Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES NOVEMBER 9, 2009 Present: Tony Duff, Bill Gogolewski, Kay Hansen, Dennis McHugh, Jim Michelson, Mark Philipp, Allan Siiman, Terry Wohler Excused: Bob Freid Staff: Bill Sturm, Interim Parks Director/Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Trish Wendorf, Recording Secretary Chairman Gogolewski introduced new Board member, Tony Duff. Mr. Duff stated he has been an Oshkosh resident for 15 years. During his college years, he worked full time for the Antigo Parks & Recreation Dept and currently is employed by the Oshkosh Police Department. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Chairman Gogolewski called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Gogolewski stated that paragraph 9 on page 2 of the September 14, 2009 minutes should be corrected to state: Mr. Sturm will contact Rob Way at County Park; Mr. McHugh stated he would contact the School District about Ryf Road; Mr. Walsh would contact personnel at EAA; and Mr. Gogolewski will stay in touch with Mr. Kloehn. Motion by Wohler for approval of the September 14, 2009 minutes, as amended. Seconded by Siiman. Motion carried 8-0. PARK BUSINESS 1)Quarry Park/Fast Club Organization Group Update Mr. Sturm stated he had talked to Rob Way, Director of Winnebago County Parks, who stated there was no room available for the Fast Club at the County Park. Mr. Siiman stated he had discussed the same space issue with his contact at EAA and was told there was no room available either for the Fast Club on the EAA grounds. Mr. McHugh stated he had discussion with his contact at the School Board who informed Mr. McHugh there was land (40 acres) for sale but was told this was not the time to consider alternate uses for that land. Mr. Sturm stated there is no readily available land for use by the Fast Club. The Fast Club could not consider using Quarry Park until 2011 or beyond. Chairman Gogolewski stated he would contact Mr. Kloehn to determine if ball diamonds could be made without lights. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 9, 2009 Discussion ensued as to the possibility of making a combined purchase of land (City and OYB and/or others). Mr. Wohler stated there is nothing that can be done to the Quarry Park until the Engineers are completed with their work in 2011, so that land is a mute issue. Mr. McHugh stated don’t rule out Ryf Rd – it is for sale and noted that a possible combined effort to split sale cost is an excellent option. Mr. Michelson inquired as to how many acres is necessary for the Fast Club. Chairman Sturm suggested that with three (3) diamonds, the necessary land would be approximately five (5) acres. Discussion ensued as to the land that is for sale on Ryf Rd. A determination needs to be made as to the asking price for the land; long range plan for the land and if other municipalities (Winneconne, Omro, etc.) are interested in a joint venture for the land. 2) Dogs in Parks – Potential Referendum Mr. Sturm stated there is a potential referendum being proposed for the spring election about allowing dogs in parks. The referendum would be helpful, would prevent Parks staff from doing another survey and will give a better gauge on public opinion. Before a referendum, the Council would like more discussion. Ms. Wendorf is also doing more research on the subject by contacting her WPRA Office Support connections throughout the State to find out what other towns/cities/communities are doing by way of dogs in parks; trail widths and usage; population, etc. City staff would not like to make this an all inclusive rule – staff would like to keep dogs away from such areas as the zoo, water park, golf course, cemetery and playgrounds, etc. Discussion ensued relative to enforcement. Mr. Wohler stated he thinks a referendum is a great idea. Mr. McHugh stated he is not sure the dog issue warrants a referendum. Mr. Michelson stated some townships simply don’t allow dogs in parks because the rules become too complicated. It would be irresponsible to put the issue on a referendum “just to allow dogs in parks” because there are so many areas/events in parks that dogs should not be allowed, i.e. Sawdust Days, soccer games, baseball games, etc. Discussion ensued relative to what a possible referendum would refer to – dogs in general parks; dogs on trails in parks; dogs in parks in specific areas, etc. CITIZEN’S STATEMENTS There were no citizen’s statements. PARK DIRECTOR/STAFF REPORTS 1) Landscape Operations Manager’s Report Mr. Sturm stated that Park staff is very busy and understaffed. Proposed operating budgets went to City Council recently. Next Tuesday night Council will be discussing the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for 2010. He th statedCelebration of Lights is in installation phase and will be opening on November 25. He stated he is ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 9, 2009 working with consultants with respect to the weed problem at Miller’s Bay to be able to keep things on track for 2010. Mr. Sturm is also working with the Oshkosh Foundation on a tree planting initiative. He also announced that staff is currently making plans to move the Parks Administration offices from City Hall to the Parks shop on Witzel Avenue. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Wohler for adjournment; seconded by Siiman. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:47 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Wendorf Recording Secretary