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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 7/10/2001 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, July 10,2001 Alderman's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m. �. In AttendancE�: Alderman Low, Alderman Glab, Alderman Murgatroyd, Alderman Wimmer, Mayor Althoff, City Administrator Lobaito, Assistant City Administrator Maxeiner, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, City Clerk Jones, Superintendent of Pazk Maintenance Schmidt Members of the Community in attendance: None The meeting was called to order by Chairman Low at 7:03 p.m. Recreation Center Chairman Low requested tha.t Staff summazize the issue of the Recreation Center,noting that the Committee has not met since the Recreation Center Advisory question was presented at the April 3, 2001 election. Assistant City Administrator Maxeiner noted the issue of a community recreation center has been discussed and considered at the Council level for over a decade. Most recently the Council debated whether to implement a 5% telecommunications tax to build the facility. The Council elected not to pass the telecommunications ta�c without receiving support from the community on an advisory referendum. An advisory referendum was conducted on April 3, 2001, which was defeated by a vote of 1,701 (48.7%) for and 1,793 (51.3%) against. VVith the new administration and Council, the issue has again been referred to committee. The � issues remain the same: • Parks & Recreation Department lacks adequate space to conduct their athletic and recreation programs • Past azrangements in which school facilities housed programs are becoming less of an option as the districts are more fully utilizing their facilities • The difficulty in attracting and retaining quality instructors under the present conditions From a financial perspective the decisions are difficult. Past discussions have focused on the construction of a 65,000 square foot recreation and athletic facility at a cost of$12 million. A facility of this nature will require the implementation of a tax increase to finance both construction and operations. Tax options previously discussed include property t�es and the telecommunications t�. From Sta�s perspective, the choices remain: • Shelve the recreation center idea until such time that public demand is stronger; • Pursue a recreation center as proposed through the implementation of a taX increase;and • Pursue a smaller, modified version of a recreation center, which is more palatable to ta�cpayers. Chairman Low suggested an open discussion to determine the consensus of the Committee. � Pazks&Recreation Committee July 10, 2001 Page 2 �. Alderman Murgatroyd opined the recreation center is needed. He stated he would prefer not to see a tax increase for it as it might be considered more a luxury. He noted a portion of the community would pay taxes for a facility they may not utilize. Discussion foltowed concerning funding, the necessity of a 65,000 squaze foot facility and whether, or not,the facility should include an aquatics area. Chairman Low suggested building a facility without a pool yet reserve the option for adding the pool at a later date. In response to Alderman Low's inquiry Staff ha.s discovered that the cost of the overhead for the pool operation becomes difficult to recoup over a twelve-month period. A footprint of the recreation center was reviewed and explanation presented as to the design of the structure. A review of the different funding mechanisms available and cost associated with the operation of the facility were presented. Director of Parks & Recreation Merkel stated a11 of the recreation center operational costs were reviewed and compared to other facilities of similar size. It was noted that without a recreational center, the City will be una.ble to continue to provide the community with the level of programs and services that aze currently offered. Chairman Low suggested the Committee reach consensus on the need for a recreation fa.cility. Alderman Glab stated that he has heard from a number of his constituents who are in favor of the recreation center. He opined it must have amenities to serve everyone in the community. He � suggested #he City take into consideration how quickly the community is growing and build the recreation center accordingly He opined the facility should be constructed large enough to accommodate the City's growing population. Alderman Glab stated construction costs continue to increase, as the issue continues to be discussed. He opined a decision should be made this yeaz whether to move forward with the recreation facility. It is the consensus that some type of facility is required and a decision must be made concerning funding the recreation center. Staff discussed the evolution of the facility and opined the size of the facility, 65,000 sq. feet, was reached in an effort to accommodate the needs of a cross section of the community and provide the type of amenities required to draw a large membership. It was noted that the fitness center was estimated, a year and a half ago, as a revenue source,that generated enough income to pay for the rest of the facility. However, this does not include the pool. The pool drastically increases operating costs and does not generate a lot of revenue. Inquiry was made whether the Pazks & Recreation Staff would be relocated to the new facility. Staffresponded that was the intent, freeing additional office space in the municipal building. Staff noted the Knox Park swimming pool should be taken into consideration. The pool at Knax Park is 20-yeazs old, but it is an existing amenity. Lengthy discussion took place concerning the swimming pool. `-- Mayor Althoff inquired if consideration was given to building the recreation center without the swimming pool and then adding it in the future. Assistant City Administrator Maxeiner stated that originally that was the plan. T'he recreation center was to be Phase I. After the recreation Parks and Recreation Committee July 10, 2001 Page 3 �, facility was up and running, operating on a stand-alone basis, Phase II, which included the pool, would be initiated. Mayor Althof�� suggested moving from the committee level to either a Workshop in October, 2001,or a perhaps a Special Meeting, to discuss the content and funding of the facility. Direction was given to Sta.ff to eacplore modification of the current plan to temporarily exclude the pool and to explore an appropriate funding mechanism. A Workshop Meeting was tentatively scheduled for either October 15�'or October 29�'. McCullom Lake Horsepower Limits Motorized boats on McCullom Lake are restricted to 7.5 HP by Section 16.47 of the Municipal Code. Over the years residents have purchased boats and motors that aze far in excess of this restriction. Primarily the violators aze owners of pontoon boats. The weight of these boats makes it impractical to power them with a motor of 7.5 HP. Additionally, a marine dealer was contacted and it was discovered that no one any longer manufactures a motor smaller than 9.9 HP. Enforcement of the ordinance presents several problems: • Some of the motors on McCullom Lake are 50 HP and above. In order for the police � department to enforce the ordinance, the department would be required to use a boat and motor of an equivalent, or lazger horsepower, than any other boat on the lake, hence violating the City's ordinance. • Purchase of a boat and equipment suitable to patrol the lake and actively enforce the ordinance, would require the expenditure of budget funds in excess of $22,000. This amount does not include training or personnel cost. • The Illinois Department of Conservation is willing to patrol the lake and enforce the ordinance once during the summer, but has enforcement commitments elsewhere. They would also require that the City prove the ordinance was adopted according to Illinois Department of Conservation standards. • The McHenry County Sheriff s office is willing to enforce the ordinance, but thair authority to do so would have to be clarified. Either the City would be required to provide them with a suitable watercraft or they would provide their own. However, they also do not have motorized boats that would meet the 7.5 HP restriction of the lake and would be in violation while enforcing the ordinance. StafF suggests: • Rewriting the ordinance to limit horsepower restrictions to a maximum of 10 HI', with an exception for pontoon boats, allowing them to have up to 25 or 30 HP motors due to their size and weight. • Rewrite the ordinance in a similaz manner to the City License Ordinance, indicating no � language regarding the operation of the motor, but enacting a prohibition against having a boat with a motor larger than the restrictions present on the lake. Pazks and Recreation Committee July 10, 2001 Page 4 � Discussion took place concerning the enforcement of the ordinance and the possibility of initiating boating permits, based on horsepower. The consensus is that the issue is definitely one of enforcement. Chairman Lov�� stated that McCullom Lake is a prime resource and the City must take care of it. Sta.ff opined that it is a shallow lake and the larger motors damage the lake. Chairman Low noted enforcement in the unincorporated azeas of the lake might prove difficult. S#aff suggests sending a letter to pmperty owners around the lake requesting voluntary compliance with the ordinance. Additionally, there are other issues that some of the residents might want to discuss concerning fishing regulations and snowmobile enforcement issues. Staff stated tha.t the purpose of this meeting was for information only. There was no anticipation of Committee action at this time. Alderman Murgatroyd suggested contacting the governmental agencies prior to inviting the property owners to a meeting. It was the consensus of the Committee to recommend to Council a 10 HP limit of motors on McCullom Lake be imposed. Playground Renovation Program Petersen Park Plans and Specifications Petersen Park is scheduled for this year's playground renovation program. The large climbing unit in the picnic azea has been removed and specifications aze in preparation for its replacement. � The project will go out for bid in August. This unit will be larger than the unit at Knox Park and similar to the climbing unit at Fort McHenry. Staff noted there is a consistent drainage problem at the house at the Oak Street entrance. Director Merkel stated that he believed the pazk equipment renovation and replacement construction would improve the drainage problems because currently the surface is hard ground. Following construction completion there will be an enclosure with drainage and approximately one foot of wood chips which will absorb about 99%of the surface water. West Beach Park Installation There is a small playground azea known as West Beach Park on the west end of Meadow. There is some very old equipment that has been there since 1950s and 1960s. At the previous Parks Committee meeting it was proposed by some of the residents the equipment be upgraded. The lot encompasses an azea approximately 30' x 40 `. The Pazk & Recreation Department plans to remove the swing set unit from Knox Park and install it at West Beach Park with four spring animals in the fall. The estimate for gravel, topsoil, border, fiber and fabric, and concrete is $2,975. This amount does not include labor and equipment costs. There is a larger unit about four blocks south in Lakeland Pazk;just east there is a large unit that will be going in. Another playground unit was recently installed at Althoff Park. Staff believes that the swing set and spring animals will service the need at West Beach Park and will ask Council to approve the e�enditure. � Pazks and Recreation Committee July 10, 2001 Page 5 �, Project Update Skat� The concrete i;� completed at the Skate Park and caulkin� is almost finished. The landscaping contractor has begun work and the fencing contractor is scheduled to begin. The asphalt path is under construction. Franzen Construction donated the asphalt paving so that will appear as a deduction to the landscape contract. The only concern is laying the sod between the concrete and asphalt. This is not a particularly good time to lay sod because of the dry and windy time of year. The contract with the landscaper provides for initial watering only. Two local electrical contractors initially expressed an interest in providing a sports lighting system to illuminate the Skate Park and BMX ramp areas. They intend to donate material and labor. A meeting was held at the Skate Park site to discuss the extent of the lighting required. Both contractors were impressed with the design and size of the facility. It was decided if the facility was to be properly lit, a sports light system was required. The cost could reach as high as $50,000. The contractors were encouraged to design a system incorporating the amount each felt they were able to donate, which would leave a balance of funds required to complete the lighting project. Northwest Electrical Supply estimates their cost for light equipment at $12,100; Program Electric Service Corporation estimates their labor and equipment at $6,229.04, for a total of$18,329.04. It is estimated that some savings could be realized with additional donations of materia.ls and supplies. �" Don Heinz of Custom Landscaping has agreed to trench and install conduit. If the decision is made to install lighting in the future, all that would be required is pulling the wires. Don Heinz has also agreed to do the excavation and foundation for the light poles. Carol Chrisman, Chairman of the Skate Pazk Fundraising Committee does not feel, at this point, that she can commit to an additional $18,000. Staff stated that the additional funds had not been budgeted and inquired if the $18,000 was something the City would want to take out of developer donations, as part of the City's contribution to the project. This would require Council action. Concern was expressed regazding the cost of installing the lighting, the lack of security in the azea and the ramifications if there is not sufficient lighting. Inquiry was made as to pazk hours. Director of Parks & Recreation Merkel responded, depending on the time of yeaz most of the pazks close at dusk. He noted the hours of the Skate Pazk would ultimately be up to CounciL Chairman Low expressed her concern about the lack of supervision at the Skate Pazk facility. She opined that in the not too distant future she believes that money will need to be set aside to address the issue of security and supervision of the site. It was observed that a tremendous amount of money has already been expended and while the lighting contractor's enthusiasm is appreciated, the Committee's suggestion is finish this portion of the project, get it operational, and address the lighting issue in the Spring. The Committee `- suggested they would like to see if the Skate Park Committee can raise the $18,000 through additional fundraising efforts. Pazks and Recreation Committee July 10, 2001 Page 6 � Fox Ridge ParK Fox Ridge Parl� construction begins in July. The contracts aze in and a pre-construction meeting has been held. Because grant money has been received from the state, an archeological survey is required. A mitigation ma.nagement plan must be done for the Blanding's Turtles. Committee Meeting Schedule for 2001-2002 Director Merkel stated this was the first meeting that has occurred since January 2001. In order to address many of the issues it has been suggested that five or six meetings per year be scheduled. Chairman Alderman Low suggested tha.t in the interest of e�ediency the second Thursday of August, October and November 2001 and January, Februazy and May 2002, will be scheduled for the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting. The ne� Parks & Recreation Committee meeting was tentatively scheduled for Thursday,August 9, 2001. Director's Report A. Whisperins Oaks Pond CleanuA Director Merkel advised there have been a number of complaints concerning odor in the Whispering Oaks Pond. There is little or no water movement, encouraging the growth of algae. The Committee suggested Staff contact professionals to obtain proposals for cleanup and maintenance for full Council approval. B. Summer Recreation Program Report Director of Parks&Recreation Merkel informed the Committee Bill Hobson is doing well filling � in for Cindy Witt while she is out on extended leave. C. Recreation & Park Maintenance Staffing Report Director Merkel informed the Committee, most summer help will return to school the second week of August. He opined the salaries are low at the entry level, for summer help, and that a higher hourly salary might be incentive for some of the summer help to return rather than seeking higher paying positions. It was suggested a review of the salary structure for summer help might be in order for ne�ct season. . Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 p.m. All Ayes. Motion carried. Respectfuliy submitted, �• ��� Susan E. Low, Chairman �..