Parks and Public Works Committee

Parks and Public Works Committee Meeting Minutes November 29, 2023 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Parks, and Public Property Committee was held, November 29th, 2023, Municipal Building, 800 Borner Street, Prescott, Wisconsin 54021. The meeting was called to order at 5:31 pm Committee Present: Bailey Ruona, John Peterson, Pat Knox (departed early) Committee Absent: None. Staff Present: City Administrator Matt Wolf, Planner Carter Hayes, Public Works Director Mike Kinneman, City Engineer Greg Adams of Cedar Corporation. Others Present: Members of the public. 1. Approve Minutes for September 18th, 2023. Ruona motioned to approve the minutes for September 18th. Peterson seconded; motion passed (3-0). 2. Public Works Items A) Review of Elm and Washington Street Concept Plan City Administrator Matt Wolf shared details about the Elm & Washington St. concept, beginning the conversation about the possibility of burying power lines on Washington Street. The exact cost remains uncertain until Xcel engineers model it, which would cost the City a nonrefundable $7,000 fee. Mike Kinneman, Public Works Director, mentioned River Falls' gradual transition to burying lines due to issues with aerial ones. In response, Committee Member Peterson suggested consulting other cities with similar projects for cost insights. Committee Member Ruona proposed raising the matter at the Elm & Washington Public Informational meeting. City Administrator Wolf then inquired with the Committee about adding a crosswalk on Monroe Street, aligning with the City's comprehensive plan that calls for a sidewalk on Monroe. City Engineer Greg Adams explained that a 4-way stop at the intersection would obviate the need for extra pedestrian signage at the location. The committee deliberated on the stop configuration for Elm & Walter streets as well. City Administrator Wolf provided information on a proposed painted crosswalk at Elm & Kinnickinnic streets, garnering positive feedback from Committee Members Ruona and Peterson. Concerns about maintenance and fading arose, prompting plans for staff to consult the school district for their opinion. 1 Staff also asked the Committee on options for the driveway at 354 Elm Street, where its proximity to the intersection raised street design concerns. The Committee expressed a preference for requesting a driveway shift rather than outright removal. B) Discussion on Allowing Second Driveways City Planner Carter Hayes presented information on allowance of second driveways. The Committee affirmed that the existing ordinance appears strong enough for enforcement, leading to the decision to maintain the current practice of generally permitting only one driveway entrance per property unless otherwise necessary for access. C) Compost Site Project Review City Planner Carter Hayes shared details about the compost site project. The Committee favored the system design, lighting, and security aspects. Additionally, they suggested that staff initiate communication with nearby townships to explore a potential partnership. This collaboration would involve providing complimentary access to the compost site in exchange for sharing operating costs on a per capita basis. D) Well #3 Update and DNR Response City Administrator Wolf provided an update on Well #3. He mentioned that the City is currently awaiting approval for the proposed cost-split submitted to the DNR concerning the project cost. 3. Parks Items A) Review and Approval of Downtown Riverfront Concept Plan City Administrator Wolf shared details about the Riverfront Phase II concept. During the discussion, Committee Member Ruona inquired about the potential removal of 2 trailer parking spaces to facilitate better turns for vehicles with trailers. Additionally, Ruona suggested removing the "outfitter" designation from the City-owned lot at 256 Front Street. Further discussions revolved around the possibility of reaching out to the railroad to explore the addition of a designated pedestrian crosswalk at the railroad crossing. Committee Member Ruona motioned to approve and forward the concept plan for Council review. Peterson seconded; motion passed (2-0). B) Review of CIT Proposal – Prescott Beach Bathrooms City Administrator Wolf presented information regarding the CIT proposal. The committee favored card readers for access to City facilities moving forward. The cost for card reader access at the beach house is quoted just under $7,000. Committee Member Peterson stated that it is important to plan for all Prescott facilities to use the same card reader system. Committee Member Ruona motioned to forward the proposal to Council, Peterson seconded; motion passed (2-0). C) Stone Trash and Recycling Receptacles City Administrator Wolf shared information about the stone trash and recycling receptacles. He pointed out that they are redundant since the contracted trash company places their 2  containers next to the stone receptacles anyway. Committee Member Ruona expressed concerns about transitioning to the receptacle style on the riverfront, noting that it hasn't been effective as people are not disposing of trash correctly. Ruona suggested removing the stone receptacles and moving to a different solution. D) Riverfront Public Art – Abe the Eagle City Administrator Wolf presented information regarding the Abe the Eagle sculpture, which is up for lease renewal. The Committee stated they would like to keep Abe the Eagle sculpture on the riverfront. The Committee stated they would like to rent to own for $2,400 for the next 10 years. Committee Member Ruona motioned to forward the proposal to Council, Peterson seconded; motion passed (2-0). 4. Other Business City Administrator Wolf stated Magee Park will require a hydrologic/hydraulic study due to the Flood Zone A designation it holds. WDOT is finalizing the finance and maintenance agreements for STH 35 & USH 10. The project is being pushed to 2029. Coulee River Trails group is requesting solar lights for the sled hill near Magee Park. The Committee stated they would be in favor of small garden solar lights rather than the higher cost units quoted by CRT. 5. Adjourn Ruona motioned to adjourn. Peterson seconded; motion passed (2-0) at 7:16 pm The next Parks Committee meeting will be December 18th, 2023, at 5:00 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Carter Hayes City Planner 3