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PRB111300minutes PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF MUSKEGO November 13, 2000 Approved 1/8/01 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 6:34 p.m. The meeting notice was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on November 9, 2000. Present: Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. Richard Manchester, Ald. LeDoux, Mr. Howard Schneider, and Mr. Craig Anderson (Director of Parks & Recreation). Mrs. Carlson and Mr. Whipple were excused. Mr. Hulbert was unexcused. GUESTS: Dan Lecus, Tom Zagar APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mr. Richard Manchester moved to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2000 meeting. Seconded by Ald. LeDoux. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. Alderman LeDoux conveyed to the Board members that at the Committee of the Whole meeting, the Common Council wanted the pavilion and the bathrooms at Veterans Memorial Park completed at the same time. They did not want the bathrooms put on hold until the Muskego Historical Society moves the old Town Hall to their historical site. They would like to see a set of plans and the actual cost estimates for the project. In the bathrooms, they would like to see accommodations of 4 stalls in the women's and 2 stalls and 4 urinals in the men's. Director Anderson reminded the Board that the bathrooms would also have to comply with the American Disabilities Act (ADA). It was suggested that the city engineer put the plans together for the project so that estimates could be obtained. Director Anderson will then provide the plans and cost estimates to the Finance Committee. Director Anderson mentioned that the festival committee is putting in the storage area. He will meet with Chief John Johnson to discuss this latest request. PERSONAL APPEARANCES: Muskego Icetronauts' Usage of Parks Mr. Dan Lecus of the Icetronauts requested permission for snowmobile trails and accesses for Denoon Park, Lake Access #17, Bluhm Park and instead of the Big Muskego Lake launch site, to use the Big Muskego Launch overflow parking lot to access Big Muskego Lake. Director Anderson shared with the Board members pictures of the park areas and Lake Access #17 showing the wear and tear created when the trails were used during times of minimal snow cover. These pictures were taken this past spring. At this time, there are still some minor spots. If it doesn't come back next spring, it will need to be reseeded. The Icetronauts have offered to restore areas that have been affected by the use of the snowmobile trails. They have maintained the fencing and do a good job. They are also responsible for posting the trails. Alderman LeDoux moved to approve Lake Access #17, Bluhm and Denoon Parks, and Big Muskego Lake launch overflow parking lot for access to Big Muskego Lake for snowmobile trails. These areas will be looked at next spring and any damage that could be attributed to the snowmobile trails will be restored by the Icetronauts at their cost. Mrs. Koble seconded. Mr. Manchester questioned who had the responsibility for closing the trail if there isn't any snow? Director Anderson responded that it was the Icetronauts' responsibility. In reviewing the pictures, Mr. Manchester did not think they were doing a good job. Director Anderson mentioned that the Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, November 13, 2000 2 Icetronauts have the agreement with the city to cross the lands. He said that the Icetronauts have complied with any requests on the fencing and postings from the department. Mr. Lecus indicated that they will be putting the fencing up the weekend after next. Vice-chairman Schneider called for the question. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried, 3-1, with Mr. Manchester voting no. Tree Ordinance Mr. Tom Zagar provided the Board with a document containing the current tree ordinance and a redraft of the ordinance . Redrafting the tree ordinance was suggested as part of the Urban Forestry Strategic Plan as some issues in the exiting code are being repealed for being redundant or in conflict. Plantings on the right-of- way were discussed in depth. The ordinance would affect trees on private property when said trees create a public nuisance (vision corner causing a traffic concern, limbs that could fall and hurt someone, dead or diseased trees). Mr. Richard Manchester pointed out that oftentimes in documents the department is referred to Park and Recreation Department when it should be Parks and Recreation Department. Alderman LeDoux expressed his concern that the city is requiring trees on private property to be planted 4 feet of the right-of-way and in ten years, because the trees are so close, they will be hanging over the top of a bike path, or the street. This creates extra cost for the people to maintain the trees to be in compliance with the ordinance. Wouldn't 10 feet or 15 feet away from the right-of-way be better? The ordinance proposes to have people plant their trees in an area where there may be problems later for them. On the issues, of the limbs on trees on private property, Mr. Zagar said the Department of Public Works does trim them right now. In the future, this may get charged to the homeowners. He pointed out that the city's policy on the street tree requirement is for new developers. However, if the tree is on the private property, it's then their responsibility. Other concerns were trees planted so close to the bike trails or sidewalks that aggressive roots could damage the asphalt. (Alderman LeDoux departed at 7:00 p.m. to attend the hearing on the budget.) A list of recommended diversified species of trees is available at the city hall. Norway maple is not on the list. Mr. Manchester inquired if