Park & Rec Board- MINUTES - 3/11/2002
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING
CITY OF MUSKEGO
MARCH 11, 2002
Approved, as amended, 4/8/02
Board President Toby Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of
Muskego, to order at 6:30 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, March 7, 2002.
Present: Ms. Debbie Carlson, Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mr. Richard Manchester, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby
Whipple, Ald. Wichgers (6:35 p.m.)
Absent: Director Craig Anderson (excused), Ms. Kelly Koble (excused)
GUESTS: Chris Gauthier, Paul Novak, Frank Rubio, John Jewell, Joe Jewell, Shelly Wohler, Dave Birkle,
George Mayer
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
February 11 Board Meeting
Mr. Howard Schneider moved to approve the minutes of the February 11 Board Meeting. Mr. Richard
Manchester seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes carried.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
Idle Isle Park—Kids Fishing Day
Mr. Paul Novak presented his request to plan a Kids Fishing Day on Little Muskego Lake at Idle Isle Park on
July 28, 2002. He also requested that the launch fees be waived, parking in the back lot if the front lot was full,
and in case of inclement weather, to erect a 12” x 14” tent canopy. Mr. Novak will provide information for the
event to be included in the recreation program guide and also will advertise the event in THE MUSKEGO SUN.
Use of the bathrooms and accumulation of garbage would be minimal no more than at a regular picnic event
and the Board members did not see this as an issue. The event would not require electricity. Ms. Debbie
Carlson moved to approve the request for July 28 and waive the launch fees, and the location of the 12’
x 14’ tent in case of inclement weather to be determined by the Parks and Recreation Director. Mr.
Richard Manchester seconded. There would be no parking fee if the parents were just dropping their
children off. Mr. Novak mentioned that their group does have insurance. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 11, 2002, page 2
Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. 2002 Agreements
Ms. Shelly Wohler and Mr. Dave Birkle of the Water Bugs Ski Team were present to answer any questions
the Board members would have regarding the 2002 use of Idle Isle Park. She mentioned that the three
Thursdays requested were before the State tournament. The Board members were concerned about their
heavy usage on the lake. Mr. Howard Schneider moved to approve the 2002 Agreement between the
Muskego Parks and Recreation Department and Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. contingent upon three days
being eliminated in August. Alderman Wichgers seconded. Alderman Petfalski voiced his concern that
the beach being closed for four nights in the week was too much. Board members noted that the group would
be using the park five less days than last year. There will be some days in June and in July when they will
have four days usage in the week due to the Thursdays. Board has received concerns from the citizens that
they do not like one group taking over the beach. Mr. Manchester brought up the residency issue and
mentioned that the list of their members must be provided to the Parks and Recreation Department. Ms.
Wohler informed the Board that of the 54 members, 36 were Muskego residents. No further discussion. Upon
a voice vote, the motion carried.
In regard to the Agreement for the Ski Jump, the Board members were advised of the changes in the
agreement. The sign on the ramp was removed and white light language was added. The ramp verbiage was
left in because location and permit are the responsibility of the Common Council. Board members discussed
at length whether or not they should even be involved in taking any action on the ski jump agreement.
Alderman Petfalski indicated he would like the Board to take some action though it was ultimately an issue for
the Common Council. Mr. Jerald Hulbert moved to recommend to the Common Council approval of the
ski jump. Mr. Richard Manchester seconded. Mr. Schneider stated he would not recommend approval.
He was concerned that if someone received an injury using the jump, the city would be held liable. Mr. Hulbert
mentioned that it becomes public property when it’s on the lake. Further, he was more comfortable with the
Common Council being responsible for making the decision whether the jump was on the lake or not. Board
President Whipple referred to the ordinance regarding water ski jumps. Further, the permit issued under the
ordinance could state limitations on the use. Mr. Hulbert called for the question. Upon a voice vote, the
motion carried, 4-2 with Mr. Manchester and Mr. Schneider voting nay.
Mr. Howard Schneider moved to approve the agreement for the pier placement. Ms. Carlson seconded.
No discussion. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Denoon Park
Correspondence from Parks Supervisor Peter Theis indicated the damage to the turf in the back parking lot
near the tennis courts amounted to an estimated $350.
Stolen Tools Update
The tools stolen from the community service worker were found and returned to on February 25 by the
Muskego Police Department.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 11, 2002, page 3
Police Department Incident Reports
No reports.
OLD BUSINESS
2002 Baseball Field Requests
Since last month’s meeting, another team was added to the schedule on Monday nights at Mill Valley #1. This
is a U-10 traveling team, all Muskego-based. Mr. Hulbert had attended the meeting with the school district
personnel—athletic director, superintendent, assistant superintendent, on Friday, March 8. Two of the three
school district representatives were agreeable to working out some sort of a compromise. One suggestion
was for cost sharing on the renovation of Horn Field. They did discuss putting the freshmen at Denoon Park
and, if that occurs, a mound would have to be built. This could become the freshman field. Transportation
issues were also discussed. Mr. Hulbert made a motion to move the freshmen to Denoon Park, keeping
Horn Field open so they could go back; with the idea to move some of the pressure off of Horn if at
least the freshman practices can’t be moved. (No second) Board President Whipple had discussed the
issue with Director Anderson and Mr. Kugi and he was inclined to believe that at this time the Board should
retain the status quo, leaving all the high school baseball teams at Horn Field. He further mentioned that the
high school is looking at having their own field at the high school. Ms. Carlson thought they should look at cost
sharing the maintenance of Horn Field. Board President Whipple recommended “status quo” for this year and
enter into cost sharing in the future. Mr. Hulbert moved at this time that the freshman would move their
practices to Denoon leaving a schedule slot at Horn open so that they can come back based upon
successful conclusion of some negotiation with the school district on cost sharing to allow them to
continue at Horn or possibly move to Denoon in which case bringing the field up to whatever specs are
necessary not including the outfield fence. Mr. Schneider seconded. Mr. Hulbert suggested the Board
have a sub-committee to work on this issue. Alderman Wichgers expressed his thoughts on the investment
made on the fields, referring to Horn Field as an elite field, a premier field. He indicated they should use the
fields that they have improved. On cost sharing, Board President Whipple said that Land O Lakes did some
renovation work at Horn Field and the Muskego Athletic Association has cost shared on other fields. He
mentioned that the Board’s agreement with the school district is that they have second priority for use of the
fields and to make a change at this time, could be viewed as a violation of the agreement. Mr. Schneider felt
that maybe they could negotiate something else with the school district or do cost sharing to help out Horn
Field. Mr. Manchester commented that we are doing a tremendous job on the fields compared to what he has
seen in West Allis. Upon a voice vote, the motion failed, 3-3 with Board Members Hulbert, Manchester,
Schneider voting in favor and Board Members Carlson, Whipple and Wichgers voting against. No
further discussion. Ms. Carlson made a motion that all Muskego high school baseball teams remain as
is at Horn Field and request that Director Anderson enter into immediate cost-sharing discussions with
the school district on the maintenance of Horn Field. Alderman Wichgers seconded. No further
discussion. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. Board President Whipple summed up that the 2002
baseball schedule was approved and there would be cost-sharing discussions with the school district.
Muskego High School Sports Facilities
There was no update at this time. One concern that Mr. Hulbert had was how much money the city is going to
spend on these types of facilities? Can the move some of the facilities from Park Arthur and spend that
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 11, 2002, page 4
money on the high school site to take care of some of the issues like the hardball fields, and soccer fields? He
wanted to make the whole Board understand what is happening with some of these issues and making
recommendations to the Common Council. Alderman Wichgers said that if the city is going to spend any
money for the sports facilities, they wanted to know what would be the use by the Parks and Recreation
Department? They are concerned about spending money to make it a playable field and when would the city
be able to use it? Mr. Hulbert said that if the city is going to get involved, then they need to see on paper how
it would benefit the city. Mr. Hulbert and Board President Whipple will continue to attend the meetings on the
high school facilities and report back to the Board.
ALDERMAN'S REPORT
Alderman Wichgers reported that the Committee of the Whole had a presentation on creating a community
development authority in the community center area. This would open up a whole new vehicle for financing
their development. This would be similar to the TIF. This would give more authority to the Common Council
on developments.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Recreation
Recreation staff completed another week of training on the new registration software. They are also moving
forward on the summer program guide.
Parks
Any A.D.A. building renovation quotes had to be delayed because of a lack of specifications that were to be
supplied by the Building Inspection Department. All capital budget items have been either bought or ordered.
The parks crew is operating with a 25% reduction in the full-time staff since mid-February and there is no
definite date set for Jeff’s return and as to what capacity he will be able to perform if and when he does return
to work.
Mr. Schneider moved to have the city engineer provide a written report, detailed information, on what is
occurring at Park Arthur and also to provide the plan to the Parks and Recreation Board. Alderman
Wichgers seconded. Mr. Schneider had notice activity at the park, including what appeared to be fill being
brought in. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
2002 Contract Service Bids
Director Anderson had provided, with his recommendations, in the packets a report on the 2002 bids for
contracted services. Mr. Hulbert moved to accept the low bids for Weed Eradication, Care-Free Lawns,
Inc. in the amount of $850; for Grounds Services, Brinkman’s Green House in the amount of $7,500;
and for Portable Toilets including hand sanitizers and damage waivers, Port-A-John in the amount of
$7,078.50. Mr. Schneider seconded. No further discussion. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. In
review of the lawn mowing bids, members discussed the bids in view of what was the most advantageous to
the city. Director Anderson’s recommendation was to accept the bid submitted by F. & W. Landscape
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 11, 2002, page 5
Services even though it was not the low bid. Director Anderson’s report indicated that F & W Landscape
Services have the best sized and quantity of equipment and there was not any question on their ability to be
flexible enough to mow around the department’s different schedules. Ms. Carlson moved to follow the
recommendation of Director Anderson and accept the bid submitted by F & W. Landscape Services in
the amount of $25, 250 for lawn mowing services. Mr. Schneider seconded. No further discussion.
Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
th
Muskego’s 4 Annual Child Summer Safety Event
Mr. Mrotek requested the use of Veterans’ Memorial Park for his event on Saturday, June 1. This is the same
as in years past. They will be using the park and parking lot. There will be a bike giveaway and helmet
giveaway. They will bring in toilets and take care of the trash. Mr. Manchester moved to approve the
request. Ms. Carlson seconded. No further discussion. Upon a voice vote the motion carried.
Soccer Facilities for Muskego High School Boys Fall Season
The Muskego High School will need a field for their Junior Varsity team. They are requesting one field for their
games. The practices will be held at the high school on the softball outfield. They have submitted 15 game
dates. Board President Whipple mentioned that the August dates might not be needed as those games may
be played at Uihlein Soccer Park. The high school would like to use the soccer field at Manchester Hill Park or
Bluhm Park. Board members discussed that the field at Denoon Park would be better than at Bluhm Park. Mr.
Schneider moved to allow the high school Junior Varsity soccer team to play at Denoon Park or
Manchester Hill Park based on working out the schedule with the Muskego Kickers. Mr. Hulbert
seconded. No further discussion. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Jensen Park Ball field
Mr. Hulbert moved to accept the quote from Natural Athletic Turf, Inc. in the amount of $4,990 for the
renovation of the softball infield at Jensen Park. Mr. Schneider seconded. No further discussion. Upon
a voice vote, the motion carried.
Denoon Park Ball field
Board members reviewed the quote and wanted to wait to see how much usage the ball field gets. They also
want to see how the outfield grass grows. Mr. Hulbert moved to defer action for an indefinite length of
time. Alderman Wichgers seconded. No further discussion. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission
No plans submitted for Board action.
Next Meeting –April 8, 2002
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 11, 2002, page 6
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Mr. Hulbert shared that it looks like the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will be buying the Big
Muskego Estates property west of Durham Drive.
Alderman Wichgers stated the meeting on the community center on March 13 would be an open house. The
attendees will have an opportunity to talk with the consultants and also there will be some athletic equipment
on display. Later on, there will be a public hearing on the community center.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Manchester moved for adjournment at 8:45 p.m.
Seconded by Mr. Hulbert. 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,