HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/12/2008 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
� Wednesday,March 12, 2008
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, Si�perintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt, Superintendent of Parks
Maintenan�;e Kittl, Park Foreman Jeff Friedle, Superintendent of Recreation Witt and City
Clerk Jone�.
Public in attendance: Mr. Chris Zock Noon Kiwanis Club of McHenry
Chairman ,4lderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Peterson
informed the Committee that Item No. SA, regarding the discussion of the disc golf course,
would be tlie first item discussed at tonight's meeting.
Discussion Re�ardin�Disc Golf Course
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel introduced Mr. Chris Zock, a representative of the
Noon Kiwanis Club of McHenry ("Kiwanis").
Mr. Zock presented a proposal to the Committee for a Disc Golf Course at Cold Springs
� Park. He stated that the Kiwanis is interested in sponsoring a community improvement
project, opining that the concept of disc golf is new and unique.
Chairman Peterson opined he is in favor of the project. He noted that Cold Springs Park
would require an extensive amount of work (i.e., bathroom facilities, concession facilities,
parking, etc.) and suggested perhaps AlthoffPark would be a better venue.
Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Santi, Mr. Zock noted that a recreational course
requires approximately one acre per hole, while a championship course requires more
acreage.
Chairman Peterson indicated he thought that Althoff Park would support a nine-hole course,
however; a disc golf course at Cold Springs Park might be an opportunity to bring Cold
Springs Park into the community.
Assistant City Administrator Hobson noted Cold Springs Park would present the option of
using gravel or limestone on the paths, as opposed to a more expensive composition. Parking
at Cold Springs Park would be the biggest concern. He stated the current paxking lot
accommodation is 10-12 vehicles.
Responding to Alderman Santi's inquiry regarding what Kiwanis is seeking tonight from the
Committee, Mr. Zock informed the Committee that the club is seeking direction in order to
facilitate a volunteer blitz early in August 2008. Mr. Zock informed the Committee that, as a
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Parks and Recreadon Committee Meeting
March 12,2008
Page 2
� club, the Kiwanians raise approximately $20,000 yearly. However, it is the intent of the club
that the course should be a commercial-grade facility. Each of the baskets costs between
$600 and $800. Kiwanis intends to offer local businesses an opportunity to sponsor
individual holes at the golf course to generate additional funds. He noted the high school
students in Key Club are excited about the project.
Chairman :�'eterson opined that prior to moving forward with the project a site should be
determined. Assistant City Administrator Hobson stated that parking constraints and
facilities could be overcome. He noted that he is familiar with a disc golf course in Fort
Worth, Texas developed on a site similar to Cold Springs Park.
Alderman Santi suggested the Kiwanis contact a professional to look over the suggested site
prior to the Committee making a determination to move forward at Cold Springs Park. A
discussion ensued regarding the merits of one park over another. Various sites were
discussed. Chairman Peterson expressed concern regarding maintenance of the site once
developed.
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct the Kiwanis to move forward with Cold
Springs Park as a site for a 9-hole disc golf course, to utilize Althoff Park as an alternative
site, and to obtain estimates for annual operating expenses and facility maintenance.
Mr. Zock, requested that the topic be revisited at the May Parks and Recreation Committee
� meeting, as the Kiwanis are anxious to move the project forward.
Discussion: Do� Park Develonment- Uadate
Director Merkel reiterated to the Committee that the development of a Community Dog Park
has been discussed since 2005 and three locations were determined to be adequate sites at the
Parks and Recreation meeting held on January 9, 2008. Preliminary plans and cost estimates
for Fox Ridge Park and the Riverside Hollow property have been reviewed and conversion of
the northeast section of AlthoffParks has been considered. At the Committee's instruction, a
proposal was obtained for professional services form 3D Design Studio to develop a
preliminary plan and cost estimates for Althoff Park.
Director Merkel informed the Committee that since the meeting on January 9, Mr. James
Althoff, donor of Althoff Park to the City, contacted the City and expressed concern about
the conversion of the park site. Staff has since contacted 3D Design Studio and placed the
project on hold pending review of the matter at the Committee level.
Chairman Peterson stated that he has reconsidered and no longer supports a dog park within a
residential area and he no longer supports consideration of the facility at Althoff Park.
Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt noted there are no park sites in the
City, which are located outside of a residential neighborhood.
Alderman Santi opined he would like Althoff Park to remain an option and suggested sitting
down with 'VIr. Althoff to discuss the matter. Alderman Schaefer concurred with Alderman
\.. Santi. He stated he believes a dog park in the City has potential.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
March 12,2008
Page 3
� Director Merkel requested the Committee consider the north side of Fox Ridge Park or
possible Riverside Hollow. It was pointed out that Riverside Hollow is currently being
farmed and the property would not be available until neart spring.
