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Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 2/9/2004 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF MUSKEGO February 9, 2004 Approved 3/8/04 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 Thursday, February 5, 2004 Present: Ald. Chris Buckmaster, Mr. Eric Hetzel, Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby Whipple, and Director Craig Anderson. Absent: Mr. Richard Manchester (excused) GUESTS: Dan Hurchard, Roy Smart, Bill Rupp, Suzi Link, Tom Zagar APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 12, 2004 Joint Meeting/Conservation Commission Mrs. Koble moved, Mr. Schneider seconded, to approve, as corrected, the minutes of the January 12 joint meeting with the Conservation Commission meeting. Correction on page 2, change the motion vote from 3-1 to 4-1 Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes carried unanimously. January 12, 2004 Parks & Recreation Board Mr. Schneider moved, Mrs. Koble seconded, to approve the minutes of the January 12 meeting. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve carried unanimously. PERSONAL APPEARANCES: Goose Control Mr. Dan Hurchard of the USDA discussed with the Board members a program on urban goose management. The geese would be humanely euthanized by trained personnel. The first step of the program is to catch 7 geese and have them tested for metals and contaminants. This original step, the first year, is estimated to cost $300/$500 per bird plus the cost, approximately $500, to capture the birds. From the analysis, it would be determined if the geese are safe for human consumption whereby they may be utilized for donation to a food pantry. If the geese were not safe for human consumption, they would be landfilled. The testing for contaminants need only to be done once per site providing there are no environmental or management changes that would alter the birds’ exposure to toxins. The second step, the capture of the geese for control, would occur the following year. Cost for donation of meat to human consumption would include the fee charged by Wildlife Specialists for capture, transportation to the processor, transportation to the charity, and processing costs. He provided a rough estimate of $8,250 for the testing and the subsequent capture of 300 geese. Costs may be less depending on the fees charged by the WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) for the tests and if other communities in the Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, Feb. 9, 2004, page 2 area also participate in the program. Costs may be more if geese are captured from more than one park. It is up to the municipality to decide how many geese they want to retain; however, Mr. Hurchard said zero is not an option. Board members were provided with the guidelines established by the WDNR for the program. He recommended budgeting $500/bird for the contaminant testing. The success of the program can be attributed to the birds having a fidelity to their own site. Some discussion occurred on the other options for control of the geese population, including Mr. Zagar’s efforts in oiling the eggs in the nests, and also, making arrangements with dog owners to have their dogs scare and chase the geese. Mr. Hulbert wanted to explore more options, but also found value in having the contaminant testing being done. Director Anderson advised the Board that the Common Council did approve $10,000 to address the issue of controlling the geese population. Members of the Board gave consideration to holding a public hearing to advise and to educate the public should the decision be to move forward with this program. Mr. Schneider thought that 95 percent would be in favor of taking measures to control the goose population. Mr. Hulbert moved to recommend to the Finance Committee the expenditure for the initial contaminant testing for this program. Mr. Howard Schneider seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Geocache in Park Arthur Mr. Bill Rupp educated the Board members on the new hobby, called geocache. Geocache is a form of high-tech treasure hunting in which players use the Internet and GPS hand-held devices to find small treasure troves that other geocache enthusiasts have hidden for them to find in public assessable accesses. Detailed information was provided to the Board members. The information contained guidelines on contents, types, placement, and maps showing location of geocaches. He came before the Board to ask permission to hide a geocache in the wooded area of Park Arthur. He selected this park because it is not developed as the other city parks. He estimated the geocache would be visited annually by approximately 40 people. Mr. Schneider moved to allow Mr. Rupp to use Park Arthur for a geocache for one year. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Mr. Hulbert thought that Bluhm Park would be a better park to use. Board President Whipple mentioned Denoon Park would have some space. Director Anderson recommended Denoon Park’s wooded area. Mr. Schneider amended his motion to the location of the geocache to be determined by mutual agreement between the Parks and Recreation Director and Mr. Rupp. Mr. Hulbert seconded the amendment. Mr. Rupp stated that the location of the geocache would be made known also to the parks supervisor. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Idle Isle Pier Mr. Roy Smart addressed the Board members on the issue of relocating the Idle Isle pier. He presented the Board members with several pictures depicting the current location of the pier and his proposed new location for the pier. He thought a 30-foot section could be taken out of the pier. He had also contacted several vendors for estimates on moving the pier. On this issue, Director Anderson had asked the Plan Department staff to prepare some renderings using their software of the pier at its current location, at the proposed new location, and the view of the pier from Mr. Smart’s residence. He had also contacted Director McMullen for cost estimates for the relocation of the pier. These cost estimates were with the understanding that the Department of Public Works staff and parks employees would complete the work. A Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, Feb. 9, 2004, page 3 detailed letter on the make-up of these costs was presented to the Board. The total anticipated cost for this project is approximately $12,000. There was some discussion on cost sharing with the lake district or the lake association. Ms. Link, representing the lake district, indicated that the district was willing to work with the Parks and Recreation Board on projects. She did mention though that the district’s policy is not to do a project to totally benefit an individual. Further indicated that if the Board went with this project and soon they could possibly piggyback on a WDNR permit that the district has for dredging. Mrs. Koble was stunned on the costs involved for the project. She wondered about the value of the dollar; $10,000 for controlling the geese, $12,000 for relocating the pier. Do the people involved have a voice in spending this money? Mr. Hulbert expressed his thoughts that the relocation of the pier may improve the fishing for the anglers. There was a lot of discussion on the dredging of the area. It was pointed out that if you move the pier, you might create a navigational