PRB100900minutes
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF MUSKEGO
October 9, 2000
Approved 11/13/00
In the absence of Chairperson Toby Whipple, Vice-chairperson Howard Schneider called the
monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of Muskego, to order at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting notice was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on October 3, 2000.
Present: Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. Richard Manchester, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr.
Toby Whipple (6:34 p.m. arrival), and Mr. Craig Anderson (Director of Parks & Recreation). Mrs.
Carlson and Ald. LeDoux were excused.
GUESTS: John Mooney, Dan Reidy, Joe Thibedeau
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mr. Jerald Hulbert moved to approve the minutes of the September
11, 2000 meeting. Seconded by Mr. Manchester. Director Anderson informed the members, that on
page 2, Alderman LeDoux would like it clarified that WEPCo. (Wisconsin Electric Power Company) trail
can be used by equestrians, though the trail is controlled by WEPCo. The minutes to be clarified so that
people know that horses can be on the trail. Motion carried by all
COMMUNICATIONS:
Personal Appearances:
Mr. John Mooney of the Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department (TCVFD) presented their request
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for use of the Veterans Memorial Park on June 1, 2, 3, 2001, for their 75 anniversary celebration.
Highlights of the event would be “Jaws of Life,” putting out car fires, home and kitchen fire
extinguisher demonstrations. Also, the Flight for Life helicopter and fire engines from 1820 to
current. They are asking the $2,000 fee for organizations be waived. Director Anderson informed
the Board members that the park had been used this past year for the Muskego High School class
reunions. Further, Mayor De Angelis had indicated that he would take the waiver request to the
Finance Committee. However, a certificate of insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 would be
required. The TCVFD would request permission to set up tents and to block off the parking area at
both ends. For the Flight for Life, Mr. Mooney inquired if there was a site map of the area available.
Director Anderson responded that only the conceptual plan is available and recommended he consult
with Chief Johnson who has had Flight for Life at past events. They will finish cleaning up on
Sunday morning and restore the area. Also, the Muskego Lions Club may want to participate,
featuring a child identification program. Mr. Hulbert requested that TCVFD repair any damage to
the grass if it should rain. Board members informed Mr. Mooney that he would have to contact the
Department of Public Works (DPW) to set up the wooden horses to block off the area. He should
talk to Chief Johnson to make sure the event will not impact that department’s activities. They also
want the electric turned on at the park for the event. Mr.
Richard Manchester moved to approve the request from the Tess Corners Volunteer Fire
Department as presented to use Veterans Memorial Park for June 1, 2, 3, 2001. Mr. Hulbert
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, October 9, 2000 2
seconded. No further discussion. Motion carried by all.
Muskego Lion’s Club – Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion – This item was deferred at last
month’s meeting. Director Anderson shared with the Board his conversation with the Muskego
Lion’s Club on the Veterans Memorial Park (VMP) pavilion. They would like to put the footings in
this fall and start construction in the spring. The club is proposing a 30’x 44’ structure. They would
want to add 8’ sections for bathrooms and/or storage. The 24’ section would be enclosed. They
would put up the poles and footings for the roof section. Estimated costs would be $4,000-$5,000
for the 16’ section over the proposed bathroom area, $10,000-$12,000 for sewer and water, totaling
about $80,000-$90,000 to add bathrooms to the pavilion. Mr. Schneider inquired where they were
looking to hook up to sewer service? Director Anderson responded that it would be at the Pioneer
Drive line, the water line being between the two parking areas, and this location was based on the
conceptual plan. The area is staked out now for the festival committee members to see where it
would be located. Also, based on the conceptual plan, near the boardwalk, being able to use the
bathrooms, has positive usage. Mr. Hulbert inquired if it would make a difference if the pavilion is
moved up between the two rows? Mr. Reidy said it is 100 feet from the asphalted food court. It is a
little closer than what they have on the conceptual plan. Chairperson Whipple asked if the festival
committee liked this area? Director Anderson stated that Chief Johnson reported there were no
concerns on behalf of the festival committee. Mr. Hulbert moved, Mrs. Koble seconded, to move
the pavilion over one square section, closer to the food court. Mr. Hulbert would like the
pavilion closer to the food court, closer to the tree line, allowing more open space, and it would also
become visible to the police department. Mr. Manchester indicated that it could become crowded
and clustered at one end of the parking area. Chairperson Whipple would like the pavilion near the
food court area and over near the playground area, to move it over one square section on the plan.
Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. An emergency meeting can be held by the Parks and
Recreation Board if pavilion location is not in the best interest of the Festival Committee.
In regard to the bathrooms, the Board members would like to see what would happen with the
Muskego Historical Society area as they are proposing bathrooms in their facility. At another time,
the Board can recommend to the Finance Committee to add bathrooms. Mr. Hulbert moved that
the park board would add on to the extension of the pavilion, 16’ with the roof. Mr.
Schneider seconded. Upon discussion, Mr. Hulbert amended his motion recommending adding
16’ for potential bathrooms or storage. Mr. Schneider seconded. Upon a voice vote, the
amended motion carried and the motion carried.
Director Anderson informed the Board that because of their investment in the pavilion, the Muskego
Lion’s Club would like it named “Lion’s Club Pavilion” on the pavilion itself. Mr. Hulbert moved
that in honor of the people financing the majority of the pavilion, it be named Lion’s Club
Pavilion. Mr. Manchester seconded. No further discussion. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried.
Muskego Icetronaut’s Usage of Park
As there was no one present from the Muskego Icetronaut’s, this item was deferred.
Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge
Information on this item had not been received, therefore, the issue was deferred.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, October 9, 2000 3
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Police Department Incident Reports –
Director Anderson reported that on September 16, the Big Muskego Lake boat launch was broken into
again. Not a lot of money was lost because the Ranger had made a collection.
The week of September 22, both tennis nets at Denoon Park were torn down. The Parks Supervisor filled
a 5-gallon bucket with broken glass. The nets have been removed from the area and the courts have been
closed.
Mr. Hulbert, referring to last month’s report, inquired if the portable toilets would be moved closer to the
road next season. Director Anderson responded that with the paving of the park road and the
implementation of angle parking, the portable toilets would be placed closer to the road so they’ll be
visible.
OLD BUSINESS
Bluhm Field #4 – Board members were in receipt of Natural Athletic Turf, Inc.’s estimate of $11,600 to
construct a fourth diamond at Bluhm Park. Additional fencing, which would be the same as installed at
Kurth Park, would bring the cost to $22,000. This project is part of the Park Dedication Projects for
2001.
2001 Park Dedication Projects - Director Anderson pointed out that the projects are now divided by
specific park; it can readily be seen the projected cost per park. Board members were in receipt of the
breakdown. The estimated 2001 revenue is $670,520; estimated 2001 expenditure of $242,028; and a
carryover of 2000 project expenditure of $50,990, leaving a total available and designated for Kurth Park
and Park Arthur of $377,502.
Going back to the Bluhm Field #4, Mr. Manchester asked about the soil being removed. Director
Anderson said it would be taken to Kurth Park and graded out over the area.
In regard to the Highway 36 off-road trail’s spancrete bridge, Mr. Hulbert asked if they would be working
with other parties on the project? Director Anderson said the department would be working with both the
DPW and Racine County.
The fourth diamond at Bluhm Park will allow M.A.A. (Muskego Athletic Association) to get their games
in. This past season, one section of the league had to play three times a week. The additional field will
alleviate the problem. They feel having four diamonds in one location would be great. This will help them
to schedule. Mr. Hulbert inquired if there is enough parking? If they do the ball diamond, they need the
parking included. Further, was fencing adequate? Director Anderson said the fencing was adequate. Mr.
Hulbert would like to do something with the parking at Bluhm Park.
On the Denoon Park paving issue, Chairperson Whipple questioned if it was paving all the way to the boat
launch? Director Anderson said that Payne and Dolan would be doing the paving as part of the road
program and it would be all the way to the launch area. With all the vandalism occurring at Denoon Park,
Mr. Manchester questioned the proposed playground. He would like to put the playground on hold.
Director Anderson said the playground was included as part of the Parks and Open Space Plan. On a side
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, October 9, 2000 4
note, he mentioned that with the painting and upgrading of the Jensen Park and Idle Isle Park buildings,
the graffiti vandalism has gone down. Chairperson Whipple thought that the location of the playground
equipment at Denoon Park may determine to what extent it gets damaged. Mr. Manchester still had
concerns about the playground equipment. Mr. Hulbert had similar concerns and asked if the playground
equipment could be put closer to the school? Mr. Manchester felt that it should be delayed until some
study had been done. Increased police patrol was also discussed. The location of the playground
equipment will be discussed again. Mr. Hulbert moved to have the $20,000 for playground
equipment at Denoon Park taken off the 2001 parks dedication project list until the Board has a
firm plan for its location stated in the Board minutes. Mr. Manchester seconded. No further
discussion. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Mr. Hulbert inquired where the well would be located at Denoon Park? Director Anderson responded it
would be located near the pavilion. The exact location can be discussed at a later date. At this time, these
projects are all estimates for 2001.
Mrs. Koble asked about money for land acquisitions? Is the Board going to acquire any more land?
Director Anderson said nothing at this point in time, with the exception of the Martin property. Mr.
Hulbert recommended that the total available ($377,502) should be for Kurth/Park Arthur and Future
Acquisitions. Chairman Whipple reminded the Board members that they could change the park dedication
projects for 2001 at any time. Mr. Hulbert and Mrs. Koble would like the verbiage and Future
Acquisitions added.
Mr. Manchester asked about the $28,000 for Freedom Square. Director Anderson assured him that the
tennis supports have to be reset and they need to repave the tennis and the basketball courts. Mr.
