HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.8.2024 APB Minutes
ADVISORY PARK BOARD
April 8, 2024
Present: Amy Davis, Lester, Millette, Tim Franz, Devon Hudak, Steve Herman
Excused: Becky Metz, Matt Mugerauer
Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director; Travis
Derks, Landscape Operations Manager; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities
Manager; Ericka Maertz, 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
Mr. Maurer states that the minutes for the previous meeting will be brought to the May
meeting for approval along with those from the current meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
1) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND PLACEMENT OF OSHKOSH WOODWORKER'S
STRIKE HISTORIC SIGN NEAR BOATWORKS RIVERWALK SITE.
Mr. Maurer introduced Paulette Feld, 416 W 5th Avenue, Oshkosh, WI , 54906, who is a
member of the Oshkosh Woodworkers Strike 125th Anniversary Planning Committee and
Chair of the Historic 6th Ward Neighborhood Association. Ms. Feld shares some
information about the event that was held to celebrate the anniversary in 2023. Ms. Feld
then turns the podium over to Michelle Lokken, 211 Taylor Street, Little Chute, WI 54140,
to give background on the strike before Ms. Feld explains why she believes the proposed
sign and location would be appropriate. The Labor History Society will be raising the
funds for the sign and is working with Wisconsin Historical Society to get the plaque and
its placement approved. Ms. Feld stated that there is currently only one other historical
marker in Wisconsin, located in Milwaukee, that recognizes union events.
Mr. Mauer clarifies the location of the sign will be tucked into a bench cove near the
Michigan Street Fishing Dock and Boatworks property. The location would be easily
accessible and minimal effort for City staff to maintain.
Mr. Millette made a motion to recommend placement of Oshkosh Woodworkers Strike
historic sign near Boatworks Riverwalk site. Seconded by Ms. Hudak.
AVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES
APRIL, 8, 2024 PAGE 2
Motion carried 5-0.
2) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND PLACEMENT OF PLAQUE AT PICKART PARK.
Mr. Maurer states that the plaque would be placed on an existing bolder at Pickart Park
which was dedicated to the City as required by the subdivision ordinance.
Mary Polishinski, 2367 Hamilton Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901 and Paul Pickart, 3420 9th
Street, Oshkosh, WI 54904, who are the grandchildren of the farmers previously owning
the property, speak about their family history and the intent with the plaque. The bolder
that the plaque is to be placed on is from the Pickart property and a part of their history.
Mr. Maurer stated that there are similar plaques and historic signs in other parks detailing
the history of the parks.
Ms. Hudak made a motion to recommend placement of plaque at Pickart Park.
Seconded by Mr. Herman.
Motion carried 5-0.
3) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND HOSTING BREWS ON THE BAY AT RAINBOW
MEMORIAL PARK IN 2024.
Mr. Maurer states that due to the ongoing work to the Pratt Trail in Menominee Park, staff
determined that Rainbow Memorial Park is a suitable alternative to host the seven Brews
on the Bay events this summer. Staff will be seeking Council approval for the sale of
fermented malt beverages by City staff as well.
Mr. Dallman states that the Rainbow Memorial Park is a great option due to it adequate
parking with the addition of the Lakeshore Pavilion parking lot and the ability to not
schedule ball field events on beer garden event dates. It is noted that the orientation of the
event would point the band toward the river to not offend residential areas. Mr. Dallman
stated that the plan is to move the event back to Menominee Park in 2025 when
construction is complete.
Ms. McCollian stated that the average attendance for Brews on the Bay is between 500-700
people, and even upwards of 800 at some events. The addition of ample street parking, the
parks open green space and the presence of water all make this a good alternate location.
Ms. Hudak made a motion to recommend hosting Brews on the Bay at Rainbow
Memorial Park in 2024. Seconded by Mr Franz.
Motion carried 5-0.
AVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES
APRIL, 8, 2024 PAGE 3
STAFF REPORTS
PARKS DIRECTOR (Maurer)
Mr. Maurer shared that the construction at Pratt Trail is scheduled to resume this week
and is anticipated to last approximately 10 weeks. The demolition of the Menominee Park
Beach Bath House is set to be completed by the end of this month with the help of the
Streets Department.
The Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) survey closed on March 31 and is
being reviewed by our consultant.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (Dallman)
Mr. Dallman shared that the building for the bear and fox exhibit at the Menominee Park
Zoo is in its final punch list stage. Park Staff will be completing landscape work for the
exhibit over the next month. Staff is currently searching for bears for the exhibit.
Staff is working on specifications for 44th Parallel Park Playground replacement to be sent
out to bid. Completion of this project is expected late summer or early fall.
LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER (Derks)
Mr. Derks shared that staff is continuing work to complete the removal of 157 ash trees on
terraces and 63 within Riverside Cemetery. In addition to various memorial tree plantings,
the Stevens Park neighborhood will have 150 trees planted this spring.
The City of Oshkosh is celebrating its 43rd year as a Tree City with the Arbor Day
Foundation’s Tree City USA Program. Our Arbor Day celebration will be held at Jefferson
Elementary School on Friday, April 26.
REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER (McCollian)
Ms. McCollian shared that the Breakfast with the Bunny/Bunny in the Barn event, hosted
for the second year at the Sunnyview Expo Center, was a success. The location has proven
to accommodate the event very well. Breakfast served 704 people and the egg hunt had
741 participants.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ms. Davis for adjournment; seconded by Ms. Hudak. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M
Respectfully submitted,
Ericka Maertz
Administrative Assistant