Park Board Minutes 2007 05-24-07 Flu ICED
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department Board Meeting
Administration Office—Riverfront Building,201 W. Hydraulic St.
Thursday,May 24,2007, 7pm
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by Ken Koch.
ROLL CALL:
Board members present: Ken Koch, Van Truman,Debbie Horaz,Kelly Sedgwick.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS, CITY OFFICIALS AND STAFF:
Also present:
Director of Parks and Recreation—David Mogle
Superintendent of Parks— Scott Sleezer
Park Planner—Laura Haake
Director Community Development—Travis Miller
Zausa Homes—Jack Zausa
{ Wendler Engineering Services - Brian Schumaker
Shamrock Farms Development—Ron Adams
Davd Mogle noted that Hearthwood Development had been added to the agenda and he
asked for a vote to add this item. A motion was made and seconded by Debbie Horaz
and Kelly Sedgwick,respectively, to approve this addition. It was approved unanimously
on a voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
PRESENTATIONS:
Hearthwood Development
Brian Schumaker of Wendler Engineering Services and Jack Zausa of Zausa Homes
introduced themselves. They had met with Mr. Mogle earlier on this day and had revised
the plans for Hearthwood Development. The location of this 75-acre development is %
mile north of Galena Road on the west side of Dickson Road. It was noted that
Montgomery is directly across Dickson Road. A stormwater area, school and soccer
fields will also be in this development.
Mr. Schumaker said the original plan did not contain any paths or parks because most
other communities want the money rather than land. The plan changes now include a
bike path along Dickson and Concord. He said a bike path is already stubbed out on the
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east side of the road. A path connector was also added to the Com Ed easement. The
Com Ed easement aligns with Baily Meadows and Rob Roy Creek. Hearthwood Homes
and a development to the west will each contribute half of the land to provide for a 5-acre
centralized park location. The age range for the park is 5-12 and the equipment needs
were discussed briefly. Scott Sleezer added that due to the home density in this
development, local recreation is needed.
The proposed trail would be constructed in lieu of sidewalks and will not cross any
driveways. Crosswalks will be provided to the park and to the school in Bristol Bay.
It is hoped that the trail will play a part in connecting to the Jericho Lakes sports
complex,Fox Valley Trail System, the Aurora trails and ultimately the Great Western
trail that extends to Iowa.
Mr. Sleezer said the City will meet with Sugar Grove and Montgomery to talk about trail
links. It was noted that the paths will be in place when the lots are sold so that potential
buyers know the trail locations prior to purchase. Future developers will also be apprised
of the trail and park plans. The location of the trail near planned townhomes was
discussed and it was decided that the trail should be moved a little further west rather
than retain a small link near these townhomes.
There was a discussion of a north/south road extending to Rt. 30, however, it would end
(. at Concord due the current detention area.
Shamrock Farms Development
Ron Adams was present on behalf of the owner of this property. He said this
development is a 128-acre L-shaped parcel north of Caton Farm Road, east of Rt. 47.
There are 396 units proposed and this is located in the transitional use area of the
development. Mr. Adams said the area would include single family, duplexes and
townhomes.
From a park perspective,Mr. Adams said they are proposing a regional bike trail along
Rt. 47 and the common areas since City staff has proposed a trail system rather than
sidewalks. They will also be hearing Plan Commission comments.
David Mogle commented that the City's concern was to combine two smaller parcels into
one. He also said they liked the common area across from the homes. Ms.Horaz said
the bio-swale was a positive feature for drainage and also for wildlife. A suggestion was
made to locate a park next to the bio-swale and the park would then be centrally located.
Ms. Horaz suggested moving the park to the north and link it with future developments.
The land cash obligation for this development is about ten acres.
Mr. Truman said a trail stub connection should be built to the commercial area. Mr.
Sleezer said links should be provided from the regional trail along Rt. 47. A link to An
Sable Creek and Hoover Boy Scout Camp was also mentioned. A trail is also planned for
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t nearby Penman Road. Ultimately there will be two north-south trails in this area with
east-west connections.
Mr. Adams will consider all suggestions along with input from Plan Commission and
City Council and will revise the plan.
(out ofsequence)
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
David Mogle said that at the May 22 Council meeting there had been a Public Hearing on
Yorkville Crossing near the Prairie Meadows Park by the Post Office. The Council was
surprised to hear that the lake in this area had shrunk from 64 acres to less than half that
size for several reasons. He explained that some of the Council members were concerned
to know that the Park District was not interested in this lake. They discussed whether or
not the 24-acre lake would be large enough to support water recreation. The shape of the
lake is now long and narrow.
Mr. Mogle said the Council may overrule the Park Board or seek additional information.
The Council wishes further ideas from the Park Board on how to make this lake more
suitable for recreation. He had attended a Plan Commission meeting earlier on this day
and one thing noted was that the lake has a 9-foot bounce. This makes it very adverse to
public access and is not good for swimming. In addition, local runoff water would drain
into this lake. Also,homes along the lake had planned on lake frontage.
Community Director Travis Miller was in attendance regarding this matter and said that
the original plan called for a 5-acre park and a future 20-acre park near Autumn Creek
next to an elementary school site. He said at the Public Hearing,the Council was upset to
discover that the lake was reduced. The basin also has steep sides and will be a water
management area for stormwater from Walmart, for Crimson Lane and for a commercial
area in Autumn Creek.
Another issue the Council had was the density of townhomes proposed for the Autumn
Creek area. The petitioner was asked to find other uses for that parcel such as offices,big
box stores, eta
Mr. Miller said this lake is considered an infiltration basin and there is no outfall. Any
stormwater going into this lake is groundwater and presents a risk of contamination. A
staged infiltration basin was also desired because it would help cleanse the water before it
enters the lake. The engineering solution was bio-swales and more green space and
Walmart agreed to increase the landscape island in the parking lot. .
Since the lake depth will fluctuate, Mr. Sedgwick noted that users cannot depend on it for
recreational use. Mr. Miller said the depth of the lake now is approximately 16 feet.
Scott Sleezer suggested a trail around the lake and along Crimson Lane in lieu of a
sidewalk. The Board discussed not having ownership of the pond due to the water
quality.
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Mr. Mogle suggested that the lake should be designed to Park specifications and utilize a
gradual slope allowing for waterfront access. The Board also discussed having a floating
pier for fishing or possibly a dock. Another ideas was that the property owners have
ownership of the lake with language in the PUD agreement allowing the City to
determine some of the uses.
Mr. Miller credited Walmart engineers for expanding the parking island and also using
perforated water drains. Since Walmart will be using this detention area for snow,Mr.
Koch expressed concern about the salt that might be put into the lake.
Mr. Miller said this lake is designed to handle all the drainage to Autumn Creek. Over
time, sedimentation will build up and in the winter,the lake may be frozen. Because of
this,the PUD agreement will also require an outfall to the Fox River. This would require
following a path down McHugh Road through an existing stormwater culvert. The
shorter solution would involve crossing properties at Rt. 34 down to the river,however,
those properties are not acquired. IDNR does not approve of this solution due to native
plant species on these properties. Language in the PUD agreement presents both of these
options. It is a 20-year agreement and in 15 years,the outfall must be constructed. Prior
to any other development east of Walmart,the outfall must be in place. He said the
gamble is whether or not the sedimentation will build up in that 15-year period.
Scott Sleezer suggested asking the developer to construct both the trail and the fishing
pier. However,Van Truman noted that while the trail is a great amenity, he felt it would
only benefit the 70 homes in the area. Other Board members added that residents of
other developments could use it also. Ms. Horaz said that in some developments with
similar lakes,property owners have landscaped the area.
In conclusion,recommendations were discussed including fishing pier, bike path, a
possible boat launch and a gradual slope. These recommendations will be moved
forward to City Council. Stocking fish in the pond was also briefly discussed. Land
cash is $120,000 per acre according to Mr. Sleezer.
(out ofsequence)
OLD BUSINESS
Edwards Property Update
David Mogle gave an overview of this item and said the Council wishes to preserve the
woods on the Edwards Hospital property. There was also discussion at that meeting as to
whether the Forest Preserve would be better suited to control this parcel or possibly the
Forest Preserve and City partnering to oversee it. He also discussed this with Jason Petit
and it will be considered at the Forest Preserve Board meeting on June 7th. Mr. Petit
believes it would be rather unlikely the Forest Preserve would want the property due to
the price and they are looking at other parcels for less money. Travis Miller added that if
the Forest Preserve District is not interested,the City will look at other solutions since the
goal is preservation.
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This piece of land is not a suitable Oslad grant candidate according to David Mogle.
However, other City property could serve as a match.
Mr. Koch said he doubted that Edwards would be likely to donate the land since the price
is set at $130,000 per acre. Mr. Truman added that he had been asked to be part of a
focus group for Edwards and he will encourage this cause. He said Edwards Hospital
needs that money at this point and will seek the maximum price. The City has a year for
first right of refusal, but Travis said in discussions with Edwards,that the land will not be
donated. A tree survey was done and if the land were developed, the developer would be
asked to preserve the best trees.
City staff met with the Conservation Foundation trying to determine tax strategies, but
due to not for profit status, grant possibilities are limited.
Mr. Koch commented that Mr. Leslie was upset that trees were bulldozed on property
across the street. According to Travis Miller this has occurred in other instances before
the City annexed the property,therefore the City had no jurisdiction.
In relation to this discussion,Mr. Miller said the following website is now up:
www.yorkville i s.com, where aerial photos and street and zoning information can be
viewed. There will also be a link from the City website.
Mr. Sedgwick suggested a large map of the City be put up for future Park Board
meetings. Ms. Horaz commented that the master plan books were also helpful.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes—Regular Park Board Meeting—May 10, 2007
Raintree Town Meeting—July 17, 2006
The Raintree Town Meeting minutes had not been sent through for approval, so they
were brought forward to this meeting. A motion was made by Van Truman and seconded
by Kelly Sedgwick to approve both sets of minutes as presented. They were approved
unanimously on a voice vote.
BILLS REVIEW
Bill List
Ken Koch questioned the portable toilet invoice for Circle Center. This is reimbursed to
the Park Board and is easier for the Park Board to order these. As a side note,Mr. Mogle
said the vandals who damaged Circle Center were apprehended and he added that this
was not related to the Parks program at the school.
Ms. Horaz inquired about the surplus deficit from page 3-detailed revenue. This is due to
decreased land cash resulting from fewer building permits. Also, Hoover payments
exceeded the budgeted amount. The City will cover this until additional money is
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received. Scott Sleezer noted the following expected revenue sources: 1)
reimbursements will be coming for Cannonball, 2)money will be available in the new
budget, 3) Calendonia money is not yet collected.
Cash Analysis
There was a brief discussion about the number of pay periods per month and how it
affected this report.
A motion was made by Kelly Sedgwick and seconded by Debbie Horaz to approve the
bill list. A roll call vote was taken and it passed unanimously: Koch-yes, Truman-yes,
Horaz-yes, Sedgwick-yes.
OLD BUSINESS
(out ofsequence)
Park Development Schedule and Project Report
Laura Haake gave an update of her current projects:
1. Raintree Park B OSLAD Grant application should be completed by July 1. She
has been overseeing deadlines and making sure that notices are published in
newspapers in a timely fashion while working with Schoppe Design.
2. The ComEd trail project is in progress
3. She is working on safe routes to school with the school district and will attempt to
have sidewalks installed downtown. There are federally-funded grants available
( for this project.
4. Working on park development standards
Mr. Sedgwick asked about a possible walkway over Rt. 47 to save money that would go
towards bussing students. He mentioned two locations: near Fox and Van Emmon or
near Rt. 47 and Rte. 126. This matter has been discussed and Ms. Haake noted that the
slope between Fox Rd. and Van Emmon will be scaled back and homes will be removed.
