CITY OF ANTIGO
PARKS, CEMETERIES, AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD
JULY 14, 2014
Members Present: Alderpersons Bugni, D. Bauknecht, and Kassis, Brady Koss, Sam Hardin, and Heather McCann
Members Absent: Denise Wendt
Others Present: Isaac Cuellar, Eagle Scouts; Drew Kelly, Media; Mark Desotell, Director of Administrative Services; Sarah Repp, Park, Cemetery and Recreation Supervisor; and Jaime Horswill, Clerical/Utility Assistant
This meeting of the Parks, Cemetery, and Recreation Commission was called to order by Alderperson Kassis, on the above date at 5:30 pm in the Multipurpose Room, City Hall. Jaime Horswill, Clerical/Utility Assistant, recorded the minutes thereof.
Alderperson Kassis excused Denise Wendt indicating that her father had passed away. Condolences to her and her family.
1. Approval of Minutes from May 12, 2014 Meeting
Bugni moved, D. Bauknecht seconded, to approve the minutes from the May 12, 2014 meeting. Carried 6-0, Absent 1.
APPROVED
Sarah Repp, Park Recreation and Cemetery Supervisor Requested that Agenda Item #9 be moved next as Isaac Cuellar was present.
9. Eagle Scout Planting Project
Ms. Repp provided a memo indicating that Isaac Cuellar is proposing additional tree plantings within the Railway Activity Park that will continue planting according to the park plan. This is an exciting project that will help beautify a formerly blighted area.
Isaac Cuellar, Eagle Scout, provided an Eagle Scout Service Project Proposal advising the goal of his project will be to plant a total of 30 trees (8 Swamp Oak and 22 Thornless Honeylocus) along the edge of a newly renovated recreational center and along a newly constructed concrete walk within the renovated center, respectively. This recreation center will be widely used by both young adults and the elderly population of the city, so the need of shade will be a necessity. Also, the aesthetic look of large trees may be an aspect that draws people into the recreational area. 100% of this project is guaranteed to be funded through private donations along with family and parental support. The City of Antigo will transport the trees, mulch and water to the project site. All of the tools and materials will be transported to the project site by scout leaders and Mr. Cuellar.
Mr. Cuellar advised that there are approximately 20 kids in the group and the trees will fit into the park plan. There will also be two plaques displayed in memory of Clara McKenna and Lucy Cuellar. The City will provide a backhoe, mulch and water.
Ms. Repp showed the committee where the trees would be placed.
Bugni moved, Koss seconded, to approve the Eagle Scout Planting Project as presented. Carried 6-0, Absent 1.
APPROVED
2. Request to Waive Shelter Reservation Fee for City Park East and West for Antigo Tater Trot on August 9, 2014
Antigo Tater Trot Committee provided a Waiver Request Application Form requesting waiver of the shelter reservation fee for City Park East and West for the Antigo Tater Trot to be held on August 9, 2014.
The event will raise funds from registration fees and will be donated to Antigo High School Cross County Team and other community organizations.
Bugni moved, Koss seconded, to approve the request to waive the shelter reservation fee for City Park East and West for Antigo Tater Trot on August 9, 2014. Carried 6-0, Absent 1.
APPROVED
3. Request to Waive Shelter Reservation Fee for Lake Park Concession for Antigo Optimist Club After Fair Volunteer Appreciation on August 11, 2014
Antigo Optimist Club provided a Waiver Request Application Form requesting waiver of the shelter reservation fee for Lake Park Concession for the after fair volunteer appreciation to be held on August 11, 2014.
This event is a picnic for all Fair/Optimist Club volunteers.
Ms. Repp advised that the Optimist Club has contributed to the City before such as with the bike route signs.
D. Bauknecht moved, Bugni seconded, to approve the request to waive the shelter reservation fee for Lake Park Concession for Antigo Optimist Club after fair volunteer appreciation on August 11, 2014. Carried 6-0, Absent 1.
APPROVED
4. Request to Waive Shelter Reservation Fee for Lake Park Shelter for Crop Walk on September 27, 2014
Church World Service provided a Waiver Request Application Form requesting waiver of the shelter reservation fee for Lake Park Shelter for the Crop Walk to be held on September 27, 2014.
The event is a community wide event sponsored by Church World Services, organized by Faith United Church of Christ and local volunteers to raise funds to end hunger. A portion of the proceeds will be returned to our local food pantry.
D. Bauknecht moved, Bugni seconded, to approve the request to waive the shelter reservation fee for Lake Park Shelter for Crop Walk on September 27, 2014. Carried 6-0, Absent 1.
APPROVED
5. Request to Waive Shelter Reservation Fee for City Park East for Antigo Field Day on August 21, 2014
University of Wisconsin Extension provided a Waiver Request Application Form requesting waiver of the shelter reservation fee for City Park East for Antigo Field Day to be held on August 21, 2014.
The event is lunch after the field day at the Langlade Agricultural Research Station, which provide results from the research to the community and are given the opportunity to view the current research and talk with state specialists.
Bugni moved, D. Bauknecht seconded, to approve the request to waive the shelter reservation fee for City Park East for Antigo Field Day on August 21, 2014. Carried 6-0, Absent 1.
APPROVED
6. Request to Waive Shelter Reservation Fee for Peaceful Valley Warming House and Festival Grounds for Badgerland Classics and Customs Car Show on August 17, 2014
Badgerland Classics and Customs provided a Waiver Request Application form requesting waiver of the shelter reservation fee for Peaceful Valley Warming House and Festival Grounds for the car show to be held on August 17, 2014.
This event brings to Antigo 300 of Wisconsin and Michigan best show cars, between 1,500 to 3,000 people to town for shopping, purchase of gas, etc. The show proceeds go towards scholarships and local charities.
Bugni moved, D. Bauknecht seconded, to approve the request to waive the shelter reservation fee for Peaceful Valley Warming House and Festival Grounds for Badgerland Classics and Customs Car Show on August 17, 2014. Carried 6-0, Absent 1.
APPROVED
7. Veteran Marker Staking Fee Elimination
Ms. Repp provided a memo noting that staking monuments or markers is done by the Park, Recreation, and Cemetery Department. They mark the location for the monument or marker with spray paint and a flag. This allows for correct placement of the monuments or markers by the monument companies, and it is an authorized placement. In addition, it also allows the department to keep record of marker or monument placement within the cemeteries.
Ms. Repp’s memo further noted that veteran markers are placed in the cemetery for eligible veterans through the Veteran’s Association (VA). There is no cost to the families for the military markers. However, at this time, the City charges a $50.00 staking fee for monument and marker placement; and this cost is not covered by the VA.
Ms. Repp’s memo indicated that because the staking fee is not included in the cost for the veteran markers provided to eligible veterans, Ms. Repp is requesting that the City waive the fee for official VA veteran marker placement (a staking fee would be assessed for marker or monument placement that is not an official VA vet marker). She will still request that the appropriate paperwork is filed by the VA. Waiving of the staking fee is in line with the reduced pricing for veterans when buried in the veteran section of the cemetery.
Koss moved, Bugni seconded, to approve the Veteran Marker Staking Fee elimination as presented. Carried 6-0.
ORDINANCE TO COUNCIL
8. Tree Purchasing and Plantings
Ms. Repp provided a memo requesting authorization to purchase trees for planting in the Railway Activity Park using budgeted CIP funds in combination with donated funds from American Transmission Company (ATC) for the amount of $4,620.00. They will be planting a variety of trees including Accolade Elm, American Hophornbeam, White Pine, Canadian Hemlock, and Musclewood. They will be planting a total of 41 trees in the Railway Activity Park (8 of the trees will be fall plantings). The majority of the plantings took place on Arbor Day on Wednesday, June 18th. They had two groups participate in the plantings (LeRoyer Child Care and Boys and Girls Club). Lunch was sponsored by Action Alliance of Langlade County and Kaybrey Stanton.
Hardin moved, Koss seconded, to approve the tree purchasing and plants as presented. Carried 6-0, Absent 1.
APPROVED
9. See page 1 of the minutes for this item.
10. Any Other Matters Authorized by Law to be Discussed
Alderperson Kassis read a Thank You card that was received from Living Waters regarding the pie and ice cream event at Music in the Park.
INFORMATION ONLY
Mark Desotell, Director of Administrative Services, noted that funding has been received from Lutheran Social Services for the striping and signage on Charlotte Street by the Pebble Ridge Apartments.
INFORMATION ONLY
Mr. Desotell advised that the ATV/UTV trails have been authorized for 2014/2015 within the Town of Antigo for a one year trial. The next step is the Town of Neva.
INFORMATION ONLY
Ms. Repp provided a memo noting different things that are happening in the Park’s Department. These things are as follows:
· 4th of July parade (7pm), and the Fireworks to follow (a little after 9pm).
o The Fireworks display should last between 20 and 25 minutes and be full of large displays, lots of action, vibrant colors, and big booms.
o Location of launch: off of Western and 10th on the High School grounds.
· Arbor Day: We had a very successful Arbor Day thanks to the help of the many volunteers that pitched in and helped plant 41 trees of various varieties (Elm, White Pine, American Hophornbeam, and Canadian Hemlock).
· Routine & New: Crews have been busy with routine maintenance of our parks, shelters, and ball fields. They have also found the time to add some new activities to the diverse and growing recreational opportunities within our community:
o The Remington Lake Dock has been repaired and is getting a lot of use as youth fish along the shore line and use the dock to catch a big one in the stocked pond.
o Pickleball is becoming a popular activity at Mendlik Park. Participants can use the courts at any time (they just need to register on our website: www.antigo-city.org/rec1), but if they would like instruction or a formidable foe they should attend the designated times listed on our website. Bernadette Bruner wants to share her passion for pickleball and is at the courts Monday – Friday at designated times.
We are also planning a Pickleball Party in the Park on Thursday, July 17th from 6pm – 8pm. You are welcome to bring your children or grandchildren. You can learn about the game while your children participate in park games and activities with the Park and Recreation staff.
·Elk’s and Soccer: Soccer is in full swing, and the Elk’s Club soccer shoot-out is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th at Saratoga Soccer Field.
o Registration is at 5:30pm, and the competition begins at 6pm.
o The competition is for boys and girls ages 5-13
o Trophies are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age division
· Movies: July Outdoor Movie is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th
o Another classic that tells the story of a young boy that has recently moved and wants to play baseball with the neighborhood kids. There is plenty of adventure and a slobbery ball-eating dog that keeps the suspense going.
o There are a limited amount of concessions available for sale before and during the movies.
·
Water Carnival and Day of Play
o The fun starts at 10:30am in Peaceful Valley Park on Thursday, July 31st with Interactive Story Performer Joni Hahn.
o At approximately 11:15am children and their parents are welcomed to participate in a variety of water themed games, Minute-To-Win-It game stations, backyard games and more.
o A limited amount of concessions will be available for sale.
o More information can be found on our website: www.antigo-city.org/rec1
· Biking, Bridges, and libraries
o Staff has worked at the Single Track Course this past week to develop the parking area, move the gate back, and install the signage. We will brush the trail and publicize an opening soon.
o We will also be working with the Antigo Rotary Club to install some bridges along the back section of the walking trail. The bridges are part of the trail expansion plan, and the Antigo Rotary Club is generously funding one of the bridges.
o We will be working with the Antigo Public Library to create and install some Little Free Libraries within specific parks, and I am looking forward to this project with Jackie, the Youth Librarian.
o We have completed the lake samples on Antigo Lake and will be sending the samples to the lab for review next week. Treatments for curly-leaf pondweed over the past couple years and for future years will help keep our lake basins clean and navigable with great fishing opportunities.
· Bike signs for the City Wide Bike route will be placed soon, dugouts at Lake Park will be moved above ground, and fields will receive top-dress before our winter season begins.
INFORMATION ONLY
11. Adjournment
Bugni moved, Koss seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 5:52 p.m. Carried 6-0, Absent 1.
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Tim Kassis, Chairperson Date