Park & Rec Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR THE
PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2010
OCONTO CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
OCONTO WI 54153

1. Meeting called to order by Chairman Young at 5:10 p.m.
2. Roll Call: Russ Young, Vicki Grunow and John Wittkopf
Also Present: Kale Proksch and Mayor Nerenhausen Absent: Paul Welch and Brian Rice
3. Moved by Young second by Wittkopf to approve agenda as presented.
Motion carried upon verbal voice vote. 3 ayes
4. Moved by Grunow second by Wittkopf to approve the meeting minutes from
March 10, 2010.
Motion carried upon verbal voice vote. 3 ayes
5. Public Input: Casey Schufelt was there to present information on helping to develop a disc golf course at Holtwood and the benefits of the sport; Wittkopf family would like to donate $1,000 to help start the course in memory of their son;
6. Correspondence: Email from Rod Barta with the Copper Culture Historical Society on getting an exemption for an ad sign at the Campground; Board decided we can’t exempt one or all groups will be wanting to be exempted
7. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION/UPDATE ON PARKS AND RECREATION:
a. Oconto Golf Course
Young stated that the Park and Rec. department is understaffed as is and it would be hard to add another department under them. Wittkopf would like to see the city pursue the course and feels it would be a benefit to the City. Mayor mentioned if the city buys it the city would lose a tax base from the company. Proksch stated that he hasn’t been able to find many cities that own a golf course…look into option for city to lease it out to an outside party. The board would like more information on the course and try to see if it has been profitable in the last three to five years; Proksch will talk to Mommaerts to see if information can be acquired for next meeting.
b. Development of Highway 22 Park
Proksch wanted to know who will be in charge of the piece of property for this summer and if we are still looking at developing it into a park. If so we should start thinking about how we are going to come up with the funds for it and improvements we are going to want in that area. It is the main hub of the city and it should look inviting to residents and new comers. The Promotional committee is also looking at ways to develop that area… one idea both Proksch and Promotional committee had is a tourism building.
8. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION/UPDATE ON AAGESON POOL: a.Virginia Graeme Baker Act
Proksch stated Pool Works is scheduled for the first part of May to perform the work to get the pool in compliance.
8. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION/UPDATE ON HOLTWOOD CAMPGROUND:
a. Mini Golf Course update
Proksch stated that he spoke with the company that is producing the mini golf course and that it is on schedule and to be delivered the first part of May. Grunow wanted to know if at all possible we could hold a free day that is open to the public to try to draw interest for the course.
b. Office building Update
Proksch stated he is in contact with Mr. Koch from the DNR and waiting to hear back from him to see if it is a go with moving the building to the E section.
c. Campground Manager update
Proksch stated that after two rounds of interviews they decide to hire Jim Shampo as this year’s campground manager. He will be starting April 15.
9. Director’s Report
a. Parks Update
Proksch looked over the Rugby field and found a piece of glass but is unsure where it came from…can’t determine if it’s coming from underneath or from an outside source. Board recommends that staff along with rugby team keeps a close eye on the field but not much we can do this year …look into new options for next spring; 2nd annual City Park clean up with the Oconto Promise is set for Saturday, April 17 from 10 am to 12:30 pm. Three groups have signed up for the “Adopt a Park” program.
b. Recreation Update
Youth Soccer Program has 25 kids signed up and there will be 2 more computer classes this spring/summer. Watercolor and Creative writing is in the 5th week of class and going well.
c. Special Events Update
Proksch stated that we need to address what we would like to do for the Family Funfest: date, time, ideas.
d. Park Inspection Report
None at this time
12. Review expense/revenue reports.
Moved by Wittkopf second by Young to accept reports as presented and place on file.
Motion carried upon verbal voice vote. 3 ayes
13. Next Meeting: To be held at on Wednesday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m. at Sharp Park
14. Moved by Grunow second by Wittkopf to adjourn meeting at 5:50 p.m. M/C

Minutes submitted by: Kale Proksch
Park and Recreation Director