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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD – SPECIAL PUBLIC INPUT MEETING MINUTES APRIL 25, 2012 Present: Bill Gogolewski, Jim Michelson, Bill Miller, Mark Philipp, Bob Poeschl, Allan Siman, Jonathan Wilson, Terry Wohler Excused: Victor Girens Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Parks Operations Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Trish Marks, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Chairman Gogolewski called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) Marion Stevenson, 1335 Fairview Street, stated that when she looks at Menominee Park, all she sees is “clutter”. She stated that the City’s biggest asset is being on the water and we are blocking the view of the water. Ms. Stevenson also stated she is against the observation tower project. She stated that the City needs to “undo” what has already been done to Menominee Park. Eric Smiltneek, 1855 Hickory Lane, suggested constructing a restroom facility or splash pad area to the north end of the park (Oaks Trail area). He noted he believes there is “sketchy activities” in the northern part of the park area and needs to be patrolled more frequently. After the Celebration of Lights event is over, the park quiets down. He suggested that during this quiet time people would like to enjoy ice skating or hockey and suggested that the lagoon area would be a good place to install those activities, which would make Menominee Park a year-round park. Helen Herlache, 1029 Hazel Street, stated she liked the “old” Comprehensive Plan guidelines and read into the record her comments and recommendations (said comments and recommendations on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). She stated she is opposed to having tournaments in Menominee Park. She suggested that the tournament groups approach the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation or other sponsors to purchase land to hold their tournaments on the west side of the City. Mr. Miller inquired of Ms. Herlache if she was referring to fishing tournaments or ball tournaments. Ms. Herlache stated she was referring to ball tournaments. Richard O’Day, 715 Hazel Street, stated he would like to see the gazebo (end of Irving Avenue by Miller’s Bay) remain in tact. He stated there is no reason to add any concession stands/buildings in the park as he enjoys the natural environment of the park. He stated that the restrooms by the Reetz ball diamonds should be upgraded and also suggested that restrooms be constructed at the most northern end of the park. Mr. O’Day stated he enjoys Menominee Park and although he is not a major fan of Sawdust Days, he does attend the event. Leslie Burns, 890Concordia Avenue, stated she was appearing on behalf of Oshkosh Youth Soccer (OYS). On behalf of OYS, she wished to thank the Board members and the city for allowing the club to use the fields and requested that the fields remain status quo. She noted that OYS is a non-profit group and they try to keep the fees low for their participants so that the families can enjoy playing soccer. ADVISORY PARK BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES PAGE TWO APRIL 25, 2012 Deb Lederhaus, 319 Oak Manor Drive, stated she was appearing on behalf of the Celebration of Lights (COL) committee. She requested that the gazebo remain in tact and requested that the Board not consider removing it as their group considers that area a wonderful part of the park. Don Kujawa, 655 West 19 Avenue, Mr. Kujawa stated he was appearing on behalf of both the COL Committee th and the Sawdust Days committee and reiterated that he would like to see the gazebo remain in it’s present location. He stated if it gets to the point that it becomes necessary to replace the cruiser dock panel, Sawdust Days would be willing to pay for the trenching to the underground cans to be able to hook up to the electrical/aerators for the lagoon. With respect to the stop signs at some of the crosswalks, he noted there are crosswalks where stop signs are not needed and “watch for pedestrians” signs would be more suitable. He stated that COL would be willing to pay for signs which he estimates would cost $250 - $300 each for four (4) areas that they could be used instead of stop signs. Tim Moore, 1719 Chestnut Street, requested that the City make it clear that dogs are not allowed in the park period. He stated it would be an enforcement nightmare to allow dogs in the park “with conditions on access”. Either the dogs are allowed or not allowed, but don’t make it an ordinance that dogs can be in the park on certain trails, leashed or other conditions as it is too confusing to the public. Mr. Kujawa inquired as to the time frame to accomplish the proposed projects? Mr. Maurer stated the Menominee Park Master Plan would cover a time period of 10-20 years. Jerry Diemel, 1706 Doty Street, suggested reconstruction of the Reetz ball diamonds. He stated he has been in other communities where the restrooms and concession stands are on the lower floor of one building with the scorebooths being located on the upper floor (2 story buildings) and it works well. He also suggested constructing a small shelter (similar to shelter #5) along the fence line by the Reetz ball diamonds to eliminate the clutter of things such as lawn chairs. PARK BUSINESS 1) Discuss Menominee Park Master Plan Mr. Maurer gave a brief background on the process. He introduced Jeff Bahling, Senior Landscape Architect for the Rettler Corporation of Stevens Point. Mr. Maurer explained the process for tonight’s meeting and noted that it is about