Park & Rec Board- MINUTES - 4/8/2013
City of Muskego
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
Monday, April 8, 2013
Approved 5/13/13
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, April 5, 2013.
Present: Mr. Jerald Hulbert, Mr. Brett Hyde, Mrs. Kelly Koble, Mr. “Butch” LeDoux, Mr. Paul Peardon, Ald. Dan Soltysiak,
Mr. Toby Whipple and Director Anderson.
GUESTS: Larry Lefebvre, Stephen Van Goerham, Ald. Madden, Tiffany Lentz, Harvey Schweitzer, Cindy Schweitzer, Ald.
Borgman, Ald. Kubacki, James Donahue, Susan Donahue, Mike Paulos, Susan Becker, Jim Lisak, James
Schweitzer, Mayor Chiaverotti, Denise Konkol, Pat Nakamura, Gail Levin, Tina Weiss, Ray Schrank, Frank
Cistaro, et. al.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
March 11 Minutes
Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the minutes of the March 11 meeting, seconded by Mr. Le Doux. Upon a voice vote,
the motion to approve carried with Mr. Hyde abstaining.
In view of the interest of those in attendance, the following item was brought forward:
NEW BUSINESS
Reconsideration of Prioritized Recreation Trail Plan
Mr. Hulbert moved for reconsideration of the trail plan. Mr. Peardon seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried. Board President Toby Whipple opened up the meeting to the public for their comments on the issue.
Mr. Stephen Van Goerham (S97W13172 Champions Drive) spoke, as president, on behalf of the homeowners association
of Champions Village, representing 200 homes in Champions Village and Stone Bridge 25 homes. He mentioned they were
taken back when the Board decided not to move forward with the Hwy OO recreation trail. They had received many
promises of the bike trail going in place as well as other recreational activities that would be provided for the area. His
petition for reconsideration included:
¾ of a mile from Boxhorn, north on Hwy OO and go south ½ mile, 400 brand new homes with a potential tax base
of $600,000 coming to the City of Muskego a year for a very small area;
One of the largest growth areas in the City of Muskego for the last 12 years—Big Muskego Estates, Stone Bridge,
Champions Village & land for more development;
Aside from basic services, no investment in the area for the last 12 years;
Nowhere for the kids to play except on the streets as they are landlocked.
He asked the Board to reconsider the bike path to give them access for a safe area to ride; to get the children off the streets
and put them in a safe area.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, April 8, 2013, page 2
As the bike path was in her district, Ald Madden presented some statistics for the area. The bike trail from Durham to Hwy
36 has been part of the Parks & Open Space Plan since 1992. It was said that the trail would be connected when Hwy OO
was redone and Durham trail reached Hwy OO which has been done. Everybody in Big Muskego Estates, Stone Bridge,
Champions Village have been patient in waiting and all were taken back when they heard this was going to be put aside for
a speculation. She understood what the Board was looking at and it wasn’t a bad thing, but to stop what was promised
before they knew what they could do, five years is a long time to wait to figure out if it’s going to go through. There are 5900
vehicles a day that go on Hwy OO. There are a lot of kids in the area and she mentioned it was a safety issue. This entire
area needs to be connected. Many are taking the bike trail to Wind Lake as they can’t make the trip into Muskego which
they would prefer to do. Finishing this section would close the loop. She asked the Board to reconsider their decision.
Board members were in receipt of information from Director Simpson which noted “The CTH OO trail has the potential to be
surveyed and designed by the County at this time. This opportunity may not exist in future years as County staff workloads
cannot be predicted.” Mr. Hulbert gave a brief historic review of the trail system as it related to the Champions Village
subdivision. With the people in attendance and the phone calls he received and further research, he was recanting his
argument from the last meeting. He had underestimated the need for the trail in the area. Mr. Le Doux was still in favor of
the trail. He mentioned honeycombing the system throughout the city. This would connect it to the loop. The plan for Little
Muskego is not a bad plan but there may need to be some land acquisition to create the trails. Mr. Peardon stated he had
observed some activity south of Big Muskego Estates but not as much as from McShane to Moorland. His decision had
been predicated on the population in the Little Muskego Lake area but he was open to hearing the dialogue and them
presenting their case. Mrs. Koble mentioned that in the past the only interest the Board had received was someone wanting
to drive a horse and buggy on the trail. It is very nice to see people interested in the trail system. She is a resident of the
district and has used the trails and frequently walks/jogs down to Hwy OO and though there is a broad shoulder, there is a
lot of fast traffic and to get from Durham to Hwy 36 is nerve-wracking. If there are that many people interested, she would
certainly look at a revision. Mr. Le Doux moved to put the section of the Hwy OO trail back into 2014. Mr. Hyde
seconded. Ald. Soltysiak, looking at the order of the trails, the communication from Director Simpson should play a factor in
the decision. It’s positive to take advantage of the County’s ability to help out at this time. The installation of the other trails
may be complicated and extra time involved. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
(Board members recessed to reconvene in the Aldermen’s Room.)
