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Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 3/8/2004 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF MUSKEGO March 8, 2004 Approved 4/12/04 Audio Recording Available Board Vice-President Howard Schneider called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of Muskego, to order 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, March 4, 2004 Present: Ald. Chris Buckmaster, Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. Richard Manchester, Mr. Howard Schneider and Director Craig Anderson. Absent: Mr. Eric Hetzel (excused), Mr. Toby Whipple (excused) GUESTS: Ald. Schroeder, Chris Ohm, Sean McMullen, Tom Zagar APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 9, 2004 Mr. Hulbert moved, Mrs. Koble seconded, to approve the minutes of the February 9 meeting. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve carried unanimously. PERSONAL APPEARANCES: Northfield Green Trail & Miscellaneous Projects Updates Mr. McMullen advised the Parks and Recreation Board members that the Public Works Committee agreed that the issue to have a recreation trail run adjacent to Sandalwood should go back to the Parks and Recreation Board for reconsideration, as it appears a recreation trail along Sandalwood cannot be accommodated. Mr. McMullen reviewed the Northfield Green Trail plans with the Board. He stated the plans meet all of the city’s minimum requirements. The width available to accommodate a trail is less than six feet because of the additional roadway width on Sandalwood. Mr. McMullen showed the Board members the cross section, which depicts the 34-foot wide asphalt section, verses the 24-foot wide section on normal subdivision roadways. The increased section was recommended as part of the Sandalwood Development to allow for additional on-street parking in the “condo” portion of the development. However, with the new cross-section there is only enough room for a 5.5-foot wide path, which is less than the standard 8-foot wide section. Board members felt with the high density in the area, all the more important to have a path in the area. Discussion included going to high-back curbing to gain the extra footage needed as well as going to a sidewalk which is not recommended by the city. Director Anderson had received several calls from the developer, Bill Carity, on this issue. Mr. Hulbert would like to see the city be as accommodating to the needs of the pedestrians as they have been to the developers. Not finding a resolution to the issue at this time, the Board established a sub-committee to meet with the developer to discuss a safe way through this high-density area. Sub-committee members are Mr. Manchester, Mr. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 8, 2004, page 2 Hulbert and Mrs. Koble. Mr. Hulbert moved to recommend to Public Works Committee that an off- road, multi-use recreation trail be installed in the Sandalwood area connecting Janesville Road and Moorland Road. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. McMullen advised the Board members that there is from 26,000-27,000 cubic yards of fill of the 70,000 cubic yards needed to create the first phase of Park Arthur. More fill will be supplied as part of the Janesville Road reconstruction project. By this time next year, should have the hockey rink, the well, the parking lot and the provision for the pad for the pavilion structure in place. This will be done at no cost to the Parks and Recreation Board. In regard to the parkland along Moorland Road, Mr. McMullen shared that the city is in negotiations for the sale of the topsoil. Once the sale of the topsoil is done, the contractor will restore the area for the construction of the soccer fields. This, again, will be at no cost to the city in exchange for the topsoil. The city, for a minimal cost, will have to construct the gravel parking lot in the area, a couple thousand dollars. The cost of seed and mulch for the area will be in the range of $1,000-$3,000. The soccer fields would not be available until the fall of 2005. For the Highway 36 bridge, Mr. McMullen said the plans are done and the final design is completed. The plans are for span Crete. It is now at the WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) for their review and are trying to get it as an extension permit. They don’t like a concrete structure. They would like to see a boardwalk structure. This is still under discussion. This project could be completed in 30-60 days. Mr. McMullen said the Martin house would not be burned until the asbestos in the structure was removed. The remediation work would run a couple thousand dollars. He did inform the Board that the well was in good shape and would not be abandoned. It would be maintained for future use at the park. Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Ald. Schroeder provided the Board members with additional quotes from Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground for the skate park equipment. The quotes ranged from $95,000 to $106,000 which was less than the previous ones by TrueRide. The TAB has solicited and found companies/people interested in donating funds for the skateboard park. They have now come to a point where they need Director Anderson’s assistance and Parks and Recreation Board direction. They need help to move forward on design plans and making official contact with the companies/people on their donations. They will also be sending out letters to area businesses soliciting donations for the skateboard park. Mr. Hulbert pointed out that the Board still needed to take action on the location for the skateboard park; therefore, Mr. Hulbert moved that the Board recommend that the Moorland area parkland to be the spot for this potential skateboard park. Mrs. Koble seconded. Ald. Buckmaster voiced his concerns on the noise factor in the area. Ald. Schroeder shared that this was the first choice for the TAB as it was centrally located within the population density of the city. Further, he explained the measures taken to make the equipment as soundproof as possible. Mr. Hulbert would like to have the structure in place so people buying acreage or homes in the area would be cognizant of the park in the area. Director Anderson said they need to look at the site and see what needs to be done to match the seed money; such as project costs, electrical, water, the pad. Mr. Manchester voiced his concern that they would start the park here and eventually this would lead to the inception of a community center which under referendum was voted down. Ald. Buckmaster addressed the additional money needed for landscaping to buffer the noise. He also mentioned that with the soccer in the area eventually and the skateboard park, they may have to lower the speed limit. Also, the safety of the pedestrians in crossing Moorland to get to the businesses in the area is a concern. Mrs. Koble was concerned about vandalism. The layout of the parkland being close to Moorland Road and the design of Moorland Road’s curves would make the park visible with the headlights from the vehicles. The Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 8, 2004, page 3 hours for the park would be dawn to dusk. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried 4-1 with Mr. Manchester voting no. Vice-president Schneider would like to see a site plan on this area. Ald. Schroeder said the TAB will be sending a letter on the funding to the Parks and Recreation Board. They would also be interested in seeing the final plan for the park. Water Bug Ski Team, Inc. Agreements Board members deferred this issue until the April meeting when a representative of the ski team would be present. Spring Burns Mr. Zagar reviewed his management program for the proposed control burns in Bluhm, Denoon and Veterans parks. These burns would be beneficial for controlling invasive species and burning the leaf fallout in the woods. This would be done in the middle of March or April. They have sent out notifications to the neighbors in the areas. Mr.Hulbert moved to allow the restoration of these areas through controlled burns as indicated in the materials handed out to the Board. Mr. Manchester seconded. Mr. Zagar stated it is recommended that the initial burns be continuous for three years. By consecutive years of burning, the brush/weeds are burned way back. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: Director Anderson informed the Board members that the women’s restroom door at Jensen Park had been kicked in. The police were notified. Tuesday, he and Officer Mrotek will be scouting out locations for the security cameras. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Goose Control Vice-president Schneider said he had put a notice in the association’s newsletter which will go out shortly. From the articles in the Journal/Sentinel and The Sun, Director Anderson had received several phone calls. Mr. Chris Ohm of Bye Bye Birdies, LLC presented his proposal for geese control. This 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. Madrigal of TruGreen ChemLawn mailed to Director Anderson information on their flight control program costing $10,868. Director Anderson also provided a summary of the techniques that he received from the USDA. Ald. Schroeder shared the discussion at Finance Committee the reluctance to approve spending money on the WDNR testing program of euthanization; if after a public hearing, the Board decided not to go with the program. Director Anderson reminded the Board members that there are only two weeks left to get into the WDNR program for this year. Further, he mentioned the goose dropping picker upper equipment discussed at their earlier meetings. Mr. Hulbert and Mrs. Koble mentioned that signage at the parks indicates not to harass the wildlife and now the Board is discussing a euthanization program for the geese. They thought a public hearing on the issue would help to know what direction the citizens want them to take for geese control. The consensus of the Board members was to take no action and continue this issue as an agenda item and discuss options available at their next meeting. (Ald. Schroeder requested copies of the options.) Horse Bridle Trails Update Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 8, 2004, page 4 Mr. Hulbert had nothing to report at this time. ALDERMAN'S REPORT Ald. Buckmaster said they are still waiting on the Ewald-Engle property. For the fiscal year 2005, he mentioned that it is strongly possible that they city will again seek to have a 0% increase in taxes. Also, shared with the Board members his philosophy regarding the park dedication funds. He would like to see a priority listing done for the expenditure of the funds. Also, beneficial would be a timeline on the targeted projects. CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT There was nothing to report at this time. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Recreation Projects Updates No program updates at this time. Custodian Meeting Director Anderson reported that he and Tammy had met with the head custodians of the schools. The meeting went very well. They said the relationship between the department and themselves has greatly improved in getting information on the programs. Winter Program Highlights Director Anderson provided a brief synopsis on the winter programs. The new basketball program for boys and girls had 89 registrants. Youth basketball program had the largest enrollees ever. The women’s volleyball had 8 teams with 2 teams on the waiting list due to a lack of gym space. The department had a number of new infant/toddler groups and these programs are doing very well. Cooking classes have been moved to the high school because of the enrollment numbers. There were 63 participants in 10 class offerings for dance. The department is looking at breaking down the expense cost by adjusting the instructor:student ratio and still provide a quality program. Youth golf lessons is filled and people have been placed on the wait list. There were 110 Muskego residents in the Franklin swim program. Speed agility camp had 60 people and that has been the largest yet. Registration for 2004 has gone extremely well. Parks Miscellaneous Projects Updates Staff is working on trail signage trying to get it done before spring. Equipment repairs are being done. Working on making the Idle Isle docks handicap accessible in terms of the five-foot wide access. Trimming back trees. Park Dedication Study Update Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 8, 2004, page 5 The public hearing on the park dedication and conservation fees study is scheduled for March 23 at 7:25 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park Sign Director Anderson had met with the rotary club and they did approve of the design. Now, the department is waiting for the proof to come back. This sign should be up in the spring. Geocache Update Geocache, an old ammunition box, has been placed in Bluhm Park. The police were notified of its existence. NEW BUSINESS: 2004 Contract Services Director Anderson reviewed with the Board members the quotes received for the 2004 contract services and shared his recommendations. Mr. Hulbert moved to recommend F & W Landscape Services for the lawn mowing in the amount of $23,900 and weed eradication in the amount of $875, Bluemel’s Maintenance Service, Inc. for the grounds maintenance in the amount of $6,700. Mr. Richard Manchester seconded. It was noted that the portable toilets was already awarded to Port-A-John for $8,919. 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 – April 12, 2004. COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Recapping on his report, Ald. Buckmaster inquired if there was a priority list--he mentioned the dilapidated condition if the Idle Isle building and he is trying to get it moved up on the capital plan--would the Board prioritize the Idle Isle building ahead of, for instance, the skateboard park if it came down to it or other projects the Board might want to sponsor? Priority listing to give an idea of project importance so nothing would drop off; without a list, it is possible a project would drop off; but with a list, projects may just get pushed off a year or two. He would like a listing for Committee of the Whole or Common Council at the start of the 2005 fiscal budget planning. Director Anderson advised that the Idle Isle building is in capital budget, but the other projects are in park dedication. Mr. Hulbert expressed his thought that the skateboard park should not be put off. It is very rare that the Board receives matching funds and community involvement for a project. Also, the Board needs to keep good faith with all the people that have worked for it. Discussion continued on the expenditure of the park dedication funds and the autonomy of the Parks and Recreation Board. Mrs. Koble would like to see some of the projects the Board has started completed, such as Phase 1 of Park Arthur. Mr. Manchester mentioned that it has taken years to get Kurth Park completed. Board members recognized that the building at Idle Isle needs attention. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, March 8, 2004, page 6 Vice-president Schneider asked about the Idle Isle launch. Director Anderson said that in a few weeks, the Department of Public Works should be out there to form it and maintain it every two weeks during the boating season. Once the Chapter 30 permit is received, he can work on application for grant monies for the needed work at the launch, the Idle Isle ramp extension. He predicted the work would be done in the fall. Vice-president Schneider inquired when they had looked at the launching fees last? No information readily available as to exact date, but at least not, within the last six years. Director Anderson informed the Board that they have collected money and the money is sitting in the general ledger accounts for use on maintenance of the launches. He felt there was more than enough in the accounts. Mr. Jerald Hulbert shared with the Board members the information he had received from the South West Aquatic Team on the swim program at the high school. He felt that the Parks and Recreation Department could not put out the same product that SWAT is putting out for the fees being charged to make the program self-supporting. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Richard Manchester moved for adjournment at 9:55 p.m. 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, Tammy Dunn,