HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11/8/2006 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday,November 8,2006
Municipal Center Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m.
`- In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Peterson, Alderman Santi
(arrived at 7:43 p.m.), and Alderman Schaefer. Absent: None.
Also in Attendance:
1. Steve Halber�, Bonestroo, Devery& Associates, Libertyville IL 60048
2. Pete Merkel, Director of Parks and Recreation
3. Kathleen Kunzer, Deputy Clerk
4. Bill Hobson, Management Assistant for Community Relations(arrived at 7:17 p.m.)
5. Cindy Witt, Recreation Program Supervisor
6. Pattie Lunkenheimer, Athletic Progam Coordinator
7. Tom Schmidt, Park Maintenance Supervisor
8 John Krajci, Bonestroo, Devery& Associates, Libertyville IL 60048
9. Alderman Murgatroyd(arrived at 7:30 p.m.)
10. Ken Veen, Kiwanis President (arrived at 7:10 p.m.).
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Petersen Historic Farm Homestead Restoration Recommendations
Director Merkel stated the Committee has been asked to proceed with the renovations/repairs of
the Petersen Farm Homestead. He noted the City's Building Inspector has walked through the
building on two occasions and provided a report of his findin�s. Copies of those reports have
been included in this evening's agenda packet. Additionally, Gerhard Rosenberg, current
�,. Landmark Commission Chairman, has visited the homestead in his capacity as a registered
architect. Mr. Rosenberg has also provided Staff with a report of his findings regarding the
building's structure and need for repair/renovation. Director Merkel noted it is Mr. Rosenberg's
recommendation that the City hire an historical building architect to inspect the premises and
provide the City with a list of needed repairs to make the building more stable and safe. It would
then be the Committee's responsibility to prioritize the list of repairs based on cost, safety and
building stability. Director Merkel noted Staff is seeking a recommendation from the Committee
to direct Staffto find someone familiar with historical building renovation/restoration who would
assess the building's safety and stability, and provide a list of needed repairs/renovations.
Alderman Schaefer inquired as to the intended use of the building. Director Merkel respanded
that would be up to the Committee and ultimately the City Council to determine. However, the
house needs to be preserved and made safe for public viewing.
Chairman Pet�rson noted the Landmark Commission had expectations regardin� hosting their
meetings in the house, and storing their records on the premises, and utilizing it as their
office/base.
Director Merkel reiterated the City needs to have a professional evaluation of the building.
Chairman Peterson expressed his desire to have the building open for tours. Alderman Schaefer
concurred stating the building should be for public use.
� Chairman Peterson inquired if there are any cost estimates for the needed repairs, such as
foundation repair, tuck pointing, window replacement, and roof repair. Some discussion occurred
regarding the best way to review what needs to be done on the structure arxd how best to
prioritize the repairs_
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
November 8, 2006
Page 2
`-- Director Merkel stated any restoration work would need to be included in the City's budget. An
Historical Building Architect could tell the City what needs to be done and approximate the cost
of repairs. Director Merkel also stated if major renovations are cone on the building, everything
inside of the house would have to be removed and securely stored somewhere. He opined it is
time to hire a structural engineer to provide an expert opinion regarding the building. Director
Merkel stated Staff would seek a qualified firm which could provide a scope of services needed
regarding the structure.
Management Assistant for Community Relations Hobson arrived at 7:17 p.m. Management
Assistant Hobson noted Alderman Murgatroyd had indicated several concerns regarding the
Petersen Homestead. Alderman Murgatroyd stated he would like Council to set aside funds for
repair of the homestead. To that end the Committee needs to make a recommendation regarding
expenditure of funds to be included as a line item in the 2007-2008 fiscal year budget. Alderman
Murgatroyd also mentioned the house needs to be open to the public at least once per year as
specified in the Bob Petersen's will.
Chairman Peterson suggested a structural engineer be hired to determine what needs to be done
and to prioritize the repairs and provide a cost estimate of each. Discussion continued.
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Peterson, to recommend that Staff pursue finding an
architectural engineer to review the Petersen Homestead for the purpose of prioritizing the
building repairs and renovations.
�.. Voting Aye: Schaefer, Peterson.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Santi,
Motion carried.
Chairman Peterson, Alderman Schaefer, and Director Merkel temporarily left the meeting to take
a photo of Mr. Veen presenting a check to the City in the amount of$7,500 targeted for the
repairs to the Kiwanis Tot Lot.
Alderman Murgatroyd arrived at 7:30 p.m. Alderman Murgatroyd opined the money saved
following the recent demolition of the Knox barn and farmhouse and the Lakewood Road house
could be used for repairs on the Petersen Homestead.
Alderman Murgatroyd provided the Committee with a brief history of the acquisition of the
property and the conditions imposed in Mr. Petersen's will. He noted the homestead was given to
the City at Bob Petersen's passing four years ago. The terms of his will stated within five years
the house must be stable and ready for public viewing. Thus far, the City has not proceeded with
making the building more stable and safe. Alderman Murgatroyd further stated if the
restoration/stabilization of the building is not done, the artifacts contained in the house will be
sold off and the proceeds give to Mr. Petersen's heirs. If the City moves forward with the
building stabilization, the City would be able to retain the artifacts and offer them for viewing in
the homestead as a type of museum showpiece.
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Alderman Santi arrived at 7:43 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
November 8, 2006
Page 3
`- Alderman Murgatroyd stated he would like to have enough information available to be able to
project repair costs so that monies can be included in the 2007-2008 budget. The City needs to
stabilize the building so that it can be open for public viewing at least once per year.
Management Assistant Hobson stated the City should obtain quotes on completely accurate
restoration and restoration which is designed to"look like" it is historically accurate.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan: Discussion
Chairman Peterson invited Steve Halberg of Bonestroo, Devery & Associates to lead the
discussion regarding the Parks and Recreatian Master Plan.
Mr. Halberg nated at the last meeting Staff inquired as to how the City of McHenry compares to
the Illinois Rerreational Facility Inventory(IRFI) suggested standards. To that end, Mr. Halberg
provided the C'ommittee with two spreadsheets: one comparing the City's facilities based on
current population; and the other comparing the City's facilities based on projected 2010
population. Both spreadsheets also included projections of facility use and need by surrounding
communities which do not have parks facilities.
Alderman Murgatroyd left the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
Mr. Hallberg then provided the Committee with a comprehensive inventory list of existing park
facilities.
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The Committee reviewed potential targeted land acquisition to increase the City's open space
and park lands as su�gested by Bonestroo, Devery and Associates. Mr. Halberg displayed aerial
maps of each of the City four quadrants, noting potential land acquisitions to expand open space
in each. General discussion followed regarding potential desirable areas for expansion of park
lands.
Responding to an inquiry, Mr. Halberg stated the proposed calendar for Parks and Recreation
Master Plan adoptions is:
Parks and Rec Committee Meeting December Provide revisions as su�gested by
Committee
Parks and Rec Committee Meeting January Provide Draft Master Plan Report
Public Input Meeting 7anuary Review Draft Report
Parks and Rec Committee Meeting February Response to Public Input Meeting
City Council March Presentation and Adoption
Mr. Halberg distributed overlays for each of the City's four quadrants for discussion and
suggested improvements. Mr. Halberg then provided the Committee with proposed site plans for
redevelopment or refining of several City parks. General discussion followed regarding the
proposed improvements to each of the designated parks. Alderman Santi expressed his
displeasure with the proposed intensity of use of Fox Ridge Park.
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Management Assistant Hobson requested Bonestroo, Devery & Associates provide a proposed
park development for the potential acquisitions, such as the sod farm south of Bull Valley Road,
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
November 8, 2006
Page 4
`— North Oak Park and area adjacent to the Oaks at Irish Prairie in the southeast quadrant. He
inquired what potential uses would be suggested for these properties.
In response to an inquiry made by Management Assistant Hobson, Mr. Halber� stated the ne�rt
step would be to provide the Committee with a draft master plan report with backup
documentation in January. Feedback from the December meeting would be utilized to fine tine
the draft report.
Director's Reuort
There was no Director's Report.
New Business
Director Merkel noted the next committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 14,
2006. Brief discussion occuned. Committee members will let Staff their availability on this date.
An alternate date of Tuesday, December 12, 2006 was suggested.
Adiournment
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
Voting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Peterson.
Voting I�1ay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
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Res ectfully submitted,
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Robert J. Peter. Chairman
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Memorandum
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To: Chairman Alderman Peterson
Fm: Deputy Clerk Kunzer
Date: 7anuary 26, 2007
Subj: Parks and Recreation 10/18/06 Committee Minutes
Enclosed are the October 18, 2006 committee minutes. Please review, correct and/or amend and
return with your signature. Thank you.
Enc
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