HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08/20/2018 - Parks and Recreation CommitteePark & Recreation
Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2018
Page 1
Park and Recreation Committee
Special Meeting Report
Monday, August 20, 2018
Municipal Center
City Hall Classroom
333 S. Green Street
McHenry, IL 60050
Call to Order: Chairperson Schaefer called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. in the Municipal
Center Training Classroom.
Roll Call: Deputy Clerk Meadows called the roll: Members present: Chairman Schaefer, Alderman
Devine and Alderwoman Condon. Others in attendance: Director of Parks & Recreation Hobson
and Nicole Thompson, Athletic & Aquatic Supervisor.
Public Comment: None
Approval of past Park and Recreation Committee Minutes
A. August 21, 2017
B. October 26, 2017
C. November 16, 2017
D. April 26, 2018
E. July 30, 2018
Chairman Schaefer asked if any of the Committee Members had any comments on any of the
past Park and Recreation Committee minutes. The Committee Members offered no comments.
A Motion was made by Alderwoman Condon and seconded by Alderman Devine to approve
the minutes A-E as presented. Roll call: Vote: 3 ayes by unanimous voice vote. 0-nays, 0-
abstained. Motion carried.
Walsh Park Donation Update
Director Hobson provided the Committee Members with an update on the redesign of Walsh
Park. He reported that he had meet with the donor and discussed the possibility of entering into
a license agreement or having the City donate the land to him then he would be the responsible
party to completed and pay for all the improvements associated with the redesign of Walsh Park.
However, the donor declined the offer.
Director
Hobson then discussed
the new proposal for the
reconstruction of the
seawall which
includes
prevailing wage. The new proposal increased by
$20,OOObut the other
improvement
Park & Recreation
Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2018
Page 2
costs remained consistent with the original proposal bringing the total cost of the project to
$139,890,
The
new proposal contains two contingencies one
for the seawall itself in the
amount of $3,700
and
the second for the plantings and brick pavers in
the amount of $5,412,
Director Hobson reported that he had informed the donor that since the project cost had
increased he still thought it was only fair that the City's exposure cost matches the donor's
exposure cost.
Alderman Schaefer asked if Director Hobson could clarify the differences related to Phase I and
Phase II improvements. Director Hobson reported that the Phase I improvements are located on
City owned property and the Phase II is located on privately owned property (other than a small
section) and will be paid for solely by the donor.
Alderman Schaefer commented on the fact that there is only one quote for the project. Director
Hobson noted that due to the fact that this project is a design/build, the donor more than likely
has a relationship with the chosen contractor. Alderman Schaefer thought that it might be
problematic to present the proposal to the City Council with only one quote. The Committee
discussed the need to obtain other quotes prior to presenting this matter to the full City Council.
A Motion was made by Alderman Devine and seconded by Alderwoman Codon to amend their
original motion dated lulu 30th to reflect the following language as recorded in the set forth
minutes. A Motion to present to the full City Council a proposal for the Walsh Park redesign
including the City's portion of the prevailing wage cost and the reconstruction of the seawall
not to exceed $70,000 along with acceptance of a donor's matching contribution contingent
upon obtaining additional quotes. Roll call: Vote: 3-ayes by unanimous voice vote. 0-nays, 0-
abstained. Motion carried.
Petersen Farm Draft Market Study Presentation
Ms. Diane Williams provided the Committee with a presentation on the Petersen Farm Market
Study. She discussed the current demographics of the City of McHenry and the demographics of
the surrounding communities within a 10-minute and 20-minute drive times.
Ms. Williams discussed the "A Day at Petersen Farm" event. She noted that the visitors
interviewed learned about the event with traditional media campaigns such as flyers, word of
mouth and newspapers. Ms. Williams recommended in the future increasing the use of
technology, particularly mobile phones used to identify entertainment options.
Park & Recreation
Meeting Minutes
August 20, 2018
Page 3
Ms. Williams commented on typical farm programming activities which consist of historical
demonstrations, receptions and reunions, gardening classes, a music festival, and community
garden plots.
as Williams reported on common interview themes. She stated that the "A Day at Petersen
Farm" is regarded by all stakeholders as a great event, well organized and well attended.
Ms. Williams
commented on the maintenance of
the grounds particularly the
barn
and other
outbuildings.
In her opinion there needs to be a more pro -active approach.
She
suggested
developing a
capital plan or mid -tern strategy plan
to stabilize and preserve the
farm
buildings.
Ms. Williams discussed the peer site assessments. She reported that that there were four similar
sites that were identified as peers for Petersen Farm. All four sites are dealing with limited funds
and staff resources.
Ms.
Williams explored
the expansion
of partnership options. She recommended partnering with
the
McHenry's school
district and 4H
clubs.
A lengthy discussion ensued that explored ways to improve the farm grounds, expand
programming activities, and generate revenue streams.
The Committee Members along with Staff thanked Ms. Williams for her hard work and her time.
Department Updates
Director Hobson reported on the Rotary Club's Blues, Brews and BBQ event. He noted that the
event was well received and well attended.
Athletic &Aquatic Supervisor Thompson provided the Committee Members with updates on the
season's aquatic programs and the beach and pool attendance numbers which had increased
from last year.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Meadows
Reviewed and/approvedpthis � day of ;i t�2018.
Alderman Jeffery A. Schaefer, Chairperson