JOINT MEETING
PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE and
AGING & LONG TERM CARE COMMITTEE
Monday, September 8, 2008
Administrative Center – Room 3220
5:00 p.m.
PUBLIC WORKS & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Spiker, Jim Berns, Arlene Benrud, Ralph Geary, Leon Pfaff, Jeff Schroeder, Jai Johnson
MEMBERS EXCUSED: None
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
AGING & LONG TERM CARE COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Roger Plesha, Ann Fisher, John Medinger, Brad Pfaff, Andrea Richmond, Jerry Sebranek, Margaret Wood, Audrey Kader (arr @5:10)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Jerry Sebranek
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF AND GUESTS PRESENT: Jim Speropulos, Pete Eide, Mary Kaufmann, Steve O’Malley, Steve Doyle, Ray Ebert, Tara Johnson, Jeff Brudos, Doug Ramsey, Tim Seubert, Brent Dwyer, Jeff Moorhouse, Tom Poellinger, Lynnetta Kopp, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Committee Chair Charles Spiker, of the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee, called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
REQUEST BY SHELBY YOUTH BASEBALL TO EXPAND THE FENCE AT THE NORTH FIELD OUTFIELD LOCATED ON COUNTY-OWNED LAND (HILLVIEW HEALTH CARE COMPLEX)
Included with the meeting agenda was a copy of letter from Shelby Youth Baseball (a volunteer organization) that is requesting an expansion to the Hillview Ball Complex, that being expansion of the north field by extending the outfield fence from 35-55 feet in different areas of the outfield, including dirt removal and placement, and additional lawn maintenance (11 items as detailed in the letter) - all at the expense of Shelby Youth Baseball.
Chairman Spiker noted past meeting minutes of the Aging & Long Term Care Committee:
12/10/07 – request presented to the committee; general agreement by committee members to hold over until the January 2008 committee meeting.
1/7/08 – request presented again. Motion carried unanimously to refer the matter to the April meeting where the committee could meet at Hillview to view the area in question.
5/5/08 – motion to approve, followed by unanimous motion to table.
At this time, Chairman Spiker allowed staff to speak as well as answer Supervisors’ questions. Pete Eide noted Hillview staff does not oppose the request; there is the need for a new entrance road and if enough land to accommodate that; need to keep top of hill flat - safety concern for traffic and residents; if assisted living was added to the Hillview complex, it would be located adjacent to Carroll Heights to the east. Jim Speropulos showed the area in question using an Aerial map; he also reiterated the need to keep the top of the hill flat; if approved, need to express the fact that the County can take it back – fundamentally can be done – politically may be hard to do.
Committee Chair Plesha, of the Aging & Long Term Care Committee, noted his concerns. Would be nice
to use the private drive of Trane Company but that is not an option at this time, and if a separate entrance is put in to the south, this may be confusing as there will be two roads next to each other; currently, Trane Company allows one-way buses and fire protection to use their road.
Jeff Moorhouse of Paragon Associates reviewed the request in detail using the Ariel map. Noted the entire ball field complex is maintained by the Shelby Youth Baseball. Jeff Brudos noted the original $1.00/year lease with the County started in 1986. Jim Speropulos noted the lease was extended in 2002 for an additional ten years (2012). Tom Poellinger also noted that Shelby Youth Baseball would like to bring 14 year olds & older back to the Shelby ball complex; currently they are using high school ball fields as these fields have longer distance outfields – so more difficult to hit home runs; the Shelby ball complex is meant for youth of all ages; many come in from outlying areas as well as out-of-county. Discussion on Town of Shelby’s other ball fields; these are not big enough for the 14 year old age group. Supervisor Geary noted that he remembers the original lease being temporary and that the Town of Shelby was to look for another larger area; also noted possible need for this area for assisted living or for other Hillview needs. Eide noted any expansion or assisted living needs should be located right next to Carroll Heights or Hillview based on efficiencies. Jeff Brudos noted Shelby has always looked for land in close proximity to where the children are located; did expand at Pammel Creek Park. Supervisor Tara Johnson said this is win-win for all; Shelby Youth Baseball is investing the money into the improvements; no cost/no risk to the County; there is clear understanding that it’s a temporary situation. Supervisor Medinger said the Hillview site is best for kids that need to ride their bikes to and from; other locations further out in the community are unsafe for bicycling. Supervisor Plesha said he is not against the youth baseball program; his only concern is the need for land for the anticipated roadway; if approved, need a written option that the County can take back, if needed.
PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time, Committee Chair Spiker asked for public comment. None requested.
Steve O’Malley read the section in the lease pertaining to “improvements”: “The Facilities Committee and Board of Trustees may approve construction plans for such improvements if the proposed construction improves the use of the Hillview Ball Field and does not detract from the Hillview Health Care Center campus area.” He noted an amendment to the lease is not required and that these two committees have the authority to act on this request. Chairman Doyle offered the language for the following motion.
MOTION by Kader/J. Johnson to approve the requested improvement as requested by Shelby Youth Baseball with the understanding that the property can revert back to the County at any time and at no expense to the County. More discussion. Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek excused. General agreement that a letter be drafted by Corporation Counsel.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by L. Pfaff/Johnson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Sebranek excused. The meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder