HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/24/2007 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
� Wednesday, October 24, 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, Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt, Superintendent of Parks
Maintenance Kittl, Park Foreman Jeff Friedle and City Clerk Jones.
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Presentation Regardin$Urban Forestry Pro�ram
Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt outlined the program for the Urban
Forestry Division and summarized surrounding communities planting programs. The discussion
focused on the development of the new division, a calendar of annual tasks to be performed,
together with the programs covering the main functions of the Forestry Division:
• Planting;
• Maintenance; and
• Removals.
Superintendent Schmidt outlined the division's annuals tasks and their timelines:
� • Pruning (November through March)
• Planting (March through May)
• Miscellaneous (May through June)
• Removals (June through August)
• Stump Removal (August through September)
• Miscellaneous (September through October)
• Planting (October through November)
He noted that the miscellaneous category includes such items as:
• Insect and Disease Control
• Mulching
• Watering
• Fertilization
• Stake Removal
• Cabling and Bracing
� Spraying
• Survey s
• Hazard Identification
• Bruch Pick-up
� Storm Damage
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Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
October 24, 20��7
Page 2
�' Chairman Pete�-son noted that in the SO/50 program offered to the residents in Pebble Creek, the
residents were given the opportunity to choose the trees they wanted to plant. He inquired if the
City paid 100°i� of the cost would that then give the City the opportunity to choose the tree to be
planted? Superintendent Schmidt explained that a list of acceptable plantings has been prepared,
with a certain number of trees of an acceptable species provided. The resident would then be
able to choose from the approved list. Once the number of trees of that species has been
exhausted a resident would have to choose another species. Superintendent Schmidt suggested
in the beginnin� focus and funds should be used on maintenance and removal, planting should be
done gradually. A brief discussion ensued.
Alderman Santi opined he would like to see additional information from surrounding
communities regarding their tree planting programs prior to making a decision. He stated he
supports a 50/50 program (with 50% paid by the City and 50% paid by the resident), however, he
indicated he would like the planting guidelines determined by City staff. Chairman Peterson
concurred with Alderman Santi.
A discussion ensued regarding the selection of trees.
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staff to move forward with the Forestry Program
with support for a 50/50 program.
Responding to an inquiry, Superintendent Schmidt informed the Committee that he has only seen
� grant money from the state for planting provided to inner-city projects.
Superintendent Schmidt informed the Committee that City park property would remain on the
current five-year tree trimming rotation and a five-year pruning cycle. He noted removals would
be determined by inventory data.
Responding to an inquiry by Assistant City Administrator Hobson regarding whether pruning
reduced overall park maintenance, Superintendent Schmidt stated that pruning has markedly
reduced the number of branches blown down in the parks.
Superintendent Schmidt continued his presentation with a summary of the total hours spent on
forestry from 2002 through 2006 and a breakdown of Tree City U.S.A. dollars spent from 2001
through 2006.
Superintendent Schmidt finished the presentation by providing the Committee with a list of
current equipment assets and future equipment needs as follows:
Current Assets:
• Aerial I,ift Truck
• Two Brush Chippers
• Dump Truck with Box
• Hand Equipment (chain saws, ropes, ladders, pole saws, hand saws, safety equipment,
� etc.)
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
October 24, 20U7
Page 3
`" Future Assets:
• Stump ('rrinder
• Watering Truck
• BackhoeBobcat
• Claim Truck
A discussion ensued regarding possible staffing needs for the Forestry Division and applicable
duties. Assistant City Administrator Hobson opined that, across the board, adding any Staff
would be difficult.
lliscussion Regarding Long Range/Short Range Planning Goals
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel provided the Committee with a revised copy of the
preliminary results of the ranking of planning goals, first reviewed at the September 12, 2007
committee meeting. He stated the rankings have been revised based upon the recommendation
that the Aldermen's votes be recalculated with a weighted average.
Director Merkel provided the Committee with a complete list of all recommendations with the
revised scoring and a listing of all long range/short range goals that scored a minimum of seven
points in each particular category. He noted that items with a minimum score of seven are
considered to have a strong consensus between Alderman and Staff as to priority.
A discussion ensued with emphasis on an athletic complex and lighting existing fields.
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Marlin's Swim Team Eauipment Purchase/Donation
Director Merkel informed the Committee that the McHenry Marlin's Parents Association
("MNIl'A") has submitted a request to the City to assist in the purchase of new timing touch
pads. Director Merkel stated the new touch pads would replace older units. He stated the
request is being submitted at this time so the funds can be included in the FY 2008/2009 budget
and equipment can be purchased in time for the 2008 summer season.
Director Merkel noted the MIVIPA has continued to raise funds for swim team equipment and
supplies and in past years the City has matched funds with the 1VIlVIPA to purchase equipment,
such as a computerized timing system, starting blocks, team tents, training equipment and the
like.
Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to recommend to Council that the City contribute $3,545
toward the McHenry Marlin's Parents Association's purchase of standard 60" timing pads
Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Staff Renorts
`.. A. U date on Petersen Park Entry Landscape and Freund Field Landscape Projects
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
October 24, 2007
Page 4
`` Director Merkel informed the Committee that the bids came in for the Petersen Park
Entry alid Freund Field landscape projects. He noted that the Petersen Park Entry came
in undei�budget and Freund Field was slightly over.
B. Report ��n Fuhler Property(IDNR/MCCD, Meeting on Future Use of PropertX
Directo��Merkel updated the Committee regarding the Fuhler Property. He stated that the
McHemy County Conservation District ("MCCD") has purchased the property and once
they ha��e possession the City would proceed with discussions regarding uses of certain
portions of the property. Director Merkel noted the MCCD has become more proactive
in work;ng cooperatively with communities
New Business
Superintendent Schmidt provided the Committee with information regarding a mulching
attachment that could be attached to a bobcat.
Alderman Schaefer inquired about the results of the Ash Borer Survey. He was informed that as
yet, the information is not available.
Chairman Peterson inquired about the boat launch facilities at the property previously owned by
Mookie's Restaurant. He was informed that the piers and the boat launch were sold to the new
owner as part of the real estate transaction and discussions were stalled.
``-- Director Merkel informed the Committee that he had a conversation with a member of the Army
Corp of Engineers who indicated that the Corp is making an effort to shift boat restriction
regulations to another entity. He will provide the Committee with information as it becomes
available.
Adiournment
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Re 1 su i
Robert J. Peter airman
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