Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 8/14/2006
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
Monday, August 14, 2006
Approved 9/11/06
Board President Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board (Board), City of
Muskego, to order at 6:00 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, August 10, 2006.
Present: Mr. Eric Hetzel, Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mr. Brett Hyde, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. Richard Manchester, Ald.
Tracy Snead, Mr. Toby Whipple and Director Craig Anderson.
GUESTS: Dan Stoehr, Kathy Chiaverotti, Tracy Martins, Ald. Chris Buckmaster
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
July 10, 2006
Mr. Manchester moved to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2006 meeting, seconded by Mrs. Koble.
Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes carried unanimously.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
Eagle Scout Project @ Muskego Public Library
Dan Stoehr from Boy Scout Troop #19 presented his Eagle Scout project to be done at the Muskego Public
Library. His project will commemorate Don Carter, a member of the library and scout leader in his troop.
Board members were in receipt of his plan. It will be concrete and designed for low maintenance. His troop
will maintain the area every spring and every fall. Director Anderson explained this item was brought forward
by Ald. Melcher whose concern was ADA compliance. As there are other areas for handicapped people to sit,
it would not be a concern and fibar would not be necessary. It will be located in the southwest corner of the
library. Board members expressed that it was a very nice project and acceptable to them.
Treasure of the Holidays
Kathy Chiaverotti and Tracy Martens requested use of the Old Town Hall building and site for the Treasure of
the Holidays scheduled for December 2, 2006. They would have the same events as last year. New this year
will be mulled wine and Christmas beer tent. Director Anderson advised that they would need to fill out a beer
permit for consumption in the park from the Parks and Recreation Department and if they are going to sell,
they will need to contact the Clerk-Treasurer’s office for that permit. They will not be using Veterans Memorial
Park shelter as they found last year it spread the group too far and the event was not well received. They
would like eight trash cans and six picnic tables. Director Anderson inquired if they would again want the
dumpster relocated? Kathy Chiaverotti stated it was okay in its present location. The Chamber of Commerce
would be required to pay the $50 clean-up fee. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the request. Mr. Hyde
seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, August 14, 2006, page 2
Veterans Memorial Park Shelter Painting/Staining
Ald. Snead had been approached by Tim Stache of the Muskego Lion’s Club offering to clean up the shelter by
painting and staining. She thought they would like to have it completed by festival time. Director Anderson
advised that the department is done with their work at the building. He had spoken with Mr. Unger who
indicated the Muskego Lion’s Club would donate time and material to do the under portion of the overhang.
The club will have to coordinate with the department to do the work outside the realm of any shelter rentals.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Denoon Park Vandalism
Director Anderson reported vandalism was done to the playground equipment. A second bubble panel was
broke and it will not be replaced. The department has contacted the police for extra security patrols. This year
there has been more vandalism at Denoon whereas the parks with the cameras have not been touched.
Manchester Hill Park
Two picnic tables were graffitied up at Manchester Hill Park. The parks crew took the tables back to the parks
headquarters for repainting.
Jensen Park
There was graffiti on the park sign which is out of camera range. The graffiti was painted over.
Kurth Park
Someone tried to plug the toilet with a paper towel roll. The park ranger was able to get it out so the toilet is
working fine. The park ranger also called the police about the parking on the grass. Director Anderson had
fielded several calls about parking on the grass and an email. One call was from the person who was very
upset that the police were contacted. They run concessions or grill out for some of the games they have at the
park. Director Anderson did give him the specific ordinance that they cannot park on the grass. The gentleman
was okay with it, but he may be coming before the Board next year for special consideration to park on the
grass.
Trail Closed for Winter Signs
Director Anderson reported that the signs announcing the winter closures are starting to go up. He had
received an email from an individual wanting to know why and this was provided to the Board members. Once
they receive the reasons for the trail signage, they are okay with it. However, there may be more feedback
once the winter season arrives.
Idle Isle Tent/Grill Request
Board members reviewed Mr. Anderson’s request for putting up a 20’x40’ tent on Wednesday, August 16. It
would be placed to not interfere with viewing the ski show. Mr. Hulbert voiced his concern that a commercial
venture would be at the park. Director Anderson said the letter indicated a group of 30, a private party with a
grill and a tent. Mr. Hulbert asked about anything being different due to being a non-resident. Director
Anderson stated the fee would be non-resident. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve. Ald. Snead seconded. Mr.
