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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.10.2025 Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD November 10, 2025 Present: Amy Davis, Jacob Floam, Steve Herman, Becky Metz, Lester Millette Excused: Timothy Franz, Devon Hudak Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Tyler Klaver, Management Analyst; Sue Thelen, 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 August 11, 2025 and September 8, 2025 minutes. Seconded by Herman. Motion carried 5-0. INTRODUCE SUE THELEN, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Mr. Maurer introduced Sue Thelen as the new Administrative Assistant for the Parks Department. Ms. Thelen expressed her enthusiasm to be working with the Parks Department and the Advisory Park Board and indicated everyone has been very welcoming. NEW BUSINESS 1) UPDATE ON THE CITY MANAGER'S REORGANIZATIONAL PLAN FOR THE PARKS DEPARTMENT Mr. Maurer introduced Michelle Behnke from Human Resources. Michelle shared the new organizational structure that was recently shared with city employees. She highlighted the changes to the Park Department that includes field staff moving to Public Works Operations and the Parks Department change to Parks Services and Events. This division will fall under a newly created Cultural and Enrichment Services department, which includes quality of life divisions. A Fund Development division will be established to coordinate, streamline and improve the grant and fundraising efforts of the entities under Cultural and Enrichment Services with the goal of bringing like-minded people AVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 2 November 10, 2025 together to maximize resources. Concerns by the committee were raised including whether the current Advisory Parks Board will be realigned with the new department structure, future use of the Parks building, what the department leadership roles will be, is there an organization chart for this new department, is there a job description for the new director position for this department, if the Parks Capital Improvement Program (CIP) will be carried out properly and hope that the mission of the Parks Department does not get lost in the restructuring. Behnke affirmed that current boards/committees would not be changed immediately as this is a Common Council decision, and that the entire restructuring plan will take time. 2) DISCUSS IDEAS FOR RECOGNIZING LURTON BLASSINGAME ON A SECTION OF THE OSHKOSH RIVERWALK Mr. Maurer reintroduced Tyler Klaver, Management Analyst with the Parks Department. Tyler followed up the discussion about recognizing Lurton Blassingame on a section of the Oshkosh Riverwalk by presenting four options: 1) a bronze plaque pricing ranging from $250-$800; 2) Riverwalk pole sign design pricing at approximately $400 each; 3) pedestal sign similar to the current historic signs priced at $1135 and 4) pole banners $400 each. The area between Jackson Street and Main Street has been identified as a fitting location. Private donors will be secured for the funding. Discussion followed about the options. Mr. Klaver expressed that the Blassingame family favors option three, a pedestal sign. Others liked option one or a mix of 1, 3 and 4, specifically the bronze plaque as a pedestal sign. All agreed to defer to the wishes of the family. Mr. Klaver will present this option to the family. Motion was made by Millette to recommend a bronze plaque on a pedestal or a pedestal sign similar to the current historic signs, whichever the family prefers, to the Common Council. Seconded by Floam. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF REPORTS PARKS DIRECTOR (Maurer) Mr. Maurer provided an update on the Reetz ballfield restroom concession building project. He met with the architect twice with another meeting this Thursday. They are continuing to work on the design Siewart trail reconstruction is complete. It is a big improvement to the road system there. Drain tile was added to the open grass area to better get the water out of this area. This will help make this area more usable for parking for fishing events. The Quarry Park master plan was recommended for approval by the Plan Commission and approved by the Common Council. ASSISTANT PARKS DIRECTOR (Dallman) Mr. Maurer reported for Mr. Dallman. The Pickart Park play equipment and rubber surface is installed and our team is now working on restoration. The Stevens Park basketball and tennis courts were resurfaced. At 44th Parallel, the two tennis courts were changed to one tennis court and two pickle ball courts. An accessible walkway was also installed from the public sidewalk to the courts. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Maurer indicated that there was discussion regarding the Menominee Park amusement train operation at the recent Council meeting. The Council would like to hold a workshop to discuss train operations going forward. This will be held on Tuesday, January 13. Mr. Herman questioned what was approved in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Maurer mentioned the Reetz north ballfield lights, Quarry Park initial development, the Menominee Park Zoo improvements, and park trails as larger items that were approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Davis for adjournment; seconded by Herman. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:43 P.M Respectfully submitted, Sue Thelen Administrative Assistant