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MARATHON COUNTY PARK COMMISSION AGENDA
Date Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Conference Room 3 Time 3:30pm 212 River Drive, Wausau, WI 54403
Gary Wyman (President), Gary Gisselman (Vice President) Commissioners: Connie Conrad, Jacob Langenhahn, Robert Mielke, David Nutting, John Durham Marathon County Mission Statement: Marathon County Government serves people by leading, coordinating, and providing county, regional, and statewide initiatives. It directly or in cooperation with other public and private partners provides services and creates opportunities that make Marathon County and the surrounding area a preferred place to live, work, visit, and do business. (Last updated: 12-20-05) Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department Mission Statement - To provide a park and forest recreation system that will meet the needs of our current and future generations, preserve and protect the County’s open space, water, historical, cultural, and natural resources; and provide recreation opportunities that are designed to enhance the County’s quality of life.
Agenda Items:
I. Call to Order
II. Introductions – John Durham
III. Public Comment Period – Not to Exceed 15 Minutes
IV. Approve Minutes of the January 5, 2016 Park Commission Meeting
Policy Discussion and Possible Action
V. Sunny Vale Softball Complex Use Agreement - Discussion and Possible Action on the Use of the Softball Complex by the Wausau Area Softball Association
VI. New Position Request - Discussion and Possible Action on Requesting a Full Time Management Position
VII. Refill Request - Discussion and Possible Action on Refilling Operations Superintendent Customer Service Position
VIII. Bluegill Bay Environmental Fund Grant Request - Discussion and Possible Action on Wausau Noon Rotary’s Bluegill Bay Park Fishing Pond Restoration Project Environmental Fund Grant Request
IX. Mountain Bay Trail Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) - Discussion and Possible Action on Marathon County Entering Into a MOA With the State on Additional Trail Segment
Education
X. Bluegill Bay Challenge Grant - Report and Discussion on Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department Challenge Grant Match to Wausau Noon Rotary’s Bluegill Bay Park Fishing Pond Restoration Project
XI. Recreation Guide - Report on the New Marathon County Recreation Guide
XII. Recreation Activity Report A. 2015 Campground Report
B. Winter Recreation Activity Report
XIII. Project Update
XIV. Future Agenda Items
XV. Next Meeting - April 5, 2016 at 3:30pm in Room 3, 212 River Drive, Wausau
XVI. Adjournment Signed________________________________ Presiding Officer or His Designee FAXED TO DAILY HERALD THIS NOTICE POSTED AT THE COURTHOUSE (City Pages, Marshfield News, Midwest Radio Group) Date___________ Time___________ Date_____________ Time______________ By_____________________________ By___________________________________ Any person planning to attend this meeting who needs some type of special accommodation in order to participate should call the County Clerk’s Office at 715-261-1500 or e-mail [email protected] one business day before the meeting.
DRAFT MARATHON COUNTY PARK COMMISSION
WAUSAU, WI Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 212 River Drive, Wausau WI 3:30 pm Present: Connie Conrad, Gary Gisselman, Jacob Langenhahn, David Nutting, Gary Wyman Excused: Robert Mielke, one vacant position Staff Present: William Duncanson, Peter Knotek Posting of the Agenda: President Gary Wyman called the meeting to order. Official notice and the agenda for this meeting were posted publicly in accordance with the State statutes. No quorum was present. The following educational reports were given Public Comment Period: None East Bay Sports Complex – Report on; Wausau Area Youth Soccer Association Gift, Sponsorships, Water Rates, Advisory Committee – Fiorenza reported that the first year at the Complex was successful and planning for next year is underway. They had a busy first year with 800 youth and 200 adult players and 125,000 visitors. There were 2500 people per day at the complex on a regular basis in July and August. The Wausau Area Youth Soccer Association helped finish the championship field by gifting the complex around $18,000 to $20,000 in a scoreboard and sound system. Staff is looking for sponsorships and has some good leads for 2016. Staff is trying to recoup sixty to seventy percent of the $184,000 expenses. The water rates increased in April and this was a late and unplanned expense. Staff thought the water bill at the complex would be $19,000 and it was closer to $34,000. Duncanson discussed the Wausau water rate increases to non-metered water. Fiorenza said they will need to generate more revenue at the complex to cover that cost. Fiorenza said that the groups want to start an advisory committee. He thinks it would be worthwhile to have some people help guide the direction of the complex with as much use as it has. Gisselman questioned upcoming tournaments in 2016. Fiorenza said there will be a tournament the first weekend in May hopefully with one hundred teams. Fiorenza said the complex is loved to death at certain times of the year right now and he doesn’t know if it has much more capacity. But at other times of the year it could be used more. Duncanson said there will be a large lacrosse tournament and they have also been approached by a Hmong group for a sports festival that could draw from multi-state. Sports Authority Partnership – Report on Potential Facility Fee Agreement For Sports Authority Sponsored Events – Duncanson explained this proposal to create a partnership with Marathon County on a grant funded type plan was initiated by The Sports Authority because room tax dollars are now being managed by Convention and Visitor Bureau’s rather than local municipalities. The Sports Authority wanted to set up a process whereby the room tax dollars have an allocation process. It would be jointly worked together with them to pay for the activities they have such as the spring soccer tournament at the Sports Complex, multiple softball tournaments at the Sunny Vale Complex, and the Badger State Games cross-country races at Nine Mile. The Sports