Town of Lake Tomahawk
LAKE TOMAHAWK PARKS COMMISSION
TOWN OF LAKE TOMAHAWK
MEETING OF TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2012
7:00 PM
RAYMOND F. SLOAN COMMUNITY CENTER
Pat called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00 p.m.; he led the Pledge to American Flag.
Attendees: Chairman Pat Wingo, Vice Chairman Darlene Neumann, Treasurer Ginger Davis, Board Member Tom Heilig; Parks Employee Bob Williams, Town Supervisor George DeMet, Lake Tomahawk citizen Rodney Singleton; guest Caroline Metz.
Absent: Rob Morien; [2 open board positions].
Pat read Proposed Agenda for today and requested approval; Darlene recommended approval; Tom seconded; Agenda approved.
Pat read the minutes from last month and requested approval; Tom moved for approval of minutes; Darlene seconded; minutes approved.
Life Jacket Loaner Agreement. Pat introduced Caroline Metz who came to represent her son, Ethan, who completed the project for the DNR as part of his Eagle Scout qualification. The project included development of the program, sign preparation and posting at the Boat Landing and preparation (labeling) and inventory of the Life Jackets. The program, titled “Kids Don’t Float”, provides Life Jackets on-loan to anyone that needs one for a child riding in a boat about the launch. Ethan is a sophomore at LUHS and has agreed to monitor the program through the end of his High School years. However, his current request (per the DNR expectations) is for the Town of Lake Tomahawk (via the Parks Commission) to take charge of inventory, storage and re-stocking of the Life Jackets, maintenance of the sign and continuation of the program over the long-term. When asked, Bob indicated that he saw no problem with adding these responsibilities to his summer duties. Pat moved to have the Parks Department (through the Parks Commission) sign the agreement; Tom seconded; motion passed. Tom then suggested that some form of recognition would be appropriate for Ethan, in order to acknowledge the importance of the program he has initiated on the Town’s behalf; Pat stated that there will be a story in the Lakeland Times but suggested that we could placing a story on the Town Website as well. All agreed this was a good idea.
Financial Report: read by Pat; approval moved by Tom seconded by Darlene; financial report approved.
Financial Statement from July: not available.
Reports:
– Parks employee report:
• Boat Landing: Bob assisted with “Kids Don’t Float” sign and box installation. Tom asked about the sail boat that was moored there last week. Darlene offered that it was a there for only a few days and moved regularly, different from the sail boat that was reported for the lengthy mooring over the last few summers.
• Rainbow: Household garbage (3 bags) left with garbage can; Bob removed.
• Snow Shoe: Local business owner reported a child “flew off the swing”. Evidently, the child was not injured. Bob responded by checking the condition of the designated swing, verified it has been damaged by stress cracks; he removed it from pole and recommended replacement. He also needs to reorder trash bags and toilet paper. Pat gave OK to buy replacement for all currently required equipment and supplies.
– Employee Handbook: Pat reviewed the recent Employee Handbook that was completed by the Town Board. He reviewed key areas that apply to Parks and Park employee(s). He suggested that we should comply. In order to ensure that everyone understood, he read key rules and expectations and discipline policy for employees that would apply for Bob. There was general agreement that the Employee Handbook applies to the Parks employee(s), currently Bob. The question remaining was whether we should supply Bob with uniforms. Discussion on the topic was positive; Pat suggested we get more information to consider at Budget time in order to implement for next year.
– Summer Kids Program: All planned events have been completed, most recently the “Snakes” program. There was generally good attendance, with 20-25 kids (and parents) participating, except for the program after 4th of July. There was general agreement that the week after the summer Holiday is slow in Town. The recommendation was made to eliminate that program from the schedule for next year; the Commission will await a replacement date recommendation from the Kids Program committee.
Unfinished Business:
– Parks Commission openings: Pat read letter from Polly Martin, recommended approval and forwarding to Town Board, seconded, approved. Rodney indicated he still has interest and said he will forward his application letter by week’s end.
– Garbage recycling in Parks. Bob reported that recycling bins have been purchased, modified, labeled and deposited near each trash bin in the Parks.
– Town Ordinance for Boat Mooring: The Town attorney has suggested a problem with the Ordinance. He believes that there should be agreement with the other Towns that share the Lake (and therefore the Boat Dock). Pat suggested that we drop the recommended changes in deference to the extensive Legal and facilitation costs. George said that rather than defer completely, that perhaps a quiet discussion with other towns could mean a general agreement, without need for further Legal involvement. Pat suggested we leave the issue open for now and consider neighbor town discussions during winter.
– Park Employee Job Description: Ginger distributed a first draft of the Park’s Employee job description. The Commission reviewed and after discussion and questions answered, made recommendations for changes. Pat suggested that the Commission review the updated Job Description at the next meeting to approve and forward to the Town.
New Business:
– Future development of Town Parks: Discussion was held regarding the lack of use of the current Volleyball Court. Suggestions were made that it could be replaced with playground equipment or other recreation facility. Bob and Darlene have catalogs for playground/recreation equipment and will bring recommendations to the Budget meetings. Further discussion occurred regarding grants that may be available to support development of Parks and facilities, including further development of a fishing pier and the possibility of Handicap accessibility for grounds and facilities (including toilets). Pat asked Tom to research options and possibilities.
– Pets at Snowshoe Softball Games: Tom brought a copy of the Town Ordinance which states “No Pets shall be allowed on any Parks grounds within the Town. Ginger suggested that since Parks Commission by-laws require the Commission to make rules for Parks, we would have the opportunity to make change if we agree. There was general agreement that animals should be allowed in parks, for the benefit of residents and visitors, with specific expectations (i.e., “under control”, “on leash”, or “pick up after pet”). Next month we will offer re-write of the pet ordinance and make recommendations to the Town.
– Election of Officers. Pat suggested that we table until next month, when we will have a greater complement of members to make this important decision.
– Other business: Darlene suggested we start discussing Christmas, with special concern about finding a Santa. Tom asked about the Parks Commission relationship with the local Lakes Association. Discussion was held that the Lakes Association has had some relationship and communications with the Town, primarily for funding, but none with the Parks Commission. There was specific discussion regarding the problems with lack of communication or notification about chemical treatments on Memorial Day weekend, impacting residents and tourists using the Boat Landing / Beach. Tom offered to check their website and determine opportunities for better communications.
Correspondence: Saykally letter: Pat read response letter from the Saykallys. Discussion held. Ginger offered to modify the Season Launch Permit Application in order to clarify for the Saykallys and others in the future.
Town Supervisor Report: No items.
Next meeting: September 4, 2012
Adjournment: Tom moved; Pat seconded; adjourned at 8:30 pm.
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