HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11/3/2004 - Parks and Recreation Committee � PARKS & RECREATION COMMITT`EE MEETING
Wednesday,November 3, 2004
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
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In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Peterson, Alderman Glab,
Alderman Condon. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Director of Parks and Recreation
Merkel, Athletic Supervisor Perkins, Superintendent of Park Maintenance Schmidt and City
Clerk Jones.
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting to order at
7:00 p.m.
Proposed Picnic Permit Fees for 2Q05
Director Merkel informed the Committee Staff has prepared a new fee structure for picnic
permits for 2005. He stated the changes proposed at this time affect non-resident fees for the
family/wedding /not-for-profit category, noting company/corporation fees have a residency
requirement in place.
Director Merkel stated the changes in the picnic fee structure are being proposed at this time due
to publication of the Winter/Spring park brochure. In addition, application for 2005 picnic
permits begins in early January.
Director Merkel informed the Committee that the non-resident rates are twice the rate of the
reservation fee charged to residents. It is suggested deposit fees remain the same.
�, Residents of the City are able to register for picnics beginning the first Monday after January l�`
of each year. This allows residents first choice of all available dates and locations. Non-
residents register for remaining dates after the first Monday in the month of February. It was
noted that no fee increase is being proposed for residents at this time.
Director Merkel stated Staff contacted several area Park and Recreation agencies in an effort to
compare fees and charges for picnic facilities. He noted some agencies have no additional
charge for non-residents while others charge double the resident rate.
Alderman Condon indicated she supports charging a fee to non-residents for use of City park
facilities. Additionally, she opined she would like a fee instituted for use of alcohol on the
premises due to liability concerns
Responding to Alderman Glab's inquiry, Director Merkel stated the Parks and Recreation
Department typically utilizes 6-7% of the General Fund annually.
Chairman Peterson noted Lake Zurich charges $3.00 per person in addition to a standard fee.
Alderman Glab suggested limiting the number of non-residents permitted to utilize park facilities
and proposed a headcount.
Chairman Peterson stated he would support an increase in the fees but not burdening Staff with a
� headcount.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
November 3, 2004
�- Alderman Condon suggested limiting the number and type of events utilizing park resources
available to noii-resident groups with large parties. A lengthy discussion ensued.
Motion by C<�ndon, seconded by Glab, to recommend Council approve Staff's proposal
regarding non-resident picnic permit fees by creating an additional category for non-resident use
fees for Family and Non-Profit Organization Picnics for parties in excess of 250 participants, and
to include a flat fee of$250 plus a$100 deposit.
All ayes.Motion carried.
Report on Parks and Recreation Department Future Staf�ng Needs
Director Merkel summarized the 5-year staffing plan for the Parks and Recreation Department.
He noted the plan has been formulated to assist Council in planning for future costs and related
expenses. Director Merkel stated as the City continues to experience residential growth, existing
recreation programs and facilities are impacted crea.ting additional demands on all City services.
The staffing plan was developed for Council and Administration to use as a guide during future
budget discussions. The plan can be utilized as a tool to provide the necessary organizational
structure and personnel in order to facilitate quality parks and recreation to City residents.
Director Merkel presented a proposed organizational chart with the added positions of
Recreation Superintendent, Recreation Supervisor and Future Recreation Supervisor. Director
Merkel noted the position of Recreation Superintendent is foreseen as a Grade 15, exempt
position.
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A brief discussion ensued regarding the possible duplication of recreational services once the
Recreation Center is open and available to the community. A discussion ensued regarding the
availability of facilities, the number of programs and available staff. Alderman Glab suggested
better time management with regard to departmental staffing.
Director Merkel noted Park Maintenance Staff is responsible for the care and maintenance of all
parks and park facilities in the City. The City parks are comprised of 35 parks sites which total
633.18 acres. He stated that maintenance is accomplished with a combination of full time, part-
time seasonal and contracted work forces.
Director Merkel also noted the last increase to the full time maintenance staff was in 1999 when
two employees were hired. He stated that, in order to continue to provide an acceptable level of
maintenance, additional employees would be needed in the Park Maintenance Division. The
increase would include both full and part-time positions to be added over a 5-year period.
Director Merkel stated maintenance facilities for future staff and equipment should be considered
in the next 3 to 5 years. He stated the primary maintenance facility is located at Petersen Park,
noting an addition was completed to the facility in the spring of 2000, doubling the size of the
original building. At the time of the building addition discussions took place to limit the size of
the facility in Petersen Park with the intention of moving the park maintenance base to the
existing Public Works facility on Green Street following construction of the new Public Works
,� Maintenance Garage. Director Merkel noted moving the Park Maintenance operation to the
facility on Green Street would permit all the parks equipment to be located at one location, in a
dry, heated and secure area, which is located next to Knox Park one of the City's major parks.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
November 3, 2004
`.- Director Merkf�l informed the Committee that currently Knox Park Barn is used for storage of
some vehicles and maintenance equipment and that the safety of the equipment in a wooden
structure has been a concern for many years.
Alderman Concion stated she encourages ongoing maintenance of parks.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Condon, to recommend Council consider that the Parks and
Recreation Department be granted use of the Public Works Garage located on Green Street
following construction of a new Public Works Garage and Maintenance facility.
All ayes. Motion camed.
Schedule for 2005 Parks and Recreation Committee Meetings
Director Merkel presented the proposed schedule for 2005 Parks and Recreation Committee
Meetings as follows:
Second Wednesday of the mont 7:00�m., Aldermen's Conference Room
January 12, 2005
February 9, 2005 —Athletic League Meeting
March 9, 2005
May 11, 2005
June 8, 2005
September 14, 2005
� October 12, 2005
November 9, 2005
Alderman Condon suggested with the number of events and projects taking place it might be
prudent to include a Parks and Recreation Committee meeting on August 10�`, which could be
cancelled if necessary.
It was the consensus of the Committee to accept the proposed schedule for 2005 Parks and
Recreation Committee meetings as follows:
Second Wednesdav of the month, 7:00 p.m.�Alderman's Conference Room
January 12, 2005
February 9, 2005 —Athletic League Meeting
March 9, 2005
May 11, 2005
June 8, 2005
August 10, 2005
September 14, 2005
October 12, 2005
November 9, 2005
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Parks and Recreation Committee
November 3, 2004
L— Director's Report
Wheeler Fen
Director Merkc�l presented a brief report regarding the progress of Wheeler Fen Park. He noted
the Parks and Recreation Department would work with the McHenry County Conservation
District to enhance the plant life within the park.
Alderman Glah suggested a pedestrian path would be a pleasant addition to the landscape. No
particular destination or location was indicated.
Jaycee Park
Director Merkel provided a report regarding the timeline for construction in Jaycee Park
pursuant to Alderman Condon's request. Alderman Condon requested confirmation that
reconstruction of the existing playground would not have an impact on the softball fields.
Director Merkel provided confirmation.
Alderman Condon suggested lighting be installed in Jaycee Park, noting that she realizes it is not
endorsed by the Police Department.
Petersen Park
Director Merkel reported that 90% of the work is completed in the Petersen Park Waterfront
Development Phase II. He provided a progress report to the Committee.
� Alderman Glab stated he did not find the lighting that was chosen architecturally appealing.
New Business
Alderman Condon informed the Committee that the Pigtail League is interested in a possible
fundraiser to facilitate installation of a scoreboard at Fields 3 and 4 in Petersen Park. Athletic
Supervisor Perkins stated he has already received a letter from the Pigtail League and has
addressed the inquiry. A brief discussion ensued regarding ongoing maintenance of existing
scoreboards in City parks.
Director Merkel, responding to Chairman Peterson's inquiry, stated no formal volunteer program
existed for the maintenance of City parks and/or the reporting of incidents of vandalism.
Adjournment
Motion by Condon, seconded by Glab, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
All ayes. Motion carried.
Re ful sub ' ,
:
Robert J. Peter , hairman
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