Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 8/12/2002
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING
CITY OF MUSKEGO
August 12, 2002
Approved 9/9/02
Board President Toby Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of
Muskego, to order at 6:33 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 Wednesday. August 8, 2002.
Present: Ms. Debbie Carlson, Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Ms. Kelly Koble, Ald. Eileen Madden, Mr. Richard Manchester,
Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby Whipple, and Director Craig Anderson.
GUESTS: Jim Cruse, Mark & Dawn Maynar, John & Mary Schroeder, Karen Klumm, Virginia Long, Jodi & Ron
Staral, Pat & Jim Beyer, Bridget Roche, Jack & Phyllis Sukalich, Vince, Cindy & Jenny Vitale, Dan &
Molly Gallegos, Bob & Olga Rammer, Jim & Judy Steiner, Wayne Koelsch, Bob Lijewski, Peter Plew,
Tracy Brown, Tim Hoff, Jim & Carol McCormack, Billy & Kay Hacker, Scott & Tammy Tomczyk, Paul &
Michelle Johnson, Steve & Pat LeMaster, Bill Carity, Robbie Conrardy, Don Radjenovich, Loriann Krytkowski,
Sue Zirbel, Alderman Petfalski, Mayor Slocomb
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
July 8 Board Meeting
Mr. Richard Manchester moved, Mr. Jerald Hulbert seconded, to approve the minutes of the July 8 meeting.
Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
Denoon Park Flying Site
Mr. Tim Hoff, a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, presented his request for a flying site for their
radio-controlled sailing planes at Denoon Park. A model of their airplanes was shown to the Board members.
They are looking at obtaining permission to use an area of Denoon Park as a flying site. Their flying event
would take place on the weekends; twice a year and during the summer months. They are looking for the site
for next year. Board members discussed with Mr. Hoff the current usage of the park areas during the summer
months. They recommended he consider the early part of July and the early part of August. Mr. Hoff will take
these recommendations back to his club and will return to the Board with specific dates at the next meeting.
.
NEW BUSINESS
Quietwood Subdivision Recreation Trail
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, August 12, 2002, page 2
Mr. Jim Cruse, (Lot #16) (W159S7563 Quietwood Drive) addressed the Board members as the designated
speaker on behalf of the property owners in the Quietwood Subdivision in opposition to the current layout for
the recreation trail in the subdivision. He mentioned their concerns started with the children’s safety; the
amount of cross-traffic, and the lack of night lights in the subdivision; no street lights, just coach lights.
Another concern was the financial impact. They have invested dollars in landscaping the area. They also felt
their would be a loss in the property values. The recreation asphalt trail would give an unsightly appearance
with the concrete driveways. The home builders never communicated to them that the recreation trail was
going across the property. He distributed to the Board members a document showing alternate proposals for
the recreation trail. One route would navigate the trail around the west side of the wetlands and east of Towne
Realty’s Candlewood Creek subdivision. The trail would pass between the planned detention pond and the
wetlands. The trail would end at the north side of Cherrywood Drive. The trail would then pick up on the south
side of Cherrywood Drive but would be placed on the east side of the creek. The trail would travel south along
the creek while entering into the northeastern corner of Carity Land Corporation’s Quietwood East subdivision.
The trail would continue south-southeast passing the east side of Outlot 4, which contains wetlands. Passing
the wetlands, the trail would connect and terminate at the Woods Road trail. The second route would navigate
the trail from the Moorland Road trail south between the two wetland areas. As an alternative, the trail could
pass to the east of the wetlands. The trail would continue south and would cross the north side of Cherrywood
Drive to the south side of Cherrywood Drive and would continue on the east side of the creek. The trail would
travel south along the creek while entering into the northeastern corner of Carity Land Corporation’s
Quietwood East subdivision. The trail would continue south-southeast passing the east side of Outlot 4, which
contains wetlands. Passing the wetlands, the trail would connect and terminate at the Woods Road trail. Mr.
Cruse requested that the residents be advised of any discussion on this recreation trail. He also requested
that the Board members take action on this issue at this meeting. Among the responses given by the Board
members was the safety factor of children being along the creek area and the fascination children have with
water, was Towne Realty aware of their proposal for the recreation trail through Candlewood Creek
subdivision, was the continuity of the linkage of the recreation trail to be joined to other area recreation trails in
other subdivisions, was the safety of children being on a recreation trail compared to being on the city streets,
was the recreation trail is within the city’s right-of-way, was the failure of the home builder to communicate to
the property owners that a recreation trail was to be placed in the city’s right-of-way.
Bill Carity, the developer for the subdivision, was asked about the timeline for putting in the recreation trail?
