Park & Rec Board- MINUTES - 4/10/2006
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
Monday, April 10, 2006
Subject to Approval at Next Meeting
Board President Toby Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board (Board), City of
Muskego, to order at 6:02 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, April 6, 2006.
Present: Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mrs. Kelly Koble (7:00 p.m.), Ald. Bob Melcher, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby
Whipple and Director Craig Anderson.
Absent: Mr. Eric Hetzel (excused), Mr. Richard Manchester (excused)
GUEST: Karen Thibedeau
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
March 13, 2006
Ald. Melcher moved to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2006 meeting, seconded by Mr.
Schneider. Correction on page 7, change March 13 meeting to April 10. Upon a voice vote, the motion to
approve the minutes as amended carried unanimously.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
Muskego Community Festival
Mrs. Karen Thibedeau presented her request for the Muskego Community Festival’s use of Veterans Memorial
Park for August 25-27 along with the site plan for the event. The festival committee also requested extension
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of park hours to midnight on the 25, midnight on the 26 and 11:00 p.m. on the 27. Mr. Hulbert inquired how
long they would have the music playing? Mrs. Thibedeau indicated about 11:00 p.m. Mr. Hulbert summed up
that then the music would be over one hour before closing. Director Anderson, in review of the site plan, noted
that they were not using the Old Town Hall. Mrs. Thibedeau stated that at this time, they have no plans to use
that facility. Director Anderson asked if they were planning on using that facility’s parking lot? Mrs. Thibedeau
will check with the committee members involved with parking and get back to the department. Board members
felt that they may want to use that parking area. Ald. Melcher moved to approve the festival committee’s
request for Veterans Memorial Park and the extension of park hours with the music being over one
hour before closing. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Email to Aldermen on Park Arthur
Director Anderson shared the email he sent to the Aldermen, Mayor Damaske, City Administrator Sheiffer on
the status of Park Arthur. He advised them of Waukesha County’s requirement of a turn lane and passing lane
on College Avenue at a cost estimated to be $150,000. This would have to happen prior to the parking lot and
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, April 10, 2006, page 2
hockey rink installation. There would not be sufficient funds in the Park Dedication revenue account to cover
the first phase of the project in 2006. Further, as the Parks and Recreation Board had been advised of this in
April, they still elected to have the sledding hill re-sloped and the eastern portion of the park graded and
seeded in 2006. To date, Director Anderson had not received any response so will proceed with the sledding
hill, grading and seeding.
NEW BUSINESS
Muskego Recreation Trail (MRT)/Equestrian Usage
In response to Mr. Hulbert’s request for extension of the equestrian usage on the MRT, an updated map of the
trails was reviewed. Mr. Hulbert explained his intent was to take the equestrian usage of the recreation trail to
Crowbar Road and Big Bend city limits and also, the 3-4 miles of trails in the proposed subdivision by the
dump site in the area which are planned to hookup to the MRT. He mentioned that so far there have not been
any conflicts in the area where the Board has allowed equestrian usage of the trails. Ald. Melcher stated that
there are horse farms in the area. Mr. Hulbert pointed out that low-density housing will be kept in the area
north of Crowbar. The trail would have to be checked for pot-holes or post holes and maybe some gravel will
have to be put down. In the Edgewood area, the We Energies guy wires will have to be addressed for possible
relocation. Ald. Melcher shared that he had met with the Waste Management personnel and they raised the
question of whether the Board would maintain the trails in the subdivision. He advised they would have to
bring it before the Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Hulbert commented if they blacktop some of them, it
would help. The current trails with the gravel base and lime chips have not needed too much maintenance.
Director Anderson said the trails are checked after lots of rainfall and in the spring and in the fall. Mr. Hulbert
moved, based on the discussion at the March 13, 2006 meeting, that the trail remains continuous
blacktopped along Highway L to the intersection of Racine Avenue on both sides of the highway. Mr.
