City of Eau Claire Waterways and Parks Commission Wednesday

City of Eau Claire Waterways and Parks Commission Wednesday

City of Eau Claire
Waterways and Parks Commission
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
Agenda
I.
Approval of minutes from the September 23, 2015 meeting.
II.
New Business
a) Recommendation on acquisition of 1311 1st Avenue
b) Recommendation to declare a portion of Archery Park as excess land.
III.
2015 Special Events list. (Information only)
IV.
Directors Report (Information only)
V.
Discuss setting combined November/December meeting date.
VI.
Adjournment
Please call the Parks and Recreation Office
(839-5032) if you cannot attend this meeting!
"Any person who has a qualifying disability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities
Act that requires the meeting or materials at the meeting to be in accessible location or
format must contact the ADA Coordinator for the City of Eau Claire, at 839-4921 or at
203 South Farwell Street by 2:00 PM the Monday prior to the meeting so that any
necessary arrangements can be made to accommodate each request."
CITY OF EAU CLAIRE
WATERWAYS AND PARKS COMMISSION
September 23, 2015
Members Present:
Bob Schraufnagel, Diane Paulsrud, Gene Johnson, Allyson Gommer, Casey
Knollmaier, Joshua Miller, Tom Fiedler, Jeff Guettinger, Rick Kayser
Members Absent:
Susan McLeod, Andrew Werthmann, Bob Von Haden
The meeting was chaired by Bob Schraufnagel and called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes:
The minutes of the August 26, 2015, meeting were approved as written.
Business Agenda.
A. Recommendation on Request to Declare a Portion of Archery Park as Excess Land. The Commission
discussed a request from the property owner located at 1722 Fairway Street to declare twenty feet of
land to the east of such property within Archery Park as excess land. The property owner is requesting
to purchase this twenty feet of land to expand a garage. The Commission had several questions
regarding the request such as: is the request for an attached garage or detached garage, is the
requested twenty feet the minimum necessary to allow for the garage, could less land accommodate the
property owner’s needs, they would like to see a site plan of the property and proposed garage, does
this impact on the trail extending down to Archery Park, could a variance be considered rather than the
sale of land, etc.
The property owner was not present at the meeting to respond to these questions and a representative
from the Finance Department was also not in attendance.
ACTION TAKEN: Diane Paulsrud moved to recommend approval of the request. Tom Fiedler seconded
the motion.
The Commission discussed the request and noted that they needed to have additional information to
properly review the request.
Rick Kayser moved to postpone consideration until such time as additional information is provided.
Gene Johnson seconded the motion. All votes were in favor. Motion carried.
Other Items.
-The Commission reviewed the special events listing and director’s report. Phil noted that the deer
management report had been discussed by the City Council. He also noted that the City Council would
be discussing the City’s special events policies and procedures. A listening session regarding special
events was held on August 26th.
-It was noted that the recently planted boulevard trees along West Shorewood Drive were in poor
condition.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Submitted by,
Gene Johnson, Secretary
MEMORANDUM
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Date:
October 14, 2015
To:
Phil Fieber, Director of Public Works
From:
Kelly Thompson, Accountant Analyst/Acquisition Coordinator
Subject: Excess Land Report-Part ofArchery Park on Hastings Way
The portion of Archery Park that is proposed to be declared excess was sold to the City for one
dollar in 1941. The neighbor has revised his original request from twenty feet of land down to
ten feet in order to build a covered carpmi. He currently has a concrete pad, which meets the set
back requirements. He'd like the roof to extend five feet beyond the concrete pad. At a minimum
he would need five feet of land, but would prefer ten feet to give him some flexibility. It will also
allow him to remove the buckthorn that has taken over the land. A building plan is included with
this memo.
Please place this item for review and recommendation to City Council to declare this property
excess land on the October 28, 2015 Parks and Waterways agenda.
City of Eau Claire
Report on Excess Land
South Hastings Way (Archery Park)
September 16, 2015
PARCEL NO.
Part of 13-0221
PROPERTY ADDRESS
0 South Hastings Way
CURRENT ZONING
The property is cunently zoned public.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
A part of Outlot 2, Riverview Third Addition, and in Government Lot 2 of Section 21, T27N,
R9W, City ofEau Claire, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin described as follows:
Commencing at the southeast corner of Lot 11, Block 1 Riverview Third Addition;
thence N12°16'E along the east line of said Lot 11, 138.29 feet more or less to the northeast
corner of said Lot 11;
thence S17°44'E, 30 feet to the point ofbeginning;
thence continuing Sl7°44'E, 20 feet;
thence S12°16'W, 99.74 feet more or less to the nmiherly right-of-way line of Fairway Street;
thence N66°58'39"W along said nmiherly right-of-way line, 10.18 feet;
thence N12°16'E, 115.16 feet to the point ofbeginning.
PARCEL SIZE
1,074.5 s.f.
How AcQUIRED
The property was purchased from Riverview Realty Company for one dollar in 1941.
REASON FOR DISPOSITION
Adjoining property owner would like to purchase the prope1iy to build a covered carpmi.
WHY ACQUIRED
The prope1iy was acquired for park purposes.
AcQUISITION CosT
$1.00
CURRENT USE
Archery Park
RESTRICTIONS/COVENANTS
None
COST TO MAINTAIN
Mowing
Page 2
City of Eau Claire
Report on Excess Land
South Hastings Way (Archery Park)
September 16, 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER LIABILITIES
No contamination issues or other liabilities have been identified or are thought to be present.
NEEDED FOR CONTINUATION OF BASIC MUNICIPAL SERVICES?
This propetiy is not needed for the continuation of basic municipal services.
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
None
HIGHEST AND BEST USE IF DEVELOPED OR SOLD
This property only has a use to the adjacent propetiy.
ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE
The value of the land is approximately $2,200.
TAX VALUE ANALYSIS
The sale of this property will add approximately $2,200 of assessed value to the propetiy
owner's cunent land.
PREFERRED METHOD OF DISPOSAL IF SOLD
Quit Claim Deed
CONSEQUENCES OF DISPOSAL
No operating consequences are foreseen.
Page 3
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FRONT ELEVATION
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I
2015 Special Events
Estimated
Fees
Event
Event Name
Polar Plunge
Location
Time
Feb 21-22
HMLBeach
10am
Shamrock Shuffle
14-Mar
UWEC
9am
Easter Egg Hunt
4-Apr
Carson Pine/Oak
8:30am
B-Fit Neon Fun Run
11-Apr
Owen Park
5:30pm
Beat the Heat
12-Apr
CVTC North Campw:
1pm
Here We Grow Again
Apri114-20
Hobbs Ice Ctr
5pm
ColorVibe
Apri117-18
Carson Park
9am
18-Apr
PhoenixPav
8:45am
Amazing Eau Claire Cleanup
25-Apr
Boyd Park
11am
MSWalk
25-Apr
Phoenix
10am
Sophia Hope run/walk
25-Apr
CP Pine
Sherwin Williams Paint Show
28-Apr
PhoenixPav
May1-0ct2
Downtown
Puddle Jump
First Fridays
11am
~
11am
5pm
March for Babies
2-May
Owen Park
9am
Farmer's Market
2-May
Phoenix Park
Various
Marathon
May2-3
Carson Park
7:30am
UCPWalk
May8-9
Carson Park
5pm
Mom's Day5k
9-May
Phoenix Park
9:30am
Doll & Pet Parade
9-May
Water Street
1pm
Girls on the Run
9-May
Owen Park
10am
AMAFun Run
9-May
UWECCampus
9am
Walk for Virtues
15-May
Indoor Sports Ctr
10am
Great Strides
16-May
Carson Oak
9am
Fide & Friends Fun Run
16-May
Carson Pine
12pm
St. Olaf Fun Fest
16-May
StOiaf
9am
Color Run
17-May
Carson
Bam
Historical Randall Park Carnival
17-May
Randall Park
11am
Predators Flag Football League
20-May
Carson Park
6pm
Memorial Pops Concert
20-May
Owen Park
6pm
Memorial Day Parade
25-May
Owen Park
9:30am
Tuesday Night Blues
May 26-Sept 1
Owen Park
6:30pm
Eau Claire Express Fireworks
May 29-Jul 31
CP Baseball
May 30-Sept 19
Phoenix Park
Artists Market (no Jun 27)
Sounds Like Summer Concerts
L-
Date
Relay_ for Life
Jun 4-Aug 27
5-Jun
------
Phoenix Park
Carson- -Pine/Oak
----
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
673.00
90.00
121.00
216.00
90.00
3,560.00
1,680.00
328.50
7:30am
6pm
5pm
1
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Notes/Change
from Estimated
183.00
100.00
60.00
181.00
273.00
170.00
108.00
221.00
90.00
90.00
151.00
151.00
90.00
227.00
175.00
60.00
90.00
850.00
520.00
60.00
1,260.00
580.00
490.00
-
Estimated
Attendance
773.00
90.00
560
151.00
150.00
200
90.00
3,560.00
2,300
1,693.00
1,300
358.50
2,000
90.00
Lease
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Final
Cost
250
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
90.00
192.00
100.00
150
60.00
181.00
12,183.29
273.00
170.00
372.00
Add the Barricades
221.00
90.00
90.00
151.00
151.00
400
90.00
1,784.82
175.00
60.00
90.00
857.00
520.00
60.00
1,260.00
580.00
490.00
-------- ------
500
Sawdust City Slam Little League
Jun 6-7
Carson Softball
Sam
ECTriathlon
June 5-7
HMLBeach
3pm
6-Jun
Carson
Sam
Municipal Band
Jun 10-July 29
OWen Park
7:30pm
Thin Mint Sprint
13-Jun
Carson Pine
Chippewa Valley Pride
13-Jun
Carson Birch
Hosta Sale
14-Jun
Phoenix Park
June 16-17
Carson Baseball
19-Jun
Carson Pine
Clearwater for Clean Water
Mehara Shrine Circus
Juneteenth Celebration
United Soccer Tournament
June 19-21
Soccer Park
St. Patrick's Parish Anniversary
21-Jun
StPatrick's
MadDash5k
24-Jun
Carson Pine
Koine Concert
$
$
$
$
60.00
1,500.00
151.00
300.00
Sam
151.00
11am
156.00
$
$
11am
$
11am/7:30pm $
$
4pm
$
11am
$
?pm
$
6:30pm
$
$
?am
?am
$
Sam
$
140.00
1,181.00
121.00
60.00
60.00
150.00
24-Jun
Phoenix Park
June26-28
Carson Gelein
RCU Charity Classic
27-Jun
Phoenix Park
Benchmark Brawl
27-Jun
Hobbs Ice Ctr
4th of July City Event
July4-5
CP
Sam
Airshow
July4-5
CV Airport
Sam
July9-12
Soccer Park
9am
$
510.00
$
$
560.00
Girls Softball-Fury Fastpitch Tourney
Kubb Championship
140.00
5,200.00
1,200.00
1,560.00
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
920.00
1,594.26
151.00
300.00
151.00
156.00
140.00
4,314.57
Added Barricades
159.00
Added Chalk Paint
140.00
5,217.00
I
1,244.49
I
1,560.00
I
$
$
$
$
570.00
11-Jul
Waterst
9am
Steaming by the Water
12-Jul
Phoenix Park
9am
July17-20
Soccer Park
?am
Just Us for Justice
JulyS or 15
Carson Pine/Oak
6pm
$
299.00
Zumba in the Park
29-Jul
Phoenix Pav
6pm
$
100.00
Tortoise and the Hare
30-Jul
Owen Park
6:30pm
150.00
$
150.00
Aug 1-2
Wagner's
Sam
$
$
210.00
210.00
Summerfest Family Night
1-Aug
Phoenix Great Lawn
11am
$
881.00
$
$
National Night Out
4-Aug
Owen Park
5pm
August 6-9
Carson Park
10am
Run Row Ride
8-Aug
Hobbs Ice ctr
9am
Dragon Boat Race
8-Aug
HMLBeach
9am
Oral Surgery 5k
11-Aug
Carson Oak/Pine
4pm
$
$
$
$
$
Fun Fest
16-Aug
Phoenix Park
1pm
Big Rig Truck Show Parade
15-Aug
CVTC/Streets
8pm
Team Hope Walk
22-Aug
Carson Pine
8:30am
Chippewa Valley Slam Fest
US Open Chainsaw·
Grand Evening on the Bridge
26-Aug
Grand Ave Bridge
5:30pm
Aug 29-30
CP
9am
5-Sep
Carson Pine/Oak
Skate Park Fundraiser
6-Sep
Lakeshore
11am
Labor Union Picnic
7-Sep
Phoenix
11am
UW Meets-Eau
Claire
----
1]_-Sep
Phoenix/Owen
Festival in the Pines
Buckshot Run (Lil BuckshotSept 1)
--
I
60.00
102.00
Water Street Mile
United Summer Soccer Fest
Added Park Labor
-
$
$
$
$
5pm
2
185.00
1,635.00
150.00
140.00
200.00
151.00
185.00
$
2,482.00
$
1,389.50
$
$
$
100.00
90.00
201.00
185.00
60.00
$
462.66
$
100.00
$
$
Added Police Fees
881.00
1,635.00
-
313.00
560.00
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,093.00
150.00
140.00
500.38
Added Police Fees
151.00
185.00
3,943.39
Added Police Fees
3,349.53
Added Police Fees
90.00
100.00
201.00
-~-
----
Rock 'n Run 5k!Half Marathon
12-Sep
Owen Park
9am
Hops for Hockey
12-Sep
Hobbs Ice Ctr
2pm
Walk to End Alzheimers
12-sep
CP Pine
8:30am
Walk to Cure Diabetes
13-Sep
Carson Pine/Oak
11am
Owen Park
12pm
Celebrating Progress
13-Sep
Here We Grow Again
Sept 15-21
Hobbs Ice
ctr
Sherman Star River Run
18-sep
Owen Park
8pm
Apple Walk for Life
19-Sep
Owen Park
9am
Out of the Darkness
19-Sep
Carson Pine
9am
International Fall Festival
19-8ep
Downtown
11am
Family Video 5k
20-sep
Carson Park
9am
Diaper Bank/Stroller Derby
20-sep
Carson Oak
11am
Kids of Steel Triathlon
20-Sep
Owen Park
2pm
Memorial Homecoming Parade
25-Sep
Owen Park
5pm
Hike for the Homeless
26-Sep
Phoenix Park
9am
Heart Walk
26-sep
Carson Pine
8am
Color Dash
Sept 27/0ct 4
Carson Park
2pm
29-Sep
FF Park
5:30pm
Meadowview Mile
North Homecoming Parade
2-0ct
CP/Non City
5pm
Eau Claire Glow Ride
3-0ct
Hobbs Ice Ctr
7pm
UWEC Homecoming
10-0ct
Carson Park
10:30am
Making Strides Walk
17-0ct
State Theatre
8am
Alpha Xi Delta Challenge
17-0ct
Carson Park
8am
Biggest Loser
18-0ct
Carson Park
9am
Haunted Hustle
24-0ct
Owen Park
9am
Walk a Mile
25-0ct
Carson Pine
12pm
Carson 5 & 10
31-0ct
Carson Park
8:30am
Turkey Trot
26-Nov
Non City
8am
Dec
Hobbs Ice Ctr
5pm
Clearwater Winter Parade
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
500.00
1,310.00
181.00
212.00
186.00
3,500.00
151.00
216.00
151.00
1,063.00
159.00
151.00
151.00
530.00
170.00
212.00
403.00
114.00
530.00
$
$
$
$
$
239.00
No police services needed
1,310.00
181.00
212.00
186.00
$
$
$
$
3,500.00
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,536.79
151.00
216.00
151.00
Added Police Fees
159.00
151.00
151.00
530.00
170.00
212.00
1,197.00
Added Police Fees
114.00
530.00
!
-
$
$
$
2,905.00
$
$
900.00
$
$
$
$
151.00
I
330.00
I
118.00
151.00
$
$
$
2,983.50
118.00
' 151.00
157.00
3,300.00
1,500.00
•
I
I
$
3
54,492.00
$
73,232.18
EAU CLAIRE PARKS, RECREATION AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
October 2015 Directors Report
Half Moon Lake Task Force Implementation Committee: The most recent meeting was
held August 29, 2013. Bill James reported to the group that treatments appear to be very
successful according to his study.
Northwood’s/Express Baseball: Summaries:
Year
Ave Game
Total Season Attendance
2005
1,600
51,200
2006
2,205
68,360
2007
2,133
72,529
2008
1,667
55,000
2009
1,996
67,861 (33 regular season plus one playoff)
2010
2,162
80,002 (34 regular season plus 2 playoffs and 1- All Star game)
2011
2,135
70,444 (36 games)
2012
2,069
70,355 (34 dates)
2013
1,978
71,215 (36 dates)
2014
1,926
69,344 (36 dates)
2015
Department Safety Committee: The last monthly meeting was held August 19, 2015.
Special Events: The Special Events Committee continues to work with all the groups that
conduct events within city parks and meets at least monthly. Park and Special Events
Standards have been compiled and were communicated to the community. These
standards clarify appropriate uses for our parks and should assist special event organizers.
The City Council has requested a review of the special events polies and procedures on
August 26, 2015 at 5PM at City Hall North Conference Room.
Baseball History/Memorabilia Committee: The committee hosted Gorman Thomas of the
Milwaukee Brewers on January 21 at the Florian Gardens. Talks are in place to possibly
to something in conjunction with WAYY Radio for 2016 and beyond.
Amazing Eau Claire Clean-up: The event was held on April 23, 2015. 308 people
representing 26 groups participated in the annual parks clean up.
Emerald Ash Borer
The EAB has been discovered in three Wisconsin counties – Ozaukee, Washington and
now Vernon (near La Crosse) County, as well as St Paul, MN. Our Forestry Division has
implemented its plan for addressing disease containment, pre-emptive ash tree removal
and replacement for city boulevard and park ash trees. The new 2010 Urban Forestry
Management Plan is complete and was accepted by the City Council in November 2010.
A specific EAB Plan was presented to City Council in January of 2011. Pre-emptive
removal has been very successful in the Randall Park neighborhood. We are currently
servicing the Planets Neighborhood on the north side.
Cemetery Operations
The Landmarks Commission desires to list both cemetery chapels on the local historic
register. We have secured a sponsor to make additional repairs (electrical) to the chapel at
Lakeview. Gene Grengs will be contributing to electrical and masonry improvements at
Lakeview Chapel. The Cemeteries (Lake View & Forest Hill) will begin a turf
rehabilitation project next week, tentatively Aug 25th. The entire grounds will receive
an application of fertilizer and weed control measures ( weed & feed). After a two week
period selected areas will be re- seeded and watered with a goal of having the new
seeding becoming established before snow fall. Over seeding will continue next
spring with additional sections on the grounds scheduled for the same treatment. Seed
blends were selected for quick establishment and drought tolerance.
Half Moon Lake
A herbicide treatment was applied on April 30,2015 with no problems encountered.
A grant application to the WIDNR was approved for funding herbicide and research
from 2016 through 2019.
Friends of Eau Claire Parks, Recreation and Forestry: The Community Parks Association,
Inc. has expanded its scope from park facilities and park acquisitions to now include
recreation and park programs, which addresses the needs of the Recreation Division. The
group is looking for fundraisers to defray administrative costs such as the annual cost of
bonding and an audit. The CPA voted to charge a service charge of 3% beginning
January 1, 2010 for all funds received. On April 15, 2015, the Board elected to increase
the service fee to 4% beginning January 1, 2016. They have implemented a
friends/membership type program called “Beyond the Playground”.
Facility Use
Pavilion Rentals
Neighborhood Shelters
Football Stadium
Baseball Stadium
Hobbs/Gelein Field
Soccer Park
2012
883 Dates
141 Dates
920 Hours
140 Games
1,348.50 Hours
6,687 Hours
2013
841 Dates
132 Dates
1,021 Hours
104 Games
1,525 Hours
7,445 Hours
2014
957 Dates
162 Dates
1,041 Hours
130 Games
1,409 Hours
7,668 Hours
Railroad High Bridge: The bridge is now open and lighting is operational.
Pest Management Program: We have discontinued using 2,4-D products and started using
more environmentally friendly products. Staff feels herbicides are necessary on high use
and sloped turf areas and in areas were the public demands weed-free cemeteries.
Information on the Department Pest Management Program is available on the Parks
Department web site.
Wildlife Nuisance:
The goose roundup was conducted on June 23, 2014 by the USDA and netted 108 geese.
In July 2015, approximately 120 geese are reported to be in the park on a daily basis.
Recreation Division Programs: A detailed annual report of 2014 Recreation Division
activities is available for review www.eauclairewi.gov/pr
Hobbs Ice : Finishing off the Club Viewing Room with flooring, electrical outlets and a
ceiling is currently underway.
Hours Rented
Dry Floor Events
2010
4,339
2011
4,264
2012
4,699
2013
5,308
2014
5,625
2
6
8
8
8
Fairfax Pool
The pool will open Memorial Day and will be open through Labor Day in 2015.
Fairfax Pool Season Attendance
2011
64,189
2012
67,051
2013
60,345
2014
58,199
Recreation Programs-Fall/Winter:
Water Aerobics
Lifeguard Training/WSI
Learn to Swim
Open Swim
Mini Mites Hockey
Hoop Dreams
Tennis
Tumbling
Hockey
Kickball
Pickleball Clinic
Pickleball League
Pickleball Open Gym
Pickleball Tournament
Softball Leagues
Soccer League
Basketball Open Gym
Volleyball Competitive
Volleyball Open Gym
Volleyball Rec.
Volley Ball 4 x 4
Basketball
Parents Night Out
Sand Lot Sports
Flag Football
Par-te-Rec
Outdoor Skating Rinks
Totals
A
Y
Y
NA
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
YA
2012-13
159
24
543
481
66
71
NA
60
120
83
NA
NA
NA
NA
95
NA
NA
323
212
37
NA
97
4
NA
395
134
13,563
2013-14
121
9
502
168
49
70
11
36
141
62
21
NA
233
NA
107
NA
NA
392
455
NA
NA
NA
83
NA
383
112
13,852
2014-2015
56
34
481
135
37
86
8
62
121
78
46
116
749
56
135
65
330
325
592
NA
32
NA
31
40
382
119
9,651
16,622
16,556
13,767
Recreation Programs-Summer:
Adapted/Individual Swim
Lifeguard Training/WSI
Learn to Swim
Dance
Art
Cooking
Golf
Kubb
Outdoor Adventure
Pickleball Clinics
River City Adventures
Running Club
Sailing
Soccer Instructional
T-ball Instructional
Tennis
Tumbling
Kickball
Run, Row, Ride
Softball Leagues
Baseball
Sand Lot Sports
Soccer League
T-Ball League
Par-te-Rec Summer
Camp Summertime
Playground Program
Totals
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
A
A
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
Y
2012
97
30
1,845
7
402
54
142
29
124
NA
NA
40
12
90
74
335
176
116
49
1,285
132
228
374
79
60
38
1,870
7,681
2013
91
31
1,853
0
402
47
167
18
201
NA
199
40
0
90
45
276
150
107
52
990
90
158
374
75
56
34
756
6,302
2014
103
31
2,226
0
431
44
138
33
208
26
119
48
14
104
52
284
173
129
55
1,054
0
67
381
83
60
32
0
5,895
National Gold Medal Application: The Department was nominated for the National
Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal for the second year in a row, but lost to
Oak Park, Il.
Jeffers Road Ballpark: The Department continues to work with the Little League and EC
Girls Fury Fastpitch to construct the fields. Ayres is completing final construction
documents. Donations are being received on the projects – Larry Reidt, Steve Kristo and
Emil Rinaldi. Work on stormwater, water and sewer pipe installation was completed. The
fields have been roughed in and irrigation installation should begin soon.
Jeffers Road Brush Site: The City has an agreement with Boxx Disposal to operate the
brush site and also take in yard waste at Jeffers Road beginning in 2016.
Thorp Drive
At the Waterways & Parks Commission Meeting August 28, 2013 a permit was approved
to allow resident at 132 Oakwood Place to remove invasive plants and thin trees along
Thorp Commons. This work was completed on October 30, 2013. May 8, 2014 Park
Superintendent was notified of erosion in that general area. Observations noted were
similar to an area of land movement that was noted earlier in the fall of 2013 25’ south
of 132 Oakwood Place, most probably due to the river undercutting the bank.
Additionally an area adjacent to 120 Marston Ave has also seen similar undermining.
City Engineering (Dave Solberg) was made aware of this and suggested monitoring at
this time, and armoring the bank, possibly in conjunction with the upcoming bridge
project if necessary. Observations made during rain events in May June July and August
have left the site unchanged, with June having near record local rainfall totals. Stumps of
the removed vegetation per the permit remain intact, with storm water structures
capturing runoff. To date Mr. Seymour has replanted 31 trees and shrubs per the
requirement of his permit.
Pinehurst Park: The parking lot has been paved as well as a stormwater detention pond
has been installed.
Deer Management Plan: John Dunn, WIDNR retired, has been hired to create a deer
management plan. A deer inventory will be conducted by helicopter in February 2015.
His plan was presented to City Council in September. Implementation of the
recommendations are being considered.
Mobile Food Carts in Parks: DECI is currently working with Parks to try a program of
allowing mobile food carts in City Parks to evaluate issues and popularity. Experimental
parks are Owen, Phoenix and the Soccer Park.
National Park Service Waterways Plan: The NPS granted the Water Street BID a grant to
study water access in Eau Claire, including the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers. The
department will participate even though it is a duplication of the recent City Waterways
Plan.