He stated he had received the okay from the city to put it in. He indicated he could put it off subject to
resolution of this issue. He is bound by certain provisions in the developer’s agreement. It was approximately
three years ago that he stood before the Board. They wanted to get from point A/Janesville Road to point
B/Woods Road and there was an opportunity to do that through his development using one of his main streets.
He had suggested an alternate at that time going near the creek similar to the alternate that is being
suggested at this time. At that time, there was too much that was unknown such as what form of development
would occur around the creek. This may be a new way to route this bike path. If the city would reconsider, he
would be willing to pay for the different route if part of the consideration is the cost to the city to continue the
trail around the proposed community center land . He noted that the Candlewood Creek subdivision was not
his to develop but belonged to Towne Realty. He thought that developer could have a provision in his
developer’s agreement to put in a recreation trail He knew that he has a contractual obligation to put the path
in at its planned location. If the city reconsiders its location, he would be happy to assist in any way that he
can insofar as the engineering concerns and the water hazards or things of that nature. Director Anderson
asked if they were to take the new path, would he be doing the WDNR work, the applications and paying those
permit fees? Mr. Carity said in the Quietwood East he would have to do that work and get the Chapter 30
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, August 12, 2002, page 3
grading permit. He has done that work in Quietwood subdivision so that would be available. However, with
the recreation center land, he does not own, it would be a city requirement and he does not have the city’s
grading plan and doesn’t have all those parts of the requirement for the application. He thought it was a
reasonable request and he was willing to pay for it. In regard to Candlewood Creek, it would be somewhat
similar to the requirement placed upon him in the developer’s agreement. As long as it avoided wetlands, it
wouldn’t be difficult to get the permits from the WDNR, but it may take some time.
Alderman Petfalski questioned if it was an issue of connectivity for the trail or an issue of safety? Personally,
he would like the trail to follow the creek if it would work out. He encouraged the Board to look at the two
proposals. He would like to see a path connecting Janesville Road to Woods Road. Mr. Hulbert said the
connectivity issue is an important point. It needs to connect to the other subdivisions at the Woods Road
point.
Mayor Slocomb talked about the alternate path and what Bill Carity is willing to do. He brought up some
issues regarding the wetlands in the area. He mentioned that if the Board was giving some serious
consideration to the alternate path, the city needed some time to make sure it would work that they would not
run into some problems. He would want to investigate the wetlands in the area. If they are giving serious
consideration to an alternate route, don’t cast it in concrete tonight because the city needs some time to make
sure it would work. If they are not going to give consideration to an alternate route, then they should let the
people know.
In regard to the deadline for putting in the recreation trail, Bill Carity said the trail requirement kicks in when 90
percent of the street occupied and the final lift of asphalt goes on the street. He mentioned that the key is the
letter of credit, which comes up in November, and he could ask for an extension. He thought this matter could
be held over.
Alderman Madden moved to delay putting the trail in until they can gather more information. To give
them until the next meeting, to have the Mayor look at this to see if we can’t come up with a solution
for everybody. It may not happen, it may go in as it is, but we need to look at it. Ms. Carlson seconded.
Mr. Hulbert wanted to make sure that the Mayor and Common Council looked at the connectivity issue as it
was important to the whole recreation trail system. Ms. Koble said they should look at it in a compromising
manner so all needs could be met. She asked if it would look the same as Bridgeport Way. Mr.
Hulbert believed it would look the same. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. This will be an agenda item
for the next meeting.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Police Department Incident Reports
Director Anderson reported that the portable toilets at Bay Lane Middle School were torched. The
department’s contract ended the weekend before. They had not picked up the toilets as they were delivering
more on that Monday for the Chargers football team. Therefore, it was not the department’s responsibility.
Board members questioned if the department would have been paying for the damage? Director Anderson
explained that in the current contract, an additional $10 fee covers a $50 waiver for such damage.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, August 12, 2002, page 4
None.
ALDERMAN'S REPORT
Nothing to report at this meeting.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Recreation
Fall Program Guide
The guide was mailed out and registration starts on Wednesday.
Christmas Tree Lighting
The Christmas tree lighting will be held on Saturday, December 7, this year at the Old Town Hall at the
historical site. The theater portion can accommodate about 200 people, which is 100 more than the library
could accommodate. It will also be tied into the Chamber of Commerce’s Treasure the Holidays program.
Parks
Idle Isle Launch
Director Anderson reported that in the launch area, at the end of the ramp, the Department of Public Works put
in some riprap and so far the department has not received any complaints. They are monitoring it. Some
discussion among Board members about upgrading the bumpers at the launch area, putting in wider ones to
protect the boats when launching. This will be an issue for next year.
Capital Budget Committee
Director Anderson informed the Board that the capital budget committee had been eliminated. Any capital
request presentation will now go before the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Manchester took some issue with
this change indicating that government is getting farther away from the citizens when they start dissolving the
committees. Ald. Madden believed the reason was that more citizens could be involved instead of one or two
designated citizens. More citizens can come before the Committee of the Whole and give their input.
