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Park & Rec Board- MINUTES - 4/14/2003 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF MUSKEGO APRIL 14, 2003 APPROVED 5/12/03 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 10, 2003. Present: Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Ms. Kelly Koble, Ald. Eileen Madden, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby Whipple, and Director Craig Anderson. Absent: Mr. Richard Manchester (excused) The school district member needs to be appointed to the Board to replace Ms. Carlson. GUESTS: Ric Reisenauer, Chris Metcalf, Steve Brahm and Cub Scouts APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 10 Board Meeting Mr. Howard Schneider moved, Mr. Jerald Hulbert seconded, to approve the minutes of the March 10 meeting. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. PERSONAL APPEARANCES: Mill Valley Playground Equipment Board members were in receipt of a letter from Principal Larkin thanking the Board for considering supporting the new playground and in response to the Board’s concern about the gate and limited access, she wrote “At Mill Valley, there is a fence, which divides the playground from the forest located next to the school. This fence has a gate, which is locked this year as a safety precaution. The gate will remain locked during school hours. We will establish a system for unlocking the gate during times when regular school is not in session (evenings, weekends, holidays and summer vacation) so that the public may access the playground through this entrance.” Mr. Hulbert clarified that the gate was next to the apartment buildings, not the far end of the portion of woods. Director Anderson refreshed the Board that the amount, on the high end, was $9,470. In response to the Board’s inquiry on the long-range plans for Jensen in regard to the playground, he and Parks Supervisor Peter Theis took a closer look at the playground. Jensen has a set of swings, a slide and two small modular components and it is in the back of the park. In the past, this playground was not something the Board was looking at expanding. This park is similar to Horn Park where the focus is on the events in the facility and the ball field activity. He informed the Board that they could not take out the pieces of equipment and replace it for the amount of money being considered for the Mill Valley playground. He did not recommend expanding the Jensen Park playground at this time. Mr. Hulbert moved to spend $8,000 towards expanding the Mill Valley playground, contingent upon the gate being open during non-school Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 14, 2003, page 2 hours as set forth in the letter from Principal Larkin, in place of doing something at Jensen Park. Mr. Schneider seconded. Discussion continued that most of the money for playground equipment at schools was through the fund-raising efforts of the PTOs. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Concessions at Denoon Park Mr. Chris Metcalf appeared before the Board to request their permission to sell concessions at Denoon Park during the soccer games on Saturdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from April 16 though June 14. They would be selling candy, bottled water, sport drink and soda. They would clean up the grounds before departing from the facility. The purpose of these sales is to raise money for going to an international soccer tournament in Blaine, Minnesota for the boys’ select soccer team. Director Anderson recommended that he contact the clerk-treasurer’s office for any city permits that may be required. Mr. Hulbert mentioned about other teams that may want to do the same thing when they find out about this fund-raiser event. Chairman Whipple indicated that so far no one has taken the initiative to do it until this time. Some discussion on the earlier applicant receiving permission to sell concessions at the park and nothing became of that approved request. Director Anderson was concerned about the amount of garbage that would be generated. He asked that they tie and secure the bags for disposal. If they were done at 3:00 p.m., a member of the parks staff would be available to take away the bags. He did indicate that more garbage cans would be needed at the park. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the request for concessions at Denoon Park contingent upon getting the proper City of Muskego permits. Ald. Madden seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Manchester Hill Park Mr. Steve Brahm and cub scouts from Country Meadows Cub Scout Pack 100 presented their proposal for cleaning up Manchester Hill Park in the spring and in the fall. This would be a community service project for the scouts. They would ask that the Parks and Recreation Department supply bags and supplies for the clean up. Also, they would like recognition for the scout pack and the Country Meadows PTO in the form of a sign at the park similar to what is placed on the recreation trails. Director Anderson thought it was a great idea. He also informed the Board members that the groups assigned to the trails are doing a good job of keeping the recreation trails clean. He thought the spring and fall clean up would be good for the park. Supplies and bags can be picked up at the parks garage within a three-day notice. Mr. Brahm indicated the spring clean up would be in the month of April or May and the fall clean