WAUPACA COUNTY

PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

                                                                                                                        August 12, 2014

                                                                                                                        Courthouse, Waupaca

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

Present:           Dona Gabert, Joe McClone, Lee Much and Gene Sorensen (one vacant position)

Also Present:   Roger Holman, John Francis, Bill Behlke, Phil Winkus, Bob Ellis and Chris Klein

McClone gave the open meeting statement.

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

Motion by Sorensen, seconded by Much to approve the July 7, 2014 minutes.  Motion carried.

There was no correspondence for Committee action.

McClone opened the meeting for public comment.

Chris Klein stated that with the dam issue now in the hands of the judge, it was time to address the public access issues.  Klein noted he is in favor of the proposed access on the Crystal River and would encourage working together with the Town to complete the work.

McCone thanked Klein for his comments.

Holman introduced Bill Behlke, owner of Ding’s Dock.  Holman explained that Behlke has a proposal to provide public access to the Crystal River for Kayaks, canoes and other small boats.  Holman handed out a plan drafted by Francis that shows a possible development of the site.

Behlke explained that over the years he has seen the growth of kayaking exploding.  Kayaking has become a very low cost way of experiencing the water in the state and in Waupaca County.  The increased use has resulted in the increased need for access points.

Behlke stated he recently purchased the property located on County K near Parfreyville Rd. and is interested in working with the County in developing the site as public access site and small park and working with the DNR in the purchase of the site by the County.  Behlke noted he has contacted the DNR grant person and she is very interested in the site.

McClone thanked Behlke and noted he has seen the site and it is a wonderful opportunity for the County.

Sorensen and Much noted they believe this is a wonderful proposal but would like to inspect the site before making a decision.

The Committee agreed to inspect the site and then make a decision.

Holman reported to the Committee that Faulk’s Brothers, who own the property next to Indian Crossing II have expressed an interest in selling one or two of their lots next to the park.  Holman stated that purchasing this property would address over a 30 year issue of the lack of public restroom facilities on the Chain.  Holman stated this project would also involve DNR grants.

The Committee decided to inspect the site before making a decision.

Holman handed out and reviewed a letter from Barry and Christie Johanson regarding the Grandview boat access.  Holman stated he informed the Johanson’s that the Committee is not taking any action until Dale Trinrud completes his work.  Discussion followed on other accesses on the Chain.

Holman and Francis reviewed the proposed 2015 Parks and Fairgrounds budget.  Holman noted that by all indications this is going to be a very difficult budget year.  Holman explained that the increases in the budget are in the areas of personnel and insurance.  Discussion followed on ways to increase more revenue, including camping.

Motion by Much, seconded by Gabert to recommend a 2015 Fairgrounds budget of $131,874.00 (expenses) and $29,000 (revenue), 2015 Parks budget of $309,654.00 (expenses) and $63,000 (revenue) and 2015 snowmobile budget of $101,650.00 (expenses) and $101,650.00 (revenue) with possible inclusion of funding request for campground development.  Motion carried.

Holman reported that for 2015 capital they are requesting funding for a mower ($25,000), a ¾ ton truck ($35,000), Pauer’s machine shed/garage ($50,000) and Little Wolf restroom replacement ($35,000).  Holman noted that there is going to be cuts in the CIP request for funding as at this time there are close to a million dollars in requests, so Holman and Francis are prioritizing the requests.

Francis updated the Committee on Fair preparation, Keller Park, Timber sale at Pauer’s, Pauer’s Agreement and seasonal employees.

Holman updated the Committee on Management Team activities including CIP, evaluations and 2015 budget.

The next meeting was set for August 20, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. with an inspection of various sites.

Motion by Sorensen, seconded by Much to go into Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e). Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session; and WI State Statues 19.85 (1)(c) for the purpose of consideration of annual department head performance evaluation. 

Roll call vote with Gabert, McClone, Much and Sorensen all voting yes.

CLOSED SESSION

McClone called the closed session to order.

Motion by Gabert, seconded by Much to adjourn.  Motion carried with Gabert, McClone, Much and Sorensen all voting yes.

Meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.

                                                                        Submitted by,

                                                                        Roger G. Holman

                                                                        Director