WAUPACA COUNTY

PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

March 4, 2014

                                                                                                                                    Courthouse, Waupaca

Chair McClone called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

Present:           Joe McClone, Dona Gabert, and Lee Much.

Also Present:   Darrin Mann, Ann Casamassa, John Francis and Roger Holman

McClone gave the open meeting statement.

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

Motion by Much, seconded by Gabert to approve the Feb. 4, 2014 minutes.  Motion carried.

McClone opened the meeting for public comment.  There was none.

Holman handed out e-mails regarding the Town of Dayton boat landings. Holman noted that all action (except Dake Lake- Long Cove Parking) regarding the landings have been put on hold.

Holman handed out a letter from Ms Lee Trainor regarding the County becoming involved in the development of a plant dome/greenhouse for addressing seasonal affective disorder and a year round tourist attraction. Ms Trainer has also sent the request to the Waupaca School District and Waupaca Park and Recreation Department. Holman stated he would discuss the proposal with the City and School District to determine if there is any interest and what if any role they County would play.

Mann & Casamassa presented information on a proposed multi-use winter trail utilizing Waupaca School District property and the Wau-King Trail.  Mann explained that a number of user groups have come together and proposed utilizing an existing trail system for winter use.  The uses would include cross-country skiing/skating, snowshoeing, balloon tire biking, and skijoring.  The County Parks Department would maintain the trail, with equipment donated by the group.  There would be a user fee implemented to cover some of the costs.  The Waupaca High School has agreed to allow their trails to be used for this purpose.  Discussion followed on funding, agreements, multiple users, and other possible sites.

Motion by Gabert, seconded by Much to endorse the plan to develop and have the County manage a winter multi-use trail at the Waupaca High School property and Wau-King Trail.  Motion carried.

Francis handed out and reviewed proposed changes to the policies and rates at Camp Vic-To-Rae.  The changes are being recommended to comply with the camping license and to offset operation costs.  Discussion followed on future camping at Vic-To-Rae.

Motion by Much, seconded by Gabert to adopt the new policies and rates as presented.  Motion carried.

Francis handed out and reviewed camping options for Keller Lake, Fairgrounds, Vic-To-Rae, and other sites.  Discussion followed on regulations, cost for development, the levels of camping, and options for moving forward.  Francis was directed to keep developing a plan for camping.

Holman reviewed the annual resolution allowing the County to apply for funding for the DNR snowmobile and ATV programs.

Motion by Much, seconded by Gabert to recommend the adoption of the Recreation Aids resolution.  Motion carried.

Holman reported that the Human Resources Committee is looking at raising the starting pay for summer LTE’s from $7.50 to $10.00 per hour.  The rate has not been raised since 2007.  The new rate would impact summer Park, Highway, and other summer employees.

Francis and Holman reviewed the proposed projects/purchases for 2014 non-lapsing funds for Parks & Fairgrounds.

Motion by Much, seconded by Gabert to recommend the proposed non-lapsing projects/purchases for the 2014 non-lapsing funds.  Motion carried.

Francis updated the Committee on the bids received by the Highway for the Park truck & tractor.

Motion by Much, seconded by Gabert to work with the Hwy. Dept. on the purchase of the tractor and truck.  Motion carried.

Holman reported that he has contacted Bill Radis and he is interested in selling 78 acres west of Keller Lake Park including the acreage where the Park road runs.  Holman was directed to work with Radis on moving forward with the purchase.

Holman updated the Committee on the CIP process.

Holman reported the Management Team is working on Dept. Head Evaluations, CIP, and waiting for direction on the strategic plan.

The next meeting was set for April 4 at 8:30 a.m.

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

Meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.

                                                                                    Submitted by:

                                                                                    Roger G. Holman

                                                                                    Director