COMMUNICATIONS: Personal Appearances: Minutes, Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Page 2 April 10, 2000 Jack Spoerl - Safety Fair/Community Festival - Mr. Spoerl provided a schedule of the activities surrounding the Community Festival (August 25-27). More seating will be provided in the very popular food court area along with small bands playing during the festival for the dining patrons. Additionally, Power House Pro Wrestling will be doing 2 exhibitions. TV’s will be provided for the Packer game. A grounds crew will be employed during the festival run as well as Monday and Tuesday for clean up. Jerald Hulbert moved to approve the festival schedule. Seconded by Howard Schneider. Carried by all. Safety Fair - Chief Johnson was present to discuss this free event. In the past years of this fair, approximately 2,000 individuals have attended. Free bike helmets as well as food and information have been distributed to those who have taken part in this event. Chief Johnson is also attempting to have 1,000 gun locks donated and distributed at this year’s event. The event will be held on June 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Rain date will be June 11. Rich Manchester moved to approve the Safety Fair. Seconded by Kelly Koble. Carried by all. Idle Isle - No Fishing (Tom Zagar/Marie Taylor) - Mr. Zagar and Ms. Taylor were both present along with numerous affected residents for this agenda item. The issue which has brought this to the Board’s attention is the “No Fishing” signs that are posted in the Idle Isle area in the channel. There appear to be many individuals who are ignoring the signs and several signs are missing. The DNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) sent a response indicating that the No-Fishing regulation on Idle Isle be removed. Tom Zagar indicated that since 1787 the State has declared that “all navigable water ways are public”, this would include boating, fishing and hunting as well as other recreation type of activities. Tom believes that no fishing in the area is unfair to the shoreline anglers. Ms. Taylor was asked to leave the area and believed that she was singled out by the resident that called to report her fishing. After Ms. Taylor spent nearly 120 hours in the area observing, she saw up to 28 people fishing at one time and no calls were made to remove the anglers. Chief Johnson indicated that he and his department will enforce the ordinance but feels personally that it is unfair to the non-lake residing, non-boat owning residents. His department has received 20 calls, 15 of the calls were to complain about the fishing on the shoreline. 8 of the 15 calls were from one resident. Craig Anderson stated that he has not seen widespread misuse of the park and Ald. LeDoux provided photos of how those using boats are causing damage with fish line and hooks in the residents piers. Ald. LeDoux stated that the waterways are public and fishing should be allowed. The residents were informed that in 1979 the signs were posted due to safety concerns. Craig indicated that many of the issues regarding public urination and garbage could be alleviated by the installation of additional garbage cans and port-o-johns. Calls have already been placed to have the portable toilets installed by March 1, 2001. Ald. LeDoux moved to recommend to Council removal of the No Fishing signs and fencing. Seconded by Jerald Hulbert. The floor was opened for discussion by the Board and the residents. Rich Manchester is concerned with the safety issues with fishing in the channel. He feels that there is sufficient shoreline available around the entire lake for anglers. Jerald Hulbert did not agree with the safety issues and according to Police Chief John Johnson, no reports in his 30 years of service could be found where there was an incident regarding safety. The residents were invited to provide their input on this issue. The major areas of concern were: Lack of privacy, safety, property damage caused by hooks from anglers on piers, boat canopy’s and boats. Garbage along the shoreline and lack of signage indicating that there is a large drop-off after dredging has occurred. Kelly Koble questioned if any similar situations have occurred Minutes, Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Page 3 April 10, 2000 within the State and if so what compromises have been made to satisfy the needs of all the residents. A resident who regularly fishes in the area stated that he pays his taxes and yet is not allowed to fish in a public park that his tax dollars provide? He also stated that most of the complaints voiced by the residents have not occurred in his presence during the number of years that he has fished the area. Ald. LeDoux reiterated the need for this Board to make a fair and equitable decision for all water users, regardless of where the resident lives. Ald. Chiaverotti (Aldermen for this District) has constituents on both sides of the issue. She feels that some signage could be designed and installed reminding those that use the shore line that they should respect the homeowners and the property across the channel. Jerald Hulbert called the question. Ms. Koble stated that she wanted those present to know that although she does not live on the water, she feels very strongly regarding this issue and wants to make the best decision for all of the residents. Howard Schneider would like the restrictions to remain in place. Rich Manchester agreed with Howard. Roll Call Vote was requested by Jerald Hulbert. Hulbert, LeDoux, Whipple and Koble were in favor of the motion and recommendation. Schneider and Manchester voted no to the motion and recommendation. Motion carried, 4-2. Informational signs will be created by Craig Anderson for next month’s meeting. Parks & Open Space Plan Draft - Tom Zagar - Tom provided a draft of this plan which was revised in order for the City to remain eligible for DNR grant money. Bike path location was discussed in order to ensure that bike path’s slated for a particular area are in-fact placed in that area and not moved by a potential developer who does not wish to pay for the installation of these paths. Tom provided several maps which detailed the type of parks in the area as well as areas that were deemed “deficient” in park area. The northeast and southeast portion of the City seem to be lacking in park area. This plan submitted for grant money will help to correct this. Tom asked the Board to provide their recommendations to him along with the need for the recommendation in order to qualify for the funding. Property acquisition will also be part of this plan and specific areas will be identified in the narrative portion of the plan. Board members are urged to review the entire document and provide their input to Tom