HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 9/14/2005 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS&RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETTNG
Thursday, September 14, 2005
Aldermen's Conference Room,7:00 p.m.
`- In Attendance: Committee Members: Alderman Santi, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman
Peterson, Alderman Condon. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Director of Parks and
Recreation Merkel, Recreation Programs Supervisor Witt, Deputy Clerk Kunzer.
Also in attendance was resident Mark Rapata of 4516 Willow Lane.
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting to
order at 7:00 p.m.
Bike Path Public Education
Recreation Frograms Supervisor Witt stated the Department intends to educate the public
regarding the safe and proper use of area trails. The Department has created a brochure which
identifies trail safety, trail classifications and a trail map. Supervisor Witt noted the map when
completed will include park locations, schools, library, municipal center, rest stops, washrooms,
water stops, etc.
Suggestion was make to create the brochure with not only bikers in mind, but runners,
pedestrians, and roller bladders, as well. It was the consensus of the Committee the trails should
be multi-purpose.
Responding to clarification as to the trail classifications, Supervisor Witt stated there are
three types of trails: on-road, off-road, and share the road. At this time, it is not certain what type
� of trail future projected trails would be. There should be a classification for "future" trail until
specific type is known.
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, responding to an inquiry, stated Dartmoor
Drive is proposed to be an on-road trail which would require striping. However, on street parking
would be lost in areas where there is on-road trail striping. Some discussion occurred regazding
the desirability of having one lane of trail striped on Dartmoor (possibly on the north side) and
the consequential loss of on-street parking. Alderman Condon is in favor of striping Dartmoor
Drive.
Alderman Santi opined a legend should be included on the brochure indicating the type of
trail, the trail surface, washrooms, water stops, rest areas, etc.
Director Merkel informed the Committee the Department intends to place signage on
current off-road paths/trails this fall and winter. In response to an inquiry, Director Merkel stated
no motorized vehicles are permitted on paths/trails in the City.
Motion by Condon, seconded by Santi, to direct Staffto proceed with the creation, design
and printing of a "Trail Map and Safety Information" Brochure for hand out and/or mailing to
City of McHenry residents when requested.
Voting.Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting�Tay: None.
� Absent: None.
Motion carried.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
September 14, 2U05
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Shamrock Farms Park Design and Construction Proposal
Director Merkel reported the Parks and Recreation Committee approved a tentative
design for the Shamrock Farms Park in January 2004. The final design and preparation of bid
specifications for the development of this park has been included in the Capital Improvements
Progam for Fiscal Year 2a05/2006 in the amount of $25,000. Construction of the park is
proposed for Fiscal Year 2006/2007 with a budgeted amount of$350,000.
Director Merkel provided the Committee with a proposed timeline for the park's
development:
October-November 2005 Final Plans&Specifications/Bid Documerrts
December OS-January 2006 Bidding and Review of Bids
January-February 2006 Award of Bid and Completion of Contract Documents
April-May 2006 Consiruction begins
August 2006 Constcuction complete/Landscape restoration
September 2006 Project close out.
Director Merkel noted it is Staf�s recommendation to approve the proposal from 3D
Design to provide final design and construction services for Sha.mrock Farms Park in the amount
of$36,$75.
Director Merkel provided the Committee with a summary of proposed Park's Developer
Donations to be realized as a result of the Shamrock Farms Properry Development. He suggested
� appro�mately $3 million will be generated in Parks Donations at buildout. However, not only
the large park but two small tot lots would be developed with these donations.
Some discussion occurred regarding the increase in project estimate from the initial 2003
proposal to the current projected costs. Discussion also followed regarding the Developer's offer
to develop the park and why it was not accepted in 2003. Director Merkel noted it is important
for the City to re�tain control of park development to insure quality of materials and equipment
utilized.
Brief discussion occurred regarding ways to trim the projected cost of the park
development. Alderman Condon suggested reducing the number of bleachers from 12 to 8.
Alderman Condon noted the sooner this park is developed the less it will cost. She pointed out
the dramatic increase in cost estimates between 2003 and current costs.
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Condon, to recommend to the City Council that the
proposal presented by 3D Design to provide final desi�n and construction services for Shamrock
Farm Park in the amount of$36,875.
Voting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
� Noting the recent approval of the Gilger Property Annexation, Director Merkel informed
the Committee some of the trees from the Gilger Tree Farm could be transplanted to the
Shamrock Farm Park and thereby reduce the landscaping costs.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
September 14, 2005
`-- Dog Park Discussion
Director Merkel reminded the Committee an open house was held in June to provide
information an�� obtain community input regarding a proposed do� park in the City. Negative
comments wer�; received from Riverside Hollow residents and others abutting the proposed site
along RiversidE�Drive. No comments were made regarding the proposed Fox Ridge Park site.
Discussion occurred regarding the Dog Park placement in an already developed
subdivision (i.e. Fox Ridge Park), in an undeveloped area, or on a more commercially-centered
site. Chairman Peterson suggested the rear of the Petersen Historic Farm Property would make a
good location for the Dog Park, particularly since Home Depot has recently moved the access
point through their subdivision. He noted the park is adjacent to commercial retail, which would
not create problems similar to a location adjacent to residential development.
Mr. Rapata inquired if the Dog Park would be fiscally viable. What percentage of the
park users wou(d take care of the park, clean up after their dogs, etc. Mr. Rapata further inquired
what criteria the City uses to approval of new programs, particulazly those broached by the
residents.
Alderman Condon stated her preference for locating the Dog Park in Fox Ridge Park and
noted area resi�ents would be more apt to use it if they could walk to it. Alderman Schaefer
stated there wil l be objectc�rs no matter the ultimate location of the park or the type of park which
is created. Discussion occurred regarding possible alternate sites:
� Petersen Pa.rk field area which is currently used for Petersen Park large event paxking;
Cunat King parkland;
Shamrock Farm school property on a temporary basis until school decides to build on it;
School site on Dartmoor Drive.
Alderm;�n Santi opined the discussion appears to be moving in the wrong direction as the
Committee see ns to be broadening the search instead of narrowing the focus for the Dog Park
location. Aldernan Condon suggested deferring further discussion regarding the Dog Park until
after the results of the Needs Assessment Survey have been tabulated and reported.
It was the consensus of the Committee to table further discussion regarding the Dog Park
for 30 days or until results of the Needs Assessment Survey are known.
Brief discussion was held regarding the conflict between the City ordinance which
prohibits dogs in all City parks and the McHenry County Conservation District which permits
dogs on a leash on its bike/pedestrian path.
Director's Report
Director Merkel reported:
l. The results of the Needs Assessment Survey will be reported to Council at its Monday,
October 17, 2005 regularly scheduled meeting. A brief presentation wili be given
preceding Council discussion and action.
� 2. Petersen Park Water&ont Project will be inspected by the IDNR in the near future prior to
wrapping up the gant.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
September 14, 2005
`-- 3. Petersen Historic Farm Tractor Restoration will be done through the implementation of a
community service project spearheaded by Darick Franzen and local youth. They will
donate their time. Parts and paint would be paid for by the City.
New Business
Chairman Peterson announced the Kiwanis have ageed to contribute $7,500 toward
upgrading and renovating the Kiwanis Tot Lot this year, with another$7,500 to follow ne�year.
Alderman Schaefer inquired if Fox Ridge Park could be utilized for baseball and softball
gam�s in addition to practices. He noted he had been approached by the leagues. Director Merkel
responded this has been discussed many times. There is no pa.rking available for this park to
accommodate games being played on the premises. He noted two more fields are being proposed
, in the Shamrock Farms Park which should help in scheduling games.
Some discussion occurred regarding the small 5 acre school site on Dartmoor Drive
adjacent to Fox Ridge Park. Director Merkel stated this lot could revert back to the City if not
developed by School District 15 by 2011. The City could then utilize that lot to provide parking
for Fox Ridge Park.
Director� Merkel also suggested the leagues approach the high school regardin� use of
their fields for�cheduling games.
� Responding to an inquiry from Alderman Schaefer, Director Merkel stated dance class
program participants are assigned to classes based upon skill, prior requisite class criteria, and
teacher assessment of abilities and readiness for the class.
Adjournment
Motion by Santi, seconded by Condon, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. All ayes.
Motion carried.
Res full ' d,
Robert J. P r�o Chairman
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