Loading...
Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 9/8/2003 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF MUSKEGO SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 Approved 10/13/03 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, September 4, 2003. Present: Ald. Chris Buckmaster, Mr. Eric Hetzel, Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. Richard Manchester, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby Whipple, and Director Craig Anderson GUESTS: Roy Smart, Bette Smart, Dan Lecus, Kevin Kalweit, Debra Weisner APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 11 Board Meeting Mr. Richard Manchester moved, Mr. Howard Schneider seconded, to approve the minutes of the August 11 meeting. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. PERSONAL APPEARANCES: Idle Isle Fishing Pier Mr. Ray Smart made his presentation regarding relocating the fishing pier at Idle Isle Park. Board members were in receipt of a petition signed by 31 residents on Jewel Crest Drive requesting the pier be either repositioned or removed. They indicated that this large wooden pier in close proximity to the residential area (1) has a negative impact on property values, (2) spoils the natural and unobstructed view of the water, and (3) makes the residents unwilling spectators of activity on and around the pier. Prior to its installation in 1992, Mr. Smart informed the Board members that the residents were never advised of the proposed pier installation. Further, he is having difficulty selling his home due to the visibility of the pier. He would like the Board members to come up with a compromise on the issue. As the pier is scheduled to come out of the lake in the month of October, the Board members took no action on his request at this time. They will revisit the issue prior to the pier being placed in the lake next spring. Items to be considered would be relocation or reposition of the pier more to the center of the lake, shortening the length of the pier by removing one section or modifying a section by shortening it 15 feet. In the meantime, Director Anderson will consult with the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding what would be involved with moving the pier and will check with the vendor regarding shortening a section of the pier. Snowmobile Trails Mr. Dan Lecus of the Muskego Icetronauts presented his verbal request for permission again to mark snowmobile trails through Bluhm Farm Park, Denoon Park and Little Muskego Lake Access #17. The trails would be the same as last year. They would be putting up the necessary snow fencing. Mr. Hulbert moved Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, September 8, 2003, page 2 to approve the trails through Bluhm Farm Park, Denoon Park and the Little Muskego Lake access. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried with Mr. Manchester opposed. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: Bluhm Park Vandalism Director Anderson reported that on August 26, the Bluhm Park bathrooms were vandalized; the toilet paper holders were damaged. On September 1, a window was smashed in the MAA concession trailer. The MAA was advised. Jensen Exterior Vandalism On September 1, the Jensen exterior by the women’s bathroom, there was graffiti. Veterans’ Memorial Park Rental The department received a request from the Mill Valley PTO for rental of Veterans’ Memorial Park for the Fall Fun Fest on October 4. The event will include moonwalk rides, a small rider mower for pulling hay ride carts, games, refreshments and pony rides. The group guaranteed that they would be cleaning up after the ponies. They would also be paying the cost for anything above what is customary and ordinary for rentals. ATV for Goose Dung Director Anderson updated the Board members on the status of equipment/solutions to address goose dung in the parks. There is available a tow behind vehicle at a cost of $4,395. The vehicle follows the terrain. It can go through short grass and tall grass and the gentlemen from Canada state it does appear to work. This will be research further and a written recommendation made to the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Hulbert shared that the city is looking into a geese eradication program to occur in the spring. Director Anderson said this has to be researched by the department and then a recommendation to the Committee of the Whole. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MHS Athletic Fields Director Anderson reported that they have starting moving dirt for the athletic fields. Their first meeting with Rattler will be tomorrow at 10:00 AM for a progress report on how they are doing. Horse/Snowmobile Trail Network for the City of Muskego Mr. Hulbert stated that nothing had occurred to date. He thought they would have some resolution but staff has been redirected on other projects. They need to meet again and prioritize this issue. Mr. LeDoux still would like to be involved in the trail network planning. ALDERMAN'S REPORT Alderman Buckmaster reported that they are waiting for paperwork to be finalized for the Ewald-Engle property. The grant is still in the process. He did not think it would be awarded until the close of this quarter (September). There was nothing new on the Old Town Hall. They are dealing with issues regarding bids and quotes. The two issues the Common Council has is the structural and roof. Quotes received were in excess Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, September 8, 2003, page 3 of $300,000 and they have to decide how they are going to proceed. The Common Council is going through budget and they are committed to zero rate increase. CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT Mr. Schneider had nothing to report. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Recreation Fall Classes Starting Fall classes are starting up. There are some issues at the high school regarding keys. Also, staff needs to inform instructors/parents how to get around the facility. Internet registration has been going well. Parks Bluhm Park Field 4 They met with the contractor on Friday to indicate to them where the infield radius needs to go, where the sod had to be placed, seeding needing to be done, rock clean up in the outfield. The field would not be ready for play next year. Once it is seeded, the parks crew will have to water the first two weeks to make sure the grass takes hold. Miscellaneous Projects Parks have been working on watering at Manchester Hill Park. The shelter at Veterans Memorial Park is scheduled for a power wash in the fall. The shelters at Denoon and Bluhm are already done. The MAA flag football field is lined. Bench work is done at Schmidt Park. The fence at Lions Park has been reshaped and sprayed so this saved on replacing the fence. A portion of the Muskego Recreation Trail is being brushed and replacing traffic bond where it is needed. The backside of the Horn Field building is scheduled to be stained to complete the project started by the Lakes team. Also, the mulching of the new plantings is being done. Lately, the department has been receiving calls for control of the bees in the parks. NEW BUSINESS: 2004 Operating Budget Director Anderson reviewed the 2004 operating budget with the Board members. New additions to the budget included the shared maintenance for the Muskego High School ball fields and the historical budget. The pool rental amount showed an increase due to the pool now being available year-round whereas it was not in 2003. Mr. Hulbert moved to recommend approval of the 2004 operating budget as presented. Mr. Richard Manchester seconded. Mr. Manchester shared with the Board members that he had received several calls regarding the amount of money for parks and recreation. He receives feedback from other retired people. Their income is not going up, but their costs are going up. Mr. Schneider asked if there was a per capita figure available per person? Director Anderson indicated that they would be able to figure this out. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, September 8, 2003, page 4 Mill Valley Ball Fields Director Anderson said the MAA (Muskego Athletic Association) had been in touch with him regarding 50-50 cost sharing to have the Mill Valley ball fields renovated. He did not have any estimates available at this time. A guesstimate would be $6,000 per field, $18,000-$21,000, based on the recent work completed at Bluhm Farm Park and Bay Lane Middle School. With the MAA sharing the cost, it would be between $10,000-$12,000. Mr. Hulbert and Mr. Schneider both expressed their interest in the project. Mr. Hulbert said it is a maintenance issue and it has to be done on a timely basis. Board deferred action until after the estimates are received. Park Dedication Account Director Anderson reviewed the park dedication projects with the Board. The seed money for the skateboard park was discussed at length. Board members felt that if the skateboard park was built, that the design should allow for other uses such as tennis courts, basketball courts, hockey rink if the interest in skateboarding diminishes. Mrs. Koble asked about the city’s liability with a skateboard park? Director Anderson explained there is not expanded coverage for the city, but it is recommended that it be an open activity and he also explained the recreation immunity where you have to have gross negligence and it has to be proven in a court of law. There was a possibility for matching funds for the Idle Isle launch project. With the power loading of boats washing away the stone, an extra section of concrete is being proposed to be added to the launch area. The amount of the 2004 park dedication projects is $209,400. Mr. Hulbert moved to recommend approval for park dedication budget as presented. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. OTHER BUSINESS Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission No plans submitted for review by the Board. Next Meeting – October 13, 2003 COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Alderman Buckmaster shared that the MRT (Muskego Recreation Trail) map on the web page needs to be updated as it does not reflect some of the newer trails. He has asked the Plan Director to provide an updated map. There is a very organized group in the Quietwood and Candlewood Creek area that has shown an interest in using the trails extensively. Mr. Hulbert mentioned that the trail is done connecting the electrical right-of-way to Janesville Road. The subdivisions are being connected up and down Woods Road so there is a lot of progress in the MRT. Mrs. Koble had used the trail recently. Mr. Hulbert expected the connection to the Bay Lane Middle School area to be done this year. Mr. Schneider asked about the status of the Martin property? Director Anderson said they are working out the contract with the farmer through the end of the year. Ald. Buckmaster stated this could happen this year yet. Mrs. Koble had biked on the trail Woods/Janesville towards Big Bend. It was very pleasant. She mentioned that someone has maintained it and it is very nice. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Manchester moved for adjournment at 8:40 p.m. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, September 8, 2003, page 5 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,