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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-14-19 Minutes ADVISORY PARK BOARD JANUARY 14, 2019 Present: Tony Dirth, Scott Greuel, Steve Herman, Devon Hudak, Todd Kaufmann, Becky Metz, Bill Miller, Lester Millette Excused: Amy Davis Absent: Jay Supple Jr., Leadership Oshkosh Adjunct Board Member Staff: Ray Maurer, Parks Director; Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director; Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager; Stacy James, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Vice Chair Dirth called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. A quorum was determined to be present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Miller for approval of the December 10, 2018 minutes. Seconded by Hudak. Motion carried 8-0. CITIZEN STATEMENTS & PARK BUSINESS 1) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND RENTAL FEES FOR TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL COURTS Mr. Maurer states that this is a carry-over item from the December meeting when it was discussed that there have been requests to reserve the new tennis and pickleball courts at Menominee Park. At that time the Board asked for staff to research fees in the surrounding area. Mr. Maurer states that there has been a longstanding arrangement with the Oshkosh Recreation Department, a division of the Oshkosh Area School District, regarding no charges for use of facilities. He suggests that this arrangement also carry over to the tennis and pickle ball courts. A couple of years ago when staff was reviewing athletic use fees it was suggested that a charge of $5 per court per hour be assessed and that is the recommendation again at this time but they need approve from the Board to move the recommendation on to City Council. Details that were cleared up as a result of Board member questions was that the fee would be to reserve the court in advance of the group’s use of the court and the fee would be paid to the Parks Department similar to that of a park shelter rental. A listing of court reservations would be posted on a weekly basis and updated, if needed, throughout the week. All rental fees would go into the general fund much like the shelter rentals do. There would not be limits set on how much a group would be able to reserve a court however payment would be due prior to the reservation and if the group does not use the court for that time there would not be a refund provided. Mr. Millette voiced concern about groups that would need to rent the courts for leagues, tournaments and lessons. These are all generally community based rentals and if there is a fee to participate it could raise the ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE TWO JANAURY 14, 2019 overall fee and deter the public from utilizing the services. His concern is with the YMCA wanting to rent the courts for lessons.. Mr. Dirth states that if the general public is unable to use the courts it is feasible that there should be a charge for the rental. Motion by Greuel to recommend a rental fee of $5.00 per court per hour for tennis and pickleball courts in the City parks (excluding rental fee for Oshkosh Area School District and Recreation Department). Seconded by Herman. Motion carried 7-1 (Millette). 2) REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE RED ARROW PARK BASEBALL/SOFTBALL COMPLEX CONCESSION LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF OSHKOSH AND OSHKOSH COMMUNITY YMCA Mr. Maurer states that this agreement is similar to past groups that have entered into concession lease agreements with the City of Oshkosh. This agreement is for the Oshkosh YMCA to lease the concession stand at Red Arrow Park Baseball/Softball Complex. At the end of the season the group provides a financial statement to the Parks Department and pays their fee accordingly at that time. These fees do go into a separate account to be used for maintenance and development of athletic fields. The YMCA has reviewed the agreement and have accepted its terms and conditions. Motion by Miller to recommend approval of the Red Arrow Park Baseball/Softball Complex Concession Lease Agreement between the City of Oshkosh and Oshkosh Community YMCA. Seconded by Kaufmann. Motion carried 8-0. 3) UPDATE ON 2019 HOURS OF OPERATION FOR MENOMINEE PARK ZOO, LAKEFLY CAFÉ, AND CHILDREN’S AMUSEMENT CENTER AREA Ms. McCollian states that there have been many staffing struggles with revenue facilities over the past couple of years. In 2018 they tried to address this concern by working with a pool of employees that could work at the various facilities however there were still staffing problems toward the end of the year and the facilities had to close down earlier than anticipated. She is proposing that the season for the Menominee Park Children’s Amusement Center and concession stand as well as the Lakefly Café run from Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day. The Menominee Park Zoo would remain open from the first weekend in May until the last weekend of September due to the fact that it is staffed by full-time employees as well. Operating hours for revenue facilities at Menominee Park have also been tweaked as a result of feedback from park patrons who request to be able to use the facilities into the evening hours. As such it is recommended that the Children’s Amusement Center be open from 1pm-7pm, the Menominee Park Zoo be open from 9am-7pm and the Lakefly Café be open from 11am-7pm weekdays and 10am-7pm on weekends and holidays. Mr. Dirth stated that he thinks it is good to have the same closing time for all of the facilities to clear up confusion. Mr. Miller inquired about the impact this will have on revenues. Ms. McCollian states that while they will not be open weekends in May like previously, often times these weekends are fraught with cold weather or the presence of lake flies so facility use didn’t really pick up until Memorial Weekend anyway. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE THREE JANAURY 14, 2019 She also thinks that staying open later in the day will improve the revenue from families that want to come down to the park after work. Accommodations can be made if there is a group that wants to have facilities open for a field trip in May if need be. Mr. Dallman added that special events that are planned at the Children’s Amusement Center and Menominee Park Zoo have also had their hours adjusted to be more accommodating and hopefully increase revenues. 4) DISCUSS AND RECOMMEND FEES FOR AMUSEMENT RIDES AND WATER EQUIPMENT RENTALS Ms. McCollian states that they have compared our fees to those of the surrounding area and as a result they are requesting a slight change to the fees for the amusement rides and water equipment rentals. She notes that the cost to operate the rides and run the rentals has gone up as a result of wage increases and the slight increase will also assist with a decreasing revenue at the facilities. Based on averages of use from the prior two seasons it is anticipated that the slight increase in fees for the amusement rides would result in approximately $5,500 more in revenue and the increase for the water rentals would result in approximately $2,600 more in revenue or about $8,000 overall. Mr. Dallman states that it costs approximately $4,500-$6,000 each year for repairs to these rides and the water rental equipment but there is additional cost to operate the facilities and staff costs. Mr. Maurer added that the department doe separate out revenues and expenses for the various areas and feels that if an increase to the revenue does not occur there is the possibility of not being able to operate the amusements area in the future due to not covering costs. They are trying to make slight adjustments now to avoid that in the future. Motion by Miller to recommend approval of the increased fees for the amusement rides and water equipment rentals. Seconded by Herman. Motion carried 8-0. 5) DISCUSS STATUS OF CAROUSEL AT MENOMINEE PARK CHILDREN’S AMUSEMENT CENTER Mr. Dallman states that the carousel has been out of operation since 2015 due to costly repairs necessary. Staff had to remove the canopy for repair as well and the decision was made to take the ride out of operation and evaluate the costs to get it operational again. If assembled again it would need a total restoration and at last inquiry the price to do so was $130,000 at that time and has likely increased since that time. The carousel has not yet been fixed due to a lack of funding for such an expense. Fundraising options were looked into but without a major donor there is not enough funding. Looking at the deficits in the Children’s Amusement Center he poses the question to the Board of whether they should take this time to discuss continuing to offer the carousel at that location or sell the unit as is and go in a different direction. Mr. Miller states that since it is a historical part of the community and a reasonably priced avenue of entertainment for families he would hate to see the carousel go and asked if there were other carousels identical to this that could be purchased for parts. Mr. Dallman states that he could do additional research to pursue but when it comes to having to manufacture some of the parts will be costly. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR JANUARY 14, 2019 Ms. Metz inquired into the cost of purchasing a new carousel at the site and Mr. Dallman responded that it would depend on the size that they decide to go with. A smaller version than what is presently there would run about $75,000.00. Mr. Herman states that looking at the fiscal impact and the age of the unit he feels this would be a good time to poll the community to see what they would like to see at that location. Mr. Maurer states that there is not a lot of interest in fund raising to save the carousel. He is not looking for the Board to make a decision at this time, he just wanted to bring it to their attention that this problem exists and will need to be resolved in the near future. Staff agreed to look at historical numbers to determine how much it cost to operate the carousel when it was operating as well as how much revenue was brought in. Mr. Maurer gave a brief history of the Amusements Area stating that the City purchased the rides from a family who was operating the facility. After reviewing the business plan it was discovered that the area was only running on a break even basis. This results in there not being much capital brought in to be able to cover the costs of major improvements and repairs. He is looking to the Board for their input and to see if there is further information that they would like staff to come back to future meetings with. It was determined that staff will further research the costs and revenues for operating, the current value of the carousel and whether there is any historical value to the carousel that could drum up interest or fundraising opportunities. Mr. Herman inquired as to what amenities bring people to the park at this time. Ms. McCollian states that she believes the Little Oshkosh project will bring in patrons and the special events held at the Children’s Amusement Center as well as at the Menominee Park Zoo are well attended. There will also be an increased effort this year to bring awareness throughout the community and the surrounding areas as to what amenities and events occur at the facilities. Mr. Maurer added that based on results from 2012 and 2018 surveys of the community the repairs to the carousel were not high on the list of priorities to be addressed. PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Maurer reports that the New Year will be busy with projects from the department’s Strategic Plan. Ballfield bids are out for Spanbauer Field and Rainbow Memorial Park ballfield. Sydney Supple has raised close to $100,000 for the Rainbow