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City of Chippewa Falls · Chippewa County · meeting of Jun 9, 2026 · Minutes
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PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
1. Call to order by Beth Arneberg at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Members Present: Beth Arneberg, Travis Siebert, Audrey Stowell
and John Monarski
Absent: Reggie Geissler, Madelyn Woodhull and John Abbe.
Staff present: John Jimenez and Mikinley Prafke
2. Approval of Minutes: May 12, 2026. Motion by Siebert/Monarski to approve
minutes of May 12, 2026. Motion passed.
3. Personal Appearances by Citizens. None.
4. Consider Special Event Applications. None.
5. Discuss/Consider:
a. Western Wisconsin Regional Outdoor Recreational Plan. Holly Larson,
Outdoor Recreation Planner at Outdoor Recreation, Rivers, Trails &
Conservation Assistance Program of National Park Service discusses the
final draft of Western Wisconsin Regional Outdoor Recreational Plan. This
is the Urban Plan, which will go along with the Rural Plan. The goal is to
turn the 8-county region into a top destination for year-round Outdoor
Recreation. Its focus is on visitors and businesses that support visitor
services. There are multiple goals, which include improving and adding
access and improving water access and trail infrastructure. Action steps
including forming an interim board and advisory groups will take place from
Summer 2026 through 2027. Motion by Arneberg/Siebert to forward the
Recreational Plan to City Council with Board’s full support. Motion
passed.
b. Casper Park RFP Bid Results. The four RFP bids presented last month are
revisited. After discussion and review, motion by Arneberg/Siebert to
approve River Valley Architect bid for $53,950.00 and forward to
Committee 1. Motion passed.
c. Bandshell Repair. John reports there is an issue with the seal on the roof of
the bandshell. John will seek comparative reviews.
d. Irvine Park Water Access Retaining Wall Repair. The retaining wall/steps
behind the pavilion area leading to Duncan Creek need repair. John has
received bid for $5,350 to repair the retaining wall/steps. Discussion for
John to obtain additional bids. Motion by Siebert/Stowell for John to
request additional bids and authorize him to proceed with the repair,
not to exceed $5,350.00. Motion passed.
e. Recreation Report. Mikinley gives report on soccer program, t-ball
registration, archery, cheer camp, art in the park, pickleball clinic, pickleball
tournament, pop-up park, recreational staff training, pool opening and pool
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meeting between members of council and Y personnel. Mikinley also
reports there has been an issue with storm water at pool and the chemical
feeder / controller at splash pad, which should be resolved soon.
f. Director Report. John reports there is an additional cost of $14,000 for
footings at duck pond and reports delay at Flag Hill due to weather. Tree
removal is 98% finished and stump grinding has started. John has
completed Five-Year Forestry Management Program draft, and it will be
presented shortly. Riverfront fountains are being worked on.
6. Approve Claims. Motion by Siebert/Monarski to approve claims in the
amount of $111,190.07. Motion passed.
7. Park Board Members’ Concerns or Comments. Comments and concerns
regarding development at Summit and Hurd Park, Allen Park RFP, dog bag
container signs, wildflower steps, Marshall Park ball field, bottom of duck pond
and first night of Music at Riverfront.
8. Adjournment. Motion by Siebert/Arneberg to adjourn at 7:41 p.m. Motion
passed.
Submitted by:
Audrey Stowell, Secretary
Source: City of Chippewa Falls website. First collected Oct 9, 2026.