Parks and Lands Meeting Minutes 3-1-2024

Friday, March 1, 2024 – 9:30 am @ Cornucopia Community Center

Town of Bell Parks and Lands Meeting Minutes

Committee members present: Doug Becker, Gordon Anderson, Gina Emily, Richard Dunn

Absent: Greg Weiss

Others present: Judy Kerr, Judy Becker, Steve Rudd, Paul Ehlers, Yvette Fleming

Chair Doug Becker called the meeting to order at 9:31 am.

Old Business:

  1. Previous minutes: motion was made by G. Anderson, seconded by R. Dunn, to approve the November, 2023 minutes. Passed.
  2. Budget review: (see item 8)
  3. Maintenance Update:
    1. Beach Bathroom Maintenance:
      1. Floor painting will be scheduled in late April; paint has been purchased.
      2. D. Becker will continue to seek a contractor to replace the steel doors; requested recommendations.
    2. Playground Equipment:
      1. G. Anderson will inspect.
      2. Pressure treated lumber will be replaced around equipment as needed.
  • R. Dunn will replace basketball netting this spring.
  1. Community Center Lighting: G. Anderson spoke with Jesse Kaseno to install lighting improvements behind the Community Center.
  2. Swenson Pavilion Picnic Tables: 2 new tables were delivered and set up will be in April; 2 wooden tables will be moved to campground.
  1. Campground Maintenance:
    1. Becker will order 2 rental PortaPotties from # 2 Pumping service in Ashland for campground and 1 for the Superior Avenue beach area. $100/month/unit includes 1 cleanout/month plus maintenance and supplies. $50 for additional cleanouts as needed. May through October. R. Dunn will investigate removal of 3 existing, Town-owned units to Recycling Center/ Airport.
    2. Clean up day will be scheduled for April.
  2. Siskiwit Lake Boat Launch – donation box and flags will be installed before the May fishing opener date.
  3. Boats Don’t Float Preservation Zoning:
    1. Ehlers reported that Bayfield County Zoning variance application to cover the “Liberty” was filed; approved by the Board and fee taken from the Boats Don’t Float budget. If denied, Town will consider “abandoning” a small section of Siskiwit Bay Parkway. Older boats could receive a rubber protective roof covering; “Liberty” would need a hard cover.
  4. Outdoor Exercise County Grant:
    1. Emily, Steve Rudd, Yvette Fleming met. 2024 filing date was moved up to April. Committee will submit a proposal and ideas to the Town Board for consideration of the 50/50 grant. $5000 amount was suggested for: outdoor exercise equipment along trails and solar powered bench charging stations. Xcel Energy may donate benches but not the chargers.
  5. 2024 Town Budget Approved Committee Projects:
    1. 2 additional picnic tables
    2. Swenson Pavilion: new roof, raised platform, gravel apron, decking. D. Becker will contact Matt Lazorik about projects.
    3. Siskiwit Bay Parkway Wellhouse: new roof. Matt Lazorik will be contacted.
    4. PortaPotty at Superior Avenue Beach (see 4a).
    5. Becker will request a budget line item addition to monitor the beach bathroom maintenance costs.
  6. Leopold Benches:
    1. Becker will contact the South Shore School about building 3-5 benches for placement at Cemetery, Community Center and Green Shed areas. Y. Fleming suggested that they be anchored down.

New Business:

  1. Term Limits: none will expire this year. 2 will be up for review in 2025: G. Emily and G. Weiss.
  2. Dying Pine Tree at Community Center: R. Dunn will investigate as it seems to be on the road right-of-way.
  3. Kayak Symposium: G. Weiss received approval from the Town to camp at the airport.
  4. Other:
    1. Bike Repair Stations: P. Ehlers will request the North Coast Cycling club to donate.
  5. Next meeting: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 9:30 am at the Community Center.

Motion was made to adjourn by R. Dunn, seconded by G. Emily; passed at 10:22 am.

Submitted by Secretary Judy Becker      March 2, 2024

Posted in Parks Minutes 2024