Memorial Park ballfield. It is anticipated that bids will be received by the end of the month and the projects can be awarded. Weather dependent they are hoping for an early spring start on the projects and completion by early summer. Stoegbauer Park Request for Proposal for the playground equipment is out. He has been meeting with playground vendors to further explain what the community is looking for with the new equipment. Proposals are due February 4 for that project. The Sacred Hearth Neighborhood Association is hosting a Rock the Block event the weekend of April 25 wherein they intend to have multiple improvement projects going on at the same time. Staff will plan to remove the old equipment out at that time to help boost the event and the install of the new equipment should be completed by the end of May. The Lakeshore Park Master Plan Request for Proposals is also out at this time and are due February 7. Staff will evaluate proposals most of February and select a consultant early in March for a project start in later ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FOUR JANUARY 14, 2019 March. There will be meetings with the Advisory Park Board, public input meetings and joint meetings with the Plan Commission and other boards and committees in April and May to compile what the public would like to see at that location. Possible conceptual plans will be presented in June and then fine-tuned in July and August to be brought back for Advisory Park Board, Plan Commission and ultimately Common Council approval. He is planning for this process to be complete by October so that considerations can be made for 2020 budget and Capital Improvement Project funding. The Eagle Exhibit is close to its fundraising goal and if anyone would like to contribute further they can contact the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation to do so. Cost estimates have gone up from $217,000 to $228,500. The agreement will be going to Common Council for approval and acceptance of donations received to date. After that is complete the project can begin. There is a Council Workshop scheduled for Wednesday, January 16 at 5:30 to discuss the parks building renovation. The Boldt Company has put together a presentation so that a decision can be made as to whether have a complete demolition of the current site or renovate what is there. ASSISTANT PARK DIRECTOR’S REPORT Mr. Dallman updated that work will begin on the Bowen Street Fishing Dock renovation shortly. Staff is completing the demotion of the restrooms interior at Westhaven Circle Park. The zoo maintenance building is beginning phase 2 of the renovation wherein they will work on the new animal exhibits. Annual equipment maintenance is being performed at the shop and they are preparing for the new zero turn that will be delivered as well as getting quotes for the new mini excavator and trailer. Bill Sturm is working on obtaining the new aerial truck and chipper truck as well as a pick-up truck for the department. Mr. Dallman notes that the pumps at Pollock Community Water Park are due to be rebuilt, which happens every three years. Due to the age of the facility it is likely that there will be more repairs needed in the future. The Landscape Operations Division has been out completing their annual terrace tree pruning. With regards to the ice rink at Riverside Park, the weather has been challenging but they are hoping with the cold weather they will be able to open up soon. The weather, together with people using the ice when it is not fully formed, has caused some problems with the surface. Staff will be flooding the rink this week and hopefully with the colder temperatures it can be opened again by the weekend. REVENUE FACILITIES MANAGER’S REPORT Ms. McCollian reported that she is in the process of getting everything in place for the upcoming season at the various facilities. There will be a Facebook poll going out for the public to vote on bands for the Tuesday Night Concert Series at Leach Amphitheater which will again be sponsored by Verve, a Credit Union. There will be a family entertainment sponsor as well, which she is in the process of scheduling. She likes to be able to mix things up a bit with the performers so that there is variety from week to week bringing in different people. There will be food trucks again at the concert series this year and she is receiving contracts from those vendors as well. ADVISORY PARK BOARD MINUTES PAGE FIVE JANUARY 14, 2019 At the Menominee Park Zoo they will continue the program for “We Need Each Other Wednesdays”. This will be run by the new zoo education coordinator and the posting for that position will go out soon. This is a six week program that takes place every Wednesday that provides a variety of learning opportunities for families to come and attend. New this winter will be the Mascots and Movies indoor movies at the Oshkosh Seniors Center. The dates for the event are January 25 and February 23. If they are well attended there is the potential to have a March movie as well. This a great free, family winter event that will have baseball themed crafts, games and a movie. Julie Sonnenschein is working on a sponsor guide for the community events that are held which she is able to review when speaking with potential donors. She likes being able to show potential donors the levels of sponsorship and different opportunities that are available at the facilities. She will provide a copy to the Board once it is fully complete. OTHER BUSINESS Vice Chair Dirth advised the Board members that they had received an updated directory for the Park Board. He encouraged everyone to review the information and report any changes or corrections to the recording secretary. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Herman for adjournment; seconded by Miller. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 P.M Respectfully submitted, Stacy L. James Stacy L. James, Recording Secretary