Park Board Minutes 2001 09-24-01 r
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Yorkville Parks & Recreation
Park Planning & Development Meeting
Park Board Minutes
September 24, 2001
Call to Order -
Bill Wedge called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.
Roll Call -
Lisa Scherer, Bill Wedge, Ken Koch,
Absent: Dave Cathey, Chris Rollins (arrS.vAd a 7.12 p.m_)
Staff: Sue Swithin, Eric Dhuse, Alderman Paul James
Guests and/or City officials -
Gregg Gabel, of GBL Land Development services, reported on the proposed 120 acre
Bristol Club development, a private community, seeking annexation into the City
of Yorkville. The development is located at the southwest corner of Galena Rd.
and Cannonball Trail. it would include town homes, on approximately 104 lots
which average between 25, 000 and 30,000 sq_ ft. Features in the development
would include 24 acres of open space in the center of the development, a pond,
some weLlazuis, perimeter landscaping, and wouid connect to city sewer and water.
An interior trail system, to be maintained by the homeowners association, is
also planned for this development with a 5 ' wide concrete path in Front of homes
and an 8 ' aaphalt path in the open space.
Gregg pointed out that Mike Schoppe has suggested that park space be designated
at the moot hwmst corner of the development, for public use, that could connect
to adjoining park space in future developments_ Chris questioned how public
access could be provided to that area. Sue suggested the possibility of a 15'
easement for trail construction along the north/¢n,it.h boundary on the west side
of the development.
Lisa discussed plans for a future regional trail to run along the south side of
Galena Rd. and turn south running along the west side of Cannonball. Trail,
saying the trail would require a 10' easement. Gregg pointed out there is
already a 50 ' easement planned along the outside north and east boundaries that
would allow plenty of space for the regional trail. The Board pointed out that
perimeter trail easements would be credited to the developer, with the developer
then paying the balance in cash, in keeping with the current land/cash
ordinance. Sua will contact Joe wywrot to identity required linear footage for
trail construction and to provide accurate land/cash credits_
Julia and Adrian Covin, local residents, were in aLLczzdtuice to address the board
regarding possible acquisition of an unincorporated parcel of property her
family owns along Eldamain Rd. , behind Fox Hills. This wooded parcel covers 11
acres and contains two ponds, a hill for sledding, and a houmc. The big pond is
12 ' deep in the middle and approximately one acre in site. Following Board
discussion with Julia, the Board thanked her for the presentation, and asked her
to keep the Board informed of any other questions or dt-.r-is;.nns she makes
regarding this property while they consider this opportunity_
Yorkville Parks & Recreation
Park Board Meeting
3cptcmbcr 24, 2001
Page 2
Also in atcandanee were David smith, Rick Ycunee and Crog OWCn3, local 30cccr
parents. They came to discuss the inappropriate behavior displayed by coach
Rega and assistant coach, Dana Lill, at a recent soccer game. The behavior
included inappropriate language (which they ac a thr..ear r.n r_heir
children's coach) , changing of the rules, and lack of response to a field
injury. the Board and parents discussed the matter at length. Chris followed
up by saying the Parks and Rec Dept. has a Superintendent who supervises and
monitors our programs. He added that, while refs run the game, the primary
responsibility of adults in the program is the safety of all kids in the game.
If coaches have a disagreement they need to keep it in context and take if off
the field.
Lisa asked the parents what kind of response they would like to see from the
BoarB. Tney asked that the coach be given a written warning, and some written
policy from the Board addressing the responsibilities of coaches, assistant
coaches, and referees, and a statement regarding the welfare and safety of the
children. Liza said she has been working GDn a pulic.:y which sfic will present for
review at the next meeting. The policy will include a code of conduct, and will
state the consequences for had behavior_
Sue spoke in defense of coach Rega, but said she will speak with him and give
him a written warning regarding his conduct. Sue will also send a written
notice to Dana Lill with the same warning regarding her hPhavinr She wi.71
continue to monitor their behavior, and if their behavior is not controlled,
they will be asked to leave the program.
