HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1/24/1996 - Parks and Recreation Committee � Cit of McHenr
y y
9 �i,�',
� 333 South Green Street � � ^'''�'��� McHenry, Illinois 60050-5642
__ ._ - �-� 1 �-- �.� � 9
`I^4�"� .. . .. �� �� �-3W"-
PARK COMMITTEE MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1996
ROOM 234 - 7•30 PM
Members Present: Alderman Bolger, Alderman Lawson, Alderman Bates,
Park Director Merkel, Departmental Secretary Kathy
Quick, Lorene Marcinek, Recr�ation Supervisor
Others Present: Bill Buhrman, Vicki Sheppard, Chris Sheppard
The meeting began at 7:40 pm. The committee agreed since Alderman
Bates was running late that Bill Buhrmann and vicki Sheppard speak before
the group rather than wait until the end of the meeting.
� Bill Buhrmann and Vicki Sheppard informed the Park Committee that there
is a serious problem with snowmobilers on McCullom Lake. Bill noted that
there are no signs posted in the parks stating that snowmobiling is not
allowed. Bill also suggesting the we should put up temporary orange
fencing in the parks to at least deter them from the accessing area.
Vicki stated that a few weeks ago that she and a group of people were on
the lake ice skating. Snowmobilers were out on the lake drinking and
throwing empty beer bottles onto the ice. She stated that a few times
the sleds came very close to the group of children skating on the lake. She
also noted that the snowmobilers are out on the lake as late as 2:00 am in
the morning.
Many of the snowmobilers are brought to the lake on trailers and park at
East and West beaches to access the lake area.
Alderman Bolger suggested that Director Merkel contact Chief Joyce and
Mayor Cuda to discuss this problem. He also suggested contacting the
newspapers and putting in some type of article regarding the
snowmobiling problem on the lake. He also stated that we should maybe
contact the state legislature.
�
Clerk's Office and
Administration Public Works, Parks and Police
(815) 363-2100 Building and Zoning Recreation (Non-Emergency)
FAX: (815)363-2119 (81 S) 363-2170 (815) 363-2160 (81 S) 363-2200
'I. Park Plans & Caqital De�plolZmen* Proje��� �996
Director Merkel discussed Park Plans and Capital Development Projects for
`- 1996. The Brookside Park development was put in the budget for 1996.
Director Merkel expects to be hearing from the state regarding the grant
for Brookside Park sometime this week. Three thousand dollars for park
planning was put in the budget for the following parks: North Oak Park,
Pebble Creek Park, Petersen Park and Neuman Park.
A brief discussion was held regarding improvements that could be made
at Petersen Park such as a sand volleyball court and a basketball court.
Also discussed were the ice skating improvements at Freund Field.
Director Merkel informed the committee that no improvements have
been made.
There was some discussion on future pool improvements and the status of
the Recreation Center development.
2. DISCIlS�ION ON ATHLETIC LEA .��� iu��riNr.
Director Merkel informed the committee that the Athletic League Meeting
will be held on February 5, 1996. The committee discussed starting date
and availability of fields. The two girls softball fields at West Campus will
also be available this year. The Knox Park Soccer renovations were not
� completed last fall and will be completed this spring. The alternate site
for games at Knox Park wil be moved to Whispering oaks Park.
Director Merkel explained that there would be some new equipment
purchases in the budget for this year. The Girls Pigtail League requested a
new base anchoring system. Eventually these systems will be replaced at
all the parks but will be phased in over several years.
3. GROUP ACTIVITIES INF�RMOTIAN
Director Merkel reported to the committee that the Park Department
would like to put together a three-fold brochure type program stating
what activities are available to the community. Some new activities would
be hayrides from the Mass barn, canoe rentals to groups such as the
scouts, and campouts at Petersen Park. Director Merkel would like to have
these brochures printed and have them available to area organizations.
�
4• �lEl�( PROGRAMS - 1996
Director Merkel presented an outline of a Tree Program Brochure. This
�-- brochure will let residents know what type of trees you are allowed to
plant in the parkway, tree transplanting and Arbor Day information. This
brochure would be available to residents who inquire about the cities tree
care program. This brochure would be printed and distributed to the
entire community in a future edition of the City Newsletter.
5. PARKS & RECREATIeN eiQF�TnQc oe ORT
A) Brookside Park Grant A��lication U da P
Director Merkel expects to be hearing from the state
within the next two weeks regarding the Brookside Grant
application.
B) Year 2000 Regional Trails Program Mee ina
Director Merkel will be attending a meeting on January 30th
from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Conservation District. He
explained to the committee that elected officials are welcome
and encouraged to attend this meeting.
C. Ft. MCHenI'v W2Shrnnm VOI �ntPPrS MPPtinn
Director Merkel has spoken with several of the Ft. McHenry
�. volunteers regarding the progress on the washrooms.
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 19, �996.
D. 1996 Fireworks Proaram
Director Merkel explained that the bids for the �996 Fireworks
have been mailed out and the Jaycees will be making the final
decision as they are paying for this event.
Jaycees will make a presentation to the City Council on their
proposed list of activities for the Saturday, July 6th event.
`..
6. AdYAND ALL BUSINES THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFOR THE
COMMITTEE
�
Alderman Bates presented the committee with a memo from Fred
Batt regarding the use of a Park Ranger in 1995 and the possible
continuation of this position in 1996. A brief discussion was held on
this position. No recommendation was made.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm.
�
�..