HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/11/2004 - Parks and Recreation Committee , PARKS& RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
1 Thursday,March 11,2004
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:30 p.m.
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In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Peterson, Alderman Condon,
Alderman Murgatroyd. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Assistant City Administrator
Lockerby, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Athletic Supervisor Perkins, Recreation
Supervisor Witt, Community Projects Coordinator Hobson, Superintendent of Parks
Maintenance Schmidt, City Clerk Jones.
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting to
order at 7:33 p.m.
Recreation Program Report
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel stated that Recreation Supervisor, Cindy Witt
and Athletic Supervisor, Mike Perkins were in attendance to provide a brief report on current
recreation programs in the community, also to highlight upcoming spring and summer activities.
Cindy Witt- Report
Recreation Supervisor Witt informed the Committee that the Parks and Recreation
Department has continued to expand its programs, facilities and services to meet the needs of the
community. Ms. Witt stated registration in popular programs such as preschool, dance, day
camp, youth activities and adult fitness have increased and special events sponsored by the
department continue to be well attended.
�. Ms. Witt continued stating that programs are continually evaluated and new program
ideas are introduced each year. Two of the major progam changes in 2004 were in the Swim
Lesson program and the addition of a Youth Theatre program. The swim lesson program utilized
a new format and the youth theatre program was introduced in cooperation with Shakespeare's
Child Academy of Theatre Arts. Ms. Witt explained introductory sessions are being offered this
year with the goal of the youth theatre progam to bring performing arts to children in the
community.
Ms. Witt informed the Committee that Parks and Recreation Program informaction is npw
available on line. Residents are able to view program information, download registration forms
and register by mail.
Mike Perkins-Report
Athletic Supervisor Perkins stated the Parks and Recreation Department begins its 25tn
year with park development and facility expansion.
Nir. Perkins noted the Phase III Renovation of Freund Field is under contract and
scheduled to begin in the spring of 2004, completing the four-year renovation of the park site.
The playground renovation program continues with improvements at Jaycee Park and Malibu
Tot Lot. He informed the Committee the renovation program is nearing completion of all sites in
McHenry.
� Mr. Perkins noted supervision at the McHenry Skate Park has been well received since its
inception in July 2003. He stated efforts are underway to incorporate hours in the Skate Park
according to skill level and age.
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Mr. Perkins informed the Committee that the athle�tic leagues are doing well and some
new sport oriented trips would be offered through the Parks and Recreation Department.
Park Maintenance Update and Review of Projects
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel introduced Superintendent of Parks
Maintenance Tom Schmitt. Superintendent Schmitt informed the Committee that at the
beginning of each calendar year a Park Maintenance staff review is completed of all city park
sites. The review is done to address items that may include safety improvements, new amenities,
equipment replacement, building upgrades, landscape renovations or contracted maintenance.
Superintendent Schmitt noted city park maintenance employees complete the work indicated
during the review with the assistance of Public Works/Water Department employees or by an
outside contractor. Any item not completed during the calendar year is carried over to the next
calendar year. High priority items and any safety related work are the first tasks completed.
The repairs and improvements listed are items that are over and above the daily park
maintenance duties. The work can be done during the 2004 calendar year. Jobs requiring
assistance by the Public Works Department are noted (W.O.) - work order. Items by outside
crews are noted (contract) -to be contracted out.
• Items from 2003 still to be completed
*New items added for 2004
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William H.Althoff Park
• Repair concrete base of roof support. Northwest comer of building
• Spot seed or sod worn areas on fields
* Replace dead trees
* Provide additional wood chips in area azound shelter and playground
* Plant additional irees in north boundary line
* Plow,grade,reseed middle field in soccer area(contract)
* Install electric heater to concession building(contract)
Boulder Creek Park
• Install split rail fence along south properiy line(contract)
• Install park identification sign
• Install new boundary signs
* Clean wooded lot
Brookside Trail
* Provide landscape azound new park identification sign
Center Street Park
• Renovate play area(coniract)
* Provide landscape around park identification sign
* Replace tree at southeast comer
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* Repair backstop
Cold Sarings Park
• Fence north boundary of property to close off access to illegal dumping(contract)
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March 11, 2004
�, • Remove any debris on site(contract)
• Begin turf caze on north 10 acre parcel after sceding by developer
• Install vehicle barrier posts at trail entrance—south parking lot
* Landscape around new park identification sign—south entrance
* Install new park identification sign along bike trail
* Begin wetland management program
* Clean woodlot
* Install pazk boundary signs behind new homes on north side
Creekside Park
• Renovate playground(contract)
* Install split rail fence
East Beach Park
• Remove old play equipment
• Install new park identification sign
• Install new bar gate—maintenance access
* Install new swing set
* Install new tables,tops and seats
* Install split rail fence on west boundary
Foa Ridge Park—East of Boone Creek
* Landscape around new park identification sign
� * Install new basketball goals on backboards
* Begin Wetland Management Program along Boone Creek
Foa Rid�e Park—West of Boone Creek
• Seed or sod bare spots
• Roll new turf area
• Install handicapped parldng signs in parking lot
• Set home plates and foul poles on four fields
* Fertilize and over sced west athletic fields
* Begin Wetland Management Program along Boone Creek
* Post no trespassing signs on north end of Whitmore Trail
* Landscape azound park identification sign
Freund Field
• Install rules and regulation signs
* Begin Phase [II improvements—ball fields,landscaping,new parldng area(contract)
* Install park identification sign
* Finish landscaping after Phase III improvements
* Install windscreen on basketball courts fencing(north&east sides)
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� Green Street Park
* Plant spring flowering bulbs
Javcce Park
• Install asphalt pathway to connect Park Ridge Estates access to Barn wood Trail(contract)
• Renovate playground(contract)
* Plant trees in north boundary between p�ark and new homes
* Landscape azound park identification signs
Kiwanis Tot Lot
• Extend blacktop surface on court under basket area(W.O.)
• Renovate play area(contract)
* Install new basket and goal
* Clean up along east fence line
Knoa Park
* Re-shingle barn
* Install new lighting system in Shelter B
* Install landscape bouiders at west entrance
* Landscape around telephone junction box on Green Street
* Provide woodlot clean up southwest side of park
Knoa Park—Skate Park
• Seed and sod bare spots and high traff"ic areas
� * Paint frames of bike ramps
* Replace concrete in worn areas at entrance(contract)
* Clean debris on north side of barn
* Replace or repair skate light and/or platforms on worn areas of bike ramps
Knoa Park—Athletic Facilities
• Replace dugout fencing on lighted and west field(contract)
• Install 8' sideline fencing(1�`&3'�base)on Huff Field(contract)
* Remove Scotch Pines at west end of soccer field&replace with new Conifers
* Remove dead trees and stump near soccer field
* Install new outfield lights on field 2(contract)
* Inspect and repair wiruig on tennis court lights(contract)
Knoa Park Pool
• Install new IM diving board stand
• Provide new cabinets/counter top in concession room(contract)
* Repair or replace timing system display board
Lakeland Park
• Install drainage system in play area and renovate play equipment
• Provide parking lot paving improvements:
• Overlayment of asphalt(contract)
• Stripe and provide handicaP parking space(W.O.)
• Install new park identification signs and landscape
`' • Install stuubs on south side of building
* Install new basketball backboard and goal
* Stripe basketball court
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Lakeland Park Communitv Center
*. Install address numbers on building
Malibu Plavground
• Renovate playground(contract)
• Replace railroad tie retauung wall with concrete block retaining wall(contract)
McHenry Shores Beach
• Construct seawall or seasonal protection(contract)
• Install new bar gate—maintenance access
* Remove old wooden light pole by pier
* Remove old utility pole and bollard posts. Replace with spilt rail fence.
* Paint bridge
Millers Riverfront Park
• Continue trail development with wood chip application
• Improve waterfront access for non-motorized boat launch and fishing area
• Install park boundary signs on west side
* Landscape around new park identification sign
* Install wood chips on trail system
* Cut and clear dead trees and brush in wetland mitigation area
* Install trail access bridge(contract)
* Begin controlled burn program for wetland rehabilitation(contract)
�, * Install split rail fence on south boundary(contract)
Neumann Park
• Install informational signs
• Plant additional perennials as specified by landscape architect
• Provide asphalt apron in front of garage buildi.ng
* Install ground cover in front of lanonstone
* Plant shrubs and ground cover on south side of garage
* Purchase and install new parking bollazds at east entrance
* Purchase and install new garbage can
North Oak Park
• Install accessble path to playground area/curb cut
• Install park boundary signs
* Install split rail fence on property line north&east boundaries(contract)
Overton Park
* Insta111andscaping azound new park identification sign
* Install new benches in gazebo
* Landscape azound gazebo
* Plant additional trees
Pebble Creek Park
* Landscape around park identification sign
`- Petersen Park Athletic Area
• Install PVC coated steel player benches on fields 1,2,3,4,5
• Develop new landscape design and improvements at park entrance/memorial(contract)
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� • Install floor coating in washroom/service center
• Remove trees and brush in northeast corner and level fill azea
* Replace toilet partitions in maintenance/washroom building(contract)
* Refinish floors in washroom building(coniract)
* Provide Field#4 infield renovations
* Install new park ident�cation sign at entrance and provide landscaping
Petersen Park Beach
* Repair fence behind stage area
* Install Phase II Waterfront Development-Fall 2004
Petersen Park Havfield
� Plant trees along McCullom Lake Road
* Install split rail fence atong McCullom Lake Road(contract)
* Remove old signposts at Lakewood Road entrance. Install new posts and sign
Petersen Park Picnic Area
• Resurface south pazldng lot-Oak Street(contract)
• Asphalt interior roadway in park(contract)
• Improve access and base material around Shelter"B"
• Install floor coating in washrooms
* Install new basketball court and striping on Oak St.parldng lot
* Install new standard backboard,goal
* Replace small playground apparatus
� * Replace washroom building siding
* Install concrete pad for pop vending machine behind restrooms
Petersen Park Horse Farm
• Replace old picnic tables 4-5
* Replace wooden fence west of barn
Petersen Historic Farm
