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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-9-21 Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD AUGUST 9, 2021 Present: Lauren Bartelt, Amy Davis, Devon Hudak, Becky Metz, Lester Millette, Lori Palmeri Excused: Tony Dirth, Scott Greuel, Deborah Martin Other: Koby Schellenger, Alternate Board Member; Joseph Stephenson, Alternate Board Member; Amy Albright, Executive Director for Oshkosh Convention and Visitor’s Bureau; Duane Canon from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 437; John Fitzpatrick, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services; Michelle Behnke, Human Resources Manager; Dr. Pascale Manning, Assistant Professor of English for University of Wisconsin Oshkosh; Alexa Naudziunas, Associate Planner for City of Oshkosh Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager; 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. Ms. Palmeri arrived at 6:25 p.m. INTRODUCE NEW ALTERNATE BOARD MEMBER – JOSEPH STEPHENSON Mr. Stephenson states that he has lived in Oshkosh for a while now and is employed by the City of Menasha as a City Planner. He has been involved in his Neighborhood Association as well as serving on the Oshkosh Food Co-Op Board. He is interested in helping to make Oshkosh a better place and looks forward to serving as an alternate on the Board. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Maurer opened the floor for the nomination of Board Chair. Motion by Metz to nominate Amy Davis to serve as Chair. Seconded by Millette. Unanimous ballot for Davis to serve as Chair. Chair Davis opened the floor for the nomination of Board Vice Chair. Motion by Metz to nominate Tony Dirth to serve as Vice Chair. Seconded by Hudak. Unanimous ballot for Dirth to serve as Vice Chair. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Davis for approval of the June 14, 2021 minutes. Seconded by Bartelt. Motion carried 7-0. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO AUGUST 9, 2021 PRESENTATION OF DESTINATION OSHKOSH ASSESSMENT BY AMY ALBRIGHT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OSHKOSH CONVENTION AND VISITOR’S BUREAU Ms. Albright thanked the Board for their time. She wanted to present to the Board the information they had received from Roger Brooks of Destination Development Association. He was hired to secret shop the city as a visitor and did so over the Memorial Day Weekend. He had stated over and over again that he loved Menominee Park and emphasized the power of parks and beautification throughout his report. Mr. Brooks has done assessments in over two thousand communities and while secret shopping he looks for three main items as it pertains to the community: is it a good place to live, a good place to work and a good place to visit. His belief is that if people want to visit the community then they may ultimately want to move and work there. Ms. Albright then gave an abbreviated version of Mr. Brooks’ presentation. The full presentation is available for anyone to view at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rKpJbDC1ow. Mr. Brooks strives to advise communities on how they can improve and some items he noticed were: 1. Improve signage along the Fox River Riverwalk; a project that is already in the works by City staff, 2. Invite visitors back; welcoming signage for EAA and downtown however recommended having additional signage at the Leach and Pollock Community Water Park, 3. Catering to the river; appreciated the trails along the river and recommending using that as a draw for visitors, 4. Trail System; appreciated how the trails linked the local breweries and establishments, 5. Very best of Oshkosh; when visitors come in they know about some attractions however not all and encouraged bringing awareness to them. He appreciated different facilities such as EAA, Pollock Community Water Park, Paine Art Center and Museum, Oshkosh Public Museum, Leach Amphitheater, Fox River Riverwalk, Opera House, Menominee Arena, On the Loos Cruises, the trails systems and he called Menominee Park “the best family park in the country”. 6. Hidden Gems; encouraged the City to highlight the very best of Oshkosh for visitors. 7. Downtown; a lot of opportunities for improvement including aesthetics i.e. bringing in color and more curb appeal for business as well as adding blade signs and storefront displays to let patrons know what the businesses have to offer. 8. Downtown plaza area; Mr. Brooks recommends thinking of downtown as a community living room and suggests having a year round plaza area that offers programming 250+ days a year. 9. Quality of Life; if people like where they visit they may end up wanting to live there and that brings in economic development along with the tourism. Ms. Albright states that the Destination Oshkosh team will be working together to discuss some of the suggestions that were made and putting together a plan for moving forward. Mr. Maurer added that the city is already working on wayfinding signage for the Riverwalk and staff has been discussing options for a plaza locations downtown. As the Destination Oshkosh team continues to meet, updates can be brought back to the Board and they will have the opportunity to be involved in discussions related to parks. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE AUGUST 9, 2021 OLD BUSINESS 1) CONSIDER AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF A GULF WAR MEMORIAL MONUMENT AT SOUTH PARK WAR MEMORIAL AREA Mr. Canon was present however due to technical difficulties he was unable to present his information. Motion by Palmeri to table approval of the Gulf War Memorial monument until the next meeting and further clarification is made regarding wording and dates. Seconded by Millette. Motion carried 8-0. 2) CONSIDER AND RECOMMENT PLACEMENT OF A SIGN AT GEORGE WASHINGTON TRIANGE FOR A DONATED LIBERY ELM TREE Mr. Sturm updated that he contacted the Miller’s Bay Neighborhood Association regarding the plaque. They had indicated that they are not in favor of the sign that was presented and proposed using the customary memorial tree plaque. They felt that this would be more consistent with what is done at other park locations. He added that Mr. Haglund, Vice President of the Wisconsin Society Sons of the American Revolution, was invited to the meeting however he was not in attendance. Motion by Palmeri to table approval of the sign at George Washington Triangle for the donated Liberty Elm Tree until the next meeting to allow for input from the organization. Seconded by Metz. Motion carried 8-0. NEW BUSINESS 1) DISUSS CHIEF OSHOSH SIGN/PLAQUE PROJECT Mr. Maurer states that Mr. Fitzpatrick and Ms. Behnke, staff liaisons for the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI), are present and available for questions if needed. Dr. Manning is also available to answer questions. Mr. Maurer gave a brief background for the request for the signage based on the memo and information provided in the Board packets. Mr. Maurer states that DEI has discussed the project and feel strongly that the project should move forward and is asking the Board to consider approval so that the request can move on to Common Council for approval. Ms. Palmeri inquired about location of the signs with the walkway. Mr. Maurer stated that they would be placing the signs outside of the perimeter walk or on the back side of the perimeter walk for ADA compliance. Ms. Metz questioned the language on the signs. Dr. Manning responded that the committee has worked with the Menominee Indian Tribe regarding the language. The signs are envisioned to look like the traditional historical markers throughout the city for consistency and affixed to a metal post. The signage will come back to the Board for final review and approval regarding the language, location and aesthetics. There was a consensus among members of the Board to move forward with the project. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR AUGUST 9, 2021 2) CONSIDER RIVER EAST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION PROPOSED PROJECT OF INSTALLING A GAZEBO AT RIVERSIDE PARK Mr. Maurer advised the Board that Alexa Naudziunas, Associate Planner for City of Oshkosh was present and that she coordinates grant funding within the City for the Neighborhood Associations. The River East Neighborhood Association had originally requested that two gazebos be placed at Riverside Park however it was determined that funding would only be available for one at this time. Historically there were two gazebos in the park that were removed when park improvements were made. The Convention Center and Hotel staff are in support of the gazebo project. Mr. Maurer reviewed the proposed site location and stated that it would be used by both the Convention Center as well as park patrons. Ms. Metz brought up concerns with the homeless population taking over the gazebo, which is a concern that city staff is addressing throughout its park system. Staff from both the city and the Convention Center would monitor the gazebo to make sure it isn’t improperly used. Ms. Naudziunas added that River East Neighborhood Association has applied for a grant for the funding for the project. The group has proven to be very involved in their neighborhood and committed to the park and the area. The group is also part of the City’s Adopt-a-Park program and they empty trash cans and keep the area clean. Having the volunteers take such pride in the park and be present has been beneficial. It was stated that further design discussions will be brought back to the Advisory Park Board for review and approval. Motion by Millette for approval of the installation of a gazebo at Riverside Park. Seconded by Bartelt. Motion carried 8-0. 3) DISCUSS/DETERMING FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS REMAINING VIRTUAL OR RETURNING TO IN-PERSON Mr. Maurer states that Common Council will be discussing rules for Boards and Commission at their upcoming meetings. Previously they had voted for Boards and Commissions to go back to in person meetings starting in September however with the recent increase in Covid-19 cases they will be reviewing this again. He wanted to get the Board’s thoughts on how they wanted to proceed in advance of Council decision. A majority of the Board agreed that either option would be agreeable to them however they would be willing to err on the side of caution and continue to meet virtually. It was agreed by the Board to meet virtually in September and potentially meet in person in October. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer updated that the Parks Administration/Operations Facility is on schedule. Council approved funding for this project over a three year period; design is taking place in 2021 and construction will take place in 2022 and 2023. The city is using the same architect as the Streets Department when they did their re-construction. He gave a brief review of the rendering for the building showing storage and parking for department equipment. Conceptual designs went to the Planning Commission in July and the contractor is working on the design and will bring it back for final approval. Staff is planning for relocation of staff during construction which will start late winter / early spring. It is anticipated that staff will be in the new building the first part of 2023. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FIVE AUGUST 9, 2021 Mr. Maurer states that part of the Menominee Park Zoo Master Plan calls for a black bear exhibit. Recently the city has been contacted by community members and donors about moving forward with this exhibit. The city is looking at using the same husbandry building for both the black bear and fox exhibit. He is working with donors and will bring a concept back to the Board for review. This exhibit would be located south east of the Eagle Exhibit. ASSISTANT PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Dallman updates that the South Park Tennis / Pickle ball court project is moving along. The fencing went up this week and color coating will take place in the near future. It is anticipated that the courts will open up early September provided the weather cooperates. The department expects these courts to be heavily used. Westhaven Circle Park play equipment reconstruction is completed with the ADA routes. The ballfield renovation is also wrapping up. Weather has proved to be a challenge for turf establishment however staff will continue to work on this into September. The recent heavy rains have brought to light some additional drainage concerns and as such these will be addressed as well. It is anticipated that the athletic field will be available for use in 2022. At Hiker’s Monument the department has been working with the Neighborhood Association to install a path and flag pole at the site. There is a sign that will be installed in the near future discussing the history of the park. This sign is similar to others located throughout the park system. Staff has been working to clean up the landscaping at the site as well. The memorial bench program continues to be very popular in 2021 for both new bench installs as well as current bench sponsorships. He continues to get good comments from park patrons about the program. One downfall is that there has been a delay in getting the benches that have been ordered this year delivered due to material shortages. Orders since June have been getting set up for 2022 install. Staff will be working on installing the concrete pads so that benches can be installed as they are received. LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Sturm stated that his staff will need to remove over 900 ash trees due to Emerald Ash Borer infection. The city is looking for a contractor to help with this work and to expedite the process over the winter months. The department continues to treat the high quality trees that are in good condition as well. He feels it is worth it to keep them around. There also continues to be regular service work for staff to handle. The memorial tree program is also popular again this year with close to 30 orders placed already. Many of the trees will be installed this fall. It is a popular program and it continues to grow in popularity. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE SIX AUGUST 9, 2021 REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian commented that the Brews on the Bay event at Menominee Park was originally slated for 2020 however due to COVID-19 was moved to 2021. The June event was very well attended and people seemed to enjoy it. Staff learned a lot about what worked and what didn’t and adjusted for future events. Unfortunately July’s event was rained out and rescheduled so the attendance wasn’t as good. The next event is scheduled for August 11 with Copper Box Duo and there will be a rescheduled date for that one as well if weather proves to be a problem. The last event is September 8, 2021. The event is seeing a lot of support from local breweries. The Tuesday Night Concert series came back this year as well. The first week was rained out and rescheduled for September 14. Attendance is down this year however she believes this is due to continued COVID-19 concerns as well as the fact that they aren’t able to have some of the family friendly activities such as the bounce house and face painting due to Covid precautions. Pollock Community Water Park tested out having Kids Camps in 2021. These are week long camps geared toward specific age groups with activities. Each week was capped out at 20 children per session. The event was sponsored by Winnebago Community Credit Union and the last camp was taking place this week. It was well received and the department plans to offer these camps again in 2022. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Davis for adjournment; seconded by Palmeri. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 P.M Respectfully submitted, Stacy L. James Stacy L. James, Recording Secretary