HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 5/16/2002 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, May 16,2002
A[derman's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
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In Attendance: Cammittee Members: Alderman Low, Alderman Glab, Alderman
Murgatroyd. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel,
Deputy Chief Brogan, City Clerk Jones, Parks Maintenance Superintendent Schmidt, and
Athletic Supervisor Perkins. City Administrator Lobaito arrived at 7:20 p.m.
Chairman Low called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Discussion and Recommendation on Horsepower Limits on McCnllom Lake
Director of Pazks and Recreation Merkel reported on April 24, 2002, the Parks and
Recreation Department hosted a meeting of lakefront residents to discuss the horsepower limits
on McCullom Lake. He stated the horsepower limits have become an issue due to complaints
received regarding lack of compliance and enforcement of the 7.5 h.p. limit. Director Merkel
noted the 7.5 h.p. limit was established by the McCullom Lake Conservation Club in 1950.
Compliance has been hindered in that the 7.S h.p. motor is no longer being manufactured.
Director Merkel observed the consensus of the residents seems to be the adoption of an
ordinance, which would permit a 10 h.p. limit on boats and a 2S h.p. limit on pontoon boats. A
strong feeling exists among the lakefront property owners that McCullom Lake should retain its
character as a passive recreational lake.
Chairma.n Low stated she attended the meeting on April 24, 2002 and concurred with
� Director Merkel.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding whether or not to recommend adoption of a new
ordinance permitting 10 h.p. limit on boats and 25 h.p. limit on pontoon boats, and how to
enforce the ordinance if adopted. Athletic Supervisor Perkins opined most pontoon boats are
powered by a 20 to 25 h.p. engine.
Deputy Chief Brogan opined enforcement would be difficult as it would be necessary for
an officer to actually observe a violation in order to issue a citation and testify �n Court.
Alderman Glab expressed concern regazding enforcement since violations have been
ongoing over a long period of time. He suggested a three-year moratorium to permit boat
owners to come into compliance with any new ordinance adopted.
Alderman Murgatroyd opined he would prefer McCullom Lake remain passive and
residents be cited at their docks if not in compliance with whatever ordinance is adopted.
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staff to research restrictions on passive
lakes in the vicinity and return to the Committee with findings.
Motion by Murgatmyd, seconded by Glab, to recommend Council request the City
Attorney to ea�plore enforcement of different horsepower limits and legal issues concerning boats
docked in the water not in compliance if an ordinance should be implemented regarding
�-' horsepower limits on McCuliom Lake.
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Parks and Recreation Committee
May 16, 2002
� Ayes: Glab, Low, Murgatroyd
Nayes: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Discussion af Supervision and Proposed Ordinances at McHenry Zone
Skate Park: Helmets and No Smoking
Director Merkel opined since the opening of the City's Skate Park in July 2001 activities
at the Park have been monitored. The largest number of complaints concern:
• Participants not wearing helmets;
• Smoking;and
• Behavioral issues.
Director Merkel noted most park patrons are respectful and comply with the rules. Staff
continues to experience difficulty with participants 16 years and older regazding helmet
compliance and smoking on the premises.
Director Merkel stated it is the opinion of Staff the vnly alternative to enforcement of
rules and regulations in the Park is the adoption of a helmet ordinance and enforcement by the
McHenry Police Department. He noted there were no funds allocated in the 2002/2003 Budget
for Staff super��ision of the facility on a daily basis. In researching similar facilities supervised
with part time staff, it was discovered a fee was charged for daily admission or a season pass was
� issued.
Alderman Low sta.ted Alderman Wimmer has voiced his concerns regarding the issues
noted. She stated she has also been informed numerous parents have expressed concern to Staff
about bringing their younger children to the Skate Pazk because of the behavior of some of the
older participants.
Alderman Murgatroyd suggested participants at the Skate Pazk should be charged a fee
far utilization of the Skate Park. He opined i�the Skate Pazk is to be conducive to a family
environment there will have to be full time supervision. Any fee for admission to the Park would
go toward the cost of full time stafFmg at the Park. Athletic Supervisor Perkins opined his
support of staffmg the Skate Park. A lengthy discussion ensued regazding staffmg, the cost of
staffing, and enforcement issues.
It was the consensus of the Committee to direct Staff to explore the cost of supervision
and various hours of operation to facilitate monitoring smoking, swearing and inappropriate
behavior in the McHenry Zone Skate Park.
Director Merkel stated certain special events are anticipated to take place in the Skate
Pazk during the months of July and August 2002.
It was opined a,ny events taking place in the Skate Park should first be discussed at a
Parks and Recreation Committee meeting prior to scheduling. He suggested scheduling a
`' meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee and invite Carol Chrisman to discuss any
anticipated events for the surnmer.
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Parks and Recraation Committee
May 16, 2002
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It was the consensus of the Committee it is appropriate for the Skate Park Committee to
discuss any spccial events with the Parks and Recreation Committee for submission to Council
as an Agenda item.
A Parks and Recreation Committee meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 11, 2002 at
7:00 p.m. to discuss planned and future special events in the McHenry Zone Skate Park with
Carol Chrisman and the Skate Park Committee.
2002/2003 Project Implementation Schedule
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel summazized the annual 2002/2003 Project
implementation schedule and targeted completion dates. He noted this schedule is prepared
annually to assist Staff in scheduling budgeted park improvements and capital purchases.
Grant Preparation Proposals—Conservation Services
Directc�r of Parks and Recreation Merkel outlined two proposals submitted by
Conservation Services for the preparation of submission of grant documents for the Petersen
Park Waterfront improvements. He noted two grant applications would be submitted for the
project:
• The Motorized Boat Access Development Grant, which ha.s a September l, 2002
deadlirie; and
• fJSLAD/Lawson Park Development Grant,which has a July 1, 2002 deadline.
`'" Motian by Murgatroyd, seconded by Gla.b, to recommend to Council tha.t Staff work with
Conservation Services of Woodstock, Illinois to prepare an application for the Boat Access Area
Development Program Grant and to prepaze the Park Development Grant Application.
Ayes: Giab, Low, Murgatroyd.
Nayes: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Director's Report
a] Director Merkel informed the Committee regarding the status of Veteran's Memorial
Park Playground renovation. He noted due to cost, Veteran's Park would be the only park
renovated this fiscal year. T`he renovation of Fox Ridge Park playground equipment will be
postponed. A lengthy discussion ensued regazding the fire truck in the pazk and the merits of
keeping it when the playground equipment is replaced.
b] Director Merkel stated the City ha.s received a proposal for the Green Street island-
landscaping project. He noted funds are budgeted for professional landscaping and maintenance.
The project is scheduled to come before Council in the fall of 2002. T'his year flowers will be
planted.
Alderman Murgatroyd departed at 8:50 p.m.
`.- New Business
Superintendent of Park Maintenance Schmidt informed the Committee the Whispering
Oaks entrance sign has been reinstalled.
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Parks and Recrc:ation Committee
May 16, 2002
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Athletic Supervisor Perkins requested the Committee consider the installation of lights at
Knox Park Field No. 2 due to the number of Youth Leagues.
Alderman Glab informed Council the Whispering Oaks Community Center is interested
in exploring a joint venture for a Senior Service Center for citywide use for all senior citizens.
Alderman Glab inquired about the status of landscaping of the AT&T structure situated
in Knox Park offof Green Street.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Low,to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
Ayes: Low, Glab
Nays: None
Absent: Murgatroyd
Motion carried.
Respectf�lly submitted,�
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Su$an E. Low. Chairman
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