PARKS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
Plover Municipal Center Board Room
2400 Post Road
Plover, WI

Wednesday, June 4, 2007
5:15 p.m.

Members Present: Steve Fritz, Fred LaRosa, Jerry Krueger, Bob Brush, Al Tessmann

Excused Members: Gary Portzen, Mike Evanoff

Others Present: Bill Konkol, Roy Hopfensperger

1. Mr. Fritz called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.

2. Mr. Krueger moved, Mr. LaRosa seconded, to approve the December 5, 2007 minutes as printed. Motion carried.

3. Persons wishing to address the Committee. Mr. Fritz introduced new member Al Tessmann. Mr. Tessmann stated that he has lived in Wisconsin for the past 28 years and resides at Black Forest Drive with his wife and three sons. He thanked the committee for the opportunity to service the Village in this capacity.

4. Woyak Sports Complex Update. Mr. Konkol stated that work has begun on the new restroom. Sewer and water is in; floor is being poured today; and next week the walls will be set and electricians will move in. Hoping to have up and running for the 4th of July weekend. Mr. Mahoney stated that there are rumors that the restroom was constructed for the skateboard park; this is not true although the skateboard park can use the facility it was basically constructed from a long range planning standpoint. Mr. Brush stated that he likes the location of the restroom as it will provide additional foot traffic in the area and extra eyes on the skateboard park. Mr. Mahoney stated that work on the new open pavilion next to the Woyak Park Concession Stand and Roman Field should be completed soon. This pavilion is completely funded by PWYA with no costs incurred by the Village.

Mr. Brush asked if a garden location has been identified. Mr. Konkol stated that yes it has and that the garden has already been planted. Public Works department staff has tapped into the irrigation source for ease in watering. Mr. Brush stated that they would like to have a Mud Festival in the park this summer south of the garden area. Mr. Mahoney stated that he would need to coordinate the location with Mr. Konkol and Mr. Hopfensperger.

Mr. Mahoney stated that staff is in the process of installing a surveillance system within the Woyak Park. The system would allow the Police Department to monitor through their laptops. Recording would be done through a loop system for long periods of time. This park will serve as a pilot program with the possibility of additional systems installed randomly within the Village in the future.

5. Lions Club request to erect statue at Pacawa Park entrance. Mr. Fritz stated that he has not received any information back from Bob Orgish and requested that this item be put on hold. Mr. Mahoney stated that the request is basically to replace a lion statute at the entrance to Pacawa Park that was there many years ago. Mr. Mahoney suggested that the motion be contingent on approval of the Public Works staff.

Mr. LaRosa moved that the Parks Development Committee approve the request from the Lions Club to erect a lion statue at the entrance to Pacawa Park subject to approval of the Public Works staff. Mr. Krueger seconded and the motion carried.

6. Naming of park on OK Bluff Circle. Mr. Fritz stated that Koch Pipeline has donated 4 lots (approximately 2 acres) to the Village for a green space park. Mr. Fritz requested names for the park. Mr. Bishop requested that River Drive Park be considered. Mr. Fritz stated that he would suggest that the committee pass on this name in the event that a park becomes available in the future on River Drive this name would be available. Mr. Mahoney stated that at the present time the park is being referred to as OK Bluff Park by staff. Mr. Brush questioned if Koch Pipeline has been approached for any additional land. Mr. Mahoney stated no. Mr. Brush questioned if staff would consider a ball diamond within this park. Mr. Mahoney stated that this is a passive park not an active park; therefore a ball diamond cannot be erected on the parcel.

Mr. Brush moved that the Parks Development Committee approve the name of OK Bluff Park
to this site. Mr. LaRosa seconded and the motion carried.

7. Such other business as is authorized by law. Mr. Hopfensperger stated that 17 seasonal employees have been hired and are all on staff. He noted that within the past 3-4 weeks there has been a rash of vandalism within some of the parks. Oak Park was sprayed with graffiti and gang symbols; area has been cleaned with graffiti cleaner. Okray Park has seen vandalism twice this year with gang symbols. The last time it was cleaned they were back within minutes and covered everything all over again. Police Department has not questioned any individuals in regards to vandalism matters in the parks. Mr. Hopfensperger stated that due to the vandalism park buildings have been locked down at dusk. Mr. Krueger suggested that staff might want to look at portable cameras in some of these parks. Mr. Schlutter stated that the pilot program of surveillance cameras at Woyak Park might be considered in these two locations.

Mr. Fritz questioned if the new lighting has shown a significant reduction in electricity. Mr. Hopfensperger stated that he wasn't sure of any savings at this time. He thought there would be savings on the field lights, but due to updates in additional equipment and the additional of a field any additional savings could be wiped out.

Mr. Brush questioned the soda machines in the neighbor parks. Mr. Mahoney stated that due to vandalism issues the soda companies elected not to renew their contracts and all machines have been removed from all parks except Veterans Memorial and the Woyak Sports Complex.

Mr. Brush questioned if the walkway down Foremost to Grant and Grant to Pines Corporate Centre would be landscaped. He would be willing to provide, plant and maintain a natural environment in these areas. Mr. Mahoney stated that this issue would need to be addressed with the Public Works department.

8. Mr. Krueger moved, Mr. LaRosa seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 5:49 p.m. Motion carried.

Submitted by Bonnie Wiczek