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Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 4/12/2004 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF MUSKEGO April 12, 2004 Approved 5/10/04 Audio Recording Available Board President Toby Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of Muskego, to order 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 8, 2004 Present: Ald. Chris Buckmaster, Mr. Richard Manchester, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby Whipple and Director Craig Anderson. Absent: Mr. Eric Hetzel (excused), Mr. Jerald Hulbert (excused), Mrs. Kelly Koble GUESTS: 39 (sign in sheet filed with original; some elected not to sign) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 8, 2004 Mr. Manchester moved, Mr. Schneider seconded, to approve the minutes of the March 8 meeting. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve carried unanimously. PERSONAL APPEARANCES: Northfield Green Trail Mr. Bill Carity discussed with the Board members options for the Sandalwood recreation trail. He would be willing to consider at his expense installing a pedestrian path that would cycle through the proposed development. Further, the portion that he would only be willing to pay for the cost would be on Lot 19 and Lot 10; whereas it was mentioned in previous meeting that he pay for the path that would extend out to Moorland Road and across the parking area. His offer would include certain easement areas that would then affect the lots. He did not see that as being detrimental to his ability to build/sell homes on those lots. He did recognize that he would have to build the path along Janesville Road, just not the additional requirement. Mr. Howard Schneider moved to accept Mr. Carity’s offer to install the 8-foot asphalt pedestrian pathway on west side of Sandalwood Drive, lots #19 and #10, and accept Mr. Carity’s offer of an easement, subject to Engineering Department’s review. Ald. Buckmaster seconded. Mr. Carity would like to get on with the subdivision this spring. Ald. Buckmaster shared with the Board that the Public Works Committee and Common Council members concern regarding the path from Martin all the way to Moorland on the south side of Janesville, there was a portion that would not make it contiguous and that would entertain this type of a path. However, the Building/ Engineering Director has made the necessary arrangements for it to be contiguous from Martin to Moorland as a path from Janesville/ Moorland down to Woods Road. Also, by reading the parks plan, he was not so sure they needed a path as they have a path from Moorland to Janesville and have the conductivity they need. Under discussion by Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 12, 2004, page 2 the Board members, was the width of the road and the possibility of marking off the edge of the road for the path and having no parking on one side of the roadway, previous experience with pathways not being put in, accepting Mr. Carity’s offer of easements and at a later date, putting in a path, honeycombing the trails throughout the subdivisions. Mr. Manchester mentioned that he had observed not more than two or three people using a pedestrian/bike path at one time so questioned how much overall use they are really getting? Mr. Carity said if he gave the easement and the Common Council doesn’t want the path, they would still have the easement if, at a later point in time, the decision was made to install the bike path. He did not want to hang up money in a Letter of Credit for years. He said the easement would probably be a 2-1/2-foot easement. Mr. Manchester called for the question. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried 3-1 with Ald. Buckmaster voting no. Lakeview Tavern Property Jeff of the Plan Department referred Mr. Lucht to the Board that the Board may be interested in purchasing the lakefront property. The property would be another lake access to Little Muskego Lake and would allow for another boat launch site on the lake. Mr. Schneider mentioned that there is already a launch site in the area. Board members felt the investment to purchase the land was too great. Mr. Manchester moved to pass, not to accept the offer to purchase the property. Mr. Schneider seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Board members thanked Mr. Lucht for his offer. Water Bug Ski Team, Inc. Public Input Rick Logan’s issue with the ski team was the wake they created in the pier area when he was trying to launch or to dock his boat. The path the skiers take is a lot closer to the pier than what was depicted on the agreement exhibit. The boats get caught in the wake and slammed against the pier. He has several complaints logged with the police department. He would like to be able to get his boat out without any problems. Katie Riddle stated the ski club is getting too big for the bay. Their use of the bay spreads the weeds and the seeds and the weed cutter can’t keep up with it. Every week they have to address the debris, the chopped up fish, and putting the riprap back together. They also bother the fishermen on the lake. She mentioned that Officer Henderson had given them a warning on this. Further, Officer Henderson was at her house because the ski club called. Her son had been out fishing on the lake with her grandson and he did not get off the lake fast enough to suit the skiers. The ski club states they have the right