Parks and Public Works Committee

Parks, and Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes March 20th, 2023 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Parks, and Public Property Committee was held, March 20th, 2023, Municipal Building, 800 Borner Street, Prescott, Wisconsin 54021. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm Committee Present: Bailey Ruona and John Peterson Committee Absent: Pat Knox Staff Present: City Administrator Matt Wolf, Planner Carter Hayes, Public Works Director Mike Kinneman Others Present: Members of the public, Cedar Corporation. 1. Approve Minutes for February 20th, 2023. John Peterson motioned to approve the minutes for February 20th, 2023. Knox seconded; motion passed without a negative voice (3-0). 2. Public Works Items A) USH 10 & STH 35 Project Update At the last Parks and Public Works Committee Meeting the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) was present to discuss the upcoming work to US Highway 10 and State Highway 35. As part of that discussion Cedar Corporation put together a proposal that would remove the bike lanes on STH 35 from downtown to Wacota Street in order to install a multi-use trail at a much lower cost than the one previously proposed. WisDOT stated at the meeting that they would review the proposal and get back to us with an answer on if the road could be narrower. City Administrator Matt Wolf presented information regarding the USH 10 & STH 35 Project Update. The WisDOT decided the roadway could not be narrower than 36’. The City can still pursue the TAP Grant with the WisDOT proposed trail project plan, which includes a > $1 Million retaining wall. It was explained that the project may not score well for the grant with a wall contributing to 73% of project cost. Committee Member Ruona’s perspective is that the City will have to maintain the retaining wall in the future, which may not be wise. Steve Burt approached the committee for an impromptu public comment. He addressed how a sidewalk on the North side of STH 35 would be a disservice to the community. He claimed residents would want to walk across the road 1 for pictures which is unsafe, and request for tree trimming which is on the railroad property. Committee Member Ruona mentioned the restrictions with a sidewalk and the adjacent railroad property. Public Works Director Mike Kinneman stated the status of the railroad retaining wall that is separating from the roadway. It was explained that the retaining wall is of a dilapidated state. The WisDOT has not stated any responsibility over the retaining wall south of STH 35 adjacent to the railroad. Steve Burt is opposed to a sidewalk on the North side of STH 35. It would affect his tenants off-street parking, and safety on the property. Committee member Ruona discussed the next steps which include assessing the integrity of the retaining wall South of STH 35. Ruona also stated the City should contact a higher position in the DOT to gather a response for a potential trail on STH 35. B) Non-Improved Dedicated ROW Vacation Discussion The City of Prescott in the older parts of the community have platted alley rights-of-way. In many cases theses alleys have been used to give residents located along streets a secondary access to their property. However, in a few cases the right-of-way is “non- improved” and creates additional requests for work for our Public Works staff. City Administrator Matt Wolf presented information regarding the ROW Vacation Discussion. Committee Member Ruona stated it is something the City should pursue. Engineer Greg Adams stated the City should look into any public utilities that could be in the alleyways. Committee Member Ruona favored the approach in which City would take action as problems in alleyways occur, or let residents petition for vacation. C) 1832 Canton Road – Garbage Request The property owners at 1832 Canton Road called to request a larger trash bin in December of 2022. At that time the owners were requesting an upgrade to a 95-gallon bin from a 35-gallon bin. However, in talking with staff the owners were told they were already being billed for a 95- gallon bin and had been billed for that size of bin since 2018. At that time the owners stated that this was the City of Prescott’s mistake and asked for a 100% credit to their account of $303.53. City Administrator Matt Wolf presented information regarding the garbage request. Ruth Gredvig, the homeowner, spoke regarding the garbage request. The City has reached out to PIG, who does not have any server data previous to the merger with GFL, which occurred in 2022. The City is not able to verify whether there was a discrepancy in the data base due to the loss of data. Committee Member Peterson stated the facts of the situation, which are the resident had a small can and was already paying for a large can. Peterson stated he was in favor of the full reimbursement of $303.53. Committee Member Ruona was in agreeance with Committee Member Peterson. Peterson also stated he would like to see the City diverge from the current garbage contract and have residents explore their own option. Committee Member Peterson motioned to bring the matter to Council; Ruona seconded. Motion passed without a negative voice (2-0) 2  3. Parks Items A) Pierce County Trash Receptacles at Magee Park The city currently has 3 large roll-off enclosed dumpsters located at Magee Park. The dumpsters are owned and managed by the Pierce County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling. The site has experienced multiple instances of illegal dumping and littering. The city has looked to relocate the dumpsters to numerous locations recommended by the County, such as the Highway Department on STH 29, and private business parking lots. All of which were disallowed by the owners or responsible party. City Planner Carter Hayes presented information regarding the dumpster relocation. The Committee favored the relocation of the dumpsters to the upper terrace of the DPW facility. City Staff will reach out to Pierce County for relocation of the dumpsters. Committee Member Peterson mentioned getting rid of the USAGAIN clothing drop. B) Phase II of Downtown Riverfront Planning Cedar Corporation will be in attendance to discuss planning for Phase II of the downtown Riverfront Project. Greg Adams of Cedar Corporation presented information regarding phase II of the riverfront project. The Project is from the emergency access path by the railroad to the end of the boat launch along the Mississippi River. The Committee favored bathrooms by the boat launch, screening the sanitary lift station if it is cost effective, and creating an ordinance to prohibit fish cleaning at the boat launch. Mike Kinneman mentioned the City could slurry seal the parking lot rather than a mill & overlay. Ruona stated a trailer length maximum could be necessary. Mike Kinneman also mentioned cameras should be placed at the boat launch. A new pavilion at Mercord mill was discussed, a potential outlook deck could be possible. 4. Other Business City Planner Carter Hayes presented information regarding the NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service’s flood exceedance probabilities for 2023. It was explained that the City has a 995 chance to exceed a crest of 32.95 feet, which is 7.7 feet higher than the current crest as of 3/20/23. Committee Member Peterson stated he will attend the Pierce County Emergency Management meeting to determine any potential actions for flood prevention in the Spring. Steve Burton addressed a possible utility overcharge during home sales. Committee Member Ruona stated that City Staff will investigate the matter. 5. Adjourn Peterson motioned to adjourn. Ruona seconded; motion passed without a negative voice (2-0) at 7:06 pm 3 The next Parks Committee meeting will be April 17th, 2023. Respectfully Submitted, Carter Hayes Planner 4