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PARK & RECREATION |
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COMMUNITY CENTER |
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2000 MUNICIPAL DR. |
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1000 VALLEY RD. |
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NEENAH, WI 54956 |
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MENASHA No Mail Please |
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Telephone (920) 720-7108 Fax (920) 720-7113 |
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Telephone (920) 731-1524 Fax (920) 731-1642 |
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PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2004
Park Commissioners Present: Richard Gawinski, Roy Kuehn, Glen Allen, Herb Horn John Zaborsky,
and Judy Holtz
Excused: Recreation Supervisor Becky Thone and Commissioner Clarence Peterson
Also Present:
Director Michael T. Kading Bookkeeper Mary Heiting
Town Administrator James Archambo Eagle Scout Candidate Alex Hopfensperger
Jim Evans, Palisades Athl. Ron Hopfensperger
Bruce Strauss, Palisades Athl. Jim Cleveland, Palisades Athl.
Jeff Marquardt, Palisades Athl. Cal Tesch, Palisades Athl.
Commissioner Candidate: Mike Lynch
Commissioner Candidate: Kristin Whiting
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The Commission meeting was held at the Community Center and was called to order by President Richard Gawinski, at 7:03 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call taken.
Alex Hopfensperger – Eagle Scout Project Presentation
The candidate for the Eagle – Alex Hopfensperger coordinated a project at the Dube Property. This property had been neglected and for sale the past few years. Mr. Hopfensperger expedited the removal of downed trees, garbage in the water and general clean up of the site. Mr. Hopfensperger coordinated 14 scouts through a two day project with several loads or miscellaneous debris.
Curt Detjen – President, CEO Community Foundation Presentation
Mr. Detjen was invited to come to the Commission meeting to discuss options of obtaining funds for development projects in the Town’s future. Areas of discussion included questions if the Community Foundation includes any advertising on the behalf of the Town. Mr. Detjen stated that there would be no advertising. The Town would be listed in the Annual Report and included in the Newsletter. The Foundation contributors view the “needs” and make contributions to the Town’s account. The Commission expressed their appreciation to Mr. Detjen for taking the time to explain this local foundation. MOTION: Commissioner John Zaborsky, seconded by Commissioner Judy Holtz to approve Director Kading to pursue the formalization of the Town of Menasha Park & Recreation Department Foundation with the Community Foundation. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION: Commissioner Glen Allen, seconded by Commissioner John Zaborsky to approve the minutes of March 10, 2004. Motion carried unanimously.
The Commissioners reviewed the expenditures in the amount of $11,114.30. MOTION: Commissioner Roy Kuehn, seconded by Commissioner John Zaborsky to approve the expenditures as listed. Motion carried unanimously.
Jim Evans, Bruce Strauss, Jim Cleveland, Cal Tesch, and Jeff Marquardt representing Palisades Athletics were in attendance to discuss some previous issues and current issues about Palisades Park.
Palisades Athletics inquired about the replacement of concrete under the canopy of the concession stand. Director Kading noted that under new business Item A the projected cost estimates will be reviewed for discussion and decision.
The drainage tile questions will be reviewed under new business B. Discussion ensued about the estimates received and the location of the project. Palisades Athletics volunteered labor and materials through vendors known to the Association, and after the Town supplies the location and installation instructions a special meeting can be scheduled to approve this project before starting. The Town staff will try to reach an estimate to purchase materials without labor.
Director Kading reported on the upcoming schedule of cutting the sod 4 – 5 feet to accommodate the diamond “line dragging”.
Palisades Athletics also reviewed the process followed in previous years, where the Town staff does not cut the infield grass when it is too wet. Palisades Athletics will then cut the infield with the Craftsman. The location of the Craftsman mower needs to be researched.
Palisades Athletics inquired about maintenance and care for the grass and weeds growing under the bleachers. It was suggested that either Palisades Athletics or the Town locate “old paper machine wire” to be buried under new gravel that may be obtained with the drainage tile project. If the drainage tile project can obtain the materials needed and labor to install, the Town will expedite the location and installation instructions and call a special meeting. This may alleviate the problem and supply an area where the batting cage may be installed. It was noted that Palisades Athletics currently has all of the materials to expedite the batting cage installation.
