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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES OCTOBER 11, 2010 Present: Victor Girens, Bill Gogolewski, Jim Michelson, Mark Philipp, Bob Poeschl, Allan Siiman, Terry Wohler Excused: Tony Duff, Bob Freid Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Parks Operations Manager; Dave Patek, Director of Public Works; Steve Dobish, Lakeshore Golf Course General Manager; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Trish Wendorf, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Chairman Gogolewski called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Wohler for approval of the August 9, 2010 minutes, as submitted. Seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 7-0. Motion by Wohler for approval of the September 13, 2010 minutes, as submitted. Seconded by Siiman. Motion carried 7-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1)Approve Rain Garden Project at Sawyer Creek Park Mr. Maurer introduced Dave Patek, Director of Public Works, to the Board. Mr. Patek distributed a large-scale aerial map depicting the boundaries of the Sawyer Creek Park area affected by the proposal (said map on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). He gave a brief background of the Utica Energy lawsuit and terms of the Agreement (said Agreement on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). He explained that the Ethanol Plant had gotten into some problems with water discharge to Sawyer Creek. The Agreement proposed was that $25,000 be given to the City of Oshkosh and $25,000 to Winnebago County to be used as a storm water management project, but it had to be in Sawyer Creek Park. From what the Department of Public Works has looked at, the School District (Carl Traeger Middle School) has a dry detention basin in the northwest corner of the property, but they don’t have any water quality feature associated with their detention basin. He noted there are some wet lands and there is a ditch that goes into the Sawyer Creek. In essence, what the Board would be approving would be this storm water management feature (rain garden) to be built on this park property (north side of the trail). The Storm Water Utility Committee has previously approved accepting $25,000 and if okay with Parks Board, Public Works staff would meet with a rain garden design company. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO OCTOBER 11, 2010 Mr. Michelson inquired as to what a rain garden is. Mr. Patek explained it is a planted depression (removal of soil) that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas like walkways, driveways, and compacted lawns the opportunity to be absorbed. It would be a removal of soil so that the water that is coming out from the drainage way would be diverted into it. There would be prairie plants so that there is a way for the water to go into the soil. If there is too much water, there’d be an overflow pipe that would take it into Sawyer Creek drainage way. The water that would come into this nature area would soak in and go back into the ground water. This is a great way to provide good water quality. Mr. Michelson questioned conditions of overflow? In a normal storm would the trail flood? Mr. Patek stated with the culvert under the trail, if water gets too high it would overflow into the pipe. It would go into the creek, not the trail. Mr. Girens questioned if the $25,000 would cover the entire project. Mr. Patek stated it has to be as it is a cap. Motion by Siiman to approve the rain garden project as presented. Seconded by Wohler. Motion carried 7-0. 2)Discuss Menominee Park River Otter Exhibit Mr. Maurer gave a brief background of the proposed conceptual design plan (said plan on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). The Zoological Society is already forming a fundraising committee that would like to get together to start doing some fundraising for this project. Staff had included in the parks budget for this year that will be carried over to next year, $75,000 for this project ($5,000 for architectural fees, $70,000 for construction). In addition, the Zoological Society has some funding from the Ryan fund through the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation and we would be partnering with them along with any fundraising monies they acquire. In essence, we would be team working with Zoological Society on this project. Preliminary cost for this river otter exhibit project amounts to the $300,000 range that has some contingency built in there. Park staff could do some in-house work construction as they did with the other existing exhibits, which will save some dollars. Terry Steele, of the Oshkosh Zoological Society, stated that a few years ago when the original zoo master plan came out, the river otter exhibit was in a different location from what is now being proposed. When the Zoological Society discussed alternatives, we were told from the Foundation that through the Ryan Fund there was $60,000 designated specifically for an exhibit and we then decided on the otter exhibit. He stated that every year he goes to the national zoo and aquarium conference and he has never heard of any river otter exhibit that comes under five million dollars, so he feels $300,000 is a good price for what is being proposed. With respect to the design of the exhibit, he explained that otters need pools and people prefer glass exhibits with under-water viewing. Chairman Gogolewski inquired exactly where this proposed exhibit would be located? Mr. Steele stated it would be constructed directly behind the wolf area by the old prairie dog exhibit. Mr. Michelson questioned the funding. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE OCTOBER 11, 2010 Mr. Maurer reiterated that in the 2010 Revenue Facilities budget, we had $75,000 – of that $35,000 was coming from the Harenburg Fund for improvements to the zoo and another $5,800 we utilized from the Ryan Fund for architectural fees and the remaining $32,000 is coming from fund balance in the revenue facilities budget. This budget was approved in 2009 for 2010, but because of staff changes, the project was delayed and monies were carried over. Mr. Poeschl inquired if any of the funds were coming from tax money? Mr. Maurer stated no, not from tax levy . The monies in the revenue facilities budget are derived from zoo donations, etc. Discussion ensued relative to the cost of maintaining the exhibits at the zoo. Mr. Maurer stated that the parks maintenance staff handles the maintenance aspect (i.e. cleaning windows, pool filtering of water, removal of sand and trees away from the pool area, etc). Consensus of the Board to agree to allow the Zoological Society to proceed with fund raising efforts to support this project. 3)Approve 2011 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Mr. Maurer distributed a new list of 2011 CIP projects to the Board (said list on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). He stated in meeting with Dave Patek, Director of Public Works, they looked at a number of aerials and site plans at Red Arrow Park and they were advised not to do any construction over there because it was a landfill at one time. In discussions with the City Street Departments staff, we were able to include in the parks operations budget, the sum of $5,000 for removal of the black top in the worse area from the parking lot entrance and top if off with a better base and asphalt over it. We also need to replace some cracked curbing from the parking lot area so that the water will flow better. The City’s Street Department will be working with us on that as well and will only be charging us the costs for materials. In the meantime, staff will be contacting engineering firms to take a look at the entire parking lot to see what can be done in the future. Right now, there are too many unknowns to do anything. In view of the items mentioned, the Phase I park lighting of the Red Arrow Park has been removed from the list as well. He stated that the Menominee Park central restrooms remain a high priority since that building has heavy use. Mr. Maurer reported that the City’s Electrician suggested that Rainbow Park be put high on the list because there are some light posts that are fiberglass and starting to peel. After the park tour staff decided to do the South Park splash pad project in-house to save expense. After viewing the athletic facilities, Mr. Dallman noted that the bleachers at Spanbauer Field need to be replaced due to maintenance and safety issues. The bleacher codes have changed recently. The Rainbow Park BMX equipment needs to be removed (old wooden equipment). The BXM members will be doing fundraising for new equipment. Mr. Poeschl inquired what’s going to stop them from rebuilding with new wood features? Mr. Maurer stated that meetings have been held with the BMX committee and they understand our concerns and are aware that they won’t be allowed to bring in any more equipment on their own. Mr. Michelson stated he was glad the Menominee Park restroom project was left in and inquired if staff was considering building a new restroom. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR OCTOBER 11, 2010 Mr. Dallman stated that most of the plumbing is in dire need of replacement and sections of the floor have separated. It was determined that the current restroom would be torn down and rebuilt in the similar location. Mr. Michelson inquired about the Taking Root program. Mr. Maurer stated this would be the second year of the City’s commitment/portion with the Oshkosh Community Foundations $150,000 matching donation. Mr. Michelson stated that the sidewalk/trails need attention too. Mr. Maurer stated staff has made note of that. In the future park plan that will be noted as well with cost estimates. Mr. Siiman questioned if the list was in priority of staff or the Board? Mr. Maurer stated it was staff’s priority based upon staff’s review. Discussion ensued as to list priorities. Discussion ensued as to just modifying the #5 green at Lakeshore Golf Course rather than reconstructing it. Mr. Dobish did not feel that was do-able because it becomes a maintenance issue. If we can’t do it right, then don’t do it. Mr. Wohler suggested: #1 Consulting fees for the comprehensive plan, #2 Menominee Park restrooms, #3 Road repairs at the cemetery, #4 Taking Root trees, #5 the shelter at the golf course, and #6 replace the bleachers at Spanbauer Field. Mr. Siiman questioned the road repairs at the Cemetery. Mr. Poeschl stated the Cemetery is used for various events and not just for “cemetery” needs. Mr. Michelson stated that the restrooms at Menominee Park need to be kept in. The rest of the order of priorities per Mr. Wohler sounded good to him. Mr. Poeschl challenged the priority of the shelter at the golf course as he would prefer more updating of the lighting in the parks for safety reasons. Mr. Michelson likes the top 5 that Mr. Wohler presented, but would like the remaining items numbered as well. Chairman Gogolewski stated that he would switch the bleachers; being a safety issue, become #5 and the shelter at Lakeshore become #6. Motion by Michelson for listing priorities as follows: #1 Consulting fees for the comprehensive plan, #2 Menominee Park restrooms, #3 Road repairs at the cemetery, #4 Taking Root trees, #5 replace the bleachers at Spanbauer Field, #6 the shelter at the golf course, #7 park lighting Phase I at Rainbow Park; #8 rebuilding green #5 at Lakeshore and #9 Rainbow Park BMX equipment. Seconded by Poeschl. Motion carried 7-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items Not on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FIVE OCTOBER 11, 2010 DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer reported that he is working with the League of Women Voters on historical park signs relative to verbiage and history. They have looked at samples from other communities and states for samples and are hoping to come forward with some further information in the near future. PARK OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dallman reported that crews are working on the Sawyer Creek trail boardwalk damage that was from 2008 when the flood took place. They are completing the re-leveling of that boardwalk (from Carl Traeger School to Wellington Avenue) with FEMA funds and hopefully it will be completed next week. Crews are renovating the Stoegbauer Athletic field; they are removing and replacing the fences and doing diamond work with money received through the Fast Pitch Program. Crews are also doing shut-down of facilities for the season and maintaining turf areas. LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Sturm was absent, but Mr. Maurer reported that Forestry crews are working on tree planting list and doing presentations with Eileen from the Oshkosh Foundation on the Taking Root Campaign. He is also working on DNR grant funding for projects. REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT th Ms. McCollian gave a presentation on the 8 Annual Menominee Park Zooloween Boo event which will be held th on two days this year, to-wit: October 23 and 24. She stated there will be 40+ Trick N Treat stations, concessions, entertainment galore and lots of activities, crafts and games for the children. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children and runs from 11 AM until 4 PM on both days. She stated they are still looking for volunteers and encouraged the public to help out. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Wohler for adjournment; seconded by Siiman. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Wendorf Trish Wendorf Recording Secretary