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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES APRIL 9, 2012 Present: Victor Girens, Bill Gogolewski, Jim Michelson, Mark Philipp, Bob Poeschl, Terry Wohler Excused: Bill Miller, Allan Siman, Jonathan Wilson Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Trish Marks, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Wohler for approval of the March 12, 2012 minutes, as submitted. Seconded by Girens. Motion carried 6-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1) Discuss installation of rain barrels at Stevens Park by Stevens Park Neighborhood Association Mr. Maurer gave a brief background on the request. He stated that Park staff members would like to see the following items addressed: 1) the barrels should be covered and the downspouts positioned to pour directly into the barrel; 2) work with the Parks staff to secure the rain barrels to the shelter; 3) barrels should be of a color that is aesthetically pleasing to the neighborhood. Ron Hansche, 52 Eveline Street, stated he is a member of the steering committee of the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association. There is a shelter in the park with brown rain gutters and connectors and the barrels would be of a color to match that shelter. It is proposed to have the barrels placed approximately 24- inches off the grade so buckets/sprinkle cans fit under them. He distributed a picture of the proposed barrels (said pictures on file at the City Parks Department and made a part of these minutes). Mr. Michelson inquired as to how many barrels would be installed. Mr. Hansche stated two, one on each side of the shelter. Mr. Wohler stated this is a good idea. Mr. Girens wanted to reiterate that the barrels should be attached to the shelter to deter vandals from tipping them over. Mr. Hansche assured the Board that the barrels would be secured (connected) to the shelter. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board members to allow the installation of rain barrels at Stevens Park by the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association contingent upon 1) the barrels should be covered and the downspouts positioned to pour directly into the barrel; 2) work with the Parks staff to secure the rain barrels to the shelter; 3) barrels should be of a color that is aesthetically pleasing to the neighborhood. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO APRIL 9, 2012 2)Discuss potential donation of train car for Fugelberg Park Mr. Maurer gave a brief overview of the request. He stated that Fugelberg Park was the better location for the train as it would be a nice attraction going in and out of the city. Paul Esslinger, 2350 High Oak Drive, gave a brief historic background of the train car at issue. He introduced Paul O’Connor, engineer for the Canadian National Railway. The train car is presently in Green Bay Museum. The Museum would like to donate the train to the City of Oshkosh because this train came through the city. He noted that the diesel engine is not in the engine itself. Mr. Esslinger then reviewed the proposed Soo Line Engine #715 cost list (said list on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). Mr. Philipp inquired if the surrounding neighborhood of Fugelberg Park were involved in the site location process. Mr. Maurer stated the Fugelberg Park neighbors were not notified at this time. He then explained the approval and notification process. Chairman Gogolewski stated he sees this train becoming a playground. Mr. Maurer stated that staff checked with other communities that have train cars and they have installed fencing and that is something that may need to be addressed with this request. Recreational immunity needs to be checked into for liability purposes. Mr. Michelson stated that he likes the idea, but he is not sure about the proposed site. There are a lot of kids that practice softball and soccer (sports activities) in Fugelberg Park. Mr. Esslinger stated that there were 10-15 different locations that were proposed and his ultimate choice would be along Michigan Street. Mr. Maurer stated he discussed the Michigan Street location with Allen Davis (Community Development Director) and Mark Rohloff, City Manager who indicated they were uncomfortable about installing the train in that location as it might impede with the redevelopment of that area. Mr. Michelson stated he had walked the Fugelberg Park site on Saturday and reaffirmed that he didn’t think it would be a good location. Mr. Philipp stated that the railroad locomotive is huge and with a base and roof, it would be more like a two- story structure. If kids could play on it, then he could see it in the City’s park. He did not think it is consistent with the park plan. Mr. Philipp inquired if a better location would be an industrial park. Chairman Gogolewski suggested the location of the former train depot on Broad Street. Mr. Wohler suggested the property off South Main Street by old Coca Cola Plant – the site that used to house a caboose. Mr. O’Connor stated the caboose is no longer there as there was a operational need for it. Blended Waxes used it at their plant to move cars in and out of the company’s property. The caboose is now in Neenah. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE APRIL 9, 2012 Mr. O’Connor stated the engine is in good shape. In Appleton there is a park that has a steam engine and noted that Stevens Point has one steam engine and a wooden caboose with a walkway/decking up to the height of the engine so people can look into the engine. He also noted that Fond du Lac has a train on display. Mr. Esslinger stated if anyone has a suggestion as to possible location, he is willing to listen. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to 20 Avenue along the airport property as he felt it would be more visible at that th location. He inquired if it is considered a parks donation? Mr. Maurer stated the Parks Department would be the appropriate body at this point as they would most likely assume maintenance responsibility for it. Mr. Philipp inquired if the museum property was considered. Mr. Esslinger stated no, but thinking about that, the museum would probably want an older artifact. Mr. Esslinger and the Board agreed that further consideration must be given to possible locations and discussed at a later date. 3)Discussion of Menominee Park Master Plan existing inventory, conditions and public input Mr. Maurer gave a brief overview of the process and noted that there was a press release about the survey being available. On Wednesday a public input meeting was held at the Senior Center with good results and comments. Jeff Bahling, Senior Landscape Architect for the Rettler Corporation of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, stated he is not surprised at the amount of feedback because this is a popular park. Mr. Maurer reviewed the timeline and gave a PowerPoint presentation. ™ Mr. Bahling stated that discussion was held with user groups who noted that “needs” are the most important factor. The user groups went over the survey results which contained a lot of compliments about the park. With respect to the user group surveys, the majority suggested maintenance upkeep as the most important. Mr. Maurer stated that staff met with the Parks crew today for about an hour and sat down with management staff the day before to gather their comments and observations. Mr. Bahling stated that talking with the people that really work in the park is important as their input is invaluable. It is important to have a vision map for the future to move forward in a logical manner. CITIZEN STATEMENTS (Items not listed on the Agenda) Jeannie Hyett, 1271 Merrill, stated this is the first city that she has lived in that does not allow dogs in parks. It is her opinion that dog owners are practically banned from using city parks. She stated that the quality of life for all dog owners would be improved by allowing dogs in parks. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR APRIL 9, 2012 PARK DIRECTORS REPORT Mr. Maurer distributed final approved Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Plan (both plans on file at the City parks office and made a part of these minutes). He noted that a special Advisory Park Board meeting is scheduled for April 25 at 6:30 in room 404 of City Hall to discuss the th Menominee Park Master Plan. He also noted that on May 14 at 6 PM the regularly scheduled Advisory Park th Board meeting will be held. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Wohler for adjournment; seconded by Poeschl Motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:12 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary