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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. � 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. . Page 2 � Parks and Recreation Committee March 11, 20O4 � 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 � 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 � * Repair backstop Cold Sarings Park • Fence north boundary of property to close off access to illegal dumping(contract) . Page 3 ' Parks and Recreation Committee 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) � , Page 4 � Parks and Recreation Committee March 11, 2004 � 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 , �Page 5 � Parks and Recreation Committee March 11, 2004 � 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) , Page 6 � Parks and Recreation Committee March 11, 2004 � • 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 . Page 7 � Parks and Recreation Committee March 11, 2004 � 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. , Page 8 Parks and Recreation Committee 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 Page 9 Parks and Recreation Committee 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. � . �Page 10 � Parks and Recreation Committee March 11, 2004 `— 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. � 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 � for participants. Page 11 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 \.. �