Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 5/8/2006
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
Monday, May 8, 2006
Approved 6/12/06
Board President Toby Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board (Board), City of
Muskego, to order at 6:01 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 Friday, May 5, 2006.
Present: Mr. Brett Hyde, Mrs. Kelly Koble (6:17 p.m.), Mr. Richard Manchester, Ald. Tracy Snead, Mr. Toby
Whipple and Director Craig Anderson.
Absent: Mr. Eric Hetzel (excused), Mr. Jerald Hulbert (excused)
GUEST: Gerri Jacques, Joseph Roman, Don Conner, Ald. Borgman, Ald. Melcher, Rick Petfalski, Mathy
Family Members
INTRODUCTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Ald. Tracy Snead of District #1 appointed to the Parks & Recreation Board. She will be replacing Ald. Melcher
on the Board. Mr. Brett Hyde expressed his appreciation for the Council appointment to the Board. He is
replacing Mr. Howard Schneider who asked not to be reappointed.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Plan Commission Representative
Mr. Manchester moved to nominate Mr. Jerald Hulbert, in abstencia, for the position of Plan
Commission Representative. Mr. Hyde seconded. No other nominations. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried unanimously.
President
Mr. Richard Manchester moved to nominate Mr. Toby Whipple for the position as President. Ald.
Snead seconded. No other nominations. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Vice President
Board President Whipple moved to nominate Mrs. Kelly Koble, in abstencia, for the position of Vice
President. Mr. Manchester seconded. No other nominations. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously. Upon her arrival, Mrs. Koble accepted the position.
Secretary
Mr. Manchester moved to nominate Ald. Snead for the position of Secretary. Mr. Hyde seconded. No
other nominations. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, May 8, 2006, page 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
April 10, 2006
Mr. Manchester moved to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2006 meeting, seconded by Mrs. Koble.
Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes carried unanimously.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
Little Muskego Lake District
Mr. Conner was not present at the start of the meeting. Director Anderson shared that the Little Muskego Lake
District had a meeting and discussed the future extension of their lease which is up at the end of the year and
also to give the Board a long-range plan for what they would be doing with the weeds. In visiting the site
recently, Director Anderson noticed that there are some standing puddles of water between the piles of weeds.
The district representatives assured him that the weeds would break down more. Ald. Borgman stated the
district had rented the land stating that they would do whatever the Board wanted them to do to skirt it from
public viewing, do they want a berm built, do they want trees. They are waiting direction from the Board.
Director Anderson said that they had discussed berming, but since it was only a two-year lease, the district
wasn’t going to invest the money in the site. However, with the extension of the lease, more direction from the
Board will be given to the district.
Old Settlement Centre Site Brick Program
Mr. Joe Roman, President of the Muskego Historical Society, and Mrs. Gerri Jacques presented their proposal
for the brick program. This is the society’s fund-raiser program and it will be an ongoing program to generate
funds to keep the buildings maintained on a regular, consistent basis. They anticipate raising $50,000-
$100,000 in the first year of the program. They would be adding bricks in groups. They would start in the area
of the annual tree lighting. A general diagram showing the layout for the brick program and also a brick with
an engraved name was part of the presentation. Director Anderson was concerned if snowplowing would do
anything to the integrity of the bricks. Mr. Roman assured him that nothing will harm them and they are
impervious to salt. It was recommended that at the end of the winter to just wash down the bricks. They have
not decided on the price of the bricks yet. Mrs. Koble questioned if their would be a grid so people would know
the location of their brick(s) Mr. Roman will add a grid to the program. Mr. Hyde asked what type of marketing
would be done on it. Mrs. Jacques stated they would be doing one major mailing. They will be working with
Director Anderson on this fund-raiser project on how the department wants it laid out. There will be no cost to
the city for initiating the brick program. Director Anderson commented that the historical society would be
taking on the whole project from ordering to installing. Mr. Manchester moved to recommend approval of
the conceptual brick program for the Old Settlement Centre site. Mr. Hyde seconded. Upon a voice
vote, the motion carried unanimously.
With no objection from the Board members, the following item of New Business was brought forward:
Approve Facility Use for Historical Days
The Muskego Historical Society submitted a rental application for the use of the Old Town Hall and the Old
Settlement Centre site for their historical days to be held July 22-23, 2006. Mr. Roman also requested
permission for a tent, approximately 30 feet x 40 feet, to be erected on site for the event. He stated the other
tents on the site would be the re-enactment tents; some GI tents toward the back field and individual tents of
the period, no modern tents. He could not say what the Roman infantry would be bringing as they are a new
unit for this year. He will notify the police department of the activities such as the discharge of firearms, blanks
not bullets, and gas-operated machine guns. Director Anderson inquired what time they would be done on
Sunday so the cleaning service could be notified. Mr. Roman said they would be done about 4:30 p.m. He did
advise the Board that the first person would be coming in on Thursday night. For set-up in the building, he had
been notified that it would have to wait until after 6:00 p.m. on Friday as the department has programming in
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, May 8, 2006, page 3
the facility. Mr. Roman assured the Board members that he would be available on site. Mr. Manchester
moved to approve the request. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Muskego/Wind Lake Youth Football
Letter was received from members of the Muskego/Wind Lake Youth Football requesting continued use of
Jensen Park outfield area for their football practice. They will be expanding their program for the 2006 season
and would like additional space for more practices. Director Anderson stated last year they were given Jensen
and the Board also talked about Lions, Veterans Memorial and Schmidt Parks. He recommended that they
have usage of Jensen Park and then for him to work with Doug Roskopf for any other area. Board President
Whipple mentioned that parking at Schmidt Park might be a problem. Ald. Snead moved to approve the use
of Jensen Park for the football practices. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
4-1 with Mr. Manchester voting no.
Muskego Kickers eMail to Denoon Park Soccer Field Users
Upon noticing that other leagues were using the Denoon Park soccer fields, Muskego Kickers President Toby
Whipple notified them by email that the fields were just for Muskego-based kids. There has not been an issue
since the email was sent and shortly thereafter the Muskego leagues were using the fields.
Veterans Memorial Park Rental
The party renting Veterans Memorial Park on June 24, 2006, has requested permission to have DJ music for
her daughter’s college graduation party and they indicated until 10:00 p.m. In the past, Director Anderson
stated that the Board has requested the music be done by 9:00 p.m. so the park is cleared by 10:00 p.m. Mr.
Manchester moved to approve the request with the DJ music ending at 9:00 p.m. and the park closed
at 10:00 p.m. Ald. Snead seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Kingston Drive Access Lot Use
One of the neighbors is requesting use of the access lot on Kingston Drive for a wedding ceremony and
reception for the period August 11-August 12, 2006. They want to place a tent, approximately 30 feet x 60 feet,
on the property to host the guests. Director Anderson stated the neighbors do a tremendous amount of work
for the city in keeping the lot mowed and picking up debris. Mrs. Koble moved to approve the use of the
access lot. Ald. Snead seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Park Arthur Lease
Board members reviewed the memo from Director McMullen on the run-off with the farm. Director Anderson
stated that upon visiting the site, it was observed that there were beaver dams built up in the actual creek,
stopping the water where it formed a new channel and all the dirt and everything was washing off the farm
south, eventually making its way to Little Muskego Lake. They met with Mr. Eddie Schaefer, Superintendent
Wayne Delikat, Mr. Howard Schneider. DPW (Department of Public Works) will remove the dams. Then,
working with Mr. Schaefer as he has already planted the alfalfa and timothy grass on the site to make sure
there aren’t any erosion control problems. The recommendation from Director McMullen is to go four years at
$1 per year which is typical of other leases for farming areas. Mr. Schaefer can then realize his potential for
the site and the city gets the soil stabilization. This can be done because of the special conditions in the lease
regarding erosion control and farming methods recommended by the city’s engineering staff. Right now, this is
a verbal lease with Mr. Schaefer as it needed to be done quickly. The lease would be for 2006, 2007, 2008,
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, May 8, 2006, page 4
2009. Mrs. Koble moved to recommend approval of the revised lease. Ald. Snead seconded. Upon a
voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Certificate for Howard Schneider
Director Anderson showed a proposed certificate of appreciation for Howard Schneider’s years of service on
the Board. He advised that the Common Council generally does a resolution and certificate. He questioned if
the Board wanted to do a plaque or stay with the certificate. Board President Whipple and the members of the
Board elected to go with a plaque. Director Anderson will check into the cost and bring it back to the next
meeting. The Board members would like to present it to Mr. Schneider in July.
Movie in the Parks
Director Anderson informed the Board members that staff had met with Muskego Regency and they will be
assisting the department in having movies at Veterans Memorial Park. Telephone poles have been purchased
and they will be installed along the tree line near the set of lights that the festival uses. The screen already
has been purchased and will be on a pulley system. Any wind impact should be minimal in that location. The
projector and movie will be rented with the funding available through Muskego Regency. If it is successful, the
department would be looking at one to kick off the summer and one at the end of summer. There would also
be opportunity for concessions. He looks at the project as a successful joint venture with Muskego Regency.
Facilities Agreement
Director Anderson pointed out the changes in the facilities agreement with the school district.
On page 2, under Improvements A, “provided, however, that the District reserves the right to require
the City, at the City’s expense, to remove such improvements and restore the facilities.”
On page 2, under Improvements, tennis courts were included and similar to what the department does
with the softball fields.
On page 3, added VII. Pets
On page 4, under Additional Facilities Available, the MHS track fee basis and prior District approval
and the MHS football field fee basis and prior District approval were added. This means that the
department would be paying for using these fields in the future.
On page 6, added F. Right to Review section. During the term of this agreement, the District shall
have the right upon reasonable notice to the City to review the financial records of the Parks and
Recreation Department.
Director Anderson believed that the district wants to review the records to make sure the department isn’t
making a profit off the programs when use of the facility is not charged to the city. He did send an audit to the
district and followed up with actual budget for 2005 and 2006. He has not received any response yet.
Mr. Hyde moved to approve the facilities agreement. Mr. Manchester seconded. Mrs. Koble asked what
was the driving force behind the request for the financial information from the Parks and Recreation
Department. Director Anderson responded to make sure the department wasn’t making any money off of the
programs net in turn while using the school district facilities free. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
unanimously.
Freedom Square Monitoring Wells
Board reviewed the letter from Director McMullen about putting monitoring wells in Freedom Square; one on
each side of the tennis courts. Mr. Manchester moved to recommend approval of the monitoring wells.
Ald. Snead seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, May 8, 2006, page 5
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
ALDERMAN'S REPORT
Ald. Melcher reported on what transpired at the Council level since the last Board meeting. This included
updating ordinances, chapters 30, 32 and 33 to bring them up to comply with changes in the State; Council
hiring of a special environmental counsel for the Onyx expansion; appointments of aldermen and citizens to
various boards which included Ald. Snead and Mr. Hyde to the Parks and Recreation Board. He ended by
expressing it had been a pleasure to work with the Parks and Recreation Board for the past two years. He said
it was wonderful to work with the Board. Board members thanked Ald. Melcher for his commitment to the
Board during his years of service.
STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Director Anderson updated the Board members on the following project:
Idle Isle Building—Director Anderson reported the punch list was done and there remains some small items
having to do with painting and caulk work. They are to start paving today. The project should be done by May
15. Mrs. Koble added that she was very impressed with the Idle Isle building. The whole area is very, very
nice. She questioned though whether the chains needed to be on the picnic tables and could they be bolted to
the cement for aesthetic purposes. Director Anderson thought they might be and right now they are chained
because of no staff and not much activity. Mrs. Koble further questioned about the sound system and the
sound quality. Director Anderson said the decibel testing with the police department will probably be done
near the end of May. It will be done at different tests sites on the lake, in the park and certain properties where
there have been previous problems.
Geese Control—When Director Anderson was at Idle Isle for the inspection, he counted 18 geese. The Border
collie program was started again for two weeks.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Youth & Obesity and Parks & Recreation Role
Director Anderson shared the information gleaned from a telephone conference. He said that some
restaurants have icons to indicate a nutritionally better food. One municipality in California in their program
guide has icons next to the programs that have a lot of movement in a class. There are different programs that
the NRPA is putting together for programming in the parks. Some of the things will be applied within the
department at a slower pace.
Egg Addling
Board members were in receipt of the egg addling report from Mr. Zagar. The nests were 24 and the eggs
were 123. This complements the Border collie program along with the use of the goosepoopbuster.
Highway L Trail Closed Signs
A memo to Paul Barthel of Waukesha County indicating what the department would be doing to Highway L trail
closure signs was reviewed. Once approval is received, all the signs will be ordered. The signs for the other
trails will be installed once received probably within the next month or two.
Muskego High School Softball Field
Director Anderson had attended the school board meeting. He indicated to them that with the softball field
placement with the original placement according to the agreement was to put the field facing southeast. By
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, May 8, 2006, page 6
that location, wetland mitigation would have to be done. He presented an option and transposed the softball
field to the southwest side. Considering the setting of the sun and its affect on field play, this location is a
better location and wetland mitigation will not have to be done. The school board will still have to approve it.
They were asking about the other area being more of an athletic field or open space. Putting the practice
football field where the softball field was and the football field would be minimum mitigation. The soccer field is
a much larger area and they may want to explore especially since the original project was to be a quadplex.
Some discussion of the Board doing cost sharing on the project. Director Anderson indicated to them that the
park dedication fee was somewhat depleted and no one knows what the cost of this project would be and once
those costs were realized, this Board would entertain an offer.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans--None
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Director Anderson shared that the State legislature is considering limiting impact fees and prohibiting fees in
lieu of land dedication which would be the park dedication account. A letter has been sent by the league to
Governor Doyle asking for his veto of the bill, SB681. It would be a drastic hit to the park dedication account.
SEPRC and WPRA is also sending letters.
Board President Whipple observed this past weekend that the skateboard park was packed. It’s being used.
The trail in the area was also being used.
Mrs. Koble mentioned that the sign is up from InPro. It looks real nice. Where are we in getting it graded out?
Director Anderson said it has to be bid out but he did not know when that would happen. He will check on it.
Mr. Manchester talked about losing park dedication fees. If the bill is veto, this means the park dedication fees
will still be in effect. He brought up the possibility of amending the park dedication that houses changing
ownership would have to pay a fee. On the equestrian trails, is there someway the Board could put a fee on
usage so much a horse per year? Director Anderson said they could always impose a fee, however, the
problem is enforcement. With the equestrian trail proposed for Park Arthur, having the two stables in the area
agree to maintain it so city staff does not have to do it minimizes the maintenance cost. Also, at the
skateboard park, a fee was considered and those paying the fee would receive a sticker for their helmets. Mr.
Manchester also questioned if bicycles were licensed. Board members advised they were.
Ald. Snead shared a compliment to the staff. “A co-worker of mine came to sign up her two children for a
program that you offered and unfortunately, it was like 28 after 4 on Friday and she felt that you guys handled
her very professionally, She was so impressed. Everything was computerized and she never felt that she was
rushed or imposing on anybody so when I told her this was my meeting tonight, she said would you please,
please, please, please pass on a compliment so I am doing so to let you know that she really thought you guys
did a great job.” Director Anderson thanked her and responded that his staff works tremendously hard on
registration. The department has gone to Internet registration so a number of people use it. Ald. Snead,
further said, “She had a hard time getting on the Internet once so that is why she had to rush in and whomever
she dealt with…just never even batted an eyelash and it was not a big deal, like okay, it’s Friday, it’s 4:28. She
was very impressed with the computer system so I promised her I would pass it on.” Board President Whipple
commented that Craig and his staff do a marvelous job.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, May 8, 2006, page 7
Mr. Don Conner apologized for his late arrival. He confirmed what Ald. Borgman stated earlier in the meeting.
He mentioned in conversation with Payne & Dolan while they are in the area, the possibility of turning the
weeds over into the dirt. Board President Whipple was concerned about turning the weeds over. Mr. Conner,
while excess dirt is available due to the subdivision work in the area, would like to obtain the excess dirt for
berms. Director Anderson recommended he discuss it with the city engineer. Mr. Conner also said they are
looking for people to take the weeds as they are good for mulching. They have offered it to Trees on the Move
but they have not taken the weeds. Discussion ensued on continuing to have DPW mix some of the weeds
with their leaves for composting material. Back to the berming, Board President Whipple stated that originally
they did not want to impose any berming until they saw how use of the land by the district worked out and he
was inclined to stay with it. Director Anderson said originally to make sure the piles were down so they would
be able to use them this year and his biggest concern was they wouldn’t be using the parcel of property and
they would ask for more. Mr. Conner said he drove his pickup over the weeds and they were quite dry. They
may push the weeds back which would make the piles higher again, but would lower as they continued to dry
out. Director Anderson advised that when they come back for a renewal of the lease that they have a plan in
mind for using the space in years 1, 2, and 3.
Next Meeting—June 12, 2006
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Manchester moved for adjournment at 7:31 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,