Full Agenda
LEISURE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
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TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2009
7:00 PM
MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 18 N. JACKSON STREET
LEISURE SERVICES CONFERENCE ROOM
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1 FLOOR – USE WALL STREET ENTRANCE
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
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2. APPROVAL OF MARCH 10, 2009 MEETING MINUTES
3. COMMITTEE MEMBER UPDATE – B. Smith
4. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
5. ARBORETUM VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN – T. Presny
6. UPDATE ON FLOOD RECOVERY – T. Presny
7. UPDATE ON AHL HOCKEY CONTRACT AT ICE CENTER – B. Davis
8. AQUATICS UPDATE – S. Slapak
9. MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
10. ADJOURNMENT
IF UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE CONTACT REBECCA SMITH AT
smithr@ci.janesville.wi.us or 755-3104
LEISURE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
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MARCH 10, 2009 7:00 PM
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1 FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM
Members Present: Betty Schwarz, Sandy Hendricks, Jeff Clark, Terry Thompson,
Steve Ellis, Jayme Roth, and Lorie Markus
Staff Present: Rebecca Smith and Bonnie Davis
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM in the Leisure Services Conference Room
by Chairperson Terry Thompson.
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APPROVAL OF JANUARY 13, 2009 MEETING MINUTES
Sandy noted she was not listed as an attendee. The minutes of the January 13, 2009
meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Steve and Jayme.
COMMITTEE MEMBER UPDATE
At the next meeting, the committee will be welcoming one new member. Steve Ellis will
likely be appointed to another term. Staff and the committee congratulated and thanked
Terry Thompson on his years of service to this committee as he finishes his term.
LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFFING UPDATE
Parks is in the process of hiring an Assistant Parks Director to replace former Parks
Supervisor Cliff Englert. Englert retired in January 2009.
UPDATE ON AHL HOCKEY CONTRACT AT ICE CENTER
A meeting will be held this week to survey all hockey user groups regarding their space
needs. Information gathered will provide the architect with direction in designing the
new space including space for the AHL. Discussions are still underway with
administration and AHL officials. The Janesville Gazette has run several articles with
information about the plans. The City of Janesville has postponed the decision until
Monday, March 23 2009. Several concerns have been expressed regarding cost for
renovation, displacing Friday open skate and adult hockey and allowing beer sales in a
family facility.
UPDATE ON SENIOR CENTER DONATION/CONTRIBUTION
In 2009 a donation/contribution fee was implemented in an effort to reduce the subsidy
to the city for annual operating costs at the Senior Center. Seniors have been very
receptive to the idea and we have collected over $5,000 year to date. The decision was
made not to establish a mandatory fee. Scholarships are available for those who
cannot pay. The operating budget for the Senior Center is about $208,000. Senior
Center revenue is approximately $26,000. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
has adopted standards that apply to all public pools.
AQUATICS – VIRGINIA GRAEME BAKER ACT
In 2002 Virginia Graeme Baker, seven year old granddaughter of former federal
Secretary of State James Baker, drowned by suction entrapment. In 2002 a new
federal law in her name now requires protection from suction entrapment in all public
swimming pools. This will require a licensed engineer to determine what we must do to
become compliant. Plans will be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.
We are working on becoming compliant which could be achieved in several ways.
GYPSY MOTH SPRAYING
The school for the visually impaired and Lustig Park will be sprayed to reduce gypsy
moths in mid-April/May.
STIMULUS OPPORTUNITIES RELATED TO LEISURE
Parks submitted a stimulus grant request through the Forest Division of the DNR. Our
grant was for $200,000 for a Tree Trimming & Tree Replacement Maintenance
Program. There is no local match required for this grant. The purpose of the grant is to
contract with one or more private companies to complete tree trimming for terrace trees
in our central city target area and our recently-acquired Oakhill Cemetery. First priority
would be Fourth Ward, Look West and the cemetery. Our request also included a tree
replacement/planting component for the target area and cemetery to provide new trees
when existing trees need to be removed or there are few.
The trails section of the DNR submitted, on behalf of the Parks Division, a stimulus
grant request to the DOT Transportation Enhancements program. Our grant was for
$115,000 to improve a 1.5 mile section of trail from Tripp Road at the Wastewater
Treatment Plant south to Eau Claire Road. There is no local match required for this
grant. This segment links to 21 existing miles of paved trail in Janesville and completes
our linkage segment to Beloit. The City only has one missing easement for this trail. If
the easement is not obtained, the trail will be constructed with that section using Afton
road.
We have not heard whether we have received either grant and the Council has not
approved either of these projects at this time.
MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Lorie Markus reminded the group to license their pets by March 31. The Paw Print Park
Committee will be present on at Mounds Pet Food Warehouse to sell licenses with staff.
Sandy Hendricks asked why the warming house isn’t available to rent on April 12. From
approximately October 15 to April 15, Parks Division crews are re-assigned to the
Operations Division or Water Utility to perform various tasks under the direction of the
Operations or Utilities Director. Before the crews leave for the winter, park facilities are
winterized. Winterization includes shutting off the water and sewer and locking up the
buildings. The Warming House is not winterized because it is used by the Friends of
Traxler Park for their operation of the outdoor skating program for the public.
