Board of Parks Commission

BOARD OF PARKS COMMISSION MINUTES April 08, 2024 at 4:45 PM 1260 North Road Mauston, WI 1. Call to Order/Roll Call- The Board of Park Commissioners met on Monday, April 08, 2024 in the meeting room at the Public Works Building. Chair Mike Taake called the meeting to order at 4:45 PM. Members present were Jim Kolba, Todd Galbrecht, Amanda Ketchum, Dan Holzberger, Lori Hammer, Laura Taake, and Mike Taake. Also present were City Administrator Daron Haugh and Parks Supervisor and Arborist Jordan Wilke. 2. Minutes- Laura Taake/Amanda Ketchum to approve minutes from the March 04, 2024 meeting and voice vote carried. 3. Review Financial Reports- Jim Kolba voiced concern for the rise in taxes especially felt by our senior citizens with himself being a voice for our senior citizens. Jim wanted clarification on the line item of unemployment insurance paid out by the City. Daron Haugh reminded the Board of the current law concerning unemployment benefits. Lastly, Daron Haugh will make a recommendation to the city council that the City of Mauston will continue to support the School District’s role in summer recreation based on contractual services. 4. Big Dig Grant application- Chair Mike Taake provided the Board with a plan for applying for the grant. Please see the handout. Through the work of Mike Taake, Daron Haugh, Rob Nelson, they will contract with MSA (at a cost of $2500) to produce the proposal for the Big Dig Grant. The Board recognizes the need to have a professional proposal moving forward as the Board begins to seek other grant opportunities in the future for city park improvements. Todd Galbrecht will be able to assist with photography of existing conditions and ideas. The plan put forward will be a work in progress. The Board will price each item on its ‘wish list’ and prioritize each item with ‘safety first’ in mind at each step from parking lots, to walking and bike paths, to fenced and lighted courts. The Board recognizes the dual role Dan Holzberger plays between the Big Dig Grant and a board member. Dan Holzberger will abstain from any activity which would constitute a conflict of interest. Any related party transaction will be noted and avoided. Daron Haugh feels this is a lofty and attainable goal, worth all the effort for our parks for the next decade. It is a great vision. 5. Hiring a weed harvester operator- Jordan Wilke announced Brayden Heath will be this season’s weed harvester driver. He will begin in early May 2024. His hours will be Monday through Friday, 7 AM - 1 PM. As time permits, he will then pick up other duties as necessity dictates. As time permits, Jordan and GOLD will place necessary marker buoys in Lake Decorah. 6. Staff Report- The AED donated by Mauston Picklers and Lynx will be installed at Lions Park as weather and time permits. Interested people may attend an instructional meeting soon to be announced. Jordan Wilke accepted the Urban Forestry Award on behalf of the City of Mauston. This award stemmed from his and his crew’s work on our Living Food Pantry at Marachosky’s Park. Soon citizens will be able to harvest apples, cherries, pears, plums, raspberries, and blackberries. Jordan will present the award to the city council on April 09, 2024. Jordan and crew are busy getting restrooms repaired and opened, trees trimmed and planted, hiring and training new staff as Summer 2024 approaches. Jordan said the green space by the new interstate and roundabout will most likely be mowed and maintained by his crew. Arbor Day will be celebrated on April 24, 2024, with many trees planted below the dam along Water Street. Daron Haugh continues working with Alliant Energy and other entities to secure new green space real estate within the city of Mauston. 7. Friends of Mauston Parks- nothing to report 8. Next Agenda- May 06, 2024 Alliant Energy property along Water Street 9. Adjourn- Amanda Ketchum/Dan Holzberger to adjourn and voice vote carried. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 PM. ________________________________ ___________________________ Chair Date