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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 4/5/1999 - Parks and Recreation Committee PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING � MINUTES April 5, 1999 Members Present: Chairman Alderman Baird, Alderman Glab, Alderman Murgatroyd Others Present: Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, City Clerk Althoff Chairman Alderman Baird called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. RECREATION CENTER DISCUSSION Director Merkel presented Sente and Rubel's recreational facility floor and site plan. Director Merkel noted if indoor soccer matches were permitted, portable viewing bleachers would be required. He also solicited comments regarding the need/desire for the inclusion of a large receiving doorway. The upper level features a three lane suspended running track. Large windows and glass partitions run along one full side of the upper level showcasing this feature. In response to Chairman Baird's inquiry, Director Merkel stated the current design does consider expansion capabilities with regard to the fitness center. Second floor additions can also be accommodated. The committee suggested any plans for future building expansion be addressed during initial construction phases, ie: support beams, electrical connections, etc. � Some discussion followed regarding the increase in construction costs. Director Merkel noted the original construction estimate figure was under $9,000,000. The current estimate is in excess of $9.1 million. It was noted the increase is due in large part to the increase in size and subsequent asphalt costs for the parking lot. Director Merkel also noted the project budget do NOT include legal or financing costs construction costs are based utilizing a General Contractor project delivery method the assumption all permit fees and water/sewer connection fees will be waived an environmental study will not be required for the site the site is properly zoned for this project. Some discussion followed regarding building appearance. It was the consensus of the committee to require a professional looking front facade and, in an effort to reduce overall cost, use less expensive materials for the balance of the structure. A tentative operating cost proposal was provided the committee. Director Merkel noted the difficulty in obtaining comparable operating costs as most other local recreational facilities include pool operational costs. � Parks and Recreation Meeting Minutes � April 5, 1�a99 Page T�vo Chairman Baird requested the committee consider and discuss financing options. He suggested the committee extend invitations to two or three bond consultants to a Committee Meeting of the Whole or a joint Parks and Recreation/Finance Committee Meeting to present funding options. Some discussion followed. It was the consensus of the committee to recommend to full council the scheduling of a Committee of the Whole Meeting to review and prioritize all proposed capital projects including the construction of a recreational facility the construction of a new public works garage compliance with federal nitrification requirements expansion of the central wastewater treatment plant 5-year streets program. Determination could then be made as to the feasibility of pursuing the construction and operation of a recreational facility. In addition an overall financial plan could be developed. Alderman Murgatroyd suggested the assistance of recently hired City Assistant Administrator Maxeiner be sought. He also suggested other revenue sources be investigated and implemented. �.irther discussion followed regarding the desirability and feasibility of initiating a recreational center referendum. Establishing a fund-raising entity was also � considered. Developer donation funds could then be allocated for operating expenses. In response to committee inquiry, Director Merkel stated a full-scale artist's layout was not included in the Sente and Rubel proposal, however an estimated cost of said layout is approximately �1000. Staff was also directed to obtain construction and operating costs for a pool. Alderman Glab left the meeting at 7:35 p.m. PETERSEN PARK MAINTENANCE BUILDING ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSALS Director Merkel noted staff was directed at the February 2, 1999 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting to develop a Request for Proposal and obtain two or three proposals for comparison purposes. Three proposals were obta.ined; Direct Design $4000 Cone.Kalb.Wonderlick �4050 plus expenses Paul Glen Architects 5% of the overall construction cost After some discussion it was the consensus of the committee to recommend to full council the award of the architectural services contract for the Petersen Park Maintenance expansion to Direct Design of McHenry in an amount not to exceed $4000. � Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes � April 5, 1998 Page Three PETERSEIV PARK WATERFRONT PLAN Director Merkel informed the committee Smith Engineering has completed the preliminary estimates on developing the Petersen Park Waterfront Plan. 