HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 8/23/1999 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
� MINUTES
August 23, 1999
Members I'resent: Chairperson Alderman Baird, Alderman Glab, Alderman
Murgatroyd
Others Present: Mayor Cuda, City Clerk Althoff, City Administrator Lobaito,
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Parks
Superintendent Schmidt
Chairman Baird called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTER FUNDING
Chairperson Alderman Baird reported full council discussion at the August l ltn
regularly scheduled council meeting had determined the proposed construction
and operation of a city recreational facility could not be funded solely through
general fund revenues. It was the consensus of the council to consider a
referendum question.
The committee discussed the advisability of initiating a public awareness
program informing city residents of the recreational center proposal. Copies of
the proposed architectural design, cost information, location etc. could be
� provided at public meetings held throughout the community. General public
opinion could then be obtained regarding possible plan revision and support of
the concept. It was the consensus of the committee to recommend to full
council the hiring of a consultant to develop and manage a public awareness
campaign for the proposed development and construction of a recreational
facility.
Alderman Murgatroyd recommended the joint meeting between the McHenry
City Council, the High School and Elementary School Boards address the
recreational center proposal. He also suggested the committee investigate
operational costs and determine if subsidizing is necessary. Alderman Glab
suggested present user fees be reviewed and if appropriate increased.
Director Merkel stated architectural consultants, Sente and Rubel, have
available data which supports an average cash-subsidizing period of three to
four years. Alderman Glab recommended Director Merkel obtain operational
expenses and revenue figures from other recreational centers in the area. City
Administrator Lobaito suggested these recreational centers be of comparable
size and structural amenities. Some discussion followed. The committee
suggested the following procedural steps:
1] abtain/develop operational costs
2] solicit public input
3] implement revisions
`.. 4] place referenda question on November, 2000 ballot
Parks and Recreation Committee MInutes
� August 23, 1999
Page 'I�vo
In the eve�nt the referenda question fails, Committee Chairperson Alderman
Baird recommended the committee consider obtaining a facility to house,
minimally, recreational classrooms. He suggested this option be placed in the
Parks 5-year Capital Projects Program.
Alderman Murgatroyd reminded the committee, several entities have offered
significant monetary contributions toward a recreational center. He also
recommended obtaining public input from different age groups insuring the
proposed recreational facility provide appropriate services for the entire
community.
Motion by Murgatoyd, seconded by Glab, to instruct Parks and Recreation
Director Merkel develop the necessary criteria to obtain quotes from a minimum
of three consulting firms to conduct a public awareness campaign for the City
of McHenry's proposed recreational facility referenda question and to obtain the
quotes for committee review within the next three weeks.
Voting Aye: Baird, Glab, Murgatroyd
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
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F�.irther discussion occurred regarding the city's corporate limits versus the
elementary and high school district's geographic boundaries. City
Administrator Lobaito suggested Director Merkel obtain operational costs from
the Village of Mundelein citing similar population and facility size. Operational
costs should be segregated into two categories, costs with a pool and without a
pool.
BALLFIELD LIGHTING PROGRAM/PETERSEN PARK
Director Merkel reported as per previous discussion Youth League officials have
broached the possibility of installing additional lighting at Petersen Park fields
number 2 and number 4. Staff subsequently has been working with Musco
Sports Lighting to obtain specifications and cost estimates. The 1999-2000
budget includes $100,000 for the installation of lights at Petersen Park.
Director M:erkel provided cost estimates and specifications for committee review.
Some discussion followed regarding cost and lighting levels. It was the
consensus of the committee to accommodate all types of ball play, ie: girl's
softball, hardball, etc. Director Merkel stated staff would meet with
representatives of the Youth Leagues to determine volunteer commitments and
monetary contributions.
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Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes
� August 23, 1999
Page Thre<y
Further discussion occurred regarding bid specifications. It was the consensus
of the committee to require the use of Musco Lights Systems as specified but to
obtain installation bids. It is anticipated the project will begin this winter and
be completed in the Spring of 2000. The committee also unanimously
recommended including yearly maintenance and inspection services in the bid
specifications.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT and POOL CONSULTANTS
LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT...Director Merkel reported the park mowing and
maintenance recommendation that was submitted to the City Council in
January 1999 recommended the selection of a Landscape Architect to provide
professional services for park projects. The development of a long-term
relationsh�p fosters consistency with bid specifications and design as well as
ADA com��liance standards. He noted the future development of Neumann
Park, Petersen Park Beachfront, the theatre park, and downtown streetscapes.
Some discussion followed.
The committee instructed Director Merkel to proceed with the selection of a
landscape architect consultant scheduling an interview with the final candidate
during a Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting.
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POOL CONSULTANT...Director Merkel reported the 1999-2000 budget includes
$10,000 for the selection of a pool consultant. A study of Knox Park Pool was
suggested during 1999-2000 budget discussions. Architectural consultants
Sente and Rubel have recommended two aquatic design firms whom have vast
experience with pool renovation work. Alderman Murgatroyd expressed
support for safety and maintenance renovations. In response to his request,
Director Merkel reported most of the pool's equipment has been repaired
and/or replaced. The only original piece of equipment remaining is the furnace.
This past season included new locker installation, pool surface painting, and
main pump replacement. Renovations would feature additional pool amenities;
slides, wading pool, etc.
A lengthy discussion followed. It was the consensus of the committee not to
pursue the addition of major pool amenities and the hiring of a pool consultant
for Knox Park Pool only if the proposed recreational center referenda question
fails.
Director Merkel also noted additional amenities might require additional
mechanical equipment. The pool's current location may not be practicable. He
also expressed concerns with limited parking at the pool's current location.
The committee directed staff to select a pool consultant and budget for normal
maintenance and safety improvements.
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Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes
� August 23, 1999
Page Four
F1VE YEAR CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Director Merkel presented a preliminary list of possible capital projects. He
requested the committee review and prioritize these projects . Noting the
recreational facility would, in all likelihood, be financed with bond monies he
suggested capital projects exceeding $50,000 be financed with Developer
Donation monies. He also noted a financial plan could be developed insuring
the completion of selected capital projects within 5 years.
Petersen Park Beach E�ansion $200,000 to �300,000
includes road access, utility extension, picnic area,
installation of fishing piers and boat access
Director M:erkel noted the Petersen Beachfront improvement is eligible for grant
monies. He stated an 80% cost reimbursement grant award would be typical
for this type of project.
Fox Ridge Park Development $250,000
west of Boone Creek includes parking lot and ballfield
installation
�..
Director Merkel reminded the committee of the city's commitment to begin turf
maintenance at this park. Some discussion followed regarding mowing versus
burn-off. Determination of temporary facilities should be considered, including
a parking lot, soccer and baseball practice fields.
In response to committee inquiry City Administrator Lobaito stated monies were
included in the 1999-2000 budget for required wetland maintenance,
specifically burns. The committee suggested any decision to burn West Fox
Ridge Park be coordinated with other burns managed by contracted consultant,
Hey and Associates.
Committee Chairperson Alderman Baird inquired as to the status of the Boone
Creek Venture Phase III plans. City Administrator Lobaito informed the
committee Phase III was scheduled to appear before the City of McHenry Plan
Commission on September 2, 1999. Some discussion followed regarding the
installation of a temporary gravel lot.
Alderman Glab suggested the committee consider the development of a dog
park on the remaining acreage owned by the City, adjacent to the school site.
The committee instructed Director Merkel to include this proposal as part of the
5-year Capital Development Plan.
Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes
� August 23, 1999
Page Five
�
Freund Field Improvements $100,000-�200,000
ballfield renovation, parking improvements, playground
installation, skatepark facility
Director Merkel noted this park is located in the middle of town and is very
visible. Alderman McClatchey has previously expressed interest in the
installation of playground equipment. Director Merkel suggested the committee
consider the development of a skateboard facility on the existing tennis court
area. Committee Chairperson Alderman Baird suggested a skateboard facility
be located near the recreational center and have easy access to the bike path
and Police Department. Some discussion followed regarding the advisability of
locating a skateboard facility in this park. Director Merkel noted the tennis
court fencing could facilitate security if a skatepark facility was to be developed.
He also informed the committee he would be attending an October seminar on
skatepark facilities. Information provided at this seminar will be distributed to
the committee for further review.
Alderman Baird supported the ballfield renovation and the installation of
playground equipment. Alderman Baird also noted the current ballfield's
eastern infield had numerous holes and requested staff correct the problem as
soon as possible.
� F�zrther discussion occurred regarding skateboard park location and the extent
of Freund Field Park improvements.
Playground Renovations �200,000-$300,000
includes removal of existing equipment and installation of new
playground equipment and safety surfacing as delinated:
Creekside Park (SS)
East Beach Park (R & SS)
Fox Ridge Park (N 8s SS)
Jaycee Park (N & SS) SS - Safety Surfacing
Kiwanis Tot Lot (SS)
Knox Park (R) R - Removal
Lakeland Park (SS)
Malibu Playground (SS)
Petersen Park (R & SS)
Veteran's Memorial Park (R 8v SS)
West Beach Park (R)
Director Merkel reported Gallagher Bassett Risk Control Consulting Services
conducted a safety audit of all City of McHenry Parks including equipment. He
also informed the Committee, Parks Maintenance Foreman Robert Combs has
attained his certification as a Safety Inspector.
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Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes
� August 23, 1999
Page Six
Several p��rks require removal of existing playground equipment due to new
federal AI)A standards as well as insurance safety requirements. Citing the
$50,000 cost of North Oak Park equipment, Director Merkel stated the cost of
new equipment even for a tot lot park is significant. Some discussion followed.
It was the consensus of the committee to increase the proposed cost figures
from $100,000 - $200,000 to $200,000 - $300,000.
Director Merkel also noted new safety surfacing would be required at several
parks. Sand, which is the current material used by the City of McHenry, for
park surfacing is no longer an acceptable material. Wood fiber will be required.
Bike Path Development $ No Cost Estimate Provided
within various parks and/or public property
City Administrator Lobaito noted the County Board has submitted an ISTEA
grant application to fund the extension of their bike path between Route 31
west to the Union Pacific railroad tracks. Notification should be forthcoming in
October.
Director Merkel noted grant monies were available for bike path development,
� specifically connections to the state's Grand Trail. The State has placed a high
priority classification on the completion and enhancement of this trail.
Committee Chairperson Alderman Baird suggested staff obtain cost figures for
the construction of.5 miles of a bike path.
Alderman Glab also noted the walking paths in Whispering Oaks Park need
maintenance. He opined if the city developed bike paths future maintenance
costs and schedules should be considered.
Petersen Park Farm $ 50,000
includes wetland rehabilitation, trail system development,
children's farm and development of picnic area
In response to inquiry Director Merkel noted the $50,000 figure was developed
based on the �45,600 donation by McHenry Savings Bank for wetland
mitigation of their property on Route 31. Director Merkel informed the
committee of a new state grant program, Open Land Trust, to maintain and
develop open space. He suggested this grant program be investigated and if
applicable the purchase of Petersen Farm Property be submitted for
consideration. Meanwhile the original grant application to OSLAD for purchase
was resubmitted. The field inspection was conducted on Wednesday, August
18th. Notification is anticipated by October.
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Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes
� August 2�,. 1999
Page Seven
Some general discussion followed. Director Merkel suggested the committee
consider recommending to full council the acceptance of only cash
contributions for parkland during annexation negotiations as the city was
currently land rich.
Committee Chairperson Alderman Baird also recommended, in the event the
development of a recreational facility is eliminated, a building to house
recreational classrooms be included within the 5-year capital development
program.
Alderman Murgatroyd reminded staff to incorporate staffing needs for all future
park developments including the recreational center and/or park maintenance.
In response to Director Merkel's inquiry the committee noted no immediate
interest in obtaining additional land east of the Fox River. Director Merkel
stated the next step would be to prioritize the projects and determine available
grant funding.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director Merkel reminded the committee of the Althoff Park dedication
� ceremony on Saturday, September 11+�. He noted turf establishment and
landscaping improvements would be continued over the next few years. The
park's development will not be complete until 2001.
Parks Superintendent Tom Schmidt will be submitting quarterly project status
reports for council review.
City Administrator Lobaito informed the committee Developer, Roger Gerstad,
has verbally inquired as to the city's interest in accepting the detention pond in
Phase III for an ice skating area. Some discussion followed. It was the
consensus of the committee to respectfully decline Mr. Gerstad's offer.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.
Voting Aye: Baird, Glab, Murgatroyd
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
, � .
�,�� �-
William Baird, Committee Chairperson
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