Introduction of High School Students to serve on Park Board:
Mayor Bob Miller introduced Paul Dixon, a Burlington High School student who will be serving on the Park Board Committee, under a new one year program set up to introduce students to City Government. Will Paulus of Catholic Central High School will also serve, as the second student on the Park Board Committee, but was not present.

Roll Call: Present: Commissioners Clay Brandt, Heather Kane-Terhorst, Todd Schalinske, Alderman Bob Prailes, DPW Supervisor Larry Gobel and Chairman Darrell Eisenhardt. Excused: Tom Follis. Commissioners Kelly Kamlager arrived at 6:37 P.M.

Approval of September 18, 2008 Minutes: Chairman Eisenhardt entertained a motion for approval of the September 18, 2008 Minutes. Motion to approve made by Alderman Prailes. Seconded by Commissioner Schalinske. All voted aye, motion carried.

Citizens Comments: Todd Coello of 33300 S Honey Lake Road, Burlington, WI came before the Park Board to discuss the Skate Board Park and possible new locations and solutions for past problems. Also present to speak was Matt Locour of 30133 Lake Hills Drive, Burlington, WI.

Mr. Coello stated he realized there has been past problems with the Skate Park, but would like to work towards a solution by possibly forming a committee and having fund raisers in the near future. Mr. Coello also felt a better location for the park would be beneficial.

Matt Locour pointed out three surrounding communities have skate board parks that are successful: East Troy, Lake Geneva and Delavan, all of which seem to work without the problems that have faced Burlington in the past.

There was also discussion regarding location of a Skate Board Park and the need to have it in a different location, one with high traffic. Suggestions were someplace on school district property or Bushnell Park. Larry Gobel stated that both would need approval from the School District and Racine County, but he would be willing to check the feasibility of using either places.

All Commissioners were in agreement that some group, or someone needs to come forward with a plan for making a skate board park a place where it can be kept together by people willing to keep it clean and respected.

Larry Gobel, DPW Supervisor pointed out past history of the Skate Board Park has been there has not been a constant of interest by parents to remain involved, such as there is with baseball, soccer, and other sporting groups. Without adult supervision, it opens the park for the same problems that have been in the past.

Alderman Bob Prailes suggested perhaps the group present could seek out what other communities are doing for involvement such as contests, or lessons, which typically then involve parents.

Chairman Eisenhardt asked Mr. Coello to come back to the Park Board with a defined plan, in addition to perhaps suggestions for locations, and thanked them for attending the meeting.

Aldermanic Report : Alderman Bob Prailes reported that the pavilion had been completed. He indicated he would like to finish the inside roof of the pavilion if the $5000.00 had been donated from the Veteran's fund as previously indicated by Mayor Bob Miller. Alderman Prailes will verify with the Mayor if these funds are still available. The material cost for the finished ceiling would be approximately $5000.00, and Alderman Prailes was certain he could get volunteers for installation.

DPW Supervisor Report: DPW Supervisor Larry Gobel reported there has been much vandalism in the parks. The majority of picnic tables have been affected, in addition to bathrooms, plaques stolen, and the bubbler at Echo broken. Mr. Gobel stated that the Riverfront bathroom, which has remained open in past years, is now closed due to severe vandalism done to the inside of the structure.

Strategic Planning: Chairman Eisenhardt asked Deb Rintamaki to compile a report outlining the results from the Strategic Planning Session held in September. Larry Gobel, DPW Supervisor thought the requests from the Skate Park people, present at this evenings meeting, should also be included.

Capital Projects Update: Mr. Gobel, DPW Supervisor stated the pumps at Congress will be replaced within the next few days.

Mr. Gobel inquired if the Park Board wished to carry over into 2009 any 2008 projects put on hold due to the temporary shortfall of funds for the Echo Park pavilion. All were in agreement that the items should be done in 2009.

Other Items: Nancy Simonson representing the Dog Park was present. Ms. Simonson stated her concerns regarding mowing and the installation of asphalt milling at the south end of the parking lot. Larry Gobel, DPW Supervisor stated he would have the millings in place prior to the snow season.

Ms. Simonson also indicated there was approximately $7400.00 in the Dog Park Funds. The Dog Park Committee had not yet made a decision regarding paying for the fence sooner than the agreed upon time. At their last meeting new officers were elected and four sub-committees were formed. She stated they were also looking into lighting from WE Energies for the park in addition to solar lighting. They also were working on future fundraisers.

Mr. Gobel inquired about the memorandum of understanding sent to Holly Prailes Humphrey from Kevin Lahner, City Administrator. Ms. Simonson would check with Holly, as she did not know status of letter.

Mr. Gobel will also check with the City Attorney regarding children being in park unattended, and if circuits currently at the park could handle additional lighting added on.