Minutes; Park Board: March 2009

PARK & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Monday, March 16, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers


Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Ringhand.

Present: Fred Juergens, Jerry Krueger, Ron Carlsen, Rich Modaff, Sue Merritt, Janis Ringhand. Absent: Jeff Farnsworth. Staff: Rick Hamacher, Ray Anderson, Dan Wietecha.

Approval of Agenda as printed on a Juergens/Carlsen motion, unanimous.

Approval to waive the reading and accept as printed the minutes of the February 16, 2009, minutes on a Juergens/Krueger motion, unanimous.

Citizen appearances: Robert Tierney, 125 ½ E. Main, #2, information regarding setting up a canoe, kayak and paddle boat rental on Lake Leota. Tierney listed his qualifications and history in the military and aquatic background, outlined his proposed rental business and fees, insurance, liability waivers, rules, etc., and would like to use the warming house area. The board felt this would be a good addition to the park and suggested he eventually sell bait as well, once the lake is stocked. Tierney will come back next month with a formal proposal.

SOLE Committee report: Gib Wiedenhoeft present to inform us that fundraising for fish stocking is going well, cribs will be placed in deep areas; kiosk will be used to thank donors. Gib & Kyle Allen will be at the Chamber meeting Thursday evening to discuss stocking.

Sherry Savchuk, 34 Prentice St., presented a fundraising idea that includes small and large items that could benefit the park, from gallons of fish to picnic tables to gazebos. (This plan actually is similar to the previous donation policy discussed later in the meeting.)

Update on Lake Leota Grand Re-opening Event: Tom Calley (ECP) has suggested Thursday, July 2, as a good date to hold the event, the 4th of July Celebration starts that night, a band plays later in the evening. Rich Modaff offered to help with planning, a 4th of July Committee Meeting will be held later this month; more detail will be available after that. The date was acceptable to the Board.

Re-establish Park Donation Policy: Ray presented a flier that was created several years ago, showing items for purchase and their price. Ray also brought catalogs with other items. Fred offered to review the catalogs and bring a report next month.

Update on Wetland/shore land restoration: Ringhand received and shared a copy of the maintenance plan from Carl Korfmacher; he will submit the planting plan next week. All will be submitted to the DNR for a grant. Wietecha added that letters of recommendation from the Mayor and other entities, such as SOLE and the Boy Scouts would enhance our application.

Chairs report: nothing to report.

Report on Park & maintenance: Ray Anderson reported that not much is happening right now, Public Works is looking into plans for a shelter for the West Side Park. Merritt reported that she had a discussion about a Tennis Team, there will be a youth league established; courts are in rough shape. Ray will check into resurfacing and the cost.

Aquatic report: Rick Hamacher reported on the number of free passes that were distributed in the past, we will reduce the number to 20 passes and 10 lessons this year, motion by Krueger/Merritt to approve free passes and lessons, unanimous. Julie Hermanson will assist Rick in this
process. Rick reported that the Red Cross training has some changes and training is taking place. Badger Pools have submitted the plan to upgrade the pools drainage system to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. The work will take place the week of March 23, well before opening date. The pool personnel will also be required to hand out information about crypto sporidium to educate people about the danger of infection. It was suggested that fliers be prepared and handed out with season passes and at swimming lesson sign up.

Old Business: Advertising in Park – Ringhand will contact the Chamber to poll businesses for their interest in this program.

New Business: None

Motion to adjourn at 7:10 p.m. on a Juergens/Carlsen motion, unanimous.

Next meeting April 20, 2009, 6:00 p.m.