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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES JUNE 14, 2010 Present: Tony Duff, Bill Gogolewski, Jim Michelson, Mark Philipp, Bob Poeschl, Allan Siiman, Terry Wohler Excused: Bob Freid, Scott Lein Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Bill Sturm, Assistant Parks Director/Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Steve Dobish, Lakeshore Golf Course General ManagerSteve Ziblut, ; Lakeshore Clubhouse Manager/Golf Pro; Trish Wendorf, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Chairman Gogolewski called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. INTRODUCTIONS Chairman Gogolewski introduced Bob Poeschl, who is replacing Dennis McHugh as City Council representative on the Board. Mr. Maurer introduced Chad Dallman, the new Parks Operations Manager. Mr. Dallman gave a brief background of his educational and work history. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Wohler for approval of the April 12, 2010 minutes, as submitted. Seconded by Poeschl. Motion carried 7-0. PARK BUSINESS 1)Discuss allowing community garden in Stevens Park Mr. Maurer gave a brief synopsis of the background for the request. He stated he had met with Mr. Poeschl relative to the community garden in Stevens Park and noted that this would be the first community garden in a neighborhood park. Mr. Poeschl distributed a flyer (said flyer on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes) which described what a community garden was and other pertinent information (size of plots, rules, facilitator of project, etc.). He stated Jeff Decker is involved in the neighborhood watch program in the area of Stevens Park. Jeff Decker, Otter Avenue, stated this would be a pilot program. He stated that he had previously met with City Forester, Bill Sturm, and had also worked with Mr. Sturm on the ReLeaf Oshkosh Project. Another significant person assisting with the proposed project is Ron Hansche, who pointed out that uniformed fencing should be a requirement – as fencing is needed to keep the rabbits out of the gardens. A thought was to charge an additional $10 per plot to be used toward fencing materials. Mr. Michelson inquired as to a site map/plan and what percentage of the park would be used. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 2 JUNE 12, 2010 Mr. Poeschl stated he was in the process of obtaining a GIS layout of the park. He stated the proposed plots would be 10’ x 10’. He noted that there are approximately eight (8) people interested in the project at this time. One suggested spot is by the parking area (where the bushes are) on the Frankfort Street side which borders the park. An alternative site would be by the line of bushes and fencing at the south end of the park along the fence line. Mr. Wohler inquired if there had been any negative comments made with regard to the request. Mr. Poeschl stated he was not aware of any negative comments. Mr. Decker stated he had received nothing but 100% positive comments. He stated it any one didn’t like the plan, it might be based on misconception. Mr. Maurer stated that is why the request is on the agenda as a non-action item – in order to receive feedback from the neighbors first before putting on the agenda as an action item. Mr. Wohler inquired as to the maximum number of plots for this park? Mr. Poeschl stated he did not foresee more than 10 plots. It is not their intention on being a burden to the park. Mr. Michelson stated he likes the idea, but noted that the idea would not work or be appropriate for every park in the City. Mr. Duff stated this proposal is an excellent idea. He had concerns with the language for the administrator of the program in that in the long term, he would prefer to see that linked with the Parks Director or the Parks Operations Manager. He gave kudos to Mr. Poeschl for stepping up to the plate and taking the lead role in this project. Mr. Maurer stated that staff would work with the leaders of the project as to guidelines and other related issues. 2)Discuss/recommend Draft Miller’s Bay Aquatic Plant Management Plan Mr. Maurer stated staff had met with Tim Hoytman of Onterra with respect to the management plan. Mr. Sturm noted the latest revisions of the plan are on page 16 of the plan (said plan on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). There was extensive discussion as to harvesting and chemical control of Miller’s Bay. Mr. Sturm noted that there are several areas in the bay where it would be difficult to handle a harvester. The proposed plan is required to be approved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Mr. Siiman inquired as to the time-frame used in the Long-term Management Action of 2014 and beyond (page 16). Mr. Sturm stated staff had to look at a shorter period of time because it will take staff a while to get a harvester. Staff will need to continue monitoring the bay for the DNR. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 3 JUNE 12, 2010 Mr. Siiman inquired as to DNR grants and how much was available? Mr. Maurer stated he was not sure what funds/grant money is available from the DNR at this time, but would be researching that information. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to shared use of a harvester. Mr. Maurer stated there are logicistical things staff needs to do first, i.e., maintenance agreements, how to transport the harvester, how to fund the purchase, etc. Chairman Gogolewski inquired if Miller’s Bay was the biggest problem area and inquired what other areas would a harvester be used for? th Mr. Sturm stated it is possible that a harvester could be used at Fugelberg and also at the 24 Avenue boat launch area. Discussion ensued as to it being difficult for a harvester to navigate the Miller’s Bay area. Mr. Sturm stated that with sailboats on the mooring plugs in Miller’s Bay, it would be impossible to get a harvester in that area as there are anchor lines and concrete weights in that area. Mr. Wohler stated harvesters are not economical by any means. Staff has gone with chemical treatments due to the astronomical costs of a harvester. Mr. Sturm stated there would still be areas that would be required to be chemically treated due to the species of the weeds. This is not a one item fix. Staff needs to work with this plan/document and use a few different options. Chemicals are used for certain weeds as some chemicals affect nuisance plants at certain times of the year. With chemicals, there is less costs, fewer fishes taken and less future maintenance costs. Mr. Phillip stated he concurs with Mr. Wohler as to costs involved and that a harvester would not be able to maneuver around the sailboats moored in Miller’s Bay. Discussion ensued as to approximate costs needed to purchase, maintain and run a harvester. Chairman Gogolewski inquired if staff felt that the City Council would approve money for a harvester and if two people would be able to handle/staff the harvester. Mr. Poeschl stated that the City Council needs to have the best options in front of them and then be allowed to make their decision. Mr. Wohler stated that we don’t have our ducks in a row and did not wish to have this request put before the City Council at this time. Motion by Wohler to take no action on this item at this time. Seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 7-1 (Siiman). ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 4 JUNE 12, 2010 3) Discuss placing trash cans in city parks Mr. Maurer stated there had been a request to place this item on the agenda from Mayor Esslinger relative to the lack of trash cans in the parks. In the packet sent to the Board is research that Ms. Wendorf submitted relative to the reasons why trash cans had been removed from the parks (said research on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). Mr. Maurer explained that due to both Mr. Dallman and himself being new to the area, they would like to wait until the season ends before discussing this issue further. He noted that the season crews were not working until just recently and that the work done by the seasonal workers make a difference in the appearance in the parks. He stated there are dumpsters in some of the higher use areas. Mr. Wohler stated he hasn’t heard of any complaints for the past ten or so years. Mr. Sturm stated there are some barrels by the Little Oshkosh playground. By in large, there are no problems with the parks not having trash cans. Seasonal crews police the area for trash in all of the parks. Mr. Dallman stated that seasonal crews service the shelters and restrooms for trash. For the most part, he is pleased with how clean these parks are. People need to police themselves and be more responsible. Mr. Siiman inquired if the Mayor had a specific request. Mr. Maurer stated no, just a simple request to put it on the agenda. Mr. Michelson stated he remembered that trash cans would be placed where the City sold concessions and noted a dumpster at Steiger Park and South Park. Mr. Sturm stated there is a dumpster at South Park, as well as a rolling dumpster at Menominee Park and at the Leach Amphitheater. Mr. Maurer stated at year end, he will report back as to the number of issues staff has during the summer. Mr. Poeschl stated that by not having one complaint, there is no concern. CITIZEN’S STATEMENTS There were no citizen’s statements. PARK DIRECTOR/STAFF REPORTS 1)General Parks Operations Update Mr. Maurer stated that the Riverside Park Riverwalk was approved by the City Council and today crews stated installing the security fence. Irish Fest was held over the weekend and noted that the Community Band will be th holding a concert at the Leach Amphitheater on June 16 that the Parks Department would be sponsoring and that staff would be working the concessions. He stated that Menominee Park diamond #4 had a fence project donated from the girls’ fast pitch club. 2)Landscape Operations Manager’s Report Mr. Sturm reported completion of the first phase of the Taking Root campaign and noted that 1,000 trees were planted. Crews will be embarking on additional planting phases. A community garden was started at Riverside ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE 5 JUNE 12, 2010 Cemetery. He noted there are a few vacancies in the Forestry Division. He wished to take this time to thank Chris Kirsch for his years of service and also to retired crew member, Harold Dekarske, for over 31 years of service. He had held interviews for candidates last Friday and hopes to have someone in place by mid-July. 3)Park Operations Manager’s Report Mr. Dallman wished to thank staff for their help during his transition. 4)Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Report Mr. Dobish stated the golf course has been open for almost three months already. He gave a brief description of the expenses to date and economical outlook for the coming year. Mr. Ziblut gave a brief background of the special events planned for the golf course for 2010 and noted that revenues to date are up 18%. He noted there have been 8,500 rounds of golf through May, 2010. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Wohler for adjournment; seconded by Siiman. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Wendorf Trish Wendorf Recording Secretary