Manchester expressed that the Board had invested a lot of money in this “gifted” parcel. Chairperson
Whipple and Mr. Hulbert mentioned that the facility was being used.
Mr. Thibedeau obtained permission to address the Board members at this time. He questioned if the
moving of the fencing on Bluhm Park #2 was included in the estimate? Director Anderson said it was
not. The diamond had just been renovated this year. Mr. Hulbert asked if the new field #4 would be
different? Director Anderson stated it would be the same as #1 and #3. Mr. Hulbert asked if they should
be spending $6,000 on the fencing if they are not going to move it? Director Anderson clarified that the
fencing amount was for fields #1 and #3 repairs. He will have the vendor put the #2 fencing on the
estimate as an extra contingency. Mr. Thibedeau further inquired if the additional field would be ready for
play in the 2001 season? Director Anderson responded it would depend on the weather and when they
start their season play. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the parks dedication project list for 2001 and
amend the project list to expand the parking for Bluhm Field #4. Mr. Howard Schneider
seconded. Director Anderson was directed to come back to the Board with an estimate on the parking.
Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Manchester Hill Park Pond Lighting – Director Anderson shared with the Board, Pinky Electric’s
estimate for installation of pole and light at Manchester Hill Park, in the amount of $1,770. It would be a
sodium fixture with a weatherproof timer and sufficient to light the pond area. Additional fixtures could
be added to the pole at a later time. This project would be done immediately. Within the next two weeks,
the path would be paved and would have a jag to prevent going into the pond. Mr. Manchester moved
to approve the bid from Pinky Electric to provide lighting for Manchester Hill Park in the amount
of $1,770. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. The pond at City Hall will
not be activated this year. Mrs. Koble inquired if portable toilets would be available. Chairperson
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, October 9, 2000 5
Whipple said it was not proposed at this time, but could be provided dependent on need.
Park Arthur Conceptual Plan – Director Anderson provided the Board members with an updated
conceptual plan implementing recommended changes for parking lot, ball diamond and tot-lots, etc.
Board discussed potential problems with the sledding hill and the archery range. They noted the 200’
buffer by the low area requested by the WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources). There is
the potential to get more dredging material to use as fill. Mr. Manchester moved to approve the
modified conceptual plan for Park Arthur. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried. The Board members decided to delay a public hearing until they had more information on the
Martin properties. Mr. Hulbert and Mr. Manchester updated the other Board members that in the past,
property owners were concerned about drainage in the area and were looking to the City of Muskego to
help resolve the problem. Previous work done at Martin Drive created some problems for the citizenry.
Also, discussed the impending traffic impact in the area, more specifically on Lentini Drive, with the
development of Park Arthur.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Director Anderson informed the Board that the staff has started working on the Winter/Spring 2001
program guide. The director, recreation staff and office staff have moved to their first floor quarters
at City Hall. Right now, while the lower level is being renovated, there is a crunch in storage space.
It was beneficial for the recreation staff to be at the parks garage. A better understanding of the
department’s total function was achieved.
NEW BUSINESS
Muskego-Norway School District Agreement –Director Anderson pointed out the basic change
from the previous agreement was the $28,490 for pool usage. The city administration questioned the
pool fee. Once they understood what was calculated in the price, it was a fair price. This cost is
absorbed into the program budget. You can expect an increase of $3-$4 on participant fees next
year. Mr. Richard Manchester moved to approve the Muskego-Norway School District
Agreement. Mr. Howard Schneider seconded. No further discussion. Upon a voice vote, the
motion carried.
Martin Property – Director Anderson had discussed with the assessor, the property on the
northwest side of Martin. Mr. Schneider pointed out the location of the property so the Board
members had a better perspective of the property under discussion. Director Anderson said the
Mayor is requesting entering into negotiations to purchase the outlet and the area “noted in blue”
with the Martin family. It’s about 13.5 acres. Mr. Hulbert stated that it is in a sewer service area
and some of it is part of an environmental corridor. Mr. Howard Schneider moved to enter into
negotiations with the Martins for the outlot and land that abuts Park Arthur. Mrs. Koble
seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. Chairperson Whipple inquired if State funds
would be available. Director Anderson felt there was a strong possibility.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission – Mr. Hulbert reported nothing in the way of
subdivision plans at this time. He is keeping abreast of the Carity, Rosewood and Candlewood
Creek subdivisions to see about connections. In regard to the Carity development, Director
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, October 9, 2000 6
Anderson should check with the city engineer to make sure the connection isn’t overlooked. With
the possibility of the Boehm property being purchased for the community center, the city can extend
the Moorland trail.
Next Meeting – The November meeting will occur on November 13, 2000.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Manchester moved for
adjournment at 8:11 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Hulbert. Motion carried by all.
Respectfully submitted,
Stella Dunahee, CPS
Recording Secretary
pc: Board Members, Craig Anderson
email: Mayor, Alderpersons, Department Heads, Peter Theis, Irene Schuder, Tammy Dunn,