Palisades Athletics is requesting the Association allow Seton Middle School permission to have a Tournament on Friday, May 7 and Saturday May 8. Palisades Athletics stated that the tournament will not use the pavilion nor serve any alcohol. Director Kading asked if any other Association use the Town’s facilities, they will need to provide a certificate of insurance naming the Town as the additional insured. MOTION: Commissioner Glen Allen, seconded by Herb Horn to approve the Tournament request subject to the Town receiving a copy of the certificate of insurance. Motion carried unanimously.
The Association continued with a request to have the garage door / concession stand doors looked at or repaired. The wear and tear on the doors has bent the locking bars and participants strain to lock or open the doors. Service on these doors by the Town would be appreciated. The Palisades Association also wondered about upgrading the electrical service. The Commission members remember this request from a few years back and stated at that time the expenses were not included in the yearly budget. Palisades will research obtaining an electrician and estimate. The Town will see if they can find the old estimate to verify the new price compared to the estimate that Palisades will receive.
Bruce Strauss is working on a web site for the Association and inquired about permission to list items on the Town’s server. Director Kading stated that the Town is also in the process of updating the web site and we will investigate if this will be an option in the future.
Commissioner Zaborsky thanked all of the representatives from Palisades Athletics Association for their attendance at the Commission meeting. Commissioner Zaborsky noted that these items have been requested in previous budget hearings and have been removed due to the tight budget restraints. Commissioner Holtz stated that Palisades Athletics should try to attend the budget hearings that start in July / August 2004 to help support their needs and try to prioritize these projects.
The Recreation Supervisor Thone had a report prepared and the Commissioners reviewed this report and had no questions.
Director Kading wanted to add the Valley New School will be helping on a project at Fritsch Park. The Girl Scouts will also start a planting project at Fritsch Park on May 15th.
Director Kading commented that the new commode should assist with the sewer back up problems. We will keep the Commission posted on any further repairs.
The Commission addressed the issue of having the park tour on a weekend date to accommodate the need of rushing back to attend the Commission meetings afterward. Presently, the tour is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26th starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
As this item has been discussed previously at tonight’s meeting, we will coordinate the installation with Palisades Athletics when materials are donated and ready.
Estimates have been received from 4 area construction contractors to install new concrete under the concession stand overhand with the additional sidewalk needed at the Community Center. MOTION: Commissioner John Zaborsky, seconded by Commissioner Herb Horn to authorize Director Kading to prepare the necessary steps and apply for the TE Grant. Motion carried unanimously.
The staff has been interviewing applicants for the Park Laborer – Grounds position. The applicant Ed Tauscher was selected to fill this position by Foreman Ron Pavlak, Administrative Assistant Joan Burrill and Director Kading. Commissioner Allen is on the personnel committee and stated that he was not available and directed Mike Kading and Ron Pavlak to proceed and expedite filling this position. MOTION: Commissioner Glen Allen, seconded by Commissioner Herb Horn to accept the appointment of Ed Tauscher for the position starting April 26, 2004 for full-time, permanent position. Motion carried unanimously.
Do to the timeliness of the Commission meeting length, this item was postponed.
The Commission reviewed the PowerPoint presentation involving the safety training and equipment inspections needed. It was noted that Foreman Pavlak is signed up for playground safety training this fall. Director Kading stated that he wants to present this project review at the Town Board Spring training session scheduled for April 23 at the Community Center.
The Optimist Paddle Center, Terry Gant had located a “used garage” that he would like to move to the Fritse Park location. He felt this structure would facilitate having storage for life preservers and other boating / canoe supplies which would be rented from the Fritse Park location.
Upon reviewing the placement of the structure and size, the Commissioners did not find any other suitable location options. MOTION: Commissioner Judy Holtz, seconded by Commissioner John Zaborsky to deny the placement of the ‘garage’ as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Commissioner Glen Allen, seconded by Commissioner John Zaborsky to adjourn the Park Commission meeting of April 14, 2004. Approved unanimously at 9:00 pm.
Sincerely,
John A. Zaborsky,
Secretary Park Commission