Hulbert asked about any clean up deposit involved? Director Anderson said as they are in the turf area, which
the department doesn’t require a security deposit. Mr. Hulbert asked about the cups, etc. Director Anderson
advised that the park manager will be on the premises. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, August 14, 2006, page 3
NEW BUSINESS
Horn Field Netting
Director Anderson explained that the netting at Horn Field behind home plate is really starting to sag and the
netting along the first-base side is relatively new until beyond the dugout where it has been patched with tennis
nets. Ald. Snead had asked to get a quote for replacement. The quote received from Century Fence Company
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was $11,274. The quote also included netting on the 3 base side. Ald. Snead added that people are parking
on the grass instead of the parking lot to avoid their cars being hit by foul balls. Director Anderson will be
bringing this item forward as part of the Parks Dedication budget for 2007. Mr. Hulbert voiced his concern that
the netting would not interfere with the field of play. Director Anderson will work with Century Fence Company
on this.
2007 Operating Budget
Director Anderson presented his 2007operating budget. For the Board’s benefit, documents included the
summary pages, the program budget and G.L. numbers showing the difference with comments. The budget
reflects a $35,000 cut which can be contributed to the Old Town Hall and the Muskego High School athletic
fields. The cleaning cost of the Old Town Hall is considerably less. Because the school district has privately
contracted out the work for games, those costs have been decreased. Mr. Hulbert asked how much the city
was using the high school fields. Director Anderson responded it is getting more each year. Mr. Hulbert
further wanted to know if the cost was based on field usage. Director Anderson said, according to contract, it
was a third of the total construction, roughly $750,000. Now with the operating cost of the facility, it is a third.
At the end of the year, the school district sends a detailed invoice to the department. Mr. Hulbert asked if the
department was using the facility a third of the time. At this time, Director Anderson stated no. Mr. Hulbert
stated if the department is not using it a third of the time right now, then they are overpaying. This led to a
discussion on recouping the cost of the fields by the school district. Mr. Hulbert and Mrs. Koble would like to
see the usage of the fields tracked. Director Anderson explained that there is a G.L. set up strictly for the high
school fields and also can track the usage times from the schedules provided to the department. He mentioned
also that in the future, the department would be recouping the benefits for the full-time staff working the city
fields. Mr. Manchester moved to approve the 2007 operating budget as presented. Ald. Snead
seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
2007 Capital Budget
Director Anderson presented the five items on the capital budget for 2007.
One-ton dump truck—replacement of the bed for $5,000. After discussing with the parks supervisor, it
was felt the department could get by another 5-7 years by replacing the bed instead of buying a new
truck.
¾-ton pick-up with plow attachment for $28,645. It was mandated they now need to have diesel
engines with emissions controls on any new vehicles purchased. Director Anderson shared that he
had talked with the Plan Director to see if that department would want the old truck and he said they
would.
Trailer replacement for $5,600. The trailer is used to transport equipment to the parks for mowing and
preparation of baseball fields. This is a safety issue. Some of the trailers are starting to rust out.
A landscape tiller for $6,568. In the operating budget, the department proposed a beachcomber for
$3,300. With the Border collie program, the department doesn’t need that piece of equipment. Director
Anderson will be asking the Committee of the Whole if the 2006 operating budget is under budget to
be able to use the $3,300 this year and add money to it, keeping under budget, and just purchase it in
2006. If not, then ask to move the $3,300 into 2007 to be able to get the landscape tiller. Mr.
Manchester asked if the landscape tiller was for grass or for the beach? Director Anderson stated it
could be used for the beach, for landscaping and the baseball fields.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, August 14, 2006, page 4
Two-post, overhead lift for $6,200. Staff right now lays on the floor to service equipment. It was in the
budget for 2008, but asking for it in 2007. Mr. Manchester asked if it would lift all of the park
equipment. Director Anderson stated it would as most of the trucks are one ton. The lift will hold close
to six ton.
Mr. Manchester moved to approve the 2007 capital budget as presented. Ald. Snead seconded. Upon
a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
ALDERMAN'S REPORT: Ald. Snead reported they are working on the budget. She had met with Director
Anderson on the budget so she can represent the Board’s request.
STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Director Anderson updated the Board members on the following project:
Kurth Park— The Department of Public Works will be starting the project in September.
Park Arthur—No update. As stated last month, bids were let out but no response. This will have to be rebid. It
may get done by the end of the year.
Geese Control Program—There were geese at Idle Isle so the Border Collies were called in for another two
weeks.
Idle Isle Water Quality—The highest for the season so far has been 35 ppm. It has to reach 235 ppm before
there is an inherent risk. This check is done every Wednesday.
Water Bugs Compliance Check—Board reviewed the compliance checks. There were two complaints in July
12. One was regarding the Water Bugs shutting down the bay by making it a slow, no wake zone and not
allowing people access to the water. Director Anderson explained that they can do this as permitted by the
Common Council. The second was regarding the public address system being too loud which upon inspection
by the police was found to be okay.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Softball Problems
Board members received a report on the attitudes and behaviors of the softball players this season. It has
been a tough year dealing with the players and the coaches. The department will be reviewing the program at
the end of the year and perhaps giving the program up to be run by other individuals.
Fall Program Registration
The fall program is just starting with the drop-off registration period. Internet is very popular. Phone
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registration starts on Friday, the 18.
Movie in the Park
The department and the Regency will show the first movie at Veterans Memorial Park on September 8. The
movie, Hoodwinked, will be starting at 8:00 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. and should end by 10:00 p.m. The Water Bugs
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, August 14, 2006, page 5
will be doing the concessions. The department is planning to offer a movie at the start of the summer and at
the end of the summer. Other entities will have the opportunity to sell concessions at the movies.
Speaker Placement/Decibel Readings
Director Anderson reported that the Water Bugs did have their speakers up before August 1. The decibel
testing was done last week. It was less than when they had the speakers down on the ground, out by the
shoreline. They are dealing with the public address announcer themselves. He has asked Craig Simuncak to
do another decibel testing before the end of their season.
Park Dedication Fees
The Legislature will be looking at the issue again in January. Director McMullen informed Director Anderson
that it is set for the Legislature finance committee in February. There may be some changes made. Mr.
Hulbert commented that the Legislature did not understand the ramifications of the bill. They need to be
advised of the issues that are dealt with before the January session.
Archery Range
There is a plan to have an archery range established at the Hunter’s Nest area.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans
Stagecoach Trail—Board members reviewed the plan for the Stagecoach Trail. This is the
subdivision proposed for the Waste Management Crowbar Road landfill area. Director Anderson
pointed out the proposed trails and the observation platform. As there are no park dedication fees,
the Board would only have to comment on the establishment of the trails, the type of material and
the maintenance of the trails. If interested, the developer would have to follow the guidelines set
forth in the Parks and Open Space Plan. The Board would also want to look at it again as the final
plat. Mr. Hulbert cautioned that the final plat is too late. The Board should make recommendations
now. He asked if the Conservation Commission denied it. Director Anderson said the Conservation
Commission is meeting tonight and expected to make a decision on it. Mrs. Koble questioned if the
observation platform had any ADA issues. Director Anderson did not know. In review of the grade
levels, Board President Whipple commented that it was pretty steep. Mr. Hulbert would like the
trails hooked up to the ones in existence. Director Anderson stated if they gave them direction that
the Board wants traffic bond trails, graded, any ADA accessible issues to be resolved by them, the
trail along Crowbar to be done by them, and as far as hook-ups, more detail on the observation
platform, and as far as the flow of the trails, do they need all of the trails. The Board would like
these issues resolved for a future meeting so they can see more of the detail before the final plat.
Golf View Estates
Under the Parks and Open Space Plan, the Board had indicated they wanted parkland in the
southeastern part of Muskego. This was one of the areas that was flagged as well as the property
adjacent to it. Board interest for a park in this area is still a priority but there is interest in acquiring
another parcel.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Director Anderson communicated that the department has been checking into Highway 36 land for
the easement from Muskego Dam Road to the bridge location. It’s becoming a real big problem. It
is up for sale right now and very expensive. They will be looking at it and in the next couple of
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, August 14, 2006, page 6
months set up a meeting with the individual. Mr. Hulbert and Mr. Hyde indicated an interest in
attending the meeting.
Next Meeting—September 11, 2006
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Manchester moved for adjournment at 7:09 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,