HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 5/21/2008 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
� Wednesday,May 21, 2008
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
In Attendsince: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Peterson, Alderman Santi,
and Aldernian Schaefer. Absent: None.
Also in Atrendance: Assistant City Administrator Hobson, Director of Parks and Recreation
Merkel, Siiperintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt, Superintendent of Parks
Maintenan�e Kittl, Athletic Program Coordinator Lunkenheimer and City Clerk Jones.
Public in attendance: None
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Alderman
Peterson iiiformed the Committee that Mark Rapata was having pizza delivered to tonight's
meeting.
Public Inaut
No one spoke during the time put aside for public input.
Discussion Regarding Urban Forestry Cost Share Program
Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt summarized the cost sharing tree
� planting program to promote the planting of trees throughout the City. He stated the progam
is open to single-family residences within the City limits with property adjacent to the public
right-of-way and with sufficient space to accommodate a tree.
Superintendent Schmidt provided a brief outline of the following details regarding the
program:
• Homeowner requirements;
• What the City will do;
• Special consideration;
• Program priorities; and
• Important dates
Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Schaefer, Superintendent Schmidt explained the
types of trees that would be offered for planting and the rotation of the trees offered. He
stated that a 2 1/2—inch tree currently costs approximately $300.
A conver�,ation ensued regarding the Emerald Ash Borer and Gypsy Moth, their effect upon
immature and mature trees, and the fact that 20% of the trees currently in the community are
Ash.
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Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
May 21, 2008
Page 2
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Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to direct Staff to bring the Urban Forestry Cost
Share Program to Council for consideration and recommendation.
Ayc�: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer.
Na�-: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Discussion Regarding Petersen Historic Farm Reaort
Assistant C'ity Administrator Hobson informed the Committee that on June 11, 2007, Council
approved �. proposal from Aspect Design Architects for architectural services relating to the
stabilization and restoration of the foundation of the Petersen Homestead.
Aspect Design Architects has assembled four options for the project and provided cost
estimates ibr each. Assistant City Administrator Hobson stated that many elements of the
construction such as a new concrete floor with drains, a new staircase and new utilities
including, electrical service, boiler system and water heater, comprise the bulk of the plan
and are consistent throughout each option. Additionally, present in each option is the use of
manufactured laminate beams and new floor joists that would mirror existing beams and
joists and act to stabilize the floor above.
Assistant City Administrator Hobson assured the Committee that the firm has worked on a
`-- number of historical homes and buildings.
Following a discussion it was the consensus of the Committee that the rock foundation is an
essential element of the structure and should be preserved as much as possible. Alderman
Schaefer opined that the goal is to make the building structurally sound while still
maintaining the historical appearance.
Announcing to the Committee that his choice would be Option C, Assistant City
Administrator Hobson presented the four options and their cost, as follows:
Option A: Installation of a new CMLT block wall a.round the entire interior
of the basement in front of the existing rubble stone foundation
Cost: $55,775
Option B: Installation of two new load-bearing walls on the north and
south ends of the basement. These walls would be constructed
of treated 2 x 6's. The walls would be built in front of the
existing rubble stone foundation. The east and west foundation
walls would remain exposed and would require some
tuckpointing work to ensure that the foundation is properly
sealed.
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Cost: $48,875
� Cost: $47,150
Opt ion D: Utilization of new "shotcrete" wall all along the interior
perimeter of the foundation. Shotcrete is mortar or concrete
conveyed through a hose and pneumatically projected at high
velocity onto a surface. Sprayed concrete is reinforced by
conventional steel rods, steel mesh, and/or fibers. This
technique completely encapsulates the existing foundation.
Cost: $59,225
Assistant('ity Administrator Hobson informed the Committee that Staff as well as a member
of the Landmark Commission has reviewed the plans; however, no decision has been made
as to what direction the project would take. The ne}ct step in the process is to select an option
and work with Aspect Design Architects to produce the appropriate bid documents. Bidding
and letting of the project would follow.
Assistant City Administrator Hobson noted that recently the question has arisen as to whether
there is a desire to expand the original scope of the work from solely the foundation
stabilization to that of including restoration of the first floor as well. Additionally, the topic
has arisen regarding what historic period the house should be returned to.
� A discussion ensued regarding the work involved in restoration of the first floor. Assistant
City Administrator Hobson informed the Committee that the work would include
stabilization of the first floor, removal of the carpeting and removal of the bathroom.