incorporating the items listed in the Projects for Consideration sheet (said sheet on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes) into one or two conceptual plans that would come back to the Board on June 11 for review and approval. He read into the record two emails (said emails on file at the City th Parks office and made a part of these minutes) from Margy Davey who was representing both the League of Women Voters and the Sustainability Advisory Board. It was determined to break down the park in three sections and that the Board would review each section separately and then the park as a whole. With respect to paving roadways within the park, Mr. Poeschl inquired if it was known as to how old the infrastructure is under the roadways. Mr. Bahling stated he would need to do some research in that regard. As for the Cooper Bridge restoration, Mr. Maurer stated that consultants are looking at the reconstruction of the wing walls and are doing soil borings to see what needs to be done. Hopefully, there will be more information available as to the bridge restoration work later this summer. With respect to drainage in higher-use areas, it is proposed to add inlets or grading work done to make more areas slope to drains and adding installation of rain gardens. ADVISORY PARK BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES PAGE THREE APRIL 25, 2012 Mr. Miller inquired if there was a proposal about adding a youth diamond. Mr. Maurer stated it is proposed to make diamond #8 a multi-use diamond. Mr. Bahling stated that Al Wenig, Director of the Oshkosh Recreation Department, had stated that there is a need for another field, but was not sure if that field would be at Menominee Park. Mr. Michelson inquired as to the status of the ball diamond by the Melvin Street pump station. Mr. Maurer stated that the baseline fencing needs to be installed (120-ft. on each side at the end of the back stop). With respect to the reconstruction of the Reetz Fields complex, Mr. Maurer stated staff is working with user groups to improve the diamond area, but there are no plans to add new fields. With respect to the tie-up docks in Miller’s Bay by the train tracks, Mr. Wohler stated that there is plenty of money available for those improvements in the boat launch fees account. Mr. Maurer stated while there is money in that account for boat launch area improvements, there is a need to start identifying those projects and their costs. In regard to the Little Oshkosh playground, Mr. Poeschl requested that the playground be more handicapped accessible, especially with regard to paved access to the playground itself and the swing area. The Sea, Sand & Sailorland playground needs pour in place materials as well. Mr. Michelson stated that the trails were the #1 user feature from the past survey results. He stated that the trails are very good, but they could use some minor tweaks, such as at the south entrance – there needs to be a “loop” connector behind the beach house from the lakeshore area to the existing trail. On the Oaks Trail area, there is a 15-20 ft. connector needed to connect the Oaks Trail to Ames Point. With respect to trail usage during special events (from May through August) he suggested a spur or temporary trail be installed so that the existing trail is not blocked during those special events. A temporary spur or trail could be placed behind the special events; i.e., by the water to the edge of the road making a “loop”. Mr. Siman suggested expanding the width of the trails to 12 ft. instead of looping the trails. Mr. Miller inquired as to what is the trend for dogs in the parks? Mr. Maurer stated that more communities are dog-friendly and the issue of allowing leashed dogs in the park needs to be addressed in the near future. Mr. Bahling stated with respect to the Ames Point/most northern area of the park, one of the ideas that was discussed was the addition of a restroom in that area or a shade shelter. He stated there is a bunch of concrete slabs along the water edge and those edges need to be cleaned up. He suggested installation of natural plantings around the waterway area and at the intersections to brighten those spaces with prairie plantings. Mr. Michelson stated he would like to see the pilot program plantings first and then make a determination as to what should be planted where. Mr. Poeschl stated the intent is to bring the park back to a more natural state and he is on board with moving forward without a test case. He is of the opinion that past studies show that bringing shorelines to their original state is to the public’s benefit. ADVISORY PARK BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES PAGE FOUR APRIL 25, 2012 Chairman Gogolewski questioned if installation of a significant amount of nature plantings is being proposed, would that not hinder the fishing. Mr. Wohler stated that cattails grow tall and if they get along the shoreline that would block the vision of the water. He stated he would also like to see what they look like before installation. Mr. Sturm stated no invasive species are being planned for that area, including cattails. Terrestrial water type plants or prairie plants are being proposed (nothing that would get higher than 2 ft.). Mr. Sturm stated he would provide the Board with photographs of the proposed plantings. Mr. Michelson suggested that staff tread lightly and noted that he would like to see the proposed plantings first as he is concerned with the public’s view of the water and the fishing. Mr. Maurer stated that one of the conceptual plans will include prairie plantings. Mr. Miller inquired as to restrooms on the northern end of the park. Mr. Maurer suggested considering restrooms themselves, a shelter containing restrooms, or installation of portable toilets. Mr. Miller stated he prefers the idea of an aestheically pleasing shelter with a parking area for about thirty people. Mr. Poeschl stated that he has observed a considerable amount of weddings at the northern end of the park. While he is not 100% sure that a shelter is needed, he believes one would be used a lot. He is opposed to the removal of any trees for the installation of a shelter and/or restroom. Mr. Bahling stated that the recent survey reflected that the public would like to see a more uniform type of buildings/shelters so that they all match aesthically. Mr. Siman suggested that shelter/restroom be installed across from the well house instead of adding another building to a different area in the park. Mr. Michelson stated he is not against the installation of a restroom, but he is not keen on another shelter being constructed. He would like the northern area kept as green space. Mr. Philipp stated that if the restrooms were constructed as far north and east as possible from the “horseshoe” area that would interrupt fewer people than necessary. Mr. Maurer concurred with Mr. Philipp and stated the conceptual plan will reflect the construction of a restroom facility. It was the consensus of the Board that a “loop” connector to the trail was not needed from the fishing pier to the north. With respect to the middle section of the park, it was noted that this area is very tight and needs to be improved especially by the Irving Avenue entrance area. Chairman Gogolewski stated he would like the gazebo to remain. ADVISORY PARK BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES PAGE FIVE APRIL 25, 2012 Mr. Miller stated he would like to have the ball diamond area improved. Mr. Maurer stated that the parking area needs expansion. He suggested that the volleyball courts could be relocated to the south of the park by the beach or tennis court area. Mr. Poeschl inquired if the green space north of the gazebo needed to be retained or could be used for the parking expansion. Mr. Wohler stated he would like the gazebo to remain in place as well. Mr. Maurer suggested moving the Miller’s Bay on-land storage which would make room for more tie-up docks north of the boat launch area. Mr. Poeschl stated we need to keep a handle on the parking availability for the special events. Mr. Maurer stated more handicapped parking area could be made available if the whole parking area was redesigned. With respect to the southern section of the park, Mr. Bahling suggested that the Parkway Avenue entrance could be redesigned to allow for more parking. The Board was unsure if that was possible since the Parkway Avenue entrance/exit is an outlet for fishing tournaments, the 4 of July fireworks and other large special events. th Mr. Maurer suggested a reorientation of ball diamonds #1 and #4. Mr. Miller pointed out that the area in the middle of the two ball diamonds is quite low. Mr. Poeschl stated that the idea of additional parking spaces in the area by Little Oshkosh on Merritt Avenue is a good idea. It was the consensus of the Board to explore the possibility of expanding the parking in the area south of the beach. It was also the consensus of the Board to rebuild the bathhouse, but not to make it a year-round facility. Mr. Michelson suggested a trail expansion (loop) by Merritt Avenue to the existing trail. Mr. Poeschl inquired if the water testing of the beach area would continue and Mr. Maurer stated it would. Mr. Bahling suggested that the Chief Oshkosh statute would be cleaned up and secondary trails added. With respect to the proposed tower project, Mr. Maurer stated that Roy Duxstad of the Southwest Rotary Club had requested that the tower project remain in the master plan. It was the Club’s request that the tower could be placed north of the beach house. None of the Board members wish to have the tower placed north of Merritt Avenue in the park. Mr. Maurer stated that the Kiwanis shelter is in need of restoration and there is a possibility of the building being moved to the east. Discussion ensued relative to the Kiwanis shelter and an idea of combining the parking lots of the Kiwanis shelter and the amusement concession stand together with a multi-purpose shelter/concession stand being constructed. ADVISORY PARK BOARD SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES PAGE SIX APRIL 25, 2012 Discussion ensued relative to the placement of a skating rink in the lagoon area by the amusements. Mr. Sturm explained the aeration system and noted that the system might not be operational during the winter months. Mr. Dallman stated the operation of the aeration system would be dependent on the oxygen levels in the lagoon and noted that tests would need to be performed first to determine if the aeration system would need to be operational during the winter months. It was the consensus of the Board to place a skating rink in one of the conceptual plans for the park. Mr. Maurer stated that on June 11 there would be an open house for the conceptual Menominee Park Master th Plan from 4:30 – 6:00 PM and that the Advisory Park Board meeting would be held at its usual time beginning at 6:00 PM to refine the plan. The plan then would go before the Planning Commission and the City Council for review and approval. It is hoped to have the entire plan completed by August/September 2012. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Wohler for adjournment; seconded by Miller. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary