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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 Present: Sean Fitzgerald, Bill Gogolewski, Jim Michelson, Mark Philipp, Carrie Rule, Jonathan Wilson, Terry Wohler Excused: Victor Girens, Bill Miller Trish Marks, Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER Chairman Gogolewski called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Wohler for approval of the August 12, 2013 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 7-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1)Discuss/Recommend 2014 Park Shelter Rental Fees Mr. Maurer gave a brief synopsis on the proposed 2014 park shelter rental fees. Mr. Fitzgerald inquired as to the estimated increase expected with the proposed fees. Mr. Maurer stated the increase would be approximately $6,000 - $7,000 in revenues. Motion by Fitzgerald to approve and recommend the 2014 Park Shelter Rental fees as submitted; Seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 7-0. 2)Discuss/Recommend 2014 Boat Launch Fees Mr. Maurer gave a brief synopsis on the proposed 2014 boat launch fees noting that the fees have not been increased since inception of the fees in 2002. He also noted that the proposed fees are consistent with the Winnebago County boat launch fees. Mr. Maurer reiterated the boat launch/parking lot reconfiguration projects/costs listed in the Rainbow Park and Menominee Park master plans as well as the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP). Monies from the boat launch fees have been expended recently for the tie up docks at Menominee Park which is two-thirds (2/3) completed and after the project is completed the fund will have a balance of approximately $125,000. In 2014, it is proposed to expend $50,000 on the design for the Rainbow Park parking lot reconfiguration. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 Mr. Wohler stated he did not think that raising the boat launch fees was unreasonable if there were projects being proposed, but to raise fees just for the sake of raising them, he had a problem with. He stated that there are ample funds available in the boat launch fee program now to take care of the boat launch areas but he does feel the proposed fees are fair. Mr. Wohler stated that the City of Oshkosh has the best boat launches in the state, although parking seems to be an issue. Mr. Michelson stated while he concurs with Mr. Wohler’s comments, he has learned over the years that there are a lot of costs associated with the boat launches that he was not aware of, i.e. due to “powering up” of some boats, some of the docks’ lengths had to be extended. He stated the proposed fees are reasonable. Chairman Gogolewski stated there are projects that are coming up that will be expensive such as the Rainbow Park parking lot reconfiguration - people with the longer trailers cannot maneuver properly and traffic gets backed up at the launches and that needs to be addressed. He stated the City’s boat launches are in good shape and are clean and that is all due to the boat launch fees. He feels the proposed fee increase is in line with the surrounding communities. Ms. Rule stated she believes in having a rainy day fund – it is better to have funds saved up because there could be opportunities/necessities that could pop up. The proposal is not unreasonable. Mr. Michelson stated that there is one difference between Winnebago County fees and the proposed fees in that the County has a Senior Citizen discount fee. Mr. Maurer stated that the City was not proposing a Senior Citizen discount fee at this time. Mr. Wohler stated he wanted to make it clear that the proposed fee increase was due to necessity for future boat launch improvements and not just for the sake of raising fees. Motion by Wohler to approve and recommend the 2014 Boat Launch fees as submitted; Seconded by Fitzgerald. Motion carried 6-1 (Michelson). CITIZEN STATEMENTS (Items not listed on the Agenda) There were no citizen statements. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer stated that there is a Public Input Meeting with respect to the South Park Master Plan Development Project scheduled for Monday, September 30 at 6:30 at the Senior Center. He invited the Board as well as the th public to attend said meeting and distributed a copy of said Notice of Public Input Meeting (said notice on file at the City Parks Department and made a part of these minutes). He stated that there will be further press releases by staff for said meeting. Mr. Maurer stated that a survey had already been sent to approximately one dozen user groups for their input with respect to the South Park Master Plan Development project. Mr. Maurer stated that staff has been busy with 2014 budget and performance evaluations as well as end of summer projects. REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGERS REPORT Ms. McCollian reported that the Children’s Amusement Center is open on weekends now until the end of September. She stated that the Pollock Community Water Park is closed for the season and she is working on the annual report for the season. The second 2013 Snooze at the Zoo event was held this past weekend with the total monies raised for both events this year totaling over $3,000 which will go towards zoo improvements. She stated that the Streaming <LIVE> Tuesday night concerts at the Leach Amphitheater and the Kids from ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 Wisconsin concert were well-attended. She thanked Citizens First Credit Union for their sponsorship of said events. Ms. McCollian noted that she is now working on the Zooloween Boo event which will be held on October 19-20, 2013. OTHER BUSINESS There being no other business, ADJOURNMENT Motion by Wohler for adjournment; seconded by Philipp. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary