Parks Commission Meeting

PARKS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES January 05, 2026 at 4:45 PM 1260 North Road Mauston, WI 1. Call to Order/Roll Call: The Board of Parks Commission met on Monday, January 6, 2026, at the Public Works Building. Chair Mike Taake called the meeting to order at 4:47 p.m. Members present were Mike Taake, Laura Taake, Lori Hammer, Amanda Ketcham, and Todd Galbrecht. Also present was Parks Superintendent Jordan Wilke. Absent were Mary Ann Allaby and Dan Holzberger. 2. Minutes: Motion by Ketcham, seconded by Galbrecht, to approve the December 1, 2025 minutes. Motion carried by voice vote. 3. Financial Report: The financial reports were reviewed with no concerns or questions. 4. Staff Report: A. Bobcat Toolcat: Parks Superintendent Wilke introduced a newly purchased Bobcat Toolcat, scheduled to arrive in early February 2026. The equipment will be used citywide, including all parks, and will assist with snow removal and various in-house landscaping projects. B. Big Dig Grant/Stewardship Grant: The Big Dig Grant will be placed on hold while the City continues work on the Stewardship Grant application. The City is exploring how both grant opportunities may be combined as the final design plan for Lions Park is developed. C. Ice Fishing Jamboree: The Ice Fishing Jamboree is scheduled for January 17, 2026. D. Tree Lighting Event: The Board expressed appreciation for the Tree Lighting Event at Riverside Park, noting the quality of the event and positive feedback received from the community. The Greater Mauston Tourism Association was commended for its efforts. E. Arbor Day 2026: Wilke reported that treatment and removal of ash trees affected by Emerald Ash Borer is ongoing in city parks and in response to residential requests. The Tree Board will meet in early spring 2026 to plan Arbor Day activities and tree plantings. F. Living Food Pantry: Wilke reported that he is researching options for an improved irrigation system at Marchowsky Park. G. Jones Park: Chair Mike Taake will invite the youth soccer and youth football presidents to the March Board meeting to discuss scheduling for the new athletic field. TruGreen lawn applications will continue into the 2026 growing season. Final landscaping work at Jones Park will also be completed.  H. Sterling Walsh Hitting Wall Dedication: The dedication of the Sterling Walsh Hitting Wall at Lions Park is scheduled for April 25, 2026, in conjunction with the Mauston High School Alumni Tennis Event. I. Summer School and Park Equipment: Wilke and Jim Dillin will continue coordinating the use and storage of park equipment, including concession stand facilities. 5. Adjourn: Motion by Galbrecht, seconded by Hammer, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m. ________________________________ ____________________ Chair Date