HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 8/22/2002 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, August 22, 2002
Alderman's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
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In Attendance: Committee Members: Alderman Low, Alderman Murgatroyd. Absent:
Alderman Glab. Also in Attendance: Ma.yor Althoff, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel,
Assistant City Administrator Lockerby, Athletic Supervisor Perkins, Superintendent of Park
Maintenance Schmidt and City Clerk Jones.
Also in Attendance: Bob Klein, Director of the YMCA in McHenry County
Rick Reese, Development Director of the YMCA
Chairman Alderman Low called the Pazks and Recreation Committee meeting to order at
7:06 p.m.
YMCA Feasibility Discussion
Director of Pazks and Recreation Merkel informed the Committee the YMCA Feasibility
Study and Recommendations had been completed. Director Merkel introduced Bob Klein,
Director of YMCA in McHenry County and Rick Reese, Development Director.
Mr. Reese stated due to the lack of facilities and/or overused facilities the City of
McHenry and the YMCA Board of Directors have agreed a partnership would be beneficial to
meet the program needs of the community. The opportunity will enable residents of the
community to participate in a variety of programs.
� Mr. Reese informed the Committee the anticipated site of the Recreatian Center will be
west of the Municipal Center, adjacent to Knox Park.
Mr. Reese noted it has been suggested the City of McHenry and the YMCA, in a joint
effort, construct a 50,000 square foot facility, which would contain a gymnasium, swimming
pool, locker rooms, multi-use rooms, pre-school area, arts and crafts and exercise areas. The
costs associated with the construction of such a facility aze projected to be between$6 million to
$9 million.
Mr. Reese summarized the Feasibility Study and outlined five recommendations as
follows:
• Project Development
o A detailed project proposal to be developed with rationale for support, which
should include a three-year business plan exhibiting how the new facility can be
maintained from operational income. The partnership between the City of
McHenry and the YMCA would be detailed as to their respective responsibilities.
• Public Relations
o A public relations committee should be developed as soon as a plan for the
campaign has been undertaken.
• Campaign Planning Committee
o A campaign planning committee, to be appointed by the Board chair, composed
of a maximum six members of whom no more than two are members of the board
� of directors. It is suggested other members be community leaders, noted for
planning and organizational skills.
• Calendar
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Parks and Recreation Committee
August 22, 2002
�. o A reasonable calendar should be prepared and followed. The timing of the
campaign should be adjusted to adequately accommoda.te the time required to
develop the case for support and to identify, cultivate and recruit the appropriate
campaign leadership.
• Consultation
o A flexible agreement would be entered into with Jeffrey Byrne and Associates for
capital campaign consultation during the planning stage of the campaign. Due to
experience and skills of the senior staff at the YMCA of McHenry County
consultation during the final stages may be reduced.
Mr. Reese stated the YMCA would embark on a capital campaign to provide a portion of
the funding for the recreational facility in the City of McHenry. The role of the YMCA would
be clearly articulated as a prelude to countywide solicitation.
A lengthy discussion ensued encompassing the possible cost projections for the building,
furnishings, and fundraising efforts.
Alderman Murgatroyd opined the project is an asset to the community. Chairman Low
concurred.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Low, to recommend Council continue discussions
with the YMCA regarding the Recreation Center with a Resolution to be prepared and presented
� to Council for approval.
Ayes: Low, Murgatroyd.
Nayes: None.
Absent: Glab.
Motion carried.
Freund Field Improvements
Director Merkel stated in 2000 a Freund Field Master Pla.n was developed for the
renovation of the park site. Funding for the improvements was scheduled in the CIP and the new
playground was installed in 2001. Director Merkel noted this fiscal year, $50,000 has been
allocated for the conversion of the tennis courts into a 3-court basketball complex.
Director Merkel noted the existing asphalt surface is in need of repair prior to the
application of any new court marking or striping. Of three possible options, it was suggested
Option No. 2 including one basketball court on a sport court surface and two asphalt surface
repair and reseal courts with removable basketball goals and standazds, for a total of
approxima,tely $45,000 be chosen. It was noted this opion remains within the $50,000 allocated
to the project while still providing the most viable development of the facility. Director Merkel
stated the project would be undertaken in the fall. Price quotations for the work and purchase of
the equipment have been solicited.
Director Merkel stated there might be potentia.l for a donation toward the basketball court
�-' development from the James Althoff family in memory of Tim Althof� Some discussion took
place in mid-April and Director Merkel informed the Committee he would follow-up with a
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Parks and Recreation Committee
August 22, 2002
� letter to J.L. Althoff. Chairman Low suggested she and Director Merkel meet with Mr. and Mrs.
Althoff in the near future to discuss the project in detail.
Holiday Lighting Update
Director Merkel stated the electrical improvements in Veteran's Park, Whispering Oaks
Park and Green Street Park would be completed in time for Holiday Lighting. He noted the
electrical reno��ations at Veteran's Park would exceed $10,000 and will be put out to bid.
Specifications are being prepared by AlthoffIndustries.
Director Merkel informed the Committee new outdoor lighting displays would be
purchased from Temple Display of Oswego, Illinois as follows:
1. Elf Trimming Tree $ 590.00
2. Elf Lighting Tree $ 990.00
3. Rocking Horse $ 575.00
4. Jack-in-the-Box $ 930.00
5. Alpha Blocks $ 600.00
6. Animated Toy Train $5.370.00
Total $9,055.00
The displays are commercial grade and will replace the homemade units donated by the
McHenry Raccoons. McHenry Parks Maintenance personnel will do work with assistance from
the Public Works Staff, as required.
� Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Low, to recommend to Council the purchase of
holiday displays for 2002 in the amount of$9,055.00
Ayes: Low, Murgatroyd.
Nayes: None.
Absent: Glab.
Motion carried.
Park Development Planning
Director Merkel reported six new parks would be added to the City's existing park
system within the next three years. The new pazks are being brought in with new subdivisions or
the purchase of open space adjacent to recently completed developments. The park locations are
as follows:
1. Shamrock Farms (one large park and two tot lots)
2. Liberty Trails(one pazk site with playground installed by developer)
3. Riverside Hollow(one lot with playground equipment installed by developer)
4. Petersen Park(20-acre addition south of the existing athletic azea).
Director Merkel stated the two largest parceLs should have site plans developed. The site
plans will outline the future use of the sites to serve the needs of City of McHenry residents
cornparably within the respective neighborhoods. Upon completion of site plans Staff will be in
a position to obtain estimates for development of the park sites. Director Merkel advised
� estimated amounts would be brought before Council for review and placed within the CIP for
future development.
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Pazks and Recreation Committee
August 22, 2002
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Director's Report
a. Fox Ridge Ball Field Usa�e Request
Director Merkel advised he has received requests from two baseball organizations
regarding the utilization of Fox Ridge Park for make-up games. He noted currently Fox
Ridge Park is set up only for practice sessions. There are no washroom facilities and
parking is insufficient to accommodate the attendance at games.
It was suggested the fields might be used for make-up games only on certain days and the
Parks and Recreation Department personnel open the park in the morning and the Police
Department personnel lock it in the evening.
It was the consensus of the Committee to recommend Staff research surrounding
municipalities regarding procedures under similar circumstances.
b. East Beach Park Request
Director Merkel presented a letter from Robert R. Joesel a resident at 4609 Shore Drive.
Director Merkel noted he has spoken with Mr. Joesel in the past regarding certain
improvements to the East Beach Park. According to Mr. Joesel's letter he obtained
information from neighbors in the vicinity regarding certain suggested improvements to
the park as follows:
• Trim pazk trees
� • Replace of playground equipment
• Enlarge and upgrade of half court basketball court
• Provide additional garbage cans
• Provide additional picnic tables
o Place wood chip mats under picnic tables
• Remove the fence separating the parks and replace it with a hedgerow
• Jnitiate a program to prevent shore emsion
• Initiate a program for weed control
• Replace or reset lakeside benches
• Install cooking grills
• Landscape port-a-potty area to inhibit tipping over of facilities
� Provide a bulletin boazd
• Maintain and level the beach annually
Director Merkel stated he is providing the list for inforrnational purposes.
c. Communitv Development Block Grant
Director Merkel informed Council the Community Development Block Grant for the
Petersen Park washrooms and utility eartensions in the amount of$100,000 was submitted
on July 31, 2002.
d. Church of Holy Apostle—Kelly Miller Circus
� Director Merkel informed Council a request has been received from Church of Holy
Apostle to use Petersen Pazk as the site for the Kelly Miller Circus on September 16,
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Parks and Recreation Committee
August 22, 2002
L.. 2002. Director Merkel noted the late date for submission of the request citing a
misunderstanding.
Alderman Glab opined he appreciated the information and has no objection to the event
however, would appreciate if the Committee were informed in a more timely fashion.
New Business
Alderman Low requested outstanding Skate Park issues and matters concerning
enforcement of horsepower limits on McCullom Lake be placed on the Agenda at the next Parks
and Recreation Committee meeting scheduled for October. She requested Director Merkel
contact Chief O'Meara and Deputy Chief Brogan to request their attendance at that meeting.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Low,to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Ayes: Low, Murgatroyd.
Nays: None.
Absent: Glab.
Motion carried.
Respectful�y submitted, �
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Susan E. Low, Chauman
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