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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/13/2003 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, March 13,2003 Alderman Conference Room, 7:00 p.m. � In Attendance: Committee Members: Alderman Low, Alderman Glab, Alderman Murgatroyd. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: City Administrator Maxeiner, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Athletic Supervisor Perkins, Superintendent Park Maintenance Schmidt, and City Clerk Jones. Alderman Glab arrived at 7:23 p.m. Deputy Chief Brogan arrived at 7:45 p.m. Also in Attendance: Neal Shepler Doug Gray, President, McHenry Area Jaycees Larry Brodin, New Horizon Pyrotechnics Chairman Alderman Low called the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Chairman Low noted Deputy Chief Brogan has been detained and requested the Committee postpone the discussion regarding City park security until his arrival. It was agreed by the Committee to postpone the discussion pending the arrival of Deputy Chief Brogan. Petersen Park Waterfront Grant—Phase II � Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee the Phase II Development of the Petersen Park Waterfront would be submitted for grant funding on July 1, 2003. He stated the grant request is for the balance of the site development, including the majority of the recreational amenities for the site. He noted Phase I, the Boat Access Grant, would provide the access road, launch area and limited parking associated with the waterfront access. Directar Merkel informed the Committee of the following improvements amounting to $34,800, dropped from the Phase I Grant: • Two piers; • Entrance and parking lot improvements; and • Project engineering and supervision fees. Director Merkel stated a Resolution would be presented to the Council in May 2003 for approval. Freund Field Improvements—Phase III Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee Freund Field Phase III improvements are scheduled to begin in 2003. He stated the plans and specifications for the work would be completed this spring/summer season and contracted work would begin in the fall. The park should be open for activities in the spring of 2004. � Director Merkel noted Phase III improvements at Freund Field include a revised parking area on Front Street, redevelopment of the baseball field area, new fencing and backstop, and extensive landscape enhancements. It was noted the basketball court conversion is scheduled for Page 2 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 `-- completion in May 2003 and a dedication of the new court set up is anticipated in early June 2003. Alderman Glab arrived at 7:23 p.m. Alderman Glab expressed concerns regarding drainage issues and the impact of parking in the neighborhoods in the surrounding azea. Park Maintenance Update-2003 Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee every year Staff conducts a review of all park sites and identifies items in need of repair, renovation and/or replacement. He stated the items identified are outside of the day-to-day maintenance of facilities. It was noted the Park Maintenance Staff prioritizes safety related items to insure those items are addressed in a timely manner. Director Merkel provided the following list of items for review: Jobs requiring assistance by the Public Works Department are noted by work order("W.O."). Items by outside crews,to be contracted out are indicated by("contract"). • Items from 2002 still to be completed * New items added for 2003 � William H.Althoff Park • Repair concrete base of roof support. Northwest corner of building • Spot seed or sod wom areas on fields * Replace dead trees Boulder Creek Park • Install split rail fence along south property line(contract) � Install park identification sign • New boundary signs installed Brookside Trail * Continue to cleaz dead trees and branches along trail * Landscape around new Park ID sign Center Street Parlc • Renovate play area(contract) * Landscape around Park ID sign * Paint swing set frames Cold SnrinQs Park • Fence north boundary of properiy to close off access to illegal dumping(contract) • Remove any debris on site(contract) � • Begin turf care on north 10 acre parcel after seeding by developer • Install vehicle barrier posts at trail entrance—south parking lot * Landscape around new park I.D. sign—south entrance Page 3 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 L- * Install new park I.D. sign along bike trail Creekside Park • Renovat e playground(contract) • Install park rules and regulation sign * 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 * Install new benches * Chain link fence repairs or replacement Foa Ridge—East of Boone Creek • Remove old play equipment and renovate playground(contract) * Landscape around new park I.D.sign * Install new basketball goals on backboards Fox Ridge Park—West of Boone Creek • Seed or sod bare spots � • Roll new turf area • Fertilize if needed and weed control on established turf • Install rules and regulation signs • Install handicapped par�ng signs in parking lot • Assemble and deliver to site all benches • Set home plates and foul poles on four fields * Install no parking signs on west side of entrance drive Freund Field • Install rules and regulation signs • Renovate tennis courts to include three basketball courts and color coat(dedication May 2003) * Begin phase III improvements—ball fields,landscaping,new parking azea(contract) Green Street Park • Repair depression in brick walkway * Install photocell in new electrical system Jaycee Park • Install asphalt pathway to connect Park Ridge Estates access to Barn wood Tiail(contract) • Renovate playground(contract) * Plant trees in north boundary between park and new homes � Kiwanis Tot Lot • E�end blacktop surface on court under basket area(W.O.) • Renovate play area(contract) Page 4 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 � * Install new basket and goal * Paint swing frame Knax Park • Install split r,iil fence along north side of soccer field * Barn needs to be reshingled * Install new lighting system in shelter B * Install landscape boulders at west entrance Knoa Park—Skate Park • Install fence around bike ramp park(comract) • Install dedication/donor brick walk way • Change path layout between skate park and bike ramps • Seed and sod baze spots and high trag'ic areas * Paint frames of bike ramps * Replace rules and regulations signs * Concrete in worn areas at entrance(contract) * Install new perimeter fence(contract) Knoz Park—Athletic Facilities • Paint/Stain softball scoring and storage booth • Replace dugout fencing on lighted and west field(contract) • Install 8' sideline fencing(1"&3'�base)on Huff Field(contract) � * Install new scoreboard * Remove dead trees and stump near soccer field * New outfield lights on field 2(contract) Knog Park Pool * Install aluminum/vinyl siding on bathhouse gable end,soffit,facia and gutters * Repair or replace timing system display board * Conect drainage on south side of pool Lakeland Park • Install drainage system in play area and renovate play equipment • Parking lot paving nnprovements: • Overlayment of asphalt(contract) • Stripe and provide handicap parking space(W.O.) • Install new park idernification signs • Install shrubs on south side of building * Place new sign on building * Install new basketball backboard and goal * Stripe basketball court Lakeland Park Community Center • Install aw�ning over front entrance with building name * Paint/stain gable end � * Paint soffit and facia Malibu Plavground • Renovate playground(contract) Page 5 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 �- • Replace railroad the retaining wall with concrete block retaining wall McHenry Shores Beach • Construct seawall or seasonal protection(contract) • Install new bar gate-maintenance access • Install s�;at swing on water&ont * Remove old wooden light pole by pier * Reset park benches * Remove old utility pole and bollard posts. Replace with spilt rail fence. Millers Riverfront Park • Trail de��elopment to continue with wood chip application • Improved waterfront access for non-motorized boat launch and fishing area • Install park boundary signs on west side * Landscape azound new park identification sign * Wood chip installation on trail system * Cut and clear dead trees and brush in wetland mitigation azea * Install trail access bridge(contract) * Begin conirolled burn program for wetland rehabilitarion(contract) * Install split rail fence on south boundary(contract) Neumann Park • Informational signs installed �' • Additional perennials planted as specified by landscape architect • Asphalt apron in front of garage building * Install ground cover in front of lannon stone * Plant shrubs and ground cover on south side of garage * Purchase and install new parking bollards at east entrance * Purchase and install new garbage can North Oak Park • Begin to maintain wooded area on east side of park and remove remaining debris • Trim trees in nature area • Instail accessible path to playground azea/curb cut • Install park boundary signs • Clean out brush and debris in wooded area(possible Scout Service Project) * Install split rail fence on property line north&east boundaries(contract) Overton Park * Install landscaping around new park I.D. sign Pebble Creek Park * Landscape around park I.D. sign Petersen Park Athletic Area • Install PVC coated steel player benches on fields 1,2,3,4,5 • Develop new landscape design a�improvements at park entrance/memorial(contract) �- • Install asphalt under player benches on fields 1,2,5(W.O.) • Design and install new dugouts on field#2(contract) • Extend sideline fencing on 18`and 3�'base areas on field#2(contract) Page 6 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 �- • Install floor coating in washroom/service center • Remove trees and brush in northeast corner and level fill area * Replace toilet partitions in maintenance/washroom building(contract) * Refinish floors in washroom building(contract) Petersen Park Beach • Repair broken welds on pier frames(contract) • Fill in low areas in front of stage with black dirt and sced * Begin waterfront development plan IDNR&c CDBG(contract) Petersen Park H a�eld • Plant trees along McCullom Lake Road * Install split rail fence along McCullom Lake Rd. (contract) * Remove old signposts at Lakewood Road entrance. Install new posts and sign Petersen Park Picnic Area • Resurface south parldng 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 * Repairs to chain link fence at west