the area was between the bike path and curb or any area between street and private property? Can the city require him to put in trees? Mr. Zagar explained that the policy is for new developers to put in street trees for a certain amount of frontage, approximately every 50 feet. They are to be 5 foot within the right-of- way line on the private property. He acknowledged the responsibility placed on the homeowner to maintain the tree and keep it from becoming a nuisance. He felt Alderman LeDoux had a good point about charging the homeowner for something the city insisted be planted. Mr. Manchester would like verbiage that people would be covered if the tree disrupts asphalt, bike paths or sidewalks or streets. Some discussion of the city forester mentioned in the ordinance. Rather than create a position, the city should be contracting with a consultant or urban forestry coordinator from the WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources). Director Anderson mentioned that the document had to go through other departments. It could then come back to the Parks and Recreation Board for their approval. Due to a lack of a quorum, the Board could not take action on this item. Vice-chairman Schneider would like a drawing depicting the placement of trees in relation to bike paths, curbs, grass, and lot lines. Vice-chairman Schneider commended Mr. Zagar on his excellent, informative tree seminars. Mr. Manchester inquired about the loss of the Stewardship Grant program? Mr. Zagar explained that money could still be used for natural resource amenities, land acquisition, and nature or open trails. Mr. Zagar informed the Board that recently he and Mr. Hulbert rescued some trees at the Carrity Development site. The trees included shagbark, burr oaks and ash. The trees were in the way of the sewer line installation at Country Meadows and destined to be destroyed. They were 1"-1-1/2" in diameter and 6'-7' in height. They were relocated to Manchester Hill Park and Bluhm Park. The Board members thanked Mr. Zagar for his Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, November 13, 2000 3 prompt response in saving these trees. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE Police Department Incident Reports – Director Anderson reported that during the week of October 23, a tree on Lochcrest Boulevard was snapped, there was damage to an electric panel at Idle Isle Park and the air-conditioning unit at Jensen Park was damaged. The staff is enclosing the air-conditioner at Jensen Park to prevent a reoccurrence. Between October 23 and 27, the lock was cut on the Big Muskego Lake launch pay box and the receipts were stolen. The staff will now be collecting the receipts daily. The Board discussed fabricating a better box and locking mechanism to foil the bolt cutter. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Christmas Tree Lighting Director Anderson informed the Board that the Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for Sunday, December 3, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Muskego Public Library. The department is looking for someone to donate a tree, about 20' tall, balled and burlapped so it could be planted later. The event includes a Santa visit, Mill Valley Elementary School and Lake Denoon Middle School singers and cookies and hot chocolate. Policies and Procedures At the request of the aldermen, every department is putting together their internal policies and procedures. These will be done in a consistent format and assembled in one book. Once the Parks and Recreation Department's policies and procedures are pulled together, they will be brought before the Board for review. Luther Parker Cemetery Director Anderson reported that the people renovating the headstones at Luther Parker Cemetery are about done. The next step is to replace the current sign with one that explains the history of the cemetery and explains the natural prairie vegetation that should not be mowed or removed. Further, the sign will inform people that the cemetery is burned annually in April and that the best time to view and to visit the cemetery is during the months of April and May. OTHER BUSINESS Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, November 13, 2000 4 Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission Champions Village Reserve Board members reviewed the plan submitted for the Reserve at Champions Village as prepared by Burke Properties. There was a question on the easements. The plat did not show the location of Highway 36. Director Anderson reminded the Board about the issue of the bike path that still needed to be put in for the previous development. Board members felt that now may be a good time to get all the bike paths in place. Due to lack of a quorum, the Board could take no action. The issue will have to come back to the Board. Mr. Manchester expressed his desire to have more detail as how it would connect to other trails. Nature Estates The plat for the Boehm Nature Estates development near Woods Road did not show any other streets. The development appeared to be west of the Muskego Public Library. The Board members would like relevant drawings as to the location in the city. Director Anderson will discuss with the Plan Director about definitive mapping from either the developer or the Plan Department. This issue is to be brought back before the Board. Next Meeting – The December meeting will occur on December 11, 2000. COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Manchester moved for adjournment at 7:45 p.m. Seconded by Mrs. Koble. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried . Respectfully submitted, Stella Dunahee, CPS Recording Secretary pc: Board Members, Craig Anderson email: Mayor, Alderpersons, Department Heads, Peter Theis, Irene Schuder, Tammy Dunn,