Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 9/8/2008
City of Muskego
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
Monday, September 8, 2008
Approved 10/13/08
Board President Whipple called the monthly meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board (Board), City of
Muskego, to order at 5:30 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, September 4, 2008.
Present: Mr. Gary Boisits, Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mr. Brett Hyde, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Ald. Dan Pavelko, Mr. Toby
Whipple and Director Craig Anderson,
Absent: Mr. Eric Hetzel (excused)
GUESTS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
August 11 Minutes
Mr. Jerald Hulbert moved to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2008 meeting, seconded by Ald.
Dan Pavelko. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes carried unanimously.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES: None.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE:
Skateboard Park Vandalism
Vandalism is still occurring at the InPro Skate Park in Moorland Park. Report received from the Muskego
Police Department on August 22 that “bikers rule” was etched on the black back panel. This is all that has
been happening at the park lately. The parks crew used sandpaper to erase the wording. Mr. Hyde
commented he has noticed skateboarders and some bikers at the park. He suggested that on future signage
to indicate if anyone notices vandalism occurring, to please call the police at their non-emergency number
(679-4130).
NEW BUSINESS:
Soccer Field Use by non-Muskego-based Teams
Director Anderson reviewed with the Board the email received from an outside organization request for soccer
fields. He has not received any further communication since he replied to the email. One day at the
department’s service window, there was another individual asking about the shelter at Manchester Hill Park
and the usage of those soccer fields. The individual was informed the field was a game field for the Kickers
and they have priority and since, the individual responded he would take it up with his coaches and see where
they want to go and he did not reserve the shelter. At this time, people requesting use of soccer fields are
advised to go before the Parks and Recreation Board for approval. As the department is receiving more and
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, September 8, 2008, page 2
more requests from other than the Kickers for soccer fields, Director Anderson would like the Board to
establish procedures and policies for the soccer fields similar to what they placed in effect for ball fields,
prioritizing groups that would be using the fields. He has had a discussion with the new president of the
Muskego Kickers and two other individuals on their Board regarding facility request. The department should
have these by the end of the month. Director Anderson would like to come back to the Board in October with
options as to where the Board wants to go relative to soccer fields. Mrs. Koble would like to see some type of
policy for the soccer fields and also, would like to know what the current usage of the soccer fields is by the
Muskego Kickers. Mr. Hulbert mentioned the exclusive use of the soccer fields by the Muskego Kickers
because of what that group has done in return. He said they need to get together with the Muskego Kickers
and their schedule on the fields for 2008 and have this usage grand fathered into any policy. There may then
be some other field availability and as the equipment is owned by the Muskego Kickers, the group could
possibly then rent the equipment from the Muskego Kickers. Mr. Boisits asked if there was a fee for letting
those outside teams use the field. At this time, Director Anderson stated outside baseball teams pay field
usage fees of $10 per game. Most of these soccer people are going to be requesting practices. There is a
difference between skinned infields and turf. Every field will have to be monitored closely. President Whipple
suggested that Director Anderson, the Muskego Kickers president and himself meet to formulate some plan to
bring before the Board in October.
ALDERMAN’S REPORT:
Ald. Pavelko announced that the Mayor has provided his proposed budget. There is a reduction in the parks
budget of $117,238 to include elimination of two park maintenance workers and outsourcing the grass cutting
services. City is reviewing a sex offender ordinance and/or a loitering ordinance in relation to distance from
schools, playground, parks or trails. He asked what the groups are doing in governing coaches? Director
Anderson said that the department does background checks on coaches and volunteers and employees. Ald.
Pavelko questioned if the city would be held liable for M.A.A. coaches, etc. Mr. Boisits did not see the city as
being liable as they are an independent organization. The city has no control over the organization. Board
President Whipple shared that those involved with the soccer clubs have to go through a background check;
it’s mandatory.
STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Park Arthur
In October, the Board will be receiving a grading and storm water plan.
Muskego High School Softball Field Project
Due to raining on the scheduled day, Director Anderson was not able to look at the project with Scott Kugi.
Weeds are still growing. Muskego High School has contracted with Mick’s for their field maintenance and he
doesn’t seem concerned and over seeding will occur; then weed eradication and fertilization will be done.
Once it’s dry enough, Director Anderson will meet with Scott Kugi to go over the field.
Highway 36 Trail
The department received word from Tom Blotz that funding was received. The trail is almost in. Wind Lake to
the bridge is in, from the bridge to the soy bean farm is in, just finished spraying the second section that was
excavated in preparation for the stone to be put in which should be done in about a week.
Moorland Park
The signs are ready to be installed. The police have been notified. Chapter 26 ordinance covers the
department. The police will be starting with verbal warnings and then citations if and when it is closed. Mr.
Hulbert inquired if it was possible to get power to the park for cameras and a small enclosure for the
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, September 8, 2008, page 3
equipment. Director Anderson stated that power and water was put in the budget for next year but not for a
facility. Mr. Hulbert asked if Director Anderson could come up with a proposal for putting in the security
cameras. Director Anderson commented he could probably come up with a proposal in a few months.
Water Bugs (Waterbugs) Ski Team, Inc. Compliance Check
Compliance check was done on a show night so some of the items on the checklist could not be evaluated
such as no yellow light on the ski jump. There was an additional note from Gary Mrotek that the buoys were
out of position. This is an item that Director Anderson is concerned about and will be addressing with the
Waterbugs. At the October review, the importance of the buoys and their locations needs to be stressed with
the Waterbugs. Mr. Boisits asked if the litter after the shows as reported at the last meeting had been
addressed. Since the initial request to the Waterbugs to keep an eye on the litter, Director Anderson has not
received any more reports.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Movies in the Park
The last movie on August 15 was the biggest turnout, about 250 people. The park was filled to the playground
area and vehicles were parked in the lots and all the way down Pioneer Drive. Concessions were done by the
Waterbugs and they actually had two lines for patrons.
Tammy’s Back
Tammy’s back as of last Wednesday. The department is glad to have her back. Stella did an outstanding job
in Tammy’s absence. The Board thanked Stella for her efforts during this time.
Trail Restoration
The department is still waiting when FEMA is going to come in. Kurth Park and Denoon Park trails really need
work. Black Diamond’s estimate for Kurth was $19,000. The City is checking with FEMA to see if they are
able to cover it and if they do, they cover at 75%. Some of the We Energies trail, the department replaced the
section between Racine, just passed Culvers. Then on the other end, by the We Energies tower towards
North Cape. Mr. Hulbert asked if they should be thinking of blacktopping the area by Culvers; however,
Director Anderson said they would cut back the tree growth and dig in the trench to have the water flow down
to prevent the washout. Mr. Hulbert advised that the equestrian trail from the Wagon Wheel to Crowbar Road
needs some restoration work.
Parks Budget
Director Anderson confirmed that in the Mayor’s budget, he is looking at eliminating two full-time park staff.
Currently there are four staff and this would bring it down to two. There will be outsourcing that will need to be
done in terms of lawn mowing and some snow removal. The biggest area that the department has to cover is
before and after the seasonal employees in the spring and the fall. He spoke of how this affects the
department and what measures the department may take to overcome the cuts and still provide service. Mr.
Hulbert commented that if the Mayor is planning on making changes, that he would consult with the Parks and
Recreation Board on the decision making process. Ald. Pavelko will relay that message to the Mayor and the
Council. In the past when there have been administrative changes, Mr. Hulbert stated that the Parks and
Recreation Board has taken the lead in helping to make recommendations to the Common Council as there
are sometimes different ways of managing the department and the Board should be part of the discussion and
to determine what level of service is acceptable.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, September 8, 2008, page 4
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans— None
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW:
Director Anderson shared that Mr. Richard Manchester, a former Board member, had passed away. A card
was sent and Director Anderson had also called the family. Mrs. Koble said she had attended the services.
Director Anderson announced that in the Little Muskego Lake District’s minutes in the newsletter which he
received today, they made a motion that the Parks and Recreation Board raise the launch fees to keep the
lakes unattractive to other users. Mr. Hulbert mentioned that the WDNR has guidelines on what is being
charged. Director Anderson was aware that the WDNR had a formula for charging fees.
Mr. Hulbert shared that he had discussions with Mr. Bill Carrity, the developer of Belle Chasse subdivision. He
read historical information relative to the early settlers of Muskego being French fur traders in the mid-1800s.
trading with the Potawatomi Indians, establishing many villages and camp sites along the northern area of Big
Muskego Lake. Of special interest in this subdivision is the remnants of Potawatomi corn fields on both sides
of Durham Drive. Mr. Carrity has an Eagle Scout working on identifying this area along with signage. Mr.
Hulbert believed Mr. Carrity has the intent of granting the city an easement to the area from the recreational
trail so that it would be legal for those on the recreation trail to visit this historical site, with the subdivision
taking care of the maintenance.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 6:20 p.m.
Seconded by Ald. Pavelko. 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,