end(contract) � * Replace smal l playground apparatus * Replace wasluoom building siding Petersen Park Horse Farm • Replace boiler/heater(contract) • Replace old picnic tables 4-5 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 * Tree trunming in oak savanna of any dead material * Stump removal and dead tree removal * Repairs to barn,house and other structures as needed Pheasant Vallev Park • Install new park identification sign and landscaping • Water depth survey in ponds * Install two benches and one table Rotary Park * Landscape around new park I.D. sign * Paint planting urn Veteran's Memorial Park �, • Improve landscape plantings around gazebo • New landscape materials around memorial rock • Install Skateboard pegs on railing around gazebo Page 7 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 � * New landscaping on east and west side of utility building(contract) * Repair foundations on brick walls at Pearl St.entrance to park * Replace wood shingles on utility building(contract) * Refinish floor in washroom building * Paint planting urns Walsh Park • Fill eroded areas along seawall • Landscape improvements around sign • Replace tables in park with new seating(theme of Riverwalk design) • Repair electric service to park lighting(W.0) Weber's Park * Repair and repaint water fountain * Landscape around new park I.D. sign * Prime and Paint flagpole * Shaighten deck on pier West Beach Parl: • Install shoreline emsion co�rol(contract) • Install playground equipment • Install new park identification sign Wheeler Park � � Continue Wetland Management Program as required by Corps of Engineers permit • Prescribed burns as nceded and supervised by Illinois Nature Preserves Commission staff * Clean debris from 8.5 acres donated by county Whispering Oaks Park � Install new park boundary signs • Remove debris in ponds 3&4 * Install power vent fans in washroom building(contract) * Landscape azound new park I.D.sign * Learning Garden renovation or removal * Power wash Ft.McHenry wood playground and reseal Chairman Alderman Low requested the maintenance staff make a particular effort to address the items at the East Beach Park and West Beach Park, recognizing the residents had addressed their concerns to the Committee on two occasions. Alderman Murgatroyd suggested the contracted items be indicated by year to avoid confusion. Discussion Regarding Park Security Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee, pursuant to Alderman Murgatroyd's concerns, Staff in conjunction with representatives of the Police Department is making an effort to address opening and closing procedures for City parks prior to the beginning of the warm season. � Deputy Chief Brogan opined concern with the number of parks in the City versus the number of officers on duty during the 4:00 p.m. to midnight shift. He noted as the City has Page 8 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 `-- grown so have the number of calls for officer services, at times distracting the officers assigned to close the parks from the task. Deputy Chief Brogan informed the Committee it has been determined the washrooms and park gates will be keyed alike and each officer will be issued a set of keys permitting whichever officer is patrolling or Community Service Officer ("CSO") in the area to lock the facility. Responding to Alderman Murgatroyd's inquiry Deputy Chief Brogan stated CSO's have marked squad cars and are in communication with the Police Department but have no weapons, nor arrest power. Director Merkel stated following discussions with Police Chief O'Meara and Deputy Chief Brogan it was determined between May 1 and October 31 the following facilities would be opened by Park Maintenance employees in the morning and closed by the Police Department in the evening: Parks with Entry Gates: Fox Ridge Park—West entrance, 1 gate Knox Park—Barn and Skate Park, 1 gate Milter's Riverfront Park—Miller Road entrance, 1 gate Petersen Park--Picnic area, 2 gates Whispering Oaks Park—Fort McHenry, 1 gate � Parks with Washrooms: Althoff Park Petersen Park—Athletic Field Petersen Park—Picnic Area Veteran's Memorial Park Whispering Oaks Park—Fort McHenry New Facilities. Planned for Construction 2003/2004: Petersen Park—Waterfront 1 gate entry with boat launch(may have to be monitored year round) 1 washroom/storage building Director Merkel noted all parks close at dusk with the exception of the following lighted facilities: • Freund Field • Knox Park • Petersen Park • Veteran's Memorial Park • Walsh Park Alderman Murgatroyd thanked Director Merkel and Deputy Chief Brogan for addressing `, the concerns of the residents regarding the City parks. Page 9 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 `'' Director's Report a. Cruise Ni h� t - Sponsorshin Director Merkel informed the Committee he has received an enthusiastic response regarding the possibility of a Cruise Night Program in the City of McHenry. He noted he has received promotional material from a local organization, which promotes Cruise Night events throughout the Chicago metro area and that he has had a conversation with Ellen Anderson, President of Rally Insurance Group, Inc. Ms. Anderson's company markets and organizes cruise nights in Elmhurst, Crystal Lake, Richmond, Wheaton, Lemont, Frankfort and Plainfield. Director Merkel stated he has also received telephone calls from local car club members expressing interest Director Merkel stated Staff requires direction regarding whether or not to move forward rapidly to prepare this season for a Cruise Night or analyze further the City's involvement in the event. Alderman Glab expressed support for Cruise Night event, suggesting the business community be encouraged to play a larger role in the event. He opined if the event should take place this spring/summer season he would prefer to see it on a small scale in order to better gauge the impact on the community and parking issues. Alderman Murgatroyd suggested researching the project further this year and initiating the event once a plan is in place. L Chairman Alderman Low, concurring with Alderman Glab, opined she would prefer the Cruise Night project be facilitated by the yet to be hired Community Events Coordinator rather than the Staff of the Parks and Recreation Department which is already overburdened. City Administrator Maxeiner stated adding another project to the Parks and Recreation Department seasonal agenda necessitates an expansion of services and opined the support services for this project has yet to be quantified. It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staff to proceed with further research regarding the ramifications of a Cruise Night event prior to commitment. b. Report on Leag,ue Scheduling Meeting Director Merkel stated Athletic Supervisor Perkins organized and presided over a league- scheduling meeting with the local Youth and Adult Athletic Organizations, which was held on Wednesday, Mazch 5, 2003. It was noted this year the McHenry Township Field Coordinator was invited to attend in order to coordinate schedules with all organizations between City and Township facilities. Director Merkel informed Council construction of the sewer extension to McCullom Lake would disrupt field scheduling at Petersen Park this spring. He indicated the use of � two or three of the soccer fields in the beach area and one or two of the baseball/softball fields would be lost. A discussion ensued regarding the use of Fox Ridge Park as an alternative site during construction of the sewer eartension. Page 10 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 � It was the consensus of the Committee that Fox Ridge Park be used as an alternative site for games for one season only and further: • The Parks and Recreation Department would notify the surrounding homeowners, by letter, of the dates and times of games scheduled to take place at Fox Ridge Park; and • The intention of the Parks and Recreation Department to monitor and control the facility during the scheduled games. Alderman Glab requested a copy of the entire league schedule when it becomes available. Athletic Supervisor Perkins agreed to provide Alderman Glab with the requested schedule. c. Riverside Hollow and Libertv Trail Park PIaX ounds Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee this year two new park sites, located at Riverside Hollow Subdivision and Liberty Trails Park, would have playgrounds installed by the developers. He noted these are the first parks in the City requiring improvements be installed by the developers as stipulated in the Annexation Agreement. Director Merkel stated plans and specifications are required to be submitted by the developer to the City for review and approval, ensuring quality control. New Business `.. Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee Park Maintenance Supervisor Kittl had recently completed the course requirements for certification in Playground Safety. Alderman Low informed the Committee she is unavailable to attend the ne}rt Parks and Recreation meeting scheduled to take place on May 8, 2003. She inquired if the Committee would be willing to reschedule. It was the consensus of the Committee to reschedule the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting to May 15, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Alderman Conference Room. Chairman Alderman Low acknowledged the presence of Larry Brodin, representing New Horizon Pyrotechnics. She noted Mr. Brodin had appeared at the regularly scheduled Council meeting held on March 3, 2003 and addressed Council during the Ten Minute Input Session. Chairman Low informed Mr. Brodin no action would be taken tonight by the Committee, as Mr. Brodin's presentation regarding the possibility of New Horizon Pyrotechnic's involvement in a future 4�'of July fireworks display was not on tonight's agenda for discussion. Mr. Brodin stated he would like to submit a proposal for a fireworks display to the City. Alderman Low introduced Doug Gray, President of the McHenry Area Jaycees. Mr. Gray informed the Committee he had no objection to reviewing a proposal if submitted by New Horizon Pyrotechnics. Responding to Alderman Low's inquiry, City Administrator Maxeiner stated Staff is currently in discussion with the Jaycees and the Fire Department to formalize an � outline of requirements for firework displays. Page 11 Parks and Recreation Committee March 13, 2003 `- Adjournment Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd, to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried. Respectfully�ubmitted, � 0�-2� Susan E. Low, Chairman � �