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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-13-23 Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD FEBRUARY 13, 2023 Present: Lauren Bartelt, Amy Davis, Devon Hudak, Becky Metz, Lester Millette, Lori Palmeri, Kay Qualley, Timothy Franz (Alternate Board Member), Koby Schellenger (Alternate Board Member) Excused: Tony Dirth Other: Bill Wyman, 1373 Waugoo Ave, Oshkosh; Tom Karrels, 272 S Shorewood Dr, Oshkosh Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director; Travis Derks, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Hudak for approval of the January 9, 2023 minutes. Seconded by Metz. Motion carried 9-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS Bill Wyman, 1373 Waugoo Ave, Oshkosh, is the president of Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. The Foundation has been fundraising for terrace tree replacement with a goal of $300,000 and he is pleased to report that they have met that goal. Last spring he met with the Landscape Operations Manager and Parks Director to discuss the fundraising project wherein the city would put in $100,000, a fund at the Foundation would put in another $100,000 and the group would raise the remaining funds. Their new goal is $500,000 and he feels that they are off to a good start. NEW BUSINESS 1) DISCUSS MENOMINEE PARK BEACH BATHHOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT Mr. Maurer gave the background that the initial design plans for the building were shared with the Board last September and he was bringing information back to the Board for cost estimates. After the architect reviewed the building it was discovered that the cost to renovate the building would be higher than replacing the building. In the meantime, citizens have reached out to the department stating that they would like to see the City start over with a fresh and modern building. T R Karrels put together three options for the Board to review. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO FEBRUARY 13, 2023 Mr. Karrels confirmed that upon initial inspection of the building they thought it could be restored. Upon further review however they noticed that the walls had a lot of damage from time and the elements. The firm put together cost estimates for renovating the building as is, which would come in at $1.2-$1.7 million; replicating the building to be aesthetically similar to the building that is there for $850,000 to $1,150,000; or a completely new structure and design for $1.3-$1.8 million. Option two would have the same look as the current building, however would be slightly taller to accommodate the trucks that would park on the south side of the building. The building would be made with modern materials and they have already found someone that could recreate the bricks. Mr. Karrels stated that they would recommend option two as it would be the most cost effective option for the City. There were discussions held about how much taller the building would need to be to accommodate the usage of the building and Mr. Karrels states that it will be less than 18 inches. A couple of Board members stated that they would like to see more options for a new building. Mr. Millette commented that in Sheboygan when the King’s Park Pavilion was built it changed the whole look of the park in a positive way. Discussions were also had about the building use and it was confirmed that whatever option the Board would go with, there would be a community/multi-use space in the building. After some additional discussions regarding building materials it was agreed that the Board would like to see options regarding new building possibilities at the site. 2) REPORT ON 2022 PARKS DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS Ms. McCollian reported to the Board regarding the 2022 season for facilities and events. She reported regarding attendance, sponsorships, volunteers, and funds raised (if applicable) for the following: A. Pollock Community Water Park B. Wildlife Wednesdays at Menominee Park Zoo C. Spring Bunny Event (Breakfast with the Bunny and Egg-Citing Day at the Zoo) D. Zooloween Boo and Brews at the Zoo E. Children’s Amusements Center F. Snooze at the Zoo (cancelled due to weather) G. Live at the Leach concert series H. Touch-a-Truck at the Leach Amphitheater I. Yoga at the Leach Amphitheater J. Family Movie Nights at the Leach Amphitheater Ms. McCollian added that having volunteers at the events is immensely helpful and Kathy Snell, Special Events Coordinator, continues to do a great job with coordinating volunteers. Weather also cooperated for the most part in 2022. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE FEBRUARY 13, 2023 3) UPDATE ON JURISDICTIONAL TRANSFER OF WIOUWASH TRAIL SEGMENT IN THE CITY OF OSHKOSH Mr. Maurer states that this project has been a partnership between the City, County and Wisconsin DNR to manage different portions of the trail. In 1994 the county took jurisdiction from Carl Steiger Park to Highway 41 along the Fox River. Part of the agreement was that when the Tribal Heritage Trail was completed, the city would take over that section. Mr. Maurer had worked with Rob Way, the previous Winnebago County Parks Director, prior to the project being delayed due to Covid. Since then Rob has retired and Mr. Maurer is working with the current Director, Adam Breest. There are a lot of easement issues to address along the area by Meritor where the trail was not constructed on the recorded easement. The groups are working together to address the easement concerns and move the trail to run along the water. There are also some maintenance concerns to address prior to the city being willing to take on the transfer. Mr. Maurer anticipates that the transfer will be complete by the end of 2023. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer advises that the State of the City event is scheduled for March 13 which would have been the next meeting date for the Board. At this time he is planning to cancel that meeting, however if something comes up there may be a need to reschedule. With regards to the kayak rental units, Mr. Maurer continues to work with Oshkosh Area Community Foundation (OACF) and Oshkosh Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (OCVB). The city received a grant from OCVB to cover half of the fees and they are working with OACF to cover the remaining funds from donations. Mr. Maurer has a meeting with the Rent.Fun this week to set up delivery. The city will only receive a locker with four units at this time. The Lakeshore Park 4-Season Building continues to move forward with progress. It was delayed last fall due to weather; however the target date for the opening is still June 1. Lastly, Mr. Maurer stated that Jenny McCollian recently received an award from the Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Association: Park Section Professional of the Year. This is a peer recognized award for her work with the community and WPRA. She has served on multiple Boards and Commissions for WPRA and the award is well deserved. ASSISTANT PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Dallman states that with the weather conditions, the ice rink at Menominee Park Zoo lagoon continues to be a challenge. It was able to be open for a couple of weeks and is a good location for the ice rink, however the weather is not cooperating. Work on the bear/fox exhibit is starting up again; the project was deferred last fall due to material shortages. Roe Park play equipment is slated to be replaced this summer. The tennis courts at Westhaven Circle Park and Teichmiller Park will both be resurfaced to adjust from two tennis courts to one tennis court and two pickleball courts at each location. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR FEBRUARY 13, 2023 LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Derks started by thanking Mr. Wyman and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation for all of their hard work and support with fundraising efforts for the terrace tree replanting. Contractors have completed the removals of the trees and will be finishing up with stump removal and restoration by May. Bid specs are currently out for the next phase of this project wherein the city will have a contractor replace the terrace trees freeing up Landscape Operations staff to work on in house items. The terrace trees will be replaced with a variety of tree species and planting will take place in May and June. Staff are approximately halfway completed with the annual pruning cycle. The lack of snow on the terrace has proven beneficial for the work to be completed for terrace tree pruning, however the lack of frost in the parks is not ideal and would be too sloppy to complete work in those locations. Mr. Derks is working on updating the pruning cycle map for the next five year cycle. REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian advised the Board and public that the next event will be on Saturday, March 18; St. Patty’s Day Bingo at the Seniors Center North Building. The event will run from 1pm-3pm and is a great intergenerational event for anyone to attend. Due to anticipated road reconstruction throughout Menominee Park in spring of 2023, the Bunny events have moved to Sunnyview Expo Center and co-hosted by Winnebago County Parks on Saturday, April 8. Breakfast with the Bunny will be held in the expo building and run from 8am-11am. Bunny in the Barn, the annual egg hunt will take place throughout the barns at the fairgrounds from 11am-3pm.Tickets can be purchased online or in person at Festival Foods and the Oshkosh Parks Department beginning March 15. Seasonal positions for the Parks Department are now posted online and Ms. McCollian encourages everyone to spread the word for people to apply. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Palmeri states that Council will be forming an Ad Hoc Committee for the clear wells replacement project near Menominee Park and they would like to see an Advisory Park Board member on the committee. Kay Qualley volunteered to serve on the committee. Mr. Maurer advised the Board that Deb Martin has taken a position on a different committee and as such has resigned from the Advisory Park Board. He thanked her for her time and input while she was on the committee. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Davis for adjournment; seconded by Metz. Motion carried 9-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 P.M Respectfully submitted, Stacy L. James Stacy L. James, Recording Secretary