WAUPACA COUNTY

PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

Sept. 21, 2012

Courthouse, Waupaca

Chair McClone called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

Present:           Joe McClone, Lee Much, Don Peterson, and Gene Sorensen.

Also Present:   Scott Resch, Kay Ellis, Jeff Hennrman, Chris Klein, Jean Gliniecki, Rose Dorow, Bob Van Epps, Bruce Golding, Dick Abb, Julie Fude-Krawczyk, VictorKrawczyk,  Rick Nelsen, Mary Nelsen, Jim Peglow, Jane Haasch, Angie Landsverk, Kristy Harris, Linda Hyatt, Roger Holman and John Francis.

McClone gave the open meeting statement.

Motion by Much, seconded by Sorensen to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

Motion by Sorensen, seconded by Much to approve the minutes of Sept. 10, 2012.  Motion carried.

Holman reported that a letter from the DNR has extended the deadline to draw down the Little Hope/Crystal River Dam to Oct. 15, 2012.

McClone opened the meeting for public comment.

Comments were made regarding the Little Hope Dam.  The comments included the need for dam replacement, partial draw down, formation of a Lake District, landfill and groundwater issues, the hazardous rating of the dam, constructing a coffer dam, and options for repairing the existing dam.

Linda Hyatt, DNR Dam Specialist, provided background information on the dam.  Hyatt noted that the dam was listed as a small dam but research has shown it is a large dam falling under different regulations.  Hyatt stated that in her judgment and the judgment of other DNR dam people the dam is failing and a draw down is needed to provide for the safety of the people downstream.  Hyatt explained the options available to the County including removal and reconstruction, but feels that repair of the existing dam isn’t feasible.  Hyatt explained the grant program which is available for removal or construction, noting there are no funds in the State budget for the construction program.  Hyatt answered the public and Committee questions noting that there has been no loss of property value due to dam removal, a coffer dam would be only a temporary fix, the need for a dam break analysis and impacts of a dam failure.  Hyatt estimated the approval process for a  new dam would take 2-3 years with a draw down required for that period.

McClone thanked Hyatt for responding to the public and the Committee.

Holman noted that the Parks Dept. had been looking at a draw down to inspect the dam and a draw down could be beneficial to the pond.

Holman explained that a draw down will provide time for the County to review its options including funding while providing for the safety of the public.

Motion by Sorensen, seconded by McClone to proceed with the draw down of the Little Hope/Crystal River Dam as ordered by the DNR.  Motion carried.

McClone thanked everybody for attending.

Francis reported that the Park staff is starting work on securing the Gills Landing seawall and is getting trail brushed on the Tomorrow River State Trail by Rawhide.

The next meeting was set for Oct. 2, 9:00 a.m. at Camp Vic-To-Rae.

Motion by Sorensen, seconded by Much to adjourn.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

Submitted by,

Roger G. Holman,

Director