HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 03/09/2005 - Parks and Recreation CommitteePARKS & RECREATION COM[MTrrEE MEETING
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 pm.
In Attendance: Committee Members: Alderman Peterson, Alderman Condon, Alderman
Glab. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Management
Assistant for Community Relations Hobson, Superintendent of Parks Maintenance Schmidt,
Superintendent of Recreation Programming Witt, Deputy Clerk Kunzer. Also in attendance was
Vince Mosca, Senior Ecologist with Hey and Associates.
Chairman Alderman Peterson called the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting to
order at 7:00 p.m.
Natural Resources Management Plan — Report and Recommendations
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel introduced Vince Mosca who provided the
Committee with a slide presentation prepared by Hey and Associates in response to the City's
request for recommendations regarding natural resources management. The report focused on the
following:
1. Petersen Historic Farm;
2. Miller Riverfront Park;
3. Wheeler Fen Park;
4. Cold Springs Park;
5. Fox Ridge Park.
Mr. Mosca discussed each park in depth noting the different types of grasses, vegetation,
trees, and shrubs growing naturally. He also pointed out various renegade vegetation which are
over -running natural prairie land. Mr. Mosca provided the Committee with potential methods for
improving the nature areas of each park. He also suggested how each park area could be more
naturally developed. He noted planned burns, killing specific vegetation through herbiciding, and
reducing the number of scrub trees which provide shade preventing the growth of natural
vegetation, all can be utilized to increase the quality of the various plant communities within the
parks.
Director Merkel noted if the City intends to apply for grant monies for park maintenance
and development, having a resource management plan is necessary.
Alderman Glab expressed concerns regarding the perceived diminished quality of Boone
Creek as a direct result of increased growth and development in the area. Mr. Mosca responded
the recently approved McHenry County Storm Water Management Ordinance would greatly
assist with preserving natural waterways in the County.
Responding to Alderman Condon's inquiry, Mr. Mosca stated at this time there are no
cost estimates for the resource management of each park. Alderman Condon opined it might be
desirable to perform like remedial action at all locations where it is necessary in one operation
(i.e. planned burns, herbiciding, etc.) as opposed to addressing each park individually. Mr.
Mosca confirmed the City could elect to remediate the park lands in this manner. The City also
needs to prioritize which parks and/or remediation should be completed first and develop a
timeline for completion of all five parks.
Director Merkel noted the City is holding approximately $27,000 of Corlands money
which is targeted for mitigating wetlands found on the McHenry Savings Bank property along
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March 9, 2005
Route 31. The money must be utilized for mitigating wetlands on the Petersen Historic Farm. It
could be used to implement a planned bum on that property.
Bike Path Plan — Public Education
Director Merkel reported Staff is prepared to install signs directing bikers on the Bike
Plan. The signs would be installed along the route which is a stand-alone asphalt path extending
along Dartmoor Drive as well as along Charles Miller Road. Director Merkel stated the goal is to
assist bikers in moving from the McHenry County Conservation District Path in the City to the
Morraine Hills State Park.
Alderman Glab stated he wanted to go on record opposing the installation of any bike
path signs. He stated he is opposed to the Conservation District's pathway going among City
neighborhoods. He expressed concern that neighborhood children are endangered by the path. If
a child is seriously hurt, injured, or even killed, Alderman Glab stated he hoped Director Merkel
is there to witness it happening as it would be a direct result of this path going through the City
in its local neighborhoods.
Alderman Condon stated she was appalled by Alderman Glab's comments. She noted she
and her family utilize the bike path frequently and she is proud to have the bike path in the City.
Community Needs Assessment Recommendation
Director Merkel reported four proposals for the Community Needs Assessment were
received. Proposals were received from:
1. Arcon Associates, Lombard, IL $26,000
2. Management Learning Laboratories, Winston-Salem, NC $25,200
3. Opinion Research Corporation, Arlington Hts, IL $152,850
4. SEC Planning Consultants, Austin, TX $26,000.
Following extensive review of all four proposals, Director Merkel stated he is inclined to
recommend Management Learning Laboratories (MLL) be used for the Assessment. He noted
MLL performed the assessment in 1995. Data obtained during this year's assessment could be
compared to data obtained in 1995. Additionally, MLL is a known entity with a proven track
record as far as the City is concerned.
A lengthy discussion occurred regarding each of the four proposals and the pros and cons
of each of them. Director Merkel noted Opinion Research's proposal, while detailed and
extensive, was far too costly for the project. SEC's proposal included submitting the survey to all
City residents as an enclosure in the City water bills. Director Merkel stated this would not be
feasible as billings go out as post cards and the survey could not be included in that mailing. To
that end, SEC's cost would most likely be increased to accommodate reimbursable mailing fees.
Following discussion, the Committee agreed that the project should be awarded to either
Arcon or MLL. Although Arcon is located closer to McHenry, MLL's experience and previous
history in conducting City need's assessment was deemed preferable.
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Motion by Condon, seconded by Glab, to recommend to Council that the Community
Needs Assessment Project be awarded to Management Learning Laboratories of Winston-Salem.
NC in an amount not -to -exceed $25,200.
Voting Aye: Gish, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Director's Report
Director Merkel reported he has not yet received a report regarding the milfoil
eradication of McCullom Lake in 2004. As soon as a report is received, he will forward a copy to
Committee members.
Director Merkel also reported be had been contacted by David Johnson who once again
has offered to take Committee members for a boat ride on McCullom Lake so they can view first
hand the results of the eradication efforts.
Director Merkel stated two potential projects may be completed at least in part by local
service organizations:
1. McHenry Rotary Club — landscape improvements at Rotary Park at the intersection of
Third Street and Waukegan Road;
2. McHenry Mwanis Club — playground renovation improvements at Mwanis Tot Lot on
Sioux Lane.
Director Merkel also informed the Committee five neighborhood parks remain to be
renovated. Staff will consider seeking design suggestions from 3D Design.
New Business
Alderman Condon suggested a future Committee Agenda Item should be discussion and
consideration of park rental fees for non-residents and/or for profit corporations. A brief
discussion followed regarding how to draw the line between those who should pay a fee and
those who should be permitted to utilize the park free of charge.
Director Merkel requested Committee recommendation regarding a change in Softball
Team Registration Fees Policy. He noted Staff currently has two sets of fees:
1. Team comprised of at least 80% city residents (city resident rates
2. Team comprised of at least 60% District 15 or District 156 school districts (non-resident
rates).
In an effort to streamline the registration process, and more easily determine which fees should
be paid, Staff is recommending the following policy be implemented:
1. Team comprised of at least 80% city residents (city resident rates);
2. Team comprised of less than 80% city residents (non-resident rates).
Motion by Glab, seconded by Condon, to recommend to City Council the implementation
of the following policy regarding Softball Team Registration Fees:
1. Team comprised of at least 80% city residents (city resident rates);
2. Team comprised of less than 80% city residents (non-resident rates).
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Voting Aye: Glab, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Alderman Glab requested Staff investigate the status of maintenance of the Whispering
Oaks walking paths. Alderman Glab also requested Staff install City Park Property signs along
the rear property lines of property abutting the Whispering Oaks Park. Discussion occurred
regarding dogs being allowed to run onto park property from adjacent private residences.
Director Merkel stated Staff would send letters to offending residents advising of the nuisance
created by roaming dogs in City parks.
Adjournment
Motion by Condon, seconded by Glab, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. All ayes.
Motion carved.
spectfully ubmitted,
Robert I PeQwon, Chairman
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