Skateboard Park Survey
The Teen Advisory Board is working on a skateboard park survey for the different schools. They will be
making a presentation before the Parks and Recreation Board sometime this fall.
Eagle Scout Projects
Robbie Conrardy was in attendance at the meeting as part of his scouting activity. He also was looking at
doing some landscaping around the buildings at the Old Settlement Centre as his Eagle Scout project. The
Board members recommended he contact Don Pionek.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, August 12, 2002, page 5
The Board members were in receipt of Charles Porter’s proposed Eagle Scout project. He was proposing the
placement of benches at nine points along the recreation trail. The benches would be made from recycled
plastic. The parks supervisor had no problem with this project. It would allow the parks crew to move the
other existing benches around to other parts of the trails.
Duties of Parks and Recreation Board and Conservation Committee
Board members reviewed the resolution regarding the land management duties of the Parks and Recreation
Board and the Conservation Committee. Six properties, formerly under the jurisdiction of the Parks and
Recreation Board, will now be managed by the Conservation Committee and administered by the Planning
Department. These properties are The Ridges Park, Denoon Park north of Kelsey Drive, Holz Island,
Guernsey Meadows, Luther Parker Cemetery, and Marlan Meadows. Mr. Schneider shared that he is a
member of the Conservation Committee and asked that a report from the Conservation Committee be added
to the Board’s agenda.
Denoon Park Playground
Director Anderson said the playground was just installed. They are waiting for the concrete to cure. The sand
will be spread out later this week or early part of next week. One piece of equipment still needs to be received
and installed and that should be done next week. The parks crew observed that as soon as the playground
equipment was installed, there were children using it.
Veterans Memorial Park Boardwalk
Director Anderson reported that the boardwalk was over budget. The actual budgeted amount was $59,519.
Hunzinger’s bid was $132,600. There was a shortage of $73,081. Because the contract needed to be signed
by City Engineer McMullen, last week Wednesday, Director Anderson went before the Finance Committee on
the issue and Finance Committee took $23,843 from the capital budget amount for the bathrooms which came
in under budget and included all four bathrooms being done this year. The remainder of $49,230 is coming
from parks dedication. He did advise the Finance Committee if they were looking at the Martin property or the
fill at Denoon, this Board would be recommending using landfill funds. The Finance Committee had no
problem with this.
NEW BUSINESS
2003 Capital Budget
Director Anderson informed the Board members that anything over $5,000 would be a capital budget item.
Any items under $5,000 would be under the operating budget. Some things were moved throughout the
period years. What is current for next year is the 15’-rotary tri-deck mower, ¾-ton pick-up with plow
attachment, the Janesville recreation trail, the Idle Isle bathroom remodeling. Mr. Hulbert moved to forward
the capital budget request to the Finance Committee and the Committee of the Whole. Ms. Carlson
seconded. Mr. Hulbert asked if there would be grant monies available to offset the cost of the recreation trail?
Director Anderson thought that Sean McMullen would take care of this grant application if funds were
available. Mr. Manchester did not agree with the $279,300 for the recreation trail. Upon a voice vote, the
motion carried with Mr. Manchester opposed. The Board directed Director Anderson to follow-up with Sean
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, August 12, 2002, page 6
McMullen on any grants available for recreation trails.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission
No plans for review from the Plan Commission.
Mr. Hulbert shared with the Board members the Plan Commission’s plan for conservation subdivisions. The
developers are encouraged to have smaller lots and set aside some green space for conservation. In turn,
they get extra lots. Ms. Carlson questioned whether anything could be done about the impact on the schools
with the added subdivisions? Mr. Hulbert explained that due to the zoning that occurred years ago, the
owners of the agricultural lands could subdivide their lands and the developers have certain vested rights in
the lands.
Next Meeting –September 9, 2002
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Mr. Manchester requested larger maps for the Board members when issues come up before the Board. This
would enable the members to gain a better perspective on the issues under discussion.
Ms. Koble questioned about the recreation trail within the Old Settlement Centre? Director Anderson said that
once the buildings are in place, the trail would be relocated. The Department of Public Works will be putting it
in possibly this fall. It will be done with traffic bond.
President Whipple asked the status of the Kurth Park, the middle area behind Hidden Creek? Would the
second section be done this year? Director Anderson advised that he plans to meet with Sean McMullen and
Wayne Delikat to go over the joint projects for the rest of this year and then the ones for 2003. In going over
the projects for 2003, if they can only fit in a certain amount, the projects will be prioritized.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 8:45 p.m.
Seconded by Mr. Manchester. 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,
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, August 12, 2002, page 7