Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-10-22 Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD JANUARY 10, 2022 Present: Lauren Bartelt, Amy Davis, Tony Dirth, Scott Greuel, Deborah Martin, Becky Metz, Lester Millette, Lori Palmeri, Joseph Stephenson (Alternate Board Member), Koby Schellenger (Alternate Board Member) Excused: Devon Hudak Other: Pershing Frechette, David Grignon, Mary Pickart-Polishinski, Robert Pickart, Paul Pickart Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Assistant 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 6:02 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Palmeri for approval of the December 6, 2021 minutes. Seconded by Greuel. Motion carried 9-0. NEW BUSINESS 1) PROVIDE INPUT TO STAFF ON THE TYPE OF SIGN FOR THE CHIEF OSHKOSH MONUMENT AREA Mr. Maurer gave a brief background from his memo regarding the signage history and explained that the Board would be giving input regarding the type of sign they would prefer for the site location. Mr. Maurer further explained that city staff is recommending the signage similar to what is presently located along the Riverwalk due to it being more ADA accessible and readable. The Menominee Tribe members are suggesting bronze signage. Concerns with the bronze signage would be that they are placed higher up in the air and with the amount of information approved for each sign it may need to be printed on both sides. There will be five signs that are placed at the site. The current costs for the Riverwalk style signs is approximately $10,000.00 and for the bronze signs approximately $20- 25,000.00. The City has received a $5,000 donation for the project and could potentially request money from the city’s Great Neighborhood fund. The Menominee Tribe has indicated that they will donate $5,000 toward the project if the bronze signage is chosen and Tribal Legislature Pershing Frechette is allowed to work with city or however it was phrased in their letter here. David Grignon, W2255 Joe Summers Rd, Keshena, WI 54135. Mr. Grignon stated that the tribal legislature is requesting that the city use the bronze signs for the site. They would be placed outside ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO JANUARY 10, 2022 the memorial and perpendicular to the perimeter walk so both sides of the plaque could be read. The tribal legislature would like the bronze signs because they believe they would last longer and better compliment the Chief Oshkosh statue. He added that Chief Oshkosh was a strong negotiator who stood firm in his beliefs for the Menominee Tribe and wants to honor his legacy with the signage. Pershing Frechette, N3456 White Ave, Neopit, WI 54150. Mr. Frechette spoke to confirm the fact that he will work with the city on behalf of the Tribal Legislature until this project is complete regardless of which sign option is chosen. He confirmed that the tribe would prefer the bronze signage and believe that adjustments could potentially be made to address the ADA concerns that the city has. He believes there are options to pursue for the bronze signs to meet the needs and requests that the City is recommending. Mr. Maurer took a consensus of the Board regarding their preferences on the signs. There were some Board members who stated that they personally prefer the Riverwalk style signage however felt it was important to honor the request of the tribe. Ultimately it was the consensus of the Board to choose the bronze signs as requested by the tribe to honor their request. Mr. Maurer will take this information back to the City Manager so that the project can continue to move forward. 2) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND NAMING OF THE PARKLAND DEDICATED WITH PICKART ESTATES SUBDIVISION AS PICKART PARK Mr. Maurer explained to the Board that this park location is near West 9th Avenue and Clairville Road. It is part of the subdivision that was approved in 2018. Per City ordinance, a subdivision has the option of either paying fees in lieu of parkland dedication or to dedicate park land. At that time, the Board requested that parkland be dedicated to the City and as such a 1.5 acre park was created in the subdivision. Mr. Maurer states that the Pickart family has reached out to him to share some of the land history and request that the park be named Pickart Park. Some of the family members were present to answer any questions the Board may have. The Board was provided with a copy of the City of Oshkosh Gifts, Donations and Memorials and Non-Commercial Naming Policy which provides criteria to consider for naming public spaces. The Board asked if there is precedent for naming the park in such a manner. Mr. Maurer responded that the last park he is aware of being named after a family was Rusch Park; it was land dedicated as part of the development by Rusch Properties on the west side of the city. Clarification was made that the park land was dedicated as park property for the city based on city ordinance regarding subdivisions, not as a donation to the city for that purpose. Mr. Maurer stated that in the past the city has looked at the history of the property when considering naming many of the city parks Motion by Millette to recommend approval of the naming of the parkland dedicated with Pickart Estates Subdivision as Pickart Park. Seconded by Martin. Motion carried 9-0. 3) DISCUSS CONCEPT PLAN FOR THE MENOMINEE PARK BEACH BATHHOUSE Mr. Maurer brought up the picture of the original bathhouse as it was in the early 1900s. He reminded the Board that they had toured it last summer as well. While working with the architect it has been the goal to retain as much of the original building as possible. The concept drawing shows what the ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE JANUARY 10, 2022 architect, T.R. Karrels has come up with. Staff continues to work with Otter Street Fishing Club for potential storage of their winter items and additional storage area has been added on to the concept. Mr. Maurer asked for input regarding the concept design and to confirm that he can continue with the contractor and Otter Street Fishing Club moving the project forward. Roofing materials were discussed and Mr. Maurer stated that this has not yet been determined as it is still the conceptual stage of the project. The footprint of the building would add an additional 25-30 feet to the south side of the building for the storage area. The interior design of the building will be reviewed in more detail in the next phase of design.. Mr. Maurer added that the contractor will reuse as much of the brick façade as possible and will match any additional brick to what is already there. Board members spoke in favor of the design continuing to work on the next design phase along with incorporating Otter Street Fishing Club equipment storage into the design. 4) DISCUSS/DETERMINE FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS REMAINING VIRTUAL OR RETURNING TO IN-PERSON Chair Davis stated that it was time again to check in with the Board to determine how everyone felt about having meetings moving forward. The consensus of the Board was that until the numbers start to go down again, it is preferred that meetings remain virtual. Mr. Maurer added that other Boards and Commissions were proceeding in the same manner. It was decided that the Board will meet virtually in February and March and review future meetings at the March meeting. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer reminded the Board that the Menominee Park trail drainage project was on the 2021 CIP list. Staff has worked with the engineering department to do surveying before the drain tile was installed and it was discovered that many spots along the trail show that ground level is actually lower than the water level which would cause back flow into the park. This fact combined with staff shortage in the engineering department has pushed this project back however they continue to look into different options for solving the drainage issue in the park and he wanted to assure the Board that the project will continue to move forward. Based upon the recommendation of the Board, city staff did have to make the decision to utilize some of the Menominee Park Pratt Trail funds for the 4-season building project at Lakeshore Park. However, the City Manager and the Finance Director continue to look at options to keep the Pratt Trial project on the docket for 2022 without having to borrow additional money. Mr. Maurer did have a meeting with Cardinal Construction and weather depending they intend to begin work on the building project in March. The maintenance building on site will be demolished at that time as well. ASSISTANT PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Dallman states that the cold weather has helped to make good ice at the Roe Park Ice Rink. Unfortunately due to ice conditions and severe cold weather the event on the 7th of January had to be rescheduled to the 14th. The decision will be made on the 12th whether the ice rink will be ready to open to the public. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR JANUARY 10, 2022 Staff is in the process of moving items to central garage in anticipation of the demolition and construction of the Parks Administration and Operations Facility. He expects that everything will be out of the old facility by April to begin construction. LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Sturm updated that staff are working on the 2022 pruning schedule. This will cover the areas North and East of Irving Street, East of Grant Street North of Murdock. There are over 2,000 trees to prune in this area. Staff also continues to work with Emerald Ash Borer mitigation. The contractors continue to assist in removal of ash trees west of Highway 41 and there is still a substantial number of ash trees that continue to be treated. There is a large volume of work to address however staff continues to work with the contractors to get everything completed in a timely manner. REVENUE FACILTIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian reviewed the winter events that are coming up at the Oshkosh Seniors Center building. This Saturday will be the Cozy, Cookies and Cocoa event. The Oshkosh Public Library will be there as well to promote their winter reading event. The “Let’s Glow Crazy” Dance Party will take place at the Oshkosh Seniors Center North building on Friday, February 11 from 6-8pm. This event was popular in the past and a live DJ will be present again. On March 19 from 1-3pm the department will host the St. Patty’s Day Bingo event at the Oshkosh Seniors Center North Building. All of the events are intended to be intergenerational fun for the whole family so that anyone from children to grandparents feel comfortable attending. All of the events are free to attend and have been sponsored by Cellcom. Roe Park Ice Rink will host a variety of events as well once it is opened. The City continues to work with the YMCA, Oshkosh Recreation Department, Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau and Oshkosh Area Community Foundation to host these weekend events that include themed nights and concessions proceeds from each event going to various organizations. All events are weather dependent. Dr. Eric’s Skate Club will once again offer free skates for use on Fridays, Saturday, and Sundays from 4-7pm as long as there are volunteers available. Flaky Francine has returned for another scavenger hunt in City Parks. This is a nice way for the department to showcase the various parks in the city as well as the projects that have been completed. Clues are given to find her and once she is found and the reward received, she is hidden at a new park. Ms. McCollian reminds the Board and the public that she is always looking for volunteers at her events and encourages everyone to reach out if they feel that is something they would like to do. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Davis for adjournment; seconded by Metz. Motion carried 9-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:42 P.M Respectfully submitted, Stacy L. James Stacy L. James, Recording Secretary