HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 5/11/2006 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATIQN COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, May 11,2006
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:30 p.m.
`-' In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Peterson, Alderman Santi, and
Alderman Schaefer. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Director of Parks and Recreation
Merkel, Superintendent of Parks Maintenance Schmidt, Management Assistant Community
Relations Hobson and City Clerk Jones.
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Discussion Regarding Building Demolition
Petersen Park and Wheeler Park Fen
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee that Staff is in the
process of preparing bid specifications for the demolition of buildings in two of the City's parks.
• A wood frame house and barn at Wheeler Park Fen; and
• A small house at the entrance to Petersen Park Beach, which will be demolished and
cleared for additional open space.
Director Merkel noted both structures have issues with asbestos; the well and septic
systems at both sites have to be abandoned and all utilities disconnected. Staff is suggesting
removal of the barn at the Wheeler Park Fen first. Staff noted several inquiries have been
received regarding the razing, removal and potential re-use of the barn boards and timbers.
Director Merkel informed the Committee that funds have been included in the 2Q06/2007
budget for the demolition of the buildings in the Developer ponation Fund. Staff is seeking
`.. direction from the Committee to prepare bid documents to be brought before Council for
authorization ta bid.
Responding to an inquiry, Director Merkel indicated that discussion has taken place with
regard to extending the decorative fencing at Petersen Park to the new property line following
demolition of the house. A brief discussion ensued regarding the removal and potential sale of
the barn boards and timbers.
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to recommend that Staff prepare bid documents
for the demolition of buildings located at Petersen Park and Wheeler Park Fen, to be brought to
Council for authorization to bid on these projects:
Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Peterson.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Discussion Regardin�Hickory Creek Farm Storage Facilitv
Director Merkel presented a brief history of the Hickory Creek Farm and summarized
plans for the proposed storage facility.
Director Merkel noted the proposed storage facility would be built on an existing 40' x
160' concrete foundation, which includes floor and sidewalls. The concrete foundation
� originally supported a wood frame barn built on the site when the complex was developed in the
1940's. Staff has received some preliminary estimates on construction of a wood frame or metal
agriculture storage building on the existing foundation.
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
May 11, 2006
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Director Merkel informed the Committee the proposed storage facility would provide
equipment storage for the tenant as well as for the Park Maintenance Department. Director
Merkel noted there currently exists an indoor storage space at Petersen Historic Farm, which
accommodates vehicles and basic equipment; however there is no additional indoor storage
space at Petersen Park. Staff does not envision the current area being available for long term use
as a maintenance facility.
Staff proposes that construction of an enclosed, non-heated, secure facility at Hickory
Creek Farm would provide a low cost, sizeable equipment storage facility to service the Petersen
Park complex together with other park sites on the north side of town. Director Merkel noted the
building would be constructed to blend in with the agricultural use and other structures at the
existing site. I)irector Merkel stated funds in the amount of$85,000 have been allocated in the
2006/2007 budget in the Developer ponation Fund.
Responding to an inquiry, Director Merkel stated paxk maintenance equipment and
materials, which is currently stored at the Knox Park Barn, would continue to be stored at that
site to facilitate maintenance storage for the southern section of the City's park system.
Alderman Santi expressed concern that there would not be any power at the facility.
Superintendent Schmidt stated Staff is seeking more of a storage facility than a repair facility. A
discussion ensued regarding the advantages of providing power at the storage facility.
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Staff is seeking a recommendation from the Committee to proceed with the solicitation of
proposals from qualified agricultural building contractors for the construction of a storage
facility at Hickory Creek Farm.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the size and capacity of the proposed storage
facility. The option of providing power to the facility was suggested.
Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to direct Staff to prepare a Request for Proposals
("RFP") and to present the proposals to Council for construction of a storage facility on the
existing concrete foundation at Hickory Creek Farm.
Aye: Peterson, Santi, Schaefer.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Discussion Regarding Petersen Park Stage Development
Director Merkel informed the Committee that Staff, for some time, has been working
with several vendors regarding the design of a temporary stage cover for the Petersen Park stage,
for use at special events and musical performances. Three companies have submitted proposals,
together with design and costs for the structure and canopy, to cover the 30-foot x 40-foot stage
deck.
