Park Board

PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY BOARD MEETING Tuesday, June 9, 2026 1. Call to order by Beth Arneberg at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call: Members Present: Beth Arneberg, Travis Siebert, Audrey Stowell and John Monarski Absent: Reggie Geissler, Madelyn Woodhull and John Abbe. Staff present: John Jimenez and Mikinley Prafke 2. Approval of Minutes: May 12, 2026. Motion by Siebert/Monarski to approve minutes of May 12, 2026. Motion passed. 3. Personal Appearances by Citizens. None. 4. Consider Special Event Applications. None. 5. Discuss/Consider: a. Western Wisconsin Regional Outdoor Recreational Plan. Holly Larson, Outdoor Recreation Planner at Outdoor Recreation, Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program of National Park Service discusses the final draft of Western Wisconsin Regional Outdoor Recreational Plan. This is the Urban Plan, which will go along with the Rural Plan. The goal is to turn the 8-county region into a top destination for year-round Outdoor Recreation. Its focus is on visitors and businesses that support visitor services. There are multiple goals, which include improving and adding access and improving water access and trail infrastructure. Action steps including forming an interim board and advisory groups will take place from Summer 2026 through 2027. Motion by Arneberg/Siebert to forward the Recreational Plan to City Council with Board’s full support. Motion passed. b. Casper Park RFP Bid Results. The four RFP bids presented last month are revisited. After discussion and review, motion by Arneberg/Siebert to approve River Valley Architect bid for $53,950.00 and forward to Committee 1. Motion passed. c. Bandshell Repair. John reports there is an issue with the seal on the roof of the bandshell. John will seek comparative reviews. d. Irvine Park Water Access Retaining Wall Repair. The retaining wall/steps behind the pavilion area leading to Duncan Creek need repair. John has received bid for $5,350 to repair the retaining wall/steps. Discussion for John to obtain additional bids. Motion by Siebert/Stowell for John to request additional bids and authorize him to proceed with the repair, not to exceed $5,350.00. Motion passed. e. Recreation Report. Mikinley gives report on soccer program, t-ball registration, archery, cheer camp, art in the park, pickleball clinic, pickleball tournament, pop-up park, recreational staff training, pool opening and pool 1  meeting between members of council and Y personnel. Mikinley also reports there has been an issue with storm water at pool and the chemical feeder / controller at splash pad, which should be resolved soon. f. Director Report. John reports there is an additional cost of $14,000 for footings at duck pond and reports delay at Flag Hill due to weather. Tree removal is 98% finished and stump grinding has started. John has completed Five-Year Forestry Management Program draft, and it will be presented shortly. Riverfront fountains are being worked on. 6. Approve Claims. Motion by Siebert/Monarski to approve claims in the amount of $111,190.07. Motion passed. 7. Park Board Members’ Concerns or Comments. Comments and concerns regarding development at Summit and Hurd Park, Allen Park RFP, dog bag container signs, wildflower steps, Marshall Park ball field, bottom of duck pond and first night of Music at Riverfront. 8. Adjournment. Motion by Siebert/Arneberg to adjourn at 7:41 p.m. Motion passed. Submitted by: Audrey Stowell, Secretary 2