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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES JUNE 11, 2012 Present: Victor Girens, Bill Gogolewski, Jim Michelson, Bill Miller, Mark Philipp, Bob Poeschl, Allan Siman, Jonathan Wilson, Terry Wohler Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Parks Operations Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager; Steve Dobish, Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Manager; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Trish Marks, Recording Secretary Guests: Jeff Bahling, Senior Landscape Architect for the Rettler Corporation of Stevens Point 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 April 9, 2012 minutes, as submitted. Seconded by Miller. Motion carried 9-0. Motion by Wohler for approval of the April 25, 2012 (Special Meeting) minutes, as submitted. Seconded by Miller. Motion carried 9-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1) Discuss/recommend extending the Fox River No-Wake Zone from 1,200 feet to 1,600 feet south of the Oshkosh/Congress Avenue bridge Mr. Maurer gave a brief background on the request. He stated that prior to the Memorial Day holiday, staff had received concerns from citizens relative to the current placement of the buoy in question. According to the current Ordinance, the buoy is to be placed from a point 1,200 feet south/downstream of the bridge. Representatives from Spellman’s Marina stated that the placement of the buoys in the present location causes concern as it affects the safety at the gas pumps. It is requested to change the Ordinance to 1,600 feet south/downstream of the Oshkosh/Congress Avenue bridge versus the 1,200 feet. The first reading of the ordinance change is scheduled for Tuesday, June 12 and the second reading most likely at the June 26th th Council meeting. The DNR would have the final say of the slow no-wake zone request. He stated he had received an email from Jeff Hager on behalf of Mercury Marine Plant 33 (said copy of email on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes) supporting the no-wake buoy extension. Tim Dobberstein, 1519 Sheboygan Street, owner of Spellman’s Marine, wished to thank the Board for working with him on this request. He stated since the buoy was moved to the present location (per the Ordinance), there have been some small gas spills. Mr. Wohler stated that 25+ years ago, he and Boots Spellman worked together to help create the ordinance for the no-wake zone at this location. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO JUNE 11, 2012 Mr. Maurer stated that Mr. Wohler was correct and noted that the DNR had originally approved the permit for placement of the buoy in 1988. Motion by Miller to recommend extending the Fox River No-Wake Zone from 1,200 feet to 1,600 feet south of the Oshkosh/Congress Avenue bridge; seconded by Poeschl. Motion carried 9-0. 2)Review Menominee Park conceptual Master Plans Jeff Bahling, Senior Landscape Architect for the Rettler Corporation of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, gave a brief synopsis of both of the conceptual plans. He noted that the proposed observation tower was not addressed in either of the plans. Pam Elmer, 1319 Lawndale Street, stated she prefers conceptual plan “A” more than “B” and noted she is not in favor of the proposed naturalized planting areas. It seems to her that the proposed prairie plantings would deter people from getting to the water. Mr. Sturm stated the idea of the naturalized planting areas was started with the Sustainability Board to demonstrate what could be done with shorelines. The purpose is to filter water that flows off turf/paved areas. The prairie plantings are proposed to be approximately 2-ft. tall. Joe Malecki, 1308 Menominee Drive, stated he likes the trails in conceptual plan “A” and noted that the main issue he has with the sustainable area is that it may be taking away park (green space) areas. If it is for sustainability, what is it sustaining? He also inquired as to where the money is coming from for all the proposed improvements to Menominee Park? Plan “A” with docks and a restroom would be a necessary evil. Mr. Maurer explained most projects are items that the Board needs to look at for grant money, partnerships and CIP monies. Mr. Malecki stated if the City accepts any money from any groups, those funds usually come with strings attached. Mr. Maurer explained that the City adopted a gift policy and noted that the City Council would need to approve the acceptance of any funds received. Mr. McGinley, 1516 Menominee Drive, stated Menominee Park looks great. He would prefer to see the area from New York Avenue to Ames Point left alone as green space. Reni Lynch, 1265 Huron Court, stated the parks department has been doing a great job over the past years maintaining Menominee Park. She inquired as to the expectations of the pilot project with the prairie grass. She stated a restroom is needed in the area by Ames Point. Ruth McGinley, 1516 Menominee Drive, stated she is opposed to vegetation/buffer that is proposed in both of the conceptual plans. She inquired as to how the plantings will affect the neighborhood and the view of the lake. She is opposed to the construction of the restrooms at the north end of the park. If a shelter is constructed in that area, the circle will become full of cars and that will force on-street parking. Jim Rothe, 1007 Hazel Street, inquired if the proposed new restroom would be a year round facility, as that is really needed. Mr. Maurer stated that determination has not been made to date as these are conceptual plans. He noted that the new central restrooms are heated. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE JUNE 11, 2012 Mr. Rothe stated he would prefer plantings such as water lilies in the water rather than vegetation on the shoreline. Mr. Sturm stated water plantings such as lilies are proposed to be planted, they just haven’t been installed yet. Mr. Rothe inquired if the DNR would allow dredging along the area that is proposed to have riprap. Mr. Maurer stated that issue has not been addressed to date and concurred that the DNR would have to approve any proposed dredging. Mr. Rothe stated he prefers conceptual plan “A”. Peg Larson, 110 Stoney Beach Road, stated she really likes the proposed additional parking areas, the soccer space, and the baseball diamond reconfiguration (back to back). Ms. Larson stated she prefers conceptual plan “A”. She noted that the County Park has a naturalized area and students like to watch the butterflies and she feels that is a great experience for the students. Kathy Propp, 1936 Hazel Street, stated she was present on behalf of the League of Women Voters and herself personally. Her group supports the natural plantings, but noted that the do not have to be along the entire shoreline and suggested that they remain in the plan for the time being. She stated there is a need for a shelter at the north end of the park, but they would not like to see a concrete bunker. A modest structure with a functional restroom/open shelter would be sufficient. They are opposed to lights being installed with the proposed softball diamond across from Webster Stanley School in conceptual plan “A”. Jan Beck, 1332 Menominee Drive, requested that the area of Miller’s Bay remain in tact the way it is and noted that she likes various points of each plan. She does not wish to see a restroom built at the north end of the park. North end of park area Mr. Poeschl likes the look out point and fish platform on Conceptual Plan “A” as does Mr. Michelson. Restroom – north end It was the consensus of the Board that they prefer Plan “A” with a small footprint for the restroom as well as spur (15-20 feet). Nature Plantings Mr. Poeschl stated it is not the intent to have nature plantings along the entire shoreline. Discussion ensued relative to the removal/retention of the proposed plantings in the plan. Mr. Poeschl stated they should be kept in the plan and if they are not planted, it’s better than not having them in the plan at all. Mr. Philipp suggested a compromise of putting the plantings between the water and the street in areas that are already obstructing the view of the lake. Mr. Wilson stated the proposed plantings should remain in the plan. Mr. Gogolewski stated he doesn’t like the idea of them being in the plan because sometimes things happen because they are in a plan. It was the consensus of the Board to revisit the proposed naturalized plantings in 3-5 years, but they not be shown in any proposed plans at this time. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR JUNE 11, 2012 Sidewalks Discussion ensued relative to widening the existing sidewalks to 12 feet closer to the shoreline. It was the consensus of the Board to approve Plan “A” for shared usage from New York Avenue to the Reetz ball diamonds. As for shared usage from New York Avenue to Siewart Trail, it was the consensus not to leave that in Plan “A”. Existing ball fields Mr. Miller stated this is the only place to put it so it’s not in front of the school and homes and noted there is a need for more ball diamonds. Mr. Michelson and Mr. Gogolewski are against the installation of any ball diamond lighting and fencing. Mr. Girens is opposed to any lighting of diamonds. It was the consensus of the Board to have diamonds as proposed with no lights and enclosed fencing. Mr. Maurer noted that there would be some concrete under the bleachers to help with the maintenance. South of Siewert Trail It was the consensus of the Board to use Plan “A” with the addition of 45 parking stalls (Plan “B”) and a buffer zone; no trail along the roadway. Mr. Dallman suggested Plan “A” – aerial lights around perimeters and eliminate the median islands as they are a maintenance issue. Page 3 of Plans It was the consensus to have angled parking on the south side of Irving Avenue; move the volleyball court more north of Parkway in the open space; basketball and soccer remain where they are; ball diamonds with lights are okay south of Parkway Avenue. Plan “A” from Parkway Avenue to Merritt Avenue; moving the diamonds with lights and fencing and moving the trail a little more towards Merritt Avenue. The trail from Hazel Street to Pratt trail which encircles the tennis courts is fine. Beach House area It was the consensus of the Board to go with Plan “A” with the elimination of one of the volleyball courts. Chief Oshkosh area It was the consensus of the Board to go with Plan “A”. Kiwanis shelter/amusement area It was the consensus of the Board to go with Plan “A”. Cooper Wells Bridge area Mr. Maurer stated with respect to the pit walls, there is a meeting scheduled with the City Manager and the City’s Engineering Department for repair work and will be including in the CIP for next year. Ice rink area It was the consensus of the Board to have an ice rink the lagoon in the big pond. Cross walks It was the consensus of the Board for approval of the stamped payment with brick in Plan “B”. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FIVE JUNE 11, 2012 Mr. Bahling and his staff will make the changes/proposals and email them to Mr. Maurer with cost estimates which will be discussed with the Board at the August Board meeting. 3) Discuss/recommend request by Oshkosh Public Museum to move Hikers Monument to Museum grounds Mr. Maurer gave a brief background on the proposed request and noted that staff supports the request. Mr. Philipps inquired as to who would pay for the move of the monument. Mr. Maurer stated the expense of moving the monument would be the museum’s responsibility. Mr. Michelson stated if the monument is moved from Hiker’s Monument area, the park may have to be renamed. Motion by Girens for approval of the request by Oshkosh Public Museum to move Hikers Monument to Museum grounds. Seconded by Wilson. Motion carried 9-0. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer reported that the Tuesday night concerts at the Leach Amphitheater begin on June 19. He stated th that Allen Davis, Director of Community Development will be in attendance at the July Board meeting . Mr. Maurer stated he is currently and will continue working with the inclusive playground groups. PARK OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dallman reported staff is working on opening the athletic fields and restrooms as well as landscaping projects. He noted there are a lot of special events and tournaments (fishing and baseball) scheduled for the upcoming months which staff is preparing for. He reported that there are some mechanical issues with the Pollock Community Water Park, but noted staff is working on them. LANDSCAPE OPERATION’S MANAGER REPORT Mr. Sturm reported it has been a busy spring already and noted that his staff has planted approximately 500 trees to date this year. With the dry weather, his staff has been kept busy doing watering and other landscape features. His staff is also working at the Riverside Cemetery landscaping to make sure it looks good for Memorial Day. LAKESHORE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dobish noted that March, April and May revenues were up. He stated that the junior program began today in cooperation with the Oshkosh Recreation Department. The road construction hasn’t been too detrimental to the golf course. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE SIX JUNE 11, 2012 REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian stated her staff has been very busy since the opening of the amusements and zoo in May. She reported that the new water equipment (aqua bikes/pontoons) are a hit and are always being rented. The Pollock Community Water Park opened on June 1 and has had a record of attendance to date. She reported st that the Snooze at the Zoo event was held on June 9-10 and they had 105 campers. She announced that the Community Band will be holding a free concert at the Leach Amphitheater on June 13 and noted that Parks th staff will be selling concessions. She encouraged the Board members and public to attend. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Siman for adjournment; seconded by Miller. Motion carried 9-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary