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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES April 11, 2005 Present: Ted Bowen, Bill Gogolewski, Kay Hansen, Jim Michelson, Larry Pasquini, Jim Schwochert, Terry Wohler Excused: Bill Akan, Brian Poeschl Staff: Thomas Stephany, Director of Parks; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; Jennifer McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Trish Wendorf, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER Chairman Michelson called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Schwochert for approval of the March 14, 2005 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Bowen. Motion carried 7-0. PARK BUSINESS 1) Approve Amphitheater Name Mr. Stephany stated when City staff was in the process of preparing the Agreement for the amphitheater, it was realized that the Agreement had the name “Leach Amphitheater” throughout the document. It became apparent that the name “Leach Amphitheater” was never formally approved and, therefore, the City Attorney recommended and advised that the official naming process should be brought before the Advisory Park Board for approval and recommendation to the City Council. Mr. Bowen stated the proposed name is a perfect fit, meets the guidelines, identifies and thanks the people primarily responsible for it’s existence and the proposed name is appropriate. Mr. Schwochert stated he would be remissed if he did not acknowledge that there were other names submitted for consideration. He referred to an email submitted to the Parks Department from Lisa Hibbard dated April 11, 2005 (said email on file at the City Park’s office and made a part of these minutes) who suggested naming the amphitheater in memory of Matthew Golay, a local musician. He inquired if there were any other names for consideration and Mr. Stephany stated there were not. Motion by Gogolewski to make a recommendation that the City Council approve the name “Leach Amphitheater” for the new Riverside Park amphitheater area. Seconded by Bowen. Motion carried 7-0. 2)Location of Basketball Court at Menominee Park Mr. Stephany stated that he had met with the Public Works Department staff with respect to the locations of the three (3) new basketball courts. He reiterated that the basketball court proposed for Red Arrow Park would be located close to the playground area, and the one for Westhaven Park would be located between the new playground and the restrooms. Mr. Stephany stated with respect to Menominee Park, there are three (3) potential court sites and he would like the Board’s input as to which site might be the best fit. He stated the courts would be 56 ft. by 90 ft. and should be constructed in a north/south orientation to be consistent with most courts. Discussion ensued as to the three (3) proposed site locations as well as alternative sites proposed by the Board. Concern was expressed with the courts interfering with the soccer fields, being too tight a fit by the Sea, Sand & Sailorland playground area, or having to cut down trees to construct the courts in other suggested areas. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTESPAGE TWOAPRIL 11, 2005 Motion by Bowen to approve the location of the Menominee Park basketball court on the Merritt Avenue side, west of the tennis courts. Seconded by Wohler. Motion denied 3-4 (AYES: Bowen, Schwochert, and Wohler; NAYS: Gogolewski, Hansen, Michelson, and Pasquini). Additional discussion ensued as to the location proposed on Merritt Avenue west of the tennis courts and the location suggested by the Board, to-wit: north of Irving Avenue and west of the volleyball courts. Mr. Stephany stated that he did not think the courts would fit in the suggested location, but he would re-measure the area. He reiterated that the basketball court should be oriented in a north/south direction to ensure full playtime. Greg Hibbard, 1045 Oak Street, stated he did not think the area north of Sea, Sand & Sailorland would be the best location for the basketball court. He is of the opinion there isn’t enough room for one, there would be “spiked” balls going onto the playground area, and the basketball players are known to use foul language which would not be conducive to the young children in the area. He also stated that the people that rent/use the shelters don’t always take advantage of the surrounding play amenities. Motion by Wohler to approve the location of the Menominee Park basketball courts west of the volleyball courts, north of Irving Avenue, if there is sufficient room for same. Seconded by Pasquini. Motion carried 7- 0. Mr. Stephany stated if there is not sufficient room for the basketball court at the approved location, he would bring the matter back to the Board for further determination. PARK DIRECTOR’S/STAFF’S REPORTS Mr. Stephany gave a report on the recent Boat Launch Committee meeting. He stated the committee proposed three (3) projects: 1) extend the Rainbow Park boat launch ramps by 20-30 ft.; 2) dredging the bay at Fugleberg Park because it is so th Avenue (and possibly add a T-dock). shallow; and 3) extend the docks at 24 Discussion ensued as to the problems incurred due to “powering up” of boats at launches and possible solutions to deter the boaters from “powering up”. Ms. McCollian gave a brief report on the boat launch status. She stated the rangers now have a laptop computer installed in the vehicle and are starting to monitor the launch areas. With the new computer in place, the rangers will issue one (1) warning only and if the boater does not comply in the future, a citation will be issued. To date, the rangers have issued 77 warnings and one (1) ticket. Mr. Sturm stated he addressed some of the concerns at Roe Park last week. He noted that some of the lighting needs may have to be included in next year’s CIP program. Mr. Sturm reported that the boat launches have been carpeted and many of them have been redecked. BOARD MEMBERS’ COMMENTS Mr. Wohler stated more handicap parking stalls are needed at the Menominee Park boat launch. Mr. Stephany stated the parks crew is in the process of assigning those spaces, as they are a top priority. Discussion ensued as to installing portapots by the boat launch areas. Mr. Wohler stated portapots are a service to the public. While Mr. Stephany concurred with Mr. Wohler, he stated the Parks Department is trying to keep portapots out of the parks system for various reasons. Chairman Michelson wished to thank whichever department took care of the culvert damage by Ames Point. Mr. Sturm stated the City’s Street Department fixed the culverts. Mr. Bowen inquired as to the goose status. Mr. Sturm stated that the crews can’t proceed with the plan until the June moating season. th Mr. Pasquini stated Oshkosh Youth Baseball begins on May 14. He also stated at the annual meeting with the Youth Sports Council, it was pointed out that more baseball diamonds are needed. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTESPAGE THREEAPRIL 11, 2005 ADJOURNMENT There being no other business, Motion by Wohler to adjourn. Seconded by Gogolewski. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Wendorf Recording Secretary