Park Committee — Minutes

Park Committee June 18, 2026 Minutes Meeting called to order 7:02 pm, June 18, 2026. Members present were Betty DeBoer, Emy Monroe, Amy Kothe, Scott Cooper. Absent Ben Brockenhaur and Justin Brandau. Motion by EM/SC to approve agenda, passed unanimously Motion by EM/SC to approve May 4, 2026, minutes, passed unanimously No public comments Park Plan update by the UWL student vs the committee and timing for possible 2026 grants was discussed. The updating will be left to the student. Grants from park equipment manufacturers were discovered by BD when working with the town administrator, but until we have a set plan, it doesn’t make sense to apply for funds when they require a 50% match by the town. Discussion of the priorities of the committee within the current plan were discussed, but nothing was decided. SC was going to search for documents produced by the committee in previous years. Discussion on the proposed tree donation policy highlighted very few modifications and stressed that we need a tree species list to move forward. AK will bring the modified document to the July meeting. Discussion on the proposed bench donation policy highlighted very few modifications. The source of benches needs to be determined, and SC said he would check with BPCA – as they use the same benches as the WI DNR along the bike trail for conformity. We may want to use the same kind of bench from the same vendor. EM suggested we check with the county to see if they have a bulk purchase plan for benches and perhaps we could save on cost purchasing from their stock if it exists. AK will bring the modified document to the July meeting. Robin Schmidt presented on the accessible canoe/kayak launch proposed at Fred Funk landing and provided the history of the past grant that was awarded and but was unable to be accepted due to financial, liability, maintenance and land acquisition complications for the town. The WI DNR Recreational Boating Facilitation program has bond monies still available, and if projects are under $20K, simple proposals are usually awarded until the funds are spent each year. Before any of this is pursued, the town board will have to determine if this project falls within the Park or Shoreline Committee’s action area, and if they would agree to accept a grant if it were pursued. The next meeting will be Tuesday, July 21 at 6 PM at Swarthout Park. The committee may visit additional parks located on Brice Prairie only to inspect and see the conditions of the parks at the end of the meeting. No discussion about actions or motions will be had at the other locations. The August meeting will be on Wednesday, August 5th at 7 pm at Marvin Gardens Park. The committee may visit additional parks only to inspect and see the conditions of the parks at the end of the meeting. No discussion about actions or motions will be had at the other locations. Motion by SC/EM to adjourn at 8:29 pm Submitted by Emy Monore, secretary