HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 6/26/2003 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday,June 26, 2003
Alderman Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
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In Attendance: Committee Members: Alderman Low, Alderman Murgatroyd (arrived at
7:07 p.m.), Alderman Condon. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Alderman Bolger, Assistant
City Administrator Lockerby, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Athletic Supervisor
Perkins, Superintendent Park Maintenance Schmidt, City Clerk Jones.
Also in Attendance: Carol Chrisman
Chairman Alderman Low called the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting to order at
7:05 p.m.
Discussion Regarding the Skate Park Special Event
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee that $1,000 has been
budgeted for Skate and Bike Park Special Event Programs for the year 2003. The first event
suggested is a demonstration and competition program for skaters and BMX participants the
weekend of August 2 and August 3, 2003.
Director Merkel stated the Parks and Recreation Department staff would be assisted in
the Program by a group of volunteer parents and local participants. Local businesses would co-
sponsor the Program providing or donating materials and supplies for the event. Proceeds fram
the Program would go toward maintenance and improvement of the facility.
�, It was the consensus of the Committee to support a two-day event.
Preview of Petersen Park Pianning Meeting Scheduled on
July 1, 2003
Director of Park and Recreation Merkel stated the development of the Petersen Park
Concept Plan for the 22-acre addition would begin with a public panning meting scheduled to
take place on Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at 7:00 p.m.
Director Merkel informed Council SEC Planning Consultants (SEC) has been hired by
the City to conduct the planning process for the site. He explained that letters have been sent to
all adjoining property owners inviting them to attend the public planning meeting, and invitations
have also been sent out to all Petersen Park user groups as well as the Olde Mill Pond Property
Owners Association.
Director Merkel noted SEC has submitted three different concept plans as examples of
the types of activities that might be accommodated on the site. Each of the concept plans
illustrates a different level of development and includes various options.
Director Merkel informed the Committee Peter Verdicchio of SEC would be the lead
planner for the project and would facilitate the July 1, 2003 Public Meeting. He stated input
from the public planning meeting, together with suggestions by the Parks and Recreation
Committee members, would guide the development of a draft plan. Other factors of influence to
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the plan are:
• Drainage issues;
• Soil types and limitations;
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Parks and Recreation Committee
June 26, 2003
�- • Utility extensions; and
• Desirable setbacks and landscape buffers.
Alderman Bolger opined that nothing be done prior to the drainage issues being
addressed and resolved. A lengthy discussion ensued resulting in no action.
McHenry County Conservation District
Safety Watch Facility Plan
Director Merkel stated in 2002 the City was approached by the McHenry County
Conservation (MCCD) about the location of a Prairie Trail Safety Watch facility to be located in
McHenry. He stated volunteer trail safety watch personnel and MCCD Staff would utilize the
sma11 kiosk type facility. Director Merkel noted similar facilities are located in other
communities along the trails as a convenience to safety watch volunteers and not used by the
public.
Staff recammended and Council approved the use of City-owned property north of
Orleans Street and east of the Union Pacific Rail Line for the facility. Director Merkel noted the
MCCD has included development of the facitity in this year's budget. Director Merkel stated the
property would be transferred to MCCD and they would be responsible for maintenance.
Director Merket stated this information was provided to the Committee for informational
purposes only.
`-- Director's Report
a. Skate and Bike Park Mana ement
Director Merkel reported that onsite Skate and Bike Park supervision would begin on
Monday, July 7, 2003. The goal of the program is to have supervision at the facility to
provide a safe and controlled atmosphere for participants of all ages. He stated
enforcement of rules and appropriate behavior would be monitored.
b. Policv on Band Concert Snonsorship/Advertisin�
Director Merkel stated he is looking for direction from the Committee regarding initiation
of a formal policy on sponsorship of City Band Concerts, or advertising and/or
solicitation during these events. Director Merkel noted the City has received numerous
requests over the years. Most requests have been denied, as sponsorship has not been
encouraged in the past.
Alderman Low opined a public event such as the City Band Concert is not an
appropriate venue for campaigning or solicitation. She stated whatever direction the
Committee opts to take must be consistent. The Committee should determine:
• Are sponsorships going to be encouraged and accepted?
• What criteria will be acceptable for a sponsorship?
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staff to research the sponsorship
policies of surrounding municipalities and to discuss the matter further at a future Parks
� and Recreation Committee meeting, prior to making a recommendation to Council to
establish a policy.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
June 26, 2003
`-- c. Holidav Decoration Purchase
Directar Merkel stated Staff has reviewed the available holiday lighting displays from
several vendors. He noted it is Stai�s intent to make a recommendation to Council in
August to submit an order to facilitate delivery in the fall.
Director Merkel provided the Committee with photographs of suggested holiday
display�. The Committee recommended the Holiday Bear and Teddy Bear Snowball
Fight to continue the ongoing theme in Whispering Oaks Park.
Alderman Bolger opined the cost of the suggested decorations is excessive, but he
approved of the overall decoration theme for Whispering Oaks Park.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Low, to recommend to Council the purchase
of Holiday Bear and Teddy Bear Snowball Fight. All ayes. Motion carried.
d. Citv of McHenrv/YMCA Management Draft Agreement
Director Merkel provided the Committee with a draft Shared Use Agreement between the
City of McHenry and YMCA of McHenry County dated June 9, 2003. Assistant City
Administrator Lockerby explained the agreement is still in the draft stage and several
management issues continue to be discussed.
Alderman Murgatroyd suggested change orders should be set up so all change
� orders need not be approved at the Council level.
Responding to an inquiry, Director Merkel stated he had no concern with a
portion of the Parks and Recreation Department Staff being housed in a separate building
from the Municipal building.
Alderman Low stated she has been impressed with the meetings she has attended
and the results achieved to this point.
It was the consensus of the Committee that the Advisory Committee has authority
to continue amending the Shared Use Agreement between the City of McHenry and
YMCA of McHenry County.
e. Pronosed Charges Initiated by School District
Director Merkel informed the Committee he received notice from the school districts that
forthwith outside groups using the school facilities will be charged as follows:
$12.00/classroom for a three (3) hour period
$15.00 for use of the cafeteria or gymnasium for a three (3) hour period
Director Merkel stated this is recent information and he will look into it further and
advise the Committee of his findings.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
June 26, 2003
`-- New Business
Alderman Condon stated she has received several complaints from residents living
adjacent to Jaycees Park regarding vandalism to personal property. She noted the following
suggestions have been made and she would like to discuss them matter further at a future
meeting:
• Neighbornood Watch
• A light in Jaycees Park
Adjournment
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Condon, to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m. All ayes.
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
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Susan E. Low, Chairman
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