Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 6/14/2004
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING
CITY OF MUSKEGO
June 14, 2004
Approved 7/12/04
Audio Recording Available
Vice-president Howard Schneider called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of
Muskego, to order 6:31 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, June 10, 2004.
Present: Mr. Eric Hetzel, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. Richard Manchester, Ald. Bob Melcher, Mr. Howard
Schneider, Mr. Toby Whipple (7:45 p.m. arrival) and Director Craig Anderson.
Absent: Mr. Jerald Hulbert (excused)
GUESTS: Bill Unger, Gary Stewart, Jerry Gallo, Marvin Strasser, Brian Schneider, Bob Bueckers, Frances
Burgeson, Shelly Wohler
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
May 10, 2004
Mr. Manchester moved, Mrs. Koble seconded, to approve the minutes of the May 10 meeting. Vice-
president Schneider asked for a correction of the minutes on page 7, under Hickory Creek Subdivision,
change adjacent to the Ewald-Engle property to Lee property. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve
the minutes as amended carried unanimously.
ALDERMAN'S REPORT
Ald. Melcher gave his report on what recently transpired at the Council level. The report included rezoning
property on Muskego Dam Road to allow for subdividing the property, establishing new traffic regulations at
Shore Lane and Oak Grove, review of the Hickory Creek subdivision, but nothing on the bike trail in that
subdivision was discussed.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
Muskego Lions Club Lobster Boil/Grill Steaks—Mr. Gary Stewart presented his request for use of Veterans
Memorial Park for the weekend of Saturday, September 18, 2004. Their lobster boil/grill steak event will
include an entertainment tent, with beverage sales and a band. The event is a fund-raising activity in
support of charities funded by the Muskego Lions Club. Mrs. Koble moved to approve the request to
allow the waiver of fees for the Muskego Lions Club event at Veterans Memorial Park on September
18, 2004. Mr. Manchester seconded. Director Anderson advised that the park does not have garbage
cans, only a dumpster. Mr. Stewart said they plan on doing some ground activity and have considered
providing waste receptacles. Director Anderson asked if they plan to use the bathrooms? Mr. Stewart
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, June 14, 2004, page 2
indicated they did. He also mentioned they may be also providing portable toilets. He is to contact
Director Anderson two weeks before the event. Further, they will need to use the electrical facilities at the
park. He indicated they had checked out the facilities and the outlets available should be adequate. Mrs.
Koble amended her motion to include waiving the cost of the electrical usage for the event. Mr.
Manchester seconded the amendment. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Lake Access #13—Mrs. Fran Burgeson spoke to the Board members on several issues regarding Lake
Access 13. Her first issue was the pier that still has not been moved. Her second issue was who owns
the pier? Another issue was the privilege of owning a pier and docking a boat. This is a privilege that is
given to riparian owners. Riparian owners are owners that have land abutting or adjacent to the water.
She mentioned that all the water in the State is owned by the State. They give the riparian owners the
privilege to be able to dock a boat. She elaborated on the two non-riparian owners who have boats docked
adjacent to a pier that the city may or may not take ownership. She also addressed the location of the pier
and the 30’ strip that is at the end of Michi Drive and owned by the city. She suggested how they could
make the lake access more accessible to the public without the users infringing on private property.
Director Anderson stated that the issue of the pier and the access would be addressed later on in the
meeting and indicated that Mrs. Burgeson’s concerns would be discussed.
Hershey Track 2005—Mr. Brian Schneider of the Southwest Area Track Club informed the Board members
that his club would be willing to run the Hershey Track 2005 event. He was very disappointed that due to
budget cuts, this year the City of Muskego’s youth were not able to participate in Hershey Track. They will
need to get use of the Muskego High School facilities and would like to be able to get those facilities at no
cost. Director Anderson did think that through the Parks and Recreation Department, they would be able to
get the facilities at no cost. Mr. Schneider will handle the details regarding the event. He will provide the
department with the dates, usually the last week in May or the middle of June, so it can be published in the
program guide.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE:
Manchester Hill Park Rental—Board members reviewed the request from the Masonic Youth Groups to
have a DJ at their dance/picnic at Manchester Hill Park on August 28, from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Mr.
Manchester moved to approve their request. Ald. Melcher seconded. Director Anderson to work with
them regarding the placement of the speakers and other amenities. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried.
Donation of Dock on Lake Access #13/Mooring To and Around Lake Access Docks--Director Anderson
updated the Board members on the proposed donation of the dock on Lake Access #13. They were in
receipt of the letter from the individual regarding the donation. Director Anderson stated he had some
contact with two WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) officials and they advised that in the
city’s Chapter 26 ordinance, they should add that the boats couldn’t be moored at the dock. They also
recommended that anyone that wants to moor their boat out into the lake, they would need a mooring
permit for which they would have to go through Council. Also, they recommended a 15’ perimeter or
whatever distance around the dock so that boats cannot moor next to the dock. This would assure that
people going out to that dock would have access to the lake and around the perimeter of the dock. He
recommended that a distance be set around the dock. Mr. Manchester inquired if the docks would have to
be handicapped accessible and if so, would the Board be required to put a path to the dock? Director
Anderson stated that the lake accesses are grass, but the boat launch areas are handicapped accessible.
No answer at this time whether or not the WDNR would require the accesses to be ADA approved. Vice-
president Schneider stated that right now they have a problem with two boats docking to the pier, and the
pier is illegal, and people have to go across other private property to get to the pier. Something needs to
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, June 14, 2004, page 3
be done. It may have to be relocated. Director Anderson stated that with Mrs. Burgeson’s property the
engineering department is doing a title report search, which should be done by the end of the week, and
then they will do a survey to determine whether or not the path is on city property or her property. Then it
will be delineated and marked with posts. Mr. Manchester moved not to accept the donation of the
dock. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. The owner of the
dock will now have to move the dock off city property.
In regard to the WDNR recommendation that they go to the mooring permit, Director Anderson stated the
ordinance would have to be changed to add (1) no mooring to lake access docks and (2) recommend that
a mooring permit process take place at the Council level. Mr. Manchester moved to recommend to
Common Council on the mooring and docking of boats. Mrs. Koble seconded. Mr. Hetzel asked if
they could say how many feet from the dock? Director Anderson advised that the distance be left up to
Council. After discussion, Mr. Manchester withdrew his motion and Mrs. Koble her second. Mrs.
Koble made a motion to add to Chapter 26, no mooring to public lake access docks. Ald. Melcher
seconded. Director Anderson indicated that city counsel could work out the wording. Upon a voice vote,
the motion carried unanimously. Mrs. Koble made a motion to recommend to Common Council to
consider initiating a mooring permit process with a minimum perimeter to allow for public access
around lake access docks and shoreline. Ald. Melcher seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
Lake Access #8—From the audience, Mr. Strasser advised the Board members that first the police had
gated the access to the police boat and now the gate has been removed and only signs remain. He
wanted to know if it was a public pier or was it for police business? Director Anderson replied that at a
previous meeting the police had asked to use the pier for docking their police boat and the Board gave
approval. He said the gate was put up and that limited access to the lake by the public. He recommended
the gate be moved farther out and then the public would still have access. Ald. Melcher moved to
suggest to the police department that the gate be midway on the pier leaving enough access for the
public to use the pier. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Another issue on lake access #8 was the mowing on the weekend. Director Anderson stated this is the
only time the mowing can be done on the lake access as during the week, they are mowing the parks and
preparing ball fields. He also said that there are some verbal agreements allowing neighbors to mow the
lake accesses. Mr. Strasser and Mr. Gallo used to mow the access. They shared with the Board that Ald.
Salentine said they could no longer mow the area. Mr. Gallo said that when the city cuts the grass, they
dump all the clippings in the spillway; then the next time it rains, all the grass ends up in the lake. You can’t
pick up the grass with a rake. He recommended blowing the grass off the spillway so it doesn’t end up in
the lake.
Horses on Recreation Trail—An email regarding horses on the recreation trail was provided to the Board
for their information. Director Anderson had replied to the individual but as of this date received no
response.
Muskego Historical Society Correspondence--Board members were in receipt of a letter from the Muskego
Historical Society regarding concerns at the Old Town Hall. Director Anderson pointed out that the second
paragraph regarding the green barrels. The barrels did not belong to the department. He thought one of
the people mowing had picked them up so this item has been handled.