Authority had talked about potentially a grant from the County and also because they don’t know what the costs of creating an event would be in the first year they were wondering if there could potentially be a waiver of fees for that first year. Staff discussed the departments cost processes with the Sports Authority and they understand the department can’t waive fees on the front end, particularly unknown fees. The Sports Authority is looking at costs based on past activities and discussions will continue. Winter Activity Report – Report on Cross-Country Ski, Snowshoe, Snowbike, Snowmobile/ATV, Pond Hockey, Indoor Ice – Krueger reported that Nine Mile opened on December 29th. Tonight is the first night of free ski lessons where the department partners with the Nordic Ski Club. To date there have been 923 paid skiers and 131 paid snowshoers at Nine Mile. Krueger said the trails are in desperate need of snow. This weekend is the annual Snekkevik Ski Race. Duncanson said staff did a phenomenal job of grooming with the snow they had. Krueger reported that the fat tire bike trail at Sunny Vale opened this weekend and volunteers are also grooming trails at the Big Eau Pleine Park. He said that both indoor ice rinks at Marathon Park have been up and running well. The pond hockey event which is normally held at Sunny Vale has been moved to the infield at Marathon Park due to the unsafe ice conditions at the lake. Sylvan Tubing Hill has one of the two sets of runs open and the 400 Block ice rink is planned to be open day tomorrow. Duncanson said the snowmobile/ATV trails are not open and need another 6 to 8 inches of snow. Krueger also noted that
the cross-country ski trails at Sylvan Hill are not open because of the open springs. Duncanson discussed a fatality from a heart attack on the snowshoe trail at Nine Mile. Nutting and Langenhahn arrived at the meeting at 3:50 p.m. resulting in a quorum bring present. Motion by Nutting, second by Langenhahn to approve the November 3rd, 2015 regular meeting minutes. Motion carried by voice vote, no dissent. Personnel Management - Discussion and Possible Action on Filling a Vacant Full Time Position and Creating a New Full Time Position – Duncanson said Andy Hoppe has put in for retirement. He was with the department 38 years and was the number one groomer at Nine Mile. This position is an Equipment Operator II and needs to be replaced. There are some internal staff who would be able to fulfill that position. Commission approval is needed to fill the position and backfill any resulting openings. Motion by Conrad, second by Langenhahn to support filling the position and any resulting backfills. Motion carried by voice vote, no dissent. Duncanson said there is one other Park Maintenance Technician position that is funded fully by the City of Wausau. The need has been generated by new projects in the City like the expansion of Athletic Park, the east riverfront property, the enhancement of swimming pools, impacts of 400 Block which are all causing a whole variety of operating and maintenance needs. The City in their budget did not specifically approve the position but has approved the funding. The Employee Resources Committee had approved it initially and now is time to do the hire so staff wanted to bring it back and make sure everyone was fully informed on it. Motion by Gisselman, second by Nutting to approve the position. Motion carried by voice vote, no dissent. Park Commission Vacancy – Discussion and Possible Action on Filling a Vacancy on the Park Commission – Duncanson said there is a vacancy on Park Commission right now. He explained that the County Administrator recommends the filling of the vacancies to County Board. He explained there are three people appointed by the County Administrator, three people recommended by the Mayor to the County Administrator and one citizen member jointly agreed upon by the Mayor and County Administrator on the Park Commission. Duncanson wondered if the vacancy should be filled now with elections coming up in April. He questioned if all the current Commissioners were running again. Wyman said he was not running again. Langenhahn said he is running opposed. Wyman thought they may want to wait until after the elections since there may be a good amount of new people. Duncanson felt they may want to look for an experienced County Board member if there will be two new people on the Commission. Gisselman said if there was a current County Board member that was strong on parks and environment running without opposition they should look at them. Members recommended a couple County Board members they thought might be good to have on Park Commission. Gisselman and Mielke are running opposed on the City side. Duncanson noted that those Commissioners don’t have to be a City Council member to serve, they only have to be recommended by the Mayor of the City of Wausau. In the past there have been non-elected City representatives. The preference is to have people who sit on City Council and if possible who sit on City Council and County Board just because of the greater involvement and awareness. Project Update – Assistant Knotek reported on the following items: Bluegill Bay Fishing Pond Restoration Design work and permitting for the dredging and land spreading of spoils are generally complete. Noon Rotary, County Administrator and Park staff are currently applying for grants and fundraising. Knotek reported that grants were received from Greenheck Foundation, WPS Foundation, Harvey Nelson Foundation, and also the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. Hmong-Laotian Courthouse Memorial Park staff is working with Mort McBain on the site engineering and landscaping for the new memorial scheduled to be installed in May 2016. Mission Lake Shoreline Restoration Parks is partnering with CPZ to apply for grants to design and construct native plant shoreline erosion controls along the east shoreline of Mission Lake Park. Future Agenda Items – Sunny Vale softball Next Meeting – Regular scheduled meeting on Tues., February 2, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. at 212 River Drive in Rm. 3. Adjournment – Motion by Langenhahn, second by Gisselman to adjourn at 4:20 p.m. Motion carried by voice vote, no dissent.
