TOWN OF TROY

PARK BOARD MINUTES

 

Tues. May 10, 2011 5:30 pm

Park Site Tour of Cove Boat Ramp, Pemble’s Access, Glover Park

 

Members Present:

Jill Berke, Jim Freund, Charlie Macdonell, Eric Starr,  Suzanne Van Mele

 

Members Absent:

Supervisor Jason Kjos (excused), Greg Small (excused)

Others Present:

Park Rangers Ron Schock and Ron Roen; Maintenance Crew Supt. Gary Parent; Wayne Huhnke, Prairie Enthusiasts; and Tim Wegner, Trail Source

 

 

Call to Order 

Chair Berke called the meeting to order at the Cove Boat Ramp area at 5:40pm.  Agendas were distributed. 

 

1. Park Sites:

 

  1. Cove Boat Ramp

 

Attendees observed the dock and gangway that is temporarily placed on the shoreline north of its permanent site due to high water.  Member Macdonell pointed out repairs made to equipment by Windmill Marina and the town crew.  The water level is up approx.  8 ft. presently, and Windmill Marina will monitor level and move to permanent location.

 

Boat ramp area generally looks very good, and the rip rap stones added last year north of the ramp greatly improves functionality and appearance.

 

            Board observed the badly faded white striping that designates the parking stalls, and it was decided that the town crew would re-paint this summer, using paint striping equipment belonging to Ron Roen.  Per the recommendation of the Park Rangers, each parking stall will be consecutively numbered to assist with identifying potential parking violators.  Plan is to use manufactured markings for numbers and handicapped symbol, and if not available, stencils will be used. 

 

B.     Pemble’s Access

 

Board and others observed high waters well above the normal beach area, and after discussion decided that gate will continue to be closed until the Memorial Day weekend, pending the water level.  Temporary sign to be displayed on Glenmont Rd. at the gate entrance, notifying that Access is closed until further notice. 

 

Town crew will pick up accumulated debris, perform other routine maintenance duties, and re-install smaller sign that were forced out of the ground due to winter weather conditions.  Ranger Schock will coordinate with Darryl’s Septic the installation of portable restroom, and Berke will contact Helgeson’s to begin gate opening Saturday, May 28. 

 

C.     Glover Park

1.  Entrance Gardens – member VanMele to donate second-hand wheelbarrow for use with landscaping projects at Glover Park.

2.      Prairie Remnant – Wayne Huhnke of local Prairie Enthusiasts chapter met board and others at prairie remnant site on Eagle Trail near farm gate next to neighbor Starr’s property.  He identified plant material from original prairie, and suggested that the “no-mow” policy continue over the summer and fall to determine if additional prairie species can be restored.  Discussion to have DNR Forester meet with members Freund and Starr to continue plan to mark trees that should be removed to maintain a healthy forrest.  Town crew to add more stakes to identify “prairie remnant area.” 

3.      Ball Field Signs – Town crew to install new signs that identify the two ball fields.

4.      Trail Maps and Eagle Recognition Project - Discussion about updating the laminated trail maps for both the northwest trail shelter and pavilion bulletin area.  Plan to use current artwork that Mark Daun developed for the kiosk on the southwest corner of Eagle Trail, marking each trail in matching colors on the maps to coordinate with the actual color markers that identify each trail.  Consensus to move forward on this project and not to use the wood engraved maps.  

 

Discussion led by Freund to move original trail map to NW Trail Shelter, and replace with laminated trail map and new recognition sign.

5.      Trail Surface Improvements – Tim Wegner, Trail Source reviewed areas that need Class 5 crushed limestone on trails.  He will contact one or two local gravel plants to find the best material.  Due to compression and use, the trails need to be restored with de-berming, grade reversals to decrease erosion, and trail clearing.   This project will begin this summer or fall, depending on Tim’s schedule. 

6.      Oak Trail improvements – Discussion and review of options related to water run-off and deterioration of trail section.  Wegner suggested a boardwalk/bridge structure (8-10 ft. long) and possibly 8 inches of raised gravel material (class 5) rather than a culvert in the wettest section.  Berming will help to handle sentiment issue, and he is considering a small “well” to hold some of the water near the structure.  We reviewed the budget, and Wegner is able to complete the projects within his project estimate of $3,555.00.  The class 5 material is an additional cost. 

7.      Other observations – Playground digger may need to be replaced in the future due to its popularity and high use.  In late summer, Gary and Al to work with Berke to identify correct placement of two former playground play events within code, and crew will install. Repair will be made to bench along path on Eagle Trail near the farm gate.   Freund and Macdonell to continue with clearing under the walnut trees near the North Field.

 

II.  Announcements

May meeting - To be determined if Park Board meets on May 31 at Town Hall after checking status of park projects.  Supr. Kjos and Chair Berke to attend county’s long range parks planning exercise in Baldwin on May 24. 

 

Adjournment  Macdonell moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Freund.  Motion unanimously carried.  Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm. 

 

Next Meeting:  (TBD) tentatively May 31, 2011; June 28, 2011

 

Submitted by:  Jill Berke, Acting Secretary