Schneider seconded. Mr. Hulbert stated whatever engineering and Council decides so that people don’t have
to cross the street to use it. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Hulbert moved that
the Board convert the rest of the equestrian/pedestrian trail from Woods Road to the Big Bend village
limits. Mr. Schneider seconded. Mr. Hulbert requested correct signage on the trail. Also, take a look at
redefining the crossing at the Stagecoach Inn and this may require contacting the county. Upon a voice vote
the motion carried unanimously.
Paving Projects
Director Anderson reviewed the paving projects included with the road program with the Board members and
the impact on the Park Dedication account. The total amount for the projects is $230,715. A summary of the
Park Dedication account for 2006, depending on projects completed, balance totaled $144,979 or $33,193 at
the end of 2006. He was requesting the following paving projects be completed in 2006:
Park Arthur South Asphalt Parking Lot, Driving Lanes and Trail
Idle Isle Asphalting and Crushed Concrete
Martin Drive Recreational Trail, Type II Concrete Curb Ramp, and Detectable Warning Field
Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the paving projects for 2006. Ald. Melcher seconded. In response to Mr.
Schneider’s question on the timeline, Director Anderson said he would like the Park Arthur asphalting done by
June 2 for the ski team’s first show. The Martin Drive recreational trail would be contingent upon DPW
(Department of Public Works) and Payne & Dolan. Idle Isle has to be done by June 1. Upon a voice vote, the
motion carried unanimously.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, April 10, 2006, page 3
MRT Closed Trail Signage
Parks Supervisor Theis submitted a proposal for the winter signage of the recreational trail in the amount of
$1,686.75 and would be out of the operating budget. This would be for 40 signs and 5 extra signs. The staff
needs to check with Waukesha County to see about placement of the signs along Janesville Road. DPW
Superintendent stated on the city streets the signs could be placed below the speed limit signs. Once the
county responds, the signs will be installed quickly. The wording on the signs would be “This trail is closed
during the winter season. Snow and ice will not be removed. Parks & Recreation Board.”
CDBG Playground Surfacing Project
Director Anderson reported that the lowest bid for the playground project was from Sunset Nursery in the
amount of $29,850. As this was below the budgeted amount of $32,301, the department will be able to
purchase additional fibar and swings as part of the grant. Mr. Schneider moved to accept the low bid. Mr.
Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. Pier Agreement
Director Anderson explained the only change in the pier agreement from previous years was the change
“…and the sign required in Section Six a. and b. of the usage agreement …” Mr. Schneider moved to
recommend approval of the new agreement. Ald. Melcher seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Old Town Hall Rental Form/Process
Since the March meeting, a letter that Director Anderson sent to Mr. Ron Peters of the Muskego Historical
Society in which they signed off on the Parks & Recreation Department’s usage and rental of the upper floor
was brought to his attention. Therefore, the department can go forward with renting the facility. Mr. Hulbert
moved to approve the rental application. Mr. Howard Schneider seconded. Mr. Schneider inquired how
the rental information compared to the other facilities being rented. Director Anderson stated the form and
process was specific to the Old Town Hall and designed around the usage of the building. The applicant will
be required to pay a security deposit, cleaning fee and rental fee. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
ALDERMAN'S REPORT
Ald. Melcher reported the approval of the Lions Park playground equipment, the 2006 portable toilet services
and the water hookup for Bluhm Farm Park. Council also did some changes to the zoning map and some
changes to ordinances. Ambulance fees were approved. Fire department agreements were approved. At the
Committee of the Whole, they decided a study will be done by UW-Whitewater on the fire departments. Also,
discussion on Parkland Mall property whereby two aldermen considered eminent domain action. Several
aldermen proposed changes in zoning in their respective districts.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT:
Mr. Schneider stated that the Conservation Commission will be meeting on April 12 and shared the agenda
items. A letter had been sent to the Rusdahls regarding review of the rustic structure designation. Mr. Hulbert
asked about the status of the Ewald Engle property for trails and the building. Mr. Schneider said they were not
too sure what they could do on the building and the trails he thought they wanted to get them in this year yet.
Director Anderson stated that they would be having a grand opening this summer as the item was put in the
program guide. Regarding tree mitigation, Mr. Schneider had found out from Mr. Zagar that on private
property, they didn’t have to replace it unless it was drawn in on a tree survey. Mr. Hulbert recommended that
some thought be given to doing tree surveys before subdivisions go in and also have a plan for replacement of
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, April 10, 2006, page 4
trees with a 3”-4” tree.
STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Director Anderson updated the Board members on the following project:
Park Arthur—Mr. Schneider informed the Board that he had spoken with Mr. Don Conner of the lake district
regarding the weeds and what they planned to do with them. Mr. Conner was open to suggestions. Mr.
Schneider would like to see them get the weeds consolidated so they could use the area again and maybe
getting some fill from across the street and putting in some berms or improve the drainage. Director Anderson
mentioned the agreement with the lake district was two years and in the fall, that would be the time for the
Parks & Recreation Board to make their request and possible a longer lease. The other issue of concern to
Mr. Schneider was the erosion occurring by the creek area. On the west end of the property, it is eroding quite
a bit. He shared the pictures he had of the area. He thought they had lost two or three yards of property. Mr.
Hulbert stated there should not be farming along the creek. They need to replace the soil and seed the area.
It should be done this season. Director Anderson, Parks Supervisor Theis and Mr. Schneider will look at the
site tomorrow and come up with a plan. Some discussion ensued on the equestrian trail proposed for around
the park and the need for picking up the waste and stabilizing the soil.
Idle Isle Building—Director Anderson reported they are still ahead of schedule. A punch list on the interior will
be done on April 17. There is a meeting scheduled on Monday with Payne & Dolan to discuss the asphalting
around the concrete which is around the building. The interior should be done by Monday and the project by
mid-May.
(Mrs. Koble arrived.)
Skateboard Park—The landscape plan prepared by Mr. Zagar and Ms. Pankowski was reviewed. There will be
trees planted along Sandalwood, trees along the parking lot edge and plantings around the skateboard park.
They are looking at low-growing prairie grasses to stabilize the ground around the park. The plantings will be
purchased out of the operating budget and Mr. Zagar and Ms. Pankowski would be planting them. Mr. Hulbert
inquired when the soccer fields would be done. Director Anderson said at the time of grading, but that project
has to be bid out. Mr. Hulbert asked about the possibility of having a place for BMX. Director Anderson stated
that the Teen Advisory Board was interested in it but had no update at this time. Mr. Schneider moved to
approve the landscape plan. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
Geese Control—The dog police are into the second two-week program. Parks Supervisor Theis had observed
them working the park. There have not been any geese in the park. Mr. Zagar still does the addling program.
Director Anderson said the program has been working out well.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Summer Program Guide
The guide goes to the printer on Friday and should be out in the mailboxes April 24. There are a number of
new programs. People have been calling about the book.
Veterans Memorial Park Building
Parks Supervisor Theis will be addressing the clean up of the park building with a pressure washer system and
injecting a mold and mildew cleaner onto the infected surface. After drying, the surface will be painted with an
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, April 10, 2006, page 5
exterior latex paint. For additional protection, an aluminum flashing can be attached to the base of the shelter.
Gutters were not recommended as they tend to be vandalized and a frequent maintenance procedure.
Director Anderson stated that if the cleaning method doesn’t work, they could add the gutters later. Mr.
Schneider mentioned that a dry well may work and he will research it further.
Old Town Lights
Director Anderson advised the Board members that if they had gone with We Energies, it would not have to be
publicly bid because they would not have owned the lights. But as they are purchasing the lights, it needs to be
bid. It will be done the end of June, early July and expected to be done by the end of September.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans--None
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Next Meeting—May 8, 2006
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 7:15 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,