COW Minutes 2003 03-18-03 Page I of 11
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MARCH 18, 2003
7:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Art Prochaska
Alderman Paul James
Alderman Larry Kot
Alderwoman Rose Spears
City Clerk Jackie Milschewski
Alderman Joe Besco
Alderwoman Val Burd (arrived 7:10)
Alderman Munns
Alderman Richard Sticka
MI ROVED BN
CM COUNCIL
ON, 1 •%Sb3
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
City Administrator Tony Graff City Attorney Kelly Kramer
Police Chief Harold Martin Public Works Director Eric Dhuse
Finance Director Traci Pleckham Director of Parks & Recreation Laura Brown
GUESTS:
See attached list.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Prochaska entertained a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of the
purchasing or leasing of real property for the use of the public bodies being considered.
He asked that the City Clerk, City Attorney Kelly Kramer, City Administrator, Executive
Director of Parks & Recreation, Forest Preserve Director Jason Pettit and Park Board
members Van Truman, David Cathey and Ken Koch be included in the session. So
moved by Alderman Kot; seconded by Alderman James.
Motion approved by a roll call vote. Ayes -7 Nays -0
Spears -aye, Kot -aye, Munns -aye, Anderson -aye,
Besco -aye, James -aye, Sticka -aye
Executive session was entered at 7:00 P.M.
The City Council returned to the Committee of the Whole meeting at 7:20 P.M.
Mayor Prochaska made an announcement that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Chicago
Area Council is interested in selling Hoover Camp on the south side of Yorkville. He
explained that the United City of Yorkville has become a lead agency in an effort to
maintain the property as open space and it has been in discussion with the BSA and
negotiations are ongoing. He stated that the City is not looking at using City funding to
obtain the property but has identified some partners that are interested in the property.
They are the Kendall County Forest Preserve, Trust for Public Land, Conservation
Foundation, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, CorLands, along with others
interested in maintaining the camp as open space.
Page 2 of 11
Mayor Prochaska went over the following items outlined in a handout concerning the
camp (see attached):
• Goals for the land acquisition — preserve open space
• Approach for acquisition — partnerships to preserve the land, seek funding
• Process for acquisition — establishing a timetable to pursue funding,
having partners establish funding sources and responsibilities, develop a
conceptual land plan
• Alternate options — BSA annexes property to City and sells to developer, a
private organization purchase property, public /private partnership to
develop recreation area.
He stated if anything develops he would keep everyone informed.
PRESENTATION
2003 Road Improvement Program
Jim Hoving with Smith Engineering Consultants gave a presentation for the 2003 Road
Improvement Program, Smith Engineering was approached by the City Engineer to look
at three areas of concern. They are:
• Section One — South of the Fox River and east of Route 47 consisting of Adams
Street from Ridge to Hydraulic, Van Emmon from State to Morgan, Hydraulic
from Adams to Morgan and Morgan from Hydraulic south to about half way
between Van Emmon and Madison.
• Section Two — South of the Fox River and east of Route 47 consisting of Heustis
and Mill Streets from Hydraulic to Fox Street, Fox and Washington Streets east
of Mill Street and Orange Street from Route 47 to Mill Street.
• Section Three — North of the Fox /river and east of Route 47 consisting of Center
Street from Route 47 to Liberty street, Colton Street from E. Main Street to E.
Somonauk Street and Liberty Street from E. Main Street to Park Street
Mr. Hoving explained that as part of the study, core samples of the pavement were taken
and analyzed and the engineers drove and walked the streets to view their condition.
They also looked at basic drainage and watermain improvements. With the information
gathered Smith Engineering developed three options for the streets:
• Resurface —1.5 to 2 inches of overlay — cosmetic repair - five to ten year life
expectancy
• Reconstruction — rip out existing road and redesign and replace — twenty year
life expectancy
• Recycling method — pulverize existing base and overlay with binder and surface
course — twenty year expectancy (recommended option)
Also discussed was:
• The steep slope of Heustis and Mill Streets and the need for curb and gutter in
order to reduce erosion.
Page 3 of 11
• The planned watermain down the middle of Mill Street and the recommendation
that the street be ripped out and redone.
• Curb and gutter on Colton Street would not practical however a Type A gutter
could be used.
• Van Emmon Street east of Morgan is 14' wide and the recommendation is to
widen it to at least 16' to allow for two -way traffic. The guardrail on the north
side needs to be replaced and the parkway is conducive for curb and gutter
application.
• Making stormwater improvements along with road improvements.
Mr. Hoving went over the engineer's opinion of probable cost. Costs were broken down
by maintenance versus reconstruction improvements, section number, streets, roadway
construction, stormwater costs and watermain costs. The total cost for maintenance
improvements were estimated at $2,767,543.25 and the cost for reconstruction
improvements at $4,475,351.25.
Alderman Sticka asked if the watermain cost were related to the radium issue. Mr.
