PARK COMMISSION  MEETING MINUTES                                                  April 9,      2003

 

Members Present:          Commissioners: Clarence Peterson, Richard Gawinski, Roy Kuehn, Herb Horn, John Zaborsky, Judy Holtz, and Glen Allen.   

 

Excused:                       None

 

Also Present:                 Ronald Pavlak Park Foreman, Becky Thone, Recreation Supervisor Mary Heiting Bookkeeper, Barb Hanson, Supervisor #1, George Dearborn Director of Community Development, and Jim Archambo, Town Administrator

                                   

                                    Chief McCants              Gary Wolf         Jim Wittmann      Betty Zaborsky

 

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The meeting was held at the Community Center and called to order by Richard Gawinski, President, at 7:00 p.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call taken.

 

PUBLIC FORUM and / or CORRESPONDENCE

Jim Wittmann is interested in having a youth band concert at O’Hauser South.  The date chosen is May 24th between 12:00 and 4:30.  Jim explained that there should be approximately 4 bands playing during this event.    Bookkeeper Mary Heiting will reserve O’Hauser South for this date.  The Commission approved waiving the fees for this event.

 

Approval of Minutes and Expenditures

MOTION: Commissioner Peterson, seconded by Commissioner Kuehn reviewed the May 12, 2003 minutes and made a motion to approve.   Motion carried unanimously.

 

The Commissioners reviewed the April 2003 bills list in the amount of $21,742.84.  MOTION: Commissioner Zaborsky, seconded by Commissioner Holtz to approve the April 2003 bills list as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

RON PAVLAK’S REPORT

Park Foreman Pavlak requested Suburban Athletics be able to install a soda machine at O’Hauser North.  They currently have a soda machine at South and are generating revenue.  The Commission had concerns about vandalism.  There has been no vandalism on the other machine or in the parks.  MOTION Commissioner Horn, seconded by Commissioner Peterson to approve the installation on a trial basis.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Suburban Athletics would also like to see if we could install permanent fencing in the batting cage.  After discussion it was mentioned that the park tours will be in May and this project could be reviewed at that time.

 

Foreman Pavlak requested he bring up quotes for the trails on the Palisades and Fritsch park property.  The Commission authorized Foreman Pavlak to proceed.

 

On May 10th Integrity Christian would like to have projects for the high school aged students to complete.  Foreman Pavlak will be working with Karen Gehrke on projects around Butte des Morts, Annex Lane or O’Hauser Park, depending on the number of students involved.

 

The playground equipment has been ordered and staff will be picking it up in the near future.  Depending on the weather this project should be completed soon.

 

Our summer staff will be starting next month.  Denis Danielsen will be starting April 14.  Mr. Danielsen is retired but helps us out in the spring and fall when the seasonal are in school.

 

County Concrete has negotiated a deal with us to help out by donating landscaping material.  A written request on Town letterhead will confirm this donation.

 

BECKY THONE’S REPORT

Becky Thone, Recreation Supervisor gave a report about the recent purchases for the Community Center needs.  Those items include a public speaking podium, an audio/visual movie screen, and folding chair carts.  The park staff will be helping with some of the assembly needs.

 

The Recreation Department is requesting exclusion to the park rules by bringing animals in the park for one day, July 9th.  The Care for Critters program will be sponsoring a summer recreational program and small animals will be brought in a fenced area for display.  MOTION: Commissioner Allen, seconded by Commissioner Zaborsky to allow the exception to the rules allowing animals in the park for this event.

 

Supervisor Thone has also submitted a grant application for a special needs program offered this summer.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.    Review of Chapter 17 – Park Rules

Police Chief Rod McCants has reviewed Chapter 17 of the Park Rules and has completed a study of area municipal codes and rules.  The City of Appleton had proposed an expulsion notice to be included in their rules.  After the notice of violation the person charged can be arrested and fined.  MOTION: Commissioner Zaborsky, seconded by Commissioner Allen to adopt the ordinance amendments as follows:

 

  • Include the addition of paragraph “w” in 17.02 of the rules
  • 17.02 revise the paragraph to include “any” Town recreational trails.  Motion carried unanimously
  • 17.04 revise the paragraph to include “any” Town recreational trails.
  • Revise 17.05 to add; up to one year expulsion, as determined by a Court of competent jurisdiction, motion carried unanimously.

 

B.    Revenue Review – Soda Machine at Community Center

Supervisor Thone discussed that the soda machine installed at the community center will generate revenue which should probably be used for offsetting expenses.  The Commission approved that the expenditures and revenue should come from the Pal’s Account.

 

C.     Proposal from Appraisal Consultants – D.L. Gagnow, Appleton

Bookkeeper Mary Heiting received the appraisal contract from Appraisal Consultants of Appleton.  This appraisal will evaluate the property at 958 Irish Road to be included in the grant application for property acquisition.  Rollie Moseng, the estate manager was in approval of this agency.  The application / contract prepared by Mary Heiting will be included in the Stewardship Grant Application for submission by May 1.  MOTION: Commissioner Zaborsky, seconded by Commissioner Allen to authorize the Town of Menasha Commission to enter this contract with a quote of $2,000.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Palisades Athletics has requested that an exception to be allowed to have the annual rummage sale at Palisades Park.  This exclusion was allowed last year for the purpose of fund raising for the association.  The Commission would like to review the minutes from 2002 to follow the same provisions.

 

Commissioner Allen stated the Boy’s and Girl’s Brigade will be using Schildt Park for picnic and fun activities on June 29 and July 20th.  MOTION: Commissioner Zaborsky, seconded by Commissioner Kuehn to waive the fees for this non-profit organization to use the parks for their two events.  Motion carried with 6-Ayes and 1 abstention.

 

Administrator Archambo reviewed the time line estimates proposed for proceeding with the review of applications for the vacant position of Park and Recreation Director.  The Commissioners reviewed the committee selections and time line.  It was suggested that the Commissioners as a whole have an opportunity to review all of the applications.  Administrator Archambo will forward a copy of all the applicants.  MOTION: Commissioner Zaborsky, seconded by Commissioner Holtz to approve the process of starting the Committees and time line schedule to hire a new Park & Recreation Director. 

 

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT BY COMMISSIONERS

Motion Commissioner Peterson, seconded Commissioner Kuehn to adjourn the April 9, 2003 meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Sincerely,

 

John A. Zaborsky,   Secretary Park Commission

 

P.S. A Happy 90th Birthday celebration was extended to Commissioner Kuehn after the meeting.  Cake and beverages were shared amongst all members of the Commission and guests.

 

Next month will be the West Side Park Tour starting at 5:30 at O’Hauser North park.  The Meeting for official Park Commission business will follow at the MUNICIPAL COMPLEX at 7:00 P.M.