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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES AUGUST 12, 2013 Present: Sean Fitzgerald, Victor Girens, Bill Gogolewski, Jim Michelson, Mark Philipp, Carrie Rule Excused: Bill Miller, Terry Wohler, Jonathan Wilson Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Parks Operations Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Steve Dobish, Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Manager; Lakeshore Clubhouse Manager/Golf Pro; Trish Marks, Recording Trace Gardiner, Secretary CALL TO ORDER Chairman Gogolewski called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. INTRODUCTION Chairman Gogolewski introduced the new Board members, Carrie Rule who fills the unexpired term of Allan Siman; and Sean Fitzgerald, the new City Council representative. ROLL CALL A quorum was determined to be present. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Motion by Philipp that Gogolewski serve as Chairman. Seconded by Girens. Motion carried 5-0 with 1 abstaining (Gogolewski). Motion by Philipp that Wohler serve as Vice Chair. Seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 6-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Girens for approval of the July 8, 2013 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 6-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1)Discuss/Approve George Washington Monument Square Plan Mr. Sturm gave a brief synopsis on the plan process and various public meetings held with respect to the plan. He stated that meetings included ones with the neighbors of the triangular area. A few individuals had concerns which were addressed and Miller’s Bay group worked with those people and made some changes to the initial plan (i.e. removal of the park benches since some individuals felt that if benches were installed, the area would become a place of congregation). Mr. Sturm stated that staff has also been working with Rettler Corporation from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, relative to the design of the triangular area. The City Council approved funding for the project ($40,000) through the Great Neighborhoods Capital Improvement Program which will help with the funding for the street lighting an accessible path. Funding from the John Hicks Fund through the Oshkosh Public Library Board will be used for cleaning and waxing the George Washington ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO AUGUST 12, 2013 monument which is scheduled for early fall of 2013. Mr. Sturm stated that the Miller’s Bay Neighborhood Association did most of the outreach work. Staff will be working with the Association relative to implementing an Adopt-A-Site program for continued maintenance of the area. He noted that staff will also continue to be involved with the maintenance. Wayne Mueller, 2034 Menominee Drive, chairman of the Miller’s Bay Neighborhood Beautification Committee, stated he is in favor of the proposal and supports the entire project. He noted it would be a facelift for the triangular area and appreciates the support of staff during this entire process. Jan Beck, 1332 Menominee Drive, stated she was present to support the project and concurred with Mr. Mueller’s comments. Mr. Michelson stated he approves the project noting that the area is under-utilized and this is a good plan for that area. Mr. Fitzgerald stated he had heard from neighbors in the area who had concerns that their view to the lake would be obstructed and it’s good to know those concerns will be alleviated. Mr. Mueller stated that the group is not proposing to add more trees and in fact there was one tree that was recently cut down that was dead. There will be flower beds which will enhance the area. Mr. Sturm stated that the flag pole will be lit and noted that all plant materials will be kept low so as not to hinder the neighbors’ views. He stated that some trees will be removed that were damaged in the last ice storm. Motion by Michelson for approval of the George Washington Monument Square Plan as submitted. Seconded by Girens. Motion carried 6-0. 2) Discuss/Recommend 2014 Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Fees Mr. Dobish stated that the proposed fees address everything everyone would want with respect to golf. He stated that the intent was not to lower the junior golf prices too much so that they would undermine the private golf courses. Mr. Gardiner stated that there were some tweaks with respect to the cost of the cart rentals to align with the current prices of the carts. He also stated that the Junior passes were reduced in an attempt to attract more juniors to the golf course. Mr. Fitzgerald stated he would like to see consistency with private entities and was glad the fees were not proposed so low as to take away from private entities. Discussion ensued relative to the Junior passes and what would be an appropriate fee to charge. The consensus of the Board was to have the price lowered than what was proposed in order to attract more junior golfers to the course. Motion by Gogolewski to approve and recommend the 2014 Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course fees as submitted except to lower the Junior fees to $200; Seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 6-0. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE AUGUST 12, 2013 3)Discuss/Recommend 2014 Park Shelter Rental Fees Mr. Maurer gave a brief background of the proposal noting that staff had compiled a spreadsheet of comparisons from other public entities. Ms. Marks reported that park shelters can currently be rented on a 4-hour block basis and noted that there have been some park patrons that rent the shelter(s) on that 4-hour block, but stay at the shelter well over the four (4) hours. There are also some park patrons that live out of the City limits that once they find out there is a non-resident fee, they use their City resident relatives address for rentals. Ms. Marks stated if a person rents a shelter for a 4-hour block it is mostly during the prime time hours which makes it impossible to rent for the remaining available hours and the City loses money. Discussion ensued relative to continue to implement separate weekday/weekend/holiday rates. Mr. Michelson stated he would like those categories bumped up from what was proposed as well as adding a higher rate for the non-resident fees. Discussion ensued relative to comparisons from Winnebago County which were not submitted. Mr. Maurer stated staff would be able to have Winnebago County’s information available for a future meeting and that staff could bring the matter back before the Board at their September meeting to include proposed resident/non- resident fees as well. Motion by Michelson to lay over the proposal to the September 9, 2013 meeting; seconded by Fitzgerald. Motion carried 6-0 4) Discuss/Recommend 2014 Amusement Ride Fees Mr. Maurer gave a brief synopsis of the proposal. He reiterated that the train’s engine is from 1953 and has several major repairs over the years. Mr. Dallman stated that the train was down 3-3 weeks for repairs this year at a cost of approximately $2500. ½ Mr. Philipp inquired as to the revenue income for amusements for this year. Mr. Maurer stated he did not have that information on hand, but would be able to provide the Board that information at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Motion by Girens to recommend approval of the proposed 2014 Amusement Ride Fees as submitted; Seconded by Rule. Motion carried 5-1 (Philipp). CITIZEN STATEMENTS (Items not listed on the Agenda) There were no citizen statements. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer stated that the last Tuesday night Streaming <LIVE> at the Leach is set for tomorrow night from 6-9 PM and will feature The Presidents. He noted that due to the sponsorship from Citizens First Credit Union, the Tuesday night concerts have been free to the public which has made attendance great. He stated that Sunday, August 18, 2013 the Kids from Wisconsin will be performing a free concert at the Leach. Mr. Maurer stated that the latest list of Board members was included in their packets. If any Board member had any changes they would like reflected in the list to please let Ms. Marks know and she will have it updated for distribution with the September packet. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR AUGUST 12, 2013 Mr. Maurer stated that the Parks Department’s Operating Budget information is due at the end of the month as well as City staff evaluations. With respect to the inclusive playground project, Community First Credit Union has committed to a $25,000 matching grant. The Committee will be working with other businesses to obtain additional grants. He noted that there have been three (3) Park Suspensions to date involving three (3) individuals that were suspended for 30 days each. He also noted that there is a 4 suspension request pending th review and further information by the OPD. PARK OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dallman reported that the Red Arrow Park Disc Golf Course project is moving along and that the t-pads were recently installed. Special events have kept staff busy with facility clean up and turf maintenance. The Pollock Community Water Park will be open until Sunday, August 25 due to the Oshkosh Recreation Department th (ORD) being able to provide life guard services. This allows the pool to be opened for additional four (4) days weather dependent. LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Sturm stated that the Emerald Ash Borer has been found in the Town of Black Wolf. He is working with the Wisconsin DNR and UW Extension Office to do some informational handouts for the public as to what to look for and what the public should do when they discover the infestation. He noted that the city has not planted ash trees for about eight (8) years. He noted that treatment is expensive and most likely not financially practical. He stated for issues or concerns for privately owned trees, the public should contact the UW Extension office or Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) office if there is a suspicious infestation. City staff would be responsible for any city owned tree (i.e. terrace trees, park trees, etc.). GOLF COURSE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dobish stated June was a good month with income being within $300 from last year. July has already topped 2012 by $5,000. Staff recently opened the chipping green which was built through donated funds by the Friends of Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course. He noted that the City Tournament was held last week which was well attended and sponsored by City businesses. He stated that Mr. Gardiner obtained 18 sponsors for the City Tournament from Oshkosh businesses supporting the tournament as well as the golfers. Mr. Dobish announced that it is proposed to start with aeration right after Labor Day this year. OTHER BUSINESS There being no other business, ADJOURNMENT Motion by Girens for adjournment; seconded by Fitzgerald. Motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:01 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary