Park & Recreation Commission

CITY OF VERONA MINUTES PARK, RECREATION & FORESTRY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021 1. The meeting was called to order by chairperson Tyler Powers at 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call: Present: Tyler Powers, Mark Giesfeldt, Paul Schmidt, Heather Reekie, Charlotte Jerney. Also present: Dave Walker, Parks Director; Casey Dudley, Recreation Director; Theran Jacobsen, Public Works Director; Brian Munson, VanDeWalle and Associates. 3. Moved by Jerney, seconded by Giesfeldt, to approve the minutes of the November 18, 2020 meeting of the Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission. Motion carried 5-0. 4. The Commission reviewed the Master Plan for redevelopment of the Sugar Creek Elementary School site. One of the central features of the proposed plan was a 3+ acre park area that included a plaza, great lawn area, community gathering space, playground, and abundant tree plantings. Brian Munson was at the meeting on behalf of the developers, Steve Brown Apartments and the Alexander Company, to discuss the plan and answer questions. The Commission liked the overall layout of the plan but had a few concerns including available parking, restroom access, and the overall cost of the improvements. They also questioned what types of community uses the space might have. No formal action was taken on the plan and the Commission will revisit the issue at a future meeting. 5. Dave Walker updated the Commission on the status of the East Side Sewer Interceptor project currently under construction along the Badger Mill Creek between Bruce Street and Forest View Drive. A large portion of the construction corridor is along a segment of the Ice Age Trail in the East View Heights Nature Preserve and area residents were concerned about impacts to the area and plans for restoration once the project was complete. A public information meeting was held on January 13 to review the plan and address concerns. As an ongoing effort, city staff will host monthly progress meetings to keep residents apprised of issues relating to the construction. 6. The Commission considered possible names for a new park in the Woods addition to Cathedral Point. Several ideas were discussed including names related to the development, the nearby Ice Age Trail, and former area farmers of the property. Mark Giesfeldt offered to reach out to the elementary school to see if one of the classes might be interested in a naming contest. No action was taken on the issue and it will be revisited in February. 7. Casey Dudley updated the Commission on the status of the Sugar Creek Elementary building gym. Water service and heat had been turned off to the building but there was strong interest in youth basketball so the Common Council would be considering a proposal to install temporary heat to the gym so that youth basketball could take place in February and March. 8. Moved by Jerney, seconded by Reekie, to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0. Time: 8:15 p.m. Tyler Powers Chairperson