Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 10/10/2005
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING
CITY OF MUSKEGO
October 10, 2005
Approved, as amended, 11/14/05
Audio Recording Available
Board President Toby Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, City of
Muskego, to order at 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 6, 2005.
Present: Mr. Eric Hetzel, Mr. Jerry Hulbert, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. Richard Manchester, Ald. Bob
Melcher, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby Whipple and Director Craig Anderson
GUESTS: Dave Birkle, Gary Christopher, Dan Lecus, Officer Leon, Officer Rens, City
Administrator Sheiffer, Boy Scout and His Father
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
September 12, 2005 Board Meeting
Mr. Manchester moved to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2005 meeting, seconded by
Ald. Melcher. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes carried unanimously.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
City Administrator
Mrs. Jennifer Sheiffer presented herself to the Board members and thanked them for their service to the
city, recognizing it takes away from their personal lives.
Snowmobile Trails
Mr. Dan Lecus of the Muskego Icetronauts presented his verbal request for permission again to mark
snowmobile trails through Bluhm Farm Park, Denoon Park, Big Muskego Launch Lake Overflow Lot and
Little Muskego Lake Access #17. He inquired about the Kelsey Drive parkland area. Director Anderson
informed him this was now under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. He would need to
contact them for usage of that area. Mr. Manchester inquired if there were any problems last year?
Director Anderson responded with no problems. Mr. Schneider moved to approve the trails through
Bluhm Farm Park, Big Muskego Lake Launch Overflow Lot, Denoon Park and the Little Muskego
Lake Access #17. Mr. Hetzel seconded. They would be putting up the necessary snow fencing. Director
Anderson requested the department be provided with a map of their snowmobile trails. Upon a voice
vote, the motion carried unanimously.
.
Soldier Monument
Director Anderson shared with the Board members that a gentleman had stopped by the department and
had asked about donating a soldier statue to be placed in the food court area of Veterans Memorial Park.
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Board members were provided with a picture of the statue since the gentleman was not in attendance. He
had been advised the request would need to be presented to the Board as there would be questions on
maintenance, anchoring, and graffiti removal. Board President Whipple inquired about the finish of the
monument. Director Anderson said the gentleman indicated two versions, one concrete and the other
painted. Mr. Hulbert moved to defer the item. Mr. Schneider seconded. Upon a voice vote, the
motion carried unanimously.
Water Bug Ski Team, Inc.
Annual Overview
Mr. Dave Birkle and Mr. Gary Christopher were present from the Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. (Water Bugs)
to answer any concerns relative to the past season and to comment on the shelter agreement. Director
Anderson summarized the monthly reports from the past summer. The issues that were addressed on the
compliance checks were noise, operating after 8:30 p.m. and inside the orange buoys, excessive
announcer volume, skiing after dusk, and skiing on the ramp without Water Bugs permission. Officer Rens
informed the Board members that they do receive complaints about the noise, but unless it is extremely
loud, they consider them in compliance as the Board has given permission for them to use the facility. At
one time, they did do a decibel reading. They observed at times the announcer was too loud. Mr.
Schneider mentioned the noise problem has been occurring for the past three years and he thought the
police should start issuing citations. He lives about 1/3 mile from the park and he can hear the announcer
and there’s no need to have the announcer that loud. Mr. Birkle stated they would need a guideline to
follow, a decibel reading, they can set the readings and abide by them. In the spring, they can work with
the officers, Director Anderson and Mr. Schneider to get decibel readings and put some sort of volume
control on the speakers. Mr. Schneider mentioned other issues like the buoys and being inside, to keep at
the proper distance, and he observed skiers going inside the buoys on several occasions. Part of the
agreement was they would stay 100 feet from the island and the fishing pier and he would like the ski club
to observe these rules, structuring their ski show accordingly. The ski pattern exhibited with the contract,
Mr. Schneider did not think they were following, but going way out beyond it. Mr. Birkle stated that on show
nights, the pattern is harder to follow because of boat traffic on the lake, watching the show. Not every act
can run the pattern and some acts would be impossible for the skiers’ safety. They can amend the pattern
to what they actually do and put the drawing to scale. Mr. Schneider thought the area should be defined
and to scale.
Shelter Agreement
Director Anderson advised the Board members that the agreement was the same as they reviewed in the
spring. The caveat that changed was in Section Two, items a-b-c-d, and were added at the request of the
Water Bugs. Another item that was added by the parks staff was on Tuesday evenings, being able to have
the help of the Water Bugs because of the fishing tournament being there on those nights. Other items of a
legal nature were recommended by Attorney Molter. Committee of the Whole had reviewed the document
shortly after the Parks and Recreation Board and agreed with the term of 10 years and the dollar amount
which was included. Ald. Melcher added that it had been approved at a Special Common Council and the
Committee of the Whole was after that meeting. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the agreement. Mrs.
Koble seconded. (At this point, Mr. Birkle introduced the new president of the Water Bugs, Mr. Gary
Christopher.) Mr. Christopher did not understand why they needed to provide two attendants to assist with
the parking on Tuesdays, does the fishing club have any obligation to provide attendants? Director
Anderson stated the department does not have an agreement with the fishing club as they are just using
the park to launch their boats to go and fish. The Water Bugs are asking for special consideration. The
agreement indicates two on Tuesdays, but Director Anderson thought one would probably do. On
Wednesday evenings, two would be needed to help the park manager especially if they are going to be
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requesting to park on the grass. Ald. Melcher proposed an amendment to Section Four (G) to provide
one attendant on Tuesday evenings and two attendants on Wednesday evenings at the discretion
of the park manager. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Mr. Birkle ask the Board to consider a change in paragraph
1, page 1, of the agreement, to add after 10 years, the Water Bugs could resume paying $1 per year
thereafter as it has been for the last 25 years. Mr. Hulbert did not think that they could make that statement
as that would be for others to decide. The Water Bugs would like an understanding that the payment will
cease after the completion of the agreed price of $94,390. Board President Whipple stated that the
agreement does have a term. Director Anderson added if the city had to shut down the lake, the revenue
dollars needed by the Water Bugs to pay off the amount, would be prorated after the ten years and they
may be paying off after ten years. Mr. Schneider commented it was a good deal for the Water Bugs.
Director Anderson pointed out that in addition the Water Bugs would be paying for portions of the open air
shelter and combined concessions. Referring to Section Eleven (O), Mr. Birkle would like to see it rebuilt.
Director Anderson said if they don’t, then the Water Bugs don’t pay. Mr. Christopher questioned sufficient
supply of all merchandise in Section 11 (B)? Director Anderson stated it refers to their concessions and
has been in the other lease. In Section 13, Mr. Birkle stated there was no agreement for the Water Bugs to
remove the orange buoys after the end of the year. Director Anderson explained this would be after the
last show to take them out and bring them in. The paperwork has been submitted to the WDNR (Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources) for putting the buoys in next year. Mr. Schneider read in Section Eleven
(K) the Water Bugs being responsible for restoring public property and questioned where it would be stated
to restore private property? Mr. Birkle said the Water Bugs have an insurance policy to cover private
property damage. Mr. Manchester commented the replacement of the building was the right thing. Mr.
Manchester called for the question. Upon a voice vote, the motion on the amendment to the agreement
carried unanimously. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the agreement carried, 5-1 with Mr.
Schneider opposed.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Veterans Memorial Park
Director Anderson informed the Board of the damage to the boardwalk and tree. The broken board was
fixed and the fallen tree removed. Mrs. Koble brought up the condition of the signs and missing signs in the
park. Director Anderson stated that Mr. Tom Zagar is redesigning the signs to display the information. Mr.
Hulbert had observed the same as Mrs. Koble.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Trail Map
Board members were previously mailed copies of the trail map. Mr. Hulbert would like to see some
rationale indicated behind doing some connections. Previously, it had been agreed that if there is a public
facility such as a school or church, somewhere close or adjacent, they would make a physical connection
to it. He pointed out the connection of Champions Village to the trail and mentioned should they have a
large subdivision adjacent to the trail, one guideline would be to have a connection every 1,000 feet, about
every 10 lots have a connection. In his opinion, the Janesville Road trail should be double, on both sides,
down to Racine Avenue; then as it goes south on Racine, it should be double to the high school. Ald.
Melcher advised that for the reconstruction of Janesville Road from Lannon to Racine, they are looking at a
smaller lane division. Because of businesses being so close to the road, he did not know of the possibility
of a path on both sides. Mr. Hulbert said the Board could show the double and then let Council make the
decision and it may not need to be eight-foot wide pass the businesses. He pointed out the stretch of path
depicted on the map in the area of Kelsey Drive which is on the road plan. Along Henneberry Drive, the
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trail could be traffic bond to allow for horses and suggested doing the same along Parker Drive. This may
also be the time to take a look at the trail from Henneberry Drive to Big Bend as far as implementation.
Director Anderson asked if the Board was in agreement with the 1,000 feet for the large developments in
the narrative as he is looking at getting the park open space plan and the conservation plan in the same
five-year period. Mr. Hulbert would like the verbiage brought back to the next meeting. Also, have in the
verbiage, that where there is a traffic bond trail indicated, it may revert back to paved due to development
in the area. Another item, he pointed out was in the Bay Lane area, the undeveloped area, there needs to
be a path over to Martin Drive. Mrs. Koble inquired about the trail at Woods Road in the area of the high
school. Mr. Hulbert said it is on the map. It follows the edge Ewald-Engel property, abutting the edge of the
subdivision. Mr. Manchester inquired who would be paying for these trails? Mr. Hulbert replied the cost is
paid by the developers and the park dedication fees and the fixed income people will not pay for it now or in
the future, however, the maintenance may be. Mr. Manchester’s concern was the trails being high
maintenance and the Board going overboard on the paths for the amount of use they get. Director
Anderson informed the Board that they would have to look at the priority list and determine the trails that
will have snow removal at a later meeting possibly November or December. He and the parks supervisor
will be looking at the trails and making a recommendation to the Board. Mr. Schneider mentioned that
Martin Drive is heavily traveled, if they could widen the shoulder pavement to accommodate a lane from
College Avenue up to Hardtke Drive. Mr. Manchester voiced his concern that with putting these in and the
developer paying for it, 10-20 years from now Muskego will be like Milwaukee, needing to hire 20-30
people to do the maintenance, the taxpayers will revolt and call for a cut in taxes, and the first thing being
cut will be the parks and the recreation so why overburden ourselves. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the
trail map with the mentioned changes. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
5-1 with Mr.Manchester opposed.
Muskego Kickers Fall Soccer Schedule
Board President Whipple provided the department with a copy of the fall soccer schedule.
ALDERMAN'S REPORT
Ald. Melcher reported the city administrator had been hired. Council talked about some rezoning issues.
Chamberlain Hills homeowners association is disturbed about the multi-family units and are asking for
reconsideration. The Parks and Recreation Department items were approved by the Committee of the
Whole. Council approved the expenditure for the Idle Isle building. He shared the changes made in the TIF
#8. A significant change being the removal of the Parkland Mall property. Other properties were added
along Janesville Road and included the Burger King area, the Mobil station on the north side of the street
east to the stop light at Bay Lane and the Pick N Save area. This was done to preserve the TIF funding.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT:
Mr. Schneider reported the Conservation Commission is looking at the Loughney request for a
Conservation Commission subdivision. This would involve three extra lots and preservation of a wooded
area. One Commission member thought they may want the bigger lots. They are addressing the erosion
control on Holz Island. The will be putting $1,900 towards a plan in the amount of $3,800 to control it. The
lake association contributing $1,000 and the lake district $10,000 towards the project. Mr. Hulbert inquired
what the project would involve. Mr. Schneider said on the west side of the isle he thought they would use
riprap and on the back of the island do more of a natural area with coconut logs that would be
environmentally friendly. He said the Commission was discussing a plan for planting trees in memory of
someone. Director Anderson cautioned that should it turn out the tree needs to be removed or die, this
may be upsetting to the person.
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STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Director Anderson updated the Board members on the following projects:
Kurth Park South—This project will now be held off until the spring of 2006. They need to grade it towards
the swale and seed. They may have to raise the traffic bond trail for drainage reasons.
Park Arthur—They are waiting on the WDNR’s review before they can redistribute the topsoil. They will be
changing the angle on the sledding hill to 47-51 degrees.
Recreation Trail—Director Anderson and Mr. Simpson and Mayor met with the homeowners on the Woods
Road trail concerns. One question they wanted to ask the Parks and Recreation Board was if anyone of
them decide to hook up to city water; one indicated he was going to do it in the spring of next year, would
the patch work that needed to be done to the asphalt trail be paid for by the Parks and Recreation Board?
Mr. Hulbert said if you run a gas line or sewer and tear up the public right-of-way, you are responsible for
putting it back. Board President Whipple agreed if it’s in the right-of-way, the one making the cut should
pay for it. It was the consensus of the Board that the property owner or the one making the cut pay for
patching it.
Idle Isle Building—Director Anderson informed the Board members that some asbestos needs to be
removed from the windows and a cost would be incurred. Mr. Schneider was concerned that the trees may
be damaged during the razing of the old building. Director Anderson said the firemen will be hosing down
the trees so they will not be harmed. An overlay was distributed showing the old and the new building.
Old Town Hall—There was some structural work that needed to be done below the stairwell. The risers
were inadequate so they added three more and this affected the headroom at the top of the stairs. Taking
that away, they found the 2”x10” were not really resting on anything so they had to bring steel in to
reinforce the area. Board members were provided with a revenue versus expense record on the Old Town
Hall. The amount of money additional for the project is $7,645.62. The changes have been made and the
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department should be able to get occupancy in the upper level. Programs should begin the 24 with the
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final inspection this Friday, the 14. Mr. Schneider moved to approve the expenditure of $7,645.62
from park dedication. Mr. Manchester seconded. Mr. Manchester inquired how it affected the historical
society’s area in the lower level? Director Anderson it just affected the cosmetics of their area. The
historical society can do the painting of walls themselves, base molding and tile work in the bathroom. The
stairs extend into the hallway and does not take away from the usage area, just restricts some hallway
space. Approval had been received from the historical society for using the upper level by the department.
Ald. Melcher shared that the members of the historical society have been working on the grounds, doing
some power washing on the storage building. They have been accomplishing things. They have a set of
goals and priorities set. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously
Skate Park—Payne and Dolan have excavated out the area for the skate park, the parking area and the
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trail. Showcase Concrete should be in on the 17 and True Ride on the 25. Looking at doing a grand
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opening on the 1 or 2 of November. A unit has been contacted to do a demonstration for the grand
opening. Invites will be sent out this week to those who have made donations and involved in the project.
Mr. Hulbert asked about the rest of the park area, soccer field and grading. Director Anderson said the
grading work is still slated to be done this fall. Seeding may take place next year and they still have to
remove the tree line that’s on the west side where the west soccer field is going to be. A hydrant will be
going in this year as well as the electrical for the vending machine. The sign for the rules has been
received and will be up so users will know the rules right away. Mr. Hulbert asked if there would be a
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streetlight to mark the entrance. Director Anderson will check on it. Mr. Schneider asked what was being
done with the pile of topsoil. It was part of the agreement with the hauling company that the soccer fields
could be done free.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Recreation
The staff had a meeting with Dr. Drury, George Haynes, Bob Rammer and the PAC manager on the
operation of the PAC (Performing Arts Center @ Muskego High School) and how the department can get
use of the facility. Also, discussed what other facilities the department could use for the spring dance
recital. The department is looking at using the PAC for the recital in 2007 if the cost isn’t a real high impact
to the participants. If it was too high, the department may look at using the Salentine Gym at the high
school.
Parks
Manchester Recreation Trail Painted Walkways
Director Anderson reported that the recreation trails now have painted walkways on the streets. The
department was able to get it done by a company in the industrial park for $261. Mr. Hulbert asked if they
could do the marking on the county highways. Director Anderson will find out. Pioneer Drive crossing was
not done due to the path not being a straight crossing.
Season Pass on Boat Trailers
An individual asked if the Board would consider the placement of the season pass on boat trailers instead
of the vehicle windshield. Ald. Melcher said with the State of Wisconsin park stickers, it is with the vehicle.
Board members were in agreement that the pass was issued to the individual. The department should
follow the current policy.
NEW BUSINESS:
InPro Skate Park Monument
Board members reviewed the monument design submitted by InPro for the skate park. The material is
Belbein Black Granite finish vinyl. InPro has designed it as Muskego Skate Park instead of InPro. The
Board felt since InPro was given naming rights in exchange for their donation, then the name would stand.
Mrs. Koble would like to see it vandalism resistant. Mr. Hulbert said it was polished and Board President
Whipple said it was like a tombstone and would withstand power washing so did not see a problem.
Mr.Hulbert moved to approve the monument sign and in addition to allow Inpro to refer to it as
Muskego Skate Park that would be left up to InPro. Mrs. Koble seconded. Director Anderson advised
that the rules sign stated InPro Skate Park with the City of Muskego logo. Material of the monument was
discussed and Board President Whipple thought it was a man-made granite. Upon a voice vote, the
motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission—None
Next Meeting—November 14, 2005
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COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Director Anderson shared that the person sponsoring the Battle of the Bands at Bluhm Farm Park on
October 23 did secure the services of Waukesha County Sheriff’s Lt. and Deputy Sheriff. Their
employment was verified by the Parks and Recreation Secretary and they were in receipt of the minutes so
they know what the Board expects of them.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 8:30 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,