4-7-2025 Minutes

1 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY BOARD April 7, 2025 The meeting of the Park, Recreation & Forestry Board of the Village of Slinger was called to order by Chairman Bergum at 300 Slinger Road, Slinger, WI 53086 at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 3, 2025 in accordance with the notice of minutes emailed to the members on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. 1. Roll Call & Notice of Meeting: Present Absent Bob Stuettgen x Jeff Behrend x Jennie Stonehouse x Becky Wojtak x Dawn Smith x Jake Bergum x Scott Kusta x _____________________________ 7 Also Present: Josh Feller, Parks & Forestry Supervisor Margaret Wilber, Administrator It was noted that the open meeting law had been complied with in connection with the meeting, including the notice of the meeting being sent to all who requested it and posting in three public locations. 2. Approval or Correction of Minutes: 3/3/25 Motion Stonehouse/Smith to approve the minutes from 3/3/25. Passed. 3. Public Comments – Tim Bankes, 520 Kettle Moraine Drive South, Slinger, 53086. Tim spoke to the board regarding possible assistance in low maintenance plantings at the Slinger Parks. Tim said that he is an ecologist and would be willing to meet with park staff to discuss planting options at various parks in Slinger. Director Dobson said that he would love to meet with Tim in the upcoming weeks to discuss. 4. Unfinished Business A. Forestry Report Supervisor Feller said staff is working on restoration after the completion of stump grinding. Feller stated that we will be planting approximately 20 new trees at Breuer Park this spring, many of which along the entrance road. Feller said that planting should happen the next week or two. Feller also informed the board that Arbor Day is April 21st. Feller stated that we will be doing a tree planting at Breuer Park with girl scout troop 13045 at 5:30 PM. B. Recreation Report Director Dobson informed the board that he would be reading an update from Supervisor Van Maanen. Van Maanen reported that toddler playtime was a huge success! We had 19 kids in one session and 15 in the other. Due to the positive turnout, we’re considering making this a regular program during the fall and winter months. Van Maanen also reported that the new activity guide has been released! We’ve received around 2,500 views so far, and the feedback has been very positive, especially regarding the new look and layout. Van Maanen reported that little league practices kick off at the end of the month, so we’re in full gear preparing for the upcoming season. April 7, 2025 2 Finally it was reported that Supervisor Van Maanen will be heading to Steven’s Point this Friday, April 11th, to table at the Ice Age Trail Conference and showcase why people should visit the Slinger Trail Community this October. C. Final Music in the Park flyer Director Dobson showed the board the 2025 music in the park schedule. Dobson said he is very excited for the summer music events. Dobson also informed the board that all music events have sponsorships. 5. New Business A. Fireman’s Park future planning discussion Director Dobson began discussion by informing the board that he will be meeting with a contractor on Thursday to discuss the parking lot at Fireman’s Park. Dobson said he will also be getting an alternate bid for an accessible pathway from the parking lot to the upper pavilion and restrooms. Dobson said that he is hoping to get three bids for this project and will bring back numbers to the board at our May meeting. Some additional discussion took place regarding the playground and possible additions to this park. B. 2025 Lawn Maintenance Contract Recommendation Director Dobson presented the board with the 2025 lawn maintenance contract from EverGreen Property Services. Dobson reviewed the price increases for 2025 and made a recommendation to approve the 2025 contract with EverGreen Property Service. Motion Behrend/Wojtak to approve the contract. Carried. C. 2025 Community Park Concession Contract Director Dobson presented the board with the 2025 Community Park concession stand lease agreement. Dobson said this contract would increase the yearly lease fee from $1,500 to $2,000. Motion Stuettgen/Smith to approve the 2025 lease agreement as presented. Carried. Other Discussion A. Dog Park Fundraising Jennie Stonehouse presented the board with a coloring book for the dog park. Stonehouse said that books cost $10 and they have already sold 40 of the 60 that have been initially ordered. Stonehouse also informed the board of a $5,000 grant that has been awarded to the dog park from a family foundation. The board was extremely excited to hear about this wonderful and generous donation. Lastly Stonehouse showed the board a flyer for an upcoming antiques appraisal event, which will be held on Saturday, June 7th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Slinger Community Room. Stonehouse said that all proceeds support the future Slinger Dog Park. B. Next Meeting Date Monday, May 5, 2025 Chair Bergum asked to have Rotary Park planning on the May agenda. 7. Adjournment Motion Behrend/Wojtak to adjourn at 6:33 pm. Passed __________________________________________ Submitted By Tony Dobson, Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director