1-6-2025 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY BOARD January 6, 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, January 6, 2025 in accordance with the notice of minutes emailed to the members on Friday, January 3, 2025. Roll Call & Notice of Meeting: Present Absent Bob Stuettgen x (Excused) Jeff Behrend x Jennie Stonehouse x Becky Wojtak x Dawn Smith x Jake Bergum x Scott Kusta x (Excused) _____________________________ 5 2 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. Approval or Correction of Minutes: 11/4/24 Motion Behrend/Stonehouse to approve the minutes from 11/4/24. Motion passed. Public Comments Lisa Burns, 560 Nordic Court, Slinger asked a question regarding the Breuer Park budget and if going over budget on that project had an impact on the tax increase in Slinger. Director Dobson said that the RFP for Breuer Park came in at $5,000,000. After the RFP was accepted the board moved forward with adding the playground to the park. Dobson said the addition of the playground added $249,000 to the total cost of the project before construction even began. Dobson also said that they made a decision to sod the outfields for an increase of approximately $75,000. Dobson said he would not change either of those decisions. Dobson also said the board took numerous steps to cut spending on the project. Dobson said those cuts included covered dugouts, scoreboards, ballfield lights and a storage shed. Dobson also said that to save added cost they removed the concession stand from the overall bid package and worked with local businesses to build a quality concession stand at a much lower cost. Finally Dobson said that Breuer Park is already generating revenues for the Parks department. Dobson said it is already rented 22 times in 2025 at $1,000 per day. Dobson said this additional revenue does not include the anticipated added revenues from the concession stand. Unfinished Business Forestry Report Supervisor Feller said they are doing some pruning in the Alps subdivision. Feller stated that they are starting to get ready for Spring planting. Feller also said that they will be renting a lift and pruning this month on days when the weather cooperates. Recreation Report Director Dobson read the following report from Supervisor Van Maanen. We experienced a quiet period over the holidays, but with the New Year now upon us, multiple programs are ramping back up. Registration for Little League opened on Friday, and this week marks the start of our volleyball and basketball leagues. In February, we will be launching several new senior programs at the VCR. Flyers have been distributed to assisted living homes, and we're hopeful this will help spread the word. In an effort to streamline processes, we've introduced new online forms for sponsorships. Additionally, we've updated the parks and recreation section of the Village website, making it easier for the public to access registration and social media links. We're also excited to announce a new partnership with Washington County as a participating agency for Heart & Homestead programs. This collaboration provides a fantastic opportunity to engage more volunteers. To further encourage volunteer involvement, we've added a dedicated "Volunteer Opportunities" tab on the parks website, complete with an online application and detailed information on how to get involved. Park Project Priorities Director Dobson said that he feels it is extremely important to discuss what is needed in each park as compared to want is wanted. The board discussed the fact that many future park improvements the next few years will have to come from outside funding. Chair Bergum talked about working as a board to come up with a “phase two” plan for Breuer Park, which would require us to start thinking about how we would like to see the north side of the park laid out. Considerable discussion also took place regarding the needs of each park. Discussion then turned back to Breuer Park. The board decided to begin the process of planning a phase two of Breuer Park, which would include; dog park, restrooms/shed, pollinator garden, basketball/volleyball/pickleball, etc. Dobson said he will add this item to the February agenda for additional discussion. Tree Lighting Summary Director Dobson read the following update from Supervisor Van Maanen. The tree lighting ceremony was a great success, with over 100 attendees! This year, we introduced a photo backdrop where people could take pictures with Santa, and many stood in line for the opportunity. We also held a tree coloring contest, receiving nearly 40 entries, and it was wonderful to see the kids' excitement surrounding the competition. Additionally, we relocated the treats, drinks, and photo backdrop to the shelter, which created a fantastic community gathering space after the tree lighting. New Business Adaptive Basketball Tournament Director Dobson said that the 5th Annual Adaptive Basketball Tournament would take place at Slinger High School on Saturday, February 8th. Dobson said he is very excited to host this event and is looking forward another awesome event. Dobson thanked Zuerns Building Products for once again sponsoring this event. Dobson said they will have five adaptive needs teams playing against ten high school sports teams from Slinger and Hartford High schools. 2025 Little League Registration Director Dobson said that registration for the 2025 little league season opened on Friday. Dobson said registrations are coming in quickly. Dobson said they are expecting a very busy and exciting 2025 season. 2025 Urban Forestry Grant Supervisor Feller informed the board that we officially received the 2025 Urban Forestry Grant. Feller said that the grant is for $16,535.31. Feller said this grant funding would be used to help the department with inventory updates, pruning, new plantings and additional staff training. The board congratulated Supervisor Feller on receiving this grant. Other Discussion Next meeting date will be Monday, February 3, 2025. Supervisor Feller reminded the board about the Pints for Parks event on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Brewed Omen in Hartford. Feller said that this event will help to support the Slinger Friends of the Parks and Recreation. 7. Adjournment Motion Smith/Behrend to adjourn at 6:57 pm. Motion passed. __________________________________________ Submitted By Tony Dobson, Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director