Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 7/12/2010
City of Muskego
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
Monday, July 12, 2010
Approved 8/9/10
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, July 8, 2010.
Present: Mr. Brett Hyde, Mr. William “Butch” LeDoux, Ald. Neome Schaumberg and Mr. Toby Whipple
Absent: Mr. Gary Boisits (excused), Mr. Jerald Hulbert (excused), Mrs. Kelly Koble (excused), Director
Anderson (excused)
GUESTS Ald. Neil Borgman, Gregg Golden & Son, Kathy Zeman
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
June 14, 2010 Minutes
Mr. Hyde moved to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2010 meeting, seconded by Mr. LeDoux. Upon
a voice vote, the motion carried .
COMMUNICATIONS:
ATV and Minibikes in Parks
Mr. Gregg Golden conversed with the members of the Board relative to their input on ATV and minibike riding
in the city. He was looking for the ability of a place to ride and to have a training area for riders. What sort of
accommodations are there or can there be for residents of Muskego that participate in these activities? He
mentioned that in the wintertime, there are accommodations for snowmobile riders. He asked what about the
Board’s position and what can they do? Board President Whipple stated that the biggest obstacle that he
could see was currently all park areas are adjacent to somewhat populated residential areas. The most
outlaying one is Denoon Park but that, too, borders a subdivision. He mentioned that there was a private
property across the road from Denoon Park that has a dirt bike trail, but he could not say that it was open to
other people. Mr. LeDoux commented that the recreation trails and even the We Energies trails do not allow
for motorized vehicles. He thought it would have to be a private business that would have land for this type of
recreational activity. Further, the snowmobile club has agreements with property owners to traverse their
lands. There may be some lands close, but outside Muskego that would allow the activity. Mr. Golden shared
that he is contacting all close municipalities to see what they offer. He was looking for the Board to help
residents to come up with some idea rather than saying no, rather than saying look somewhere else. He
expressed that the ideas start with this Board. He wanted to offer the ability for the riders to learn etiquette, to
learn safety, to take a proactive approach to the issue rather than getting complaints. Ald. Schaumberg
questioned if they were a member of a club and Mr. Golden stated, not a member. Mr. Hyde commented that
the snowmobile club has a reasonable rapport with the land owners and it may be a good place for them to
start by checking with the snowmobile club. Mr. LeDoux suggested they contact the pro shops that sell the
ATVs and minibikes as they may have information on areas of public access where they can ride. Mr. Hyde
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, July 12, 2010, page 2
offered that there may be a possibility if they are skirting the edge of a park away from the residential area and
bring it to the Board and they can look at the area. Board President Whipple commented that he reviewed the
park areas and with the current layout could not find a good spot for this type of activity. Mr. Golden inquired
about the conservation areas and was informed that these lands are under the control of the Conservation
Committee. Mr. LeDoux also suggested, though there might be insurance issues, the landfills may be a place
for this activity. Board President Whipple said it is something the Board could consider in the future as other
lands may be acquired, but for right now, private lands may be their best option.
Bridge Grounding Memo from We Energies
Board members reviewed the memo from We Energies relative to their request to have grounding installed,
though not mandatory, for the bridge on the recreational trail. Board members felt that the bridge was already
grounded. Director Anderson had responded to the letter to install grounding at some point as monies become
available and maintenance is needed on the bridge.
Email regarding Moorland Park Playground
A citizen had emailed, including pictures, Mayor Johnson requesting that the city not turn Moorland Park into a
residential area. Board President Whipple expressed that the citizen was trying to let the city know that before
they think about selling Moorland Park, consider that it is being used and people are enjoying it the way that it
is.
On a side note, Mr. LeDoux questioned what, if Moorland Park was sold, would become of the skateboard
portion of that park? Board President Whipple said the Board would either relocate it somewhere else or shut it
down. A while back, there had been informal discussion about putting it at Veterans Memorial Park.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
ALDERMAN’S REPORT: Ald. Schaumberg had nothing to report pertinent to the Parks and Recreation
Board.
STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Park Arthur Phase I Bid Package
Board members reviewed the revised timetable for the bid package for Park Arthur as follows:
July 21 Plans/Specs complete and available
August 5 Bids due
August 9 Parks & Recreation Board approval
August 10 or 24 Council approval
August 30 Permits approved
August 30 Construction starts
November 15 Substantial completion
June 15, 2011 Final completion and acceptance
As it is later in the year, Ald. Borgman questioned if the land would be stable for the winter. Board President
Whipple responded that his understanding was that it was part of the specifications. If the contractor is not able
to complete the work this fall, they would have to stabilize the area.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, July 12, 2010, page 3
Water Bugs Ski Team Report
Reviewing the police report, Board President Whipple noted that a citation had been issued for molesting of a
navigation marker. The ski club had moved a slow no wake buoy out of position and then attached to the
weight used to secure the ski jump.
In regard to last month’s meeting on the issue of the fan running 24/7, Mr. LeDoux questioned who was paying
for the electricity? Board President Whipple believed it was paid by the Water Bugs. He noted there was no
update yet from the Water Bugs on the replacement of the fan.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Director Anderson provided the Board with a written report on the following:
Storm Damage Report
Board members reviewed the email submitted from the Parks Supervisor on the tornado damage the parks
sustained. The list was prioritized by #1 potential damage to people and/or property, #2 trees out of the way
but very labor intensive clean up to be done by the parks staff, #3 non-tree damage, only property. The parks
crew is working on tree/wood removal and will be for a number of weeks. There are some areas that need to
be contracted out to a private firm due to safety concerns for property/person damage and not having the
equipment to safely perform the work.
Purchase of 3 100’ Buoys
The buoys that were purchased in 2006 were installed and removed by the police last year and they recently
went through all lake buoys and discarded the ones needing to be replaced. The DNR grant program used in
the past to offset the buoy costs (50%) does not exist any more so they are being purchased out of the
operating budget (about $135/buoy). Once these buoys are received, the police will place the buoys in their
designated locations with laser measurements.
Kurth Park Trail Improvements
Director Anderson reported that in a meeting with City Engineer Dave Simpson, it was decided instead of
paying Bonestroo for a trail improvement plan, the work would be done by city staff to remedy the trail where
washouts occur on the trail during hard rains, using the $20,000 budgeted for the plan. Under the plan he
developed, the areas that wash out would be paved and some ditch work would be done as well as the
potential abandonment of the trail from Hidden Creek entrance to the path, south, as it is hardly used. Board
President Whipple was in favor of paving the whole trail, rather than just the problem sections; however, he
could see foregoing the paving of the south section that is hardly used. Board members would like an
estimate on paving the trail as well as the portions Director Anderson indicated to be paved.
OTHER BUSINESS: None.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
The next meeting is August 9, time to be determined.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Ald. Schaumberg moved for adjournment at 6:42 p.m.
Seconded by Mr. LeDoux. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Stella Dunahee, CPS
Recording Secretary
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, July 12, 2010, page 4
pc: Board Members, Craig Anderson
email: Mayor, Alderpersons, Department Heads, Peter Theis, Tammy Dunn,