Members present: James Hall, Jennifer Girard, Karri L. Fritz-Klaus, Bruce
Mace, Bruce White, Michael Miller, Robert Morgan. Quorum present.
Excused: Joseph Moroni
Staff present: Ray Maurer, JoEllen Stearns, Jennifer Froemming
Guests: Two members of the Oconomowoc Junior Women’s Club (OJWC); Cathy
Schreiber & Jennifer Hilander
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE - none
MINUTES – K. Fritz-Klaus moved to approve the minutes of the January
14, 2008, meeting as printed, seconded by J. Girard. Motion carried.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Director’s Report
Relocation of events in 2008 due to Wisconsin Avenue Construction.
R. Maurer is working with the various organizations that coordinate
community events that will be affected by the Wisconsin Avenue reconstruction
project. Details on event locations will be finalized and communicated to
appropriate parties as soon as they are available.
Trails Meeting. Representatives from many of the surrounding areas
attended the January 24, 2008, meeting. All in attendance plan to bring their
own area trail plans to the next meeting on March 6, 2008. Trails will be
plotted on a master map in an effort to ensure connection between all areas
in the future.
Interurban Trail paving project. All parties involved are working to
complete the project from Jefferson to the interstate. Bike route signage is
being ordered and will be installed by staff. Bike and Pedestrian Plan
general reviews will be updated as improvements take place on Oconomowoc
streets.
Wisconsin Arborists Association Conference. R. Maurer and B. Spencer
attended February 3-5, in Madison. Each attended meetings pertaining to the
control and eradication of the Emerald Ash Borer, and Wisconsin concerns
regarding the issue. Ideas were gathered from various attendees regarding how
to work with developers in new subdivisions to ensure tree planting,
placement and sufficient funding being considered and/or available for future
enhancement of the community involved.
K. Fritz-Klaus noted concern regarding the lack of continued maintenance
on plantings within new subdivisions. Is there an ordinance regarding this
matter?
R. Maurer responded there is no existing ordinance to ensure continued
maintenance for a specific period of time. Generally, it is a one-year
warranty period. It is hopeful, however, that this issue will be considered
on future developments to ensure proper tree/plant selection, placement,
proper planting depth, etc., now that B. Spencer/Parks Superintendent is on
board with the City. It was suggested that a two-year warranty try to be
established with new developers.
Parks and Forestry Update – a written report was provided in the meeting
packet.
Recreation Manager’s Update – a written report was provided in the meeting
packet.
V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – It was noted Growth Priorities would be
back on the agenda for March, 2008. J. Hall noted that over the next 2-3
months discussions would take place on setting priorities, format, trade-off
benefits, value assigned, etc., to be presented to Council for approval.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consider / recommend Community Built Playground Proposal.
R. Maurer welcomed guests from OJWC. Maurer summarized preliminary
discussions regarding the Community Built Playground project at Roosevelt
Park, making mention that this project is geared directly toward the
Oconomowoc community. Maurer showed that a project of this nature, one
incorporating a soft-play surface with playground equipment, is already in
the Master Plan for Roosevelt Park, and reviewed the Aerial View of the site
with the audience. It was noted that parking, restrooms, and easy access to
Roosevelt Park, and in-progress / anticipated future improvements to the
park, makes this an ideal location for consideration.
A brief video presentation provided by Leathers & Associates was viewed.
The video highlighted the uniqueness of their structures, ADA accessibility
features, along with structural soundness and materials used.
General discussion took place regarding the provided Project Abstract from
Leat hers & Associates. One feature setting Leathers & Associates apart from
other contractors is that they "personalize" the structure. It would be
possible to make the structure unique to Oconomowoc’s History, i.e., turn of
the century mansions, or other recreational activities for which the
Oconomowoc area is recognized for, i.e., sailboat regattas. It was suggested
that the general public / community become involved in the recommended
"theme" of the structure, including the children from area schools,
historical society, etc. These are the groups that may be spearheading
involvement/volunteers in the future…encouraging involvement and working
together as a community. Leathers & Associates structures are also designed
to be enclosed or self-contained. It was mentioned that the life expectancy
of a Leathers & Associates structure is 25 years depending upon the type of
materials used. It is the goal of the Park & Recreation board to potentially
recommend/stress composites for any play structure to realize low
maintenance.
General discussion regarding the funding for the project took place. The
potential for existing $60,000 budget to carry over to 2009 would be
recommended. Fundraising would need to be organized. Steering committee would
be developed. J. Hall noted need for corporate funding /involvement. R.
Maurer mentioned any large sponsorship donations requesting naming rights
would need to go to the Board and other channels for approval. Anticipated
pricing for the Oconomowoc structure was not discussed because no style,
size, etc. has been determined to this point. Initial consulting with
Leathers & Associates would need to take place for pricing information. The
OJWG may be willing to help fund initial consulting fees with Leathers &
Associates. R. Maurer indicated need to consider options, should fund-raising
efforts fall short.
