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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES APRIL 9, 2007 Present: Bill Akan, Bryan Bain, Ted Bowen, Bill Gogolewski, Kay Hansen, Jim Michelson, Larry Pasquini, Terry Wohler Excused: 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 Chairman Pasquini called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Wohler for approval of the March 12, 2007 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Gogolewski. Motion carried 8-0. PARK BUSINESS 1) Little Oshkosh Playground Mr. Stephany announced that Little Oshkosh will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in August and noted that it is still a great attraction for families and children. He reiterated his April 9, 2007 memorandum (said memorandum on file at the City Park’s office and made a part of these minutes) to the Board. Tim Landolt, 1289 Wheatfield Way, gave a brief history of his March 23, 2007 incident at Little Oshkosh as stated in his email to Mr. Stephany (said email on file at the City Park’s office and made a part of these minutes) dated March 23, 2007. He noted that another father that was with his daughter at Little Oshkosh left because of the unruly behavior of teens at the playground and had made the comment, “It is pretty sad you can’t take your child to a playground anymore”. He stated that smoking at the playground is unacceptable. The threatening behavior of some of the teens at the playground is also unacceptable. Mr. Akan inquired as to what time of day did Mr. Landolt have his experience at Little Oshkosh? Mr. Landolt stated it was between 4-5 PM on both nights – adding that he also experienced a similar situation on Thursday, March 22nd. Mr. Akan expressed concern with the age restriction being imposed on the playground. He stated that the idea of closing the playground after dark was acceptable. Mr. Michelson concurred with Mr. Akan in that closing the playground after dark is a good idea. He noted there are ordinances in place today that are not enforceable and he was not comfortable adding another ordinance that would not be enforced. He inquired if staff had discussed this issue with the Oshkosh Police Department. Mr. Landolt stated it was just the nature of the environment not being conducive to children feeling safe. He stated another lady at Little Oshkosh stated to him that she has seen this activity going on for a while and was concerned also, as it is intimidating to little children. Chairman Pasquini stated that the Little Oshkosh playground was designed for kids under the age of 12. Mr. Stephany added that all playgrounds are designed for kids under 12. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 2 APRIL 9, 2007 Questions arose as to regulations for “gatherings”, “loitering” and “amplified music”. Chairman Pasquini suggested more research be done by staff as to the age restrictions and other questions that were posed at tonight’s meeting and that this issue be brought back for consideration at the May Board meeting. 2) 2008 Capital Improvement Program Chairman Pasquini inquired if the intention was when the central Menominee Park toilets are upgraded, would they remain in the same location. Mr. Maas stated because of the existing utilities, it would be best to keep them in the same location. He stated there are plumbing issues on the men’s side of the restrooms with the water running a lot. The floor is separating, urinals sinking and/or the floor is shifting on the men’s side. Mr. Wohler inquired if there were any other maintenance issue problems within the Parks system? He stated he would rather fix what we already have, rather than start new projects. Mr. Maas reported that the shelter at Red Arrow is in bad shape. Mr. Michelson stated that handicapped persons have trouble with the Menominee Park restrooms not being easily accessible. Consideration should be made to investigate the cost of installing a restroom closer to the Kiwanis shelter. Mr. Stephany stated that part of the reasoning that the toilets being located in the center of the park is due to the electrical infrastructure. He stated there is always the need for additional shelters. Chairman Pasquini and Mr. Bain both concurred that there is a need for additional shelters and that the addition of shelters be moved to the top of the CIP list. Discussion ensued as to the need to rebuild the tennis courts at Westhaven Park; walking paths at Stevens & Rusch Parks; new restroom facilities at South Park by shelter #3; and a new shelter at Red Arrow Park. Mr. Bowen stated the most immediate items would be to replace the central toilets in Menominee Park as they serve the most people in the community; replace the shelter at Red Arrow Park; Upgrade the fencing at Spanbauer softball diamond as they are almost a blight on the neighborhood; and upgrade the tennis courts at Westhaven Circle Park. He also stated there is a need to replace lights in various areas of various parks. Mr. Stephany stated there is a need to build a new playground at Quarry Park, especially in light of the new ball diamonds. He stated some lighting could be eliminated at Red Arrow Park and suggested that the whole park system needs to be reevaluated by way of a uniformed lighting system and a determination made as to if lighting is needed in certain locations. Mr. Akan inquired as to the status of the roof at the Operations building at Menominee Park. Mr. Maas stated there are several leaks in the roof and the repair of the roof should be addressed before the condition worsens. It was the consensus of the Board that the priority list for the 2008 CIP projects is as follows: Replace the central toilets at Menominee Park; replace the shelter at Red Arrow Park; upgrade the tennis courts at Westhaven Circle Park; upgrade the diamond fencing at Spanbauer Softball diamonds; and construction of a new playground at Quarry Park. Chairman Pasquini stated there is a need to have uniformed signage throughout the entire park system. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 3 APRIL 9, 2007 3. Park Identification Signs Mr. Maas stated that over the winter months, staff has repainted some signs. Abbey Park’s sign will be installed after the playground is completed. Crews have been replacing signs with uniformed 4’ x 8’ signs containing the Oshkosh on the Water logo. 4. Plaques and Memorial Signs Chairman Michelson wished to take the opportunity to thank Ms. Wendorf for her research and report on this issue with the WPRA office support members. He expressed concern with the plaques for Memorial trees and benches being too large and/or inconsistent in size. Mr. Sturm stated the standard size for memorial tree bricks is 9” x 12”, which is an adequate size for visibility and upkeep. If they were any smaller, they would get lost in the sod and people would not be able to have the text on the brick that they want. He stated there are some bricks that are 9” x 16”, but they are older bricks and had been installed many years prior. Mr. Bowen stated this issue had been brought before the Board in the past and it was the consensus of the Board that the 9” x 12” size bricks were reasonable and acceptable. Chairman Michelson explained he was not trying to eliminate the Memorial Tree Program, but thought that the plaques could be smaller. Ms. Hansen concurred with Mr. Bowen and stated that once the trees mature, the plaques will be more proportionate to the tree size. Mr. Wohler concurred and stated that the 9” x 12” size has already been set and should be left alone. He stated the current size bricks are not a maintenance issue and they are not sticking out of the ground. He stated they should not be changed – they look great, as do the benches. CITIZEN’S STATEMENTS There were no Citizen’s Statements. PARK DIRECTOR/STAFF REPORTS Mr. Maas reported that the parks crew have been doing park clean-up now that the snow is gone; replacing tennis court nets; performing maintenance work on the ball diamonds; getting the water turned on in the restrooms; pruning trees along the shoreline and continuing with the Menominee Park Zoo elk exhibit construction. Mr. Sturm reported that his crews are involved with the tree plantings which will then be followed by stump removals. Chairman Pasquini inquired as to the problems with Ash trees. Mr. Sturm stated that there was an article in the Oshkosh Northwestern about the Ash Bore, but it has not been verified that the species has invaded Wisconsin to date. Mr. Stephany reported that the pace has picked up with the Pollock Community Water Park in that seasonal help has been hired and passes are now being sold. Mr. Bowen inquired as to the status of the goose abatement program? Mr. Maas stated he is in the process of obtaining the yearly permit. They are oiling eggs at Menominee, Rochlin and Rainbow Park. With the permit, they will be able to collect 325 geese this season. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 4 APRIL 9, 2007 ADJOURNMENT They’re being no other business, Motion to adjourn by Wohler; Seconded by Akan. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Wendorf Recording Secretary