Marquette County parks committee approves Bird City resolution, hears updates on playground and dam work

Chairman Ken Borzick presided over the Parks and Rural Planning Committee meeting Oct. 9 at the Services Center–Demo Room in Montello and online. The committee approved the meeting agenda and the August 2023 minutes before hearing staff updates.

Patrick Kilbey, a staff member, delivered the monthly report. He said he participated in sheriff training concerning county parks and related ordinances, and noted an upcoming John Muir Invasives Day open to the public for training on invasive species identification and removal. Kilbey reported that final touchups and signage work are wrapping up at Marquette Park on the Mont’leau River and that he has started the grant reimbursement process but is waiting on final numbers before submitting paperwork. He also said he will attend a meeting about reconstruction of the Buffalo Lake Dam lock to discuss needed repairs.

Kilbey told the committee that construction of a natural playground began earlier the same day; members asked about likely hours of operation and future uses but did not issue a formal directive. He said he will secure a COA van for a planned parks tour on Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. focusing on Muir Park, the Lower Locks and City Park; the tour will replace a formal meeting that day.

Committee member Kathleen McGwin moved, and Karen Wampler seconded, to approve the Bird City resolution for 2023–24 and forward it to the County Board for approval; the motion carried. McGwin also reported that the John Muir History Route app has recorded 336 visits and 169 users; the committee discussed associated QR-code activity.

The committee reviewed August and September expenses (specific line items were not recorded in the transcript). Chairman Borzick adjourned the meeting. No formal votes on ordinances or budget items were recorded in the minutes provided.