Town of Somers Park Commission Meeting Minutes February 25, 2008 Members Present: Sue Borger, Tom Maurer, Vern Wienke, Jan Gollinger, Gordon Lake, Karl Scheidt. Members Absent: Mary Lichter, Nick Lichter Also Present: Carl Kirkorian, Loren Tolnai, Fred Loomis The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM by Tom M. The minutes of the previous meeting on January 28th were reviewed and approved unanimously. (Gordon L. moved, Jan G. seconded) The naming, signage and dedication of Frank Fabiano Park was discussed. Loren T, a member of the Somers Fire and Rescue Association presented a letter from the Kenosha County Sherriff authorizing the use of the department badge as part of the design of the park sign. A motion was made to name the previously unnamed park at Somers Fire Station No. 2 “Deputy Frank Fabiano, Jr. Memorial Park”, to accept the donation of the sign from the Somers Fire and Rescue Association, and to dedicate the park on May 17, 2008. (Sue B. moved, Jan G. seconded) Discussion of the motion followed, with Vern W. pointing out that the Commission did not have a fully developed plan. He stated that the Commission’s position to defer to town staff as to the placement and installation of the sign was insufficient. He suggested there be some evergreen tree plantings, some bushes, perhaps one or more flag poles commemorating the Marines (Frank Fabiano was a former Marine), the Somers flag, the Kenosha County flag, etc. He also felt there should be coordination of this larger plan with the dedication ceremony. There was acknowledgement of Vern’s concerns by the Commission and it was agreed to place it on the agenda for next month’s meeting. A vote on the motion was called by Tom M. and it was approved unanimously. Information on the proposed baseball diamonds prepared by Bill Morris, Town Engineer was not available for the meeting. Discussion will be deferred to our next meeting. Discussion of the Park Commission By-Laws was tabled. Tom M. stated that the existing By-Laws were adequate for our purposes at this time. Any issues regarding By-Laws changes would be dealt with in the future as the need arises. The Park Fund balance sheet showed assets of $78,907.41. This fund, which is collected by the Town as impact fees, is specifically reserved for parks and other uses detailed in the Wisconsin Statute 66.0617. The Commission would like additional financial information. It was suggested that we ask Jean Anderson to one of our future meetings to provide more details on equipment purchases, lawn mowing and other expenses and to understand how these things are funded. Fred L., Town Board member, pointed out that there would be a budget meeting in June of this year. The Park Commission must let the board know of its budgetary needs by this time. Town staff personnel will be asked to attend Park Commission meetings only if there are specific agenda items pertaining to their job duties, but not require them to attend every meeting. Tom M. reported that he, Vern W. and Bill Morris had a meeting on February 15, 2008 to discuss the development of the Gitzlaff Park. Extensive cleanup work will be needed on the property. Sue. B. reported that she’d recently attended a lecture on land restoration presented by Chris Kaplan of Tallgrass Restoration, LLC. This agency has done some park restoration for the Township of Linn, WI. and would be willing to give a power point presentation to our Commission covering such topics as ecological assessment, erosion and water issues and other options for the Gitzlaff property. It was agreed by all to invite Chris K. to our next meeting for a short presentation. The date of the next meeting was set for March 17, 2008 at 6:30 PM. Vern W. suggested that we contact Helen to ensure that the third Monday of each month is reserved for Park Commission meetings on the calendar. Tom M. said he’d do this. Tom M. is preparing an article about our new Park Commission for the upcoming Town Newsletter. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM. Minutes submitted by Sue Borger, Secretary