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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - 1/9/2008 - Parks and Recreation Committee T _ y PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING �. Wednesday, January 9,2008 Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m. In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Peterson, Alderman Santi, and Alderman Schaefer. Absent: None. Also in Att�ndance: Assistant City Administrator Hobson, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt, Superintendent of Parks Maintenance Kittl, Park Maintenance Foreman Jeff Friedle and City Clerk Jones. Public in attendance: Mr. Arthur Gurda 4508 Willow Lane, McHenry, IL 60050 Mr. Mike J. Pohl 4513 Willow Lane, McHenry, IL 60050 Mrs. Tammy A. Pohl 4513 Willow Lane, McHenry, IL 60050 Mr. Mark Rapata 4516 Willow Lane, McHenry, IL 60050 Mr. Tony Renguso 4509 Willow Lane, McHenry, IL 60050 Mr. Chris Rueckemann 4508 Spruce Lane, McHenry, IL 60050 Mrs. Andrea Rueckemann 4508 Spruce Lane, McHenry, II, 60050 Chairman Alderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Discussion Re�arding Development of Communitv Do�Park Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel reiterated to the Committee that the development of � a Community Dog Park has been discussed since 2005. He stated that preliminary site plans and cost estimates were developed for an area north of the Riverside Hollow subdivision and Fox Ridge Park (west). Director Merkel indicated that a public open house was held on June 15, 2005, which provided the public an opportunity to review the preliminary plans for the two sites. He opined that residents attending the open house expressed a need for such a facility in the community; however, some residents expressed concern regarding the possible impact on a.djoining residential areas. At that time, no action was taken on the development of the two proposed sites for a dog park and it was the consensus of the Committee to include the topic in the Community Needs Assessment Survey and the Parks Open Space Master Plan. Director Merkel informed the Committee that the desire for a dog park facility was expressed in the Needs Assessment Survey. He noted that Althoff Park was identified in the Open Space Master Plan as a potential dog park site. Conversion of some of the turf area was suggested due to the difficulty in maintaining the location as an active soccer field. Director Merkel stated that the final draft of the Open Space Master Plan included a recommendation to convert a portion of Althoff Park into a dog park facility. Director Merkel identified the following sites as suitable for a potential Community Dog Park: • Area north of the Riverside Hollow subdivision; • Fox Ridge Park (west); and • AlthoffPark � ' � Parks and R.ecreation Committee Meeting January 9, �.008 Page 2 `�-- The two sites reviewed in 2005 remain undeveloped sites, which would require a significant investment in facility cost. Director Merkel stated that Althoff Park is approximately 19 acres and has the basic support facilities in place; however, the site would require some fencing revisions. He noted that parking is more than adequate at the site. He indicated that grass holds up at the site; however, the soil heaves when used by the soccer players. Director Merkel indicated that all three sites have residential properties adjoining one or two sides of the proposed locations. However, he noted that any possible adverse effects to the residential �ireas could be minimized in the design of a dog park. These design features could include setr ack distances, landscape screening and fencing. Director Merkel stated that, once a final site is identified by the Committee, a qualified design firm can be contracted for development of a site plan and preliminary cost estimates. Staff could then develop a program plan for the facility that would include rules and regulations, resident/non-resident policy, fee structure, enforcement options, and hours of operation. Responding to an inquiry, Director Merkel noted that the smallest of the three sites is Riverside Hollow. He noted that dog parks in surrounding municipalities range anywhere from 40-60 acres in size. � Director Merkel distributed information to those in attendance, which contained information provided by the Crystal Lake Park District and Village of Lake in the Hills Parks & Recreation Department regarding their dog park facilities. The information distributed included the following: • Size in acres; • Years in operation; • Hours of operation; • Small dog/large dog separation; • Fees (resident, non-resident, senior