PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES July 23, 2003

Park Commissioners Present: Glen Allen, Richard Gawinski, Roy Kuehn, and Herb Horn

Excused: Commissioners Judy Holtz, John Zaborsky, and Clarence Peterson

Also Present:

Park Foreman Ronald Pavlak Supervisor Barbara Hanson

Administrator Jim Archambo Recreation Supervisor Becky Thone

Bookkeeper Mary Heiting Director of Park and Recreation Michael T. Kading

Recreation Assistant Carrie Stroud

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND EXPENDITURES

MOTION: Commissioner Roy Kuehn, seconded by Commission President Richard Gawinski reviewed the July 9, 2003 minutes and made a motion to approve. Motion carried unanimously.

The Commissioners reviewed the expenditures in the amount of $8,696.28. MOTION: Commissioner Glen Allen, seconded by Commissioner Herb Horn to approve the July 23, 2003 invoices as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC FORUM and / or CORRESPONDENCE

Bookkeeper Heiting reviewed the requests for amplified music in the parks. The first request was for the Apitz family. The anniversary celebration at Fritsch Park will involve a DJ from Chilton. The second request for the Micke family wedding celebration at Palisades Park on August 23. The Micke family requested a tent canopy and jumping gym set. MOTION: Commissioner Herb Horn, seconded by Commissioner Glen Allen to approve both amplified music requests.

PARK REPORT:

Foreman Pavlak explained the recent projects in the park system. The lift station under construction through the Utility Dept. is at Butte des Morts Park. One side of the horse shoe access road will be blocked. The project trailer is expected to remain there throughout the project duration.

Ron reported that the O’Hauser Park tennis courts will be repaired in August at no charge. The Fox Valley Asphalt Company awarded the bid last year will take care of the repairs under warranty.

Winnebago County will move the 4 donated pine trees from a private residence adjacent to Fritsch Park to the parks property this week.

As the summer is progressing, the heat and dryness of the season will allow the park crew to start on top priority maintenance projects.

Lied’s Landscaping has completed the request to move some of the vegetation on the Community Center landscaping project installed this year. This will complete this project will approve the balance of the invoice for payment.

RECREATION REPORT:

Recreation Supervisor Thone introduced Carrie Stroud. Carrie has been the Recreation Assistant in the past few years and this year is coordinating the “Our American Girl” camp and Kids Yoga classes. Carrie explained the purpose of the class and all the wonderful things the participants are learning and sharing. The special “Intergenerational Tea Party” invited friends and relatives who experienced life years ago. The participants were very amazed when history was shared of years gone by. Recreation Supervisor Thone explained there should be an article in the Twin City News Record next week.

Ms. Stroud reviewed the techniques and practices taught in the Kids Yoga class. This class will help students to improve overall health and attention in school.

Supervisor Thone explained that this week the Fire Safety was taught by Sue Englebert from the Fire Department. A sample of smoke detectors, and practicing the technique of stop, drop and roll were experienced by all. Fire “gear” was shared so the participants recognize the importance of the mask and clothing when firefighters are at work.

DIRECTOR REPORT:

Administrator Archambo introduced Michael T. Kading. Mr. Kading, our Director of Park and Recreation will coordinate all park and recreation matters professionally as experienced at his previous location. Mr. Kading comes to the Town from the City of Delevan. We appreciate Mr. Kading with his new excitement and ideas for the Town of Menasha Park and Recreation.

Administrator Archambo announced that the Urban Green Space Grant that the park department had applied for to purchase additional park property at O’Hauser has been “preliminary” awarded. The official announcement will follow in the near future.

Director Kading has started reviewing each individual park and will assess each park’s needs, safety issues and compliance standards. A report will be compiled and presented to the Park Commission and incorporated in future budgeting projects.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Glen Allen inquired about the Schildt Park pond. Staff was investigating the issue of this pond with the Department of Natural Resources. Currently the efforts of Foreman Pavlak and Director of Community Development Dearborn to contact the DNR have been pursued.

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT BY COMMISSIONERS

Motion by Commissioner Glen Allen, seconded by Commissioner Roy Kuehn to adjourn the July 23, 2003 meeting at 8:15 pm. Motion approved unanimously.

Sincerely,

John A. Zaborsky, Secretary Park Commission