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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 12, 2019 Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD AUGUST 12, 2019 Present: Tony Dirth, Scott Greuel, Becky Metz, Bill Miller, Bob Poeschl Excused: Amy Davis, Devon Hudak, Lester Millette Other: Nathan Hilmer, Greg Calpino and Kathleen Duffy from SmithGroup; Kelly Nieforth, Community Development Economic Development Services Manager; Allen Davis, Community Development Director Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/Forester; Stacy James, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Vice Chair Dirth called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Vice Chair Dirth stated that given the number of excused, absent Board members that the election of officers will be tabled until the next meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Metz for approval of the June 10, 2019 minutes. Seconded by Miller. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Greuel for approval of the July 8, 2019 minutes. Seconded by Metz. Motion carried 5-0. NEW BUSINESS 1)PRESENTATION BY SMITHGROUP OF CONCEPTUAL DEIGNS FOR LAKESHORE PARK MASTER PLAN Mr. Maurer reviewed that SmithGroup has been working since the spring to gather information for three conceptual designs which they will be presenting tonight. They are looking for feedback on the plans to be able to put together the preferred Master Plan design which they will present in September for approval by the Board. After Advisory Park Board approval the preferred design will move on to Plan Commission and ultimately Common Council for approval. Mr. Hilmer gave the Board and public a review of the project process thus far. He notes that they have repeatedly received feedback requesting passive recreation, learning opportunities, native habitats, community art, a connection to the community and respect for the sites history to be incorporated into the Master Plan. Their firm wanted to keep in mind the surrounding areas of the park including Oshkosh Corporation’s headquarters, other businesses and the surrounding parks. Their staff has also been in ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO AUGUST 12, 2019 contact with the city’s Engineering Staff regarding the storm water retention areas in the park and make sure that any plan will not interfere with their functionality. Mr. Hilmer reviewed the three designs with the Board and public going over the attributes of each. Concept 1 worked with the existing pond layouts and had an extensive trail aspect due to the lack of earth work allowing funding for more trails. Concept 2 rethought the water system and rather than ponds worked it into a stream throughout the site with more of a wetland education link. There was more investment on the west side of the park with substantial earthwork and trails that would overlook the structure and artwork on the hills. This provided functional lawn spaces on both sides of the park and a nature play area near Mary Jewell Park. Concept 3 carved out a bigger space on the west side of the park for a larger flex lawn bookended by earthwork spaces as well as some small shelters. The ponds on the west side were consolidated to feel like an extension of the river. It also included more parking and a fishing/boating pier. All three of the concepts incorporated a four season shelter at the end of Punhoqua Street. At this point the Board discussed the concept designs. Mr. Miller stated that there were aspects of all three designs that stood out including the natural play area, the earth work from Concept 2 and the stepping stones along the river. It was stated that simplifying the trail system would help to efficiently utilize funds so that there can be something for everyone at the park. Mr. Dirth agrees with being mindful of trail costs but likes the bridges and feels the benefit could be worth the cost. He also feels the elevation of the earth work would be something unique that we don’t have in the city. Mr. Miller brought up concerns with permitting with the extensive shoreline work. Mr. Hilmer stated that permitting can be a process but this project provides good potential for a lot of grant funding which also helps with cost efficiency. Mr. Poeschl commented that he agrees with the importance of having the educational nodes regarding culture and the history of the property given the potential for national recognition for the historical site. He also agreed that unique features in the park are important as well as pointing out that the community seems to support more splash pads in the parks and this is a potential site for one. Further discussions were had regarding the parking options throughout the park as well as the necessity of a restroom facility on the west side of the park. The concept of the beach area was clarified by Mr. Hilmer in that it isn’t so much a swimming beach due to the high boating traffic but more of a small craft launch similar to what is currently utilized at the spot and stone beach area. Mr. Greuel agreed that the maintenance costs for the trails should be taken into consideration. He also discussed that the concepts seemed to provide an option for more winter activities at the park. Ms. Metz inquired about whether a flowing stream or the open ponds connected the river would freeze over enough to support ice skating. Mr. Hilmer and Mr. Calpino explained that there would be water elements not connected to the storm water system and therefore would freeze over enough for winter recreation. At this point the discussion was opened up for public input. Adam BellCorelli, 1624 Western Street, Oshkosh, Pedestrian and Bicycling Advisory Committee Member, inquired about accessibility with the extensive earth work in Concept 2. Mr. Hilmer explained that there ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE AUGUST 12, 2019 would be an accessible path as well as a more direct path with stairs for that feature. It was also further clarified that there would be a bridge from the current Tribal Heritage Trail to the Riverwalk along Lakeshore Park that is currently being built. Mr. BellCorelli added that he likes the east side from Concept 1 or 3 and the west end of Concept 2. Stephen Hoopman, 5105 I-Ah-Maytah Road, Oshkosh, stated that he liked the same aspects as Mr. BellCorelli and encouraged the Board to ensure that the water system would be big enough to handle storm water and keep the surrounding areas from flooding. Mr. Maurer stated that he had the same concerns and they will be working closely with the city engineering department to ensure that any water work is constructed to be able to handle any storm water. One concern Mr. Hoopman brought up would be the parking lot in Concept 3 near North Koeller. He stated that it might be a line of site concern for future developers and feels that it is important to keep that relationship with the surrounding developers positive. Terry Steele, 2848 Sheldon Drive, Oshkosh wondered if the earth working in some of the concepts would allow for sledding on the hills, which it would. He warned about having too much open space or flex lawn. He reminded the Board that past studies of Menominee Park near the zoo had shown that some of the open space areas were underutilized. Kathleen Propp, 1936 Hazel Street, Oshkosh, stated that she did not like any option that would support large events in the park as there are sufficient other spaces throughout the city for that. She is ok with smaller events however. She also pointed out that this has historically been a quiet neighborhood. She also had concerns about the long pier. She felt that the east side of the park should not be used as a fishing area. She also emphasized that any change to the ponds should be done mindfully so as to not undo any storm water effectiveness. Margy Davey, 885 Portside Court, Oshkosh, Sustainability Advisory Board Member, agreed that the west side of the park would need a restroom and she liked the stepping stones going down onto the water. She would however encourage shoreline restoration along the remainder of the shoreline. With regards to the paths she discourages the use of asphalt pavement. She also encouraged making spots for a bus stop along the park as well as ample bicycle parking to encourage patrons to access the park in different ways. At this point discussion was brought back to the Board. Mr. Poeschl agreed that access to a bus stop at the park would be beneficial and it is important to acknowledge the neighbors and not cause more impact to them than necessary. Discussions were held regarding the surrounding roads and their connections to the park. Mr. Hilmer thanked everyone for their input and stated it will be helpful as the work toward a preferred plan. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR AUGUST 12, 2019 2)DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND DISPOSITION OF LAND ON RATH LANE Mr. Maurer explained that this is a request from Community Development staff and interested developers to provide more development opportunities fronting Oshkosh Avenue. Ms. Nieforth explained the layout of the property currently and explained that this discussion included the city outlot to the north of Rath Lane which is a small, irregular shaped parcel about 0.3 acres. From a commercial development aspect, the outlot in this request is undevelopable due to the irregular shape and setback restrictions so therefore cannot be sold on its own. The property owner to the south has requested that Rath Lane be vacated as the cul da sac only serves his properties and he would be able to expand his developable area if it was vacated. Should Council approve the request to vacate a portion of Rath Lane, the private developer requested that the city consider disposing of the vacated property and the 0.307 acre outlot. The developer would like to combine the additional acreage to his site and develop it. Both Mr. Miller and Greuel agreed that the disposition made sense. Kathleen Propp spoke suggesting the possibility of overflow parking at the site for Lakeshore Park. Ms. Nieforth encouraged the Board to take into consideration the time and cost of developing and maintaining a parking lot if it were put there as well as concerns with the public having to cross the roadway in order to access Lakeshore Park. Mr. Miller inquired if the developer planned to use the space for his development’s parking. Ms. Nieforth responded that he would have his own parking lot and could use this area for water quality and green space as required per code. Mr. Poeschl inquired if the land would be developed if the area were vacated. Ms. Nieforth responded that if the vacation is not approved then the city will need to further consider how to manage access to the site for the developer since they are not able to put in a driveway off from North Koeller per DOT. Mr. Davis reminded the Board that the vacation still needs to be approved by Council. Mr. Dirth stated that he would support the disposition due to the access concerns of making this a parking lot as well as the maintenance costs. Mr. Poeschl inquired if there were other ways that this area could be utilized to benefit the park. Mr. Maurer responded that the cost of developing and maintaining such a small parking lot of only seven spaces may not be beneficial. The Lakeshore Park Master Plan is focusing on areas further north of this site for park parking which does not require park users to cross roads. Ms. Nieforth confirmed that if this is approved by Council the land will be developed for commercial and business use. Motion by Miller to recommend the disposition of the land on Rath Lane. Seconded by Greuel. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Present: Poeschl). PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer reports that the bulk of his time recently has been spent working with SmithGroup regarding the Lakeshore Park Master Plan. Budgets are due to Finance Department on Friday so he has been working on completing those also. Staff evaluations are also currently taking place so it has been a busy month completing all of these tasks. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FIVE AUGUST 12, 2019 ASSISTANT PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Dallman reports that projects continue to move forward including the Eagle Exhibit and communications infrastructure at Menominee Park which will eventually include security cameras at the zoo and possibly in the park. Spanbauer Field, Rainbow Memorial Park and Teichmiller Park ball diamond work is moving forward. Westhaven Circle Park restroom project has obtained Council approval and work will be started this week with completion by the end of the year. Little Oshkosh is scheduled for removal to begin on August 26. Trail work is moving along at Menominee Park and along the Riverwalk at Lakeshore Park. August 13 is the last Tuesday Night Concert at Leach Amphitheater sponsored by Verve, a Credit Union. Attendance has been good this year. Pollock Community Water Park closes for the season on August 21. Season Pass Appreciation Night is Saturday, August 17. Pathfinders is in town this week and their presence at all of the facilities means it will be a busy week for Park employees. Mr. Poeschl wanted to highlight that while the group is in town they will be volunteering and doing some community outreach as well. LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Sturm reports that staff has been busy with landscape maintenance and Emerald Ash Borer mitigation and this work will keep them busy well into the winter. There has been a lot of storm damage with the recent storms coming through the area that is also keeping them on their toes. Staff is doing a great job of keeping up and they will continue to stay busy through the rest of the year. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Miller wanted to thank the staff and the Board for all of their input on the recent projects. He states that it is good to see the community come together. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Miller for adjournment; seconded by Metz. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 P.M Respectfully submitted, Stacy L. James Stacy L. James, Recording Secretary