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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 Present: Amy Davis, Victor Girens, Bill Gogolewski Steve Herman, Jim Michelson, Bill Miller, Carrie Rule, Megan Schuessler, Terry Wohler Staff: Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Steve Dobish, Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Manager; Trace Gardiner, Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse Manager/Golf Pro; Trish Marks, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER Chairman Wohler called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL A quorum was determined to be present. ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS Motion by Miller that Wohler serve as Chairman. Seconded by Gogolewski. Motion carried 8-0 with 1 abstaining (Wohler). Motion by Gogolewski that Miller serve as Vice Chair. Seconded by Wohler. Motion carried 8-0 with 1 abstaining (Miller). APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Michelson for approval of the August 10, 2015 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Gogolewski. Motion carried 9-0. CITIZENS STATEMENTS (Items on Agenda) There were no citizen’s statements. PARK BUSINESS 1)Update on Menominee Park Shoreland Restoration Project Mr. Sturm gave a brief synopsis of the Draft Update of the Menominee Park Shoreland Restoration Project dated August/September 2015, submitted by Justin Mitchell (said Draft Update on file at the City Parks office and made a part of these minutes). He stated that Mr. Mitchell was advised that 3-5 ft plantings were not acceptable and that they needed to be cut down to the 3 ft or lower height. Mr. Gogolewski stated he had recently visited the pilot project/test area and would give that project an “F” as 90% of the plants are way over the 3 ft high level. In reviewing the update report submitted by Mr. Mitchell, he noted a reference under September 5, 2015 “Completed purchase order contracts of $850 of low growth native plants for installation in existing beds in 2016 to facilitate diversity and continued reduction in overall plant bed height”. He stated that is putting the cart before the horse in that he would prefer to see the whole project area taken down as it plantings are way over the is not attractive and is not what the Board approved. The area has grown wild and height restrictions. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 Mr. Michelson stated the verbiage of this project being the vision of the Park Board members is still contained in the update report and should have been deleted. It is the Board’s position to keep the plantings at 3 ft and below, not beyond 3 ft. Mr. Michelson stated that the April 25, 2012 Park Board minutes contained “Mr. Sturm stated no invasive species are being planned for that area, including cattails. Terrestrial water type plants or prairie plants are being proposed (nothing that would get higher than 2 ft.).” Mr. Sturm stated that discussion was held earlier and the intent was nothing taller than 2 ft. When the consultant had discussed the materials being introduced with the staff/group, Mr. Sturm wasn’t familiar with the species discussed and he reiterated that he is not a native species expert. Mr. Michelson stated the history states that the plantings were to be 2 ft or less. There is a utopia of plants with deep roots for stopping pollution. We have clay soil in that area and these plants are good for retaining water, but not what we were told we were getting. We don’t need utopia in a park. He would like to have the pilot program terminated. Mr. Herman stated that in the spring of this year the City Council did approve a Prairie Grass Burning Ordinance. Mr. Miller stated if we can’t get this area down to the 2-3 ft in height, we will be talking about it till the cows come home. This is not the ideal location for the pilot program and he would grade the project as a “D-“. Ms. Schuessler stated that compared to a year ago, the area is in better shape. She is impressed with the plan. She agrees that we won’t stop talking about it until the plan plays out to see if it works. Chairman Wohler suggested that the Board meet on site with the group and Board to look at the area and express their opinions and come to a consensus of what to do with the area. He is willing to give the group a chance, but the Board members need to actually go out and see it to make a decision. Ms. Rule concurred with Mr. Wohler. It was the consensus of the Board to have staff arrange a meeting date and advise the Board and group of same. 2)Discuss/recommend Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course Fees for 2016 Mr. Gardiner gave a brief overview of the proposed golf course fees for 2016 noting that they are trying to stay in line with respect to fees with the surrounding golf courses. He noted that by raising the walking 9 and 18 holes during the nonpeak hours (spring/fall), revenues would be raised by approximately $6,000. He stated that cart requests always go up since young adults do not prefer to walk. By raising those fees up as proposed, the revenues would be raised by approximately $4,000. He does not envision losing rounds with these minor increases. Mr. Wohler stated they are the busiest place in town and do a fine job. He would like to keep the prices low for the people of Oshkosh and these proposed prices would go forward with very little increments. He was in favor of the proposed increases. Mr. Dobish stated that Lakeshore does not serve alcohol and does not have a kitchen. The lower prices give a reason for families and groups to visit Lakeshore. Motion by Schuessler to recommend approval of the Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course fees for 2016 as presented; Seconded by Miller. Motion carried 9-0. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 3)Discuss/recommend Pollock Community Water Park Fees for 2016 Ms. McCollian gave a brief overview of the proposed Pollock Community Water Park fees for 2016 noting that the fees have not been raised since the pool opened ten (10) years ago. Her staff had done research of eight (8) surrounding pools for their fees and amenities. She stated it is not requested to raise the daily fees as that would hurt with their daily visits. The total estimated increase in revenues with the proposed fee increases would be approximately $7,300. She also stated that it is proposed to change the age of 3 & under for free admission to age 2 & under being free. She is unable to estimate an increase in revenue with this change as they do not record the number of children three (3) and under that enter the facility. Mr. Gogolewski stated that the report Ms. McCollian submitted was very thorough and helpful in allowing the Board to determine the necessity of raising the pool fees as proposed. Ms. McCollian stated that her staff did a lot of the foot work on the report and she would pass along the compliment. Mr. Michelson stated that staff did a great job in putting together the data, but inquired as to the possibility of a resident and non-resident fee. Ms. McCollian stated that staff is in the process of researching the possibility of a resident and non-resident fee, but she believes there is some understanding from the Foundation, donor or the City as to why those fees were not imposed at the opening of the pool ten (10) years ago. Mr. Michelson stated he is concerned with the increases proposed as it would make us the most expensive season passes. His main concern is the fee increased for the family passes. Ms. McCollian stated that what Pollock offers by way of amenities is much more than other communities. She also does not know if other communities would be raising their fees for the upcoming season or not. With the increase prices for chemicals and upkeep, she would not be surprised if other communities were considering raising their prices as well. Ms. McCollian also stated that discount rates are offered to families if they purchase their season passes before May 31 or the two nights in June when staff does the picture taking for the passes. They are offered at st $20 discount on the family passes. Ms. Rule stated the Oshkosh pool is far better than any other community and feels that the reason for ours being the 2 highest rate is due to the amenities offered. She is in favor of the proposed raise in fees. nd Motion by Gogolewski to recommend approval of the Pollock Community Water Park fees for 2016 as presented; Seconded by Rule. Motion carried 8-1 (Michelson). LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Sturm reported that crews are in the process of lifting trees for sanitation trucks, tree removals, marking stumps for future removal and/or grinding, doing turf repair at Opera House Square, maintenance on the round abouts, landscape work at Abe Rochlin Park and City Hall as well as clearing out the grounds at Hiker’s Monument. REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian stated that the facilities at Menominee Park are opened on weekends until the end of September and then the facilities will close and financial and statistical reports can be worked on. With respect to Pollock Community Water Park, the season ended on August 23 and she is waiting for some product to be picked up and rd credits given so that she can finish her end of the year report. The Dragonboats will be holding their event on September 19-20 and then there are some weddings scheduled as well as Oshkosh Defense’s company picnic. The fall softball leagues will continue at the Reetz complex through October. She is preparing for the 13 annual th Zooloween Boo event at Menominee Park which is scheduled for October 17-18 and encouraged the Board and their families as well as the public to attend. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 LAKESHORE GOLF COURSE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dobish stated staff is working on aeration and that the tees were finished last week and crews will be working on the greens; it is hoped to be done with aeration by next Wednesday. It is anticipated that the Friends will offset the financial work on Fairway #2. He stated that in general, the golf course looks good. Mr. Gogolewski stated that traps #1 and #15 look in disrepair. Mr. Dobish stated it is hoped that they will be able to grade them over before winter as well as #17 and #18 as well. Mr. Gardiner stated that they are up 3% in revenues for August. The City Tournament brought in approximately 130 people and there is a 2-man scramble scheduled which is hoped to bring in more patrons than last year. Leagues are winding down as well as the number of golfers at the course as the colder weather approaches. They are $30,000 in revenues from what they brought in last year through August. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Herman stated that with respect to golf courses holding alcohol permits, he recently read that the League of Wisconsin Municipalities will be supporting State Legislatives efforts to allow cities and villages to sell intoxicating liquor and wine in municipal parks (golf courses). Board members (and general public) should contact their State Legislatures relative to LRB 1921 in support of that bill. It was noted that on September 2, 2015, the locks in Menasha were closed due to a discovery of round gobies (aggressive invasive fish). This invasion could possibly have a negative economic impact on the Fox Valley and would affect the walleye, sturgeons and other native fish. He discussed this issue with Scott Engle of the Otter Street Fishing Club as well as Kendall Kamke, DNR Oshkosh Fisheries Team Supervisor, who indicated they are keeping an eye on the situation. If the public would like to contact Mr. Kamke directly his number is (920) 427-9830. There being no other business, ADJOURNMENT Motion by Gogolewski for adjournment; seconded by Miller. Motion carried 9-0. The meeting adjourned at 7 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary