HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05/13/2013 - Committee of the WholeCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING
May 13, 2013
Mayor Low called the Committee of the Whole meeting of May 13, 2013 to order at 7:30 p.m.
In attendance were the following Aldermen: Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson and
Condon. Absent: Santi. Also in attendance were City Administrator Morefield, Deputy City
Administrator Martin, Deputy City Administrator Hobson, City Engineer Pieper, Superintendent
of Recreation Witt, Athletic Program Coordinator Lunkenheimer and City Clerk Jones.
DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION OF A RECREATION/AQUATIC CENTER
AND DIRECTION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED AT A FUTURE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Deputy City Administrator Hobson informed Council that discussion tonight concerns
the potential construction of an aquatic/recreation center for the City. He stated that in 1999 a
portion of Developer Donations Fund money was designated to a Recreation Center Fund for
the construction of a recreation center. The Fund currently has a balance of approximately $4.1
million.
In 2012 and early 2013, with the understanding that the scope of constructing the
initially proposed $16 million recreation center, as outlined in a 1999 report, is likely not
feasible, the Parks and Recreation Committee revived the discussion regarding a recreation
center in an effort to determine how best to utilize the Recreation Center Fund.
Multiple factors that have impeded development include:
A drastic decline in development, resulting in little or no additional developer donations;
A significant growth and/or expansion of private, low cost, health facilities;
The success of the City’s recreational facilities, which has resulted in the need to utilize
numerous non-City facilities to meet space needs; and
The former Knox Park Pool, recently renamed Merkel Aquatic Center, is more than 30
years old and nearing the end of its useful lifespan as a facility that can support the
recreational and competitive aquatic needs of a community the size of McHenry.
Staff simultaneously brought forth the concept of developing a consolidated recreation
facility and a family-based aquatic center as a single use with the potential of development on
the City owned property just west of the Municipal Center. As envisioned, the combined facility
would incorporate a state-of-the-art recreational aquatic center with recreation programming
space that is proposed for phased development to meet potential future needs. The City’s
engineering firm, HR Green, Inc. offered their services pro bono to conduct a site analysis,
development of a conceptual site plan to include a recreational aquatic center with a phased
recreation facility, and preliminary cost estimates for site work and construction. Once
developed the concept was introduced to the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
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May 13, 2013
Deputy City Administrator Hobson noted that the City already owns the strategically
placed land to the west of the Municipal Center. Developing the aquatic/recreation facility on
this site allows for shared parking options and easy access to patrons from all directions.
Staff is seeking direction from Council regarding how to proceed. City Administrator
Morefield reiterated that no decision is being made tonight regarding the entire projec t only
the financial aspect of a portion of the project is being considered. He emphasized that the
project is in the preliminary phase.
Alderman Glab opined that phasing seems to be the most logical process, beginning
with Phases A and B, which would provide the City the best value for the available funds.
Responding to an inquiry from Council, Deputy City Administrator Hobson indicated the
City would still have to rent gym space. Athletic Program Coordinator Lunkenheimer stated
that the possibility exists that a multi-purpose room could be used in place of gym space that is
currently utilized.
Alderman Blake stated he definitely supports the project.
Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Condon regarding the former Knox Park Pool,
now known as the Merkel Aquatic Center, Deputy City Administrator Hobson indicated that
pool would still be utilized; however, the new aquatic center would take substantial stress away
from the older pool and assist in the longevity and functionality of the older pool.
Alderman Condon concurred that it makes good sense to retain the expertise of HR
Green, as they are already familiar with the project and have expressed great interest in the
community. She opined she cannot see any reason not to move forward.
Alderman Peterson inquired whether the new facility would house the entire staff of the
Parks and Recreation Department and if so, who would inhabit the vacant space. Deputy City
Administrator Hobson stated most likely the Police Department would be taking over the
vacant space, as they are currently at capacity. He informed Council that a feasibility study and
a space analysis are to be conducted this year.
Following a brief discussion it is the consensus of the Committee of the Whole for the
development of Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) and Request for Proposals (“RFP”)
documents that can be released seeking a qualified firm to design and prepare construction
documents for a combined aquatic/recreation facility based on the scope of the conceptual
designs, retaining HR Green, Inc. to serve as the project manager for the project, and request a
proposal for these services from HR Green, Inc.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
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May 13, 2013
Mayor Low thanked Staff for a great presentation. She stated the presentation was
easy to understand.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Condon, seconded by Blake, to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 pm.
Voting Aye: Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 pm.
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Mayor City Clerk