Park Commission Meeting — Minutes

Town of New Glarus Park Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 6:00 PM Chalet Landhaus Conference Room, 801 Wisconsin Hwy 69, New Glarus, WI Park Commission Members in Attendance: Chris Narveson, Kelly Ruschman, Jason Neton, Mark Pernitz, Mona Sue French, Clerk Darla Kramer Park Members Not in Attendance: Harry Pulliam, Rose Pertzborn Others in attendance: Lynn Paron 1. The meeting was called to order by Chris Narveson at 06:10 PM. 2. Clerk Darla Kramer attested to the Proof of Posting on 02/16-2026 at the Town Garage, the Bank of New Glarus, and the New Glarus Post Office. Posted to the website 02/16/2026. 3. Motion made by Kelly Ruschman to approve minutes from 01-21-2026. Seconded by Mona Sue French. All were in favor. Motion carried. 4. No public comments. 5. Update on DNR Grant – Deadline to apply is March 1st. We would not have enough points to qualify, since the previous grant is not closed out yet. You get ranked and losing 4 points would hurt our chances of obtaining the grant. Will have to wait until next year to apply. You can partner with other organizations. 6. Signage was discussed for Legacy Prairie Park – Kelly presented a cedar sign with V engraving, as an example for the park trails. Cost with a 4x4 post would be $68.00. One trail name could be Legacy Way. They will order two for the crushed gravel trail. Motion made by Chris Narveson and seconded by Jason Neton. All were in favor. Motion carried. No motor vehicles are allowed on the trails. Mark Pernitz also discussed getting a metal sign and those could be purchased from the correctional facility. Mark will obtain a price on the cost of vertical signs. They would like to talk to Tim Schleeper at the next plan meeting and see if they could draw up a map of the trails. Signs will be placed on the next RTB agenda for discussion on the budget allowed for signage for the entrance to Legacy Prairie Park. 7. Meeting of Friends of New Glarus Parks – Jason has a form for a 501c3 and will talk to Atty Hazelbaker for assistance. Todd Klassyt also posted looking for friends with the park on New Glarus 360. Four emails have been received. The parks commission would like to plan a meet and greet with the friends in the spring. 8. Discussed Conservation Easement – The vision is to protect open spaces. You still own the land; however, you can never develop it. The township would keep four lots out of the conservatory. Jason reached out to Driftless Land Area Conservatory, and they could possibly attend the next meeting to explain the process. They would provide some services to run a workday. 9. Discussed the possibility of logging the park. A flyer was received from Leib Logging Inc. Will talk to residents to get name of other logging companies. Black walnuts would be a desired tree to remove. They would like to talk to Steve and have him look and see what is available to log. We are now coming into spring and logging would not be good for the trails. The board will identify the trees this summer and revisit next winter. 10. Reviewed 2026 Budget – Currently over budget for $2615.00. Adjusted trail maintenance to $2385.00 to balance the budget. Motion made by Mark Pernitz and Kelly Ruschman seconded. All were in favor. Motion carried. Review 2025 Over Budget and Resolution to move 1,893.76 from the Parks Sinking Fund was made by the Regular Town Board. 11. Next meeting is scheduled for March 18th at 6 PM. 12. Motion to adjourn at 7:26 PM made by Mark Pernitz and seconded by Kelly Ruschman. The motion carried by unanimous verbal vote. Submitted by: Clerk Treasurer Darla Kramer Approved 03-18-2026