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staff to look into Petersen Historic Farm as a
potential site for a dog park facility.
Urban Forestry—50/50 Cost Share Program
Superintendent Schmidt outlined the parameters of the 50/50 tree planting cost share
program. FIe stated that 5 different species of trees would be used and 10 trees from each
species to provide diversity.
Superintendent Schmidt requested direction from the Committee regarding whether the
program should be limited to improved areas only, excluding subdivisions that are not
improved. Chairman Peterson opined that as the program is citywide the benefits of the
program should be offered citywide.
Alderman Santi opined the focus should be on single-family homes.
In response to an inquiry regarding the timing of the program, Superintendent Schmidt
indicated planting would take place in the fall.
� Le�end Lakes Tot Lot/Acceptance and Namin�
Director Merkel informed the Committee that Staff has been contacted by representatives of
Kimball Hill Homes regarding the donation and dedication to the City of a tot lot park in
Neighborhood 5 of Legend Lakes. He noted that the developer was required to construct the
park and play site according to City standards as detailed in the Annexation Agreement.
Director Merkel explained that the site was developed in 2006 and plans and specifications
were submitted to the City for review prior to the installation of sidewalks, curbing and the
purchase of play equipment. Director Merkel noted that following some minor
improvements, which hopefully will be made in the spring, Staf�s biggest concern is the
condition of the turf at the site.
The naming of the site would need to be determined prior to inclusion in the City's facilities
inventory and park sites map. In the past, the small tot lots have been identified by the
neighborhood or street name. Director Merkel stated this tot lot is located at Glenmore Court
and Homestead Drive.
It is Stai�s recommendation that the park site should not be taken into the City's system until
all turf and access issues have been resolved.
Customer Service Evaluation
Director Merkel informed the Committee that one of the topics of discussion at a recent City
Staff planning meeting was an emphasis on improved customer service and staff cross-
�- training.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
March 12,2008
Page 4
� Chairman Peterson requested that the Committee and Sta� begin addressing customer
service issizes within the Parks and Recreation Department as some issues have arisen. He
suggested an evaluation form be utilized, which might elicit both positive and negative
feedback, and telephone follow-up.
It was noted that the Parks and Recreation Department is an e�rtremely visible public agency
that interacts with the public on many levels. An evaluation of current customer service
issues should include the following:
� Stai�interaction with the public;
• Program registration procedures;
• Resolution of complaints and/or concerns regarding facilities and program quality;
• Training and education of part-time employees;
• Review of promotional and marketing efforts; and
� Program evaluation and customer feedback.
Alderman Santi opined the only way an evaluation could be done properly is by outsourcing,
in an effort to obtain an objective result. Chairman Peterson concurred with Alderman Santi,
acknowledging that method as a possibility.
Director Merkel and Superintendent of Recreation Witt assured the Committee they would be
discussing the issue of customer service with Sta� Chairman Peterson stated he would like
to see something in place and improvements made prior the busy summer season.
�
Stat�'Reaorts
A. 2008 Fireworks Program
Director Merkel informed the Committee that a Request for Proposals has been sent
out to four firms in the area for the 2008 Jaycee Day Fireworks Program. The RFP's
are due on March 19, 2008. Evaluation of the proposals will be made by City Staff
and the Jaycees. The fireworks are scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 5, 2008.
B. NISRA Recognition Program
Director Merkel informed the Committee that the riISRA Recognition Program is
scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2008, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm at D'Andrea
Banquet Facility in Crystal Lake.
C. Committee Agenda Items for 2008
Director Merkel outlined the Parks and Recreation meeting dates for 2008, noting
they are subject to change and/or adjustment. Simultaneously he presented the
Committee with a report on the 20071ist of topics and the status of those iterns.
Director Merkel then presented the Committee with a list of discussion topics and
projects, as identified by the Committee chairman and Staff, as potential topics for
discussion in 2008. He noted if there are additional items the Committee would like
to address; they could be added.
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Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
March 12,2008
Page 5
`... New Business
Chairman Peterson stated tentative items on the agenda for May 14, 2008 include:
• Co�itinuing discussions regarding the Kiwanis disc golf project;
• Do;;park update; and
• Kn��x Park softball lighting, to be paid for from Developer ponations.
Superinten3ent Schmidt informed the Committee that he attended a meeting regarding gypsy
moth control. McHenry County has a program established for at least the next three years.
The program covers two sprayings of 30-acre parcels at a cost to the City of$24.00 per acre.
Assistant C'ity Administrator Hobson reminded the Committee that Petersen Park had been
used as a backdrop for a weather channel special entitled "When Weather Changed the
World." He informed the Committee that the program had been aired, however; it was due to
be aired again on either the Weather Channe157 or Channe1362.
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.
� Res tfull su ,
� i � �� -
Robert J. Peter n hairman
.