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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - 11/9/2005 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, November 9, 2005 Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m. `- In Attendance: Committee Members: Alderman Santi, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Peterson. Absent: Alderman Condon. Also in Attendance: Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Athletic Programs Coordinator Lunkenheimer, Parks Maintenance Supt. Schmidt, Deputy Clerk Kunzer. Chairman Alderman Peterson called the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Foz Ridge Park Ball Field Usage Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel provided the committee with a brief history of the development of Fox Ridge Park. He noted two years ago, while the installation of sanitary sewers to the Village of McCullom Lake was taking place, two fields as Petersen Park were not usable and two fields were created and used at Fox Ridge Park. The Fox Ridge fields were used for �ames during this construction period. Following that time, these fields have been used for practice only, on a first scheduled, first served basis. Director Merkel cited maintenance issues as the major difference between the use of a ballfield for practice or games. Games fields are prepared each game day; practice fields are maintained weekly. Lengthy discussion followed regardin� the advantages and disadvantages of converting the Fox Ridge practice ballfields to garne ballfields. Supt. Schmidt stated the fields would require the installation of bases, pitcher's mound, home plate, foul poles, etc. � Responding to an inquiry, Director Merkel stated there has been growth, there are more teams in both Pi�tail League and Little League. However, there is also a scheduling issue as the fields remain vacant during most of July and August, while there is a shortage in May and June. Director Merkel also noted Freund Field was converted to a game field and was completed during the 2005 season. Discussion continued regarding the shortage of staff required to maintain the game fields, particularly until the part time summer staff returns in mid-May. There is not enough manpower to keep the game fields in good shape until the part time staff returns. If two more game fields are added (at Fox Ridge Pazk)the shortage becomes even greater. Suggestion was made to convert three fields to game fields at Fox Ridge Park on a trial basis for the 2006 season and to re-evaluate at the season's end. The suggestion was that two fields be scheduled on a regular basis with the third field to be utilized in an emergency or for make-up games only. Discussion occurred regarding the current use of school fieids for praetice and games, particularly by the Pigtail League. It was noted the school district does not maintain the fields in "game" form during the summer as school is not in session. Discussion also occurred regarding the leagues' andlor parents' assistance in maintaining the fields. Responding to an inquiry, Supt. Schrnidt stated it takes approximately 8 man-hours (two men, four hours each) to prepare a field on game day. Conversely, approximately 4 hours/week are spent maintainin�practice fields. � In response to an inquiry, Director Merkel stated both the Pigtail League and the Little League schedule games Monday through Friday. In addition, the Pigtail League typically has games Page 2 Parks and Recreation Committee November 9, 2005 �-- every Saturday, while the Little League schedules games every Sunday. The season for both leagues typically ends by mid-July. Discussion continued regarding a potential compromise which would create minimal workload increase for the parks maintenance staff. The consensus was to offer the use of two fields at Fox Rid�e Park for practice with games to be scheduled no more than three days per week (Monday through Friday)with the games to be scheduled no earlier than May 1, 2006. Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Santi, to direct Staffto: 1. proceed vuith the preparation of Fields 1,2, and 3 at Fox Ridge Park for the 2006 Season on a trial basis to be evaluated as season's end; 2. to be used by the Pigtail Lea.gue for practices and games; 3. Fields l and 2 to be used for games; 4. Field 3 to be used for make-up games or emergency basis only; 5. games to be scheduled no more than three days per week(Monday thru Friday)beginning May 1, 2006; 6. assistance with field preparation and maintenance be sought from the Pigtail League; 7. ground rules for field maintenance be established by the Parks Maintenance Department; 8. ground rules for field maintenance be followed by Pigtail League. Vpting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Peterson. . Voting Nay: None. Absent: Condon. � 1Vlotion carried. Parks and Recreation Master Plan—Consultant Selection Process and Schedule Director Merkel reported the Requests for Proposals for the Master Plan has been completed and will be sent to interested firms. The proposed deadline for submittal is December 2, 2QOS. The selection committee will review the proposals in mid-December. Interviews with selected firms will occur in the first part of January with an ultimate recommendation to Council by the end of January. 2006 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Schedule Director Merkel suggested the committee establish its 2006 meeting schedule to assure reservation of the Aldermen's Conference Room for the dates requested. The proposed schedule is as follows: Wednesday, January 11, 2006, 7 p.m. Aldermen's Conference Room Wednesday, February 8, 2006 (Youth and Adult Athletic League Scheduling Meeting), 7 p.m. Classroom#193 Wednesday, March 8, 2006, 7 p.m. Aldermen's Conference Room Wednesday, May 17, 2006, 7 p.m. Aldermen's Conference Room Wednesday, June 14, 2006, 7 p.m. Aldermen's Conference Room Wednesday, September 13, 2006,7 p.m. Aldermen's Conference Room Wednesday, October 1� 2006, 7 p.m. Aldermen's Conference Room � Wednesday, November 8, 2006, 7 p.m. Aldermen's Conference Room. Page 3 Parks and Recrea.tion Committee November 9, 2005 `-- Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to establish the 2006 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting schedule as presented. Voting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Peterson. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Condon. Motion carried. Director's Report Director Merkel reported: 1. November 3, 2005 meeting with Pebble Creek residents regarding the Urban Forestry Program for 2006. He noted the program appears to be very popular. The deadline for ordering and paying for trees is January 13, 2006. He reminded the committee the cost ta residents is $100, while the City subsidizes the remainder (approximately $100 per tree) through the revenues received as a result of the Tree Preservation Ordinance. 2. The water level in McCullom Lake is greatly reduces as a result of the 2005 drought, as the lake level is directly proportional to the ground water level. The aeration system is ready to be used this winter if needed. New Business There was no New Business. Adjournment � Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried. Res tful su 'tt . � Robert J. Peterso Chairman � Parks and Recreation Committee October 12, 2005 Page 6 � Memoranduni • To: Chainnan Alderman Peterson Fm: City C�lerk Jones Date: December 30, 2005 Subj: Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes Enclosed is a copy of the October 12, 2005 Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes. Please review, comment/correct or sign and return to me at your earliest convenience. Thank you. Enc � �