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Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 10/11/2004 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF MUSKEGO October 11, 2004 Approved 12/13/04 Audio Recording Available Board President Toby Whipple 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, October 7, 2004. Present: Mr. Eric Hetzel, Mr. Jerald Hubert, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. Richard Manchester, Ald. Bob Melcher, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby Whipple and Director Craig Anderson. GUEST: Fay Amerson, Bob Bueckers, Darlene Bueckers, Judy Koelpin, Dave Birkle, Todd Knolle, Shelly Wohler, Suzi Link, Terri Schubert, Ray Knickelbine, Jane Mundro, Ald. Borgman, Ald. Schroeder APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 23, 2004 Mr. Manchester moved, Ald. Melcher seconded, to approve the minutes of the September 23 meeting. Mr. Howard Schneider corrected the minutes on page 5 under Idle Isle Weeds, it should be Little Muskego Lake District, not Association. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the corrected minutes carried unanimously. ALDERMAN'S REPORT Ald. Melcher reported the new parking “no parking with trailers” regulation on Richdorf Drive from Racine to Bay Shore which should affect where boats go in. The Idle Isle bridge replacement project was approved. With approval of the MMSD (Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District) 20/20 facility plan boundary extension for 57 more sewer hookups, can look forward to more growth in the future which means more park dedication funds. He shared that pedestrian paths would not be allowed in the Ewald-Engle property since it is a conservation site. Any bike path would have to be on the extremities. Mr. Hulbert asked about the pedestrian path through the conservation area? Ald. Melcher said a gravel or white, stone path would not be permitted; however, they could walk on the property. Mr. Hulbert was under the impression that the outskirts of the property could be used for a bridle path, the area would be cleared for riding or walking. Ald. Melcher said it had to be limited to the perimeter of the property. PERSONAL APPEARANCES: Ald. Schroeder—Teen Advisory Board and Skate Park Ald. Schroeder updated the Parks and Recreation Board members on where the Teen Advisory Board was headed regarding the skate park project. They are interested in accepting one of the soft drink company’s involvement to move forward on the project but didn’t know if the Board was interested in accepting one of Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, October 11, 2004, page 2 them. He said they have a letter prepared to move forward to see if businesses in the city are interested in supporting the project. They have an idea of how they will move forward. The idea he received from the Board was that the seed money was an excellent start but there was going to have to be a major contribution from one of the two soft drink companies and/or from donations coming into the Teen Advisory Board. He couldn’t see the project moving forward without one of the soft drink companies coming on board nor the Teen Advisory Board coming up with $50,000+ on their own; they could come up with some money, but not to that extent. He couldn’t see going to the businesses until the project was solidified or without another major contributor; namely, the soft drink company. He surmised that at this point, they are ready to move forward if the Board solidifies at this time that the seed money is still available and also if the Board feels comfortable towards moving forward with one of the drink companies. Board President Whipple stated that the Board had discussed the drink companies last month; however, they wanted more information from the Teen Advisory Board on what they had been doing for the project before making any decision. Ald. Schroeder wasn’t certain what direction to take at this point, but felt they needed to get some vote at the Board level or higher level of government as to are they going to move forward with this project, seed money, soft drink company, or without soft drink company. He would not want to solicit participation in the project from businesses for donations of money or in kind material or labor without having a project. President Whipple said the Board had not discussed taking the seed money away, it is designated for the project. He continued, that the project may cost in excess of $100,000. The Board may not limit the contribution to $50,000, but they need to know the gap in funding. Ald. Schroeder said the direction that needs to be taken soon is understanding what the two companies have offered, is it something that the Board would entertain? If he has a commitment that the Board would or would not, then it would make it easier to decide where the project is going. It was Mr. Hulbert’s understanding when the Teen Advisory Board made their presentation that there would be multiple major donors coming forward to finance a major portion of the project. The Board had agreed to put $50,000 up front. They did not realize that there really wasn’t any donors except for the soft drink companies. Beyond that, the soft drink companies were not just for that future park. They would be placing machines in all of the parks. The revenue would be set up similar to the launch fees whereby they would go back towards that park’s improvements. He could not see foregoing other park projects such as Park Arthur development, Idle Isle building to focus on the skate