Park Board Minutes 2003 04-28-03 Yorkville Parks &Recreation Department
Park Planning&Development Meeting
Minutes
April 28,2003
APPROVED BY THE
Call to Order: COMMITTEE/BOARD
Chris Rollins called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. ON: IS -t2- —10'?'
Roll Call:
Present: Chris Rollins, Dave Cathey, Ken Koch,Van Truman,Heather Fiala
Guests/City Officials/Staff-
Alan Brauer, Land Vision
Mike Schoppe, City Planner
John Vann, Schoppe Design
Sue Swithin, Superintendent, Parks &Recreation
Absent: Laura Brown, Director, Parks &Recreation;Alderman Paul James
Approval of Minutes:
Minutes of the April 14 meeting were unanimously approved following a motion by Ken, seconded by Van.
Visitor Communication:
Fox Hill resident, Tim Wolf, addressed the board regarding the development of park space on the west side
of the development. Chris reviewed discussion with neighbors from the previous board meeting, saying the
board welcomes and does consider resident comments. He briefly discussed the waiver process being
considered for homeowners whose property backs up to the park space and trail on the west. He provided a
brief history of how the city acquired the park land in the Fox Hill subdivision.
Chris introduced Bob Pilmer to the board. Bob has been appointed by the Board of Education to replace
Chris as the District#115 representative on the Parks and Recreation Board. Chris said he will remain on
the board to complete his term.
Developers Presentation:
Alan Brauer,Land Vision,presented the Caledonia preliminary site plan, on behalf of Inland Development.
This project is located on the east side of Rt. 47,between Corneils Rd, Rob Roy Creek and the railroad.
On the 85.2 acre development the plan includes 217 lots,with a density of 2.5 units per acre, averaging
11,000 sq. ft. each. There are 10.71 acres of open space and park. He did point out that the developer met
last week with the city and discussed relocating the park to a more central location within the development.
Mike Schoppe said the plan will be presented to the Plan Commission in two weeks. He discussed possible
future development of two adjoining parcels, and the relationship of park and trail placement to these future
developments. Discussion ended with the board reaching consensus to ask the developer for a minimum 5
acres for park,to be located in the mid-west section of the development,between lots 29, 20, 94, and 33,
with the balance of the land-cash donation in cash. The recommendation will include a request to review
the revised plan prior to final approval.
i
Chris read a letter from Laura Brown to Tony Graff informing him of the request for variance from some
of the residents in the Fox Hill subdivision. The letter also recommends that the city attorney establish a
Hold Harmless Waiver for these residents to review. Chris added that the board recommended to the city
attorney that no legal action be taken against residents for having playground equipment spilling over onto
park property. He said the residents ' intention is to continue to maintain the property, and he will discuss
this with Laura. The Park Board will keep the residents informed of any further action.
Mike presented a revised plan for the Fisher property which incorporates recommendations made by the
board previously. He pointed out that the park requirement for this development is 16 . 9 acres . The
developer is proposing a 12 .9 acre park, with the balance in cash. The plan provides an open space
corridor to Rob Roy Creek, and a connection across the railroad tracks to the development to the north.
I
Discussion included issues related to the combined school/park site. Mike suggested the board have
dialogue with the school district on desired school/park acreage and its features . After considerable
discussion the board stated its recommendation to reduce the park by one acre; provide an access to
connect to the open space and the Rob Roy Creek bike trail; to eliminate lots 112- 117 to extend the
roadway and offer maximum frontage for parking; and a total easement along the Burlington Northern
tracks . John suggested the board consider adding to the recommendation for this development that the city
be stewards for the open space, less the detention areas, and that it be enhanced with natural plantings.
I
The board's recommendations on both the Caledonia and Fisher developments will be sent to Mike by
May 8 .
John presented a draft of the Parks Master Plan, which shows features to be included in all of the developed
parks, comparing Yorkville with the State of Illinois, and NRPA standards . Points considered in
developing the Master Plan include city demographics, park facility standards, park acreage standards, and
spatial analysis standards . It looks at the park system as a whole. He explained that he and Laura will be
working on five year budget recommendations, a review of funding priorities, development priorities, and
park plan and green space review. John and Mike have reviewed the park development standards and
maintenance standards approved in August, 2002, and will discuss with Laura how they can be improved
and prepare to discuss with the board at the May 12 meeting.
i
John discussed the current greenway plan and future trail development plans, which drew discussion from
the board on consideration of bike lanes along major roadways to facilitate citizen access to commercial
areas, in addition to parks, while providing trip reduction by automobiles . Sue suggested that in addition to
being stewards of open space and greenways, perhaps it is time for the board to become stewards
transportation modes and bike trails . Chris suggested putting this issue on a future board agenda for
discussion, as well as on the Master Plan.
Bills Review:
During a review of bills, questions were asked regarding computer consultant services . A bill for
Christmas decorations was questioned, and clarification requested. Sue will check into it, and respond to
the board. The motion to approve the bills as submitted was made by Dave and seconded by Ken. A roll-
call vote was taken: Rollins, yes; Cathey, yes; Koch, yes; Truman, yes; Fiala, yes .
i
I
Board Action:
The board discussed a request from Scott to purchase a trailer to be used for ball field maintenance. Laura
is recommending approval for the purchase for $3 ,699. Wackerline Implements was the low bidder, with
$2,546 coming from contingency, #8100801000, and $ 1 , 153 from park maintenance #79006016000 . Ken
made the motion. Heather seconded. A roll-call vote was taken: Rollins, yes; Cathey, yes; Koch, yes ;
Truman, yes; Fiala, yes .
Dave discussed purchase of a vehicle from Advantage Chevrolet, at state pricing, and recommended board
approval so it can be presented to city council at their April 29 meeting. A motion was made by Dave to
purchase a car for the city fleet at an amount not to exceed $ 17,740, plus license and title. Van seconded.
A roll-call vote was taken: Rollins, yes; Cathey, yes; Koch, yes; Truman, yes ; Fiala, yes .
Old Business :
The Park Naming Policy issue was tabled.
Additional Correspondence:
Sue discussed a letter from Dan Kramer to Lisa Coffey, attorney for Brent Schalhamer, owner of the
property where the skate park is located. She also reported that another church has asked why the skate
park was not put out for others to ask or express an interest in. Chris noted that the board was approached
by New Life Church expressing their desire to move the equipment to their property and to operate the
skate park. The park board did not solicit the church. Sue will discuss further with Laura, and email
board members with any further information.
Chris called the board's attention to a memo from Scott regarding vehicle traffic on ball fields, and its
damaging effect on the turf.
Adjournment,
The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p .m. following a motion by Dave and second by Heather.
Respectfully submitted, i
Judy Rice
Recording Secretary
i
Next meeting May 12 at 7 p.m. in the Austin Room, Beecher Community Center
Sue suggested considering bike lanes along major roadways to facilitate citizen access to commercial areas
j
I
II
I