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ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES NOVEMBER 14, 2005 Present: Bill Akan, Ted Bowen, Bill Gogolewski, Jim Michelson, Larry Pasquini, Jim Schwochert, Terry Wohler Excused: Bryan Bain, Kay Hansen,
Staff: Thomas Stephany, Director of Parks; Vince Maas, Parks Operations Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Steve Dobish, Lakeshore General Manager Chairman
Michelson called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Gogolewski for approval of the September 26, 2005 minutes, as
distributed. Seconded by Pasquini. Motion carried 6-0. PARK BUSINESS 1) Menominee Park-Introduction of the Christmas Box Statue Project Sharon Fisher was introduced and explained her
interest in gaining approval for placement of the Christmas Box Statue on Menomonee Park so that she and her group “The Compassionate Friends” could begin fundraising activities for
the purchase of the Bronze Sculpture and base for the approximate cost of $12,500 for the statue and $3000-$6000 for the pedestal and base. There are about 25 similar projects in the
U.S. with about 100 more in progress. The Christmas Box concept originated in Utah and is dedicated to bereaved parents who have lost a child. Benches and memorial bricks would also
become part of the fundraising effort. It is Ms. Fisher’s interest to place the statue in Menomonee Park in an area that is relatively quiet. Other similar statues exist on the grounds
of cemeteries, hospitals and parks. It is Ms. Fisher’s preference to place the statue in a park as opposed to a cemetery, although it should be in a quiet area where there is not too
much activity. Little Oshkosh and Riverside Cemetery are not acceptable locations. Mr Akan supported the idea and Mr. Pasquini stated that often, many areas in Menomonee Park are not
all that quiet. Mr. Stephany indicated that Park staff would investigate possible locations and discuss placement at the next meeting. Carl Shertz, South Park and Ames Point areas were
discussed as preliminary preliminary options. The group would like to have the permission to proceed and begin fundraising after the holidays with a proposed installation to be accomplished
by December 6, 2006. No action was taken pending further investigation by staff. 2) Approve 2006 Lakeshore Golf Course Fees. Mr. Dobish explained that it has been two (2) years since
Lakeshore has increased fees. Last year, fees were lowered as a result of bad weather conditions and the need to increase rounds. It has been proposed by staff that a new item be added
to the fee schedule, a “Player’s Pass” that would be different from the “Discount Pass”. The “Player’s Pass” would be an unlimited weekday pass with the intent to allow pass holders
to play weekends as well for $5-$7, similar to what the discount pass allows currently. There would be no penalty of full price on the weekend.
ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO NOVEMBER 14, 2005 Mr. Dobish stated that over the last several years, discount passes have declined. Westhaven will now offer unlimited season passes
and there is a need to compete. Weekday passes have been working well and this has been a good deal for families and couples. This program has helped to generate about $8,000 after Thanksgiving
last year. Motion by Pasquini for approval of the 2006 Lakeshore Golf Course fees as presented. Seconded by Bowen. Motion carried 6-0. CITIZEN STATEMENTS There were no citizen statements.
PARKS DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Stephany stated that the fishing pier at Menominee Park has received WIDNR approval as of October 25, 2005 with construction to begin no earlier than November
25, 2005 should weather conditions permit. “Unofficially” there has been a threat to appeal by some of the neighbors. There has been a perception that the proposal was rushed through
following Otter Street Fishing Club presenting the concept to the Parks Board, subsequent approval, and the City Manager placing it on the Council agenda the following night with approval
being granted. Mr. Stephany shared a letter from Council and Park Board member Mr. Bain indicating a desire to create a policy for how the Parks Board moves items forward to the council
agenda. It has been suggested that a longer period of time should elapse between Park Board approval and Council Agenda. Mr. Pasquini indicated that he would work with Mr. Bain to create
a sub-committee that would develop a systematic means of proceeding in the future. This policy would develop guidelines for how the Board may proceed with issues such as neighborhood
involvement in Park projects as well as a general policy and procedure for moving items forward to Council. Mr. Michelson stated that it may be extremely difficult to gauge when it is
necessary to involve others in the park planning activities. Establishment of criteria could be unwieldy. Mr. Pasquini stated that he would work with Mr. Bain and attempt to present
the topic to the Parks Board either by the December 12, 2005 meeting or the January meeting. Mr. Stephany indicated that the annual Celebration of Lights event begins November 23, 2005
in Menominee Park and runs for forty (40) consecutive nights. The reindeer and carriage rides will be back and preparations are going well. Mr. Stephany relayed that the Department of
Community Development will be holding a joint workshop with the Parks Advisory Board on Tuesday January 3, 2006 at approximately 5 P.M. or perhaps 4:30 P.M., to discuss aspects of the
proposed river walk and trail development. Mr. Bowen requested that background material be sent out ahead of time to Parks Board members for review. Council action on this topic to take
place on January 9, 2006. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Akan to adjourn. Seconded by Gogolewski. Motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 P.M. Respectfully
submitted, Bill Sturm, Recording Secretary