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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08/21/2017 - Parks and Recreation CommitteePARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT Thursday, August 21, 2017 Municipal Center Council Chambers, 5:30 PM 1. Call to Order: Chairperson Schaefer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in the McHenry Municipal Center Council Chamber. 2. Roll Call: Chairperson Alderman Schafer, Alderman Devine and Alderwoman Condon. City Officials in Attendance: Mayor Wayne Jett, Director of Parks & Recreation Hobson, Recreation Center Manager Matt LaPorte, Recreation Supervisor Witt, Athletic & Aquatic Supervisor Thompson, Director of Economic Development Martin, Parks Maintenance Superintendent Gorniak. Public Attendance: Mr. Pat Wirtz, McHenry Landmark Commission Chair and Colby - Petersen Farm Foundation member, and Mr. Greg Lofgren, Colby -Petersen Farm Foundation. 3. Public Comment: None. 4. Presentation/Discussion on the Historic Petersen Farm by the Petersen Farm Foundation. Mr. Wirtz and Mr. Lofgren provided the Committee with a history of the farm and the many accomplishments of the Landmark Commission and the Petersen Farm Foundation. A booklet containing the history of the Colby family and farm was provided to the Committee. Mr. Wirtz reported resources used to compile the historical information presented today came from Nancy Fike, McHenry's resident historian. She researched sources such as The McHenry County Yearbook and McHenry County Historical Society, Plaindealer Newspaper, family members, and City of McHenry maps are great resources for information. Robert Petersen Living Trust. Mr. Greg Lofgren reported he was a member of the McHenry Landmark Commission when the city acquired the Petersen Farm property. At that time, the Commission participated in several meetings with Robert Petersen. A concern expressed by the late Mr. Petersen was that the buildings on the property would be used only as storage for city equipment. Mr. Petersen had a vision of the farm as a museum to showcase local farming history in McHenry and the farming community as it was at that time. When the farm was acquired, the Commission began to hold their meetings in the farmhouse and all Commission papers and artifacts were moved to the farm. Some of the items donated to the city as part of the living trust and vision are included in the booklet with a letter written by Mr. Petersen to Mr. Lofgren about starting a historical society separate from the Landmark Commission. At that time, discussions took place between the City and Landmark Commission about possible uses of the property however nothing was decided. Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Page 2 August 21, 2017 Mr. Lofgren thanked the Committee for allowing him to speak at today's meeting and said he hopes for information on city's plans for the property. Mr. Wirtz added that in 2005, a petting zoo, old-time farm demonstration area, reforestation, community garden plots, horse trails, a pioneer farming museum, one -room school house, picnic area and walking paths were mentioned as possible attractions to add to the property. Discussed ensued on the restoration and preservation efforts completed after the city acquired the property, the recent establishment of the Colby -Petersen Foundation, and potential supporters of future preservation efforts on the property. Mr. Wirtz relayed to the Committee their short-term plans for the property. Currently, the Landmark Commission annually hosts "A Day at Petersen Farm" event. This is a one -day event. The Landmark Commission partners with the McHenry County Farm Bureau, 4-H, McHenry Garden Club, Friends of the Library, city staff, and local retired farmers. Mr. Wirtz announced the following ideas/programs/events the Commission/Foundation would like to host: • One or two times a year similar to the Day at the Farm event such as Fall Pumpkin Fest, Special Farmers Market, a mini -concert for adults to raise funds for the Foundation similar to the Gavers event in Woodstock. • The Commission would like to open the farmhouse two Sundays per month in July, August and September and during events. • Workshop area to repair items and include permanent tables, chairs, and shelves for inventory of farm artifacts. Mr. Lofgren added many items at the farm should be catalogued. They videotaped the items about 10-years ago and the items were appraised. He would like to encourage and educate young people to care about the farm. • Mr. Lofgren asked the city to provide coverage for volunteers working events. Mr. Hobson noted Landmark Commission members are covered under the city's insurance however, a Foundation member is not tied to the city and is not covered under the city's coverage. Mr. Wirtz stated the Farm Bureau has provided $1-M coverage for the Day at the Farm event. • Maintenance Safety and Security is a concern of both the Commission and the City. Critter control is needed especially in the horse barn. • The security code to the homestead should be changed. 0 Connection to the police alarm board. Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Page 3 August 21, 2017 • Lock the gates at all times. Mr. Hobson informed the Committee that with the exception of archery classes and access for the tenant farmer, the gates are locked. • Last winter, the roof for the unattached garage collapsed. Because the snowplows are stored in the building, Commission members do not have access to the area to remove the debris. State Preservationist toured the facility last fall with Sen. Althoff and stated it will be costly to renovate the horse barn. Mr. Hobson stated it would cost approximately $200,000 for the work. Mr. Wirtz reported the Foundation is seeking a donor to fund the renovation. Mr. Lofgren noted they would not seek funding until they know what the city's plans are for the property. • Mr. Wirtz requested permanent restrooms. The outhouse is unusable. • Installation of a simple nature path along the wetlands area and through the woods. • Permanent signage visible from the road acknowledging when the house is open to the public similar to a museum. • Organize the dairy expo site as a showcase for the county. Mr. Lofgren has been working on this and stated he would like to get the milk house as it was in the 1940's. Chairperson Schafer stated the uses discussed were recommended at least 12 years ago, and asked if the city needs to declare support for a specific project before the Foundation can begin fundraising. Mr. Hobson said the Foundation could fund projects however, they need the city's permission to begin any project. The city could complete a project and the Foundation would reimburse the city. However, this becomes difficult because the Foundation member are the experts and Parks staff consisting of Matt, Cindy, Nicole, and himself do not have the expertise or the manpower to run the farm. Mr. Hobson reported foundation -stabilization of the house and main bar are a priority. Mr. Lofgren said they are requesting the city to commit to specific projects and the Foundation and Commission will get started. Mr. Hobson reported in the past, it has been difficult to locate an historical architect to complete these projects. Mr. Wirtz said the Chicago Preservation group could provide this information. Alderwoman Condon noted this topic is not new to her either. If the question is would the city like all the projects mentioned completed, the answer is yes. The reality is the cost. It takes experts to restore and preserve the farm. From her standpoint, she looks to the Foundation for the expertise and asked what their top three choice projects to complete would be. Once these are identified, it may be easier to seek funding for specific projects. Parks & Recreation Conunittee Meeting Page 4 August 21, 2017 Chairperson Schaefer agreed with Alderwoman Condon and suggested the Foundation provide the city with their top three projects they would like to see completed first at the farm. He also suggested an event at the farm in conjunction with the Sunday Family Fest during Fiesta Days. He also suggested an active McHenry Chapter of the 4-H Club or the Boy and Girl Scout would be interested in events at the farm. Mr. Hobson suggested a camp -out event. Mr. Lofgren asked if the Foundation should bring their top three projects back to the Committee or Council. Chairperson Schaefer suggested submitting the list to Director Hobson. Director Hobson said depending on the project it may go directly to the Council or discussed first with the Committee. Alderwoman Condon asked staff to review the security system and fire alarm at the farm, if possible change the door code, and obtain a quote for gutters on the horse barn. Director Hobson stated the farm was connected to the city's fire alarm board however, he was not certain if there is an active security system adding there is money in the CIP for some of these projects, specifically the new roof for the house, batten -boards on the barn and possibly the garage. The question is the horse barn stating he is not sure if the foundation has to be stabilized before any renovations can be completed. An unidentified member of the public in attendance suggested selling the washer and dryer in the home to help fund the installation of a washroom. Director Hobson noted facility improvements and prioritized maintenance is most important, as these costs will have to be approved in the city's Capital Improvements Program. Programming would not be difficult and would be supported by the city. Mr. Wirtz reported the Colby Barn in Lake County makes approximately $450,000 in revenue each year renting the barn for events. Everyone agreed there is potential for this type of use at the Petersen Farm. The city would look to the Commission for a recommendation if this were the direction they want to go. Chairperson Schaefer reiterated that that a top three list is submitted to Director Hobson to move forward with budgeting or planning. The Committee thanked Mr. Lofgren and Mr. Wirtz for their input and they exited the meeting at 6:40 PM. 4. Sponsorship/Advertisement Program Discussion/Proposal. Recreation Center Manager LaPorte stated that in an effort to bring additional revenue to the Recreation Center, city staff recommended increasing the city's advertising opportunities with banners in some of the city's athletic fields such as Petersen Park. The Crystal Lake Park District charges $395 and $495 for ad banners at Lippold Park, which generates about $15,000 a year that is used for field maintenance and upgrades. Manager LaPorte asked the Committee if this is something they would like staff to pursue. The city would decide what would be appropriate to advertise and if the city would seek ads from businesses outside the city limits. Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Page 5 August 21, 2017 Director Hobson suggested not selling ads to businesses located outside the city limits. Chairperson Schaefer agreed adding it is important that the field does not look too cluttered and the ad signs are appropriate. Alderwoman Condon was in favor of the idea noting the signs should be made from quality materials, offered to only city businesses, and the number of ads offered should be limited at designated locations. Director Hobson said the ads would be available on a first come, first serve basis. Chairperson Schaefer suggested polling local businesses to determine their interest in this program. Alderwoman Condon stated the proposed cost of advertising seemed steep and wondered if the first year could be $200 or $300 as charged for ads in McBark Park. Mayor Jett said the cost of the banner must be considered. Alderman Devine stated Petersen Park would be a good location. Director Hobson noted he would like to offer ads at Petersen and Knox Parks. Manager La Porte asked the Committee if they had any interest in staff pursuing this topic further and the consensus was yes. Chief of Police Jones and Alderman Santi entered the meeting at 6:50 PM. 5. Department Updates. Riverfront Park Boat Ramp. Construction of the boat ramp has begun. The project was delayed due to spring flooding. As a result, the ramp will most likely not open until 2018. McHenry Recreation Center. Manager LaPorte announced the Recreation Center was holding a one -day "Solar Eclipse" sale for memberships. So far, 45 new members have enrolled through the sale. Membership is now at 2,031. Chairperson Schaefer asked if the city offered a rate for the 18-20 age group. Manager LaPorte answered the city offers the standard $18/month for single and $19/family. Marlins Swim Team members are offered a rate of $15/month. Long-range revenue projects based on annual memberships is expected to exceed $550,000. Advertising has increased and a drone video is being produced. Cosmetically, the center will be upgraded with artwork on the walls. Fall/Winter Brochure was published. The department has partnered with the Crystal Lake, Barrington and Huntley Park districts to add adult day trips for a reduced cost. Additionally through NISRA, all the superintendents from the 11 partner groups will meet on a quarterly basis to brainstorm programs. Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Page 6 August 21, 2017 Summer Camp. Total registration increased this year. Approximately 70 children attend the camp each week compared to 40-50 in past years. The Mini -Explorers Camp began this year with 121 children enrolled. Community Needs Assessment. The Committee directed staff to present the results of the CNA to the Committee prior to a formal presentation to the full Council. 5. Motion to Adiourn. As there were no further comments, Chairperson Schaefer called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alderman Devine made a motion, seconded by Alderwoman Condon to adjourn the meeting. Aye: Devine, Condon, Schaefer Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM. Respectfully submitted, Marci Geraghty, Executive Assist/Deputy Clerk Reviewed and approved this,_ c; day of (��c.;;s 1" 2017.