HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2/13/2003 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS& RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday,February 13,2003
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
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In Attendance: Committee Members: Alderman Low, Alderman Glab, Alderman
Murgatroyd. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: City Administrator Maxeiner, Assistant City
Administrator Lockerby, Director of Pazks and Recreation Merkel, Athletic Supervisor Perkins,
Superintendent Park Maintenance Schmidt, and City Clerk Jones.
Mayor Althoff arrived at 7:12 p.m. Alderman Bolger arrived at 7:20 p.m.
Also in Attendance:
Mr. Wayne Lattanzio
Mr. Robert Joesel
Mr. Greg Lofgren, Ms. Marya Dixon-McHenry Landmark Commission
Mr. Scott Smith, Smith Engineering Consultants
Mr.Nea1 Schepler
Chairman Alderman Low called the Pazks and Recreation Committee meeting to order at 7:02
p.m.
Discussion Regarding a Request for a Cruise Night Program
Green Street Business District
Director Parks and Recreation Merkel stated he met with Mr. Lattanzio, following Mr.
Lattanzio's attendance at the City Council meeting held on January 13, 2003, regarding a
� proposed Cruise Night Program in the City of McHenry. Tentative dates, projected times and
possible locations were discussed.
Mr. Lattanzio expressed hi s enthusiasm for car shows and suggested newspaper ads for the
program might be sponsored by area businesses.
Chairman Low reported she has received positive response from the community since Mr.
Lattanzio brought the matter to Council for consideration.
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staff to pursue a summertime Cruise Night
Program in the City. Staff was directed to formulate a proposal including da.tes, times and
location, and to explore the possibility of entertainment.
Discussion Regarding East Beach Park
Referencing a letter received from Mr. Joesel, a resident of Lakeland Park adjacent to the East
Beach, Director Merkel noted concerns expressed in the letter relate to East Beach and West
Beach, including:
• Fark equipment has been removed and not replaced;
• Pazks should remain usable for families;
• The waterfront beach area contains no sand;
• Parks trees are not being trimmed;
• Parks landscaping has not been done;
L. • Possible relocation of the fence so the beach area can be expanded.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
February 13,2003
�, Chairman Low�noted Mr. Joesel's requests are not unreasonable and do not appear to be overly
costly. Director Merkel stated the fences are in the process of being repaired. Benches and trash
cans are being replaced. Chairman Low sta.ted the Parks and Recreation Department appears to
be responding to Mr. Joesel's concerns.
Mr. Joesel expressed his appreciation for the Committee's efforts on his behalf.
Petersen Park Farm Discussion
Director Merkel informed the Committee the City would assume control of the Petersen Farm
Property in May. He pointed out the property should be secured. T'he City has applied for an
Historic Preservation Grant to repair the silo and restore the barn.
Director Merkel stated the City should consider long-term plans for this property.
Mr. Greg Lofgren, member of the City's Landmark Commission Currently on sabbatical, spoke
on Landmark Commission ideas for the utiliza.tion of the Petersen Farm Homestead Property. He
stated the Honiestead might be a good place to house Landmark Commission offices, partially
for security purposes. He noted initially no great influx of money is anticipated and encouraged
the City to consider sma11 ventures regarding plans for utilization of the property.
Alderman Mwgatroyd stated the concept of open space preservation was the original intent of
the City when the property was purchased. Alderman Glab suggested Staff prepare a resolution
� outlining the intent of the City to comply with the terms of the Robert G. Petersen Trust to
maintain the property as an historical site.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd, to direct Staff to prepare a resolution for Council
consideration and approval; the resolution should outline the intent of the City to comply with
the terms of the Robert G. Petersen Trust to maintain the Petersen Farm Homestead Property as
an historical site. All ayes. Motion carried.
Some discussion occurred regazding the creation of a museum on the premises. Mr. Lofgren
stated start-up costs for a museum have been included in the Landmark Commission budget.
Community Development Block Grant Program (Petersen Park 22-acre E�pansion)
Planning Pronosal from SEC Plannin�Consultants
Mr. Scott Smith stated the Petersen Park 22-acre Expansion Plan proposal for planning and
engineering services has been revised and now includes a detailed scope of services totaling
$10,800, well within the$11,100 grant allocation.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Glab, to recommend to Council that the Petersen Pazk 22-
acre Expansion Plan Proposal for planning and engineering services be awarded to Smith
Engineering Consultants in an amount not-to-exceed$10,800. All ayes. Motion carried.
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Pazks and Recreation Committee
February 13, 2003
`.. Anurovai of Architectural Firm
Director Merkel noted he has conferred with City Attorney McArdle regarding the proposed
contract for Architectural Services for the Petersen Park 22-acre Expansion and the issue of
performance penalties. City Attorney McArdle suggested a default provision in the Contract to
protect the City. It was suggested Attorney McArdle review the contract prior to execution of
the document by the City.
Motian by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd, to recommend insertion of a default provision in the
contract to address performance penalties and that City Attorney McArdle review and approve
the proposed contract for Architectural Services for the Petersen park 22-acre Expansion prior to
it being presented for Council approval. All ayes. Motion carried.
Boat Area Access Grant
Director Merkel outlined for the Committee the $88,000 Boat Access Grant for informationaI
purposes. Some discussion followed regarding the architectural design and supervision fee for
construction management. Director Merkel noted the cost for updating specifications would be
approximately $2,000-$3,000. The bid letting would be approximately$7,000.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd, to direct Staff to work with Smith Engineering to
prepare a proposal for submission to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for approval.
All ayes. Motion carried.
�, Director's Report
a. City Band Concert Schedule
Director Merkel reported the City is anticipating nine band concerts again this summer.
The concerts will begin on June 12th. Themes will once again be utilized. Staff is in the
process of contacting local restaurants to serve as food vendors for the concerts.
b. Jaycees Fireworks—Julv 5, 2003
Director Merkel noted this year's fireworks are scheduled for July 5`�. He informed the
Comrnittee $25,000 is being requested in the 2003-2004 budget for this event.
Chairman Low noted some safety issued need to be addressed prior to this year's event.
c. Namin�of Three New Citv Parks
Director Merkel stated City Parks have historically been named for the subdivision in
which they are located. He suggested the following names for three new City Parks:
• Shamrock Farms Pazk
• Liberty Trails Pazk(tot lot)
• Riverside Hollow Park(tot lot).
Alderman Glab opined he would prefer some of the parks named after individuals. A
brief discussion ensued. Alderman Low noted the provision stating Council reserves the
option to change the names in the future.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
February 13, 2003
`. Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd, to recommend to Council the three new City Parks
be named, subject to Council reserving the option to change the names in the future, as follows:
• Shamrock Farms Pazk
• Liberty Trails Park
• Riverside Hollow Pazk.
All ayes. Motion carried.
New Business
Director Merkel reported the 2003 Athletic Facilities Scheduling Parks and Recreation
Committee Meeting would be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2003 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal
Center Classroom.
Chairman Low stated she attended the Old Mill Ponds Homeowners Association Board of
Directors meeting last week. Concerns were raised rega.rding Lot 106. She noted since the
subdivision is completely built out the Homeowners Association would like the City to maintain
Lot 106, which is currently overgrown and unsightly. This matter was referted to the Parks
Maintenance Staff.
Alderman Murgatroyd noted with regard to Fox Ridge Park,the gate has periodically been found
to be unlocked at night during the sutnmer months. Residents in the azea have expressed concern
regarding this park being left open. It was suggested further patrolling of City parks be addressed
as a part of the 2003-2004 budget process, as there are no longer pazk rangers providing security
`,. patrol services.
Adjournment
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Low, to adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m. All ayes. Motion
carried.
Respectfully submitted,
,
Susan . Low, Chairman
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