hazard as this part was not dredged during the dredging project years ago. Ald. Buckmaster queried if when the pier was put in was there something not done correctly, that it now needed to be relocated? He wasn’t hearing that that was the case. From his perspective, he didn’t think that Council would approve it. At this time, the Board took no action. If the Board continues to take no action, President Whipple summed up that the pier would go back in the lake in the spring as it has in the past. There doesn’t seem to be an issue with moving the pier, just who will be paying for it. He thanked Mr. Smart for providing information to the Board on this issue. ALDERMAN'S REPORT Ald. Buckmaster reported that there is a current offer to purchase being completed by the city right now on the Ewald-Engle property. Pending environmental certification by the WDNR, they can proceed to the actual purchase. There is no timeline on when this will happen. CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT Mr. Schneider reported that the Commission had met at 6:00 p.m. and voted for the new plan where they get the dollars from the developers. They get $50 more than what was presented last month at the joint meeting. Mr. Hulbert inquired if they have an active plan for invasive species removal in conservation areas? Mr. Schneider said that Mr. Zagar has put together a plan for every site. Mr. Hulbert asked what funding was being used? Mr. Schneider replied that it was landfill funds. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Recreation Projects Updates Director Anderson reported that staff—himself, Tammy and Stella—are working very well with limited resources and trying to maintain the current level of programming. Swim lesson participants at Franklin for the winter session was about 70. SWAT (Southwest Aquatic Team) is getting close to finalizing an agreement with the school district to be offering aquatic opportunities. Summer Program Guide The staff has an early start on the summer program guide in order to get the guide out and the programs going. Parks Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, Feb. 9, 2004, page 4 Miscellaneous Projects Updates For the last month, parks has been mainly concerned with snow removal and making ice over at Manchester Hill Park. They are working on park signs for Boxhorn and Schmidt. The Idle Isle dock modifications because of the grant application to extend that launch in the fall, they have to maintain a five- foot access width of the dock. When they put on the 4x4 on each side, for the wheel chairs, they put it on top of the dock. Now they have to take off the housing and put it on the side to maintain the access width. This will be measured and if it is not the correct width, the grant will be denied. Parks staff attended the contractor’s expedition trade show. The crew is also working on dropping some diseased trees and chipping out brush. Veterans Memorial Park Sign Director Anderson had forwarded a sign design and revised quote to Mr. Holling. No response at this time. Snow Removal from Paths Director Anderson shared that the Mayor had discussed his concern that if the snow isn’t removed from the paths and ice forms, it would be negligence on our part. Director Anderson indicated there were a lot of municipalities that don’t do their paths. He is awaiting a response. Right now the department staff is getting out there as soon as they can. Police Boat Update Director Anderson said the police department elected to use Lake Access #8 to moor their boat. This is the original site they requested. NEW BUSINESS: Portable Toilet Bids 2004 There were three bids submitted for the portable toilets for 2004. Port-A-John had the lowest bid of $8,919, which is under the budgeted $9,320. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve Port-A-John’s bid for the portable toilets. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Baseball Field Requests 2004 Baseball field requests were received for 2004. Muskego Fire is the only one that has not been received. They have used Denoon Park’s field in the past. If they want that field, it is still available. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the 2004 baseball field requests. Mr. Schneider seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Plaque Commemorating Betty Czarapata Board members reviewed the verbiage for the plaque commemorating Betty Czarapata’s work. The plaque indicating “Betty’s Woods” will be placed in Veterans Memorial Park by the boardwalk. Mr. Schneider moved to approve the plaque and its location. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, Feb. 9, 2004, page 5 OTHER BUSINESS Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission Northfield Green Preliminary Plat Mr. Hulbert commented on the Northfield Green preliminary plat. This is where the new Martin Drive goes through. There are 38 units—side-by-side duplexes. Board members discussed adding an off-road connection in the area that would connect to the parkland. Mr. Schneider moved to have a path on the west side of Sandalwood heading south down to the park and along Janesville Road and along Moorland Road to the park; this would encompass west side of Sandalwood, Moorland to Martin on the south side, Janesville all the way to Moorland. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Next Meeting – March 8, 2004. COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Mr. Hulbert asked about the status of the Idle Isle building, renovation, demolition? Director Anderson stated he didn’t think it would be done for quite some time. He believed the Water Bugs Ski Team would come before the Board with a proposal on what they could do to expedite and try to build it. In his discussion with the Mayor, he indicated he would like it done sooner than later. Ald. Buckmaster indicated that the Board may want to look again at their priorities; Idle Isle, skateboard park, etc. What do they want to get done? In regard to the skateboard park, Mr. Hulbert would like to see something started on it. If the Teen Advisory Board can’t come up soon enough with the $50,000, then the Board should consider a scaled down park, such as putting down the slab of asphalt, possibly putting minimum jumps. Director Anderson recommended just doing the asphalt slab and educating the public that it would be phased in. Mrs. Koble thought the kids would be happy to go to an area with their skateboards where they are allowed. Ald. Buckmaster recommended that something should be done before minds change and the money is used elsewhere. Mrs. Koble inquired about the bridle paths proposal? Mr. Hulbert said he was able to get city maps from the Building Department. She asked if there is anything they need to do to keep it in front of people’s minds, to let developers know there are certain areas/footage they want for multi-recreational use trail? Mr. Hulbert stated he needs to find the time to get the sub-committee together. Mr. Hulbert asked where they are regarding the plans for Park Arthur? Director Anderson said the first phase would be the hockey rink, well and parking lot. This should happen in the spring or summer. Mr. Hulbert asked about the wide span bridge? Director Anderson said this would happen this spring. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 9:05 p.m. Seconded by Mrs. 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, Tammy Dunn,