up in the month of October. Director Anderson would like the spring one completed by Memorial Day. Ms. Koble moved for Country Meadows Cub Scout Pack 100 to have an ongoing commitment to Manchester Hill Park for twice a year clean up with supplies and a sign provided by the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE LMLP&RD Use of Park Arthur Little Muskego Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District (LMLP&RD) sent a letter thanking the department for use of Park Arthur as a tipping site in 2002 and also requested to use the same site in the park for 2003. Director Anderson stated there was no problem if they used the same spot as before. City Engineer Sean McMullen had indicated to Director Anderson that there might be fill for the park from new road construction. Still, with that in mind, last year’s site should be okay again this year. Mr. Howard Schneider moved, Ms. Koble seconded, to approve the request to use the same site for tipping with the same understanding that should development of the park begin, they would be given one week’s notice to make alternative arrangements. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 14, 2003, page 3 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MHS Athletic Fields Director Anderson shared with the Board members that Common Council approved the agreement April 8 contingent upon the maintenance agreement currently being worked on. Once they meet, it will probably take two-three meetings to get through it. They will be discussing cost-sharing percentages and a recommendation from the committee to be taken to both Boards. Mr. Hulbert asked if there was any mechanism in place that they could be advised when the meetings on the field development would be taking place? Director Anderson recommended he contact Mr. Haynes who is in charge of putting out the agenda. However, the next meeting is scheduled for April 28 at 10:30 a.m. There should be some rough construction documents available for review at the meeting. He recommended they call Mr. Haynes if they plan on attending. Horse/Snowmobile Trail Network for the City of Muskego Mr. Hulbert informed the Board members that he had nothing at this time. The issue is on hold until the person on leave in the Plan Department returns. Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. Director Anderson stated that the Finance Committee agreed to give the Water Bugs the five dates and the Common Council approved it. They are back to the original dates. He thought the rationale was that as long as the beach is left open and the usage of the barge to extend off their pier, there is no problem. Recreation Trail Extension Director Anderson reported that the signs were up on the trail. A copy of the signage was in the Board packets. Within two weeks after the Board meeting, the parks crew was able to groom up the trail. There were some rough spots that needed to be filled in by the area where new homes were being built. Mr. Hulbert shared that he had seen the signs and they looked good. ALDERMAN'S REPORT Board members inquired if there had been any activity regarding the Martin property? Ald. Madden indicated it was deferred by Common Council again. It will be a remaining item on the Council’s agenda. CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT Mr. Schneider had nothing to report as the commission had not met since the last meeting. The commission only meets when something needs to be acted upon. Mr. Hulbert inquired of the status of the individual who was interested in the area of the Ridges? Mr. Schneider said he bought the adjacent neighbor’s property. He did not think he was interested in doing anything more at this point. Mr. Hulbert asked if the commission was interested in getting any lands around Big Muskego Lake in the area of the Chesapeake? He had not heard of anything. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Recreation Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 14, 2003, page 4 Tennis Grants Director Anderson informed the Board that the department had received $500 grant for the summer tennis program from the United States Tennis Association, Midwest Section. Aquatics Scholarship Fund Director Anderson shared that the department had made a presentation before the Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanis Club presented the department with a check for aquatic scholarships in the amount of $400. The funds will be used for people who cannot pay the aquatic fees. There are requirements that must be met to qualify for the funds. Internet Registration The software needed to be upgraded for Internet registration. The Class representative is here now and doing the upgrades. By Thursday, the department should do a test run to see if everything works. By the end of the summer, the Internet registration should be in place. Summer Program Guide The summer program guide is 64 pages and will be mailed on April 25. Director Anderson informed the Board members that the department has changed the playground program. This summer, the drop-in playground program will be a revolving program between four parks. The past few summers, residents have been using the old playground program as a day care service. The department will now be offering an all day, rain or shine playground program. This will be held at Veterans’ Memorial Park and during inclement weather, the program will be at the old Town Hall on the Old Settlement