Zagar. Craig gave praise to Tom for all of his work on this plan. With his efforts along with the Plan Department, they saved the City considerable funds by doing this project in-house. Tree Planting in Parks - Tom Zagar - Tom Zagar had applied for a “Tree City” status for Muskego and the City was given that designation. In order to be considered for this award, the City had to spend approximately $2.00 per capita on tree planting/maintenance, formally declare Arbor Day and create a formal Committee (Urban Forestry Committee, founded in 1999). Additionally, Ranger Services was contracted to provide various services including a tree census and a study on types of trees that will thrive in the various soil conditions in the area. Adding to the tree species variety was also important to the committee. Tom has received grant money that will enable him to plant approximately 75-100 trees during the next year. 36 trees will be planted this year at Idle Isle, Manchester Hill Park and Bluhm Park. On May 13, 2000, a tree planting seminar will be held at the new library with free trees to those who attend (Tom has ordered 100 trees.). WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE Police Department Incident Reports - Craig reported incidents occurred at Horn Park and Lions Park. Damage was done to the center field of Horn Park and vandals damaged a tree a Lions Park. Minutes, Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Page 4 April 10, 2000 OLD BUSINESS Manchester Hill Park Fire Hydrant - Initial quotes were in the $50,000 range for installing a 6- inch water main. After Craig had the city engineering firm do a complete cost quote, the estimated cost for the work to be performed would be $17,882. The money for this project would come from the Parks Dedication Fee fund. This water main would provide water for the skating rink, water for the soccer field and provide future water service to any toilet facilities that may be installed at a later date. Jerald Hulbert moved to recommend installation of a hydrant at Manchester Hill Park for the skating rink, soccer field and water service for future restrooms. Money to come from Parks Dedication Fees, not to exceed $18,000. Seconded by Ald. LeDoux. Carried by all. Ald. LeDoux suggested that if this work is to be done, the road will be torn up. He would like to explore the cost of providing electric service to this park for lighting needs. Craig will provide cost estimates at next month’s meeting. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Recreation Special Needs Playground write-up - Craig provided a simple write up that will help give clarity to those who have children with special needs that are unsure if their child is capable of the programs offered. The key parameters are the ability of the child to be able to toilet themselves without assistance, no one-on-one assistance provided and the ability of the child to follow the rules of the activity/site and daily participation. Additionally, Craig reported that they have shortened the day for the participants from 6 hours to 3 hours and the staff will not dispense with any medications. Craig indicated that this write up does comply with ADA requirements and will help everyone involved. Jerald Hulbert moved to accept the recommended wording. Seconded by Rich Manchester. Carried by all. Parks Park Arthur Meeting Date - Craig, Howard, Jerald and Toby will meet on May 18, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. Location to be determined. Bay Lane Ball Fields - Craig reported that he met with the school district and they were in agreement and have given full cooperation to start the renovation of the ball fields. Work to begin on them April 24, 2000. NEW BUSINESS Kurth Playground - Craig supplied sample photos of the playground equipment to be installed in the park. $30,000 was budgeted for this project with the money coming from the Parks Dedication Fees. Rich Manchester moved to recommend approval of the $30,000 expenditure for the playground equipment. Money to come from Parks Dedication Fees. Seconded by Kelly Koble. Carried by all. Discuss/Recommend Paved Path Snow Removal - Craig read a letter sent to the Mayor from a resident who is requesting that the City, by ordinance have the residents shovel the bike/pedestrian paths located around the City. Craig reports that at this time, those paths are a “priority 10” on a Minutes, Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Page 5 April 10, 2000 scale of 1-12 in the snow removal process for his department. Discussion by the Board regarding the need for this type of service and ordinance. Craig stated that in the future, his staff will be unable to plow all of the area that will be paved, especially with the Carrity development. The Board agreed that if the City would like to have Craig’s department provide this service, they must also provide the machinery and manpower to provide the service. Discuss/Recommend Directional Signage for Parks/Facilities - Craig suggested to the Board that they should begin to think about providing signage for the various parks and facilities located around the City. Newcomers to the area have placed many calls into Craig’s office asking for directions for specific places. Ald. LeDoux also stated that with the Tess Corners area undergoing renovation, now would be a good time to determine similar signage and lighting designs in order to present a uniform look. Jerald Hulbert moved to recommend to the Planning Department the exploration of signage for park location as well as City facilities. Seconded by Howard Schneider. Carried by all. Discuss Urban Forestry Plan - See Communications “Tree Planting in Parks” agenda item. OTHER BUSINESS Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission - None COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Rich Manchester has toured the parks in the area and has noticed that the gravel path in Manchester Hill Park has washed away. Craig reports that this path will be paved. Kelly Koble reported that along the WEPCO (Wisconsin Electric Power Company) trail, there is quite a bit of dog fecal matter. Craig reported that the second reading of this ordinance is forthcoming and until it is passed, the police find it hard to enforce the old ordinance. Craig will be posting signs with the fines for leaving fecal matter. Additionally, mileage markers will be installed. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Rich Manchester moved for adjournment, seconded by Howard Schneider. Motion carried by all. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Gulgowski Linda Gulgowski, Recording Secretary pc: Board Members, Craig Anderson email: Mayor, Alderpersons, Peter Theis, Irene Schuder, Tammy Dunn, Brian Turk Clerk-Treasurer PRBM000410.doc