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MARATHON COUNTY PARK COMMISSION March 1, 2016
AGENDA SUMMARY
V. Sunny Vale Softball Complex Use Agreement ‐ Discussion and Possible Action on the Use of the Softball Complex by the Wausau Area Softball Association
The Wausau Area Softball Association (WASA) collaborated with Marathon County to build the Sunny Vale Softball Complex and participated in a number of the improvements since then. WASA has been the primary (virtually exclusive) user for many years as the complex is not open to general public use. During this period the County maintained the facility and WASA managed their league play, operated some tournaments and ran the concession stand. WASA paid fees for the use of the facility and the right to operate the concession. Since the late 1980’s the facility use agreement has been based on recovering 70% of the annual routine operating costs of the softball complex other than field lights which WASA paid for directly during their scheduled season. The concession agreement was that WASA paid 10% of gross sales to the County plus paid for utilities and refuse. In 2006 WASA had $4,328.54 of their annual fee waived by the Park Commission on a one time basis. WASA’s membership had been falling rapidly and the PRF Department had reduced operational costs by using significantly more seasonal than full‐time labor at the complex. Accordingly, a reduced annual fee of $24,500 was set for 2007. In 2007 WASA paid ½ of the annual fee and less than ½ of the concession payment. The Park Commission allowed the user fee debt to be carried into 2008. WASA and the Commission agreed to review options for user fees. WASA has not paid any fees since then. From the late 80’s to 2007 WASA went from 225 teams and 3250 members to 134 teams and 850 members despite incorporating the Wausau Area Girls Softball Association (WAGSA) into their membership in 2002. In February 2015 Departmental staff informed WASA that the softball complex would no longer be available to them without an updated user agreement being in force. Serious discussions got underway in late fall of 2015. REVISED USE AGREEMENT In early 2015 Department staff was working on user agreements and cost recovery considerations for both the Eastbay Sports Complex and the Sunny Vale Softball Complex. Changes in the recent use of Sunny Vale made it apparent that the old exclusive use type agreement no longer fit and that the multiple user, multiple revenue source model needed for the Eastbay Sports Complex was more appropriate. While WASA was still the largest user WAGSA had split from WASA, the Sports Authority had become a regular user with multiple tournaments and there are other groups that schedule games and tournaments annually. As WASA was no longer essentially the only user, the fee system and user agreements had to be modified to equitably achieve the desired cost recovery from the current, broader range of users. Following are the basic principles of the new fee systems at both the Eastbay Sports Complex and the Sunny Vale Softball Complex: ‐ Commercial events will pay more than non‐commercial. ‐ Local users will pay less than non‐local. ‐ Youth will pay less than adults. ‐ Local self operated leagues with significant use of the facilities will pay less than non‐local or infrequent users. In addition to the fee system the range of other revenue generating opportunities the County is willing to utilize to achieve the desired cost recovery has been expanded to include advertising and naming rights.
Departmental staff and WASA representatives have been meeting through late fall and early winter to develop a user agreement format that reflects the current use pattern, ensures the ability of our local self‐organized leagues to function smoothly, ensures the County's ability to effectively manage the facility, and equitably recovers costs from all users. Following are the primary features of the current draft agreement: ‐ By working with Department on scheduling in advance and providing their league schedule by May 1, WASA's schedule will have priority.
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‐ The facility use fee will be based on the lesser of a per/game fee or a percentage of overall use on a WASA games/total games basis. The per game fee will be established as part of the user agreement based on anticipated costs and usage for the upcoming season. The percentage of overall use will be based on games actually played and actual routine operating costs as calculated at the end of the year.
‐ The field light fee is based on a combination of annual WPS charges and routine annual field light system maintenance costs. The per hour per field fee is charged to all complex users in addition to game fees and is billed in hundredths of hours.
‐ Fees will be paid in two installments. The first is due August 15 for use through July 15. The second is due by Jan. 31 based on year end calculations.
‐ WASA will have exclusive concession rights for their own scheduled activities and exclusive occupancy rights to the concession building for the year. They will also have the first right of refusal for non‐WASA activities. However, activities other than local leagues have the right to bring in their own concessions into the complex. WASA will not be charged a concession fee during their own scheduled activities.
The 2016 game fees recommended by Department staff are as follows: WAGSA $26 WASA $29 County infrequent user (high school, etc.) $32 Non‐county infrequent user $37 Tournaments (mostly non‐county teams) $37 or negotiated
For a WASA member playing a 12 game season and assuming 12 players per team a $29/game facility use fee works out to $2.42 per player per game or $29.00 per player per season. Fees for general public use of other County recreation facilities by adults include $3 for a session of indoor public skating, $3 to shoot at the shooting range, or $9 to XC ski or $4 to mountain bike for a day at Nine Mile.
