Parks, Rec & Forestry Committee Meeting — Agenda Packet

Administrative Offices Municipal Building - 138 East Main Street Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53572 608.437.6884 | mounthorebwi.info Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission Meeting Agenda Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM Municipal Building Board Room 138 E. Main Street Mount Horeb, WI 1) Call to order 2) Roll call 3) Public Participation Participants may speak for up to three minutes. To participate, please complete a public comment form at the Board Room entrance and submit it to staff before the meeting begins. See below for more details. 4) Consent Agenda All items listed below are considered to be routine by the Governing Body and will be enacted by one motion (roll call vote). There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as the first item after the Consent Agenda. a. Consideration of the August 25, 2026 meeting minutes 5) Presentations a. Discussion of pickleball court scheduling and policies. b. Review of policies and guidelines for the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission. 6) Chair's Report 7) Staff Reports a. Recreation Director's Report b. Public Services Director's Report c. Update on concession building at Grundahl Park Page 1 of 13 8) Action Items a. Consider approval of proposed increases to 2027 Aquatic Center Fees b. Consider approval of proposed increases to 2027 shelter rental fees. c. Consideration of a Mount Horeb Trails Subcommittee d. Consideration of a Recreation Complex Subcommittee 9) Adjournment *Public Comment Policy Members of the public are invited to speak at meetings of all Mount Horeb Public Bodies. To comment, please complete a Public Comment Form at the Meeting Room entrance and submit it to staff before the meeting begins. Comments are limited to three minutes, must be made from the podium, and the speaker must return to the audience after speaking. • Non-agenda item comments are heard at the start of the meeting. Public Body members and staff will not engage in discussion during public comment but may consider topics for future agendas. • Agenda item comments are heard during the relevant item, after the proposers or staff present the item and before Public Body discussion. All public comments on the item will be heard before any discussion by the Public Body. Members of the public will only be allowed to speak outside these public comment times if they are invited by the meeting chair to share additional information requested by the Public Body. If so invited to speak, the member of the public must do so from the podium. Written comments are also welcome. Written comments shall include the name and address of the submitter and should be submitted to the Deputy Treasurer/Governance Coordinator by email at niki.erickson@mounthorebwi.info (subject line: Public Comment Request-Name of Public Body) or delivered by to the Village at: 138 E Main Street, Mount Horeb WI, 53572, ATTN Public Comment Request-Name of Public Body. UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS THROUGH APPROPRIATE AIDS AND SERVICES. FOR INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST THIS SERVICE, CONTACT ALYSSA GAFFNEY, CLERK, AT 138 E MAIN STREET, MOUNT HOREB, WI (608) 437-9404. Page 2 of 13 Administrative Offices 138 East Main Street Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53572 608.437.6884 | mounthorebwi.info MINUTES PARKS, RECREATION AND FORESTRY COMMISSION Date: July 28, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Municipal Building Board Room 138 East Main Street Mount Horeb, WI 53572 1. CALL TO ORDER Commission Chair Kelley called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Kelley, White, Grabe, Adler, Healy, Webber, Hogseth (7) ABSENT: None (0) STAFF: Administrator Gabe Altenbernd and Recreation Director Jill Dudley 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS There were no public comments. 4. CONSIDERATION OF THE JULY 28, 2026 MEETING MINUTES Motion by Webber, seconded by Adler, to approve the minutes of the July 28, 2026 meeting. Motion carried. 5(a). CONSIDER MOUNT HOREB RECREATION COMPLEX PHASING PLAN PUBLIC COMMENTS: Resident Mike Krentz spoke regarding a discrepancy between the total dollar amounts listed in the fundraising agreement and the phasing plan for the Recreation Complex. Resident Jocelyn VandeVelde spoke in support of continuing fundraising efforts for the Recreation Complex and stated that she believes a phased approach would be the best way to develop the park. She also emphasized the importance of a trail connection to the park. Terry Kurth spoke and asked questions regarding the cost and funding of the Recreation Complex. Page 3 of 13 Administrative Offices 138 East Main Street Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53572 608.437.6884 | mounthorebwi.info Altenbernd reviewed a draft phasing plan for the Recreation Complex that he created as a starting point for discussion. Commission members discussed the importance of having Phase One include one field for each sport: baseball/softball, soccer, and football. Members also discussed initially using a gravel parking lot and portable restrooms. Altenbernd stated that Phase One would include highway turn lanes, stormwater basins, building removal, and grading of the property. Phase two would include additional entrances and parking, additional grading, water retention, trails/sidewalks, larger baseball field, both football fields and the larger soccer field. Phase three would include the playground, shelter/restroom/concession building, basketball court, and play nooks. Phase four would include the smaller soccer field and smaller baseball field. Phase five would include the indoor recreation center. A motion was made by Healy, seconded by Kelley, to begin development of the Recreation Complex in 2027 with Phase One, with expenses related to the development of the complex not to exceed available fundraising and grant dollars and with no GEO debt used for the project. The motion failed, with two in favor and five opposed. A motion was then made by Webber, seconded by Adler, to begin development of the Recreation Complex in 2027 with Phase One, with project expenses to be funded 50% through fundraising and grants and 50% through GEO debt. Motion carried, with five in favor and two opposed. 5 (b). CONSIDER 2027-2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Administrator Altenbernd presented Gorman’s 2027-2031 capital budget requests. Motion made by Adler, seconded by White, to approve the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan with the requested Recreation Complex funding included. Motion carried. 5 (c). CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR MOUNT HOREB RECREATION COMPLEX FUNDRAISING Commissioner Healy requested an amendment to the fundraising agreement to change the effective date from November 1 to October 1. Motion made by Webber, seconded by Grabe, to approve the fundraising agreement with the amended effective date of October 1. Motion carried. 5 (d). CONSIDER GRUNDHAL PARK CONCESSION/RESTROOM BUILDING SITE PLAN Commissioner Adler requested that the commission review and approve the proposed building colors for the concession/restroom building prepared by Gorman. Page 4 of 13 Administrative Offices 138 East Main Street Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53572 608.437.6884 | mounthorebwi.info The commission expressed support for the proposed colors, provided they remain cohesive with the other Village buildings. Motion by Grabe, seconded by Webber, to approve the proposed colors for the concession/restroom building at Grundahl Park. Motion carried. 6(a). RECREATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT Dudley reviewed her written report. 6(b). PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR’S REPORT Gorman provided a written report in his absence. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Consideration of a Mount Horeb Trails Subcommittee • Consideration of a Recreation Complex Subcommittee • Review of policies and guidelines for the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Commission • Discussion of pickleball court scheduling and policies 8. MEETING ADJOURNMENT Motion by Grabe, seconded by Webber, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:04pm Page 5 of 13 Agenda Item Report Park/Recreation/Forestry Commission: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Staff Reports: Recreation Director's Report Recommendation Background Financial Impact Attachments Prepared By 1. 9.22.26 rec directors report Page 6 of 13 …Village of Mount Horeb …. Recreation Department 105 North Grove Street Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Phone (608) 437-3400 | Email: jill.dudley@mounthorebwi.info PARKS, RECREATION, AND FORESTRY COMMISSION September 22, 2026 Recreation Director’s Report 1. September Program Numbers: Program Name 2026 Participants 2025 Participant Numbers Coed Volleyball 28 25 Floor Hockey 10 N/A (new program) Little Star Kickers Soccer 28 N/A (did not run in the fall) Total Body Fitness (Sess. 1) 14 14 Total Body Fitness (Sess. 2) 15 N/A (only ran one session) Water Exercise (Sess. 1) 19 20 Water Exercise (Sess. 2) 19 N/A (only ran one session) YEL! Bricktopia Racers 9 10 YEL! Chess (Sess. 1) 5 N/A (did not run in the fall) YEL! Junior Basketball 13 32 (had two sessions) Yoga (Fall Sess. 1) 16 N/A (new program) 2. Upcoming October Programs: Little Folk Art, Water Exercise (Sess.3 & 4), Yoga (Sess. 2), Fall Painting Class, Art is Fun, and Babysitting Class. 3. I submitted our grant request to the Summer Frolic for 2027 lifeguard training fees and returning staff bonuses. The amount requested was $4,500, which will cover lifeguard certification, CPR/AED/First Aid training, and bonuses for returning lifeguards. 4. Our free USTA Family Tennis Rally Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 from 10am-12pm at Viking Park. We’re hoping for good weather and are aiming for at least 15 participants. 5. We are currently working on our 2026-2027 Winter/Spring Activity Guide, which includes contacting instructors, developing programs, and coordinating facility space. 6. Grace has been busy coordinating with vendors and volunteers for our upcoming Creepy Crawl event in October. She has also updated our sponsorship brochure for this event in hopes to find another sponsor. HERITAGE COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY Page 7 of 13 Agenda Item Report Park/Recreation/Forestry Commission: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Staff Reports: Public Services Director's Report Recommendation Background Financial Impact Attachments Prepared By 1. PRF REPORT 9.22.26 Page 8 of 13 Public Services Department 138 East Main Street Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53572 608.437.3351 | mounthorebwi.info PARKS, RECREATION AND FORESTRY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR’S REPORT • The Foster Park playground installation was completed in late August and it has been getting quite a bit of use. • Our crew completed our list of tree removals, including the last of the trees to be removed as a result of the June 10 storm. • We have 43 stumps to grind and have rented a stump grinder for the week of October 5. • Our arborist has been busy performing small tree “training pruning” and low limbs over the street on larger trees. • I have ordered our trees for the fall planting season. We will be planting 47 trees, including 22 trees in new subdivisions, 21 replacements (mostly from storm damage), 3 replacements included in the 2026 street project and 1 memorial tree. • We started aquatic center winterization and will continue next week. Badger Swimpools is scheduled to come on September 28 to do their portion of the winterizing. • Our bucket truck has a small hydraulic leak inside the lower boom and not accessible for us. Utility Sales and Service is coming September 15 to pick up our truck and take it to Appleton to get inspected and repaired. • Our crew installed the new Waltz Park sign on September 9. Page 9 of 13 Agenda Item Report Park/Recreation/Forestry Commission: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Staff Reports: Update on concession building at Grundahl Park Recommendation Background Financial Impact Attachments Prepared By Page 10 of 13 Agenda Item Report Park/Recreation/Forestry Commission: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Action Items: Consider approval of proposed increases to 2027 Aquatic Center Fees Recommendation Staff recommends that the Parks & Recreation Committee recommends approval of the proposed 2027 Acquatic Center fee increases and forward the recommendation to the Village Board for consideration as part of the 2027 budget process. Recommended Motion Move to recommend approval of the proposed 2027 Aquatic Center fee schedule and forward the recommendation to the Village Board for consideration as part of the 2027 budget process. Background The Aquatic Center has operated at a deficit for each of the past four years. As a result of these ongoing operating deficits, the Aquatic Center currently has an outstanding balance of $170,446 owned to the Village General Fund. As the Village develops the 2027 budget, staff has evaluated the level of General Fund support necessary to operate the Aquatic Center. In order to address the currently budgeted operating deficit, the proposed 2027 budget increases the General Fund levy support provided to the Aquatic Center by 63,003, or approximately 150%. While the increases General Fund contribution provides significant additional support to the Aquatic Center, staff believes that addressing the pool's financial position should be a shared responsibility between the Village and those who use the facility. The proposed fee increases would provide additional revenue directly from Aquatic Center user and reduce the reliance on property tax support. Proposed 2027 Fee Schedule Fee Current Proposed 2027 Increase Resident Family Pass $130 $135 $5 Resident Single Pass $60 $65 $5 Non-Resident Family Pass $180 $200 $20 Non-Resident Single Pass $80 $100 $20 Resident Daily Admission $4 $6 $2 Non-Resident Daily Admission $6 $12 $6 The proposed increases maintain a distinction between resident and non-resident fees. Residents would continue to receive a lower rate for both passes and daily admission, recognizing that Village taxpayers provide General Fund support for the facility. Non-resident fees would increase at a greater rate, particularly for daily admission, to more closely reflect the cost of providing the service to individuals who do not contribute property tax revenue to the Village. Page 11 of 13 Agenda Item Report Park/Recreation/Forestry Commission: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 The proposed increases are relatively modest for annual resident passes, with both family and individual passes increasing by $5. Daily resident admission would increase by $2. Non-resident annual passes would increase by $20, while non-resident daily admission would increase from $6 to $12. Staff believes these adjustments provide an appropriate balance between maintaining access to the Aquatic Center and improving the financial sustainability of the operation. Financial Impact The Aquatic Center's financial position has required increasing levels of General Fund support over the past several years. The 2027 budget proposes an additional $63,003 in General Fund levy support, representing an approximately 150% increase over the prior level of levy support. Based on anticipated participation, staff estimates that the proposed fee increases will generate approximately $21,500 in additional annual revenue for the Aquatic Center. This additional revenue will help offset operating costs and reduce the facility's reliance on General Fund support. The proposed fee structure is intended to increase revenue generated directly by the Aquatic Center while reducing the extent to which the facility relies on the General Fund to support its operations. The existing $170,446 balance owed to the General Fund remains an outstanding financial obligation and is separate from the 2027 operating budget. Staff will continue to monitor Aquatic Center revenues and expenditures during the 2027 budget year and evaluate whether additional adjustments are necessary to move the facility toward a sustainable long-term financial position. Attachments Prepared By Gabe Altenbernd, Administrator Page 12 of 13 Recreation Department Office 105 N. Grove Street Mount Horeb, Wisconsin 53572 608.437.3400 | mounthorebwi.info Park Shelter Rental Fees 2026 Current Park Shelter Rental Fees: Level 1 Shelters: Boecks Shelter, Grundahl Open Picnic Shelter, Waltz Shelter Fees = $60.00 resident, $80.00 non-resident Level 2 Shelters: Grundahl Enclosed Shelter, Liberty Shelter and Sunrise Shelter Fees = $70.00 resident, $90.00 non-resident 2027 Recommended Park Shelter Rental Fees: Level 1 Shelters: Boecks Shelter, Grundahl Open Picnic Shelter, Waltz Shelter Fees = $70.00 resident, $90.00 non-resident Level 2 Shelters: Grundahl Enclosed Shelter, Liberty Shelter and Sunrise Shelter Fees = $90.00 resident, $110.00 non-resident Page 13 of 13