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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDirector's Memo - January City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 920.236.5000 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us TO: Advisory Park Board FROM: Ray Maurer, Parks Director DATE: January 5, 2022 RE: January 10, 2022 Meeting 1. Provide input to staff on the type of sign for the Chief Oshkosh Monument area At the August 9, 2021 meeting, the Advisory Park Board discussed the Chief Oshkosh sign project and supported the project moving forward. On November 9, 2021, the Common Council approved the project including the final verbiage for each sign. Since then, there has been discussion about the type of signs to be used for the project. City staff has suggested the same type of historic sign that has been placed along the river walk for uniformity as well as accessibility/readability for individuals in wheelchairs, etc. These signs are installed at a lower height, with the bottom of the sign approximately 32” above the ground, and then angled upward (photo included in your packet). Members of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin are suggesting a bronze sign mounted on a metal pole. Signs on a post (photo included in your packet) would be installed with the bottom of the sign approximately 5’ above the ground extending upward to about 8’ assuming the sign is 3’ tall. Thus, making the post-mounted sign less accessible/readable for individuals in wheelchairs, etc. Whichever sign type is decided upon, a concrete pad will need to be poured for each sign on the outside perimeter of the existing walkway going around the monument so they are accessible to individuals in wheelchairs (site photo included in your packet). No matter which sign type is decided upon, the signs can be installed so that the reader is facing the monument or other significant landmark. There are five independent signs that will be placed according to the input we have received from the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. Staff estimates the cost of the signs, shipping and concrete for signs similar to those utilized along the river walk to be approximately $10,000 and if the bronze, post- mounted signs are decided upon the cost is approximately $20,000-$25,000. The city received a $5,000 donation a few years back for the Chief Oshkosh project and funding could potentially be requested from the city’s Great Neighborhood fund. Additionally, the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin has indicated that they are willing to donate $5,000 if the bronze sign option is decided upon and a member of their Tribal Legislature is allowed to assist in the placement and final design of the signs (letter included in your packet). Members of the Menominee Tribe plan to attend the meeting. City staff is requesting input from the Advisory Parks Board as we consider what type of sign to utilize for this project. 2. Discuss and recommend naming of the parkland dedicated with Pickart Estates Subdivision as Pickart Park The Board will discuss and possibly recommend naming the parkland that was dedicated with Pickart Estates Subdivision as Pickart Park. In 2018, Pickart family members made the decision to subdivide a portion of their property on W. 9th Street (see map included in your packet) that has been in the family since 1912 for a residential subdivision development in the City of Oshkosh. As part of that process, a 1.5 acre public park was dedicated to the City. Pickart family members contacted Parks Department staff with the request to consider naming the public Pickart Park due to the long history of the property being owned by the family. Staff reviewed the City of Oshkosh Gifts, Donations and Memorials and Non-Commercial Naming Policy where criteria for naming of public spaces is addressed (page 8 of the policy included in your packet). The Pickart family provided background information on the property and the reasoning for their request which is included in your packet. Family members will be present at the meeting to answer any questions the Board may have. The Board will discuss this request and possibly recommend the park naming to the Common Council for consideration. 3. Discuss the concept plan for the Menominee Park Beach Bathhouse The Board will discuss the concept plan that has been drafted for the potential renovation of the Menominee Park beach bathhouse building. The draft plan included in your packet is intended to preserve as much of the original building as possible and to renovate it to what it looked like when it was originally constructed in the early 1900’s (photo included in your packet). Once a final design is completed, a project cost estimate can be developed. City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 920.236.5000 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us 4. Discuss/determine future Board meetings remaining virtual or returning to in - person The Board will discuss future Board meetings remaining virtual or returning to in- person. If you have questions prior to the meeting, please feel free to contact me at 236-5080. If you will not be able to attend the meeting, please contact Stacy James, Administrative Assistant, at 236-5080. Thank you in advance.