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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES APRIL 14, 2008 Present: Bill Akan, Ted Bowen, Bill Gogolewski, Kay Hansen, Dennis McHugh, Jim Michelson, Jim Schwochert Excused: Terry Wohler Staff: Thomas Stephany, Director of Parks; Vince Maas, Parks Operations Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Trish Wendorf, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Chairman Akan called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Bowen for approval of the March 10, 2008 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Gogolewski. Motion carried 8-0. PARK BUSINESS Since Mr. Donel Wyman was not in attendance at this time to present his petition relative to the Dog Park (Item #1), the Board moved onto Item #2 of the Agenda. 2) Menominee Park Zoo Mr. Stephany reiterated his Memorandum addressed to the Board dated April 11, 2008 (said Memorandum on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). He introduced Mr. Terry Steele, President of the Oshkosh Zoological Society to the Board. Mr. Steele gave a PowerPoint presentation of the Menominee Park Zoo which included the Oshkosh Zoological Society’s £ mission statement. He stated the Oshkosh Zoological Society was established to support and promote the Menominee Park Zoo and to help provide meaningful educational and recreational experience for its visitors. He stated that the Society had been holding animal behavior demonstrations since 1992 and has had over 10,000 visitors; they have held zoo classes since ndth 1998 and has had over 570 2 through 5 grade students in attendance; have held Zoo book give-aways since 2000 and have given away over 1,100 books to children; the Society will be holding a conservation carnival in conjunction with this years book give away, which will include children building birdhouses and feeders, as well as showing them how to build a compost; and noted that the Society has held Raptor and Retile shows in the past. With respect to the Zoolunteer Program, that program has been on hold since the Director has been called into the military. He noted that they would like to start the Zoolunteer Program up again in the near future. The Animal Outreach Program has also been on hold for a while now since that Director has taken up a new position elsewhere. He stated the Society’s Enrichment Program keeps the animals active and excited and their research work is used to determine what keeps the animals active and helps to reduce their stress. He also stated that the Zoological Society does various types of fundraising to raise monies for zoo exhibits and education. Mr. Schwochert inquired as to the time lines on the proposed new exhibits? Mr. Steele stated the work is dependent upon fundraising monies. He noted they have some grant money that needs to be spent by September 2008 or the monies will be forfeited. He proposed that the grant money be used towards the bear exhibit rock work and hill features for the exhibit. Chairman Akan inquired if public comment was taken into consideration for the type of animals to be displayed at the zoo? ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 2 APRIL 14, 2008 Mr. Steele stated the Society receives more questions about what animals the Society is “planning” on displaying. Monkeys seem to be the animals that people always want on exhibit, but the Society would have to lease them and that is too stressful on the animals. He stated that aside from just receiving opinions from the public, the Society does research. To make a point, they had timed how long people watched the monkeys and the porcupines and noted that people watch those animals the same amount of time – it’s not the animals people watch, it’s the activities that the animals do that the people want to watch. Mr. Stephany stated that Terry Steele has a real love for the zoo and has been involved with it since Mr. Stephany first came into Oshkosh (1995) and before. Mr. Stephany then acknowledged Mr. Steele as “Mr. Zoo” and noted that Mr. Steele has shown to be a good Zoological Society President and noted that the Society under the guidance of Mr. Steele is now on an upswing and is more active in its pursuits. MR DONEL WYMAN ARRIVED AT THIS TIME (6:35 PM). Discussion ensued as to the proposed improvement work of the perimeter fence area, on the road side of the zoo maintenance building. Ms. McCollian stated that the existing gate to the zoo maintenance building area is in really bad shape and needs to be replaced with a new service operating gate. She suggested that the perimeter fence be 8’ in height to match the existing fence so that it blends in. Chairman Akan stated that there has been negative comments about the fence that is already in place and inquired if the proposed fence could be vinyl with diagonal slats? Mr. Stephany stated that a vinyl type fence with diagonal slats would cheapen the area and not blend in with what already is in place. Mr. Michelson stated that the Board/City receive complaints about the maintenance work area now. While the parks crew does keep the area tidy, people don’t want to look at park equipment and trucks parked in that area and agreed that the work area needs to