park. Ald. Schroeder stated there are four other business that have expressed interest so there are other businesses other than the soft drink companies. He mentioned that the Teen Advisory Board had asked Director Anderson to move forward with contacting the soft drink companies in hopes of getting a lump sum up front for the park. Director Anderson said the money would not be in a lump sum but spread out over seven years. In the past it had been lump sum, but now it is based on product sold. He mentioned the other costs going into the development would be electricity, water, parking lot, trails which makes it above and beyond the original project scope. Ald. Schroeder thought the seed money was going towards the infrastructure. Director Anderson stated the seed money was earmarked for the skateboard park. These other items can be phased in over the years. Board President Whipple stated they did not know where the teen board was on the project, were they pursuing other fund-raising, have they started on it, have they sent any letters out? Ald. Schroeder said they are prepared to move forward and are looking for confirmation that they should move forward. Mr. Hulbert, in reviewing the project cost sheet, stated it’s going to take $180,000 to complete the skateboard park. What if they can’t get the money? Ald. Schroeder said the Council did not support the skateboard park. If they don’t have non-levy dollars, it is not going forward. Board members were in consensus to leaving the seed money in place and have the Teen Advisory Board move forward with their fund-raising. There was discussion on scaling back the project. Ald. Schroeder mentioned the initial project was an asphalt slab, not concrete, just large enough to contain the equipment that is on top of it, which would mean somewhere in the area of 60’x100’ and a paved path leading from the existing bike path along Moorland to the pad. Director Anderson said that the soft drink company would need electricity. Mr. Hulbert stated with that simple vision, it becomes more of a doable project. Director Anderson cautioned about using asphalt. All the research he did, it was highly Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, October 11, 2004, page 3 recommended to use concrete with the smooth surface which is approximately $8,000 more in cost. Muskego Historical Society—Old Town Hall Director Anderson had met with Mrs. Jane Mundro of the Muskego Historical Society regarding the display cases. He gave a project cost of $150 for materials to put caster wheels on the cases and about 5 hours of staff time. He indicated this would be very doable in trying to make the middle area downstairs flexible enough if programs were held there. It will also make it easier on the historical society members to move the cases if they desire a better traffic flow. Ald. Melcher asked about the locking of the cabinets, if that was figured in the price? Director Anderson said it was not. Mrs. Mundro shared that in checking on locks for the cabinets, the price would be $75 a cabinet. Director Anderson felt the historical society should pay for the cost of the locks as that was outside the scope of what his staff could do and as his department was picking up the cost of installing the casters. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the money for the caster wheels installation on any necessary cabinets in the museum area. Mr. Schneider seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. Director Anderson mentioned that the department’s usage of the Old Town Hall would probably be late spring or more than like the first part of summer. The Department of Public Works is presently working on the roof. Mr. Hulbert inquired if the engineer had signed off on the turnbuckles. Director Anderson said that engineer did. Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. (There was no objection from the Board members to move the issues with the ski team forward on the agenda.) Mr. Bueckers voiced his opinion on allowing a private ski team to tie up a public park 45 nights a year, 3 to 4 nights a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Mrs. Schubert presented the Board with a petition regarding the ski team’s use of the park, cutting back the practice times or go to another bay. She would like the Board to reconsider all the hours they give the ski team for shows and practices. Those who live along the bay would like to use the beach and ski when they get home at night. They can’t use the bay because the ski team is there. Also, objected to the beach being closed especially on hot evenings when the residents would like to use it. They can’t swim due to buoy placement or the wake created by the boats. The ski team practices Monday through Thursday which leaves them with the weekends. Ms. Suzi Link shared that at the recent annual meeting of the lake district, there was a resolution that the Board’s current contract terms was acceptable to a majority of the people at the meeting. Mr. Knickelbine stated that they are not only rude to the people but called the police on Terri when she was skiing in front of her house. They couldn’t issue her a ticket because she wasn’t doing anything wrong. He referred to the lake district meeting and referenced that all the people that wanted to speak could not speak. Ms. Link interjected stating that was because someone called for the question and at that point, all discussion ends. Director Anderson, getting back on track, said tonight’s agenda item was a review of the 2004 usage of the park, not a request for 2005 usage. Mr. Schneider