`" Director Merkel stated the challenge regarding this project has been finding a temporary
cover that could be assembled within a reasonable period of time, with minimal effort, at a
minimal cost, that would be durable, attractive and still be functional for a variety of uses.
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May 11, 2006
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Staff has ascertained that the proposal submitted by Park and Recreation Supply, Inc. of
Union, Illinois, is the design most practical for the uses outlined. The proposed system can be
installed by Staff, fits the existing stage area and does not require major modifications, or change
to the existing foundation. Additionally, the design is attractive and the framing for the structure
breaks down into smaller sections for easy transport and storage. Director Merkel noted a
similar canopy and frame is installed over the Knox Park children's wading pool.
Director Merkel informed the Committee that the City has received donations from
Meijer Stores ($10,000) and McHenry Chamber of Commerce ($2,000), which could be applied
toward the purchase of the structure.
Staff requests the Committee consider the proposal submitted by Park and Recreation
Supply, Inc. and recommend purchase of the framing and canopy, in the amount of$13,827, to
Council.
Responding to inquiries, Director Merkel stated Staff anticipates assembling the frame at
the site, in the late spring or early summer, and installing the canopy for events as necessary.
Color of the canopy was discussed. Inquiries were made regarding assembly time and the
capacity of the canopy to withstand water. Alderman Santi expressed concern that vendors
would not have a venue to advertise on the canopy. Director Merkel indicated the banners used
�, by vendors would not interfere with the structure or the canopy. A lengthy discussion ensued.
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to recommend to Council the purchase of the 40'
x 30', 14-foot high, Superior Shade Structure, from Park & Recreation Supply, Inc. of Union,
Illinois, in the amount of$13,827.
Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Peterson.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Park and Recreation Directors Reaort
a. Shamrock Farms Park-Update
Director Merkel outlined the work taking place at the site and the necessity for a
$20,000 change order due to soil conditions. He informed the Committee that the
completion date is scheduled for the end of June.
b. Leg,end Lakes Tot Lots—Neighborhood No. 5
Director Merkel indicated two tot lots were negotiated in the Annexation Agreement.
Plans for the tot lots have been submitted by the developer, Kimball Hill. Director
Merkel estimated completion for the tot lots at 30—60 days.
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May 11, 2006
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c. McHenry Shores Beach Shoreline Restoration -Undate
Director Merkel provided a brief report regarding the restoration of the McHenry
Shores Beach shoreline. He informed the Committee that the work has yet to be
completed, due mainly to recent inclement weather, however he anticipates
completion by May 26, 2006.
New Business
Alderman Schaefer informed the Committee that he has received many compliments
from residents, in particular representatives of the Pigtail League, regaxding the condition of both
Fox Ridge Park and Petersen Park. He commended Staff on their efforts.
Following discussion regarding the Police Golf Outing, which is scheduled to take place
on June 14, 2006, the date of the ne� Parks and Recreation Committee meeting was re-
scheduled to Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 7:30 p.m., in the Aldermen's Conference Room, subject
to confirmation regarding the Committee members' calendars.
It was brought to the attention of the Committee that the Band Concerts will begin on
Thursday, May 25, 2006.
Chairman Peterson brought to the attention of the Committee concerns of residents, due
to the recent newspaper articles, regarding quality of the water in McCullom Lake and the
�, possibility of contamination from cancer-causing chemicals. Director Merkel informed the
Committee that he provided to City Administrator Maa�einer a 1995 McCullom Lake Water
Quality Report. The Report involved e�rtensive testing which Director Merkel understands City
Administrator Maxeiner will include in a Friday Report in the very near future.
Chairman Peterson inquired about the small portion of land left over when the
reconfiguration of Draper Road was undertaken, asking that Staff research the property and
provide information regarding the status of the property in the Friday Report.
Adiournment
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Peterson.
Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Respectfull s ' d,
Robert J. Peter; hairman
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