* Set up alarm system to tie in with police alarm panel
* Continue wetland rehabilitation with controlled burn
* Clean any remaining debris off of farm site and savanna
* Trim trees in oak savanna and clear of any dead material
* Stump removal and dead tree removal
* Perform repairs to barn,house and other structures as needed
* Remove old shed
Pheasant Vallev Park
• Install new park identification sign and landscaping
* Install two benches and one table from Malibu Tot Lot renovations
Riverside Hollow Park
* Install park identification sign
* Landscape around sign
* Fertilize and aerate turf areas
�"" Rotary Park
* Landscape around new paiic identification sign
* Rebuild park benches and install
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Shamrock Farms Park
* - Install park identification sign
* Fertilize and aerate turf area
Veteran's Memorial Park
• Improve landscape plantings azound gazebo
• New landscape materials around memorial rock
• Install Skateboard pegs on railing around gazebo
* Replace wood shingles on utility building(contract)
* Replace two green spruce in front of park
* Repair sidewalk
* Paint decorative light pole
Walsh Park
• Landscape improvements azound sign
* Install new park identification sign
Weber's Park
* Prime and paint flagpole
* Plant spring flowering bulbs/perennials around lift station
* Remove no swimming sign
NOTE: Sea wall replacement will be done in conjunction with Rivenvalk
� West Beach Park
• Install shoreline erosion control(contract)
• Install new park identification sign
Wheeler Park
• Continue Wedand Management Program as required by Corps of Engineers permit
* Install park identification sign
* Plant dry prairie seed mix on two-acre mitigation area
Whisnerin�Oaks Park
. • Install new park boundary signs
* Install power vent fans in washroom building(contract)
* Landscape around new park identificarion sign
* Power wash Ft.McHenry wood playground and reseal
* Add wood chips in playground
* Stain wood siding on washroom building
* Paint bike rack
* Landscape around entrance to park at completion of Route 120 improvements—Front Royal intersection
* Replace/repair Community Sign
* Replace security gates at playground entrance
Responding to Alderman Murgatroyd's inquiry, Superintendent Schmidt informed the
Committee that some of the items on the list are not feasible, and others have remained from
� year-to-year. Alderman Murgatroyd suggested these items be removed from the list.
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March 11, 2004
�.. Responding to further inquiry, Superintendent Schmidt stated there is no particular
timeline for the work to be completed. The list is merely a compilation of information for use as
a guide.
Update on Community Bike Path Plan
Director Merkel informed the Committee that a community bike path plan was developed
for the City in the mid-1980's to provide links between parks, schools, the library,
neighborhoods and retail districts. He noted the plan has been revised over the years with the
continued grov��th in the community.
Director Merkel stated the last review of the Bike Path Plan was done with the update of
the Comprehensive Plan in 1995. Recently, planning meetings have been held with members of
several departments to review the Bike Path Plan. Director Merkel noted Assistant City
Administrator Lockerby, Assistant Director of Public Works Fink and City Planner Martin have
been involved in the preliminary meetings preparing a revised draft of the Plan, which includes
proposed developments in McHenry.
Director Merkel stated the overall goal of the bike plan is to provide a coordinated
approach to increasing the use of bicycles for commuting, utilitarian trips and recreational
purposes by linking residential neighborhoods with parks, schools, jobs, shopping and regional
bikeway links. These paths are commonly known as multi-use paths.
�. Alderman Condon opined that bike paths are an important component to the community.
Alderman Murgatroyd suggested any new development be integrated into the Bike Path
Plan during the negotiation process.
Director Merkel noted the Bike Path Plan would be a multi-year project. Assistant City
Administrator Lockerby stated Staff hopes to obtain some funding for bike path expansion
through grants.
Discussion Regarding Solicitation and Sponsorship Policy
Community Projects Coordinator Hobson stated that work continues on the Solicitation
and Sponsorship Policy. He noted that he has been informed by the McHenry County Health
Department that a vendor providing pre-packaged items does not require a health permit.
Concerns were expressed that initiating a policy would open the City to criticism. A
discussion ensued regarding l�` Amendment Rights.
It was opined that under no circumstances should solicitation interrupt the social event in
the public forum.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Condon to recommend that any request for presence
at a public gathering by an interested party shall be directed to the Community Projects
� Coordinator, to then be decided upon on a case-by-case basis; and that, depending upon the
circumstances of each event, Council be advised via the Friday Report; and in any situation
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March 11, 2004
`.. deemed controversial the matter would be brought before Council for consideration and formal
action.
Voting Aye: Condon, Murgatroyd, Peterson.
Voting Nay: None.
Motion carried.
Development of Wheeler Park Plan
Director Merkel informed the Committee that the proposed Budget for Fiscal Year
2004/2005 includes funds for the removal of the barn and residential structure at the Wheeler
Park Fen site. The work would be done by an outside contractor through the competitive bid
process.
Staff suggested a plan for the future use of the park for nature study and interpretive trails
should be developed with the assistance of a landscape architect or park-planning firm.
Director Merkel stated that Wheeler Park Fen is a unique fen community that has
received protected status as a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve. The City acquired the property
for preservation as a nature area and assumed restoration and management responsibility through
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting process. Director Merkel informed the Committee
that Staff continues to work with the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission (INPC) to continue
restoration activities that include prescribed burns and brush removal. This spring two acres of
� wetland mitigation area would be overseeded with native prairie plants provided by the INPC.
Staff is requesting the Committee's approval to begin development of a site plan to
include an access area, small parking lot and observation deck with interpretive signage. It is
anticipated this area would be located in the vicinity of the existing driveway to the barn and
house. A wood chip interpretive trail system is to be included in the design. Additionally, the
design would include a historical plaque detailing the history of ownership and the agricultural
heritage of the site.
Staffwould like to contact 3D Design Studio (3D)to request a proposal for park planning
services for the site. 3D has provided services in the past regarding the design of the Shamrock
Farm Park Plan and the landscape plan for the Petersen Park Phase II Development. Director
Merkel stated the cost of plan development should be minimal and the proposal for services
would be brought back to the Committee for review at the May 13, 2004 Parks and Recreation
Committee Meeting.
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staff to work with 3D Design Studio to
develop a proposal for site plan development to be brought back to the Committee for review and
comment at the May 13, 2004 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting.
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`— Director's Report
a. Freund Field Plan Revisions
Director Merkel stated a cost estimate for the revisions discussed at the Parks and
Recreation Committee Meeting held on January 8, 2004 illustrating installation of
additional parking on the south side of the park for access to the basketball facility has
been completed by Smith Engineering Consultants. The cost estimate is $36,804.90 for
installation of the parking lot. Director Merkel noted the budget line item for this project
is $135,000 and the contract amount for the project, as bid, is $105,802.49.
Director Merkel reiterated to the Committee that the items discussed at the January 8,
2004 meeting included reduction in the evening hours at the park, screening to alleviate
the noise, possible staff supervision, increased patrols, and nightly closing by the
Community Service Officer. Athletic Supervisor Perkins stated the use of screening is
currently being researched.
Motion by Condon, seconded by Murgatroyd, to recommend to Council that a Change
Order to Concept Plan No. 2, in the amount of approximately$36,000 for installation of a
south parking lot, as part of the Freund Field Improvements be approved.
Voting Aye: Condon, Murgatroyd, Peterson.
Voting Nay: None.
Motion carried.
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b. Developer ponations Re.�ort
Director Merkel provided a summary of Park Donations from 1996 through 2003. He
noted a significant increase in the funds collected over the 8-year period.
c. 25�'Anniversary Celebration
Director Merkel informed the Committee that the Park and Recreation Department would
be celebrating its 25�' anniversary on August 14, 2004. A new logo has been developed
that will be used on all brochures, program literature and special event activities. Staff is
currently working on promotional ideas and special events at Knox Park Pool to celebrate
the event.
Staff will keep the Committee apprised of additional ideas for promotions as they are
developed.
d. Cruise Ni h� t Update
Community Projects Coordinator Hobson informed the Committee that he has been
working with Kay Bates of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce on the
development of the Cruise Night Program for the City of McHenry. He stated that the
Chamber is interested in coordinating the entire progam in conjunction with the business
community. Discussions have taken place regarding holding the Cruise Night Program at
Veterans' Memorial Park where approximately 197 parking spaces would be available
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for participants.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
March 11, 2004
`. Community Projects Coordinator Hobson stated an abbreviated program, lasting from
four to six weeks, in August and September on Wednesday night is being discussed.
New Business
There was no new business.
Adjournment
Motion by Condon, seconded by Murgatroyd, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. All
ayes. Motion carried.
Res ectfu s h rtt ,
Robert J. Peter Chairman
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