HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/18/2009 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
�. Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 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, Director of Finance Black, Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt,
Superintendent of Parks Maintenance Kittl, Park Foreman Jeff Friedle and City Clerk Jones.
Public in attendance: Tom Cichowski —Kiwanis Club
Chairman �:lderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Public Input
No one spoke during the time set aside for public input.
Discussion: 2009 Gvasv Moth Control Program
Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt informed the Committee that the City
has receiveci a proposal from the County regarding the spraying of certain blocks within the
City. He stated the proposed spraying is for six blocks consisting of 203 acres at a cost of
� $10,000.
Superintendent Schmidt noted that the County is in the final stages of developing the aerial
spray program for 2009. Should the City determine that the cost is excessive and wish to
downsize the covered area, the City must notify the County by the end of the month of
alternative areas.
Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Schaefer, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel
informed the Committee that $3,000 has been budgeted based on the aerial spraying of 58
acres in 2008, at a cost to the City of$1,400.
Responding to an inquiry from Chairman Alderman Peterson, Superintendent Schmidt noted
that the spr;�ying can be done on the ground, but is less expensive when done by air. He
noted that the spraying i�f a control measure not an eradication.
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Alderman Santi suggested rating the six axeas by priority. Assistant City Administrator
Hobson agreed, suggesting the neighborhoods with houses and acreage could be prioritized
over a 3-year period.
Chairman Alderman Peterson opined that perhaps if there were homeowner associations in
the designated areas they could, perhaps, provide matching funds.
Alderman Santi requested additional information. A brief discussion ensued. Assistant City
`-- Administrator Hobson informed the Committee that he would confer with Finance Director
Black and obtain additional information regarding the proposal.
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March 18, 2009
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Discussion: Emerald Ash Borer Ouerational Plan
Superintendent Schmidt outlined the Emerald Ash Borer Operational Plan (the "Plan") to the
Committee.
The Plan included the following headings:
• Plan Purpose
• Plar Administration
• Conimunication
• Pre-Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
o Identification of Emerald Ash Borer
o Biology and life cycle
o Identification of Ash tree species
c� Ash tree symptoms
�� The threat of Emerald Ash Borer to the City and the cost associated with
Emerald Ash Borer
o Responding to citizen questions
• Protocol for Potential EAB Site
• Protocol for Confirmed EAB sites
• Wood Disposal
• Tree Replacement
�"" • Private Tree Removal
Superintendent Schmidt informed the Committee that Administration will disseminate the
information to make certain everyone receives the same information sheet.
Chairman Alderman Peterson suggested a notification in the City newsletter. He opined he
would like to see information on the City's website with a link providing access to additional
information Additionally, Chairman Alderman Peterson stated he would like Staff to fine
tune the Plan and obtain resource material for distribution to the public
A discussion ensued. Following the discussion, Superintendent Schmidt noted that the City
is the only community that does not have some type of program to assist residents with
reforestatiori.
Staff Reqorts
A. Disc Golf Course Park
Chairman Alderman Peterson informed the Committee that, unfortunately, Tom
Chri�man was unavailable to attend tonight's meeting. Chairman Alderman Peterson
introduced Tom Cichowski of the Noon Kiwanis Club.
Mr. Cichowski provided the Committee with the following summary:
• 7'here are potentially twelve committed hole sponsors
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March 18, 2009
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• Fifteen groups of young adults are committed to assisting with the clean-up
project
Mr. Cichowski provided the Committee with a rough map, indicating that the actual
positions of the holes would be determined as the project takes place. Director
Merkel noted there are some restrictions due to wetlands.
A discussion took place regarding where the parking lot might be placed. It was
noted that ComEd owns the access property. Assistant City Administrator Hobson
informed the Committee that the City has a good working relationship with ComEd.
He �tated, however, that ComEd is requesting additional information regarding a
precise plan prior to considering park access. A gravel lot was suggested.
Chairman Alderman Peterson stated he liked the idea regarding the gravel lot. He
opined maintenance would be less stressful on the Parks and Recreation employees.
Mr. Cichowski informed the Committee that the Kiwanians are excited about the
project and would like to move forward before a loss of interest, volunteers and
sponsors occurs. He noted that the Kiwanis Club was looking at May 2009 to begin
the project.
� In response to an inquiry, Assistant City Administrator Hobson indicated that if there
are specific standards for disc golf those standards should be complied with. Also, of
consideration is the cost of park maintenance to the City.
Director Merkel suggested continuing to move forward with the project and a follow-
up with ComEd regarding the access. Additionally, Staff will ascertain the cost to
excavate the road among additional costs and return to the Committee with
information at its May meeting.
Alderman Santi opined that the park needs to provide more than one purpose. He
requested an estimate of future weekly, monthly and annual maintenance costs.
B. Dog Park Development Status
Assistant City Administrator Hobson informed the Committee that Staff is still
wait�ng for the representatives from the real estate group to come out and peruse the
property. At this time, Staff is continuing to look at some alternative sites. It was
noted that a key component to the project is parking lot accessibility.
Chairman Alderman Peterson stated he has concerns regarding the current economic
climate and inquired whether the dog park could fund itself. He suggested it might be
opportune to table the matter until some point in the future.
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March 18, 2009
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Director Merkel noted that initially the dog park would entail a lot of maintenance.
He noted that even if the project was approved this year it would likely not come to
fruition for 2-2 '/z years.
Alderman Schaefer stated he was not in favor of halting the process, but noted that if
the City does not have sufficient Staff to support additional parks it might be a good
idea to table the project temporarily.
Following a brief discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to determine the
parking situation and bring the discussion back to the Committee at its May meeting.
C. Petersen Park Field No. 2 Renovation (Pre-Construction Meeting Report)
Assistant City Administrator Hobson informed the Committee that the park
renovation is progressing nicely. He stated that the lights will be moved on Thursday,
March 19, 2009 and the fencing should be completed on Friday, March 20, 2009.
The first game will likely be played on the field on Apri16.
Assistant City Administrator Hobson noted there is a great deal of excitement from
the various teams regarding playing under the lights.
D. 2009 Jaycees Fireworks Display
� Director Merkel informed the Committee that proposals have been sent to three
vendors. The Requests for Proposals ("RFQ") are due on April 3, 2009.
Responding to an inquiry from Assistant City Administrator Hobson regarding why
not more than three RFQ's were sent out, Director Merkel responded that there are a
limited number of vendors in this field.
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee that the fireworks
display would be held on Saturday, July 4, 2009.
New Business
Alderman Schaefer opined that fees are frequently waived, or requests are received for fees
to be waived, from a number of organizations. He opined that fees should be charged for
certain events whether they are not-for-profit or otherwise.
Assistant City Administrator Hobson noted that the McHenry Area Soccer Federation is
coming before Council on March 30, 2009 with a request that fees be waived for their event.
After due consideration, Staff has recommended that the fees not be waived for the park
rental and police security.
Alderman Schaefer suggested criteria should be established for fee waivers. Part of the
criteria should include whether or not a contribution comes back to the City from the
.� requesting organization. He requested that Staff submit some recommendations regarding
guidelines.
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March 18, 2009
Page 5
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Adiournment
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
Aye Peterson, Santi, Schaefer.
Nay None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Respectfully sub itted,
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Robert J. Peterson, airman
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