to ask them to get off the lake because they have a contract. She questioned what was the right of the property owners? She would like the park given back to the public. rd Bob Bueckers provided photos that he took of the bay the 3 week of March showing after the 30” draw down that the bay in front of his house is dry. He indicated this shows that 30”-36” of water is being used for the ski show. Over the last three years, he has written numerous letters with attachments to the Board and to the Director indicating that the large boats with large motors are doing environmental damage to the lake, stirring up the muck, promoting weed growth, chewing up weeds, weeds come on the shore that the property owners have to rake up. Another issue he had was a private club tying up a public park and this year they were proposing 51 week nights and back in 2002, it was 44 nights. Too much time was given to this private group. Terry Herder spoke on behalf of the ski club. The show runs in front of his house. They do a fine job of representing themselves on the lake. The ski club members, but people assuming they are club members, do not do a lot of the problems that the ski club was supposing creating. They help the children of the area learn how to ski; they are creating a positive affect with the children of the area. He did not Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 12, 2004, page 3 rd think the event on the 3 of July would be as good with just fireworks and no show. There is time taken up on Idle Isle, but when you live on the lake, you should like your neighbors because they are there all the time. We all have to get along and put up with each other’s motor noise, etc. and that you can’t do anything about. Yes, there is an impact on the area, but there is also a positive impact. The ski club doesn’t turn anyone away and they teach the kids to ski. On Wednesday nights, the place is full of kids wishing they could ski and do a pyramid. Roy Smart’s concern was safety. He mentioned the bay was too shallow for safe skiing. He went to the Coast Guard web site and they advocate 5’-6’ of water for safe skiing. The majority of the bay is only 3’ and when you do pyramid and barefoot skiing, this is not a safe situation. He thought the only safe area was right in front of the island along the beach area and near the public pier. Where they do the set ups is swimming pool depth and you wouldn’t dive into the shallow end of a pool. He thought this should come into serious question should someone get hurt. On some side issues, he shared pictures showing the shallowness of the bay; also depicted the track that the ski boat takes and the nearness of the ski boat to a fisherman. He felt they do come in to close to the pier. He said the fisherman would be willing to tell his experience. Water Bug Ski Team, Inc. Agreements Ms. Wohler acknowledged those in the audience supporting the ski club and had not the opportunity to address the Board because they had not asked to make a personal appearance. Mr. Schneider mentioned that he was told a water skier after the last ski show last year went between the buoy and the shore by Jewel Crest Drive, ¼-mile away south from the approved area. Ms. Wohler had not been made aware of this. Ald. Buckmaster asked if they did a search of the police log, what would they find regarding complaints or citations? Ms. Wohler said they would find a citation for a light that was not position right on the boat. Ald. Buckmaster will contact Chief Johnson to see what they have for complaints and citations. Director Anderson said that Officer Mrotek does make him aware of ski club concerns and complaints. Last year, Officer Mrotek, Ms. Wohler and Director Anderson met at Idle Isle to go over the concerns. One was the new sound system being too loud. The ski club now uses only four of the six speakers and also turns the volume down. Also, the wave action in front of the launch, not returning the buoys to the original location, the ramp light, and shows not ending on time were some of the issues last year. Director Anderson reviewed with the Board the changes for the 2004 contract—increase practice dates to 36, show dates to 15, show/practice times, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., August 2-September 1, take-down time by 9:00 p.m., May 17-July 29, sound system volume should only be loud enough for show spectators and participants to enjoy, ski lesson dates, and swimming buoys returned to their original location. Mr. Schneider said they tried to keep the dates to 30 last year, but the Finance Committee/Common Council set the dates last year. He felt the Board has been generous with the ski club’s use of Idle Isle and would like to reduce the practice days to 30 days. Mr. Schneider moved to approve the agreement but to keep the practice dates at 30 days and allow the extra day for the show and an annual review in October by the Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Manchester seconded. The dates would be worked out with Director Anderson. Mr. Manchester said at the concept of the ski club using Idle Isle Park, the number of complaints received would affect their continued usage of the park, one complaint would cut their hours and days to a certain point, second complaint would trigger more cuts, and a third complaint would mean denied usage. He stated that it is a public park and granting them 36 days is half the summer. Mr. Schneider said they are doing a good show but the lake is not getting any bigger and there are more people using it. Mr. Manchester called for the question. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Director Anderson presented the agreement for the placement of the ski club’s pier at Idle Isle Park. There were no changes. Mr. Schneider moved to approve the agreement for the placement of the pier. Mr. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 12, 2004, page 4 Manchester seconded. No further discussion. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. A copy of the ski jump agreement to be acted upon by the Common Council was provided for the Board members. Dogs-at-large in Bluhm Park Mr. Hojnacki, a dog owner himself, discussed with the Board his concerns regarding people letting their dogs run loose in Bluhm Farm Park. He was concerned that someone may get attacked. He uses the trail with his dog. He suspected also that some were using the park as a training place for their hunting dogs. One party has four dogs, drives a suburban utility vehicle and lets their dogs run loose. He would like to see the police drive by and if they see someone without a dog on a lease or in the park with their dogs, to issue citations or at least give a warning. President Whipple had witness the same thing at Denoon Park. Board members advised Mr. Hojnacki to call the police department as it is an enforcement issue. (Board members recessed from 8:01 p.m.-8:13 p.m.) WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: Muskego Elementary School Donation Request Director Anderson advised that the Muskego Elementary School PTO was requesting donations for new playground equipment. Director Anderson felt that the department received this request because of the donation made to the Mill Valley Elementary School. He said that donation was made due to the use the department has with the three baseball fields and use of the school. Mr. Schneider stated the circumstances are different. President Whipple pointed out that there are two parks in the vicinity of the school that have playgrounds. Mr. Richard Manchester moved to deny the request for a donation. Mr. Schneider seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Goose Litter From the information printed in the LMLA’s newsletter, Director Anderson reported the department had received a few calls. One was from Mrs. Cook indicating for the Board to do whatever they had to do economically to control the geese. Her grandson isn’t allowed at Idle Isle Park because of the geese dropping. STATUS OF PROJECTS: Idle Isle Launch Chapter 30 permit should be coming through any day and should be sending out the grant narrative hopefully by Wednesday or Thursday. Kurth Park Restoration continues around the parking lot. Department of Public Works will be grading the athletic turf area. Trail will be going in. Central section is all done. Park Arthur Mr. Schneider indicated grading is being done. They pushed the topsoil back and when the grading is done they will restore the topsoil. Material is coming from a project on Grange Avenue. Mr. Schneider Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 12, 2004, page 5 asked when the house is burned down, could a small parking lot be put in? Director Anderson said there would be a small parking lot in that area. The parking lot could also serve to take some of the overflow from Idle Isle Park. Land Acquisitions Dan and Dave of the Planning Department have been doing the CSM for the Paepke property and this will be coming forward. Security Cameras Officer Mrotek and Director Anderson have been working on this. Jensen Park’s camera should be ready by the end of this week and then they will do Bluhm Park and then Kurth Park. MHS Athletic Fields The fields will be done by the end of May. They have already seeded the soccer fields and the two practice football fields. They have another meeting tomorrow at the Educational Service Center. The timeline of which copies were provided to the Board is going along as planned. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Goose Control Director Anderson provided a list of seven options for goose control. He briefly reviewed the options with the Board. Common Council wanted the Parks and Recreation Board to decide how they were going to handle the goose problem, or they would do it. Common Council was concerned about the health factor at Idle Isle Park with the goose droppings being on the sand and in the water. Director Anderson recommended the purchasing of the Goosepoopbuster for $5,281 including shipping along with Mr. Chris Ohm’s Bye Bye Birdies proposal for geese control. Bye Bye Birdies method consisted of four-day fogging (Fog Force) campaign and one spray treatment (Migrate) to expel geese from the park, amounting to $5,500 for labor, equipment, permit and materials. Mr. Ohm was present to answer any additional questions. The Bye Bye Birdies would be used at Idle Isle Park. The Goosepoopbuster could be used at the parks where necessary. Ald. Buckmaster moved to recommend the purchase of the Goosepoopbuster and to contract with Bye Bye Birdies for goose control. Mr. Schneider seconded. Mr. Schneider asked what kind of guarantee they would get with Bye Bye Birdies? Mr. Ohm said it has been a successful program for years and he can supply references. He will work with Director Anderson to set up the treatment schedule. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried 3-1 with Mr. Manchester voting no. Skateboard Park Board members reviewed the map on the proposed location for the skateboard park. Directors Anderson and McMullen worked together to come up with some auxiliary costs for the development of the park which included water service, electrical service, access drive and parking lot, and vending pad with water fountain. Using the services of the DPW, the costs for these items could be reduced to $40,000 from $43,235. These costs would be in addition to the seed money of $50,000. Board members review this information. Director Anderson will work with Director McMullen on the ideas expressed by the Board. Director Anderson and Parks Supervisor Peter Theis had visited the Delafield skate park. Pictures of that park were shared with the Board members. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 12, 2004, page 6 ALDERMAN'S REPORT Ald. Buckmaster said they are still working on the Ewald-Engle property and will be discussed at Common Council on Tuesday. Two new aldermen will be sworn in within a week and a half. He mentioned that they have made it clear that existing parks are a priority with them. The replacement of the Idle Isle Park building is going to be a big issue. He did not think that capital funds would be used, but rather park dedication fees for this project especially with the park dedication fees being increased. Board members questioned the status of the Old Town Hall? Ald. Buckmaster indicated Common Council does not want to spend more taxpayer dollars on the building. The initial costs were exceeded and they are struggling with trying to proceed and protect their investment. Director Anderson said Director McMullen is working on what it would take to get it ready for occupancy. Board would like some firm estimates before they decide to spend park dedication funds on the building. Director Anderson said he could see revenue from increase program numbers and rentals to help offset the cost. CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT Tom Zagar is completely done with the burns. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Recreation Summer Program Guide The program guide will be out April 23. Parks Franklin Trails Franklin will be continuing their trail system. They will be providing map of the trail off of North Cape. Weed Tipping Location for 2004 Suzi Link has been advised of the weed tipping location in Park Arthur for 2004. It is just above the current fill area. Playground Resurfacing with Fibar Wood Chips Under new ADA regulations, the sand at Idle Isle, Bluhm and Denoon parks will have to be replaced with fibar. This year or next year, the department will work with DPW on removing the sand and replacing with wood chips. Tennis Court Renovations At the next Board meeting, the members will have to make a decision on the tennis courts at Freedom Square and Denoon Park. Denoon Park tennis courts are in such poor shape that they have been closed and nets have not been put up. It is estimated to cost $70,000 to replace the courts. It was mentioned that MHS has 12 new courts. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 12, 2004, page 7 NEW BUSINESS: Name Moorland Corridor The Board members were requested to submit names for the Moorland Corridor parkland. The name would be voted on at the next meeting. Park Dedication Priority List Director Anderson provided and reviewed with the Board a 5-year plan for park dedication projects. Ald. Buckmaster would like to see the Idle Isle building replaced. He thought it should be moved forward to be done earlier. He felt that some of the other items could be moved around. With the increase in park dedication fees, he cautioned that the Common Council might expect the funds to be used also for land acquisition in the future. This 5-year plan will be subject to review monthly. Horn Park Batting Cage Netting Mr. Haag approached Director Anderson about replacing the batting cage netting at Horn Park. He suggested the cost of $570 be equally shared by Impact, the high school, and the department. If the high school doesn’t want to share the cost as they wouldn’t be using the field next year, then the Board felt Impact should pay 2/3. Mr. Howard Schneider moved to pay 1/3 of the cost to replace the batting cage netting at Horn Field. Mr. Manchester seconded. President Whipple did think that the high school should pay for 1/3 of the cost as they would be one of the major benefactors even if it were for one year. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission No plans submitted for the Board’s review. Next Meeting – May 10, 2004. COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Ald. Buckmaster gave his swan song. Believing this to be his last Board meeting, Ald. Buckmaster expressed his pleasure at serving on the Board and the knowledge that he gained about the Board, the parks and the department. The experience helped him to become a better alderman. He better understands the needs for the parks and for recreation in Muskego. He stated he would continue to support the Parks and Recreation Board. Board members thanked him for being on the Board. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Richard Manchester moved for adjournment at 10:00 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, Tammy Dunn, Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, April 12, 2004, page 8