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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.10.2025 APB Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MARCH 10, 2025 Present: Amy Davis, Becky Metz, Jacob Floam Excused: Lester Millette, Timothy Franz, Devon Hudak, Steve Herman 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 Floam for approval of the February 10, 2025 minutes. Seconded by Metz. Motion carried 3-0. NEW BUSINESS 1) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND RELOCATING JULY 4TH FIREWORKS LAUNCH SITE FROM MILLER'S BAY/MONKEY ISLAND TO AMES POINT IN MENOMINEE PARK Mr. Maurer stated that the fireworks contractor that has provided the July 4th fireworks show in Oshkosh for nearly the past 20 years is no longer providing shows in this area of the state. In working with a potential new contractor, it was recommended that we relocate the launch site from Monkey Island to Ames Point. This relocation is supported by both Parks Department and public safety staff for several reasons. Firing the shells from Monkey Island is logistically difficult and very labor intensive for the contractor as well as our Parks Department Staff. The previous contractor was provided a barge by the department in order to access the island. They would load all their equipment, product, and staff onto a barge and haul it to the island. This process began 2-3 days prior to the show. Following the show, they would reload the barge and haul everything back off the island. In addition to the large amount of product necessary to complete the show, the previous contractor reported an estimated 500 labor hours. Labor from department staff was also required to complete maintenance one to two times annually trimming the shrubbery to prevent fires. Safety was another main concern when assessing the firing location. Being able to keep Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Ericka Rick, Administrative Assistant AVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 2 MARCH 10, 2025 the proper distance from land as well as keeping boaters at a safe distance has proven to be difficult in the past at times. The Ames Point location was favored over Monkey Island when meeting with public safety staff from the Oshkosh Fire Department, Oshkosh Police Department and Winnebago County Sheriff's Department. The proposed new location at Ames Point would provide more control over the access of the site and move much of the safety zone over the water rather than viewing areas. Buoys would be placed in the water to visually denote the safety zone and make it easier for policing agencies to help keep boaters at a safe distance. It would also provide the contractor easy access to the site, allowing more money in to the show itself. Potential contractor, Craig Heatherington with J&M Displays, expressed that they do not have the man power or time to offer as many hours as was provided by the previous vendor and that, if the show does not move, they will likely not be able to take on our show . Mr. Heatherington believes Ames Pont will provide them with safe control of the site as well as easy access because they will be able to use the paved path out to the point. He also believes that this location will appeal to more of a crowd than the previous location because it provides more viewing space in both the water and on land. Motion by Floam for recommendation to Common Council of relocating the July 4th fireworks site from Monkey Island to Ames Point in Menominee Park. Seconded by Metz. Motion carried 3-0. 2) REVIEW AND RECOMMEND PICKART PARK MASTER PLAN FOR APPROVAL Mr. Maurer stated that Pickart Park is a 1.51-acre park dedicated to the city as part of the Pickart Estates Subdivision development on W. 9th Avenue, just east of Clairville Road. Rebecca Ramirez with Rettler Corporation provided a presentation with an overview of the site’s master plan. Ms. Ramirez shared a site analysis including size, grade, access, utilities, wetland delineation, and soil survey. A public information meeting was held on April 30, 2024 that was attended by more than 20 people. That meeting provided input that the neighbors would like to see a playground, walking paths, open shelter, seating, green space, trees, adult games, lighting, and multiuse courts. Rettler Corporation used that information to provide two renderings to present at a second public input meeting along with estimated costs. The second meeting was held on September 25, 2024 and had fewer attendees but provided feedback heavily favoring concept number two. Using additional feedback from that meeting, as well as input form the Parks Department, a final concept was developed with an estimated cost of $1,264,100. That cost includes utilities, concrete walks, playground, bag toss, multi-use courts, basketball half court, building and miscellaneous amenities, contingency buffer, and geotechnical borings. Mr. Maurer stated that there is $350,000 for this project in the 2025 CIP budget. That cost would likely cover the installation of a playground and accessible walks. Motion by Floam for recommendation to Common Council of approval for the Pickart Park Master Plan. Seconded by Metz. Motion carried 3-0. STAFF REPORTS PARKS DIRECTOR (Maurer) Mr. Maurer stated the staff is working to get the Menominee Park Amusement Area train operating by utilizing both in house and contracted services. There have been preliminary discussions with community members about the potential for a train the operates on land rather than tracks in the future. Those conversations are pending further discussion and protentional partners. Staff will continue to focus on having this area ready to operate for the coming season. Mr. Maurer stated that a neighborhood association near Quarry Park worked with City Planning staff, the Parks Department and the Common Council to approve neighborhood funding that may be used to develop a master plan for the park. Rettler Corporation will be assisting in the creation of that master plan. Mr. Maurer stated that planning staff began assisting last fall in the updating of the subdivision ordinance pertaining to parkland dedication and fees in lieu of parkland dedication as well as a potential impact fee for park development. This update includes the amount that is paid in leu of, as well as the area required. Parks Department staff has continued to work with the consultant to update the ordinance. Mr. Maurer stated that Engineering staff is currently working to complete the design phase of the Siewert Trail Road reconstruction project so that it can be placed out for bid. The development of this design began as part of the 2024 CIP budget. UW Milwaukee archeological staff have been consulted and department staff will stay in contact with them for the duration of this project. The anticipated schedule has the project beginning in mid-August and competed by the third week of October, in time for the Zooloween Boo event. The scope of this project includes the entire Siewert Trail roadway and the parking lot for the Menominee Park Zoo. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Davis for adjournment; seconded by Metz. Motion carried 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:48 P.M Respectfully submitted, Ericka Maertz Administrative Assistant