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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-23 Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD November 13, 2023 Present: Amy Davis, Lauren Bartelt, Becky Metz, Lester Millette Excused: Matt Mugerauer, Timothy Franz, Devon Hudak Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Hannah Schuler, Administrative Assistant 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 Millette for approval of the September 11th minutes. Seconded by Metz. Motion carried 4-0. NEW BUSINESS 1) UPDATE ON PRATT TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT Mr. Maurer introduced Dr. Jennifer Haas, Ph.D., Archaeological Research Laboratory Center Director and explained that her and her team are ones conducting the archeological project at Menominee Park. Dr. Haas gave a brief summary of their involvement and how they were hired by the city in order for the city to be in compliance. She talked about the scope of their work so far in the park and how they look for cultural items and artifacts. Ms. Metz asked what type of artifacts were found. Dr. Haas replied that the site is a Native American village occupied from AD 900 to approximately 1400. They are finding every day objects from village life such as fragments of ceramic bowls, stone tools and animal bones. Mr. Millette asked if the project became larger than expected. Dr. Haas replied that the team had a good understanding of what would be under the road. Ms. Metz asked about the plan to preserve the findings in place and why they weren’t going to museums. Dr. Haas said that the items will be documented and then preserved in place. The decision was made in consultation with regulatory agencies and tribal nations. Ms. Bartelt asked what the timeline for the project looks like now. Dr. Haas said that the team is wrapping up for the season due to the beginning of winter. Before starting again in the spring, the team plans to work with regulatory agencies and city staff to inform of some potential road design tweaks before starting up in spring. 2) DISCUSS FISH STICKS INSTALLATION BY THE WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR) IN VARIOUS SITES IN MILLER’S BAY MENOMINEE PARK. Mr. Maurer shared that a few years ago, the DNR had requested to install some Fish Sticks habitats along Lake Butte Des Morts and the river system along the Wiouwash Trail. The project did move forward at that time. This request will be similar with a few different locations. Angelo Cozzola, Wisconsin DNR Biologist, gave a presentation about what a Fish Sticks habitat looks like and the benefits to the ecosystem and to anglers, and the locations along Miller’s Bay the DNR would like to add Fish Sticks habitats. Ms. Metz asked if they were all going to be facing towards the bay. Mr. Cozzola said they would most likely be located towards the bay to minimize damage from ice and waves. Mr. Maurer asked the timeline for this project. Mr. Cozzola said that if they could get permitting, they would like to start this winter. The Board members supported this project. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer shared that the Parks staff is fully moved into the Administrative/Operations building. Administrative staff moved in during September and Field Operations staff moved in during October. There are a number of items that have to be completed for the Lakeshore Park Pavilion before the building can be reserved. The Lakeshore Park west trail project is done. There is a parking lot and trail that connect to the Lakeshore Park trail system and to the Tribal Heritage trail. There are some restorations that need to be updated, but the trail and parking lot have been paved and completed. Rusch Park trail extension is a part of the CIP and includes a trail connection from Traeger School area to the Preserve on Sawyer Creek subdivision. Staff is working on an easement in order to connect the two areas. This project is anticipated to be completed this winter. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Davis for adjournment; seconded by Metz. Motion carried 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M Respectfully submitted, Hannah Schueler Administrative Assistant