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Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 1/9/2006 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING CITY OF MUSKEGO JANUARY 9, 2006 Approved 2/13/06 Audio Recording Available Board Vice-President Howard Schneider 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, January 5, 2006. Present: Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mr. Richard Manchester, Ald. Bob Melcher, Mr. Howard Schneider, Mr. Toby Whipple (6:33 p.m.) and Director Craig Anderson Absent: Mr. Eric Hetzel (excused), Mrs. Kelly Koble (excused) GUEST: Mike Eve, Dan & Vicki Verhalen, Lee Elger, Mayor Charles Damaske APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 12, 2005 Board Meeting Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the minutes of the December 12, 2005 meeting, seconded by Ald. Melcher. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes carried unanimously. PERSONAL APPEARANCES: Dan and Vicki Verhalen appeared before the Board to see if the Board would be interested in purchasing their property. The property abuts Park Arthur. They will be moving out of the city and will be placing their property up for sale. Director Anderson reported that he and the parks supervisor had thought about the use of the garage for storage of equipment used for the park. Mr. Hulbert recommended acquiring the property. He was not sure if the Conservation Committee would be interested in the house. He would look at the house as a tear down. He recognized that if the city went forward with the purchase, some other projects would have to be put on hold. Ald. Melcher questioned if the WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) would give money for the property? Director Anderson did not think so as it is not in the environmental corridor portion of the park. Mr. Manchester did not see the need to add to the park property and could not see purchasing a $200,000 house just to tear it down; it’s not good economics. Mr. Schneider did not think the Conservation Commission would be interested as they already have one house for educational purposes. Mr. Hulbert asked what their time frame was for selling? Mr. Verhalen wanted to get an idea of the city’s interest and would want six months to get a new house built and able to move. Mr. Manchester moved to turn the proposal down. No second to the motion. Mr. Schneider said they should look into this as it is surrounded by park area. He thought they should be recommending purchasing it. Mr. Hulbert moved that they direct Director Anderson to take a look at some options and possibilities for the property and report back to the Board at a later date. Ald. Melcher seconded. Mr. Hulbert acknowledged that Mr. Manchester had some valid concerns. He did not, however, want to close the door right away. It could affect the city for the long term and wanted to explore the options. Mr. Verhalen inquired how long a wait he could expect. Director Anderson said he would bring a report back to the Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 9, 2006, Board next month. Mr. Hulbert did advise that it is a lengthy process when the city purchases property. He thought it could probably take up to a year. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried 4-1 (with Mr. Manchester voting against.) Board Vice-President Schneider turned the chairing of the meeting over to Board President Whipple. Muskego Recreation Trail Snow Removal Director Anderson advised the Board members that Mr. Lee Elger wanted to volunteer his services for clearing snow from the stretch of Muskego Recreation Trail from Racine Avenue to North Cape. This would be the portion of trail in the We Energies right-of-way. Mayor Damaske said he had checked on the liability of the city for a person to clear the trail with the insurance company and they informed he would be covered as a volunteer under the liability. He would though not be covered for workman’s compensation. Mr. Elger presented his proposal to the Board. He would clear the snow from the trail with his ATV, which has wide tires, and he can set his blade higher so it doesn’t chew up the trail so this portion of trail could be used during the winter months for winter sports. He also elaborated that he had cleared debris/litter from the trail while using the trail which is about every other day. He estimated that the trail is used over 1,000 hours during the winter months. Mr. Hulbert gave a synopsis of what the Board had in mind when the trails were first proposed, which was more or less, as summertime trails and for cross-country skiing in the wintertime. Director Anderson said that any damage to the trail Mr. Elger would have to restore and also any damage to residential properties. Mr. Hulbert moved that being there has been research done on the legality of the issue, to allow Mr. Elger to plow that portion of the trail for this winter season pending an agreement with Mr. Elger and the Parks and Recreation Department. Ald. Melcher seconded. Director Anderson interjected that he would like to try it for one year and have an agreement on what is going to be done and how it is going to be done. His concern was the maintenance aspect. In the springtime, with baseball fields and lawn mowing, that the parks crew would not have to replenish the trail and do turf restoration. Mr. Hulbert questioned if they needed to sign the trail indicating that it was not intended to be for winter use including a disclaimer that a volunteer is clearing the trail. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE VFW Fee Waiver Request Mr. Bertram of the VFW Post #8171 submitted a request to have the usage fee waived for their annual picnic on July 9, 2006. He indicated that they had paid for the veteran’s monument installation at the park and that it was Veterans Memorial Park. Mr. Schneider moved to approve the fee waiver request. Mr. Manchester seconded. Some discussion ensued on whether this would be setting a precedent for others that had made contributions and would they also expect reductions or waivers. Director Anderson said requests are usually done on a case-by-case basis. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Moorland Road Entrance & Old Town Hall Park Lights Director Anderson reviewed the diagram submitted by We Energies for the installation of the lights at the Old Town Hall. Ten lights were listed on the diagram. After Director Anderson met with the parks supervisor and the building engineer, the number of lights that should be installed is six and therefore, four were removed from the diagram; however, if desired, they could be added in again at a later date. Right now, the department wanted to make sure the parking lot and entrances and trail to the building were lit. The lights would be similar to what is installed in the adjoining Veterans Memorial Park; green fixtures with Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 9, 2006, the acorn-style top. We Energies is recommending 15-foot poles, Washington fiberglass. For each pole installed, is roughly $3,900 for a total cost of $23,400 for the lights. Then, it would be about $16.40-$24.00 per month for the electrical charges which is roughly $1,500 a year for utility charges. Ald. Melcher mentioned along the trail there is a big hole with a drainage ditch and is that area lighted. Director Anderson said no light is planned for there and there is no walkway there. The recreation trail goes behind the buildings and is relatively flat. He further mentioned that area may be taken care of when the landscaping is done this year. As he had not budgeted for this amount of money for lighting for this year, Director Anderson wanted to know if the Board would okay waiting until the next season. To incur the cost now, may mean going over budget. Mr. Hulbert was in favor of delaying it until the next budget cycle, but should wiring be put in the ground now. Director Anderson recommended that they go ahead and approve the dollar amount for the installation as that would be coming out of park dedication. The lighting of the lamps would be coming out of the operation budget and he preferred to wait until the end of the year. Mr. Manchester expressed his view that people would not notice the type of lights did not match the ones in the park and objected to the cost of the proposed poles. Director Anderson informed the Board that the cost of the high-end park lights had been part of a stewardship grant. Mr. Schneider inquired if they had to pick the style of lights tonight. Director Anderson had told We Energies staff that more than likely they would be waiting until the fall. They were willing to meet with him and provide a more formal drawing of the lamp locations in the area. The light type can be worked on. Mr. Hulbert asked if the lights could be put on switches to save money. Director Anderson stated it was a flat monthly fee. Mr. Hulbert moved to wait on the installation but to move forward allowing Director Anderson to go ahead to get project information together with the intent of doing it the end of summer or early fall. Mr. Schneider seconded. Mr. Hulbert disagreed with Mr. Manchester and would like to be consistent with the lamps to tie both areas together. Director Anderson will bring pictures of lamp types/styles to the next meeting. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Board discussed the lights for the Moorland Park. We Energies would put up a 30-foot pole with one light at a cost of $3,900 on the park side which is south of Sandalwood. To put it on the north side of Sandalwood is only $2,900 and in the road right-of-way to light up the intersection. It would be like the lights at Aldi’s. Mr. Hulbert questioned if they wanted to put a light in or is a light needed there at all. If they’re putting a light in to light up a subdivision, maybe the subdivision should put the light in. He could not see a benefit to moving forward on this issue. Ald. Melcher asked if the water was in for the washroom. Director Anderson said the water was already in but a washroom was not planned. It’s a water line and a fountain will be installed and there will be a hydrant to provide water for the water cannon. Mr. Hulbert asked if there was electric for the soda machine. Director Anderson stated it was going to be put in. Mr. Hulbert moved to defer on the Moorland Park light. Mr. Manchester seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried. Snow Removal Priority List Director Anderson reviewed the staff’s recommended options for snow removal on the recreation trails.  At the bare minimum, term the trails as summer trails only. No snow removal would be performed and all trails would have signage accordingly.  At the next level, continue to remove snow from the main arterials—Moorland, Racine, and the south side of Janesville.  Side streets now include Lannon, Parkland, Woods, Quietwood Creek and Bridgeport Way. Does the Board want these to be included?  Signage posted to indicate snow will not be removed—use trail at own risk. Director Anderson asked how far the Board wanted to go with clearing snow off the recreation trails. The trails would then be signed accordingly. Also, for future developments, the Board would have to determine Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 9, 2006, at that time whether or not the trail would be cleared of snow. He did caution that if they decided to remove snow from one side street trail and not others, they would have to have justification for it. Mr. Hulbert stated that some of the trails connect to commercial areas in the city. The Board could think about those as being priorities--trails connecting to stores, churches and schools. This would then be limiting to Moorland and Janesville Roads and the small section of Racine Avenue (Culvers past McDonalds). On Moorland Road area, remove snow down to the intersection with Woods. On Janesville Road, do the south side to just past St. Paul’s church. He pointed out that they have to consider snow storage when clearing the trails. Board President Whipple had thought along the same lines; basically, the heavy use areas. The residential areas, if the people are interested in using it, they can clear the trail themselves. Ald. Melcher mentioned the Lannon Drive trail be included as it connects to a shopping area. Board President Whipple added Parkland Drive which would bring them to the library. However, Mr. Manchester felt that people would not be walking to the library but driving to it. Others though had observed people from the multi-complex using it to the library. Mr. Manchester was in favor of it being a nine-month trail system which would alleviate the need for snow removal. In looking at the priority list, Board President Whipple stated if they left priority 12, would that cover the majority of the main-use trails discussed.