Centre site. This is similar to what other departments are doing in the area. The fees, $275 per child and $250 for additional children, are appropriate for this type of service. Mr. Hulbert voiced his concerns about being in competition with other day care facilities in the city. He mentioned some years ago the discussions regarding handicapped children being dropped off inappropriately. Director Anderson said that the Board and the city attorney resolved the issue. They made the definition of who the department staff is responsible for and also that the department staff does not dispense medications, the problem has not come back. You can’t take away from the safety of other children to take care of one child. Parks Trail Repairs Director Anderson covered this issue under the update on the recreation trail extension. Mr. Hulbert asked about the status of the bridge over Highway 36. Director Anderson has to meet with City Engineer Sean McMullen on this yet. Water Hookups The parks staff has been turning on the water at the different parks. Bluhm and Veterans’ are fine. ASK Plumbing has to come back and take care of some leaks at Kurth and Lions. The water is tested once the system is up and running. It was the recommendation of the Utility Superintendent Kloskowski to have the crew turn on the water at Kurth whenever they are at the facility. This would help with the water quality at that park. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 14, 2003, page 5 Baseball Fields Horn Field has been released for practices. On Tuesday, they should start on the other ball fields. With the spring weather evident, Director Anderson mentioned that citizens have been calling for ball fields, for piers to be put in and for bathrooms to be open. Piers are in at Idle Isle with the bumpers attached. The new piers are in a Boxhorn and now they will be working around Big Muskego Lake and the lake accesses. At Boxhorn, the kiosk and the plantings around it will be the end of the grant. Mr. Schneider asked if anything was found out about the plans for Park Arthur. Director Anderson responded that two emails were sent to Director McMullen requesting he get back to the Board on plans for Park Arthur. No response from him to date. It was recommended that Mr. Schneider and Chairman Whipple call Director McMullen to set up a meeting to discuss the status of Park Arthur. NEW BUSINESS None. OTHER BUSINESS Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission No plans submitted for review by the Board. Mr. Hulbert shared with the Board members that they could expect some plans on subdivisions going in on Martin. Next Meeting –May 12, 2003 COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Director Anderson shared with the Board that a lady had come to the department with the lures, batteries, and spinning assembly from a wheel, which she found in the sand at Schmidt Park. Last year, the parks crew with a metal detector and raked the sand and found some lures and glass. They will be going out there again on Tuesday. In response to Mr. Hulbert’s inquiry of last month, Director Anderson reported that the weed eradication sites are Bluhm, Horn, Denoon, Library, Muskego Police Department and Muskego City Hall grounds. At the last meeting, the Board asked about the membership list for the Water Bugs. Once the department receives the list, it will be included in the Board packet. Chairman Whipple requested that the picnic table at Manchester Hill Park be taken from the soccer field and placed down by the shelter. Chairman Whipple mentioned that at Denoon Park the concrete slab by the building needs some fill around it. Also, the area around the soni-tubes needs attention as well as the staining of the shelter. Mr. Hulbert asked if the old Town Hall would be ready for occupancy? Director Anderson said the department has until mid-June before its programs would be held there. The society members have to meet with Director McMullen on the inspections. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 14, 2003, page 6 Mr. Hulbert asked about the status of the Chesapeake acquisition and how the department would use it? Director Anderson said department staff would be making a presentation before the Committee of the Whole on April 24 with the program needs for the facility, season-by-season and hour-by-hour. Ald. Madden said it is still being considered. Mr. Hulbert asked about a back-up plan in case the Chesapeake did not happen, is there space to lease? Director Anderson responded that any leased area is very expensive. Mr.Hulbert acknowledged this and mentioned the other dance and gymnastics groups in the city. This open up discussion on the private groups and their offerings in comparison to what the public entities could offer in the way of programs. Board members discussed the status of the land where the community center was proposed to be built. Mr. Hulbert would like to see the land smoothed out and seeded along with a graveled lot. This could then be used for practice fields in the city. Director Anderson stated that right now, Director McMullen and his group are working on Kurth Park and trying to finalize it. He felt for this land a site plan would have to be developed first and they are too busy at this point in time. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 7:42 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Koble. 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,