LMLD Weed Tipping Agreement
Director Anderson advised that the only change in the LMLD Weed Tipping Agreement were the dates to reflect the current
year. Mr. Lefebvre confirmed that they needed the area in Park Arthur for emergency weed tipping and it would not exceed
20 truckloads. It would be used when their regular weed tipping area is not open. Mr. Hulbert questioned where the runoff
from the weeds would go. Director Anderson said into a pond. Mr. Lefebvre added that the weeds are not there long
enough to create an odor. Ald. Soltysiak moved to approve the agreement. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote,
the motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Park Arthur Pavilion Project
Susan Becker of GRAEF presented her update on the project during the last month and an overview. The police department
had been contacted and they preferred the current orientation of the pavilion as now shown. The plan has not changed
substantially. It was designed similar to the Idle Isle pavilion and is about 2300 square feet. It is being designed as a year-
around facility. They went from 2 stalls to 4 stalls in the bathrooms, separate storage areas—janitorial and mechanical, area
for gas furnace, concession area and they have an alternate additional open-air shelter. She said the estimate for the base
plan for the shelter is $412,000. This includes $30,000 for heat, $9,000 for the additional restrooms, $40,000-$50,000 for
concession area, additional site work of $20,000, and site utilities $130,000 for sanitary sewer, $150,000 for water system to
install yard hydrants; an estimated total of $764,000. With this figure before them, the Board members discussed having
alternate bids on some of the items, options of sewer mound system/holding tanks and cost-sharing from civic
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, April 8, 2013, page 3
organizations. They were agreed on the flushing toilets and if built, it would be the “go-to” park in Muskego and a year-round
facility. Mr. Peardon felt it would be the crown jewel of the city and would draw families; not to mention, the opportunity of
recouping the cost in the future by holding tournaments on the ball fields or private rentals. He said the price is high but it’s
important to do it right. Director Anderson mentioned the grants that the city was awarded for Boxhorn launch and
improvements so there may be an opportunity for other monies. The Board needs to decide what priority they are going to
put on this facility. The next step is to put the items out for bids which should be around April 25. They will know more on
costs when the bids are received.
WBC’s A Walk in the Parks
Gail Levin presented her proposal for the Women’s Business Connection event, “A Walk in the Parks” and her request for
cost-sharing in the amount of $250 to aid in the printing costs estimated at $618. The event would consist of participants
acquiring a bingo card that lists an activity in a certain park. They would visit the park and mark the activity off on their bingo
card. This event would draw people to the parks in Muskego for the summer activities. There would be a 4-page, pull-out
section in the Muskego Summer Activity Guide. Director Anderson stated that this would be an added cost to the printing of
the program guide. Mrs. Koble moved to support the WBC in the amount of $250 for the summer 2013 activities. Mr.
Hulbert seconded. A copy of the insert was provided to the Board members. Ald. Soltysiak voiced his concern about the
business logos on the insert being interpreted as advertisement for those businesses. Other Board members
acknowledged his concern but still felt that the event would benefit the parks and to give them a trial for a year. Mrs. Levin
stated she would be keeping records and offered to share with the Board. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried with
Ald. Soltysiak opposed.
Waiver of Bluhm Park Usage Fee..Cub Pack 176
Diirector Anderson presented Cub Pack 176’s request for waiver of the Bluhm Park usage fee for their picnic/baseball event
on June 9. Mr. Hyde moved to approve the fee waiver. Mr. Peardon seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion
carried.
Idle Isle Pavilion
Director Anderson advised that the Little Muskego Lake Association was requesting the use of the Idle Isle shelter on June
th
30 for their 45 anniversary event. They were also requesting a waiver of the usage fee. It was noted that this event day is
a Sunday. The Board had approved usage for them in the past on a weekend. If approved, the park would be turned over
to them from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. The boat launch would remain open. Mr. Hulbert moved to approve the shelter rental
and waiver of usage fee. Mrs. Koble seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
VMP Salentine Memorial
A letter was received from the Police Department Awards Committee to plant a tree at Veterans Memorial Park to honor the
Salentine (E.J.) family for the many years of service to the City of Muskego Police Department. They had checked with Mr.
Tom Zagar on location and planting. A map was provided showing the proposed location which would serve to provide
shade for a portion of the playground. Ald. Soltysiak moved to approve the memorial. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a
voice vote, the motion carried.
Waiver of Bluhm Park Usage Fee…MAA
Director Anderson presented the request from the M.A.A. (Muskego Athletic Association) for usage of the Bluhm shelter and
fields #1 and #2 for their season kick-off event on Saturday, May 11, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. along with a waiver of the
usage fee. Mr. Hyde moved to approve the request. Mr. Hulbert seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried
with Mr. Peardon abstaining.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Moorland Volleyball Court Costs
Director Anderson presented another set of costs for the sand for the volleyball court. Using a different vendor, the cost for
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, April 8, 2013, page 4
sand delivered would be $6,750. The amount over budget would be $3,435. He had consulted with the Finance Director
who indicated the funds for the overage would come from park dedication or landfill funds or any surplus recognized from
another park project. As this project was initiated by the Teen Advisory Board, the Board members questioned whether or
not there was any interest in a volleyball court in the park. They would like to explore if the interest is still there before
committing any funds. Mr. Hulbert moved to remove it. Mr. Hyde seconded until there is a stronger show of interest.
Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Revised Wording for City/Historical Society Agreement
Director Anderson gave a verbal update and provided a copy of the proposed changes to the agreement between the
Muskego Historical Society and the City of Muskego. Mr. Ray Schrank clarified what is meant by repairs and maintenance.
An annual budget will be provided to the Parks and Recreation Board and a report to the city. Mr. Brett Hyde moved to
approve the changes to the agreement. Mr. Peardon seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried with Mr.
Hulbert abstaining and Ald. Soltysiak opposed. On closing, Mr. Shrank shared that the historical society is prepared to
donate $50-$200 to the city and will continue to do so for the next four years if they have the ability.
ALDERMAN’S REPORT
Alderman Soltysiak reported on the changes taking place along with the Janesville Road reconstruction.
STATUS OF PROJECTS:
Park Arthur
Director Anderson reported that the gates are installed. Each squad will have a key to the gates to facilitate them opening
and closing the gates. The park is expected to be open once the ball season starts. It was suggested that there be an
official “ribbon cutting” event before the first game of season.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Class Recreation Software Patch Release
Director Anderson announced that the current Class patch for the registration software has been installed.
Moorland Park Tree Planting
As part of the Girl Scout’s Gold Award, Samantha Hyde will be planting trees at Moorland Park. City Forester Tom Zagar
has made recommendations for the trees and also offered to help plant the trees. This project should be done this spring in
late April or early May.
OTHER BUSINESS
Subdivision Plans from Plan Commission
None
Director Anderson shared that he received notice from Lisa of the LMLA that they were not interested in beautifying the
dumpster locations at Idle Isle. They wanted to do the projects that they originally proposed along the shore line. The
department will be doing the dumpster. Mrs. Koble would like to revisit it next month.
Jensen Park playground equipment was damaged. Cost to repair/replace is about $650. Mr. Hulbert questioned if the
Jensen building was still being used. Director Anderson said the upstairs is still used for the department’s dance program.
ADJOURNMENT - There being no further business, Mr. Hulbert moved for adjournment at 7:42 p.m. Seconded by Mr.
Hyde. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Minutes, Parks & Recreation Board, April 8, 2013, page 5
Stella Dunahee, CPS
Recording Secretary
pc: Board Members, Craig Anderson; email: Peter Theis, Tammy Dunn; posted: www.cityofmuskego.org