An estimated cost was given as $150,000.
Ken Koch asked about a date for a town meeting for Heartland Circle. A date has been
set for August. The conceptual plan is in this year's budget and it was noted that the land
cash obligation has been met.
NEW BUSINESS
Proposal for Owners Rep/Construction Management Services
Currently there are many projects before the Parks Department and staff has been
brainstorming regarding assistance. Mr. Mogle said he had contacted an architect to
serve as an owner's rep and follow-up with contractors on site. His services would be
very reasonable and he could be used as needed since this is not a budgeted position.
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Mr. Koch cautioned that the City Council might perceive this person as competition to
Schoppe Design. However, Van Truman said he did not think it would be of concern
since no contract would be signed,he is only providing a service "at will'. An example
of duties would be using his expertise for the water park construction. It was noted that
this person could also oversee construction of buildings,while Schoppe could not.
Payment for this service would be taken from other areas of the budget. Eventually this
type of position will be moved in-house. It was noted that a senior planner will be
needed soon to help Ms. Haake who is part-time.
David will consult with Bart Olson regarding the handling of this type of payment.
Bristol Bay Easement Request
A sewer/watermain easement is wanted in Bristol Park, located behind the fire station.
The easement would be within the 30-foot setback. While it will not be visible,Mr.
Mogle said he thought it would be a good idea to pursue some revenue income from this
permanent easement. The Board expressed approval of this action.
Beverage Contract
The Parks Department is working on an exclusive contract with Pepsi wherein Pepsi
would pay$5,000 over 5 years and scoreboards would be purchased for Steven G. Bridge
Memorial Park. The contract is not completed yet since the Parks Department wished to
include an escape clause since Pepsi also has one. This will be brought back to the next
meeting.
Moser Property/CorLands Extension
This Moser-donated property lies along Blackberry Creek at the northwest corner of
Kennedy and Bristol Ridge Road and has been held by CorLands. The City paid a
$30,000 commitment fee and then$10,000 for a period of 2 years in order to extend this
holding. Since Interim City Manager John Crois will be leaving, David Mogle asked that
this matter be turned over to Parks.
Mr. Mogle recommended that this process be extended for another year for $10,000.
When a grant is applied for, this piece of property can be used as a match. This item will
move forward to City Council on June 5th with this recommendation. It was noted that
CorLands has been holding this property 2-3 years. If it were not held by CorLands,the
City would have to take title to the property and it could not be used as a match.
Van Truman moved and Kelly Sedgwick seconded to move this recommendation forward
as presented. It was approved unanimously on a roll call vote: Koch-yes, Truman-yes,
Horaz-yes, Sedgwick-yes.
REPORTS
Parks Report
David Mogle reported that Sue Swithin was sick on this date.
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Recreation Report
Scott Sleezer stated that a town meeting had been held at F.E. Wheaton regarding the
grant application for the F.E. Wheaton walking trail. A presentation was given to F. E.
Wheaton personnel by the Parks Department regarding safety, wildlife concerns,truck
traffic and interpretive signage. This area will be kept as natural as possible and picnic
tables will be provided. Employees from F.E. Wheaton and also residents of Caledonia
are expected to use this area. David Mogle also offered to have a meeting with the
business owners' association in this industrial area.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Future Meeting Schedule and Agenda Items
This is informational per David Mogle.
Other...
Van Truman asked the Board members to forward any information or input to David
Mogle regarding the Edwards Hospital property discussed earlier. Mr. Truman will then
forward that input to the focus group at their June 5th meeting.
David Mogle commented that the portable toilet at Riverfront Park has been moved to the
center of the park. This action was in response to a complaint from Greg Freeman about
residents wanting to use his restroom. Scott Sleezer commented that he was not in favor
of having them in parks due to complaints about odors and having to service them.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 9:55pm on a motion by
Debbie Horaz and second by Van Truman. Approved unanimously.
Minutes by Marlys Young
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