HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11/13/2003 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Aldermen Conference Room, 7:30 p.m.
�
In Attendance: Committee Members: Alderman Peterson, Alderman Condon, Alderman
Murgatroyd. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: City Administrator Maxeiner, Assistant City
Administrator Lockerby, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Athletic Supervisor Perkins,
City Clerk Jones.
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting to
order at 7:30 p.m.
Petersen Park Washrooms/Storage Building Bid Review
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee that in 1997 the Parks
and Recreation Department initiated the planning process for the Petersen Park Waterfront
Project to include the additional property north of the beach acquired with the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources ("IDNR") Grant Funds. The plan adopted by the Council
included a washroom/storage building to support beach activities and future special events.
Director Merkel noted several Grants have been pursued for construction of the
washroom/storage building. The City's request for Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG)funds matched the original estimate to construct the building of $100,000. Director
Merkel informed the Committee that in the Spring of 2003 the City was awarded a partial Grant
of $70,446 from CDBG funds. Staff worked with Cone, Kalb and Wonderlick to take the
concept plan into final plans and bid specifications. He noted on the final plans the storage area
� was expanded to accommodate existing equipment and the growing need for storage of special
event equipment.
Director Merkel stated that bids for the project were opened on October 7, 2003. The low
bid was submitted by Carmichael Construction, Inc. for $139,880. Director Merkel informed the
Committee that funding for the project would be $70,446.50 from CDBG Grant and the
remaining, $69,433.50, will be realized from Developer Park Donations.
Staff is requesting a recommendation from the Committee that Council approve the bid
from Carmichael Construction, Inc., in the amount of $139,880, for the construction of a
washroom/storage building at Petersen Park Beach.
Alderman Murgatroyd opined Cone, Kalb and Wonderlick appear to consistently be over
budget on projects. He expressed concerns with spending a significant amount of funds in
Petersen Park prior to resolution of the Metra issue.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Condon, to recommend Council approve the bid
from Carmichael Construction, Inc., in the amount of $139,880, for the construction of a
washroom/storage building at Petersen Park Beach.
Ayes: Condon, Murgatroyd, Peterson.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
� Motion carried
Page 2
Parks and Recreation Committee
November 13, 2003
�' Discussion Regarding the Draft of the Shamrock Farms Park Plan
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel presented a concept plan for the Shamrock
Farms Park for review by the Committee. He noted the Pazks and Recreation Committee
approved development of the concept plan by 3D Design Studio on September 11, 2003.
The concept plan represents an effort by Staff in conjunction with 3D Design Studio to
identify and incorporate the types of recreational amenities that would fit into a community type
pazk. Upon approval of the final draft of the concept plan by the Committee the plan would be
forwarded to the Council for acceptance and the project would be incorporated into the Capital
Improvements Projects (CIP)budget.
Alderman Condon expressed concern that the concept had the playground so close to the
parking lot. A lengthy discussion ensued regarding reconfiguration of the parking lots and
playgrounds.
City Administrator Maxeiner suggested reconfiguration of the baseball fields to permit
space for the playground in the middle of the project.
It was the consensus of the Committee to return the concept plan to 3D Design Studios
for additional development, including the following:
• Reconfiguration of the baseball fields;
• Removal of trees;
L— • Reconfiguration of parking.
Motion by Condon, seconded by Peterson, to recommend to Council the entering into an
Agreement with 3D Design Studio of Grayslake, Illinois for professional services associated
with the Shamrock Farms Park Plan, in an amount not-to-exceed $3,000.
Ayes: Condon, Murgatroyd, Peterson.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Discussion Regarding Freund Field Phase III Plan Review
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel reiterated to the Committee that bids for the
Freund Field Phase III project were reviewed by City Council at the regular meeting held on
October 6, 2003. The bid was awarded to DK Contractors, Inc. of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin in
the amount of$105,802.48.
Director Merkel stated the start of the Phase III renovations is currently on hold due to
temporary lane relocation on Front Street as part of the State Route 120 improvements. Director
Merkel noted the new basketball complex has been a success in the community; however,
management issues have been raised by some of the residents on West Avenue. The delay offers
an opportunity to review the existing plans to consider modifications, which would address
concerns expressed by West Avenue residents at the October 6, 2003 Council meeting regarding:
`.,. • Behavior issues;
• Hours of operation; and
• Parking.
Page 3
Parks and Recreation Committee
November 13, 2003
`-- Director Merkel expressed some concern that the delay might have an effect on the
original cost of the project, which was approved by Council. A lengthy discussion ensued.
It was the consensus of the Committee that Staff should meet with City Engineer Smith
Engineering ('onsultants, to discuss the matter and contact the DK Contractors, Inc. and request
the contractor provide the City with some options for consideration.
Discussion Regarding 2004 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Dates
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel provided the Committee with a listing of the
proposed 2004 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting dates as follows:
January 8, 2004
February 12, 2004
March 11, 2004
May 13, 2004
June 10, 2004
September 9, 2004
October 14, 2004
November 11, 2004
Director Merkel noted the meetings would continue to be held in the Aldermen's
Conference Room at 7:30 p.m. and were subject to change by the Chairman.
�
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Condon, to accept the proposed dates for the 2004
Parks and Recreation Committee meetings at 7:30 p.m. in the McHenry Municipal Aldermen's
Conference Room as presented:
January 8, 2004
February 12, 2004
March 11, 2004
May 13, 2004
June 10, 2004
September 9, 2004
October 14, 2004
November 11, 2004
Ayes: Condon, Murgatroyd, Peterson.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Director's Report
a. Project Status Report
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel provided the Committee with a status report on
� the various park improvement projects scheduled for this year, which include the
following:
• Petersen Park Waterfront Phase I
Page 4
Parks and Recreation Committee
November 13, 2003
L-- • Petersen Park Waterfront Plan Phase II
• l'etersen Beach Washroom/Storage
• Freund Field Phase III
• Fox Ridge Park Playground
• Shamrock Farm Plan
• Urban Forestry Program
• Skate Park Fencing
• Knox Park Barn Reshingle
• Park Identification Signs
• Park Paving Repairs
• Knox Park Bath House
• Knox Park Tennis Courts
• Petersen Park Field No. 3 Renovation;
• Knox Park Concession Stand
• Knox Park Pool, installation of one-meter diving board
• Lakeland Park Community Center, kitchen area renovation
b. Urban Forestry Prog,ram Citizens Meeting
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee a public meeting is
scheduled for December 2, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Center to begin the Urban
Forestry Demonstration project.
�
Director Merkel stated the public meeting would give residents in the designated
demonstration area an opportunity to learn about the scope of the forestry program.
New Business
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee that he has been
approached regarding the possibility of establishing a dog park in the City. Some of the options
considered for funding could be individual donations or donations from businesses.
Athletic Supervisor Perkins provided the Committee with survey statistics, which have
been compiled regarding the availability of baseball fields within the City.
Assistant City Administrator Lockerby provided an outline for consideration regarding
development of a policy for sponsorship at various events which take place throughout the City.
Adjournment
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Condon, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. All
ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitte ,
.�
� Robert J. P son, Chairman