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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 14 2016 Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD MARCH 14, 2016 Present: Victor Girens, Steve Herman, Jim Michelson, Carrie Rule, Megan Schuessler, Terry Wohler Excused: Amy Davis, Bill Gogolewski, Bill Miller Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director; James Rabe, Director of Public Works; Steve Gohde, Assistant Director of Public Works; Bill Sturm, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester; 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Girens for approval of the February 9, 2016 minutes, as distributed. Seconded by Michelson. Motion carried 6-0. PARK BUSINESS 1) Discuss South Park lagoon renovation design Mr. Maurer gave a brief background on the issue and read his Memorandum dated March 9, 2016 addressed to the Park Board members (said Memorandum on file at the City Parks Department and made a part of these minutes). James Rabe, Director of Public Works, stated that during the public meetings as part of the South Park master plan process, one of the big items that the neighbors requested of the City was to get control of the flooding of the area. A part of the lagoon restoration project includes the dredging project to get rid of accumulative sediments and help with the erosion problem in order to stabilize the shoreline and make it more usable. A determination as to depths will need to be achieved as there will be some areas that will need more depth than other areas for fishing purposes. Some of the other features will include looking at grading to contain run-off at the northeast corner of the park. John Kneer, Landscape Architect/Project Manager of Rettler Corporation, stated his company has been working with staff from AECOM in conjunction with erosion and flooding issues in the area. He noted that pond expansion was one of the aesthetics of the South Park master plan. He gave a PowerPoint™ presentation of proposed improvements, noting the installation of pathways that will connect to the trails and overlook areas of the lagoons. Mr. Michelson inquired if the boxed culvert contained incoming water from the Quarry or water from the storm water runoff. Mr. Rabe stated it is most likely from both sources. The lagoons would need to be dredged possibly every ten years to clean the area of sediment, and 40-60 years for long-term major dredging. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO MARCH 14, 2016 Mr. Michelson inquired as to the rough estimate of what percentage of water comes from the Quarry. Mr. Rabe stated he was unsure. We know what the Quarry discharges at a constant rate, but it also is dependent upon the rainfall that occurs. Mr. Michelson inquired as to what would happen if the Quarry no longer existed. Mr. Rabe stated that is something that City staff has kept in the back of their minds, but that is something that has not been determined yet. Mr. Kneer went over the coir log diagrams and outcropping areas and talked about the shore plantings for erosion control (not shoreland plantings) on the safety ledges. Mr. Michelson inquired as to running feet and height. Mr. Kneer stated the plantings are proposed to be 18-inches and below, with their profile including the flowering head. Mr. Herman inquired as to required permits. Mr. Kneer stated he does not believe that either wetland or waterway permits are needed/required. The bridge may need to be rehabbed similar to the work done at Menominee Park to make sure it remains structurally sound. Mr. Michelson inquired if the native plantings would cover 50% - as a park user he would like to have access to the water, etc. Mr. Kneer stated that determination could be made further down the road. At this time we want to make sure that we are on the right track now and then we can customize the plan in more detail as we move forward. The consensus of the Board was that they liked the project and staff should continue to move forward. 2) Discuss Potential Construction of Restroom/shelter in Conjunction With a Wastewater Facility Building in Mary Jewell Park Mr. Maurer gave a brief background on the issue and read his Memorandum dated March 9, 2016 addressed to the Park Board members (said Memorandum on file at the City Parks Department and made a part of these minutes). He stated that during the spring/summer months, about 4-5 nights a week there is a need for restrooms in that park due to usage. The City is working on grants for a trail connector from the Tribal Heritage Bridge along the golf course, along Mary Jewell Park toward Graham Avenue to have a trail connector to Rainbow Park. The facility could also be used by golf course patrons. Mr. Rabe gave a history of the area with respect to sanitary sewer issues and storm water run-off problems. The City is trying to obtain a wide encompassing solution to the wastewater problem. Mr. Herman inquired as to the time line. Steve Gohde, Assistant Director of Public Works, stated that in this year’s CIP, money has been allotted for the design of the pump station with construction being scheduled to occur in 2017. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE MARCH 14, 2016 Mr. Maurer stated that the Community Development Department was recently notified that the City is not eligible for grant funding at this time for the connector trail. If a restroom/shelter facility would be built, there would be a need to do fundraising with some of the user groups for the cost of same. At this time, the proposal is being brought to the Board to determine interest. Chairman Wohler inquired as to the size of the proposed waste water station. Mr. Rabe stated it would not be as big as the one in Menominee Park. This waste water station would be a small fraction of that capacity, but since it would most likely contain a back-up power generator, it would be a little bigger than the one on Nevada Street. MR HERMAN LEFT AT THIS TIME (6:45 PM), THEREBY LEAVING A 5-MEMBER BOARD Chairman Wohler stated it would solve a lot of problems especially with the baseball activity and there would be multiple uses for this facility. The consensus of the Board was that they liked the project and staff should continue to move forward. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer stated that the ADA Kayak and canoe launch at the Riverwalk would be scheduled for installation on Thursday, weather dependent, with the grand opening possibly in May. State of the City is st scheduled for Monday, March 21 at the Convention Center beginning at 6 PM and noted that one of the Community partners that will be honored will include the South Park Inclusive Playground committee. ASSISTANT PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Dallman stated that crews are working on cleaning up park facilities; equipment change over from winter to spring; playground repairs and boat launch pay stations ready for the season. He noted that the South Park restroom project is on track with completion scheduled for May. With respect to Red Arrow th Park, the restroom renovation bid packages are due March 30. The Miller’s Bay sailboat dock on-land storage reconstruction project has been completed. The South Park Inclusive playground fence installation is in progress; With regard to events and programs, Egg-Citing Day at the Zoo and Breakfast th with the Bunny events are scheduled for March 26; Streaming Live concerts at the Leach Amphitheater are being set up with bands; and we are working on filling the zoo education coordinator position that is funded through the Zoological Society. LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS MANAGER’S/CITY FORESTER’S REPORT Mr. Sturm stated that he has been working on utility locates for tree installations and seasonal hires. Landscape projects include designs for the summer includes the Chief Oshkosh area planting around the statue and pathways to the Chief making it more accessible. Summer landscape renovations for the Safety Building; landscape installations around the new welcome signage for the City (gateways); removal of cottonwoods throughout the city and assisting with the North Main Street reconstruction project which entailed working with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) with removal of trees from New York Avenue to Murdock Avenue. All DOT tree removal projects have to be implemented by April 1st due to specifications of the DOT due to potential roosting areas of the Northern Long-Eared Bat which is a protective species. Mr. Michelson inquired as to the Chief Oshkosh landscape work time table Mr. Sturm stated most work will occur mid to late summer for sidewalk installation. Once sidewalk is installed, crews will be doing seeding and then plantings. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR MARCH 14, 2016 Mr. Michelson inquired as to a site plan for the work and Mr. Maurer stated it is included in the Menominee Park Master Plan. Ms. Marks stated she would be able to email a copy of that section of the Master Plan to the Board members. LAKESHORE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Dobish stated the golf course is not open yet, but as soon as foot traffic is viable, it will be opening. Greens are looking in good condition. Crews will be working on sand and placing sand in bunkers as well as the normal edging and conditioning. Mr. Gardiner stated that staff has been looking at other ways to raise funds and they are going to try Foot Golf, which entails the use of a 21” cup and soccer ball. Foot golf will never be played on the greens, but always on the rough and they will cover over the holes during times that it is not being used. Foot Golf will be played only during selected times (Fridays after 3 PM and Saturdays after 2:30 PM). It will not be played during peak hours and it will only be played on the front 9-hole course. It is anticipated that a lot of families will be interested in this new game and hopefully it will be a big draw for the college kids. The only concern that staff has heard is that the public needs to be educated on what they can and cannot do on a golf course and staff will educate them. Staff will make sure no one is wearing soccer shoes and that all rules are followed. Other communities that have Foot Golf are Rolling Meadows in Fond du Lac, and a number of courses in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. We’re projecting about 750 rounds being played in 2016. We have some interest already with tournaments and school/group outings. Our initial investment is about $1,500. Chairman Wohler inquired as to the prices for the Foot Golf. Mr. Gardiner stated $8.50 for adults; $6 college students; $5 junior and a junior accompanied by an adult would be $2. Grandparents and elderly might want to use carts for this as well. Chairman Wohler stated he likes the idea as it will be a great way to raise revenues. He inquired if the back 9 will still be open. Mr. Gardiner stated Foot Golf would only be played on the front 9. Mr. Michelson stated this new game will not require much of an investment and will be “learn as you go”. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Maurer stated that the Senior Center parking lot reconstruction will start April 25, which includes the Steiger Park path and Senior Center path being done. The boat launch area will be out of commission during this reconstruction process. The Bowen Street fishing pier was approved as proposed noting that the sidewalk on the east side of Bowen Street will be done. There being no other business, ADJOURNMENT Motion by Girens for adjournment; seconded by Wohler. Motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Trish Marks Trish Marks, Recording Secretary