HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.8.2024 APB Minutes
ADVISORY PARK BOARD
July 8, 2024
Present: Amy Davis, Becky Metz, Lester Millette, Devon Hudak
Excused: Jacob Floam, Timothy Franz, Steve Herman
Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director; Travis
Derks, Landscape Operations Manager; Anne Schaefer, Marketing and Fund
Development Coordinator, 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
Motion by Hudak for approval of the May 13, 2024 minutes. Seconded by Millette.
Motion carried 4-0.
NEW BUSINESS
1) DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PRESENTATION
Mark Lyons, Planning Services Manager, begins his presentation by sharing the growth
within the City of Oshkosh and past collaborations in downtown development including
the Downtown Action Plan (2000), Imagine Oshkosh (2016-2017), and the Sawdust District
MaSter Plan (2018-2020). The current Downtown Redevelopment Visualization is a
partnership between the City of Oshkosh, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation,
Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation,
Discover Oshkosh, and Downtown Oshkosh BID.
The 2000 Downtown Action Plan was noted as part of the inspiration for the current plan.
That plan had several successful projects including the Riverwalk, the 100 block
redevelopment, Leach Amphitheater, Marion/Pearl redevelopment area,
Jefferson/Parkway infill development, Opera House Square park development and the
former Morgan Door/Jeld Wen site Froedtert/Thedacare redevelopment.
The 2024 Downtown Redevelopment Visualization is broken down into three types of
potential improvements: catalyst redevelopment, small scale redevelopment sites and
landscape/green space redevelopment opportunities. The partner presentations that are
currently taking place highlight some of the projects within the plan. The next step will be
establishing both short term and long term implementation priorities as well as
AVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 2
APRIL, 8, 2024
opportunities for partner organization participation.
Advisory Park Board members expressed their interest in the potential as well as concern
for possible issues with parking, traffic access and historical sites.
2) 2023 PARKS DEPARTMENT IMPACT REPORT PRESENTATION
Anne Schaefer, Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator, shared insights from the
previous year in the 2023 Parks Department Impact Report. Key performance indicators
from the City of Oshkosh Strategic Plan include 406 grants totaling $307,128, 59
department sponsored events that were attended by approximately 23,000 people, and
12,504 volunteer hours valued at over $389,500.
Revenue Facilities had another successful year. The Pollock Community Water Park had
over 38,000 visitors and was able to provide more than $10,000 in scholarships. There was
$5,000 received in sponsorships and $1,458 in donations. Special events held at the Leach
Amphitheater brought in more than 6,200 people, $13,512 in donation and $15,250 in
sponsorships. The Menominee Park Zoo had 90,457 in attendance and received more than
$10,000 in sponsorships as well as $5,507 in donations. The Children’s Amusement Center
received $2,106 in sponsorships and $300 in donations.
The Landscape Operations Division was awarded a $25,000 Wisconsin DNR Urban
Forestry Grant. Throughout the year, there were 390 new trees planted and 1,900 trees
pruned. Staff also planted 100 decorative planters along Main Street.
The Seniors Center saw 489 new participants with a total attendance of 43,120 for the year.
City wide Special Events attendance increase by 71%. There were 9 new events brought to
the City in 2023 and a total of 95 permitted events overall.
Marketing and Fund Development received grant funding from Wisconsin Institute for
Healthy Aging ($7,555), AT&T ($10,000), Continuation of Connect through Tech ($29,000),
and the Wisconsin DNR ($25,000). In addition, Network Health provided a sponsorship to
the Oshkosh Seniors Center for $8,000.
3) DISCUSS THE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN (CORP)
UPDATE
Mr. Maurer states that the focus of the discussion will be on the park specific
improvements over the next 5-10 years and reminded those listening that there are several
community parks that already have their own master plans outside of this plan. Maurer
notes that park-specific recommendations for accessible walks and parking lot
improvements should reference the City of Oshkosh Americans with Disabilities Act
Transition Plan for Public Buildings and Facilities and the City of Oshkosh Assessment of
AVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 3
APRIL, 8, 2024
Municipal Parking Lots document. A copy of the park-specific improvements is included
on the City website.
STAFF REPORTS
PARKS DIRECTOR (Maurer)
Mr. Maurer stated that the contractor was able to complete work on Pratt Trail earlier than
originally expected and it was reopened prior to the July 4 celebrations.
Rettler Cooperation has provided draft site plans for Pcikart Park that are being reviewed.
When a final draft is completed, it will be presented to the Advisory Park Board.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (Dallman)
Mr. Dallman stated that the Menominee Park Zoo is doing extremely well this year. In
addition to the success we’ve seen in the new and growing programming, 700 feet of
asphalt trail was also recently completed. The bear and fox exhibit continues to progress
with landscaping being finalized.
With Brews on the Bay relocating to Rainbow Memorial Park, staff made improvement to
the area that used to be a hockey rink to help make the area safer and more aesthetically
pleasing.
LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER (Derks)
Mr. Derks stated that after seeing the success in trees already being treated, staff has
begun treating additional Ash trees around the city. Approximately 130 trees are to be
treated and 40 have already been completed. These trees are located throughout the city
and in both residential terraces and the parks system.
The terrace tree program is currently being reworked. Those interested in having a terrace
tree planted are able to simply send an email request to Mr. Derks. These requests are
reviewed and, if the planting parameters are met, the address will be added to then next
available planting list.
Maintenance to the center traffic island on Highway 44 is scheduled to begin on July 9.
The project includes three planting beds that are 80 feet long. The center will include a
parking pad that will allow maintenance staff to safely and effectively access the site
outside of traffic flow.
Oshkosh North recently notified the Department that they have officially achieved their
Tree Campus USA status. They worked with Mr. Derks on the requirements during Arbor
Day celebrations and throughout the spring and summer months.
AVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 4
APRIL, 8, 2024
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Davis for adjournment; seconded by Millette. Motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 P.M
Respectfully submitted,
Ericka Maertz
Administrative Assistant