Chris stated that the Board will not tolerate inappropriate behavior. "We want
our programs to be known for the quality of the program. " He said the general
topic of behavior needs to be primary in the minds of coaches as well as the
welfare and safety of the children.
Lisa asked that any future problems with coaches, refs, etc. be reported
directly to the Superintendent of Recreation or the Board.
Approval of Minutes -
The Board reviewed minutes of the Septeml,er 10th meeLitig. Lisa lu,=Ldr. L11C MUCiorl
for approval. Bill seconded. Approval was unanimous.
Rwviaw of Bills -
Current bills were reviewed for payment. Following discussion, Ken made a
motion to approve payment of bills. Bill seconded. A roll-call vote was taken.
Approval was unanimous.
Board Action -
No action to be taken this evening_
Yorkville Parks & Recreation
Park and Planning Meeting - Park Board Minutes
July 23, 2001
Page 3
Park Tnnpeotion Reports -
At the May 21, 2001 meeting, following a suggestion from Lisa, board members
identified parks for which each would be responsible to monitor conditions,
concerns, and controversial issues pertaining to their chosen parks - reports
follow.
Jaycee Pond Park - Chris reported, saying the park looks very good, and people
are using it.
Prairie Park - There had been a concern at Prairie Park that the swing for
handicapped children was being vandalized. Chris reported that no longer seems
to be a problem.
Pvv1 - weeds are a problem at the pool park site. There appears to be no weed
control. Lisa offered to ask the City Council to address this issue with the
Y. The City is responsible for mowing and trimming around the pool, but the
Parking lot is a big eyesore. Chris will draft a 1cLL;Cx' Lo Joe Roberts from cne
Board concerning maintenance around the parking lot.
ApPnhPr Park - rhris _aid he noticed that trash cane had not bccn emptied and
were overflowing. Eric pointed out there had been a lot of heavy traffic in the
park on Friday night and Saturday with games being played, and suggested the
overflow of trash was not typical at the park. Ri7P -,uggested additional cans.
Eric said he did not have any extra cans. Chris said he would also like to see
if something could be done about the problem with bees around the trash
container. overall, the park (mowing and striping of the field) looked good,
Chris pointed out the need for more safety compliant goals, and asked that they
be included in next year's budget.
in response to a question about the scoreboard at Beecher, Sue said she would be
attending a meeting to discuss the scoreboard Wednesday morning.
Tvw.a Syudzc Park - Lisa reported that the park looks good_ Eric expressed his
concern that on Farmer's Market days people are driving on the grass. He would
like to see that practice stopped.
Skate Park - There had been a car parked at the Skate Park with a "For Sale"
sign on it. Sue had the skate park manager call the police to contact the
owner.
River Front Park - Bill said he was pleased to see the old, worn flags had been
replaced. The fountain at the park will be on only during npecia.l events to
prevent the motor from burning out.
Eric reported that the plumbing estimate for the river front building came in
higher than anticipated. He is seeking another bid. He is also checking on
completion of the fence railing and roof work_ Bill is going to look into
staining and painting the wood and trim on the building.
Fox hill - Bill reported that the park at Fox Hill looks good, even though we
don't have the deed .yet.
Yorkville Parks & Recreation
Park and Planning Meeting - Park Board Minutes
July 23, 2001
Page 4
Old susineve -
Reporting on Greenbriar Pond, Paul James said that the homeowners' association
wants the City to take over maintenance. He said it is his understanding that
prairie grass will he planted around the pond.
Paul also reported on Prairie Gardens, saying it is still under construction.
He noted the PUD has not yet been finalized_ Sue asked Paul to keep her aware
of when things are finalized and provide her a final copy of the plan.
Adjournment -
The open meeting adjourned at 9: 12 p.m. , following a request from Chris for a
motion for an Executive Session_ The purpose of the Executive Session was to
formulate questions for the interviewing and hiring of a Director of Parks &
Rec. Ken made the motion to adjourn to Executive Session. Bill seconded. A
roll-call vote was taken, with all Board members voting Aye.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy nice
Next meeting 7:00 p.m. October 8 in the Austin Room of the Beecher Community
Building_