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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES JANUARY 12, 2015 Present: Bill Gogolewski, Sean Fitzgerald, Victor Girens, Carrie Rule, Terry Wohler Excused: Jim Michelson, Bill Miller, Megan Schuessler, Jonathan Wilson Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Parks Operations Manager; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Steve Dobish, Trish Marks, Recording Secretary Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Manager; Guests: Byron Walleser, Leadership Oshkosh Adjunct Board Member; Ron Hansche, Representative of HGM Associates, Inc., Oshkosh, Wisconsin CALL TO ORDER Chairman Wohler called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Fitzgerald for approval of the December 8, 2014 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Girens. Motion carried 5-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1)Discuss/approve restroom building design for Stevens Park Mr. Maurer gave a brief background of the restroom building design proposal for Stevens Park. He noted that it is necessary to obtain Plan Commission approval for this proposal as well since it is a public structure being constructed on public property. He stated that the proposed restroom facility will be similar to the restroom facility that was built in Menominee Park approximately two years ago without the kitchenette (the footprint would be smaller). Mr. Maurer stated that the building would have sky lights and would be automated (sinks, toilets and locking mechanisms on restroom doors). Mr. Girens expressed concern with the proposed drinking fountain on the outside of the building due to possible vandalism. Mr. Maurer stated that he did not feel vandalism would be an issue in this park due to the high uses with the playground, ball diamonds, tennis courts, etc., as well as high visibility with the surrounding residences. He stated that a drinking fountain is desired since there is no concession stand at that location and with the ball players and others, it would be extremely utilized. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO JANUARY 12, 2015 Mr. Hansche stated that with respect to the water fountain, the ball players are utilizing the park from the first of May until the end of July and their games are typically Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 5 PM until 8:30 PM., and there is no refreshment stand readily available to them. He feels a drinking fountain is essential at this location. He stated he is also a surrounding property owner and knows there is very little vandalism that occurs in this park as the park is visible from Frankfort Street and Eveline Avenue. Mr. Hansche stated that this park also contains a Little Library and there have been no problems or vandalism in connection with the Little Library. He also noted that Stevens Park is a well-lit park. Chairman Wohler stated that he likes the proposed restroom/shelter proposal and noted it is a great addition to Stevens Park. Motion by Gogolewski to recommend approval of the restroom building design for Stevens Park; Seconded by Fitzgerald. Motion carried 5-0. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer stated that final financial reports for the revenue facilities will be submitted to the Board within the next few months after the audit for 2014 is completed. With respect to the Inclusive Playground Project at South Park, in the next few weeks hopefully there will be a good announcement and that construction could begin in the spring. The Little Oshkosh playground is in dire need of renovation and repair. He will be meeting with representatives of Southwest to help get some the necessary renovations undertaken. PARK OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dallman stated that 2014 highlights reflect that maintenance was a challenge for lawn service which took crews away from other projects. Crews worked on the zoo’s wolf exhibit by re-doing the pond area as well as the addition of four (4) new wolves. He stated that the City purchased the Elk and they are now under the Park’s control and no longer are being leased. With respect to the parks, perimeter sidewalks around the playgrounds and pathways at Stevens and Bauman Park were constructed. With respect to Menominee Park diamond #1, excavation work was undertaken with respect to the dugout area and it is hoped to have new dugouts in there soon. There were many requests for Memorial benches, especially along Miller’s Bay, which crews installed. There were countless special events as well as shelter rentals. With respect to the Leach Amphitheater, improvements were made to the concession stands plus landscape aesthetics. Crews also worked on daily maintenance, restroom and shelter cleanups, mowing as their regular duties. Since the beginning of 2015, staff has been working on equipment requests, purchasing and ordering for the current year. Other 2015 projects include the dock work at Fugleberg and 24 Avenue; new restrooms to be constructed in th conjunction with the Boat Works Riverwalk project; a perimeter walk and path work at West Algoma Park; the docks by the amusement center for patrons renting the kayaks and water equipment. Mr. Gogolewski inquired as to any improvements being made at Rainbow Park on the horizon. Mr. Maurer stated with respect to the CIP plan, there is nothing in 2015, but possibly in 2016 design work is scheduled to be done for the boat launch area with potential reconstruction work to begin in 2017. Mr. Fitzgerald inquired as to restroom project for the end of the Michigan Street area and if that area of the park would have a designated park name. Mr. Maurer stated it got to be too late in the winter months to begin construction, but noted that construction is anticipated to start in mid-spring. He stated that the area is an extension of Steiger Park and would not have a separate park name. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE JANUARY 12, 2015 LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Sturm reported that his department had a successful season due in part that crews were able to focus on other forestry duties since there wasn’t much storm damage to trees. Treatments to ash trees have been commenced and they were able to treat 300 trees and will do approximately the same amount in 2015 and culling ash trees that are in poor condition. The Ohio Street/Wisconsin Avenue median plantings have been completed as part of the bridge construction project. He noted that the City received an award from the Southwest Rotary Environmental Beautification Committee with respect to that project. His crews also work on the maintenance of the City’s round-a-bouts which consumes a lot of their time. In April of 2014, the City was recognized for the 33 consecutive year for Tree City USA; the ceremony being held this year at the Paine rd Arboretum. Crews planted 155 neighborhood trees, removed 120 dead/diseased trees, removed 110 tree stumps, and planted 22 memorial trees. He is working with various newer neighborhood associations with respect to restocking terrace trees and commencing a pruning cycle. Crews also have been doing landscaping work at the Leach Amphitheater, including retaining wall plantings. At Pollock Community Water Park, his crews are upgrading the plantings converting annuals into perennials. With respect to the Riverside Cemetery, those crews are working on a tree condition assessment. There were 64 burials in 2014 which crews assisted with. Crews are also continuing with neighborhood pruning of trees as part of the Taking Root program as well as lifting and clearance of trees. With respect to the George Washington Monument project, plans are being put together in order to get the project off to bid for spring construction and his department is working in conjunction with the City’s Public Works Department. REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian stated that 2014 was a successful year with special events and general revenue facility rentals noting that the train at the amusement center ran well this year with no major repairs being required. With respect to the Children’s Amusement Center, the Kid’s Kick Off Carnival in early May sponsored by Rasmussen College went well; There were 21,231 train ride patrons in 2014 (21,077 in 2013); 10,885 merry-go-round patrons in 2014 (11,178 in 2013); Whip ride had 4,660 patrons in 2014 (5,718 in 2013); 921 patrons rented the Aqua Bikes in 2014 (723 in 2013); there were 296 pontoon rentals in 2014 (294 in 2013) and 233 kayak and canoe rentals in 2014 (253 in 2013). With respect to Pollock Community Water Park, the gate attendance in 2014 was 37,440 compared to 40,476 in 2013. The low attendance in 2014 was attributed to the cooler weather. Six special events at the pool were offered during 2014 which were well-attended despite the cool weather; Military Mondays and Father’s Day specials were offered as well. With respect to the Menominee Park Zoo, it was a good year for special events. The first Breakfast with the Bunny event was held in partnership with the Oshkosh Senior Center with 330 adults and 212 children being served. Egg-Citing Day at the Zoo event was well-attended with 337 children and 203 adults. There were two (2) Snooze at the Zoo events held in 2014 (June and September) wherein 100 campers are accepted for each session. She noted that one (1) session for 2015 has already been sponsored which will cover all expenses for that session. With respect to Zooloween Boo, 2014 had the most attendance with 1,559 children and 1,554 adults for a total attendance of 3,113. The 2014 Zooloween Boo event raised approximately $11,000 for zoo improvements. A total revenue for all of the Menominee Park Zoo special events for 2014 was approximately $25,000. Visitors to the Menominee Park Zoo through August of 2014 totaled 100,217 which do not include visitors in September or the special events. Ms. McCollian reported that the boat launches did well in 2014 and noted that the new Menominee Park parking area designation (Reetz ball diamond area) was well received. The concession stand at the Reetz ball diamonds had low attendance due to weather conditions, but revenues were still good since expenses were low. Revenues for the Lakefly Café were the best ever in 2014 (since 2005). Additional events were added to the Leach Amphitheater, to-wit: Movie nights and Touch a Truck which were all well-attended. Park staff also handled the concessions for the Beatles Tribute Band sponsored by 91.1 The Avenue radio station. The Touch a Truck event was sponsored by Oshkosh Corporation (which is also secured for 2015) and had over 2,000 in attendance and had over 30 different trucks, games, interactive play areas, face painting, balloons, bounce houses, and The Lego movie shown at the end of the night. The Tuesday Night Streaming Live Concert Series had a total attendance in 2014 of 1,600-1,800 (2,200 in 2013); with low attendance being contributed to the cooler ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR JANUARY 12, 2015 weather. Citizens First Credit Union will continue their sponsorship of the concerts in 2015. Due to an emergency situation with the Kids from Wisconsin organization, their concert was canceled in 2014. Mr. Gogolewski inquired as to the balance in the boat launch revenue account. Mr. Maurer stated there is approximately $173,858 in the fund and noted that the amount does not reflect the recent monies expended for lumber ($5,000-$6,000) for dock work. LAKESHORE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dobish reported that while revenues were down in 2014, the rounds were up at 366. The expense report is not ready at this time since the 2014 data from the City’s Accounting Department has not yet been received. There was an increase in sales for adult and junior passes in 2014. The golf course was able to save money by way of more efficient golf carts (fuel and diesel fuel for rotary mowing). It is anticipated that in 2015, there will be an increase in revenue due to tee sign advertisements (2015 starts the new rotation year). The HVAC project has made the club house more comfortable with the air conditioning. Three (3) Memorial trees were donated and planted on the golf course property. There are at least one-half dozen trees that will be required to be removed in 2015. OTHER BUSINESS Byron Walleser, Leadership Oshkosh Adjunct Board Member, was introduced by Mr. Maurer. Mr. Walleser stated he is employed by Wisconsin Public Service, grew up on a farm and likes the outdoors which is why he joined the Advisory Park Board. There being no other business, ADJOURNMENT Motion by Gogolewski for adjournment; seconded by Fitzgerald. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:51 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary