Park & Rec Board - MINUTES - 8/12/2013moo tes City of Muskego
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
Monday, August 12, 2013
Approved 9/9/13
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, August 8, 2013.
Present: Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mr. Brett Hyde (excused 6:08 p.m.), Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. "Butch" LeDoux, Mr. Paul Peardon,
Ald. Dan Soltysiak, Mr. Toby Whipple and Director Anderson.
GUESTS: Ald. Borgman, Ald. Kubacki, Gary Kulas
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July 8 Minutes
Aid. Soltysiak moved to approve the minutes of the July 8 meeting, seconded by Mr. Hyde. Upon a voice vote, the
motion to approve carried.
COMMUNICATIONS:
History of Pioneer Drive Park
Mr. Gary Kulas gave a brief historical background on the Pioneer Drive area. He spoke on the importance of the street to
the community. It was the avenue of five different resort hotels and main route from Prairieville (Waukesha) to Racine. It
was one of the three plank roads in the area; originally called the Waterford Plank Road. When the electric trolley line came
through, it was the main route to the amusement park. It was also part of the underground railroad that helped Joshua
Glover, a runaway slave. Mr. Hulbert added that all the main businesses were along the road and it was known as Muskego
Centre. On behalf of the historical society, they would like the park name to reflect some of the history that occurred. The
historical society had nothing in mind as far as naming the park; however, Mr. Hulbert proposed that the historical society
split the cost of the historical signage with the city. The two entities would have to agree on the verbiage for the sign. He
shared some proposed verbiage with the Board members which included a summation of the businesses in the area. On a
side note, Ald. Borgman shared that the Watertown Plank Road was almost the demise of Muskego because those building
the road brought cholera to the community; instead of milling planks for the road, they ended up milling coffins. His offering
for naming the park was Plank Road Park because of the importance of the development of the community and impact the
road had on the community.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Naming of Small Park
The Board had solicited possible names for the park from the community. They received four suggestions; Trolley Line
Park, Gottfried Park, Serenity Park, and Salentine Family Community Park or E. J. Salentine Parkway or something with
Salentine in it. Mr. LeDoux felt Trolley Park because it was a stop point for the trolley during that era. Board President
Whipple thought the name of the park should have something to do historically with the area, Muskego Centre, Trolley Line,
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, August 12, 2013, page 2
or Plank Road or something along those lines. Mr. Peardon stated that with the rich history of the area and how significant it
was in the development of the city, it made more sense to name it after that instead of an individual. He liked Trolley Line
Park and that was a great suggestion. Mr. Hulbert said the name for the specific area was Muskego Centre. Board
members felt the name would tie everything together. Aid. Soltysiak moved to name the park Muskego Centre Park
with the spelling of the park name, Centre or Center, reflect the spelling of that era and historically accurate. Mrs.
Koble seconded. Mr. Kulas will research the spelling and get back to the Board. Director Anderson thanked the citizens for
their contributions. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Monument Signage Wording, Park Arthur
Mr. Hulbert submitted the verbiage for the Thiesenhusen monument sign at Park Arthur. He stated the verbiage did go
through the historical society. Aid. Soltysiak moved to approve the wording and Mr. LeDoux seconded. Mr. Hulbert
spoke on the issue of the sign materials and the vendors that made other signs in the area. He will discuss further with
Director Anderson a selection of the sign company. In regard to installation in the park, Ald. Soltysiak suggested to have
the sign placed in the pavilion area of the park. Mr. Peardon offered the sign be placed off the park road near the main path.
Other areas were suggested and Mr. Hulbert will consult with Charles Thiesenhusen to get his opinion. Upon a voice vote,
the motion carried.
2014 Capital Equipment/Projects
Director Anderson had two items for capital equipment in 2014; the out -front mower and shop improvements. These were
discussed with the Board members. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the capital equipment. Mr. LeDoux seconded.
Upon a voice vote, the motion carried, 5-1 with Aid. Soltysiak opposed to the shop improvements. Director Anderson
reviewed in detail the capital projects for 2014. Mr. LeDoux moved to approve the capital projects and forward on to
Common Council. Mr. Peardon seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
2014 Operating Budget
Director Anderson presented the 2014 operating budget. For personnel, the department will be adding two seasonal staff.
Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the 2014 operating budget, seconded by Mrs. Koble. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried.
ALDERMAN'S REPORT:
Ald. Soltysiak shared that tomorrow Common Council will be acting on money for the recreation trail along Racine Avenue
from Janesville to the Muskego High School. The amount is significantly more than was budgeted.
STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Park Arthur
Foundation is in. The group doing the work is doing an outstanding job. With the foundation, the stone block has been
delivered. They are looking at starting the walls soon. Lights, WeEnergies will be trenching anytime soon. Once that's done
Pieper will be putting in pedestals. On the 21 st, Dan and Director Anderson will be staking the corner of home plate and the
foul lines. He expected to put in the lights the early part of September. Gas will be put in at the same time. The equestrian
trail has been cut through the corridor. Ald. Borgman shared the partying events that go on in the overflow parking lot. He
felt that an added gate would help to curtail the partying. This will be an agenda item with reports from the police
department.
Board President Whipple stated that park closes at 10:00 p.m. and there shouldn't be anyone in the park. The police
should be called.
Waterbugs July Report
There were no complaints during the month of July.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, August 12, 2013, page 3
Recreation
Fall Program Guide
Program guide will be out around August 26. He mentioned that having to work with the school's calendar has had an
impact on getting the guide out. The department has to wait to secure use of the facilities.
Parks
Split Rail Fence at Park Arthur
Split rail fence was added on and it looks nice. Parks staff did a nice job.
Park Arthur/Idle Isle Signage
The locations have been marked. They are expected to be installed Tuesday of next week.
Mill Valley Fencing
Mill Valley fencing starts August 19. The project will take about a week.
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Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission
None
Announcements
Mr. Hulbert shared that they had a girl scout group paint the church. He recognized further that the Old Town Hall needs
painting. They are also involved in painting the Tailspin sign and this is being done by volunteers. The goal is to have it
done so it can be pulled through the parade.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 7:28 p.m. Seconded by Mrs.
Koble . Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
.5& D"Wdce, CPS
Recording Secretary
pc: Board Members, Craig Anderson; email: Peter Theis, Tammy Dunn; posted: www.cityofmuskego.org