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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-10-20 Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD FEBRUARY 10, 2020 Present: Lauren Bartelt, Amy Davis, Tony Dirth, Devon Hudak, Becky Metz, Bill Miller, Lester Millette, Bob Poeschl Excused: Scott Greuel Other: Kendra Arguello, Leadership Oshkosh Adjunct Member Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Stacy James, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Chair Davis called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. NEW BUSINESS 1) DISCUSS AND APPROVE 2020 HOURS OF OPERATION FOR MENOMINEE PARK CHILDREN’S AMUSEMENT CENTER Ms. McCollian has been working with Chad Dallman, the Assistant Parks Director, to make a plan to improve the Menominee Park Children’s Amusement Center. The Beer Gardens that were discussed at the last meeting is one way that they are hoping to bring awareness to the area and help raise funds to improve the area in the future. What is left at the Amusement Center is the Menominee Express train, the Whip ride and the water rides. After a review of usage in the past, staff is recommending that the Children’s Amusement Center be open from Friday through Monday Day Memorial Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend as well as select Tuesdays for special events and on Wednesdays for the Beer Gardens. Looking at past usage, the special events at the Children’s Amusement Center are a big draw for crowds and they are hoping that the Beer Gardens have the same effect. Reducing the hours of operation will help reduce staff costs. Mr. Dirth inquired why Monday versus other days of the week. Ms. McCollian explained that historically Mondays have been the busiest week day for the center. A lot of businesses are not open on Mondays and family’s come down to the area. She is looking at having a “Mingle Monday” at the Center wherein local groups and clubs would be able to have a booth at the center on Mondays from 4pm-7pm to bring awareness to their organization. Motion by Davis to approve 2020 hours of operation for Menominee Park Children’s Amusement Center. Seconded by Poeschl. Motion carried 8-0. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO FEBRUARY 10, 2020 2) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE WILLIAM G. SPANBAUER CONCESSION LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF OSHKOSH AND FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES Mr. Maurer states that this agreement is similar to past agreements that the City has had with the Eagles. The group has run the concession stand at this location for many years. One difference with this agreement is that it is only for a four month period because the restroom facility will be renovated once the season is over. That project is planned to start in August of 2020. The Eagles have already reviewed the agreement and agree to its terms. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to how long the Eagles have been running the concession stand and if we have similar arrangements at any of our other concession facilities. Mr. Maurer states that while he is unsure of the exact amount of time they figure that the group has been running concessions for over 20 years at this location. The Boys and Girls Club had a similar agreement at the Reetz Baseball Complex up until five or six years ago and that location is now staffed by seasonal staff hired by the Parks Department. Last year the Board approved a similar agreement between the YMCA and the City to operate concessions at Red Arrow Park. Motion by Dirth to recommend approval of the William G. Spanbauer Concession lease agreement between City of Oshkosh and Fraternal Order of Eagles. Seconded by Hudak. Motion carried 8-0. 3) DISCUSS IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE 1 COMPONENTS OF LAKESHORE PARK MASTER PLAN Mr. Maurer reminds the Board that the Lakeshore Park Master Plan has completed the approval process with both Plan Commission and Common Council. The final version was being provided to them tonight. He wanted to review Phase 1 components with the Board to decide what items the department could move forward with at this time. Staff has discussed and believe that the four-season building should be the initial focus for the area which would also need the parking lot next to it as well as the public plaza area. Mr. Maurer states that part of the Master Plan included on-street parking in Rainbow Memorial Park which will serve both the newly renovated ball field as well as Lakeshore Park. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2020 assigned the remaining proceeds from the sale of the property to be used for development at the park and he believes that amount is just shy of $2 million. Looking at the Master Plan Phase 1 estimates are over $2 million so he would like to start getting word out for the possibility for donations, sponsorships and funding for these projects as well. Knowing it will take some time to move the process forward he is asking for the Board’s input on what they would like to see at the site so that he can move forward sooner rather than later. Mr. Miller voiced concern about spending money on a plan for the project if it will not be started right away. Mr. Maurer states that Council will continue to be advised as the project moves forward and they will need to approve any agreements. Mr. Dirth states that he understands Phase 1 will take a couple of years to complete and inquired if there is future budget money planned for the project as well. Mr. Maurer replied that CIP planning will start in April and the department will be asking for additional funding in that plan. However, given the cost of the improvements, it will be important to look at other funding sources such as donations and possible naming rights to help pay for the project. Ms. Hudak asked if the ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE FEBRUARY 10, 2020 Beer Gardens would bring funding for the project and Mr. Maurer answered that the proceeds from the Beer Gardens are slated to be put back into the Amusement Center budget however they could use those events to bring awareness to the Lakeshore Park Master Plan and funding needs. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to what the steps would be for design services approving the new building. Mr. Maurer replied that the city would put out a Request for Proposals and that the Board will be able to given their opinion on designs throughout that process. He states that the department believes the four-season building is the number one priority because it would be a “wow factor” for the site and there is a community need for the shelter. Mr. Millette inquired about the size of the shelter based on the Master Plan and what amenities it would include. Mr. Maurer agreed that the Master Plan does recommend a 2,500 square foot facility approximately and intends to include a kitchenette. It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with the improvements as suggested by staff. Mr. Maurer states that he will move forward with the process of obtaining proposals for the four season building. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer gave an update on the Congress Avenue Tot Lot. This is a project that is not in the Parks CIP, it is being funded through the Healthy Neighborhoods Program. Both the play equipment and the fencing for the park will be replaced with this project. He worked with the neighborhood association to get their wish list for the play equipment replacement and it is anticipated the Request for Proposal will go out this week. The plan is to have this equipment replaced at the same time as the Rock the Block event in May. He anticipates that proposals will be received in March and he will continue to work with the Neighborhood Association to get their input. REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian states that the department has added some additional winter events for the public to attend. These events are hosted at the Seniors Center, are family-friendly and free thanks to generous sponsors. On January 11 the department hosted a Family Fun Day. Zoo staff brought over Keyahana a blue McCaw, our skunks Pork and Beans, and the Russian Tortoises. There was also cookie decorating, games and crafts. There were over 200 participants at the event which was sponsored by Cellcom. On February 15, the department will host a Let’s Glow Crazy Dance Party at the Seniors Center. There will be limbo, hula hoops, old school roller rink games and a DJ. Compliments of Dominos there will be free pizza and Pepsi is providing free beverages. This event is also sponsored by Cellcom and will be a free family-friendly event. Ms. McCollian also advised the Board that she has been working with United Way to post volunteer opportunities for all department events on their new website volunteeroshkosh.org which rolled out in January. This is an additional avenue to get volunteers for events and as people become aware of the site it ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR FEBRUARY 10, 2020 will hopefully help the department with volunteer needs. She recommends that the Board share the website information to bring more awareness to the site and to make people aware of the need for volunteers. Ms. Hudak asked about age requirements for volunteers and Ms. McCollian answered that anyone from 14 and older is able to volunteer. She admits that this site doesn’t take away the need for her to search out volunteers for events, but it is another avenue to use to try to get volunteers for the events. Mr. Maurer added that the Seniors Center has been under the Parks Department since approximately 2012 and it is a great cross-promotional opportunity to have the winter events there. It brings the whole family to the facility and in the process the parents and grandparents are able to learn about what the Seniors Center has to offer. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Maurer advised the Board that the State of the City event is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2020 at the Convention Center. This would normally be an Advisory Park Board meeting night. Since there are already meetings scheduled for the first Monday and the third Monday in March it has been decided that there will not be a March meeting at this time and the next board meeting will be held on April 13, 2020. Should something arise in March and a special meeting is required, he will plan accordingly. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Poeschl for adjournment; seconded by Miller. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 P.M Respectfully submitted, Stacy L. James Stacy L. James, Recording Secretary