said the review was for any problems that occurred during the season and hopefully eliminate them for next year. He said (1) resolution of the parking on Muskego Drive, the Board is already working on with a parking area at Park Arthur near Martin Drive. (2) The wave action at the current boat launch is being addressed by having the old boat launch redone and can be used during shows and practices. (3) The noise of the public address system he foresaw as an Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, October 11, 2004, page 4 ongoing problem and didn’t see much progress on it this year. The police should not have had to go out there more than once or twice. They need to reach a level where the sound does not disturb the whole neighborhood. (4) Maintaining the 100-foot clearance from the island and the fishing pier is written in the contract with a diagram. He did observe a ski boat going close to the pier. The clearance has to be maintained. With the practice days, he said they used to limit the number of practices to no Thursdays th after the 4 of July and he felt this should be kept, leaving the beach open for the hotter days of the summer for more days. Further, he said they have to consider that there is over 22,000 people in the city and only one beach in the city. Mr. Hulbert agreed with Mr. Schneider that some of the problems may have a solution. The one thing there may not be a solution to is the public address system as sound carries. Mr. Schneider recommended they test the sound level from a boat with the motor off, using their communication system. Mr. Manchester mentioned that in the past, when they first started allowing the ski team on the lake, if they had “x” amount of complaints, they were reprimanded and if they had three or more, they would be cancelled. Director Anderson provided a summary of what the police department logged on their books. In regard to the noise levels, he shared that next year the officers may be using a decimeter, as some officers have or are receiving training on the instruments. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE—none. STATUS OF PROJECTS: Director Anderson advised the Board on the status of the following projects: Denoon Park—The upper area of restoration has been completed. The crew is using the water truck to water it as the areas are too sporadic to use the water cannon. Board President Whipple inquired about the structure being built at the park? Director Anderson said this was an Eagle Scout project enclosing the portable toilet. Idle Isle Launch Project—The bridge was closed October 4. It should be done by November 1. The launch work will start after the draw down which will start October 18. Kurth Park—The traffic bond trail is in on the southern section and the striping is done in the parking lot. Security Cameras—The department is still waiting for a security camera as earlier ones were defective. MHS Athletic Fields—Meeting with Prairie Tree on Tuesday regarding baseball fieldwork that still needs to be done. Old Town Hall—The department is hoping to get the roof reshingled and also the airline cable that is taking place of the turnbuckles in the building done within the next few weeks. The airline cable is attached at both ends and can be tightened by turning. Skate Park—Board was provided with a cost estimate on the skate park. Also, a list of proposed parks for the vending machines. Geese Program—Program is over for this year. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE REPORT: Mr. Schneider asked if Director Anderson knew about the mitigation issue at the Ewald Engle property as Tom Zagar had mentioned there were areas of the property that could not be mitigated. Earlier in the meeting, Ald. Melcher had reported on the pedestrian path. Mr. Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, October 11, 2004, page 5 Schneider said there is a house on the property that could possibly be used for parks and recreation programs. Tom Zagar is attempting to keep it in its present state. Director Anderson said he had talked to Tom Zagar about it. Mr. Schneider recommends that Mr. Hulbert and Mrs. Koble tour the property to see if there is a potential for an equestrian usage, not in the wetlands, but possibly the outskirts. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Recreation Winter/Spring Program Guide is being worked on by staff and should be mailed November 22. Class software will be upgraded to 5.0 the week of November 8 and the payment server upgrade is scheduled to be done in late January or early February. Parks Parking Lots Striped—All the parks scheduled to be striped in the road program have been done--Bluhm, Denoon, Horn, Jensen and Kurth South. Winterizing the parks has begun. Adopt-a-Park—There are three parks that have been adopted. The latest one is Veterans and done by Girl Scout Troop 737. The other two parks are Kurth Park done by Emmanus Fellowship group and Manchester Hill Park by Cub Scout Pack 100. Board President Whipple commented he noticed the Emmanus group doing their clean up and it was a good job. NEW BUSINESS: LMLD Long-term Lease for Weed Harvester In view of the recent addition to Chapter 26, Director Anderson recommended that the Board consider action relative to mooring of the weed harvester at the lake launches. They have given the police approval to moor their boat at Lake Access 8. This would give LMLD usage of the launches for their purpose but not to deny access to the launches for others. Ms. Link explained currently they moor the harvester between the old launch and the bridge and they park their conveyors at the launch site road ends so they can load the weeds on the trucks. Mr. Schneider moved to allow the Little Muskego Lake District access to the launch sites to park their conveyors and weed cutters there providing they don’t block the launch and access, with the harvesters parked between the original launch site and the bridge at Idle Isle. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. Park Arthur Site Plan Ald. Melcher brought forward the request from the Little Muskego Lake District for a long-term lease for their weed harvesting. Board members reviewed the current Park Arthur site plan. Director Anderson pointed out the recent changes. The hockey rink was moved so it wasn’t so close to the horse farmer. Instead of having a baseball diamond, it was changed to a future baseball diamond in the event the Muskego High School fields are not available. The football field for the junior warriors was still on the plan as was the boardwalk and the soccer fields. The equestrian trail was added. Director Anderson still needs to contact the bridle clubs. On the latest Martin acquisition, there is a parking lot which accommodates 11 trailer parking stalls and 15 automobile parking stalls. The parking lot can be made bigger by going north, but the thought was it was conducive for them to go in and out separately, thus the walking path. The exit Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, October 11, 2004, page 6 was wider to allow going to Hardtke to Idle Isle. He pointed out the tipping area for the lake district’s weeds. Director Anderson shared that he had met with Fay Amerson on this area. The district has some requirements and also want to know what requirements the Board has for them. Mrs. Amerson said they would need a driveway surface that could support the truck activity and the district would also build a berm around the area, possibly two acres would support their activity. Board members questioned if there would be an odor? Ms. Link indicated only if the Board requires them to turn the weeds. Otherwise, the weeds become encapsulated and until they are disturbed, there’s very little odor. In view of the proposed subdivision, Mr. Hulbert said they should consider the impact of the noisy truck traffic. He further advised that the entrance to the park may get changed subject to what the developer does with the entrance to the subdivision. He also said he would be in favor of shorter lease with an annual review. Director Anderson asked if they had a lease, what type of improvements would they make? Ms. Link stated that would depend on the length of the lease. She indicated they would like to purchase the piece of property; however, the Board members did not think they would sell it. Board members also commented on the soccer field layout that it was basically level green space and could be configured as needed. Mr. Schneider cautioned that they need to be aware of the current drainage problem on Lentini Drive subdivision and that they do not make the problem worse. He also suggested starting with a lower number of trailer parking spaces. Mr. Hulbert inquired about the timeline on the grading and the hockey rink? Director Anderson said it would be done next year. He continued, that they are still dumping dirt in the area and he was told that before they can do some grading, the dirt has to settle. Idle Isle Building Director Anderson said that earmarked in 2005 is $223,300 for razing and putting up a building similar to Veterans. Ms. Wohler of the Water Bug Ski Team, Inc. presented their concept for the building at Idle Isle Park. They are proposing a two-story facility. The upper story would be for their public address system and only accessible to the ski team. The lower level would have bathrooms, storage area for the Parks and Recreation Department, storage for the ski club’s equipment, bathroom for the ski team, a kitchen and a stairway. The access to their storage area would be through a set of garage doors. The total height of the building is approximately 18 feet. They are also proposing to share the cost of the structure and will work at soliciting some sponsors; therefore, if they have a large sponsor, could they do naming rights of the facility? At this time, they did not know how much the building as proposed would cost. They were seeking direction from the Board. Director Anderson stated anything above the necessity and needs of the Board would have to be paid by the ski team. The Board would be putting up a facility, but not with the storage needs as outlined in their proposal. Asbestos Abatement Director Anderson presented the bill in the amount of $6,011.25 for the asbestos abatement at the house on the Martin property. He said that once that is done, the house will be burned down and the hole filled in by the Department of Public Works. Mr. Hulbert moved that the $6,011.25 be taken from the park dedication fund. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. OTHER BUSINESS Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission—Mr. Hulbert mentioned conceptual plan for the subdivision development in the area of Park Arthur. Next Meeting—November 8, 2004 COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW— Director Anderson provided for the Board’s review information on public interaction for discussion at next Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, October 11, 2004, page 7 month’s meeting. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 8:58 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,