Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 6/11/2007
City of Muskego
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
Monday, June 11, 2007
Approved 7/9/07
Board Vice-President Koble called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board (Board), City of
Muskego, to order at 6:03 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, June 7, 2007.
Present: Mr. Gary Boisits, Mr. Eric Hetzel, Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mr. Brett Hyde, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Ald. Tracy
Snead (left at 6:38 p.m.), Director Craig Anderson and Tammy Dunn, Recreation Program Manager.
Absent: Mr. Toby Whipple
GUEST: Ald. Tina Schaefer, Dave Burch of Bonestroo, Becky Kronschnabl, Kerry Werner, Rachel Jeske,
Samini Pratt, Meggie Schueter
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
May 14, 2007
Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2007 meeting, seconded by Ald. Snead.
Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes carried unanimously.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES:
Mr. Hulbert moved, Ald. Snead seconded, to take the second agenda item (Bonestroo Park Arthur
Proposal) as the first agenda item. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Bonestroo Park Arthur Proposal
Mr. Dave Burch, landscape architect with Bonestroo, was present not only to give a presentation but also
answer any questions on their proposal. He gave a brief summary of the proposal for Park Arthur. His
presentation did include insight into the funding that would be available. He brought items from projects that
they had done. He reviewed the scope of services. They would be comparing it with the master plan for the
parks and any plans from other agencies. They would identify priorities and provide a phasing plan. Other
projects they did were a community park in Pewaukee, Prohealth Care Park in New Berlin, and park in Summit
and he shared how these were developed and the time frame for the projects. On the Park Arthur site, they
would be contacting the WDNR (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) for the wetland delineation.
They would be recommending an enhancement plan for the weed tipping area. Mr. Boisits stated that at the
last meeting it was mentioned that they are very aggressive in finding alternate funding. Have they been
successful in finding federal or state aid and could he give some examples? Mr. Burch said they had WDNR
stewardship funds for the Mitchell Park in Brookfield and they are still working on this multi-phase project; Fox-
Brook Park did some serious fund-raising efforts and they had prepared the materials to help with the fund-
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, June 11, 2007, page 2
raising; ProHealth Care Park in New Berlin was with donated land to the city and done over three phases and
WDNR funding; Washington Park in Two Rivers was a TIF project. Mr. Boisits asked about some projects that
used federal funding. Greenfield projects used grant money and CDGB funding. He further mentioned about
being able to get “rebound” money, awarded money that hadn’t been used for the intended project and could
be negotiated for other projects. In regard to a situation like the Butler garter snake, Vice-President Koble
inquired how would they know if something similar was in the Park Arthur area. Mr. Burch stated they contact
the WDNR and get something from them in writing about the site. Mr. Hulbert said the park would be an active
park. How successful would they be in getting matching funds for fields and diamonds. Mr. Burch stated not
very good through the stewardship fund. It’s better to work with local foundations and local user groups. The
things that the WDNR will fund are playgrounds and park shelters and a portion of the parking lot or building
that is related to passive use. On a multi-purpose building, they would calculate the percentage of the park
that’s passive and apply for that portion for funding. Director Anderson added that the trails through the
boardwalk in that corridor are all environmental. Mr. Burch will check to see if there would be any funding for
the weed tipping area. It’s a matter of finding out how the WDNR is going to use their moneys for the next
budget year. It’s important to break the project down into any potential funding elements and this would be part
of the master planning process. Board members thanked Mr. Burch for his time and presentation.
Mr. Hyde commented that on something that would be above their level, some professional experience can
make a world of difference. Director Anderson responded that there are a lot of other issues and it’s a large
acreage park. He liked the idea of phasing the project in and not having to go back and redo things because
they wanted to meet the community need as soon as possible. Funding over the course of time, they will know
where they have to budget the money. Mrs. Koble inquired if something comes up where laws change or
funding sources change, can this be discussed as they go along. Mr. Burch stated to revisit the project each
year at budget time to make sure that things are going along accordingly over the phases of years. At times,
they do update the unit cost in the area and provide this to their clients. It is important to use current market
data. Mr. Hulbert did not want to start all over again. There are certain amenities that have been approved.
He was in favor of “tweaking” the plan. They have people that represent the community and he thought with
their help, they could move forward with a sub-committee to look at what services they can provide. He did
agree that the Board should get professional help. Mrs. Koble did agree with the not starting over as there
could be issues coming up with people on the western side of the park. Mr. Hyde suggested reviewing the
scope of services to see what they do need. More discussion ensued on what the Board would like to do. Mr.
Hulbert moved to have a sub-committee to meet with Director Anderson and Mr. Burch of Bonestroo
before the next meeting and move this forward and work through the issues on scope of services and
fees. Mr. Hyde seconded. The sub-committee would be Mrs. Koble, Mr. Hulbert and Ald. Snead. Upon a
voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
Moorland Park Projects
Members of the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) addressed the Board on a volleyball sand court at Moorland Park.
They researched the cost of a volleyball court. To start, the court would be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For the special sand for the court, it would be $13 /yard if they picked up the sand by using dump trucks. If
they had not the means to pick it up and had it delivered, it would cost $2,450 about 7 loads. Then, with the
cost of the nets and poles, the cost for the court would be $3,000. They have been busy fund-raising. They
hope to have a dunk tank at the Muskego festival. They had a dance in March and raised about $250. They
will also be looking into how long it would take to build the court and if they needed special services of an
engineer. They will also be soliciting local businesses for donations. Mr. Hyde questioned who would clean
up the sand. Director Anderson mentioned usually a rake is used but they would have to talk about this issue,
possibly have small storage area for this equipment. He further commented that the department is not able to
develop or grade the park yet so they have to be careful in their fund-raising efforts as far as stating a date
when the court would be ready. They may want to wait until they know a time frame on the development. Mr.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, June 11, 2007, page 3
Hulbert questioned what type of participation were they looking for from the city. TAB would be looking for
cost-sharing but did not know how much as they will be soliciting donations from businesses. Mr. Brett Hyde
questioned how often the sand would need to be added? Director Anderson said there wasn’t a standard.
They would go by safety. This would be part of the parks operating budget. Mrs. Koble asked if they planned
to have a walk path to the court. TAB representative said eventually they would like to put that in. Director
Anderson cautioned that they may want to consider location as they may not want to put it close to the
skateboarding area as they may be looking at adding to that amenity in the future.
Director Anderson thanked them for cleaning the skateboard park area. It was very much appreciated. TAB
representative said they had made up a schedule for the cleaning which is done every other week. Mr. Hulbert
suggested having a sign acknowledging the Teen Advisory Board’s cleaning of the park.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
City of Muskego/Muskego Historical Society Agreement
Director Anderson shared the conversation/email correspondence he had with Gerry Jacques relative to the
utility costs. Board members were in receipt of an updated document showing the changes the Board made at
their last meeting. The one thing that came out was that they would go to a 0% for the electrical, sewer, water
and gas and then have a six-month review; a memo would be sent to the Board letting the Board know what
type of usage they are having and if nothing occurred, they would stay at 0%. Though Mrs. Jacques was
looking for it to be totally removed from the contract, she did agree to the amended percentage with the Board
continuing to monitor based on usage. Mr. Hulbert moved based upon the communication, that the Board
go with the 0% with a six-month review. Mr. Hyde seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
with Mr. Boisits abstaining.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
ALDERMAN'S REPORT: None.
STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. Compliance Check
Board members were in receipt of a memo from the Muskego Police Department. They will be doing more
checks this month.
Muskego High School Softball Field
Director Anderson will be meeting with the committee for the development tomorrow. In meeting with them the
first time, the total softball project costs was $480,000. With making cuts in the amenities, they were able to
come down below the $150,000. Since that time, they have had a building and grounds meeting where they
talked about raising the level of the field to varsity softball field and in so doing, the cost came up to $150,000
plus $240,000. Director Anderson did advise Scott Kugi that the $150,000 is appropriate for the city’s use. If
they want to raise the field up to varsity standards, it is something they would have to absorb. He will find out
more at the next meeting.
Hwy 36 Trail
Director Anderson had meetings with Ruekert/Mielke. The first proposal included footings and they tried to
engineer the bridge based on a square bridge which would not work. They are reviewing the plan and making
sure it is the shortest span and into the existing abutment. Once the plan is received, it will be forwarded to We
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, June 11, 2007, page 4
Energies and the WDNR for their clear bridge span permit.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Movies in the Park
Mrs. Dunn informed the Board members that the first movie of the season would be Happy Feet to be shown
on Friday, June 15. The Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. would be doing the concessions. The department will be
selling glow sticks and bracelets to offset the cost of the movie. The other movie dates are July 20 and August
17.
Durham Launch Overflow Parking Lot
Director Anderson reported the department has a request for installing a berm around the Durham launch
overflow parking lot. It’s the lowest spot in the area and collects water and kids have been doing doughnuts in
the area, throwing rocks on to the neighboring properties; one happens to be Ald. Fiedler’s home. He met with
him and two of the other homeowners. Director Anderson will meet with Superintendent of Public Works to find
out if that can be done. Then, ultimately, see if We Energies will sign off on it; though it is city land, We
Energies has certain rights designated to them. City Engineer David White was contacted relative to whether it
would be trapping water on their properties. He did not think there would be any water problems as there is
already a stretch of land between the properties and there is a channel that goes into Big Muskego Lake.
Skatepark
Director Anderson advised that the Duluth company that installed the skateboard park has gone out of
business. He questioned the company as to what the department was to do with the free
maintenance plan for five years. The response was if he did not receive a phone call within the next week, he
is to contact the owner to see what can be done.
Truck Repair of 2006 Ford Ranger
Director Anderson reported that the park ranger had an accident with the truck, sharing details on the accident.
The truck will be repaired at a cost of $10,000. The deductible is $500 and will be taken out of operating. The
tree that was also damaged was in the road right-of-way. The Department of Public Works will remove the
root of the tree if the property owner, at their cost, wanted to replace the tree. The employee was fine and has
been released to continue work.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans—None.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Mr. Hulbert shared that he believed that a final agreement had been made on the conservation subdivision
over near Highway OO. They are setting aside a sizable acreage for conservation. One of the things before
the Plan Commission was the Aud-mar Supper Club property. He made it known that the Board was not
looking for a boat launch or parking lot to access it; however, he thought there should be some walkway for the
residents that live off the lake. Mrs. Koble added that there is a walk-in and private launch for the subdivision
and it’s gated.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 7:08 p.m.
Seconded by Mr. Boisits. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Stella Dunahee, CPS
Recording Secretary
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, June 11, 2007, page 5
pc: Board Members, Craig Anderson
email: Mayor, Alderpersons, Department Heads, Peter Theis, Tammy Dunn,
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, June 11, 2007, page 6