Park-Rec/Tourism/City Properties/Cemetery Committee Meeting

An undiscovered treasure Park-Rec/Tourism/City Properties/Cemetery Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, April 29, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall 42 North Main Street, Fountain City, WI Present: Committee members Christine Williamson, Scott Feraro and Stephen Qualy; Mayor Ben Adank. Citizen Present: None 1. Call to Order o Called to order at 5:30 pm by Christine Williamson. 2. Roll Call o All committee members were present. 3. Citizen Appearance/Pubic Comment No citizens were present. o 4. Approval of Minutes of September 5, 2024 Park/Rec Committee Meeting o Reviewed minutes from the Park-Rec-Cemetery committee on September 5, 2024. Motion/second (Stephen/Scott) to approve the minutes as presented. Motion Carried. 5. Old Business Discussion and Possible Action: a. Adopt-A-Planter Project – Volunteer Help o Christine reported that the Adopt-A-Planter volunteer watering schedule is complete. Volunteers will receive the flower planter care guide and Miracle-Gro fertilizer prior to placement of the planters, which is expected before Memorial Day weekend, weather providing. No action taken. 6. New Business Discussion and Possible Action: a. Basketball Hoop Nets at Community Park o Doris Killian requested the installation of nets on the park’s basketball hoops for the benefit of the local youth. Committee agreed that the request was reasonable and Christine will contact Gil to purchase and install the nets. No action taken. City of Fountain City ⧫ 42 North Main Street ⧫ Fountain City, WI 54629 ⧫ 608-687-7481 b. Rental of the Bowling Alley o Christine will contact John Baures, President of the Bowling League, for input on renting the alley for events or a youth league. The committee’s only concern is liability related to potential injuries. No action taken. c. Rental of Auditorium o Committee agreed that future rental of the space for graduation parties, wedding receptions etc., would provide valuable revenue. With renovations beginning July 1st, 2025, this topic will be revisited after the project is completed in October 2026. Committee also supported a grand re-opening event and listing rental availability on the city website, including online scheduling for citizens. No action taken. d. Pickleball Fees to use Auditorium o Committee reviewed area pickleball fees. After renovations, the committee supports implementing an annual membership fee of $50/yr or $75 for a 3-year membership to pickleball players. Committee will revisit this matter post-renovation in October 2026. No action taken. e. 2026 Budget Requests o Committee discussion included potential projects: o Sealcoating and restriping of the lower boat landing. o Repaving old tennis courts/overflow boat landing parking. o Sunshades at the ball park. o Mural on the Flatiron Building by the uptown fountain. o Installation of large Adirondack chairs for tourist photo opportunities. o Paving under the trestle bridge at the upper boat launch. No action taken. f. Historical Society Committee Members Needed o Committee discussed the importance of revitalizing the Historical Society in Fountain City, which may become a museum if member interest declines. Stephen will contact John Schlesselman to explore way to renew public interest. No action taken. g. Park Repairs/Maintenance o Committee discussion centered on a vision for park improvements, with emphasis on the flower garden as a focal point. No action taken. City of Fountain City ⧫ 42 North Main Street ⧫ Fountain City, WI 54629 ⧫ 608-687-7481  h. Community Park Flower Garden o Committee discussed plans for redesigning the flower garden area, factoring in its location in a floodplain. Brent Ellis and David Kellam donated three vintage lanterns. Claire Waters is working on an updated landscape design. The committee plans to meet with Brent Ellis, Claire Waters, and public works supervisor, Gil Adams to finalize a development plan. No action taken. i. Cemetery Lot Fee o The committee acknowledged that Fountain City Public Cemetery fees are significantly lower than comparable area cemeteries. Updated fees will be submitted to the common council for approval at the May meeting No action taken. j. Beautification Ordinance o A draft beautification ordinance was reviewed. Attorney Terrance Madden is also preparing a version. Both drafts will be consolidated and reviewed by committee. No action taken. 7. Adjourn o Meeting adjourned at 7:07 pm. Motion/second (Stephen/Scott) to approve to adjourn the meeting. Motion Carried. City of Fountain City ⧫ 42 North Main Street ⧫ Fountain City, WI 54629 ⧫ 608-687-7481