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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11/14/2007 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION CONIMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, November 14, 2007 ,_ 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, SupE�rintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt, Superintendent of Park Maintenance Kittl, Park Foreman Jeff Friedle and City Clerk Jones. Also: Mr. and Mrs. Ed Ahrens 1313 Riverside Drive McHenry, IL 60050 Chairman Alderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. Discussion Re�ardin�Parks and Recreation Caaital Proiects Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel summarized the potential capital projects and equipment needs, which were garnered based upon information from the Short Term Goal List on the Parks and Recreation Open Space Master Plan. Director Merkel noted that Developer ponations have been used to fund Park Capital Projects. ADA improvements to playgrounds and facilities have been completed using this funding source. Additionally, he indicated several renovation projects and equipment purchases which would be funded through the General Fund. Director Merkel reiterated that the proposed budget � amounts indicated are estimates only, stating that the Lakeland Park parking lot renovation work would be more extensive than originally thought. Park Develonment—Develoqer ponations • Althoff Park—Dog Park Conversion (North 10 acres) • Knox Park—Additional Lighting, Field No. 2 • ADA Access Improvements (Sidewalks/Paths) • Pebble Creek Park • Center Street Park • North Oak Park • ADA Access Ramps—Playgrounds • 11 park site Park Facilitv Repairs—General Fund • Lakeland Park—Parking Lot Renovation • Veteran's Memorial Park— Gazebo Roofing TrucWMaintenance Eauiament—General Fund • Pick-up Truck • Front F:nd Rotary Mower(5' width) • Ball Field Utility Tractor � Superintendent of Parks Maintenance Kittl informed the Committee that he has inventoried all the trucks and maintenance equipment in the Parks and Recreation Department. He stated that Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting November 14. 2007 Page 2 `' all equipment has gone up in price, anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. Superintendent Kittl noted the Ball Field Utility Tractor was purchased ten years ago. It was noted that the items would be presented in the FY 2008/2009 Parks and Recreation Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Discussion re�ardin� Do�Park Alderman Santi inquired about the fencing in the proposed dog park. Director Merkel indicated the fence would cover the entire perimeter of the dog park, with sections fenced off based on the size of the dog. He stated that the configuration would be determined depending on the design of the park, noting that fencing and gates are the most expensive items. Assistant City Administrator Hobson, for the benefit of the Ahrens, explained the Master Plan design. Alderman Schaefer inquired about whether paths were included in the price estimate of the dog park. Director Merkel responded negatively. Discussion ensued regarding maintenance of the soccer fields and where they would be located prior to construction of the dog park. Alderman Santi requested assurance from Staff that accommodations have been made for the soccer field. � Director Merkel informed the Committee that 3D has experience in the design of dog parks for other municipalities. Mrs. Ahrens opined the proposed McHenry dog park appears to be a step in support of dog owners in the community. Director Merkel reiterated that the items identified are the only short term goals oriented to capital projects. It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staffto move forward with the short term project indicated. Irish Prairie Park—Final Plan Director Merkel informed the Committee that pursuant to Staff recommendation and Committee comments at the September 12, 2007 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, the final draft of the proposed Irish Prairie Park has been prepared. Director Merkel noted that two large color renderings of the Plan have been prepared by 3D Design. One copy of the Plan will be sent to the developer for public display and disclosure to future buyers. ��e stated the cost for the development of the Plan is being paid for by Town and Country Homes. as required by the Annexation Agreement. � Responding to an inquiry regarding the height of the berm, Superintendent Schmidt indicated it is approximatel5 three feet. Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting November 14. 2007 Page 3 `— Alderman Santi voiced concern that the developer is not tied to any timetable regarding completion of the park. Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to recommend to City Council the acceptance of the plan for Irish I'rairie Park as presented by 3D Design Studios. Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer. Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Parks and Recreation Committee Meetin Dates for 2008 Director Merkel stated Parks and Recreation Committee meetings have tentatively been scheduled on the 2°d Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermen's Conference Room. He noted that historically, six to eight meetings have been needed to discuss projects and activities. Meeting scheduled for 2008 are as follows: January 9, 2008 February 13 or 20, 2008 (League schedule meeting) March 12, 2008 May 14, 2008 June 11, 2008 September 10, 2008 �-- November 12, 2008 Director Merkel noted a typographical error for the date in September and indicated the correct date is September 10, 2008. Chairman Alderman Peterson requested that the meeting scheduled on January 9, 2008 be moved to January 16, 2008. Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to accept the 2008 schedule for the Parks and Recreation Committee Meetings, as follows: January 16, 2008 February 13 or 20, 2008 (League schedule meeting) March 12, 2008 May 14, 2008 June 11, 2008 September 10, 2008 November 12, 2008 Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer. Nay: None. Absent: None. � Motion carried. It was noted th�tt additional meetings could be scheduled as needed, or by direction of the Mayor or City Council Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting November 14, 2007 Page 4 .� New Business There was no new business discussed. Adiournment Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 8:09 p.m. Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer. Nay: None. Absent None. Motion carried Res t s Robert J. Peters n hairman � L