be screened. Mr. McHugh stated that he has heard comments that people call the black vinyl fence, the “concentration fence” and the wooden fence, they call the “stockade fence” – people don’t like either type of fence. He has not heard any comments that people like the fence work. Mr. Stephany stated that the black coated fence needs to be in place due to governmental mandates. The exhibit fence is also a mandated requirement as that fence keeps the animals from escaping. Discussion ensued as to the black bear exhibit. Mr. Stephany stated that the black bear exhibit would be paid for through grant monies and that park staff would be doing the construction work. Discussion ensued as to the time frame for the fence relocation. Mr. Stephany stated the perimeter fence work needs to be commenced as soon as possible. Motion by Bowen for approval of the five (5) zoo projects as listed: 1) Relocation and construction of a new Black Tail Prairie Dog exhibit; 2) Construction of a new River Otter exhibit; 3) Start construction of a new Black Bear exhibit; 4) Trail relocation by the zoo’s maintenance building and turning the road side of the building into a maintenance and work area; 5) Improvement of a portion of the perimeter fence area, including gate, on the road side of the maintenance building. Seconded by Schwochert. Mr. McHugh inquired “Is it my understanding no public tax payer funding is involved?” Mr. Stephany stated no tax payer funding for materials is involved and that the parks crew will be doing the construction work. Mr. McHugh suggested that the Advisory Park Board Agenda notices be more detailed as this past notice was lacking in information, especially with respect to the proposed work being done at Menominee Park. Mr. Stephany stated that he introduced the proposed work at Menominee Park at the last Board meeting and this was basically a carry over of that information. The public has access to the information via the City’s website, the airing on the Public Access Television, information that is provided to the Oshkosh Public Library, as well as what is reflected in the minutes that ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 3 APRIL 14, 2008 are readily available to the public. He also stated that the public is welcomed to contact him directly at any time about any concerns or suggestions relative to park issues. Mr. McHugh inquired if the Harenburg donation/fund was earmarked for solely for the maintenance of the zoo? Mr. Stephany stated that the Harenburg donation is $65,000 per year of which up to $30,000 is for zoo operations and the remaining $35,000 is for new zoo improvements/exhibits. Mr. McHugh stated that if Oshkosh Zoological Society and Oshkosh Parks Department are able to complete these projects with no direct cost to the taxpayers, then they should be congratulated for all their efforts. Ms. Hansen called the question and roll call was taken. Motion carried 8-0. 1) Dog Park Mr. Donel Wyman, 2218 Oregon Street, requested the Board to consider making a dog park somewhere in the City. He stated the County Park Dog Park is over-crowded and noted that the last time he visited the County Dog Park there were over 100 dogs there. He presented the Board with signed petitions (said petitions on file at the City Clerk’s office; copies being held at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). Mr. Wyman stated he had previously provided Council Member Bryan Bain with signed petitions as well. The petitions read as follows: “The following citizens request that the City of Oshkosh Common Council consider the establishment of a dog park in the City of Oshkosh. A suggested site is the filled in- quarry in the 1700 block of Knapp Street, across from the Quarry Park softball diamond (west side of the ball diamonds).” He also suggested two other sites – the south side of the Quarry ball diamonds or the Westhaven Golf Course property. Mr. Stephany stated another location to be considered would be the Sawyer Creek Park (Rusch Park). Mr. Bowen stated in the past there was discussion about placing a dog park at Quarry Park, but the neighbors were against the plan. Mr. Wyman stated the dogs don’t bark, they just run and play. He stated no matter where the site was, people would object to it. Mr. Schwochert and Chairman Akan both stated they are not opposed to bringing this issue back to the Board for consideration and are open to suggestions as to where to place a dog park. Chairman Akan inquired as to fencing costs. Mr. Maas stated the Parks Department just did a fencing job at the ball diamonds at Red Arrow Park and the cost for that was $25,000, but that also included the back stop which was a costly item. Chairman Akan suggested imposing a fee for utilizing the proposed dog park. Mr. Wyman stated he did not think that the public would have any problems paying a surcharge for using the dog park. Mr. Wyman thanked the Board for considering the possibility of building a dog park and stated he would continue to obtain signatures on his petition and present them to the City Council. CITIZEN’S STATEMENTS Lois Luebtke, Division Street, expressed her concerns relative to City spending. PARK DIRECTOR/STAFF REPORTS Mr. Stephany reiterated his Memorandum addressed to the Board dated April 11, 2008 (said Memorandum on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). With regard to the Red Arrow Skatepark, he stated the skaters have raised $5,000 through the Tony Hawke grant, the City has ear-marked $170,000 in the CIP, and the Oshkosh Foundation has $30,000 in grant funds available. He stated that Eileen from the Oshkosh Foundation has been coaching the skaters on how to appropriate and generate more dollars for the improvements. Mr. Bowen stated he feels more comfortable then – the Board knew going in on this project, that a contribution by the City would be needed. He stated he would like to have seen more money from the skaters for the project. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 4 APRIL 14, 2008 Mr. Michelson inquired as to the construction length time. Mr. Stephany stated construction at the skatepark would begin in the next month or so and noted that he would like to close the skatepark completely during the construction/improvement work so that the crews would be able to finish the project in a timely fashion. With respect to the new fishing pier, Mr. Stephany stated he had discussions with Scott Engle of the Otter Street Fishing Club who noted they are seeking a different contractor for the building of the pier since CR Meyer are too busy at present. The Club would like to start construction in the next 3-4 weeks. Discussion ensued as to Miller’s Bay and Mr. Stephany noted that the $10,000 grant is for plant study. The $25,000 grant would be used towards treating the mooring area, th transient dock channel and sailboat area at Miller’s Bay and possibly the bays at 24 Avenue and Fugleberg Park. It is hoped that a second treatment would be done at the end of the summer. Mr. Gogolewski inquired as to the status of the construction of a shelter at Rainbow Park. Mr. Stephany stated it is hoped that construction would begin in June as the materials are already in storage. There is a need to get a contractor to do the slab work done first. Mr. Stephany announced that for the next month or so, he will be dedicating most of his time to working on the plan for the Leach Amphitheater, as a Council th . He also stated that due to his time being concentrated on the Amphitheater plan, there is workshop is scheduled for May 13 a possibility that the Advisory Park Board meeting for May will not be held. Mr. Maas reported that his crews have been working on the refurbishing of the amusement rides and train tracks; they are continuing to work on the maintenance block building; cleaning up litter and debris in the parks from the winter months; and crews are turning water on and opening the park systems’ restrooms. There is a contractor hired to do structural work on the Bowen Street fishing dock and replacing some pilings that have rotted and are deteriorating. His crews have worked on the scoreboards at the Reetz lighted diamonds and they are now operational. He stated crews are also commencing to work on the ball diamonds and this is the time of year where his crews also commence work on the goose abatement program. Crews are also putting ADA guard rails on the Bowen Street fishing deck. Mr. Sturm reported the forestry crew is catching up on their winter tasks, including stump removal and street tree pruning. Crews are also working on plans for the cemetery to assess the facility and roads for CIP work and upgrades for the computers relative to the Landmarks Commission work. Mr. Stephany re-introduced Jennifer McCollian, the Revenue Facilities Manager and Zoo Supervisor. Ms. McCollian reported that she has been working on lining up seasonal employees and getting the inventory ready for concession operations. She noted that training for the seasonal employees begins in about two (2) weeks. Mr. Stephany noted that Public Works is putting in a new sanitary sewer interceptor from Parkway to New York Avenue and west on New York. He wanted the Board to be made aware since crews will be digging up Menominee Park quite a bit. He noted that they will try and save as many trees as possible, but noted that the Irving Avenue entrance center will be affected. While there might be some loss of poorly conditioned trees, Public Works has included replacement trees in their budget. Mr. Bowen inquired if there would be enough time after the construction work to allow for the planting of new trees and Mr. Sturm stated there should be adequate time. Discussion ensued as to the Westhaven Golf Course property. Mr. Stephany stated that the Parks Department staff would not be able to maintain that property and noted that maintenance of that property may have to be done by the Department of Public Works. Mr. Michelson questioned the trees along the WIOUWASH Trail by the cemetery. Mr. Sturm explained that those trees are for the Forestry’s nursery, which they started stocking approximately two (2) years ago. He stated by having a nursery of street trees, it is more cost effective and noted that the majority of those trees are bare root trees. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Gogolewski for adjournment; seconded by Bowen. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Wendorf, Recording Secretary