Citizens are not able to rent pavilions from October 15 to April 15 because there is no
water or bathrooms available, and there are no crews assigned to the parks to prepare
the facility or clean the buildings before or after use. Likewise, the Warming House is
not available for rent. When the Friends of Traxler Park use the Warming House for
their outdoor skating program, they prepare and clean the building themselves. When
the House is not in use by the Traxler Friends, there are no employees available to
prepare the facility or clean the buildings before or after use.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8PM. Next meeting is
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scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2009 in the 1 Floor Conference Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Bonnie Davis, Recreation Director
Rebecca Smith, Management Assistant
Revised 5/09
2009
LEISURE SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Term Phone
Name Expires Address Number
Betty Schwarz 2010 102 North River St. #310 (Home) 754-0862
(53548)
E-mail: betty53548@gmail.com
Kevin Porter 2010 527 South Franklin Street 751-5787
(53548)
E-mail: kporter@janesville.k12.wi.us
Lorie Markus, 2010 4455 Pheasant Run (Home) 755-0974
Chairperson
(53546) (Work) 757-4699
E-mail: tmarkus@charter.net
Work E-mail: l.markus@labsafety.com
Doug Derby 2011 2416 Sauk Drive 757-0951
(53545)
E-mail: doktorbb@yahoo.com
Kevin Reilly 2011 3263 E. Danbury Drive 754-4053
(53546)
E-mail: ssdaddy@sbcglobal.net
Jayme Roth 2011 1406 Greenwich Lane 756-9075
(53545)
E-mail: tdroth@charter.net
Sandra Hendricks 2011 1163 North Parker Drive 752-2676
Vice-Chairperson
(53545)
E-mail: dstravel@charter.net
Jeff Clark 2011 1834 S. Hawthorne Park Drive
(53545)
E-mail: clarkyfamily@tds.net
Steve Ellis 2012 814 Cornelia Street 752-1990
(53545)
E-mailsaellis@charter.net
:
Lynn Jones 2012 22 N. Oakhill Avenue 751-7317
(53548)
E-mail:joneslynna@charter.net
City Council Representative:
William Truman 360 Johnson Street 758-9700
(53548)
E-mail: trumanw@ci.janesville.wi.us
Administration:
Rebecca Smith 18 N. Jackson Street 755-3104
Management Assistant
E-mail: smithr@ci.janesville.wi.us
Tom Presny 2200 US Hwy 51 N 755-3025
Park Director (53545)
E-mail: presnyt@ci.janesville.wi.us
Bonnie Davis 18 N. Jackson Street 755-3034
Recreation Director
E-mail: davisb@ci.janesville.wi.us
Meeting Minutes
Robert O. Cook Arboretum / Janesville Schools Outdoor Lab (JSOL)
Tuesday September 16, 2008 6:30 PM
In attendance:
1. Steve Huth, School District of Janesville JSOL Director
2. Tom Presny, City of Janesville Parks Director
3. Mary Ann Buenzow, Rock County / DNR Forester
4. Tom Klubertanz, University of Wisconsin Rock County Professor
5. Scott Schlegel, Michaels Cycles, mountain biking
6. Bob Schlegel, Michaels Cycles, mountain biking
7. Janet Schlegel, mountain biking
8. Bill Livingston
9. Curt Jacob, President of Blackhawk Chapter of WWOA
10. Larry Reimer
11. Nancy Hanson Bennett, President of Green Rock Audubon Society
12. Dean Paynter, President of Rock Trail Coalition
13. Ron Martin, Midwest Prairies and WI Woodland Owners Association
14. Marti Martin
15. Loren Hanson, President-Elect of WI Woodland Owners Association
16. David Feuillerat
Introduction:
A news media press release was sent as was an invitation letter to those will past
interest in the Arboretum / JSOL to announce this meeting. The stated purpose of the
meeting was to share information regarding this property and learn of user interests.
The Arboretum / JSOL began in 1968 with the purchase of 85 acres. Now 40 years,
later this property is nearly double in size at 160 acres. This land is approximately one
quarter mile wide by three quarters of a mile long. Property ownership is that of The City
of Janesville with programming and general oversight by The School District of
Janesville. The property is meant to serve as an outdoor classroom for the students of
Janesville’s Schools as well as public parkland for public enjoyment.
Little in the way of financial resources is available to manage and operate this facility.
Much of what is accomplished is possible because of volunteers, The Janesville Lions
Club, Eagle Scout projects, Alliant Energy easement contributions, and other donations
from enthusiasts. Establishment of the Arbor Ridge Subdivision to the South and West
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has added about 6 acres to the boundaries along with the challenges of adjacent
residential neighborhood development.
Meeting minutes:
Tom Presny opened the meeting with background that the Arboretum / JSOL has
largely operated without community impute. During preparation of the 5 year Janesville
Park and Open Space Plan it was suggested by several people that the need existed to
evaluate use and policy of this land. As there are uses and actions taking place that are
both desirable and undesirable, it is the desire of the city and the school district to
involve the community in guiding this property’s future.
Steve Huth overviewed the student programming of the JSOL and successes with
outdoor education in the community. Each year several thousand students benefit from
programs and activities. Mary Ann Buenzow shared copies of a newly completed
Arboretum / JSOL Forest Management Plan. This plan provides evaluation of the tree
and plant resources and recommends management practices to improve and sustain a
health forest. The land was designated a School Community Forest in 1986 (22 years
ago). Since that time little has been implemented to manage the property. As a result
there is some notable deterioration of desired trees and many invasive plants are
impacting sensitive native plant and animal communities.
The Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association (WWOA) was represented by Loren
Hanson who shared the background and purpose of their organization and offered
technical assistance and volunteer resources to help manage the Arboretum / JSOL. On
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Saturday October 11 WWOA is host to a daylong Forestry Field Demonstration Day
which includes highlights of Planning for sustainable tree harvest, invasive species
control, prairie restoration and management, and birding and effects of habitat change.
Attendees of the meeting were invited to share their interests and passions relative to
the Arboretum / JSOL and refrain from critiquing others uses and comments. The
following is a summary of those comments:
1. There is a need for invasive species management including buckthorn, box elder
trees, reed canary grass, garlic mustard, honey suckle, and barberry.
2. Birders provide twice annual counts and enjoy the quality of bird populations.
3. Question was asked - are we going to sell this property? Answer is no.
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4. How do we find more funds for programs and improvements? Suggested that we
find ways to connect with all segments of the community with programs, and
ways to get involved.
5. We should get teams of volunteers to work on invasive plants.
6. Suggest that we use Sheriff’s Department ‘Workenders and RECAP program
workers.
7. Bikers would like to continue to use trails. Use is thought to be by 30 skilled
mountain bikers who use the trails about one a week.
8. Suggest that better design of the trails is necessary for safety, erosion and
reduced maintenance.
9. Select sustainable timber harvest would help to build a strong forest which at the
present time is in a deteriorated condition.
10. There is a plan for the Wisconsin Ice Age Trail (a statewide walking path) to link
eastward from the Arboretum to the Devils Staircase Trail at Riverside Park and
Golf Course. A city bike trail will also link south to Parker High School and
Rockport Park. One day a westward Ice Age Trail link to Magnolia Bluff County
Park and Green County is planned.
11. Efforts should be made to work with adjacent property owners to preserve and
protect the woodlands and wildlife communities.
12. The Arboretum is too narrow (1/4 mile (+/- 1200’) to sustain threatened species.
Steps should be taken to purchase or obtain conservation easements where
possible on adjacent lands.
13. User requested that this property not be excusive to use by the schools and that
it remain open to the public.
14. The drinking fountain next to the classroom shelter needs a system to control
drainage so as to not affect the trails below.
15. How can we manage older trees to maintain existence of Pileated
Woodpeckers? This question was addressed by the Forester.
16. Comment in support of select and prescribed timber harvest which would
manage the trees and provide some much needed revenue for this property.
17. Question – can revenue generated for this property be protected for use only at
this property? Answer is generally yes with proper planning.
18. Question – Are woodchips on trails necessary? They help reduce mud and help
to maintain the identity of trails in lesser used areas. Bikers prefer no wood chips.
19. WWOA would like to involve high school students in forestry education and field
work and demonstrations.
20. Question – can we keep dogs out to protect wildlife and students? During May 15
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to Sept 15dogs are prohibited and must be on a leash 6’ in length or less,
otherwise an ordinance or policy change would be needed to prohibit dogs in the
Arboretum / JSOL.
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The following different comments were recorded on submitted comment forms:
1. It is confusing to refer to this property with two different names. The name
Arboretum is very confusing. Suggest that it be called the Janesville Schools
Outdoor Laboratory.
2. I support woodland management and control of invasive species here.
The meeting concluded listing ways in which attendees / others use the Arboretum /
JSOL:
1. Biking – mountain biking
2. Outdoor classroom for students
3. Parents and children or just parents walking / hiking / exercising
4. Girl Scouts and Boy Scout events and activities
5. Birders who bird watch
6. Joggers
7. Snow shoeing
8. Geo caching (‘treasure finding’ with clues and a GPS unit)
9. UW – Rock County teaches classes and conducts student research
10. Welty Environmental Center provides field trips for students and adults
11. Photography
12. Research of land, plant and animal communities
13. Dog walkers (prohibited May 15 – September 15)
14. Horse riding (prohibited by city ordinance)
15. 4H clubs and members to support their goals
Meeting Conclusion:
Those in attendance agreed that there should be future meetings to discuss the
needs and future direction for the Arboretum. Minutes of this meeting will be sent to
all in attendance and they are encouraged to share them with others interested.
Another meeting will be schedule later this year. If you did not attend this meeting
but you are interested in being notified of the next meeting contact Tom Presny at
presnyt@ci.janesville.wi.us or 755-3026. The meeting concluded at 8 PM.
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