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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2012 Present: Victor Girens, Bill Gogolewski, Jim Michelson, Bill Miller, Mark Philipp, Bob Poeschl, Jonathan Wilson, Terry Wohler Excused: Allan Siman Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Parks Operations Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager; Steve Dobish, Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course 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 June 11, 2012 minutes, as submitted. Seconded by Girens. Motion carried 7-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1)Election of Officers Motion by Wohler that Gogolewski serve as Chairman. Seconded by Girens. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstaining (Gogolewski). Motion by Girens that Wohler serve as Vice Chair. Seconded by Miller. Motion carried 6-0 with 1 abstaining (Wohler). 2)Discuss Menominee Park Master Plan Mr. Maurer gave a brief overview of the process of the input and steps that were followed for approval of the Menominee Park Master Plan to date. He reported that on August 6, 2012, he gave a presentation to the Sustainability Advisory Board with respect to the plan and last Wednesday he gave another presentation before the League of Women Voters, neighborhood individuals as well as general citizens at Menominee Park. Jeff Bahling, Senior Landscape Architect for the Rettler Corporation of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, gave a brief synopsis of each section (north, central, south) of the proposed Menominee Park Master Plan. Northern Section Mr. Bahling stated that riprap is shown along the entire northern section of the map, but noted that is just conceptual. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO AUGUST 13, 2012 Pat Nichols, 2821 Stoney Beach, representing the Audubon Society, stated the Society had received a grant last year for shoreland restoration for $500 and local chapter matched that grant which went for educational purposes. She stated that the pilot program area is only in its first year of growth and there is some weeding that needs to be done. Their group would like to see more areas ear-marked for prairie plantings. Mr. Philipp stated with regard to maintenance, he recently saw piles of plants that were pulled from the pilot area. Ms. Nichols stated that those plantings were weeds (ragweed and thistle) that a volunteer had pulled. She noted the volunteer is an expert gardener from the Audubon Society and the Wild Ones. Margy Davey, 885 Portside Court, representing the League of Women Voter’s, urged the Board to put the prairie plantings north of New York Avenue – rain gardens in low areas. She stated she is also on the Sustainability Advisory Board and noted that natural plantings are an enhancement. As an individual and City citizen, she submitted a handout (said handout on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes) dated August 13, 2012. Wendy Thompson, 1635 Chestnut Street, stated she is concerned with parking in the northern area as well as lighting. She stated she would like to see more vegetation around the pump house on Nevada Street. Jean Bredbeck of the Oshkosh Garden Club noted she would like to see plantings expanded. Wayne Mueller, 2034 Menominee Drive, stated the north end of Menominee Park is perfect the way it is now. If that area becomes developed per the plan, it will diminish the value of the park to the City. He requested that the Board avoid any ground cover at the end of the park -buildings, pavement, or anything that will take away from the green space. He also requested that the City be careful when using rip rap. Mr. Wohler inquired of Mr. Mueller as to his thoughts on the weeds/prairie plantings. Mr. Mueller stated the area needs work, but it’s a waiting game to see how the plantings grow – run the prairie planting plan until its completion and then make a judgment. Stan Leedle, 1217 Menominee Drive, would like to see an expansion of the bike path. He said he didn’t mind the prairie plantings, but only if the City’s budget allowed for the maintenance of the plantings. He inquired as to how the need for a shelter at the north end of the park was determined? Mr. Maurer responded that the need for a restroom at the north end of the park was made from public input via the survey process and public input meetings. Dennis Lewandowski, 1358 Menominee Drive, inquired as to who would be responsible for the maintenance of the prairie plantings. He is of the opinion that the maintenance of the plantings would be too costly. Dick O’Day, 715 Hazel Street, stated he wished the City would leave Menominee Park the way it is. William Bollom, 1633 Doemel Street, stated he thinks the restroom at the north end of Menominee Park is a good idea. Lynne Leedle, 2017 Menominee Drive, inquired as to the when the proposed shelter/restroom would be open; if the proposed shelter would be an open one or a enclosed one; how many trees would be cut down to make room for the proposed buildings. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE AUGUST 13, 2012 Mr. Maurer stated that no design details have been drawn up to date, but noted that it was not intended to have a large shelter in that area. The proposed restroom would have the same hours of operation as the other park shelter restrooms. Joe Malecki, 1308 Menominee Drive, inquired if there were rules/regulations relative to natural areas. He suggested leaving the existing prairie planting area; wait and see how it turns out before making a decision in the future for additional planting areas. Jan Beck, 1332 Menominee Drive, expressed opposition to proposed restrooms on the north end of the park and opposition to the natural vegetation. Ruth McGinley, 1516 Menominee Drive, stated that the most repeated theme that was reflected from responses from the public from the survey that was taken with respect to Menominee Park was that buildings/equipment were not maintained. Another repeated response was that the public liked the trails most of all. She stated she is opposed to the proposed shelter/restrooms at the north end of the park and the vegetation along the shoreline. Dan Rylance, 602 E. Parkway Avenue, stated he uses the park on a regular basis and he did not feel that the vegetation was a big deal. He was concerned though that the prairie plantings gardens were too wide and too far away from the shoreline. Jim Rothe, 1007 Hazel Street, stated he lives across from the pump house and if anything is an eyesore, the pump house is. He stated there is a need for restrooms at the north end of the park; noting that it should be of minimal size and having minimum effect on the aesthetics of the park. Middle Section Mr. Bahling stated the area was designed to allow traffic to flow better. He stated that the Reetz ball diamonds would remain lit and noted that the diamonds were designed a little larger. With respect to the George Washington statute area, that area was designed to be more park-like with open space and the creation of a walk through area. Mr. Bollom stated he was in favor of restrooms and noted that they could be constructed at the foot of Nevada Street or at the foot of the New York Avenue. Mr. O’Day stated he would like the removal of the baseball diamonds that are in front of his house as well as the trees that have been planted across from his house that block the view of the lake. He stated that too many amenities have been installed/constructed in that park over the last 25 years. He stated there are too many trees in Menominee Park now and that more should not be planted – he doesn’t like the Memorial Tree program that allows for more trees to be planted in Menominee Park. He stressed to the City to leave Menominee Park alone. Dennis Cavanaugh, 1107 Merritt Avenue, stated that the speed bumps and pot holes in the trails/roadways need to be maintained. He stated that the walk paths are in bad condition and need to be maintained. Al Wenig, Director of the Oshkosh Recreation Department, stated that the softball diamonds are heavily used for regular games as well as for numerous tournaments and he is in favor of the diamond improvements. The diamonds need to be fenced in for safety purposes. He noted that the Menominee Park Reetz ball diamond complex is the only site in Oshkosh that can host tournaments (which tournaments bring a lot of money into the City). ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR AUGUST 13, 2012 Carol Williams, 1910 Menominee Drive, inquired if Menominee Park was considered a marina due to the amount of boats that are docked there. She noted there are several marinas in town where boats can be docked – they don’t need to be taking up space at Menominee Park. Helen Herlache, 1029 Hazel Street, stated that sports clubs are a business and they need a business plan and the City should require them to submit their business plans for the ball tournaments that are being played in parks. She inquired as to how much money they bring into the City. She suggested the Mueller-Potter Drug Store area or downtown area for a ball diamond complex. Kim Bloom of the Oshkosh Fast Pitch Club stated that any negative comments with regard to the condition of the ball diamond reflect back on the City and she is in favor of ball diamond improvements. Matt Mugerauer, 2321 Golden Avenue, stated he is on the Softball Commission and noted he is in favor of ball diamond improvements. He stated that the restrooms and concession stand at the ball diamond complex are eyesores and in dire need of repairs/improvements. Chairman Gogolewski inquired if the sports groups have been trying to find a location to build a ball diamond complex. Mr. Mugerauer stated that the Oshkosh Youth Baseball (OYB) group as well as the ORD (Oshkosh Recreation Department) have been looking at places but cost constraints have not allowed it as it would take $5-8 million dollars to even start such a complex. Nan Adams, 1216 Merritt Avenue, suggested that the ball diamond complex be moved to another area. Southern Section Mr. Bahling gave a brief overview of the proposed improvements. Mr. Poeschl stated that with the senior housing units across the street (Hazel Street), there is a need to have safety walkways/paths to the park installed. Chairman Gogolewski stated that the two proposed lighted ball diamonds in the southern section were not agreed upon by the Board as there was a need to approach the adjacent neighbors as to their input in that regard. Mr. Bahling stated that the proposed lights would be directed through diffusers and noted that lighting has been improved over the years and is not as intrusive as they used to be. Mr. Poeschl inquired if it was proposed to have the tennis courts lighted and Mr. Bahling stated that was the intent. Mr. Maurer stated that with respect to the Pratt Trail Cooper D. Wells Bridge, bid specs are being developed for repair of the northeast wing wall, keeping the historic integrity in place. Jim Grine, 1229 Merritt Avenue, stated he did not think it was wise to put two ball diamonds along Hazel Street as there is no off-street parking available. With the addition of the lights, congested parking and noise, they would devalue the properties of the adjacent neighbors. Jean Bredbeck, representing the League of Women Voters, stated that lighting and fencing would be a mistake in the Hazel Street area as that is a single family neighborhood and a sports complex is not a good fit. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FIVE AUGUST 13, 2012 Philip Baeten, 1112 Merritt Avenue, stated that Diamond #8 that was just completed and it looks good. He noted that fenced-in diamonds are for tournaments and not for single use and would negatively affect the neighborhood. Greg Gibbons, 525 Hazel Street, stated there is inadequate parking for ball diamond usage on Hazel Street and that a concession stand/restroom building is not a good fit on a city street. He noted there is too much planned development for that small area. Dan Ehrlich, 561 Hazel Street, stated the proposed plan is a joke and fenced-in, closed ball diamonds are ridiculous. Where is the green space? Wendy Thompson, 1635 Chestnut Street, stated maintenance is an issue and noted that the light globe on the bridge in the park has been broken for some time. Joe Knudson, 1237 Merritt Avenue, expressed concern with parking at Merritt Avenue and Hazel Street. Mr. O’Day stated that the proposed ball diamonds in the southern section need to be eliminated. He stated that most ORD players are not residents of the City. He stated that entryways to the park are a waste of money. Mr. Cavanaugh stated that maintenance and upkeep are issues in the parks. Mr. Wilson arrived at this time (7:55 PM) thereby making an 8-member Board. Lisa Dorschner, 531 Hazel Street expressed opposition to the proposed ball diamonds at the southern end of the park. Carol Schuenke, 1267 Merritt Avenue, requested that lights be installed at Little Oshkosh. She noted that kids like to hang out at Little Oshkosh at night and with lighting, it might curtail their activities in that area. Geri Grine, 1229 Merritt Avenue, likes the green spaces in Menominee Park and would prefer to have more green space and fewer amenities. Mr. Mugerauer stated that with respect to ball diamonds #1 and #4, he does not support lighting them. He does support lighting ball diamond #8. Ms. Adams, suggested taking the monies that would be used to renovate the ball diamonds be given to the sports organizations for building a sports complex at a different location. Ms. Williams requested that the city stop stacking things (amenities) in this park. Ellen Pollock, 1105 Baldwin Avenue, stated she has lived in her residence for approximately 40 years and enjoys the green space and noted she would like the green space to remain. Mr. Rothe stated he already has to listen to the noise (music, people talking, loud speakers, etc) coming from the park across from his house at all times and does not want more noise encroaching on the neighborhood. Ms. Bloom stated that the Oshkosh Fast Pitch Club would need money to build a sports complex. At this time ball diamond #8 is sufficient for their needs and she is of the opinion that ball diamonds at the south end of the park need to be installed/constructed. Steve McCabe, 1261 Merritt Avenue, stated that he recently took his 2-year old to Menominee Park to fly a kite and liked the green space at the southern end of the park. He requested that the area be kept as is for multi- purpose usage. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE SIX AUGUST 13, 2012 Chairman Gogolewski stated with respect to the prairie plantings at the northern section of the park, he would like to wait and see how the present plantings develop before installing more plantings in different areas. Mr. Michelson stated he would like to see the proposed plan approved as is with an emphasis on a low impact shelter/restroom at the northern end. He suggested that the installation of more prairie plantings be re-visited by the Board. Mr. Poeschl stated that with respect to the northern section of the park, he did not feel it was necessary for a shelter to be constructed, but did agree that restroom facilities are needed as long as the proposed restrooms were low-impact. With respect to natural plantings, nothing is absolute – the Board can still discuss them. He noted that the Board needs to stand by the plans that are approved. He suggested that in year three (3) of the prairie planting project the Board could assess how the project is progressing. Mr. Wohler stated that he thinks the prairie plantings are an eye sore and makes the area unusable. Mr. Philipp stated he is opposed to the natural plantings and noted that the current planting area is already causing vision blockage. Mr. Miller stated he is not convinced that the Board had plans on maintaining the prairie plantings and unless there is a proposal in place for maintaining the plantings, he is against the additional prairie planting areas. He stated the city needs to keep this pilot project and see how it shakes out. Discussion ensued relative to the prairie plantings and the following motion was made. Motion by Poeschl that in year 3 of the pilot program, the prairie plantings be reviewed and addressed; seconded by Miller. Motion approved 8-0. Mr. Michelson proposed that a minimum size shelter/restroom building be constructed on the northern section of Menominee Park. Mr. Girens inquired as to who would be maintaining the proposed shelter/restroom at the northern end of the park and Mr. Maurer stated that would be part of the parks department’s crews duties. Motion by Michelson for approval of the construction of a restroom/shelter building at the northern section of the park; seconded by Miller. Motion approved 8-0. Central Section Mr. Michelson stated there is a need for a high fence or net to protect cars at the end of the northern end in the parking area. Mr. Maurer stated that staff will have to look at a number of areas where the fencing or nettings will have to be extended. Motion by Wohler for approval of the Central Section of the Menominee Park Master Plan; seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 8-0. Southern Section Mr. Michelson stated he cannot support lighting ball diamonds #1 and #4. He stated that valid points were made with respect to safety at that intersection of Merritt Avenue and Hazel Street with the addition of double fences at the ball diamonds, restrooms and concession stands. He suggested keeping the ball diamonds in the ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE SEVEN AUGUST 13, 2012 configuration as they are now with no lights and no field fences. Mr. Wohler stated he is okay with everything proposed in this section with the exception of diamond #8. After considerable discussion, a motion was made as follows: Motion by Wohler to leave the ball diamonds as they are currently with no lighting or fencing installed; seconded by Poeschl. Motion carried 8-0. Amusement Area Discussion ensued relative to the expansion of the amusement area and it was the consensus of the Board to revisit the amusement/concession area at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting when Ms. McCollian would be available to address concerns and questions of the Board. 3) Review and recommend 2013 CIP (Capital Improvement Program) Mr. Maurer gave a brief overview of the proposed 2013 CIP. He stated that with respect to #2, the costs would be for materials only for the Menominee Park tie up docks which would be from the Kiwanis shelter to the west and that staff would be doing the work in-house. The Taking Root amount of $25,000 is in its 4 year of a six- th year commitment. The 24 Avenue boat launch bridge replacement is a safety concern and work would be done th in-house. Bauman Park play equipment and surface is requested as that is the oldest play equipment in the parks system. Mr. Philipp inquired as to what percentage of the proposed $100,000 for Bauman Park play equipment and surface is for the rubber surface? Mr. Maurer stated that $35,000 would be for the play equipment and $65,000 for the poured-in place surface. The poured-in place surface would reduce maintenance costs and improves accessibility. The Parks Department cannot afford to keep putting wood fiber in these playgrounds any more from our operating budget. Mr. Philipp stated he has concerns with poured in place surfaces as they are hot surfaces, tend to have wear areas and would need constant filling/repairs. Mr. Poeschl stated he is in favor with the poured-in place surfaces. Mr. Dallman stated that the $65,000 cost includes base work and is not just for the rubber product. Mr. Miller inquired if $70,000 was enough for a storage building at the golf course. Mr. Dobish stated what is being proposed is a 65’ x 130’ building (behind the 13 green) that would just be th used for additional storage for equipment that sits outside; it would not be for a workshop – just cold storage. Motion by Wohler for approval of the proposed 2013 CIP as presented; seconded by Philipp. Motion carried 7-1 (Philipp). 4)Discuss/recommend acceptance of donations for River Otter exhibit at Menominee Park Zoo Discussion ensued relative to the otter exhibit. Mr. Maurer stated a fund was set up at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation for the project with Eileen Connelly Keesler coordinating the project. A preliminary design concept drawing (said concept drawing on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes) was distributed to the Board members. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE EIGHT AUGUST 13, 2012 Motion by Wohler for approval of the acceptance of donations for River Otter exhibit at Menominee Park Zoo; seconded by Girens. Motion carried 8-0. Pat Nichols, 2128 Stoney Beach Road stated she thinks the River Otter exhibit is an excellent and great attraction for the park. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer stated he had been working on the Menominee Park Zoo Master Plan as well as the CIP projects and 2013 operating budget. PARK OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dallman reported that the summer has been a very busy time for crews and he wanted to recognize the staff and crews for their efforts on all projects and special events. LANDSCAPE OPERATION’S MANAGER REPORT Mr. Sturm reported his crews have been kept very busy this summer as well, especially in keeping up with the drought conditions. Crews have been pruning and will now be concentrating on stump grinding. He reported that the cemetery roads have been completed through the CIP dollars. LAKESHORE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dobish noted that it has been a very stressful summer season trying to keep the grass alive with the drought conditions. The City Tournament event was held yesterday and the club house crew did a wonderful job with that event. REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian was not present due to a family illness; therefore, no report was given. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Girens for adjournment; seconded by Poeschl. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:38 PM. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary