Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 4/8/2002
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING
CITY OF MUSKEGO
APRIL 8, 2002
Approved 5/13/02
Board President Toby Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of
Muskego, to order at 6:32 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting notice was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on Thursday, April 4, 2002.
Present: Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Ms. Kelly Koble, Mr. Richard Manchester, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby
Whipple, Ald. Wichgers (7:08 p.m.) and Director Craig Anderson.
Absent: Ms. Debbie Carlson (excused)
GUESTS: Ald. Petfalski, Shelly Wohler, Dave Birkle, Bob Bueckers
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
March 11 Board Meeting
Mr. Howard Schneider moved to approve the minutes of the March 11 Board Meeting. Mr. Richard
Manchester seconded. Mr. Schneider corrected the minutes on page 3, under Old Business, regarding the
motion with the 3-3 vote. Correction should be Board Members Hulbert, Schneider and Manchester voting in
favor of the motion, and Board Members Carlson, Wichgers, and Whipple voting against. Upon a voice vote,
the motion to approve the minutes, as amended, carried. Mr. Manchester question, on point of order, he thought
the president of the Board could only vote to break a tie. It was clarified that the Board President was a voting
member.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
Water Bugs Ski Club, Inc. Agreements
Ms. Shelly Wohler was present to present options to the Parks & Recreation Board. Director Craig Anderson
explained why the Common Council sent back the agreements to the Board. Director Anderson had met with
Ms. Wohler and they discussed different options such as increasing the beach area in the riprap portion,
change the location of the Water Bugs pier from between the ramp and the beach to the beach and the fishing
pier. Discussion about the Water Bugs purchasing a barge to do their practices out in the deeper portion of
the lake. They have acquired a barge to use for the entire season. They are getting it ready and hope to have
it ready by the start of their season. When not in use, they would be mooring the barge at a member’s dock on
the lake. (Mr. Birkle offered his site.) They would take off from the pier into the lake instead of in front of the
beach area. They would ski on the east side of the swim area. The barge is a 20- foot barge, which they
acquired about 1-1/2 weeks ago. Use of the barge would limit the activity in the bay and also keep the beach
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 8, 2002, page 2
open. The beach would never be closed during these practices. On occasion with pyramids and ballets, they
would have to use the shore area. Mr. Richard Manchester asked about the safety for the barge in the lake?
Ms. Wohler said it would be perpendicular against their pier. Mr. Manchester expressed his appreciation for
their efforts to work out these options. Mr. Richard Manchester moved to approve the use of the barge by
the Water Bugs, its location, and having it anchored at a member's dock during the off hours, the dates
and times in the agreement, as approved at last month’s meeting, with three less Mondays in August.
Mr. Howard Schneider seconded. Director Anderson asked how soon before they would get the barge in
the lake? Ms. Wohler stated by May 13 when they start their season in the water. Ms. Wohler said they would
try to stay off the shoreline as much as possible. They need to use the shoreline for some practices, such as
member barefoot line. She was asked to provide an exhibit for the Water Bugs’ agreement, mapping out their
set up on the lake and shoreline. If it was provided by tomorrow, it could be attached to the agreements as an
exhibit and presented before the Finance Committee and the Common Council.
Mr. Schneider brought up the jump issue. Director Anderson said the jump was the responsibility of the
Common Council, not the Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Schneider inquired of Ald. Petfalski where the
jump issue was left? Ald. Petfalski said the Common Council could not make more restrictions on the jump
than what was in place by the WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources). Director Anderson
mentioned that once it is in the water, it is public. The only exclusion would be during the practice and show
times by the Water Bugs. Mr. Schneider shared with the Board Members the results of his research on this
issue and at one time, the jump was restricted to use by the ski club members only. Some discussion
regarding the distance that the skiers have to be from the swimming area. Ms. Wohler mentioned this is a
known rule and subject to ticket and fine if violated. Mr. Schneider questioned how much insurance on the
jump? Ms. Wohler did not know. Ald. Petfalski mentioned that the Water Bugs would be liable. For instance,
he further stated, if you drop a ski, you're responsible for it. Director Anderson said they have to make sure
that the ramp is properly lit as a safeguard. They must make sure the light is maintained. Upon a voice vote,
the motion carried.
As the Water Bugs representatives were in attendance, Board President Whipple asked if any Board member
had any objection to bring the New Business issue of the Idle Isle Building Lease forward at this time. There
was no objection.
Idle Isle Building Lease
Director Anderson advised the Board members that only the dates were changed in the lease to reflect the
current year. Mr. Jerald Hulbert moved to approve the Idle Isle Building Lease by the Water Bugs Ski
Team, Inc. Mr. Manchester seconded. No further discussion. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Police Department Incident Reports
No reports.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 8, 2002, page 3
OLD BUSINESS
Muskego High School Sports Facilities
Mr. Jerry Hulbert understood there was some issue at the Plan Commission regarding the lighting of the
facilities. The lighting of the facilities had been deferred at the Plan Commission. Board President Toby
Whipple was at the public hearing and he stated that 3-4 people were concerned about the lighting spillage.
They wanted restrictions on the lighting spillage and the hours that the lights would be on. Director Anderson,
also, stated they did not want anyone but the school district to use the lights. This issue will go before the Plan
Commission again on April 16. It was mentioned the issue was deferred due to the Planning Department
receiving a revised plan the date of the hearing. Mr. Jerry Hulbert voiced his concerns again about what level
of involvement the city would have with the fields? What benefit would it have for the people that schedule
through the Parks and Recreation Department? Board President Toby Whipple indicated the soccer team
would be looking to use a lighted field on occasion. If not at Muskego High School, the soccer team may be
looking to the Parks and Recreation Board to light a field at a park. Mr. Jerry Hulbert asked what leagues
would be involved that wanted to use the lights? Director Anderson responded with Mr. Jim Haag, who
manages the Land O Lakes Impact, and the Muskego Athletic Association would like to use fields with lights.
(Alderman Wichgers arrived at 7:08 p.m.)
ALDERMAN'S REPORT
Alderman Wichgers reported that the Common Council is preparing a survey for citizen input on the
community center. Director Anderson said the survey is being drafted by UW-Whitewater and UW-LaCrosse.
The survey will include a letter from the Mayor, information sheet, and an explanation of the facility. The
Common Council will review the survey prior to its being sent out. It is targeted to go out the week of April 22.
It is expected to be back by May 7. Survey will take about 8 minutes to complete. Mr. Manchester referred to
a recent mailing from another entity. He thought that it would be beneficial to have these issues also given to
those preparing the survey as certain members of the city have a positive perspective on the community and
the recent mailing brought other issues to attention that were not so positive. Director Anderson stated that
the survey is being prepared by those outside the city so that it would not be biased. Rich would like to see
the survey before it's mailed, but thought that was unlikely.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Recreation
Director Anderson reported that the summer program guide might be 64 pages. It was done using the class
software program and class software program will also be used for registration. The guide is scheduled to be
mailed out the last week of April.
RFPs on the architectural and engineering and the construction management have been received and have
been reviewed. The recommendations will now be given to Finance Committee on Tuesday, April 9. They
will make a recommendation but no action until the survey results are in. Jerry Hulbert questioned if there
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 8, 2002, page 4
would be rough grading done in the construction phase? Director Anderson said this would be looked at
during the design phase. The potential would be to put some part in grassy area.
Parks
Park Arthur Update
The fill from the theater should be there within a few days. City Engineer Sean McMullen expected the bid
would be back from the MMSD last week, but he still has not heard anything. Mr. Howard Schneider asked
who is doing the work at Park Arthur? Director Anderson indicated that the Public Works Department is bring
in the fill. Mr. Schneider asked if he had any idea of the plan? Director Anderson had received nothing at this
point. Board members questioned if they are going to plant grass on the Martin property? It was the
understanding that the farmer was going to be doing that. Alderman Wichgers said there’s nothing other than
soybean in the field. He said there is a need to do something about the run off going into Idle Isle. This is a
big concern. Mr. Jerry Hulbert questioned how the negotiations were going on acquiring the rest of the Martin
property? Alderman Wichgers said it's going before Common Council under closed session tomorrow.
Manchester Hill Park
Director Anderson shared with the Board members that all the materials have been received for the shelter.
The weather has delayed the contractor from putting the shelter up. They are hoping to be able to start on the
shelter by Wednesday. It should take about one week to put up. Board members had some discussion on the
sewer lateral being available and putting bathrooms in in the future. Mr. Hulbert expressed that he would like
to see a walk, possibly steps, from the fields to the shelter. Also, discussed, putting a fountain at this location.
Veterans’ Memorial Park
Director Anderson reported that, according to the city engineer, the bids on the bathrooms and boardwalks
would be out April 11. These are to be separate bids this time.
NEW BUSINESS
Lee Hubka Basketball Court Improvements
Director Anderson presented the Board with a quote on the basketball courts. He is expecting another quote
later this week or early next week. The total on this contractor’s quote is $25,590. This project was one of the
park dedication projects. The contractor discussed with Director Anderson installing the drain tile, but it is not
recommended, because it is too shallow. He would like to raise the courts instead. Director Anderson stated
this would come under the budgeted amount. This is the same contractor that did the Kurth and Schmidt park
tennis courts. The quotes will be brought back to the May meeting for action.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission
No plans submitted for Board action.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 8, 2002, page 5
Alderman Wichgers announced there is a subdivision going in by North Cape and Ryan Road. There will be
some open space. Mr. Hulbert commented there area about 20 lots and very large and spaced out. No
issues for the Parks and Recreation Board at this time.
Next Meeting –May 13, 2002
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Director Anderson had received a call near the close of business today that the beavers were back at Denoon
Park. Last year they were by the channel by the launch. The boardwalk was flooded out last year. The parks
staff will look into this and also contact the WDNR to see what can be done.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Manchester moved for adjournment at 7:35 p.m.
Seconded by Mr. Schneider. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried .
Stella Dunahee, CPS
Recording Secretary
pc: Board Members, Craig Anderson
email: Mayor, Alderpersons, Department Heads, Peter Theis, Irene Schuder, Tammy Dunn,