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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 2013 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/City Forester; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Steve Dobish, Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Manager 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 December 10, 2012 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Wilson. Motion carried 8-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1)Discuss/Recommend Proposal to Adjust Property Line between Riverside Park and the Oshkosh Convention Center Mr. Maurer gave a brief background on the request referencing the Memorandum and maps from City Attorney Lynn Lorenson to the City Council and Park Board Members dated January 31, 2013 (said Memorandum and maps on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). He stated that by adjusting the property line between Riverside Park and the Oshkosh Convention Center it will help with the marketing and promotion of the property (lawn area between the Convention Center and the Riverwalk) for weddings, private parties, etc., held at the Convention Center. Mr. Siman arrived at this time (6:09 P.M.) thereby making a 9-member Board. Mr. Michelson inquired if permanent fencing would be allowed. Mr. Maurer stated that any request for permanent fencing would have to have City approval. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to how much is perceived being used currently for parkland. Mr. Maurer stated that there had been one event this past summer which became a concern to the Convention Center personnel due to usage of portable toilets. When the Convention Center is not utilizing the area, it is open green space for public use. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO FEBRUARY 11, 2013 Mr. Poeschl inquired how that relates to special events such as the Dragonboat Races. Mr. Maurer said the Convention Center staff has access to the Google calendar that the City staff and Convention Visitors Bureau staff schedule their special events into. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to the process to hold wedding ceremonies on the lawn area? Possibility that the area becomes charged for? Dan Schetter, Oshkosh Premier Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center General Manager, stated the request at hand is to allow the Convention Center to have a little more control of what takes place in front of the Convention Center. It is their desire to have control when there are events being held on the grassy area. They would be able to market the property usage more with the proposed attachment. Mr. Philipp inquired if they had a plan to wall it off. Mr. Schetter stated no, they don't feel a need to do that. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to what is set in place when someone goes to the Convention Center for an event, normally if on park property, it goes to the City for special event approval? Mr. Maurer stated that special events that need special event approval are ones that request exclusive use of public property, requires closing down a street or having to use extraordinary services and none of those factors apply to this request. Mr. Miller inquired if the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation was on board with the request. Bill Wyman, Acting Director of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, stated that all discussion has been positive to date and approval of the request will go to the Foundation Board in March. Motion by Wohler to recommend the proposal to adjust the property line between Riverside Park and the Oshkosh Convention Center as requested; seconded by Girens. Motion carried 8-1 (Philipp). 2)Discuss/Recommend Rainbow Park Master Plan Jeff Bahling, Senior Landscape Architect for the Rettler Corporation of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, gave a brief presentation as to the preferred conceptual Rainbow Park Master Plan. He noted that the plan includes two (2) miles of trails. Mr. Michelson stated he felt the plan was a good one. He requested that the main arterial trail be 12 ft. wide and that the remaining trails could remain at 10 ft. Mr. Bahling stated that could be done and wouldn’t affect the plan except by way of cost. Mr. Michelson inquired as to the baseball diamond fences. Mr. Bahling stated that the entire baseball diamond would be fenced in. He noted that the trend for ball diamonds has been to have them totally fenced in due to multi-uses and things of that nature. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to the shelters and noted that the main one should be reflected as a new shelter/restrooms. Mr. Bahling stated that was correct. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE FEBRUARY 11, 2013 Mr. Poeschl inquired if there was an increase as to car parking. Mr. Bahling stated absolutely and noted that car parking was almost doubled. Mr. Poeschl stated that due to more trail area being designed, there is a need for more bike racks. Mr. Bahling stated that increase could be included in the plan. Mr. Bahling then went on to discuss the costs for the Master Plan and noted that the plan could be done in sections as funding became available. Mr. Maurer stated that with respect to the building on the north end for multi-use purposes, he would prefer not to have dimensions given on the plan to allow the City more flexibility for future grant funding. Motion by Miller to recommend Rainbow Park Master Plan contingent upon the following changes: 1) place an allowance for bike racks in the estimate; 2) remove the size of shelter on the plan; 3) make the main path 12’ in lieu of 10’ shown; 4) remark the shelter/restrooms in the middle section (not just restrooms); Seconded by Wohler. Motion carried 9-0. Mr. Michelson inquired as to how the changes would be incorporated. Mr. Bahling stated that the changes will be noted in the minutes which will be incorporated in the final master plan. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to the approval time line for the master plan. Mr. Maurer stated the plan needs to go before the Plan Commission and City Council for approval which should be completed in March. It is hoped that before the 2014 budget, the Master Plan would be brought back for prioritization so that staff could start incorporating the stages in the CIP. 3)Meeting venue change to Oshkosh Seniors Center South Building during City Hall parking lot reconstruction (March – November 2013) Mr. Maurer stated that due to the City Hall parking lot reconstruction, it was requested that any televised meetings be relocated to the Senior Center South building through December 2013. Therefore, the March 11 th meeting would be held at the Senior Center and would be noticed accordingly. 4)2012 Parks Department Annual Report Mr. Maurer stated that the Department annual report (said annual report on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes) has been discussed internally and is something he would like each of the divisions to prepare and expand each year. While the revenues are preliminary, after the City audit is completed, the report could be finalized. Mr. Dallman reiterated his Park Operations annual report noting that he would be reporting some of these improvements to the Sustainability Board relative to items such as efficiency lighting and water flow, etc. He stated he is working with various groups on some of the projects such as the Oshkosh Youth Baseball group relative to improvements at Mary Jewel Park. He stated that due to the age of the Pollock Community Water Park it is in constant need of upgrades to keep it in compliance with Federal regulations and in good condition for the safety of the patrons. Mr. Sturm reiterated his Forestry and Cemetery Operations annual report noting that an important accomplishment is working with the DNR on the Urban Tree Canopy Analysis (UTC). He noted that his staff is in the process of setting a canopy goal which is to diversify the tree species. At present the UTC is in draft form ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR FEBRUARY 11, 2013 and will be announced by the DNR within the next few weeks. He stated that the Cemetery staff is working with the GIS mapping software and is close to completion of entering all the data. The digital mapping software should be up and running real soon noting they are working with the software company as to some “bugs” with the system. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to the process for the public obtaining a tree/planting permit. Mr. Sturm stated that if a resident is interested in planting a terrace tree, they are required to contact him for the issuance of a tree planting permit. By him issuing a permit, it ensures that the correct species for the space allotted is being planted, making sure there are no conflicts with utilities. For instance, the permit protects the City from the public planting trees over a water shutoff. There is no charge for a tree planting permit, it just makes sure that the correct trees are being planted without affecting utilities (both over and under ground). Ms. McCollian reiterated her Revenue Facilities annual report noting that she is attempting to bring in new events to the zoo and pool. She is hoping to gain as much sponsorships as possible to be able to make these new events free to the public. Mr. Poeschl inquired as to the possibility of extending the pool hours on weekends and extending the season itself. Ms. McCollian stated that the issue with extending the season is that the lifeguards (hired by the Oshkosh Recreation Department) are not available as they are typically college students who stay on as long as they can. She stated that although the pool hours go until 8 PM during the summer, the pool usually empties out by 7:15 – 7:30 PM, so it does not pay to extend the hours beyond 8 PM. Mr. Dobish reiterated his Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course annual report noting that staff didn’t intend to have as great a year as they did. He noted that they were 5 – 6% above average. Mr. Dobish stated that this past season was the longest season of his life as they were open from March till mid-December. He stated he was able to acquire yards of soil material from the Mary Jewel Park ball field project to be able to double the range area. This is in keeping up with competition of the other courses. Mr. Maurer stated they are in the process of hiring a new Golf Pro and hoped to have the position filled within the next week to ten days. Mr. Wohler wished to take the opportunity to thank Mr. Ziblut for his years of service. He noted that Mr. Ziblut was fundamental in rebuilding the golf course not only by attracting new customers but getting others to return after the golf course went through a transition period. He wished Mr. Ziblut success in his new endeavors. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer reported that CitizensFirst Credit Union would be sponsoring the Tuesday night concerts at the Leach Amphitheater thereby making the concerts free to the public. This year there will be two (2) bands each Tuesday night with the opening band running from 6 – 7 PM and the second band running from approximately 7:30 – 9 PM. It is hoped to obtain bands from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to help gain the college attendance. Mr. Maurer stated that he is working with Mr. Dobish on the recruitment and hiring process of a new Golf Pro. He wished to take the opportunity to wish Mr. Ziblut good luck in the future and to thank him for his years of service. He announced that the State of the City is being held on Monday, March 25 at the Oshkosh th Convention Center beginning at 6 PM. He stated that on Friday, March 22 the Zoological Society is holding a nd “We Otter Celebrate” event at The Waters to raise funds for the new river otter exhibit and encouraged the public to attend; details can be obtained by visiting the Zoological Society’s website. Mr. Maurer noted that Ms. Marks has been working on the new Rec Trac system for the athletic field reservations. The City has taken over the scheduling of the athletic fields from the Oshkosh Recreation Department. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FIVE FEBRUARY 11, 2013 PARK OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dallman reported that crews are constantly working on snow removal and equipment maintenance as well as interior building projects. Some special events that are being held this month include the Polar Plunge and Battle on Bago as well as the recent Otter Street Fisheree which was held the first weekend in February. LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Sturm stated he is working with the Miller’s Bay neighborhood association with respect to landscape improvements by the George Washington monument by Menominee Park (Menominee Drive, New York Avenue and Hazel Street area). He is working with individuals and the neighborhood association to see what is possible and hopes to bring the plan to the Board in the very near future. Crews are working on pruning throughout the City for street clearance and raising the canopies to give the new garbage trucks room to maneuver their trucks. He is in the process of hiring a new Cemetery Trades Technician and hopes to have that position filled very soon. REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian stated she has been and continues to work with the City’s IT Department relative to website updates as well as updating the Facebook pages for the Leach Amphitheater and Pollock Community Water Park. She is also continuing to gain sponsorships for all of her special events at the Leach, Zoo and Pool. Ms. McCollian also stated she is in the process of working with past seasonal employees to determine if they will be returning plus going through new applications. It is anticipated that by mid-March the boat launches will be opening up and she is working on getting them ready in time with navigation opening date. Egg-Citing Day at the zoo is scheduled for March 30 and she welcomed the public to attend. th LAKESHORE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dobish stated he is working with Mr. Ziblut to fill the calendar of events – there are fixed dates for special events that they are sure will be happening and are hoping to get some new events scheduled as well. He is researching a new project “Play it Forward” which is initiated by the PGA and consists of shorter courses for beginners and/or handicapped players. He stated he is planning for building and mechanical upgrades as well as dealing with roof and boiler issues and repairing, cleaning and upgrading the club house. He is also hoping to fine tune policies and procedures in concert with the new hiring of the Golf Pro. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Wohler for adjournment; seconded by Miller. Motion carried 9-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary