Waterways, Parks, and Urban Forestry Commission Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)

To accommodate the participation of persons with disabilities at this meeting, the City will provide the services of a sign language interpreter or make other reasonable accommodation on request. To make such a request, please notify the City at (715) 839-4902 at least 2 days prior to the meeting. ________________________________________ Erin LaFaive, Chairperson c: News Media Waterways and Parks Commission Agenda 5:00 p.m., March 25th, 2026 City of Eau Claire Council Chambers – City Hall 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Minutes a. Approval of the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026. 4. Open Public Comment Period for Items that do not appear on this Agenda a. The public comment period will be 20 minutes. Each speaker shall be permitted no more than 3 minutes to speak and shall only speak once per session. 5. Business Agenda Items a. Conditional Use Permit Request for Riverside Parking Lot at 402 Graham Avenue – CD- Planner Ryan Petrie 6. Discussion Agenda Items a. Excess Land Declaration – Four locations – Engineering Technician – Todd Bohrer b. Chippewa River Kayak Landing – City Councilmember Nate Otto c. Third Ward Neighborhood Association Pollinator Garden Demmler Park – TWNA, Ellen and Jackie 7. Announcements and Updates a. Operations Report b. Announcements c. Future Agenda Items 8. Adjournment To accommodate the participation of persons with disabilities at this meeting, the City will provide the services of a sign language interpreter or make other reasonable accommodation on request. To make such a request, please notify the City at (715) 839-4902 at least 2 days prior to the meeting. ________________________________________ Erin LaFaive, Chairperson c: News Media Waterways and Parks Commission Agenda 5:00 p.m., February 25th, 2026 City of Eau Claire Council Chambers – City Hall 1.) Meeting Called to Order at 5:00 PM by Chairperson LaFaive 2.) Attendance: a. Members Present: Erin LaFaive, Christopher Johnson, Jessica Schoen, Joe Maurer, Nate Otto, Don Wisner, Nicklaus Semingson, Casper Conor, Mark Stanley b. Members Absent: Rick Schemm, Megan Holmes 3.) Minutes a. Approval of the minutes of the meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. i. Motion to approve by Commissioner Chris Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Jessica Schoen. All votes in favor; motion passed. b. Election of officers for 2026 – Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. i. Chair: Erin LaFaive was nominated by Commissioner Chris Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Joe Maurer. All members voted in favor; the motion passed. Erin LaFaive was elected Chair of Waterways and Parks Commission ii. Vice Chair: Chris Johnson was nominated by Council Member Nate Otto and seconded by Commissioner Don Wisner. All members voted in favor; the motion passed. Chris Johnson was elected Vice Chair of the Waterways and Parks Commission. iii. Secretary: Joe Maurer was nominated by Commissioner Chris Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Nick Semingson. All members voted in favor; the motion passed. Joe Maurer was elected Secretary of the Waterways and Parks Commission. 4.) Business Agenda Items a. Plank Hill Master Plan i. Presentation by Recreation & Facilities Manager Patrick Newkirk ii. Motion to approve by Council Member Schoen, seconded by Council Member Otto. All votes in favor; motion passed. To accommodate the participation of persons with disabilities at this meeting, the City will provide the services of a sign language interpreter or make other reasonable accommodation on request. To make such a request, please notify the City at (715) 839-4902 at least 2 days prior to the meeting. ________________________________________ Erin LaFaive, Chairperson c: News Media 5.) Discussion Agenda – Motion to Suspend the Rules Commissioner Chris Johnson made a motion to suspend the rules to allow all discussion agenda items to be treated as action items for formal voting. The motion was seconded by Erin LaFaive. All members voted in favor; the motion passed. a. Gas Easement – Folsom Street Trail Head, across from Roosevelt Elementary i. Presentation by Business Analyst Corey Lee ii. Motion to approve by Commissioner Wisner, seconded by Council Member Ott. All votes in favor, and motion passed. b. Trail Maintenance Agreement – Lake Hallie Trail i. Presentation by Business Analyst Corey Lee ii. Motion to approve by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Semingson. All votes in favor, and motion passed. c. Riverside Deck CSM (Certified Survey Map) – Related to City Parcel 02-0390 i. Presentation by Business Analyst Corey Lee ii. Motion to approve by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Maurer. All votes in favor, and motion passed. d. Davis Avenue and Summit Street Parking Restrictions Update i. Presentation by Traffic Engineer Al Rinka ii. Motion to approve by Council Member Schoen, seconded by Commissioner Mauer all votes in favor, motion passed. 6.) Announcements and Updates a. Operations Report i. Presentation by Parks, Forestry, and Cemeteries Manager Phil Lubke b. Announcements i. Landscape Technician – Position to be hired soon. ii. Forestry Staffing – Arborist will be added to the team. iii. Brush Site – Location change under consideration. iv. CIP proposals c. Future Agenda Items i. Commission name to Waterways, Parks, and Forestry – forwarded to City Council for clarification 7.) Adjournment- Commissioner Maurer motioned to adjourn, Commissioner Semingson seconded. All votes in favor; meeting adjourned at 5:58 PM Agenda Item # 5A WATERWAYS & PARKS COMMISSION- AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: _____3/25/2026____________________________ Agenda Item : _____Graham Riverside Parking Lot Conditional Use Permit Department or Individual: _CD-Planning-Ryan Petrie SUMMARY / BACKGROUND Ayres Associates and NAI Commonweal have submitted a conditional use permit for a parking lot located at 402 Graham Avenue. The existing parking structure will be removed and filled to allow for the new parking lot. The existing 133 parking spaces will be replaced with approximately 65 parking spaces. The City Council determined this lot to be excess land earlier this year. The narrative submitted by the applicant notes the City of Eau Claire and the ownership entered into a development agreement where the applicant has agreed to purchase the parking structure with the intent to demolish and ultimately redevelop the site within five years. In the interim, the site will be redeveloped into a surface parking lot which requires a conditional use permit along with a floodplain development permit and then a final site plan. The proposed site plan shows new driveway access from Gray Street. The existing driveway onto Graham Avenue will be removed. New landscaping planters will be added to the site. Access will remain from Gray Street to the existing trail along the Chippewa River. The parking lot will be open to the public after business hours and on the weekend. A final site plan will be finalized at a later date and will be administratively approved. The estimated schedule for construction for this project will start in April and should be completed in summer of this year. ACTION / ATTACHMENTS Agenda Item Request – Waterways and Parks Commission Agenda Category (select one): ☒Business Agenda Item  ☐Discussion Agenda Item ☐Work Session ☐Informational Item ☐ Other: ____________________________ Purpose / Reason for Commission Review: (Please reference the applicable authority under Bylaws Article I, Sections A–F) Article 1, Section: E__ Suggested Motion (if action is requested): Based on this analysis, Waterways and Parks Commission will need to make a recommendation to the Plan Commission. Attachments: City of Eau Claire Staff Report CUP 2601 - Page 1 Agenda Item: To recommend approval for a conditional use permit for a parking lot located at 402 Graham Avenue along the Chippewa River. Development Type: Major Development File Number: CZ-2601 Completeness Date: 2/3/26 Waterways & Parks Commission: 3/25/26 Plan Commission: 4/6/26 Project Name: Graham Riverside Parking Lot Owner: 402 Graham 1st Floor LLC Applicants: Ayres Associates Address: 402 Graham Avenue Legal Description: Part of Lot 4, Lots 5 thru 10 and ½ of vacated Gray Street, Block 65, plat of the Village of Eau Claire Present Zone(s): DT – Downtown Present Use(s): Parking Structure Present Land Use Map: Commercial Proposed Zone(s): Same Proposed Use(s): Parking Lot Proposed Land Use Map: Same Zoning District Summary: The subject site is zoned DT - Downtown and is reviewed per the 17.07.03 of the Land Development Ordinance. Project Analysis Ayres Associates and NAI Commonweal have submitted a conditional use permit for a parking lot located at 402 Graham Avenue. The existing parking structure will be removed and filled to allow for the new parking lot. The existing 133 parking spaces will be replaced with approximately 65 parking spaces. The City Council determined this lot to be excess land earlier this year. The narrative submitted by the applicant notes the City of Eau Claire and the ownership entered into a development agreement where the applicant has agreed to purchase the parking structure with the intent to demolish and ultimately redevelop the site within five years. In the interim, the site will be redeveloped into a surface parking lot which requires a conditional use permit along with a floodplain development permit and then a final site plan. The proposed site plan shows new driveway access from Gray Street. The existing driveway onto Graham Avenue will be removed. New landscaping planters will be added to the site. Access will remain from Gray Street to the existing trail along the Chippewa River. The parking lot will be open to the public after business hours and on the weekend. A final site plan will be finalized at a later date and will be administratively approved. The estimated schedule for construction for this project will start in April and should be completed in summer of this year. Recommendation Based on this analysis, Waterways and Parks Commission will need to make a recommendation to the Plan Commission. Agenda Item # 6A WATERWAYS & PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: March 25, 2026 Agenda Item : Excess Land Declaration Department or Individual: Community Development, Aaron White SUMMARY / BACKGROUND Five locations have been identified by City staff as parcels that can be declared as excess land and are not required for public use at this time. Attached is a report on each property’s location, which has been identified as having potential for future housing developments. Four of the five parcels are adjacent to an existing City park or parkland connected to the City well fields. Following the Waterways & Parks Commission presentation, City staff is planning to present this information to Plan Commission and City Council. The City would then offer these parcels for sale to individuals or developers to be used for low to moderate income housing opportunities if approved. ACTION / ATTACHMENTS Agenda Item Request – Waterways and Parks Commission Agenda Category (select one): ____ Business Agenda Item ___X_ Discussion Agenda Item ____ Work Session ____ Informational Item ☐ Other: ___________________ Purpose / Reason for Commission Review: (Please reference the applicable authority under Bylaws Article I, Sections A–F) Article 1, Section: ___B, and G____ Suggested Motion (if action is requested): __Vote to support City Council decision to declare lands as excess, and not required for public use. Attachments: • Parcel 04-0367, Parcel 09-0991, Parcel 16-0368, Parcel 16-0477 MEMORANDUM FINANCE DEPARTMENT Date: February 26, 2025 To: Waterways & Parks Commission From: Todd Bohrer, Land Records Tech. Subject: Part of Parcel 04-0367 (Excess Land Report) City Planning staff is looking for City owned excess land to bring forward with the intention of selling the property to developers that will build low-cost housing units. The attached report regarding the potential disposition of land located on Park Ridge Drive (part of 04-0367) has been prepared under the Policy for Disposal of Land. Map included in Report. This request will be sent to: Water Ways & Parks Commission, Planning Commission and City Council. City of Eau Claire Report on Excess Land (04-0367) Feb. 26, 2025 Page 2 PARCEL NO. Part of 221-04-0367 PROPERTY ADDRESS 0 Park Ridge Dr (401 N. Clairemont Ave) CURRENT ZONING The property is currently zoned MR. LEGAL DESCRIPTION (AREA OF INTEREST) Needs to be separately described, survey or CSM needed. PARCEL SIZE (AREA OF INTEREST) Roughly 0.19 Acres HOW ACQUIRED Most likely included with Park land REASON FOR DISPOSITION Non-contiguous to Rod& Gun Park WHY ACQUIRED Unknown ACQUISITION COST Unknown CURRENT USE Vacant Land RESTRICTIONS/COVENANTS Unknown COST TO MAINTAIN None ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER LIABILITIES Northern Triangle-prime breeding ground for turtles, parks will be installing ramps to help with their migration to Half Moon Lake. Larger parcel is Half Moon Lake Frontage NEEDED FOR CONTINUATION OF BASIC MUNICIPAL SERVICES? This property is not needed for the continuation of basic municipal services. DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL Residential housing, currently no utilities available to the parcel. City of Eau Claire Report on Excess Land (04-0367) Feb. 26, 2025 Page 3 HIGHEST AND BEST USE IF DEVELOPED OR SOLD Development of housing, to join housing stock. ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE TAX VALUE ANALYSIS As private taxable land, as is, value would be approximately: $14,400.00 PREFERRED METHOD OF DISPOSAL IF SOLD Request for Proposal process and sold through a warranty deed through a Title Company. CONSEQUENCES OF DISPOSAL No operating consequences are foreseen. PROPOSED USE AND DEVELOPMENT Possible development as turtle habitat. MEMORANDUM FINANCE DEPARTMENT Date: February 26, 2025 To: Waterways & Parks Commission From: Todd Bohrer, Land Records Tech. Subject: Part of Parcel 09-0991 (Excess Land Report) City Planning staff is looking for City owned excess land to bring forward with the intention of selling the property to developers that will build low-cost housing units. The attached report regarding the potential disposition of land located on 9th Street (part of 09- 0991) has been prepared under the Policy for Disposal of Land. Map included in Report. This request will be sent to: Water Ways & Parks Commission, Planning Commission and City Council. City of Eau Claire Report on Excess Land (09-0991) Feb. 26, 2025 Page 2 PARCEL NO. Part of 221-09-0991 PROPERTY ADDRESS 1500-1600 Block of 9th Street CURRENT ZONING The property is currently zoned P-Public. LEGAL DESCRIPTION (AREA OF INTEREST) Needs to be separately described, survey or CSM needed. PARCEL SIZE (AREA OF INTEREST) Approximately 1.12 Acres HOW ACQUIRED Included with Park land REASON FOR DISPOSITION Undeveloped Park space WHY ACQUIRED Cameron Street Playground ACQUISITION COST Unknown CURRENT USE Park land RESTRICTIONS/COVENANTS Unknown COST TO MAINTAIN Mowing ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER LIABILITIES None NEEDED FOR CONTINUATION OF BASIC MUNICIPAL SERVICES? This property is not needed for the continuation of basic municipal services. DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL Residential housing. HIGHEST AND BEST USE IF DEVELOPED OR SOLD Development of housing, to join housing stock. City of Eau Claire Report on Excess Land (09-0991) Feb. 26, 2025 Page 3 ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE TAX VALUE ANALYSIS As private taxable land, as is, value would be approximately: $107,100.00 PREFERRED METHOD OF DISPOSAL IF SOLD Request for Proposal process and sold through a warranty deed through a Title Company. CONSEQUENCES OF DISPOSAL No operating consequences are foreseen. PROPOSED USE AND DEVELOPMENT Multiple dwellings could be sold off adjacent to 9th Street. MEMORANDUM FINANCE DEPARTMENT Date: February 26, 2025 To: Waterways & Parks Commission From: Todd Bohrer, Land Records Tech. Subject: Parcel 16-0368 (Excess Land Report) City Planning staff is looking for City owned excess land to bring forward with the intention of selling the property to developers that will build low-cost housing units. The attached report regarding the potential disposition of land located on Riverview Drive (part of 16-0368) has been prepared under the Policy for Disposal of Land. Map included in Report. This request will be sent to: Water Ways & Parks Commission, Planning Commission and City Council. City of Eau Claire Report on Excess Land (16-0368) Feb. 26, 2025 Page 2 PARCEL NO. 221-16-0368 PROPERTY ADDRESS 0 Riverview Drive CURRENT ZONING The property is currently zoned P-Public. LEGAL DESCRIPTION (AREA OF INTEREST) NE 1/4-SW 1/4 SEC 32-28-9 PARCEL SIZE (AREA OF INTEREST) Approximately 2.75 Acres HOW ACQUIRED Unknown REASON FOR DISPOSITION Undeveloped residential along Riverview Drive. Multiple utility connections are already stubbed into the property. WHY ACQUIRED Part of City Wells property ACQUISITION COST Unknown CURRENT USE Vacant RESTRICTIONS/COVENANTS None COST TO MAINTAIN None ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER LIABILITIES Possible complication removing portion of the parcel from the PFAS loan agreement. NEEDED FOR CONTINUATION OF BASIC MUNICIPAL SERVICES? This property is not needed for the continuation of basic municipal services. DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL Residential housing. HIGHEST AND BEST USE IF DEVELOPED OR SOLD City of Eau Claire Report on Excess Land (16-0368) Feb. 26, 2025 Page 3 Development of housing, to join housing stock. ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE TAX VALUE ANALYSIS As private taxable land, as is, value would be approximately: $280,000.00 PREFERRED METHOD OF DISPOSAL IF SOLD Request for Proposal process and sold through a warranty deed through a Title Company. CONSEQUENCES OF DISPOSAL No operating consequences are foreseen. PROPOSED USE AND DEVELOPMENT Single Family or Duplex MEMORANDUM FINANCE DEPARTMENT Date: February 26, 2025 To: Waterways & Parks Commission From: Todd Bohrer, Land Records Tech. Subject: Parcel 16-0477 (Excess Land Report) City Planning staff is looking for City owned excess land to bring forward with the intention of selling the property to developers that will build low-cost housing units. The attached report regarding the potential disposition of land located on Lawrence Street (16-0477) has been prepared under the Policy for Disposal of Land. Map included in Report. This request will be sent to: Water Ways & Parks Commission, Planning Commission and City Council. City of Eau Claire Report on Excess Land (16-0477) Feb. 26, 2025 Page 2 PARCEL NO. 221-16-0477 PROPERTY ADDRESS 0 Lawrence Street CURRENT ZONING The property is currently zoned P-Public. LEGAL DESCRIPTION (AREA OF INTEREST) LOT 2 BLK 1 ASSESSORS PLAT PARCEL SIZE (AREA OF INTEREST) Approximately 2.6 Acres HOW ACQUIRED Unknown REASON FOR DISPOSITION Undeveloped residential along Lawrence Street. Multiple utility connections are already stubbed into the property. WHY ACQUIRED Part of City Wells property ACQUISITION COST Unknown CURRENT USE Vacant RESTRICTIONS/COVENANTS None COST TO MAINTAIN None ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER LIABILITIES Previously labeled as “Wellfield Protection” NEEDED FOR CONTINUATION OF BASIC MUNICIPAL SERVICES? This property is not needed for the continuation of basic municipal services. DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL Residential housing. HIGHEST AND BEST USE IF DEVELOPED OR SOLD City of Eau Claire Report on Excess Land (16-0477) Feb. 26, 2025 Page 3 Development of housing, to join housing stock. ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE TAX VALUE ANALYSIS As private taxable land, as is, value would be approximately: $237,000.00 PREFERRED METHOD OF DISPOSAL IF SOLD Request for Proposal process and sold through a warranty deed through a Title Company. CONSEQUENCES OF DISPOSAL No operating consequences are foreseen. PROPOSED USE AND DEVELOPMENT Single Family or Duplex Agenda Item # 6B WATERWAYS & PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: __3/25/26 Agenda Item : ____ Kayak Landing Improvements along the Chippewa River____ Department or Individual: __City Councilmember Nate Otto______ SUMMARY / BACKGROUND A constituent has raised concerns about the condition of the kayak landing along the Chippewa River near the Forest Street Community Garden. There is interest in improving the site, including the potential addition of a ramp to enhance accessibility for watercraft. While no funding has been identified at this time, there is an expectation of possible neighborhood- led fundraising efforts, as the project would likely be relatively low cost. ACTION / ATTACHMENTS Agenda Item Request – Waterways and Parks Commission Agenda Category (select one): ☐Business Agenda Item ☒Discussion Agenda Item ☐Work Session ☐Informational Item ☐ Other: ____________________________ Purpose / Reason for Commission Review: (Please reference the applicable authority under Bylaws Article I, Sections A–F) Article 1, Section: C / G Suggested Motion (if action is requested): Move to recommend that the City grant permission for potential improvements to the kayak landing along the Chippewa River. Attachments: • • Agenda Item # 6c WATERWAYS & PARKS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET Meeting Date: 3-25-26 Agenda Item : Third Ward Neighborhood Association Pollinator Garden Demmler Park Department or Individual: TWNA, Ellen and Jackie presenting SUMMARY / BACKGROUND The Third Ward Neighborhood Association is working with the City Parks Division on a use agreement to convert approximately 6,300 square feet of mowed lawn into pollinator habitat. The City will assist with site prep, sod removal, delivery of mulch and the TWNA will be responsible for the installation of the flowers, at the direction of a master gardener, and maintenance of the garden ACTION / ATTACHMENTS Agenda Item Request – Waterways and Parks Commission Agenda Category (select one): ____ Business Agenda Item __x__ Discussion Agenda Item ____ Work Session ____ Informational Item ☐ Other: ___________________ Purpose / Reason for Commission Review: (Please reference the applicable authority under Bylaws Article I, Sections A–F) Article 1, Section: __A_____ Suggested Motion (if action is requested): ___Motion to recommend approval Attachments: • TWNA Pollinator Garden Demmler Park Proposal.PDF TWNA Pollinator Garden Demmler Park Proposal Dear Member, Attached is a proposal from the Third Ward Neighborhood Association to place a pollinator garden in Demmler Park. We have been meeting with the Parks and Cemeteries department who have offered support for this project as it will eliminate mowing the of 70 X 90 space. We come before the commission to inform you of the proposed project and seek your recommendation for approval. Sincerely, Susan Miller – Chair Third Ward Neighborhood Association Steve Betchkal Ellen Terwillger – Master Gardener Jackie Tollefson – Secretary Third Ward Neighborhood Association Peter Hable – Vice Chair Third Ward Neighborhood Association TWNA Pollinator Garden Demmler Park Proposal This is a proposal being put forth by the Third Ward Neighborhood Association (TWNA) for a pollinator garden comprised of native plants. This project would be placed at Demmler Park located on Putnam Drive in the Third Ward replacing an area currently composed of sod. The costs for completing the garden will be paid by the TWNA including plants, water and any additional soil needed. Initial bed preparation and planting, as well as long term maintenance, will be done by the members of the TWNA. Planting: The pollinator garden would be planted in the area directly to the west of the warming house and immediately South of the basketball court in Demmler Park. It would encompass the current 70 X 90 square foot area of sod surrounded by paved sidewalk on three sides. The costs may be such that we need to plant in stages. The costs of soil, mulch and plants for a bed this size may require staggered planting. The proposed site is above and a planting map is attached. The planting map will be revised to reflect 2 small trees that are currently growing in the proposed site. Turf Removal: Current ground cover would be removed by a non chemical method. Eau Claire city crews will remove the current ground covering of sod. Any additional cover soil and/or compost would be placed prior to planting the site by the volunteers and the cost would be incurred by the Third Ward Neighborhood Association. Planting plans: The TWNA has enlisted the guidance of Master Gardeners who have completed this project in other areas of Eau Claire. Based on their recommendations a master plan has been drafted. (see attached plan). The purchase of listed plants will be from nurseries specializing in authentic native varieties as well as donations of some species from gardens within the Eau Claire area. Care to use donations free of weeds and invasive planting will be taken. Maintenance plan: Year 1: the garden will be monitored weekly for weeding and watering by members of the TWNA. If there is adequate rainfall less watering will be done but more weeding may be necessary. The cost of water will be incurred by the Third Ward Neighborhood Association. Year 2: as plants become established weeding and watering checks will be completed every 2 weeks unless there is severe drought. Watering and weeding will be completed by the TWNA. Yearly: Plants will be left on the garden bed to overwinter. Every spring the garden will be mowed or cut down with a hedge trimmer. The garden will maintain the original composition of plants that was determined in the original master plan. This proposal is submitted by Susan Miller, Chair TWNA Steve Betchkal, Coordinator Demmler Pollinator Garden Ellen Terwillger, Master Garden