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
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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
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