HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/23/1994 - Parks and Recreation Committee City of McHenr
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PARKS & RECREATION NIEETING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1994
7:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: City Administrator Jerry Peterson, Park Director Pete
Merkel, Alderman Greg Bates, Alderman Dave Lawson, &
Alderman Bill Baird (arrived at 8:00 pm)
OTHERS PRESENT: Dave Backhaus/American Heritage & Roger Gerstad/Gerstad
Builders
The meeting was requested by Dave and Roger to discuss the use of City
property as a water detention area for the Backhaus/Gerstad Development east
of Curran Road.
As an introduction, Roger reviewed the history of the annexation and
`, zoning of the property, and stated that the lowest land was donated to the
City as part of the annexation agreement. That was signed in 1979 and
revised in 1992. He also stated the difficulty in using higher land for
retention. The discussion turned to the probable use of the land by the
City, whether it would remain passive or active. At this point, Roger
displayed an active field, parking area and a small playground. Greg Bates
stated that more fileds would be a good idea, but there were concerns raised
by Dave Lawson and Bill regarding the ability to use the fields when they
are needed most - in early Spring.
Jerry noted that the area in question was supposed to remain passive -
400' on each side of he creek, in case the flood plain gets larger as the
community �rows. This would allow for a 400' "safety valve" as a future
buffer. Roger disputed the notion that the flood plain would ever reach the
levels Jerry talked about and that proper engineering could help determine
what might happen to that area in the future.
Pete stated his desire to keep the corridor open, and Roger responded
that detention would keep it passive and open. Roger stated that they were
not looking for a free lunch, he was willing to buy, swap, trade, i.e.
negotiated. Pete repeated that it was donated for park use, not detention
or anything else, and that it may be setting a precedent for other
developers to use park porperty for detention - Inland was used as an
example.
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Clerk's Office and
Administration Public Works, Parks and Police
(815) 363-2100 Building and Zoning Recreation (Non-Emergency)
FAX: (815)363-2119 (815)363-2170 (815) 363-2160 (815) 363-`L200
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Jerry and Dave Lawson brought up concerns that, if we agree to allow
detention on city property, it limits our use of that property forever.
Bill agreed, stating he would be willing to think about the situation, but
felt it was not a good idea to go back on an annexcation agreement. Greg
said we would also be willing to think about it, but if any answer was
needed now, he would say no. Dave Lawson also said no.
After some additional discussion, the committee agreed to meet again
with Roger and Dave on Wednesday, April 6, 1994 at 6:30 pm prior to the
regular City Council meeting.
Under new business, Pete brought up two items. First, the Earth
Development proposals for the landscaping at Whispering Oaks Park, which was
in 3 phases for a total of $46,500. Pete noted that donations of trees may
drive the total cost down, and Greg and Pete both acknowledged that "The
Oaks" group had been informed of and approved the plans.
The second item of new business was the Whispering Oaks storm sewer
estimate for $17,155.00. Both items were to be brought up in committee
reports at the next City Council meeting.
�, Bill Baird made a motion at 10:32 pm to ad3ourn the meeting, seconded by
Dave Lawson.
Dave Lawson
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