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Park Board Minutes 2007 05-24-07 Flu ICED Page 1 of 8 l 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 Page 2 of 8 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 Page 3 of 8 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. Page 4 of 8 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. Page 5 of 8 I 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 i Page 6 of 8 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. Page 7 of 8 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. Page 8 of 8 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 i