Loading...
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