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ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 8, 2007 Present: Bill Akan, Ted Bowen, Jim Michelson, Terry Wohler Excused: Bill Gogolewski, Kay Hansen, Dennis McHugh, Jim Schwochert Staff: Thomas
Stephany, Director of Parks; Vince Maas, Parks Operations Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Trish Wendorf, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
Chairman Akan called the meeting to order at 6:04 P.M. A quorum was determined not to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Due to lack of a quorum, approval of the September 10, 2007 Minutes
will be laid over until the next regularly scheduled meeting. PARK BUSINESS 1) SOUTH PARK – OHIO STREET SHELTER Mr. Stephany reiterated his Memorandum addressed to the Board dated October
8, 2007 (said Memorandum on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). He stated that the reconstruction of Ohio Street will commence next March or April and will
be completed about November 2008. During and after the reconstruction, parking will not be allowed on Ohio Street. Discussion ensued as to possible parking scenarios for the patrons
of the South Park #3 (Ohio Street side) shelter during reconstruction. Ms. Wendorf stated that as of today, the #3 shelter has been rented for one time next year (June). Discussion ensued
relative to possible locations for the proposed new shelter keeping in mind that a big factor in determining the location for a new shelter would be existing utilities. Mr. Bowen inquired
if the existing shelter could be recycled. Mr. Maas stated it would be similar to removing a garage. A determination would have to be made if that would be cost-wise effective and if
the shelter was in good enough condition to be moved. Mr. Bowen inquired as to the cost of an open shelter. Mr. Maas stated $30,000-$35,000 with electricity (no water). Mr. Bowen inquired
as to the projected end of the existing shelter. Mr. Stephany stated it most likely would be torn down to make that whole area passive/green space. More discussion ensued as to parking
scenarios within the park, construction of a driveway and the size of the proposed shelter. Mr. Wohler inquired with regard to the old pavilion, could the sides of the building be removed,
keeping the roof and slabs in place to create an area for people to sit, instead of tearing it down all together. Mr. Bowen stated that would be agreeable with him as long as there were
not a lot of maintenance issues with the remaining portion of the structure.
ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 2 OCTOBER 8, 2007 CITIZEN’S STATEMENTS There were no citizen statements. PARK DIRECTOR/STAFF REPORTS Rainbow Park Mr. Stephany stated the Rainbow Park
boat launch dock extension specifications have been completed and are ready to go out for bidding. He also stated that water depth studies for Rainbow Park have been completed and that
he would be distributing those findings to the Board members in the near future. Celebration of Lights Mr. Stephany reiterated his Memorandum to the Board dated October 5, 2008 (said
Memorandum on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these Minutes) and announced three (3) new features being proposed for the 2007 Celebration of Lights event: 1) a heated
events tent west of the Kiwanis shelter; 2) Candy cane land; and 3) a 100 ft. lighted Christmas tree. He distributed photographs of the LaCrosse show tent and pictures of the communication
tower that was purchased from Wisconsin Public Service. He described how the tower would be erected and taken down at the end of the event. Discussion ensued as to the 100 ft. Holiday
(Christmas) tree. Mr. Stephany stated CR Meyer may be the signature sponsor for this year’s event. Mr. Bowen inquired about potential climbers of the tower. Mr. Stephany stated he didn’t
think there would be any problems in that regard and noted that security cameras are being implemented this year as well as the two security people that the Friends of Oshkosh Parks,
Inc., hires each year. Mr. Bowen inquired if there were any airplane warning needs? Mr. Stephany stated there were no FFA or code issues. He then distributed an article from the Austin
Parks & Recreation Department website, titled “Trail of Lights 2006”, (said article on file at the City Parks Department and made a part of these Minutes). Mr. Stephany stated that soil
borings were done today at a cost of approximately $800 and was paid for by the Friends of Oshkosh Parks, Inc. Mr. Bowen wanted it stated on the record that he is not thoroughly in favor
of the 100 ft. Christmas tree. Mr. Michelson stated he felt the 100 ft Christmas tree would be a nice touch and thinks it will be great. Chairman Akan inquired if staff was concerned
about vandalism. Mr. Bowen stated he was more concern with potential to harm to foolish children who see a challenge. Mr. Stephany stated they could create a barrier from potential climbers,
and reiterated they will have security during the event. Fast Club and Quarry Park Mr. Stephany reiterated his Memorandum to the Board dated October 5, 2008 (said Memorandum on file
at the City Parks office and made a part of these Minutes). He stated he has been in contact with John Kloehn, President of the Fast Club organization and Mr. Kloehn is aware of the
status. Menominee Park Maintenance Building Mr. Stephany stated that crews are commencing with the trench work between the building and Hazel Street. Mr. Michelson inquired if it was
initially anticipated to come off Hazel Street? Mr. Maas stated it was thought that there was access off Irving Avenue, but that was not the case, so there is now a need to go through
Hazel Street.
ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 3 OCTOBER 8, 2007 Red Arrow Park Mr. Stephany stated that the Park crew is putting up the old playground equipment. Menominee Park Mr. Stephany stated
staff is working on the Zooloween Boo event scheduled for Saturday, October 27th. Sawyer Creek Park Trail Connector Mr. Stephany stated that the base work is done, and noted that they
will need to hold up the asphalt work until next spring. He noted that the trench work would come close to the path. Menominee Park Miller’s Bay Fishing Pier Mr. Stephany stated discussions
about the pier does not appear to be over and noted that a Council member will be requesting that the item be put back on the Council agenda for rescinding. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Stephany
stated there is still an opening position on the Parks Board and encouraged the Board members to invite anyone that they think would be a good candiate to apply for the opened position.
ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, The meeting adjourned at 6:52 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Wendorf Recording Secretary