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Board of Park Commissioners
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Index of these minutes:
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of the June 4,
2008 Minutes
3. Update/Possible Recommendation
on Leashless Dog Exercise Area (Leashless
Dog Exercise Area Committee)
4. Revise Goerke Field Usage
Policy and Fees
5. Recommendation on Stevens
Point Flying Disc Association Requests
6. Director's Report
7. Adjournment
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Brooks, Curtis, Freckmann, Glodosky, Hall,
McDonald, Okonek, Sorenson, Trzebiatowski, Wiza
Excused: Bahling
Also Present: Director Schrader, Ald. Molski, Ald. Heart, Peggy Rentz, Meredith Thorn, Matthew Kovalaske, Sue Vetter,
Mark Vetter, Reid Rocheleau, Troy Durkee, Joe Seubert, Dave Morgan, Susie Eberhard, Randy Schukar, Peter Engelbert,
Patty Engelbert, John Raflik, Steve Shaysik, Paul Pamres
2. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 4,
2008 MINUTES
Motion was made by Curtis, seconded by Hall to approve
the June 4, 2008 minutes and place them on file.
Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.
3. UPDATE/POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION
ON LEASHLESS DOG EXERCISE AREA (LEASHLESS DOG EXERCISE AREA COMMITTEE)
Wiza said the June Common Council did not approve
the recommendation by the Park Board to place the leashless dog exercise area at the old landfill. He said the
Leashless Dog Exercise Area Committee met earlier and looked at several alternatives but discarded them for reasons
such as they were too small, not centrally located, and one site included too much wetland which would add to the
expense by having to build a bridge.
He said the recommendation of the Leashless Dog Exercise Area Committee was to have the Common Council reconsider
approval of the old city landfill as it was presented to them in June. He referred to a letter from the DNR saying
this area should be fenced and that the city cannot really build or do anything else with the property that the
committee is recommending for the leashless dog area.
Wiza went on to say one of the reasons it didn't go through was because the Water Department and Public Works Department
may want to utilize the area sometime in the future, but they have not made any solid decisions. The committee
felt this would be the perfect use of that area. He said if these departments do use it in the future, we can deal
with it then, but by putting up a fence now, we would be helping the city comply with DNR regulations.
Motion was made by McDonald, seconded by Trzebiatowski to recommend that the Common Council approve construction
of the leashless dog exercise area at the old dump site.
A discussion took place regarding parking on the cap, and Wiza said he wasn't totally sure but thought they could
park on the cap if they have to; they can't do any excavation on that spot but could probably park there, as they
would not be disturbing anything. Several Board members, dog owners in attendance, and Reid Rocheleau expressed
their approval of the site for a leashless dog exercise area, indicating since it can't be used for much else,
it seems to be the perfect spot.
President Glodosky called for a voice vote on the motion.
Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.
4. REVISE GOERKE FIELD USAGE
POLICY AND FEES
Director Schrader went over the current policy submitted
in the agenda notes saying this policy was established in 1981. He recommended approval with review in one year
since this is new to us.
He said he did want to include that one-half of the new fees go toward the maintenance repair fund in an effort
to have enough money for replacement when the time comes. The current game fee rentals would stay the same.
Motion was made by Wiza, seconded by Hall to approve the revised Goerke Field Usage Policy and Fees as listed below
and to review in one year.
- Goerke Stadium would continue to remain open to the public as long as no damage/vandalism occurs to the synthetic surface.
- The turf area may be reserved by official groups/organizations for use appropriate for the turf area. These groups/organizations have the appropriate insurance coverage as required by the city and pay the established fees and security deposit.
- No food and/or drinks are allowed on the turf area. To include but not limited to items such as sunflower seeds, chewing tobacco, gum, etc.
- Priority of scheduling the field in the Fall: first to varsity football games (including PJ 9th graders), second official groups and/or organizations that are making an annual contribution, third other users. Spring: first to SPASH & PJ track teams, second official groups and/or organizations that are making an annual contribution, third other users. Summer: First official groups and/or organizations that are making an annual contribution, second other users.
- Official groups and/or organizations can reserve the turf area for $100/hr(additional costs for staff, equipment, lights, clean up if needed). Official groups/organizations making a minimum contribution of $2,000/yr.*, school district (St. PT. Public/St. Pt. Parochial) and UWSP can reserve the turf area for $20/hr (additional costs for staff, equipment, lights, clean up if needed). * Official groups and/or organizations that are making an annual contribution can use the turf area without paying fee for up to 150 hours annually. Unused time cannot be carried over or transferred.
- Varsity High School and University football teams will receive two(2) hour per week of use of the turf area during the fall football season to be used for practice at no charge. Staff, equipment, lights and cleanup would require a fee.
- Security deposit for use of the area will be $100.00.
- One half of all new fees collected by this policy, be placed in the Maintenance Fund.
Wiza asked if these rates are in line with other
turf fields and Director Schrader said he had checked with Eau Claire, Oshkosh, and D.C. Everest and taking into
consideration that each has a little different policy, the rates figure out about the same.
President Glodosky called for a voice vote on the motion.
Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.
5. RECOMMENDATION ON STEVENS
POINT FLYING DISC ASSOCIATION REQUESTS
Randy Schukar, on behalf of the volunteers and disc
golf players and the Stevens Point Area Flying Disc Association, addressed the Board giving a history of disc golf
in this area, also outlined in the agenda notes and Mr. Schukar's letter. He spoke of the hours they have put into
making the Yulga Disc Golf course what it is today, one of the top 10 in the state. He said he is asking that the
course be available to the public long enough to cover the time they have put into it. He also said they would
like to put trails through the disc park and need to make it safe and he suggested the plans for the subdivision
be modified.
