Dane County

Minutes - Final Unless Amended by

Committee

Park Commission

Consider:

Who benefits? Who is burdened?

Who does not have a voice at the table?

How can policymakers mitigate unintended consequences?

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

5:30 PM

Stewart Lake County Park Shelter

3101 County Highway JG

Mt. Horeb, WI 53572

A. Call To Order

Chair Ripp called the Park Commission meeting to order at 5:30 PM.

Staff Present: Joleen Stinson, Sharene Smith, Chris James.

Others Present: Greg Brecka, Wisconsin DOT. Friends of Stewart Park: Mary

McDonough Sutter, Jack Saltes, Mike Hasburgh.

5 -

Present:

ANALIESE EICHER, DAVE RIPP, TOM THORESEN, GRACE MORAN and

STEFANIE BROUWER

2 - KRISTIE GOFORTH and NANCY BOGUE

Excused:

B. Consideration of Minutes

Minutes of the June 8, 2022 Park Commission

2022

MIN-113

Attachments: 2022_MIN-113_PC_Minutes_06-08-2022

A motion was made by EICHER, seconded by THORESEN, that the Minutes be

approved. The motion carried by a voice vote 5-0.

C. Fund Transfers - None

D. Referrals (Resolutions & Ordinance Amendments)

AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FOR GOODLAND TENNIS COURT

2022

RESTORATION

RES-075

CHAWLA, RIPP, ENGELBERGER and HATCHER

Sponsors:

Attachments: 2022 RES-075

2022 RES-075 Fiscal Note

A motion was made by BROUWER, seconded by MORAN, that the Resolution

Requiring 2/3rds Vote be recommended for approval. The motion carried by a

voice vote 5-0.

AUTHORIZING SALE OF LANDS ALONG STATE HIGHWAY 19 TO

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

2022

RES-080

CHAWLA, RIPP and ENGELBERGER

Sponsors:

Attachments: 2022 RES-080

2022 RES-080 Fiscal Note

2022 RES-080_MAP_Berry

2022 RES-080_MAP_Mazomanie

A motion was made by BROUWER, seconded by EICHER, that the Resolution

Requiring 2/3rds Vote be recommended for approval. The motion carried by a

voice vote 5-0.

E. Items Requiring Committee Action

1. WIS-19 Proposed Indian Lake County Park Pedestrian Underpass

Greg Brecka from the DOT gave an overview of the WIS-19 underpass planning to date.

In the last month, the DOT structural engineers changed the shape of the underpass and

determined that concrete collar treatment would be the best option. Because the DOT

made this change, they will cover the costs for the concrete collars in addition to the

underpass. Any aesthetic treatments would still be Dane County Park's cost. This

treatment will fit into the landscape more appropriately.

A motion was made by THORESEN, seconded by MORAN, that the DOT

continue with the pedestrian underpass design with concrete collars. Further

direction included staining a sandstone color and adding a block look as long

as aesthetic treatment cost estimates come within the $20,000 budget per the

1/5/2021 State/Municipal Financial Agreement. The motion carried by a voice

vote 5-0.

DOT Hwy 19 Underpass Draft Plans

2022

RPT-156

Attachments: DOT Hwy 19 Underpass Draft Plans

F. Presentations

1. Friends of Stewart Lake County Park

Mary McDonough Sutter provided an overview of all the volunteer land restoration work

going on throughout the park, which is guided by the Dane County Park's restoration

plan. Volunteers work diligently to remove invasive species from underneath the canopy

of oaks in the oak woodlands and savannah and have started reestablishing native

grasses, flowers, and shrubs. Volunteers are clearing and expanding a steep remnant

prairie overlooking Stewart Lake. The remnant is referred to as the "goat prairie" and

volunteers are the "goat squad." The hilltop prairie was established on dredge spoils

pumped up from the lake. The rich soil offers fertile ground for weeds and a challenging

environment for prairie plants, but mowing, weeding, and prescribed fire continue to push

this prairie in a positive direction. A raingarden was installed near the lake and beach

under the direction of Dane County LWRD's Stormwater Engineer. Mary describes the

raingarden as her "pride and joy" and the stormwater (and therefore lake water quality)

benefits are visible. Jack Saltes started the bluebird trail in the early 2000's and ~800

baby bluebirds have been fledged since then.

2. Stewart Lake County Park history

Stewart Lake was a popular recreation destination well before it became a County Park.

In 1912, Mount Horeb residents formed the Lake Park Association.The association

raised money to purchase the land, build an access road and construct the dam. In

1913, a ski jump was built, which held competitions for several years.The original dam

washed away in 1915 and there was not much public use for several years after that.

Dane County Park acquired the parkland in 1935, making this the first Dane County

Park. The CCC constructed early park amenities. Photos from the Mount Horeb Area

Historical Society were passed around. Current recreational facilities include a picnic

shelter built from timber harvested from parkland, play equipment, hiking trails, an

accessible fishing pier and a beach.

3. Free Kids Fishing Event at Stewart Lake on July 23, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Dane County staff will assist young anglers as they are encouraged to try their luck in

Stewart Lake. Youth Fishing Day is designed for kids in K-8th grade. Program

participants will hear about safety and fishery management from a DNR Conservation

Warden. They will also rotate to specific learning stations where they will learn about fish

identification, anatomy, casting and knot tying. The first 150 participants will get their

very own fishing rod free along with a small selection of tackle. However, there is a

catch, they must first have passed through the various stations and present their

stamped card. Pre-registration is required.

https://www.danecountyparks.com/Event/Detail/1308

G. Reports to Committee - None

H. Future Meeting Items and Dates

July 13 - Heritage Center lower level hybrid

July 27 - WG Lunney Lake Farm County Park

I. Public Comment on Items not on the Agenda - None

J. Such Other Business as Allowed by Law - None