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Parks division seeks easement for fiber, reviews shoreline repair options and public-private partnerships
Summary
County parks staff requested committee approval of a telecommunications easement to run county fiber through DNR parcels to Silver Lake Park, reviewed shoreline-repair planning with a placeholder construction year of 2027 and discussed a summary of public-private partnerships the division uses.
County parks staff told the Public Works & Facilities Committee they are seeking approval of an underground telecommunications easement across Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources parcels to allow county fiber to be installed and feed park facilities, including the fee booth at Silver Lake Park. Staff said DNR approval took time on the DNR side and the county is seeking to finalize its part of the easement so the fiber can be installed.
Director Billingsley and parks staff also presented an overview of existing public-private partnerships used by the parks division for shared-revenue arrangements. Billingsley told the committee he requested the report so committee members and the full county board can review how these partnerships are constructed and what revenue-sharing arrangements exist. “There are certain things private industry can do more effectively…so if we can keep this type of thing going, I think it's beneficial,” Billingsley said.
On shoreline repair, staff described multiple study phases and preliminary cost estimates. Early estimates included design funds in the next budget and a placeholder construction allocation in 2027. Staff said preliminary findings indicate potential foundry sand in parts of the shoreline, which could increase cost if excavation is required; in places the city used a cross-section that allowed leaving material in place and building on existing foundation. Staff summarized that an initial estimate for full reconstruction had been far above county expectations (cited figure in transcript about $34 million) and that the division is exploring more cost-effective designs and contractors that had worked on similar city projects.
Committee members asked about project timelines; staff said two studies are expected by September (staff will confirm early/late timing) and that design funds and a $15 million placeholder for construction in 2027 were included in planning materials but remain subject to change.
Separately, staff reported ongoing repairs at the Temper Center chapel and an upcoming facility condition assessment. Pike River Phase 3 was said to be in final stages with bridge and trail work to follow.
