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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/14/2009 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING � Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:30 p.m. In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Peterson, Alderman Santi, and Alderman Schaefer. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Assistant City Administrator Hobson, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt, Superintendent of Recreation Witt and City Clerk Jones. Public in attendance: Mr. Curt Pepe, 304 DePaul Court, McHenry IL 60050. Chairman Alderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Public Inuut Mr. Curt I'epe addressed the Committee. He requested information regarding how best to work with the Parks and Recreation Committee and Staff in connection with improvements to the nature trail in Cold Springs Park. Assistant City Administrator Hobson suggested that the topic be addressed on the agenda of a future Parks and Recreation Committee meeting. He advised Mr. Pepe to contact Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel to obtain assistance putting together a proposal for submission �" to the Committee. Discussion Re�arding 2010 Picnic/Facilities Rental Fee Schedule Superintendent of Recreation Witt informed the Committee that pursuant to the Revenue Policy and Fee Structure for the Parks and Recreation Department, adopted by the Council on February 9, 2009, an annual review should be conducted. Superintendent Witt stated that she assembled some statistical sheets providing the Committee with pertinent information regarding a proposed 2010 Fee Schedule. The proposed changes include: • Knox Park Pool—an approximate 5% increase in pool pass fees; • Knox Park Pool—a$5.00 increase for pool parties; • Petersen Park Beach—a $1.00 increase in boat rental hourly rates; • Shelter Rentals — an approximate 4% increase on resident, non-resident and company rental fees. Superintendent Witt noted that the proposed fees are in accordance with the Revenue Policy. The increases at Knox Park Pool are made in an attempt to cover all direct costs for the facility within a two year period. The proposed increases for boat and picnic rentals are for the privilege of exclusive use. � Parks and E�ecreation Committee Meeting October 1�4, 2009 Page 2 �' Superintendent Witt announced that Staff is recommending all other fees remain as they are in 2009. Those fees include the following • Knox Park Pool—daily admission; • Petersen Park Beach— daily admission; • McHenry Zone Skate&Bike Park—no fee for daily admission; • Special Event Rentals; • Field Rentals. A brief discussion ensued regarding Staff's proposals, use of the baseball field and the success of adding an additional day for pool parties at Knox Park Pool. Each topic presented was summarized by Superintendent Witt and the merits of each proposal discussed. Responding to an inquiry from the Committee, Assistant City Administrator Hobson responded that if concession revenues are included, pool costs are covered. He noted with the proposed rate increase Knox Park Pool would be in good shape. Assistant C'ity Administrator Hobson informed the Committee that the City has received $6,000, which represents the first payment from the McHenry Baseball Association Boys' League. He noted that $6,000 will be received annually over a 5-year period. Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee that Athletic Program Coordinator Lunkenheimer has received requests from girls' traveling leagues for a home `— field. Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Schaefer regarding the hourly cost to run the lights on the baseball fields, Assistant City Administrator Hobson advised he would look into the matter. Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Schaefer regarding information as to what event fees are traditionally waived, Superintendent Witt assured the Committee the information would be compiled and provided. Following a brief discussion it was detertnined the shelter rental fees should be increased by 4%. Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to adopt the proposed changes for 2010 as suggested by Staffwith the following change: • Knox Park Pool—a 5%increase in pool pass fees • Knox Park Pool—a$5.00 increase for pool parties • Petersen Park Beach—a $1.00 increase in boat rental hourly rates • Shelter Rentals — a 4% increase on resident, non-resident and company rental fees. • All other fees will remain the same. Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer. Nay: None. `" Absent: None. Pazks and Kecreation Committee Meeting October 14, 2009 Page 3 `-' Motion carried. Discussion Regarding Petersen Farm Wetland Restoration/ Cellular Tour Prouosal Director Merkel reiterated to the Committee that the City has been working with CorLands for several years on the Petersen Farm Wetland Restoration project. The project is funded by a $50,000 contribution from McHenry Savings Bank for wetland mitigation obligations on their bank development at Route 31. He informed the Committee that work has been completed on the 14-acre wetland restoration area northwest of the barn and oak savanna. The drainage tile has been disabled. A ground water monitoring well has been installed, invasive plant species have been chemically treated and a controlled burn was conducted. Seeding with native plants is recommended for spring 2010. Director Merkel noted that one of the goals of the restoration management plan is to develop some type of interpretive program for the historic site. The typical site development plan would be for trails or site overlook with accompanying interpretive signage. He stated that this would be limited to the wetland restoration area. CorLands has suggested a type of self-guided interpretive tour that would eliminate the need for development and maintenance costs for trails and permanent signage. Interpretation of the site could be done by using cell phone technology. Self-guided tours could be taken by area residents using their cell phones (i.e., calling the local number, choosing from a menu of � items about the wetland restoration and Petersen Farm). Director Merkel noted the tour could also include additional historical nanative about the Petersen home, barn, silos, archeological significance and the oak savannah. He noted this type of technology is being used for self-guided tours in museums, historical sites and other entertainment venues. Director Merkel informed the Committee that the initial set-up of the cellular tour system proposed would be funded with a combination of remaining wetland mitigation funds (CorLands) and a grant from McHenry Community Foundation. The annual service agreement would cost the City approximately $1,500 per year in the second year and each subsequent year. Staff is seeking the Committee's comments regarding interest in moving forward with this type of self-guided tour system at Petersen Farm. Assistant City Administrator Hobson opined that the yearly recurring cost of $1,500 is premature, as the house, barn, etc., are not in any condition to conduct tours at this time. Responding to an inquiry from the Committee, Director Merkel stated that some printed materials would need to be provided together with the OnCell tour. Following a brief discussion it was the consensus of the Committee that the concept is good, but the timing is not right to institute the proposal. � Staff Renorts to Committee Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting October 14, 2009 Page 4 �-' A. Petersen Park Waterfront/McHenry Chamber Electrical Upgrades Director Merkel informed the Committee regarding the condition of the electrical system at the Petersen Park Waterfront. He stressed that the electrical system is in need or repair and upgrade. Director Merkel stated that the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce has expressed an interest in obtaining quotes and sharing costs for the repairs and upgrade with the City. Assistant City Administrator Hobson informed the Committee that the electrical system as it currently stands is antiquated and failing. It is used primarily during the Fiesta Days celebrations. Assistant City Administrator Hobson noted that the Chamber intends to explore plans and pricing for the repair and upgrade to the electrical system, however it would be built to the City's specifications. B. Gypsy Moth/Emerald Ash Borer 2009 Report Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt informed the Committee that the results were good in the two areas sprayed in the City. He informed the Committee that the Emerald Ash Borer is getting closer to the City of McHenry. This year it was discovered in Woodstock. The City is having difficulty this year with the number of Japanese Beetles. He noted that some measures will likely have to be taken within the ne� couple of years to �. protect smaller trees against the stress of the infestation. New Business Chairman Alderman Peterson informed the Committee that the ne� meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. The meeting time will be 7:00 p.m. rather than 7:30 p.m. Adiournment Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to adjourn the meeting at 8:59 p.m. Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer. Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion canied. Re 11 u i , Robert J. Peterson, airman �