The desired cost recovery for the softball complex has been 70% since the late 1980's. The County has cost recovery direction for four recreation facilities. The cost recovery is based on annual routine operating costs. These costs include utilities, materials, supplies, labor, and supervision utilized to perform daily, weekly, seasonal, annual and regularly recurring maintenance. It does not include infrequent maintenance, vehicle and equipment, administrative, or capital costs. The cost recovery direction for the Nine Mile trails (XC ski/snowshoe/mountain bike) and the Marathon Park ice arenas is 100% individually. The cost recovery direction for the new Eastbay Sports Complex is to build the use and other revenue support to eventually reach 70%.
Eastbay Sports Complex Fields 2015 2016 2 Hour Game or Practice Fee per Field: Student – Small Field $18.00 $19.00 Student – Medium Field $21.00 $22.00 Student – Large Field $25.00 $26.00 Student – Championship Field $25.00 $26.00 Adult – Large Field $40.00 $41.00 Adult – Championship Field $40.00 $41.00
VI. New Position Request – Discussion and Possible Action on Requesting a Full Time Management position Staff is requesting the reinstatement of a management position that was left vacant in 2011 when a field supervisor retired primarily for budget reasons. Since then our Department has had significant increases in facility, program, and administrative responsibilities for both the City and County. Facility examples include 3 reconstructed swimming pools with expanded facilities, $7 million in enhanced and expanded facilities at Athletic Park plus a new neighborhood park, the 15 field Eastbay Sports Complex, the Regal Beloit segment and Bridge to Winton segment of the River Edge trail, Whitewater Park seating and restroom additions, a new County Park at
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Brokaw, two snowbike trails, and the 2016 construction of several million dollars of River Edge Trail facilities and a park in the East Riverfront Redevelopment plus the construction of mountain bike facilities at Sylvan Hill Park. The ever growing emphasis on sports tourism and special events is seen in the multiple new and growing events sponsored by the Sports Authority, Wausau Events, and local sports organizations engenders significant event planning and administration, and additional facility preparation and maintenance. The introduction and focus on organizational culture, documented results, dashboarding, leadership training and performance based pay have added additional significant administrative workloads to all managers. In addition, we have much in the works that will add professional workload including pursuing the IMBA Ride Center designation by acquiring and creating additional facilities, Brokaw boat launch, Rib River Bike Bridge, Mountain Bay Trail expansion, Eau Claire River Conservancy development, completing the River Edge Trail, supporting growing and new sports tourism activities and special events, etc.. To cover the responsibilities of the retiring supervisor we redistributed his duties mostly to individuals who had more program and facility management responsibilities. This had followed previous elimination of lower level full time facility manager positions that were partially offset with seasonals. With additional workloads we have found ourselves filling gaps based more on a time and interest basis. The end result is that we now have program managers and facility managers with increased supervisory responsibilities and supervisors with increased program and facility management responsibility. Organizational structure has diminished and chain of command is blurred. Many individuals are working well outside of their position descriptions. From an overall organizational standpoint, we are facing the retirement of several key management positions in the next 4 or 5 years. We have two tasks to accomplish. 1.) Review and revise our management structure to better meet current and future needs. 2.) Create a succession plan that helps achieve the needed management structure changes. The first step is to get enough of the right skills in place to meet workload demands. We know that we are short on management hours. We also know that both the City and County have significant needs. What we are currently not sure of is how best to balance our facility management, program management, and supervisory workloads. Accordingly, staff is requesting the Commission to support a request for a new management position. The specifics of the position will be determined during the position approval process with assistance from the Employee Resources Department.
VII. Refill Request – Discussion and Possible Action on Refilling Operations Superintendent Customer Service Position The Parks Operations Superintendent of Customer Service, Ken Krueger, will be retiring from the Department effective April 29, 2016. This request is to refill his position and backfill any subsequent positions that may arise from an internal candidate moving into the position
VIII. Bluegill Bay Environmental Fund Grant Request – Discussion and Possible Action on Wausau Noon Rotary’s Bluegill
Bay Park Fishing Pond Restoration Project Environmental Fund Grant Request Wausau Noon Rotary is submitting an Environmental Fund grant to help fund the Bluegill Bay Pond Restoration Project. The enclosed grant application details the project, its relationship to County objectives and the funding proposal. The current status of the project is that designs are complete, permits are in place, and bids have been received that fall within the projected budget. Staff recommends that the Commission support the grant application.
IX. Mountain Bay Trail Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) – Discussion and Possible Action on Marathon County
Entering Into a MOA With the State on Additional Trail Segment Marathon County built and operates the existing Mountain‐Bay State Park Trail within Marathon County under the terms of a Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) with the WDNR. As part of the State and County effort to extend the trail further into the metropolitan area the State acquired the former railroad corridor extending easterly from the Weston trailhead to Camp Phillips Road about 4 years ago. Staff has been working with the WDNR to extend the current MOA to this new property. In 2013 during initial inventory of the property our staff identified some significant trespasses, primarily by commercial entities. Since then we have been assisting the WDNR in documenting and resolving the trespasses. It has been a long, slow process getting the WDNR to get serious about
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the problem. The first, and most significant trespass, Scott's Enterprises, has now reached the point where the WDNR and County have met with the owner, Scott Habeck, and his attorney. The State and County positions have been explained and Mr. Habeck has been given the opportunity to propose in writing how he would prefer to resolve the trespass. The key aspect to managing this land is that it was acquired through the Federal Rails To Trails rail banking program which requires the former railroad property to remain intact with limited physical modifications so it can easily be returned to active rail service. Unfortunately, Mr. Habeck had remodeled his buildings to utilize the State property which is only about 2 feet from his buildings. (See enclosure) Staff believes that some limited accommodation may be possible that would address emergency exiting, fire access, and building maintenance concerns without significantly infringing on the State Park property or negatively impacting the long term land management or user experience. However, staff is concerned that the State may not be as stringent as they should be in protecting the overall integrity of the entire former rail corridor. As this is the first of a number of trespasses being addressed in this segment, staff believes that a strong precedent must be established. If this does not occur, we anticipate that trespasses will continue to take a disproportionate amount of County staff time and that our ability to effectively manage the trail and provide a quality user experience will be reduced. Accordingly, staff recommends the Commission take a position that we will no longer support extending the current MOA to this new trail segment if the State does not act to fully resolve existing trespasses and prevent future trespasses.
X. Bluegill Bay Challenge Grant – Report and Discussion on Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department Challenge Grant Match to Wausau Noon Rotary’s Bluegill Bay Park Fishing Pond Restoration Project Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department has received a request from Wausau Noon Rotary to access funding from the Challenge Grant maintained in the Parks operating budget for the Bluegill Bay Park pond. See attached letter from Wausau Noon Rotary Club.
10 Year Sunny Vale Softball Complex Expense/Revenue Summary
WASA 10% WASA 10%
SVSC (772) Use Fee Concessions Concessions WAGSA High
Year Expenses 70% 5.5% Sales Tax with Tax WASA Pd Not Paid Remitted Not Remitted League School Use
2015 41,328.01$ 28,929.61$ 1,591.13$ 30,520.74$ ‐$ 30,520.74$ ‐$ Unknown 952.00$ 418.00$
2014 55,758.80$ 39,031.16$ 2,146.71$ 41,177.87$ ‐$ 41,177.87$ ‐$ Unknown 726.00$
2013 40,943.69$ 28,660.58$ 1,576.33$ 30,236.92$ ‐$ 30,236.92$ ‐$ Unknown ‐$
2012 32,686.94$ 22,880.86$ 1,258.45$ 24,139.31$ ‐$ 24,139.31$ ‐$ Unknown 640.00$
2011 30,156.06$ 21,109.24$ 1,161.01$ 22,270.25$ ‐$ 22,270.25$ ‐$ Unknown 382.50$
2010 26,663.54$ 18,664.48$ 1,026.55$ 19,691.02$ ‐$ 19,691.02$ ‐$ Unknown 220.00$
2009 21,302.47$ 14,911.73$ 820.15$ 15,731.87$ ‐$ 15,731.87$ ‐$ Unknown 160.00$
2008 27,278.00$ 18,099.15$ 995.45$ 19,094.60$ 19,094.60$ 0.00$ ‐$ Unknown 405.40$
2007 24,500.00$ 12,250.00$ 12,250.00$ 2,508.89$ 3,537.55$ 526.00$
2006 4/4/07 Pk Comm Adj use fee down $4,328.54 28,657.08$ 24,328.54$ See Note 6,536.54$ ‐$
196,017.98$
4/4/07 Pk Comm Set '07 fee at $24500
MARATHON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FUND APPLICATION
Date Received: ______________________
MARATHON COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT
Marathon County Government serves people by leading, coordinating, and providing county, regional, and statewide initiatives. It directly or in cooperation with other public and private partners provides services and creates opportunities that make Marathon County and the surrounding area a preferred place to live, work, visit, and do business.
SPONSORING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT: Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department
PRIMARY CONTACT: Brad Karger TITLE: County Administrator
PHONE NUMBER: 715-261-1404 E-MAIL: [email protected]
PROJECT MANAGER: Peter Knotek TITLE: Parks, Recreation & Forestry Asst. Director
PHONE NUMBER: 715-261-1555 E-MAIL: [email protected]
PROJECT LOCATION: Bluegill Bay Park, Town of Rib Mountain, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Below is an outline of the project proposal:
1. PROJECT TITLE: Bluegill Bay Park Fishing Pond Restoration
2. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS: Bluegill Bay Park is a 98 acre County Park located
in the Town of Rib Mountain, Wisconsin. The park contains an approximately 8.5 acre spring fed fishing pond
with an inlet and small outlet on Lake Wausau which is a reservoir on the Wisconsin River. Deterioration of the
pond and fishery has occurred over several decades and includes: excessive aquatic plant growth, summer algae
blooms, significant organic material deposition, and heavy metals in the sediment. Objectives of this project are
to improve the fishery, reduce the bloom of summer algae and improve the visual appearance of the pond.
Project activities and improvements include the dredging of 11,000 cubic yards of silt and sediment from the
western edge of the pond and land spreading the material at the former Park Department Nursery. The dredging
will increase the flow of clean ground water into the pond improving the overall water quality and reducing water
temperatures in the pond. Dredging will also reduce the growth of aquatic vegetation by increasing the depth of
the pond thereby reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the pond floor and spurs vegetation growth.
Reducing the vegetation will make fishing more enjoyable and productive as fishing gear will not get entangled or
lost in the growth. Clearing sediment from the inlet and outlet culverts to improve flow through the pond and the
creation of natural fish habitat (cribs) to increase breeding opportunities will also improve the water quality and
the fishing experience.
The improvements proposed reflect the recommended alternatives for the pond restoration developed in the
2015 restoration study prepared by Montgomery Associate – Resource Solutions for Marathon County.
It is anticipated the lifespan of this project should exceed 30 years. The major activity of the project is
dredging with the intent of increasing ground water flow into the pond and controlling aquatic vegetation through
sunlight deprivation. Historical data indicates little change in the depth of the pond since records were kept
starting in the 1970’s. The lack of change in the depth of the pond shows that the pond is not subject to heavy
sedimentation, and that the efforts should not be compromised by future sedimentation.
All applicable local, state and federal permits have been issued for this project including:
* Town of Rib Mountain Special Use Permit
* Marathon County Zoning Special Exemption Permit
* Wisconsin DNR Carriage Permit
* Wisconsin DNR Construction Stormwater Management Permit
* Wisconsin DNR Dredging Permit
* Wisconsin DNR Erosion Control Plan
* Army Corps of Engineers Dredging Permit
3. STATEMENT OF CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN(S): The Bluegill Bay fishing pond restoration is
consistent with several initiatives of the Marathon County Outdoor Recreation Plan (C.O.R.P.). Identified in the
Proposed Action Plan of the C.O.R.P. Improvements for Water Based Recreation include “Develop additional
water based recreational facilities on the Wisconsin River, Lake Wausau and Lake Dubay”. Within the
Improvement Program for Individual Park “dredging the lagoon” is an action plan item for Bluegill Bay Park.
Both of these action items indicated the Bluegill Bay Pond restoration is supported by comprehensive planning.
4. STATEMENT OF CONSISTENCY WITH MARATHON COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN: The Marathon County Strategic Plan
within its Vision Statement states that Marathon County “is proactive in enhancing health…”. The Bluegill Bay
project supports that vision.
Restoration of the Bluegill Bay Park Fishing Pond will ensure that this youth and family oriented recreation
resource is available to future generation as it has been for generations of previous Marathon County residents.
The value of this project reaches far beyond the activity of fishing, the true value is realized in the health,
behavioral and social impacts facilities such as the Bluegill Bay Fishing Pond afford to area residents as
highlighted below.
The National Recreation and Park Association has identified the results of quality out of school recreation
opportunities for participants, families, and the wider community and include:
1. Contribute to reducing juvenile delinquency
2. Contribute to increasing positive and reducing negative behaviors
3. Expose youth to less violence
4. Improve children’s educational performance and thus impact the quality of the future work force and the
national economy
5. Help decrease health care costs related to childhood obesity
6. Increase the economic contributions of young people to society when they become adults
7. Help youth develop self-confidence, optimism, and initiative
5. OUTCOME(S):
Initial – Children and parents participate in activities together. Improvement of social and physical skills.
Intermediate – Improved family relationships and values.
Long-Term – Children experience the most fulfilling and nurturing relationship possible with their parents.
Performance Indicator – The quality of the family fishing experience will be documented utilizing verbal
surveys of participants at various times of the year by volunteers, recreation interns or park staff.
Initial – Fishing pond water quality increases.
Intermediate – Improved fish habitat and fishing productivity.
Long-Term – The uniqueness of Central WI/Marathon County is preserved (rural character, open spaces, non-
explosive growth, natural beauty, traditions, heritage, culture, water resources, diverse vegetation, wildlife, and
soils; and convenient geographic location to metropolitan areas and recreational opportunities).
Performance Indicator – The effectiveness of the project to improve water quality in the pond will be
measured utilizing water testing that will analyze dissolved oxygen, pH, chlorine concentrations nitrogen and
turbidity. These results will be compared to a similar analysis that was performed prior to the project.
6. SERVICE AREA OF THE PROJECT: Bluegill Bay Park is a 98 acre, scenic, water based park located in the Town of
Rib Mountain in central Marathon County. The primary service area for the park is the central County
metropolitan area. The secondary service area of the park is County wide.
7. FUNDING REQUEST*: Bluegill Bay Fishing Pond Restoration
A. Estimated Project Costs Feasibility Study (complete) $ 20,000 Design/Engineering (complete) $ 40,000 Construction (low bid + 6.3% contingency) $303,000 $363,000 B. Funding Sources B.A. Esther Greenheck Foundation $ 60,000 Marathon County Administrators Small Projects $ 40,000 Wausau Noon Rotary $ 25,000 Marathon County Parks Challenge Grant $ 20,000 Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin $ 12,500 Harvey Nelson Charitable Trust $ 8,000 Wausau and Marathon County Park Foundation $ 5,000 Wisconsin Public Service Foundation $ 5,000 Texas Roadhouse Fishing Tournament $ 3,373 Marathon County Parks Engineering Budget $ 3,700 $182,573 C. Marathon County Environmental Impact Fund Request $181,663
8. LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM PARTNERS. (Specify Contributors vs. Supporters)
9. PROJECTS SPONSORED ON BEHALF OF PRIVATE OR NON-PROFIT ENTITIES. (Use Separate Sheet)
Signature of authorized representative of sponsoring governmental unit.
From: Jon Daniels Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 2:51 PM To: 'Bump, Cameron M - DNR'; Tomlinson, Lynne B - DNR ([email protected]) Cc: William Duncanson Subject: Scott's Enterprise Trespass Hi Cameron & Lynn, A few weeks ago I contacted the Village of Weston asking for information on improvements being made to the Scott’s Enterprises, Inc. property located at 4801 Ross Av., Weston. Scott’s Enterprises is a subsidiary of Ringle Properties LLC, which is owned by Scott J. and Marcia S. Habeck, who reside at R5338 Sahara Dr., Ringle, WI 54471. I have attached copies of some permits and drawings supplied by the Village at my request. This information indicates Mr. Habeck was aware of the ROW. The ROW is clearly shown on two drawings that accompanied his permit applications. Below is a timeline developed from the information I have to date. June 30, 2011; property sold by Larson Cooperative TVCS to Ringle Properties, LLC (a.k.a. Scott’s Enterprises, Inc.) August 11, 2011; issue date of building permit for overhead doors (attached) October 10, 2011; date on PDM Construction drawing that was submitted to the Village (attached – earliest drawing showing ROW) February 10, 2012; issue date of building permits for interior office area alterations (attached) August 17, 2012; date on building exterior drawing with overhead doors (attached) June 28, 2013; I first inspected the ROW along Scott’s property line and contacted Cameron that afternoon, and contacted Mr. Habeck by phone, identified the trespass issues and encouraged him to remove ASAP any items he had in the ROW Two drawings; one submitted to the Village on October 10, 2011 and a later undated drawing from Marathon Technical Services “MTS” (attached), both show the former railroad ROW, now the Mountain‐Bay Trail ROW. Both drawings were provided by Mr. Habeck to the Village for building permits. It is evident on both drawings the ROW extends EXTREMELY close to the SW building exterior. The MTS drawing shows that “CONCRETE” and a new “EDGE OF PAVEMENT” were planned to extend well beyond the building and onto the ROW. The south overhead door services a new loading dock for a cardboard recycling business that recently occupied the SE corner of the building. This business is only one of a number of tenants now occupying the remodeled building. In my opinion, Mr. Habeck has ignored the property boundary until I contacted him on June 28, 2013. Based upon the facts presented here and my conversations with a Village official, I believe Mr. Habeck deliberately trespassed on the trail ROW. Jon S. Daniels Chief Ranger Wausau & Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department 212 River Dr. Wausau, WI 54403 715‐261‐1557
Rotary Club of Wausau Club No. 2675 – District No. 6220
Chartered 1915 Oldest Club in District 6220
February 15, 2016 Peter Knotek Marathon County Parks Department 212 River Drive Wausau WI 54403 RE: BLUEGILL BAY POND RESTORATION PROJECT The Rotary Club of Wausau in celebration of its 100 year anniversary has provided community leadership for the restoration of the pond at Bluegill Bay County Park, as a service/education project. Rotary Clubs all over the world have a focus on water. In our 100th year, rather than focus on water in some other country or continent, we decided to look closer to home. Rotary Clubs also have a focus on youth development and we have learned that once restored the pond at Bluegill Bay County Park will be a fabulous site for youth fishing, all year long! The fishing pond is approximately 6.5 acres with a small inlet and outlet on Lake Wausau which is a reservoir on the Wisconsin River. Deterioration of the pond and fishery has occurred over several decades and includes:
excessive aquatic growth large summer algae growth heavy metals in the sediment
As things stand now, the pond is heavily fished by youth in the Spring, but by mid-summer the duckweed, floating vegetation and thick growth of rooted aquatic plan make the pond unattractive and unusable for fishing. We have learned that the pond can be restored and that it has some important assets:
Diverse population of young pan fish and sport fish. Aquatic vegetation is high-quality, providing valuable fish nursery habitat. Significant groundwater inflow which supports dissolved oxygen.
Once restored this pond will be a place in an urban area for parents and grandparents to take youth to share positive, happy experiences. A design for the pond restoration has been completed. That design focuses on dredging to deepen the pond in certain areas and to draw more groundwater into the pond. The result will
Mr. Peter Knotek February 15, 2016 Page 2 be cleaner water and cooler temperatures to better support fish habitat and to reduce the aquatic growth. This design has been reviewed and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. As you can see a lot of work has already been done in support of this community project. Additionally, many community groups have contributed to the project financially:
B.A. and Ester Greenheck Foundation $60,000 Marathon County $40,000 Rotary Club of Wausau $25,000 Wisconsin Public Service Foundation $ 5,000 Parks Foundation $ 5,000 Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin $12,500 Harvey Nelson Foundation $ 5,000 Total $152,500
Also, we are hoping to get a matching grant from the County’s Environmental Impact Fund. We are getting close to putting all the pieces in place to start construction. Very soon we will know the results of the construction requests for proposals and the project costs. If we get the matching grant from the Environmental Impact Fund, we can get the construction done in 2016! Why would we want to wait? This is going to be such a great resource to our community!
Brad Karger Project Chair Rotary Club of Wausau c: Jean Tehan Michael Beck
Marathon County Parks 2015 Annual Campground Report
By Ken Krueger
Operations Superintendent Customer Service
The warm spring weather allowed us to open all of Marathon County campgrounds on Friday April 24th one week earlier than the normally scheduled May 1st opening. The on‐line reservation system became active, starting Friday, May 1, 2015 as scheduled. In all there were 3,611 camping permits issued in 2015 an increase of 18 % over last season. These permits break down as follows 1,941 were self‐registration permits, (drive up), 1,069 were on –line reservations, and 601 were staff assisted advance reservations.
The average length of stay based on the type of camping permit is as follows;
Self‐Registration Advance (Staff Assisted) On‐Line
BEP South 1.98 nights 2.77 nights 2.56 nights
BEP West 2.05 nights 2.88 nights 2.61 nights
Eau Claire Dells 1.92 nights 2.29 nights 2.46 nights
Marathon Park 1.58 nights 3.32 nights 2.97 nights
Camping increased at all of Marathon County campgrounds in 2015; the largest percentage increase was at the Marathon Park. This is mostly likely due to the campgrounds not having the water line issues it had in 2014, and the campground was able to open as scheduled on April 24th.
Advance17%
On‐Line29%
Self54%
Type of Camping Permit
The most popular type of camping unit at Marathon County Parks, based on the self‐registration permits was the Travel Trailer, followed by the tent and Motor Home. Tents being the most popular at the Eau Claire Dells, Motor homes the most popular at Marathon Park, and Travel Trailers the most popular at the Big Eau Pleine Park.
Electrical costs associated with the campgrounds; (includes the A Frame and Dells Cabin) Big Eau Pleine South $2,379.74 Big Eau Pleine West $5,819.87 Eau Claire Dells $970.56 Marathon Park $2,277.98 $11,448.15
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Number of Perm
its
Year
Campground Comparison
BEP Dells Marathon
14%
37%32%
6%
4%2%
5%
Type of Camping Unit
M.Home T.Trailer Tent Pick up Camper 5th Wheel Other
Receipts from electrical fees; Big Eau Pleine South $2,600.00 Big Eau Pleine West $5,196.00
Eau Claire Dells $2,100.00 Marathon Park $3,180.00 $13,076.00
Campers have raised concerns about electrical service at the Dell’s campground not meeting their needs. Each campsite should have its own electrical pedestal with a minimum of a 30 amp electrical service available. There is also a request to have a dump station installed at the Dells campground. The requests heard most often regarding the Big Eau Pleine Campground is for a shower facility, better cell phone /satellite reception, and upgrading the electrical to 50 amp service on each campsite instead of the present 30 amp service per campsite. Expenses associated with camping Administration $9,837.99 Labor FTE $409.33 Labor LTE $29,486.24 Campground Licenses $792.23 Credit Card Transaction Fees $2,743.53
Supplies $2,389.62 Firewood $15,700.00 Utilities $11,448.15 $72,807.09
Revenues Camping fees (Acct. 5835) includes firewood sales $138,980.69
Big Eau Pliene $88,607.04 Eau Claire Dells $26,748.90 Marathon Park $23,624.75
Campground Reservation fees (Acct. 5917) $16,338.16 Big Eau Pleine $11,137.03 Eau Claire Dells $3,203.03 Marathon Park $1,998.10 Other Misc. Revenue (Acct. 8400) (Dump Station) $4,981.00 Big Eau Pleine $3,157.70
Marathon Park $1,823.30 Total revenues associated with camping were $160,299.85
PARK COMMISSION MARCH 1, 2016
PROJECT UPDATE
Bluegill Bay Fishing Pond Restoration The project bid on February 15. Strong interest resulted in eight bids. The low bid was A-1 Excavating, Bloomer WI. The bid will be awarded pending approval of funding.
