Minutes from Park & Rec Meeting 1/14/2009

MINUTES OF THE MEETING FOR THE
PARK & RECREATION COMMITTEE
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2009
AT CITY HALL, 1210 MAIN STREET OCONTO, WI
Meeting called to order by Committee Member Rice at 5:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call: Paul Welch, Brian Rice and John Wittkopf
Also Present: Kale Proksch
Excused: Vicki Grunow
Absent: Russ Young
3. Moved by Wittkopf second by Welch to approve agenda as presented.
Motion carried upon verbal voice vote. 3 ayes
4. Moved by Welch second by Wittkopf to approve the meeting minutes from
December 10, 2008.
Motion carried upon verbal voice vote. 3 ayes
5. Public Input: None.
6. Correspondence: None
7. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION/UPDATE ON:
a. Picnic Table Policy
Proksch submitted an updated copy of an agreement for use of picnic tables; Discussion on self pick-up…would Proksch set a specific time for pick-up; Rice questioned if there would be exceptions for non-profit groups for charges to be waived? Welch stated he didn’t think we should waive the fees; Wittkopf questioned if there were a lot of calls requesting use of the tables; Proksch stated Youth Football, Harvest Fest and Copperfest have used the tables in the past; Discussion if Copperfest organization should be charged because it promotes the city; Rice stated if an organization feels they should not have to pay, they could come before Park and Rec committee and request fee to be waived;
Moved by Wittkopf second by Welch to implement policy with discretion of Park Board to waive fees.
Motion carried upon verbal voice vote. 3 ayes
b. City Wide Clean-Up Day
Proksch stated he was approached by group, Oconto’s Promise regarding clean-up day; The group is trying to get youth more involved…get them out to clean-up parks; Other groups that may get involved include Oconto Youth Center, Bond Center, and Boy Scouts;
c. Development of Park and Trail (Parcel across form former Kelly Pickle)
Proksch submitted a map which showed area that would be considered; This is a project that would be developed later down the road, but should start discussion now; Mayor Nerenhausen stated he talked to Mike Werner, High School art teacher, about having students submit ideas as to what they would like to see developed…offering a $50.00 savings bond for best idea; Mike Werner stated he would contact Brad Karban about having his auto-cad class coming up with designs;
d. Ordinance Regarding Dogs in Parks and Possible Dog Park in City
Proksch stated that the City Council is dealing with issues with the ordinance and that some people want the ordinance to not allow dogs in parks at all; Presently animals are allowed as long as leashed and under control; Suggestion to put signage in the parks so people are aware of the restrictions; Proksch will check into costs for signs to submit for next meeting; Proksch commented on cities that are converting landfills into dog parks and mentioned area by Copper Culture Park; Park members discussed that the area is not city owned;
e. Seasonal Park Staff Hours
Proksch submitted worksheet to show how he would like his park staff to be assigned by positions and hours each position would be allowed to work; Wittkopf questioned the position of a full-time park supervisor…no money in the budget for that; Proksch stated he had it listed as full-time but it would only be a total of 1040 hours; Proksch stated this is not amounting to more hours…watching hours more closely; Wittkopf questioned the staff that was still working…what are they doing? Proksch informed the committee of some of the projects...inventory and repair of picnic tables, forming and maintaining skating rink and shoveling snow;
8. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION/UPDATE ON AAGESON POOL;
a. Virginia Graeme Baker Act
Proksch stated there was nothing new to report…will come up again down the road; Certified grate covers are needed but have not been made available yet;
9. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION/UPDATE ON HOLTWOOD CAMPGROUND;
a. Development of Woods between Campground and Lower Level Diamonds
Proksch reported they have been clearing brush in the area and would like input as what could be done with the area; Proksch stated he thought a disc golf course maybe a good idea; Wittkopf questioned if the DNR had been contacted about clearing the area…not sure about developing; Proksch stated they were just clearing brush, not doing anything structural but will check with DNR before proceeding; Rice stated this should be added to the Forestry agenda also;
10. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION ON HOLTWOOD SPORTING COMPLEX;
Nothing to report.
11. Review expense/revenue reports through December 2008.
Moved by Rice second by Welch to accept reports as presented and place on file.
Motion carried upon verbal voice vote. 3 ayes
12. Next Meeting: To be held at on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
13. Moved by Wittkopf second by Welch to adjourn meeting at 6:05 p.m. M/C

Minutes submitted by
Carol Stewart
Deputy Clerk/Treasurer