PARK COMMISSION  MEETING MINUTES                                                  May 28, 2003

 

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

 

Excused:                       Commissioner Glen Allen, and Recreation Supervisor Becky Thone

 

Also Present:                 Ronald Pavlak Park Foreman, Mary Heiting Bookkeeper, and Jim Archambo, Town Administrator

                                   

                                    Terry Gant – Neenah-Menasha Breakfast Optimist Club,   Fire Chief Keith Kiesow

 

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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.

 

Approval of Minutes and Expenditures

MOTION: Commissioner Kuehn, seconded by Commissioner Peterson reviewed the May 14, 2003 minutes and made a motion to approve.   Motion carried unanimously.

 

The Commissioners reviewed the May 28, 2003 expenditures in the amount of $3,118.41.  MOTION: Commissioner Horn, seconded by Commissioner Zaborsky to approve the May 28, 2003 bills as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

PUBLIC FORUM and / or CORRESPONDENCE

 

Fire Chief Kiesow came from Fire Station 41 and addressed the concerns from the Commission on the area behind the Fire Station being used for practice.  Chief Kiesow stated that the banged up cars are used to train fireman on safe extrication methods.  The cars are not usually there for more than a day, but this time the vehicles were not timely removed because the towing service was too busy.  The Commission had concerns about the children playing next door at Palisades Park wondering over to the damaged cars and possible injuries.  He will express to the towing company his needs in removing the vehicles expediently. 

 

RON PAVLAK’S REPORT

Park Foreman Pavlak had received a request from a Fritsch Park neighbor.  Mr. Martin is offering (3) trees in his yard, to Fritsch Park.  Foreman Pavlak will research whether Winnebago County Parks has a tree moving vehicle that can assist the Town of Menasha with this endeavor.

 

Foreman Pavlak completed the east side park tour and had discussions with Jim Evans from Palisades Athletics.  Mr. Evans would like to improve the drainage between the two ball diamonds and proceed with the installation of a batting cage.  Foreman Pavlak will be estimating the grades for adequate drainage and tiling.  MOTION: Commissioner Zaborsky, seconded by Commissioner Horn to approve the request from Palisades Athletics to design a batting cage plan and present this plan for approval from the Park Commission before installation.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

The Palisades Athletics reached their capacity for equipment storage in the present location adjacent to the refreshment stand.  Foreman Pavlak discussed ideas with Recreation Supervisor Thone and a solution should come to fruition this fall.  The Recreation Department may be able to store items in the area now used by the Lion’s Club.  Than Palisades Athletics could utilize this vacated area. 

 

Mr. Evans requested that the grass on the infield be removed for different events on the additional baseball diamond.  Discussion continued on this request and Commissioner Horn will contact President Jim Evans to discuss this project. 

 

Palisades Athletics would like to make some improvements to the concession stand and vending machines area.  Estimates should be obtained to upgrade the concession stand electrical system and budgeted for next year. 

 

On the west side park tour discussion involved Suburban Athletics at O’Hauser Park.  The Park Commission would like to see examples where permanent batting cages have been installed.  The Commission requested that Suburban Athletics review other designs and present examples at the next meeting, if possible.

 

Foreman Pavlak continued to advise the Park Commissioners about the return of the park laborers.  He requested that the Park Laborers meet the Park Commission on June 11th.  The staff is willing to meet the Commission at the next meeting.

 

BECKY THONE’S REPORT

Becky Thone, Recreation Supervisor had no report at this time and was excused for this meeting.

 

OLD BUSINESS

A.  Review of Recreation Supervisor Position – ¾ Time

Administrator Archambo reviewed the request to have the Recreation Supervisor Becky Thone increase her part time hours to ¾ time.  This will increase her hours from approximately 1100 to 1560.  MOTION Commissioner Horn, seconded by Commissioner Zaborsky to authorize the increase in hours and allow Administration to adjust the budget calculations where needed.  Motion carried unanimously.   

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.  Terry Gant – Neenah Menasha Breakfast Optimist Club

Terry Gant representing the Neenah-Menasha Breakfast Optimist Club gave a presentation of a concept to allow a portion of Fritse Park to have bike / canoe / kayak / sailing rentals.   The design and concept had great potential.  Questions raised by the Commissioners included square foot requirements, electrical needs, water or bathroom facility requirements and parking concerns.  Mr. Gant will research the ideas and obtain further information for this project.

 

REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Peterson had concerns about the area involving Annex Lane Park.  Foreman Pavlak reviewed his concerns with Community Development Director George Dearborn.  Dir. Dearborn reviewed DNR and zoning restraints because of  the stream that runs through this park.  There may be designated areas of wetlands and vegetation that may not be removed within specific distances of the stream.  Commissioner Peterson then expressed his wishes to have a small clearing to walk to the edge of Little Lake Butte des Morts.

 

Commissioner Holts noted that someone was exiting the Community Center one day and did not stop for the traffic on Valley Road.  Could a small stop sign be installed at the driveway’s exit?

 

Commissioner Zaborsky introduced ideas to improve the pond at Schildt Park.  He inquired about having the pond “shocked” or treated in some way to minimize weed growth.

 

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT BY COMMISSIONERS

Motion Commissioner Peterson, seconded Commissioner Kuehn to adjourn the May 28, 2003 meeting at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

John A. Zaborsky,  

Secretary Park Commission