Director Schrader said he wouldn't recommend any trails in the disc golf park because that would add another use
and another safety issue.
President Glodosky reminded the Board and others present that it is the Plan Commission who makes recommendations
to the Council on the lot layout, what is before the Park Board is to make a recommendation on dedicating the Yulga
disc golf course for park land.
A discussion of the placement of the tees and which direction the disc is thrown took place with Director Schrader
saying number 16, which seems to be the most affected, could be shielded from the street by adding shrubbery or
a small fence. He said he thought the park had wooded areas that would adequately protect any areas that might
be seen as problematic. He said if dedicated he would like to change Whitetail Park to Yulga Park. Also discussed
was that the subdivision changes would detract from the course. Director Schrader said he didn't think this would
ruin the course, with the many budget cuts the city is facing, this is an opportunity to create revenue by the
adding of these lots.
Further discussion included a logging problem and Director Schrader said at one time there was some difficulty
with a tree contractor but the most recent problem is Oak Wilt, some trees need to come down. The City Forester
makes the determination of which trees must be removed to halt the spread of Oak Wilt. He went on to say that we
need the volunteers or our parks wouldn't be what they are, but we have to do what is best for the facility and
we can't always do what the volunteers want but most are okay with it.
Wiza said he thought the sport has proven itself with high usage and he is willing to work with Randy to formulate
a resolution outlining the importance of disc golf in this area. Several members of the Board and Whitetail Subdivision
residents stated they greatly appreciate the work these groups have done, it is an inexpensive sport that is a
great asset to the area. President Glodosky said they have managed to develop and run this without asking for money.
Motion was made by Wiza, seconded by Hall to create a resolution recognizing disc golf as a viable recreational
activity that benefits our community.
Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.
Motion was made by Wiza, seconded by Hall to dedicate the area 400' west of the proposed new street as city park
land.
Ald. Heart said she was concerned the motion wasn't strong enough, it would give possible changes to the presented
plan too much leeway.
Motion was made by Wiza, seconded by Hall to amend the motion to dedicate as park land the area west of the street
as shown on the proposed subdivision layout (attached) as presented to the Park Board on August 6, 2008.
Discussion again centered around the sub-division design and the Director was asked why a street had to be put
there and Director Schrader said cul-de-sacs are not always the best solution making snow removal and garbage collection
difficult. He said the street was needed to provide a loop for water pressure. He added it has been his experience,
and as veteran Park Board members know, that if there isn't a street between a Park and residential yards, over
the years it becomes a problem to separate the two.
Ald. Molski said the original plan for Phase III was 42 lots and was scaled down to accommodate the disc golf park.
Director Schrader said the Mayor wanted to leave the park.
President Glodosky again reminded those present that they would have to attend other appropriate city meetings
to provide their input on the sub-division, that we are here to make a recommendation on dedicating park land.
He called for a voice vote on the motion.
Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.
6. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director Schrader reported:
- Green Circle: we are still working on the boardwalk off of Wilshire and hopefully that will be completed this fall. At the same time with the help of University Work Study people, who are doing an excellent job, we are doing the other 2,000 feet of boardwalk across Moses Creek. This too, will hopefully be completed by fall, but it takes a long time with the boards having to be carried in.
- Pool: the pool will close for the season on August 17, at 8:00 p.m. adding that there have been very few rain days this summer and the pool has had a good user turnout.
- Goerke Park: anyone who wishes to can walk over and look at the project after the meeting and he showed a sample of the turf and turf with rubber pellets. He added so far the weather has been excellent for this project, saying this has been extremely helpful since the first game is scheduled for August 29th and the completion date of the turf is August 22nd.
- Art Exhibit: John Hartman's Point 150 exhibit is on display at the Riverfront Art's Center and he recommended viewing it, saying it is excellent. The hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wiza said Consolidated will be starting the Wisconsin
River draw down on the evening of August 14th at a rate of .2 feet per hour. He said there are volunteer groups
who will be doing things such as fish rescue, shore cleanup, etc. He said Veolia/Cranberry Creek has donated the
use of dumpsters for anyone who would want to help in the cleanup along the shore. They will also be doing dock
repairs and pouring footings for the KASH handicap pier.
They will be meeting at Club 10 on the 16th, for more information, they can call him at 341-1136 or go online to
outlawbass.com. He said they will be happy for any help they can get.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Hall, seconded by Trzebiatowski
to adjourn the August 6, 2008 Board of Park Commissioners Meeting at 7:55 p.m.
Ayes all; Nays none; Motion carried.
The meeting minutes reproduced on this website are derived from the computer files used to produce the official minutes for the City of Stevens Point, but are unofficial. The minutes on this web site cannot be certified under s. 889.08, Wis. Stats., and cannot be considered prima facie evidence under s. 889.04, Wis. Stats. Certain tables, maps, and other documents that are a part of the official minutes are not included in the files reproduced on this website. Please consult the printed minutes, available in the City Clerk's Office, for the official text. The decisions made by City of Stevens Point boards, committees, and commissions (other than the Police & Fire Commission) are advisory only and are not binding on the City until affirmed at a meeting of the Common Council. Some of the minutes on this web site might not be approved by the Common Council as of today.