Chairman Alderman Peterson opined that stabilizing the basement is the priority, stating he
does not care for Option B. Alderman Santi indicated he has no objection to either Option C
or Option D.
In response to Alderman Santi's inquiry regarding Aspect providing an opinion regarding
what period would be most appropriate to bring the structure back to, a discussion ensued
regarding the cost and authenticity of restoration.
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staff to contact Aspect Design Architects to
produce appropriate bid documents for Option C and Option D.
Discussion Resarding Knoz Park Softball Lights—Field No. Z
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee that Staff has received cost
estimates for the installation of lights on Field No. 2 at Knox Park. He stated that the facility
was constructed in 1980 for the Men's Softball Program, noting that the second field is not lit
at this time, but was designed to accommodate lights as the program expanded.
Director Merkel informed the Committee that the cost for the lighting was included in the
CIl' in 2()04, but the project was put on hold during the Pazks & Recreation Master Plan
�-- process. The project would be paid for with Developer ponation Funds. The project
estimate is between $125,000 and $135,000.
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May 21, 2008
Page 4
`-' was constn�cted in 1980 for the Men's Softball Program, noting that the second field is not lit
at this time, but was designed to accommodate lights as the program expanded.
Director 1V�erkel informed the Committee that the cost for the lighting was included in the
CIP in 20(�4, but the project was put on hold during the Parks & Recreation Master Plan
process. 'Che project would be paid for with Developer ponation Funds. The project
estimate is between $125,000 and $135,000.
Installatior of the lights would allow Staff to schedule additional games for the Men's and
Co-Ed Leagues. Both leagues have been at capacity for many years. Director Merkel stated
that the li};ht system to be installed could be relocated at a future date. The equipment
includes li�;ht fi}rtures, poles and control panel. Specifications would be developed by Staff.
Competiti��e bids would be solicited from area electrical contractors for purchase of lighting
equipment and installation. It is anticipated that work would be scheduled for this fall, with
facilities available for the 2009 season.
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to recommend that Staff proceed to full Council for
authorization to bid the project for Knox Park Softball Lights at Field No. 2.
Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
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Staf'f Reaorts
A. Petersen Park Entrance Sign
Director Merkel informed the Committee that the sign panels are up and the sign
should be completed within the next 30 days.
B. Gypsy Moth Program—Whispering Oaks
Superintendent Schmidt informed the Committee that the City would be participating
with McHenry County in a spraying for Gypsy Moths. The spraying will encompass
appraximately 30 acres and would take place on either May 28 or May 29, 2008.
Responding to an inquiry Superintendent Schmidt stated the moths have just hatched.
C. Tree Preservation Ordinance Review
Superintendent Schmidt informed the Committee that the Ordinance was initially
approved in 1999. Staff believes it is time to revisit how the Ordinance is
administered as methods of preservation are more strict than they were previously.
He noted the Ordinance is currently enforced through the Construction and
Neighborhood Services Department.
It was noted that City Planner Kolner and Superintendent Schmidt would begin
working on the Ordinance for presentation to the Committee at a future meeting.
� D. Patential Dog Park—Access Report
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
May 21, 2008
Page 5
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Dir�;ctor Merkel informed the Committee that the entrance for the potential dog park
on the Petersen Farm Property would be located behind Staples. A discussion ensued
reg�tirding the 30-foot easement, fire hydrants and the size of the site
Dire�ctor Merkel stated that if a certain portion of the property at Petersen Park is used
the [llinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)would have to be notified.
A consensus was reached that no one appears to want a dog park facility near
resi�iential property. Staff was instructed to discuss the possibility of a dog park with
the developer of the property adj acent to Petersen Park.
New Business
Alderman Santi opined that he would like to continue discussions with Mr. Althoff regarding
the possible use of Althoff Park as a dog park facility. Following a brief discussion Staff
convinced Alderman Santi that further discussions with Mr. Althoff are pointless as Mr.
Althoffis adamant in his decision regarding the property.
Superintendent of Parks Maintenance Kittl informed the Committee that he was finally, just
this week, able to mow the entire site at Althoff Park.
The site of the potential disc golf course was discussed in some detail.
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A brief discussion ensued regarding carp in McCullom Lake and the stocking of fish in
McCullom Lake.
Adiournment
Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Resp 11 su 'tt ,
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Robert J. Peterso airman
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