Live Entertainment in Parks--Director Anderson presented Mr. Hintze’s request to be able to have music
played in the parks. He proposed two dates, July 17, 2004, from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Idle Isle Park and
August 14, 2004, from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. These would be local artists
sharing their talents with the community. He would need use of the electricity at the parks for the public
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, June 14, 2004, page 4
address system. Director Anderson stated it would be like the “Music in the Parks” at other communities.
His recommendation was to try it and monitor it since it is only two dates. Mr. Manchester moved to
approve the request to provide live music in the parks with waiver of fees at discretion of the Parks
and Recreation Director. Mr. Whipple seconded. Details will be worked out with Director Anderson.
Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Pleasant View Lake Access #15 Use Request--Director Anderson explained to the Board members that
Mr. Reck’s request was for parking and the Board cannot override the posted signage. Being a police
issue, he was referred to go through the police department.
Board members recessed from 8:01 p.m.-8:06 p.m. Upon their return, Vice-president Schneider turned the
meeting over to President Whipple.
STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Director Anderson advised the Board on the status of the following projects:
Denoon Park—Tennis court poles have been removed and the holes filled and signage put up regarding
the tennis courts. No feedback from the general public regarding this action.
Idle Isle Launch Project— This will be done after September 15. It will coincide with the bridge being done
on Hardtke Drive. The bridge is being redone as part of a DOT (Wisconsin Department of Transportation)
grant. There will not be access to the park for a period of time.
Kurth Park—When it dries out, DPW (Department of Public Works) will be working on the southern section
off of Woods Road.
Moorland Corridor Parkland—Nothing new. They have taken some fill away from the fill pile. They are
grading on the soccer fields to the north of the property. Mrs. Koble inquired how often the grass is cut?
Director Anderson didn’t know, but if anything were to be done, it would be by DPW with the flail mower.
Park Arthur—They are still bringing in fill and grading. They have stripped the topsoil off on the portion near
College. Should be able to get in there by the end of summer to put in the hockey boards and surfacing.
Land Acquisitions—He thought everything had been done regarding the Paepke property as far as the land
appraisal. This should be moving forward at the Council level and Ald. Melcher should be able to report
back to the Board on the status.
Security Cameras—The security camera at Jensen Park is done and working. They will be installing the
camera next at Bluhm Park and then at Kurth Park. The camera digital taping of activity at the park can last
up to three months. Any activity is flagged on the tape so it is easy to find when the tape is pulled for
review. It also allows for pictures to be printed out.
Recreation Trails—No update. The span crete bridge is still to be done.
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MHS Athletic Fields—There is a meeting on the 15. The fencing of the fields was to have been started on
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the 14.
Park Dedication Budget—Board members provided an updated copy to keep and to bring to subsequent
meetings. The changes were made that Mr. Schneider had requested.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, June 14, 2004, page 5
Old Town Hall— Board members were provided in their packets with projected revenues if the department
were to use the facility for the recreation programs. At the last Committee of the Whole, there was
discussion on using park dedication money to complete renovation of the building. He had informed the
aldermen that until they get detailed estimates, the Board would not be discussing the issue as this would
have to be worked into the five-year park dedication plan. The Mayor had indicated to him that probably in
August, they would receive a detailed cost estimate.
Skate Park—No update. He will be contacting another sponsor. The timeline now is off by four months
with possibly construction actually happening in late fall or early spring.
Geese Program—They have been keeping detailed figures each week. This report was provided to the
Board members. Bye Bye Birdies did their fogging and the lawn treatment. He shared that the staff had
used the new goose poopbuster and it picks up everything. They will continue to monitor the program.
You may see geese at Idle Isle, but they are not eating, just resting. The area appeared to be clean of
goose dung when he and Ald. Melcher took a tour of the parks.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Moorland Corridor Parkland Name—Board members reviewed the proposed list of names for the park. Mr.
Manchester moved to name the park Moorland Park. Mr. Schneider seconded. Upon a voice vote,
the motion carried unanimously.
Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. Monthly Review—Board members were in receipt of the memo from the police
department and the compliance checklist as part of their monthly review of the ski team activities. The
compliance checklist came back fine and the memo indicated no complaints against the ski team or filed by
the ski team.
Director Anderson reported that a memo had been received from Shelly Wohler of the ski team indicating
that the fifth item on the compliance checklist requires 100’ clearance from the islands. Director Anderson
had spoken with Officer Mrotek who indicated there is no such law for boats, but there is for wave runners.