citizen, e�ra dog, daily pass, mid-season discount, etc.); • Maintenance issues; • Primary complaints; • Whether or not the facility exists near a residential area; • Access; • Enforcement responsibility; • Estimate of population; • Total number of passes issued; and • Parking lot capacity. � ` ' Parks and R.ecreation Committee Meeting January 9, �:008 Page 3 �-- Chairman Alderman Peterson inquired if the Committee members would like to comment on any of the information presented and suggested providing each of the individuals present an opportunity to state their views and/or concerns. Mr. Arthur Gurda presented the Committee with a petition signed by 33 of his neighbors, opposing tYle construction of a dog park in Althoff Park. He cited the following concerns: • Wa�te; • Ind�viduals responsibility for their dogs; • Odur; • Enforcement responsibility; • Inc�-eased traffic in the residential area; • Parking concerns; • Barking dogs; • Infestation of rodents due to waste; • Health hazards to residents and, in particular, children playing in the park. Mr. Gurda opined the City should use taxpayer money to fund construction of sidewalks and bikepaths before consideration is given to construction of a dog park. Mrs. Rueckmann expressed concerns regarding individuals using the dog park parking in the yards of private residents, as the soccer players often do. �' Alderman Santi inquired about the possibility of maintaining one soccer field at AlthoffPark. Director Merkel indicated there is one area in the park where the soil is conducive to a soccer field. Mr. Renguso inquired about the hours the dog park would be open. Director Merkel stated potentially the hours would be dawn to dusk. Mrs. Pohl expressed concerns for noise due to barking dogs, safety of unsupervised children, and contamination due to waste. Mr. Pohl stated he did not want his dog impacted by the disturbance created by unfamiliar animals near his property. Mr. Rapata suggested contacting the McHenry County Conservation District ("MCCD") regarding the possibility of contributing toward or supporting a dog park. Director Merkel stated the MCCD is currently working on a Master Plan, and it would be at least a year before it is completed. Additionally, he noted the MCCD has not yet decided if they are interested in developing a dog park(s). Mr. Rapata inquired if the number of residents in the City who are dog owners justifies the cost of a dog park. He suggested contacting the County in an effort to ascertain the number of dog licenses that have been purchased by residents of the City of McHenry. � Parks and R.ecreation Committee Meeting January 9, ::008 Page 4 `- Responding;to an inquiry regarding access to the dog park facility, Director Merkel indicated access would be via a purchased pass key, a vehicle sticker, or a tag issued to the individual dog. Respondin�; to a statement, Alderman Schaefer opined that most of those individuals that would use ,� dog park are responsible owners. He noted that statistically, 80% of dog bites take place c�n private property not in dog parks. In response� to an inquiry from Mr. Gurda regarding the possibility of a guarantee against future expansion of the potential dog park, Alderman Schaefer stated future expansion would depend on growth in the community and demand. Responding to a comment from Mr. Ra.pata, Alderman Santi stated it is the intention of the Committee and Council to consider all the aspect of a project prior to moving forward while realizing that not everyone will be 100% pleased with the results. Chairman Alderman Peterson stated one of his primary concerns regarding the dog park is economics. He opined he liked Althoff Park because the site work and many other things which would be required at the other sites would not be necessary at Althoff Park as they are already in place. The topic of refurbishing the trails to facilitate connection of various parks was briefly �. discussed. Director Merkel explained that the paths are difficult to maintain because the Army Corp of Engineers only authorizes the use of certain substances, such as wood chips, on the paths, which require constant maintenance. Responding to an inquiry from Mrs. Rueckmann regarding whether an assessment had been made regarding the impact of a dog park on property taxes or home values, Chairman Alderman Peterson stated he was unaware of such an assessment having been made. Alderman Santi suggested contacting Lake in the Hills regarding any information they could provide. Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to direct Staff to request a concept plan and scope of work for development of a dog park at Althoff Park from 3D Design with the proposal to be presented to the Parks and Recreation Committee for further discussion. Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer. Nav: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Staff Reaorts A. League Scheduling Meeting(February 20, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m.) Director Merkel informed the Committee that the League Scheduling Meeting would take place on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. � Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting January 9, :.'008 Page 5 `-' New Business Chairman Alderman Peterson, citing information in the Friday Report regarding the Cunat's proposal for the sale of the Shamrock Fitness Club to the City for approximately $1 million, inquired if t he City should be interested. Assistant City Administrator Hobson stated that parking is e�remely limited, the health club is small and both swimming pools require extensive work. Chairman �lderman Peterson suggested the tennis courts could be converted to parking. It was noted that it is unknown whether the tennis courts and basketball courts are part of the package. Alderman Santi opined that the location of the club is undesirable. A brief discussion ensued. Adiournment Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m. Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer. Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Res ect y d, � , � � Robert J. P�,�t o Chairman � �i�� I -f"�'-�'_� �-Q.P,�'/� QA�(��S ��1D ��C�� A-t'/r�� 4� � ' �,�. � °1, �DO� � � c,�� .�' , - , � , � � �:�,Y��_� . �,l._. �� .�� I�� .. �'�1C[��e��t ��:: �_ ( : ��►.�� -- �-I s�� .�� 1��'�cf��r��. �C��s�� ; �.r �� ►E.r CS�—`c �C�C�t. �f.'�� (.c��G��ici �k � ��`!'`, ~� ��d�.;�....�`- �t- �.�a-�; '1��v�� cL�.G�-��u�UC�-�t,.�_. ��'l�.�i°�'�.�. / f��,h � :C,._...��`s �'1"�,c�� .usz-'��f.��,�' �� .evc�G-� �'��f{�,li�y l� �� ; _...... _ ...._ ..... __ ,... _ . ... � _ i __. .__.. ..... . .. ... . . __. . ... _ _ . . ....._ _. _. .. . _. __... _. . i . i . .. . . ..... ...._.. ....... . ........ _ ...; V� . , � . ......... _ . ...... . . ... . ........ .. . �.�ti � The City of McHenry has propssed a dog park at `-� Althoff Pa rk. This pet:ition �s opposing such action. Name Address Signature ,-, � � , f-, N�� v.� �. ys1,� .- i 't f t i / � ' � S1 S rU r v f � � '� � ' yS�S S �`vcf /_.�.� --- t �, '�. � L �' � ��cG�s� 1�l .,�`�soN Ll�i � � yc�e �n . � � . �- r� - -�C �� ,� _ s , c� �� ;�;�. �� '�, . � 1�(; �n€ \�`1 � °. � - � 1,�� 17i�' � ,�� ,� _ r �� c� � �t1�t F'�� f . � li � � �.. The City of McHenry has propssed a dog park at `" Althoff Park. This petition is opposing such action. �Vame Address Signature �, r� r-t,�C�.. `� � (,c-� la�-� �-�' � , � ` �vt � ��t �Q ' �f ��' G�� o � i ,�`''�� e 1� ��.1 / w��! o ~ , �� , � �- ; ��- i � E �0-�k �4 �l�.�. �(St � (s� r �� p(J(r� ' ; �" ,,� �i" � �Gf , � �' � r �� r t' � �� 5�a , ` ` '� �� . � �� , � � � � � � � . 0 �. _ � �� ' �,�r �� i %=�� ' , , �� a� s�.�c-z: �✓ (� �1 '�Gt,i,��.� �'L' �Yri s �s4 r e., �•✓ Cx� ��,�i'�.�� D � � ��1 � � �.. ,' The City of McHenry has propssed a dog park at �-- Althoff Park, This petition is opposing such action. Name Address Signature ��,�� . � � ` � -� ; `.. f i f �� E f i � I i � .. ! i � , E I T , �_ � � � „ , �x � � . D(}G PARK IN��RMATION tNiCHENRY COUNTY COMMUNITIES � 2�08 �Ilage af �ake In The Hilts C�s�a!Lake Park Dlstrict parks_�e Recreation Size(acres) 3 9 Y(3�to start) Years in Operation S-6 Years � 3 Years Mours of Operation Suttrise to Sunset Sunrise to 9 pm�1 light) Small/Large Uog Separation fence%:-%Optionaf 2 Sections(1 dog adjustment) F_ ees Resident—Season $�p $� Non-Resldent—Seasan $6p $� Extra Qog $6/Res-$10/Non-Res, $6/Res-$SO/Non-Res, Daily Pass 3 Day Trial Pass Senfor Citiren 3�Price Resident Senior 3�Resident Sentar Annual Revenue $3,200 $19,000 Mid Seasort Discount K Price after Labor Day After August 1S` Res-$30, Res.Sr-$15,NR-$45 Maintenance Issues Good cfeatt up by Good clean up by � - Participants. Normal park participants. Mow'tng/Trash � Maintenance. Mawing/ removal. Trash removal. Comptaints Parking during soccer Parking with faotbal)games. Games Some noise complaints initiaffy. Near Residential No Yes-40'buffer(2 sides of park) Access Season Pass Key Tag{s)for dog/key for owner Enforcement Responsiblllty Park Pollce D.O.A.(Dog Owner Associatio�) hefps—Police back up Popufation Estimate 50-55,000 zg,p00 Tota3#t of Passes � Approximatet 100 Y Approximate(y 400 Parking Lot 7.0—12 Spaces 10 Spaces IVOTE: Lake 1n The Hi Is—Large number of Non-Residents. Huntl2y,De1 Webb and Crystal Lake �