'I�vo phases are proposed with two possible design alternatives for each phase. An estimate for providing sanitary and water service lines to the future rest room/changing rooms. Estimates do not include fieldwork and are based on nearest service line connection. Petersen Park Waterfront Phase I includes Parking Lot and Path development near the proposed volleyball courts, a boat launch, boat dock, lights, and playground equipment. A gravel parking lot with limestone path is estimated at �79,858.00 and an asphalt parking lot with an asphalt path is estimated at $104,764.00. Phase II includes a secondary gravel parking lot, chain link fence, boat dock and a picnic area shelter. The secondary parking lot with limestone path has an estimated cost of$60,740.00. Phase II constructed with an asphalt parking lot and asphalt path is estimated at $82,919.00. Phase I construction includes the construction of a boat access. Merkel also noted the Boat Access Area Development grant deadline is September lst. � Boat Access Area Development Grants provide a minimum of 80% financing for the project's total cost. These grants are not cumulative like the Open Space Land Acquisition Development grant monies. Some discussion followed. Chairman Alderman Ba.ird opined although more expensive the asphalt alternative was more practical and aesthetically pleasing. It was the consensus of the committee to apply for the Boat Access Area Development Grant for the boat launch and dock and to apply for OSLAD monies to develop the bike path, volleyball courts and picnic area. The estimated cost of the total project including shelters, boat docks, landscaping, etc. was $450,000 - $500,000. Chairman Aldermen Baird also suggested further development of this project be included within the City's Park and Recreation Department's Five Year Capital Plan. It was also the consensus of the committee to allocate approximately $20,000 to �30,000 for park improvements. Director Merkel was instructed to contact Grant consultant Kenneth Fisk to better determine and define grant eligibility points for the development of the Petersen Park Waterfront. NEUMANN PARK DEVELOPMENT Director Merkel reported he had spoken with McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce Director Debra Harr and was informed she and City Administrator Lobaito had met with the owners of MetalMasters to discuss possible assistance � Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting � April 5, 1y99 Page Four with the ciesign and build of the proposed gazebo for Neumann Park. He also noted the Green Street Committee does not appear to have clear consensus as to whether a gazebo should or should not be constructed in this park. The gazebo cost of approximately $40,000, is also an unresolved issue. The proposed design for this park has been completed and the preliminary cost estimate is $48,800. The estimate does not include the construction of the gazebo. Some discussion followed regarding the project's cost. Director Merkel noted attempts were being made to reduce the overall cost by redesigning the retaining wall. The stone retaining wall cost is estimated at $24,000 or one-half the total project cost. The landscape designer is attempting to reduce the overall wall area to reduce cost. The committee also reminded staff to address adjacent property owner, Rose Lilligard's drainage problem. In addition the committee instructed Director Merkel to prepare the appropriate bid documents and complete the project by Fall of 1999. Director Merkel noted resolution of the gazebo would in all likelihood delay the projects completion beyond Fall. The 1999-2000 Parks and Recreation Department budget proposal does not include a line item for Neumann Park gazebo construction. �, Finance Chairman, Alderman Murgatroyd, suggested $30,000 be allocated in the 1999-2000 for the development of this project. The gazebo will be included only if the Green Street Revitalization Committee provides both an acceptable design and funding source. Director Merkel was instructed to provide the committee with revised development numbers. Director Merkel requested clarification regarding which funds should be expensed for this project. He suggested 50% be allocated to the Parks Donation Ftiind and 50% to the General Fund. Some discussion followed regarding park lighting. Director Merkel stated bollard lighting will be investigated. PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR'S REPORT A] OSLAD GRANT SUBMISSION - Director Merkel stated the committee needed to take formal action and recommend to full council the resubmission of the grant application for the Petersen Farm acquisition. Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Glab, to recommend to full council the passage of a support resolution and resubmission of the Petersen Farm Acquisition Grant to the IDNR program. Voting Aye: Baird, Glab, Murgatroyd Voting Nay: None Absent: None `., Motion carried. Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting � April 5, 1��99 Page Five B] ALTHt�FF PARK DEDICATION—Director Merkel reported the dedication for Althoff P��rk is tentatively scheduled for late August or early September to coincide with the beginning of the Fall Soccer Program. The dedication ceremony will occur prior to the beginning of a Saturday morning soccer game. C] LAWCON GRANT—Director Merkel informed the committee the Federal Government is considering permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation F�znd. Land and Water Conservation F�znd state assistance would total $450 million annually. This is an attempt to reinstate lost federal dollars. Director Merkel reported funding is dedicated to acquisitions authorized by Congress for public lands, national parks, etc. Motion by Murgatroyd, second by Glab to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Voting Aye: Baird, Glab, Murgatroyd Voting Nay: None Absent: None Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. � Submitted, , ���_ v . � William Baird, Chairman ,' .►—