The ski team was requesting that the fifth item be removed from the compliance checklist. Vice-president
Schneider gave a little history on this 100’ clearance from the islands. The agreement was modified after
the area was dredged, with rip rap being placed around the area, and when the ski team came in that year,
the Board asked them to stay 100’ from the island so it would not get damaged from the boat wakes. Ms.
Wohler indicated that it wasn’t in their agreement and it wasn’t a state law. Further, she explained that it is
a safety factor that the boat cannot make a sharp turn when doing a pyramid. It is in the best interest of the
skiers not to do a 90degree turn from the island. Director Anderson will consult with Officer Mrotek and get
further clarification on the issue of the slow, no wake area.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT
Mr. Schneider shared that the Conservation Commission had taken a tour of the various conservation
areas. A highlight of the tour was the Ewald-Engle property. Board members were able to review the plan
provided of this area. The government gave $400,000 for the program. Director Anderson inquired if the
Board would be able to develop this area, for instance, athletic fields? Mr. Schneider responded there
would be only conservation use for this property as the money came from a stewardship grant. The
development may consist of nature trails within the site. Right now, since there is farming going on, they will
let the farming continue until they are ready to start developing it.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, June 14, 2004, page 6
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Recreation
Dance Recital—This was held at Lake Denoon Middle School in the cafeteria. There were over 400
attending. Next year they will make application to hold the recital at the performing arts center at the high
school.
Summer Program and Registration—This was the first day of summer programs. The all-day playground
program started as well as a number of other programs. A lot of classes were added to accommodate the
wait lists.
Parks
Parks Dedication Fee Study Update—Board members were in receipt of a handout on the updated dollar
amounts; single family unit $1,900 each unit, multi-family unit $1,400 each unit. He believed that if people
are in the system, they have until the end of January, 2005 to get in their CSM and final plat approval. After
that date, they would fall under the new fees.
Old Idle Isle Boat Launch—At the Finance Committee, when they were discussing the ski team’s
agreement, there was some discussion with people in the audience regarding the feasibility of opening up
the old launch when the ski team was using the park. The park manager would open the gate during the
time the ski team is using the park and close the gate afterwards. The launch has to be inspected by the
city engineer for any improvement that needs to be made. This will also be discussed at the annual
meeting of the lake district. This may be able to be worked into the grant that is already proposed for Idle
Isle providing it is feasible.
Idle Isle Beach Water Quality—Director Anderson reported that the first test on a Wednesday of the water
at Idle Isle came back with a count of 1300. If the reading is over 1000, you have to close the beach. He
closed the beach for the weekend. Another test was taken the following Monday and that came back with
a count of 13. Thus, the beach was opened up. The tests are done on Wednesday and retesting is done
on Mondays if necessary. Cost of the testing is $25 each time. There is no way to budget this so it is taken
out of the operating budget. The beach information is on the hot-line so the public can always get an
update. There is also signage at the park, at the entrance and the beach.
NEW BUSINESS:
Mooring To and Around Lake Access Docks—This issue was by agreement of the members discussed
earlier in the meeting.
Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. Roster—Board members received the current roster for the ski team.
Skateboard Park Sponsor—This issue was updated under Status of Projects.
Lake Access #8—This issue was by agreement of the members discussed earlier in the meeting.
School District Facilities Agreement—Director Anderson reported that the pool information was removed
from the agreement. Also, on page 2, he was asking for the following changes: (1) under Horn Park
Baseball Field Improvements, change shall budget one-half of estimated costs to shall budget
reimbursement of a percentage of their use of the field; and (2) under Muskego-Norway School District
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, June 14, 2004, page 7
Softball Field Improvement, change shall budget one-half of improvement costs to shall budget a
percentage based on usage. Aside from these issues, everything else remains the same. Though Director
Anderson requested a two-year agreement, the school district went back to one year. Mr. Manchester
made a motion to approve the General Facility Agreement with the school district incorporating the
changes proposed by Director Anderson. Mr. Schneider seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried. (Update: Meeting was held on June 15, 2004 with school administrators and the proposed above
changes will be reflected in the lease agreement for 6/1/05-6/30/07.)
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission--None
Next Meeting—July 12, 2004.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW—None proffered.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Howard Schneider moved for adjournment at
8:36 p.m. Seconded by Ald. Melcher. 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,