—Lannon, Parkland, Moorland and dropping priority 14. Director Anderson said he liked the idea of the business aspect. The staff’s idea was to do Moorland and go all the way to McShane, the south side of Janesville and Racine. He stated one reason the staff picked Lannon and Parkland was the traffic and not wanting people walking on the street. Ald. Melcher could see a problem with the hill on Lannon and the traffic. You can’t see anyone until you get to the top. He felt it was a safety factor. Board President Whipple suggested leaving Parkland and Lannon in the list and everything else out. Mr. Hulbert added just do Parkland north to Manchester Hill Park and on Lannon north to the subdivision entrance on the other side of the hill on the east side of the road. Board President Whipple summed up that would be eliminating the Quietwood Creek, Woods Road, and Bridgeport Way. Director Anderson advised that there was no agreement with Quietwood Creek, only a verbal agreement with the aldermen. Mr. Hulbert said if the Common Council wants all of these trails plowed, then they would get plowed but he did not see it happening at this time. They would have to be concerned about the additional equipment and added staff as the city expands. Director Anderson inquired when they would implement the revised priority schedule. Mr. Hulbert said wait until the next season. In regard to Janesville/Tess Corners section, Board President Whipple stated to do the south side. Mr. Hulbert added, because of no place for snow storage, do it just beyond St. Paul’s new church. Director Anderson will come back with the changes at the next meeting. Muskego Recreation Trail Verbiage Director Anderson informed the Board members that Mr. Hulbert had wanted to expand the wording to include public areas like city hall, schools and churches. Mr. Hulbert said it was always the intent of the members of the Board that those would be some areas they wanted to connect—municipal buildings, schools and churches and should be added to the verbiage. Director Anderson recommended it be added in the second paragraph “…and open space sites, municipal buildings, schools, churches, and Muskego...” Board members agreed with the inclusion at this point in the plan. Director Anderson will have the edits done and then bring back the revised Parks and Open Space Plan in April for Board approval. Mr. Manchester inquired if there was a cost involved for putting in all these trails in the plan. Board President Whipple stated that by having this in the plan does not mean they have to put the trails in. When the development comes in, Director Anderson said the developer can pay the cost. ALDERMAN'S REPORT Ald. Melcher shared what transpired at Common Council since the last Board meeting. There wasn’t a lot of issues relevant to the Parks and Recreation Board. He reported being in the audience when the Janesville Road project was discussed. This will be coming to the Parks and Recreation Board for their Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 9, 2006, input on the trails. CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT: Mr. Schneider had nothing new to report. STATUS OF PROJECTS: Director Anderson updated the Board members on the following projects: Kurth Park—Though Director Anderson had nothing on this project, Mr. Hulbert had noticed some snow plowing on the south section of the parking lot. Is it necessary to plow it and why? Director Anderson said one individual was noticed in the area and approached by someone stating they used the area for carpooling and could the person plow it. It’s not being done on a regular basis. Idle Isle Building—They are about two weeks behind schedule. Potentially, they will be done with the building by the end of March. They have the walls up and the trusses up. They should meet the May 1 deadline. Concrete is being poured tomorrow. The transformer is being moved this week. Mr. Schneider asked if the drainage would be addressed so the beach isn’t washed out. Director Anderson will consult the building engineer. Skateboard Park—Teen Advisory Board didn’t meet in December. They will be meeting this month and will be discussing the BMX trail. Mr. Manchester shared the picture of the skateboarder in THE MUSKEGO SUN. He noted that the sign did not show up in the picture and also that the skateboarder was not wearing a helmet or protective equipment. He thought it was poor advertisement for the park. DIRECTOR’S REPORT Winter/Spring Registration Winter/spring registration is going very strong. There are more children in the youth basketball program whereas the teams have 11 players each. Anyone who signs up by the due date, gets into the program. Those after the due date, were placed on wait lists. Pilates is being held at the Old Town Hall, along with adult art and crafts programs, preschool programs. All levels of programming are being done at the facility. In the summer, plan on having some senior programming held there. Nothing has been done with the lower level. Minors Driving Trucks With the article in the news media concerning a minor who was fatally injured as a result of operating a tow truck, Director Anderson had contacted the State and minors can’t be driving motor vehicles of 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or more. To comply with that, minors on the parks crew will not be driving the vehicles; only passengers within the trucks. This will be implemented this summer. UPS’s/Park Video Recorders UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) units were installed in the parks video recorders. Since the last meeting, the hard drive in the Jensen Park recorder had to be replaced. The serviceman recommended putting UPS in. WDNR Permit for Lake Buoys WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) permit for the lake buoy received final approval and an apology letter. It was suppose to be sent to the department on September 22 but was sent December 22. The department has to supply the WDNR with GPS coordinates or the LORAN coordinates for each buoy location when the buoys are installed next spring or the temporary permit will be taken away. These Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board Meeting, January 9, 2006, are the three at Idle Isle. OTHER BUSINESS Subdivision Plans None. COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Mr. Hulbert asked if they will be installing electricity for the soda machine at Moorland Park, how is it metered? Director Anderson did not know. Mr. Hulbert thought this might want to be explored. Next Meeting—February 13, 2006 NEW BUSINESS: Due to Board members being absent, the tour of the Old Town Hall was deferred. ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 8:07 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,