Park & Recreation Commission

CITY OF VERONA MINUTES PARK, RECREATION & FORESTRY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021 1. The meeting was called to order by chairperson Tyler Powers at 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call: Present: Tyler Powers, Heather Reekie, Mark Giesfeldt. Excused: Phil Hoechst, Paul Schmidt. Also present: Dave Walker, Parks Director; Casey Dudley, Recreation Director. 3. Moved by Reekie, seconded by Giesfeldt, to approve the minutes of the October 20, 2021 meeting of the Park, Recreation, and Forestry Commission. Motion carried 3-0. 4. The Commission considered a request to reconsider winter maintenance on the newly constructed path along the Badger Mill Creek. The Commission had decided at a previous meeting not to plow and salt the path in the winter but some residents had asked that it be maintained due to the amount of use. Dave Walker reported that he had spoken to one resident in favor of it and Tyler Powers had also spoken to one resident. The other Commission members thought it would be ill advised to reverse their earlier decision based on such limited input. No action was taken on the request and the Commission decided to solicit more input from the public and revisit the issue at the January meeting. 5. The Commission considered a proposal from MSA Professional Services for two planning projects in 2022. The first project would be an update to the five-year CORP and the second project would be master planning a new park in the Kettle Creek North subdivision. The total cost for both projects would be $28,500. Dave Walker reported that the cost was in line with past projects and MSA had done extensive work for the City and was very familiar with the park system. 6. Moved by Giesfeldt, seconded by Powers, to approve a Professional Services Agreement with MSA in the amount of $28,500. Motion carried 3-0. 7. Dave Walker updated the Commission on a recent land acquisition by Dane County to expand the Ice Age Trail corridor along Woods Rd. on the north side of the City. Purchase of the 40 acre parcel, known as the Cowling Property, was a cooperative effort between Dane County, The cities of Madison and Verona, and the Town of Verona. 8. Dave Walker reported that the City had hired a new Park and Urban Forestry Director. Pat Groom was currently a park supervisor in Stoughton and would be starting with the City on January 18th . 9. Moved by Reekie, seconded by Giesfeldt, to adjourn. Motion carried 3-0. Time: 7:35 p.m. Tyler Powers Chairperson