HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 8/8/2007 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, August 8, 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, Crew Leader Jeff Friedle and City Clerk Jones.
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Discussion Regarding Forestry—Public Education Initiatives
Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Schmidt informed the Committee that the
following publications were being developed for dissemination to the public relative to forestry
operations:
• Emeralc Ash Borer Information
o l'est Alert Sheet, from USDA Forest Service
o l�on't Move Firewood, from USDA Forest Service
• Permitted Parkway Street Tree List
• Parkway Tree Planting Permit
• Parkway Tree Removal Permit
Superintendent Schmidt indicated future topics would include:
• Tree Planting Guidelines
`' • Tree Protection Information
• Residential Tree Planting Program
• Proper Mulching Procedure
Superintendent Schmidt stated this information would be made available as a public education
initiative via the City Newsletter and information booklets.
Responding to an inquiry from Chairman Alderman Peterson, Superintendent Schmidt indicated
that planting of a tree on private property could be prohibited by the City if it is not on the
approved list of trees. It was noted that permits for tree planting are now going through the
Forestry Department rather than Public Works.
Discussion Regardins McHenry Shores Beach—Fuhler Prouertv Sale
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel announced that on July 19, 2007 the McHenry County
Conservation District approved the purchase of the 45+ acre Fuhler Property, which is located
south of the McHenry Shores Subdivision. He noted that the parcel is identified in the City of
McHenry Park and Open Space Master Plan as a potential site for future open space acquisition.
Director Merkel informed the Committee that the State of Illinois owns waterfront property in
the area and a small portion of the City's McHenry Shores Beach is actually owned by the State
of Illinois. The ball field located south of Beach Drive is on State of Illinois and Conservation
District property. Director Merkel indicated on an area map, pointing out the ownership of
�-- various propert�es.
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August 8, 2047
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`-' Director Merkel stated that Staff has met with the Director of the Conservation District and the
Site Superintendent of Moraine Hills State Park to discuss future cooperative efforts regarding
the development and use of the Fuhler Property. He noted there is a possibility of a jurisdictional
transfer of land from the State of Illinois to the Conservation District of all of the State-owned
property on the west side of the Fox River. The property would be an extension of the Stickney
Run Conservat-on site south of State Park Road. Director Merkel indicated the land transfer
would not include the Lock and Dam site and related facilities.
Director Merkel stated that Staffwould keep the Committee informed of developments.
Miller's Riverfront Park Boat Launch—Update
Director of Me�kel reiterated that the City recently had the opportunity to purchase the rights to a
public boat lau�ch for Miller's Riverfront Park site, however, the sale of the business property
has altered those plans.
Director Merkel noted that several options for future development of the site into a motorized
launch site for residents are available. These options include:
• Purchase of the rights for a public launch from an existing site.
• Donation of rights from a site not currently in use.
• Development of a launch site, if rules and regulations on the Fox Waterway System are
revised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
�-- Director Merkel informed the Committee that Staff has met with the Corps of Engineers to
discuss the City's interest in providing a motorized launch. Funding for the development could
be secured with grant funds. The State of Illinois Boat Access Area Development Program
provides financial assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition, construction and
renovation of public boat and canoe access areas on Illinois lakes and rivers. He noted the City
received grant funding for the initial development of the Miller Riverfront Park project.
Director Merkel provided the Committee with an IDNR document outlining the details of the
Boat Access Area Development Program. He stated that applications for IDNR grant assistance
are due by September 1 each year.
Bike Path Plan Imalementation
Director Merkel informed the Committee that since the approval of the Community Paxk and
Trail Plan in �005 there have been several significant improvements in the development of
dedicated bike paths in the City of McHenry. The bike paths have been installed as part of the
public improvement required by the City in subdivisions of Legend Lakes, Boone Creek and
Park Ridge Estates.
The City needs to properly post the appropriate bike route signs along the new bike paths. The
signs are requii�ed to identify the bike paths and encourage residents to use them for a variety of
recreational uses, including walking,jogging, cycling and in-line skating.
� Director Merkel displayed a universal bike path sign, which he indicated would be installed on
the bike paths, with the assistance of Public Works Department employees. The sign is 24" x
18", white lettering/symbol on a green background. Director Merkel indicated the cost for 50
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
August 8, 2007
Page 3
�' signs is $15.90 each for standard engineer grade and $27.85 each for hi-intensity performance
grade. Director•Merkel indicated that 50 signs is the minimum that can be ordered.
Director Merkel assured the Committee that the signs would be installed according to
recommended traffic safety standards in residential areas.
Responding to Chairman Alderman Peterson's inquiry regarding the difference between the
standard engint;er grade and the hi-intensity performance grade, Director Merkel stated the hi-
intensity is use�d mostly in City's where there is a lot of vehicular traffic and night riding.
Chairman Alderman Peterson and Alderman Santi expressed an interest in the type of post which
would be used to mount the sign and the cost of each post. Director Merkel assured the
Committee that he would obtain a cost estimate for the post and the signs.
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct staff to move forward with the purchase of posts
and signs for installation along the bike paths in the City of McHenry.
Staff Reuorts
Superintendent Schmidt informed the Committee that the County of McHenry is now in the
quarantine zone for the Emerald Ash Borer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is requiring
that the City submit a Compliance Agreement regarding the proper handling of Ash trees and
products. Superintendent Schmidt opined the City should be safe for this flight season of the
\.. Emerald Ash Borer.
Director Merkel stated Staff is still compiling figures and data relative to the Long Range/Short
Term plans. He indicated he would be providing a brief report at the Parks and Recreations
Committee meeting scheduled on September 12, 2007.
New Business
Chairman Alderman Peterson requested that the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting
cunently scheduled on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 be rescheduled to Wednesday, October 17,
2007. He requested the members of the Committee look at their calendars and, if there are
issues, contact either him or Director Merkel.
Adiournment
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Res ect y s ,
r .
� Robert J. Pete . , Chairman