Hoving explained that the only watermain related to the radium project is the Mill Street
main. The other improvements are needed to improve water flow and quality of the
water. Alderman Sticka questioned how the life expectancy of the streets was determined
and Mr. Hoving explained that the engineers used an Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) formula to determine the life expectancy.
Alderman Sticka also questioned if the streets on the list were ones without any base.
Mr. Hoving stated that every street they looked at had some type of base under it.
Alderman Sticka also asked if Smith Engineering decided that these particular streets
needed attention first and Mr. Hoving stated that the City Staff gave them direction. He
noted that the engineers did not give any opinion as to which streets were the worst; they
grouped the streets in a logical order. Alderman Kot explained that the Public Works
Committee asked the alderman to identify the worse streets in their wards. That is how
the list was compiled. He added that since the project began he felt that there were three
more streets that should be added to the list, East Main, West Center and West Orange
Streets.
Mayor Prochaska commented that the three new streets that need to be redone points out
that the City needs to establish a rebuilding program for all the streets in the United City
of Yorkville. The City needs to take a proactive approach. He stated that he would like
to work with the Public Works and Engineering Departments to establish a rotation
system for the streets, which would keep them repaired on a regular basis. Alderman Kot
agreed that it is important to continue the maintenance program on other streets.
Alderman Kot noted that curb and gutter is very expensive however is needed in some
applications to prevent erosion. There was further discussion of the use of curb and
gutter, stormwater drainage and the standard width of 22' for the streets. Administrator
Graff commented that the older section of the City where the streets in question are
located have a rural appearance because they do not have curb and gutter and many
Page 4 of 11
residents like this appearance. Alderwoman Burd asked if the feeling was to keep the
older part of the City without curb and gutter. She noted that residents she spoke to
wanted curb and gutter. She stated that she would like to get the opinion from the
residents of her ward as to what they would prefer. She hoped that they would contact
either her or Alderman Kot with their input. The Council discussed that the current
priority was to bring the streets up to standards and that even if residents want curb and
gutter there may not be the funding for this at this time. It was suggested that addressing
the maintenance of the character of the area be addressed at another time.
Alderman Anderson asked which method of improvement would provide the longer life
expectancy. Mr. Hoving stated that both methods provide essentially the same life
expectancy. The difference is the cost because reconstruction widens the streets and
provides for the installation of curb and gutter.
Administrator Graff stated that the Administration Committee and staff looked at
financial options such as a balloon loan and cash only. The cash only option indicated
that essential City services would have to be cut.
Finance Director Traci Pleckham went over her March 18, 2003 memo regarding
financing options. The options are:
• Option 1 — Four -year interest only balloon. Payment would be about $70,000
for each of the four years and the City could refinance the exact cost of the
project at year four or finance less using new revenue.
• Option 2 — Twenty -year debt certificates with interest only payments from 2004
to 2006. The payments for the first year would be about $210,000 and then
$133,000 for years 2005 and 2006. Annual principal and interest payments
would begin in 2007 and would be approximately $233,000 /year. This option
has the benefit of locking in the current low interest rates. Its drawback is a
higher debt service payment in years 2004 -2006.
• Option 3 — Twenty -year debt certificates with principal and interest payments
beginning in 2004. Annual payments are approximately $233,000.00. This
option would also allow the City to lock in at a lower interest rate but also has
the drawback of higher debt service payments in 2004 -2006.
• Option 4 — Cash only. This option extends the proposed five -year phasing of the
project. The City would have to identify budget reductions in areas such as
street maintenance, new hires and staff salary increases in the proposed FY
03/04 budget. Also, unless revenues are above the 6% assumption, there would
have to be similar budget reductions for fiscal years 2005 -2008.
Alderman Kot commented that the whole purpose of the street project was to have them
repaired in a short period of time such as two to three years. He felt that extending the
time five more years is not practical. He stated that of course everyone would like to pay
cash for such a big project but it isn't feasible. Alderman Sticka commented that the City
is trying to repair streets and by paying cash it would have to cut out its street rehab
project. Mayor Prochaska agreed that by funding these streets, the City would not be
Page 5 of 11
funding normal maintenance of other streets. Administrator Graff clarified that
maintenance programs such as crack filling were not reduced however projects like
Appletree and Naden Court rehab projects would not be able to be done. He suggested
that if a cash only payment method was recommended, Smith Engineering be asked to
include other road projects into this project along with identifying any other streets that
may be added to the list in the five years the project is extended.
Alderwoman Spears noted that the Administration Committee discussed the balloon
payment method and felt that this could be feasible. However, City Treasurer Allen felt
uncomfortable with financing and felt the City should pay cash for the project. Treasurer
Allen stated at the Administration Committee meeting that he has been studying the
financing for this project and has spoken to people regarding it. Alderwoman Spears
asked him to prepare a report for the Council suggesting how the City could pay cash for
the project. Mr. Allen stated that he felt that the budget could be adjusted. Based on Mr.
Allen's comments, staff prepared the report and she felt that the proposed adjustments to
the budget are conservative. She stated that she could not even consider the options of no
new hires and taking funds from cost of living and merit increases. She stated that she
had a problem with Treasurer Allen not being in attendance at this meeting to discuss this
since the City staff spent numerous hours to compile the information due to his
suggestion. Alderwoman Spears thanked the staff for their work.
Alderwoman Burd noted that the Council's direction was to use funding from new
development to pay for the project rather than take funds from existing programs.
Administrator Graff stated that the balloon option was attractive for this reason. Funds
generated from new growth could be reserved over the four years and then applied to the
debt. This method does not affect essential services and provides for a minimal amount
of time for the streets to be repaired.
Administrator Graff asked if it was the recommendation of the Council to finalize the
finance proposal and begin the contract with Smith Engineering. Mayor Prochaska asked
that the three new streets identified as needing repairs be added to the project along with
the end of West Main Street. Administrator Graff stated that East Main Street would be
affected by the forcemain project so it will be repaired at that time.
The Council further discussed debt certificates, interest rates, earmarking new
development dollars, etc.
It was the consensus of the Council to have Finance Director Traci Pleckham get more
information on debt certificates and balloon financing and bring the information back to
the COW in about six weeks.
NEW BUSINESS
5/3 Bank Development Agreement
John Donahue from Tucker Development addressed the Council regarding the
development agreement for a project on the southeast corner of Route 34 and
Page 6 of 11
Marketplace Drive. The site development plan was presented to the City for review
however there were a few issues. One issue is the easement for the right - in/right -out
access. Due to the circulation of the bank traffic this does not work with their plan. The
bank worked around the easement and the property east of the site (owned by Inland) will
still have right- inhight -out access. Another item was to allow the landscape barrier to the
south on the neighboring property. This is shown on Brisben's landscape plan and is in
Brisben's development agreement, which has been approved by the Council. The
developer is asking for straight zoning per the landscape ordinance. Changes to the draft
agreement include replacing ' Fifth/Third Bank" with "Tucker Development "; the
"Jewel" store name should be replaced with "grocery" store; the first sentence under
"Landscape and Buffering" should be deleted; verbiage needs to be added in regards to
successors and heirs and it should state that Brisben has been notified that this is going to
be amended.
Mayor Prochaska asked that something be provided to indicate that Brisben is absolutely
aware of the landscape buffer situation. City Attorney Kelly Kramer stated that the city
could have Brisben execute a letter verifying that they are in agreement with this.
Administrator Graff stated that the attorney will execute the changes and he
recommended that the agreement be sent to the next City Council for approval.
This item was placed on the March 25, 2003 City Council meeting consent agenda.
PRESENTATION
Park & Recreation Community Survey & Action Plan
Executive Director of Parks & Recreation Laura Brown gave a presentation on the 2002-
2003 Park & Recreation Community Survey. See attached survey for outline of
presentation.
Alderman James commented that he liked that an action plan was formulated and Parks
& Recreation is already using it.
Alderman Kot questioned the website mentioned in the presentation. He noted that there
is a City website. Director Brown noted that the current website is not up -to -date and
there is no Park & Recreation information on it. Also, there is no capability to put this
information on the current site. She explained that in some communities residents can
log on a site and sign -up for programs via the Internet.
Alderman Sticks asked if the survey asked the age of the people who responded.
Director Brown stated that it did and the ages were very diverse from young families to
seniors. Alderwoman Burd was also interested in the ages of those living in the families
surveyed. Director Brown gave the following age breakdown of those living in the
households surveyed:
Percentaa_ e Aye of those in the household
12% 0 -5 years -old
Page 7 of 11
13%
6 -12 years old
9%
13 -18 years old
21%
19 -35 years old
29%
36 -54 years old
16%
55 and older
Alderman Sticka asked what type of comments seniors had about a pool. Director Brown
stated that they were supportive of a pool as long as it had a walk -in or group fitness area
and their concerns were that the pool be heated and there be senior only swim time.
Mayor Prochaska asked what residents wanted to see in the City's parks. Director Brown
noted that residents indicated that they would like to see more green space, bike trails,
concerts in the park and more athletic fields.
Alderman Munns asked if there was any indication in the survey if residents were willing
to pay for an aquatic center. Director Brown stated that a question in the survey asked
what the level of support for a referendum for an aquatic or recreation center would be.
The range was very supportive to not supportive and not sure. The overwhelming
response was very supportive but this did not specify financially supportive.
There were no further questions.
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS
Wyndham Deerpoint and Wiseman- Hughes SSA — Resolution of Official Intent
City Attorney Kelly Kramer stated that these are form resolutions needed to establish
Special Service Area's (SSA) for the two separate developments, Wyndham Deerpoint
(The Highlands) and Wiseman- Hughes (Windett Ridge). Everything is in order and no
action will be taken until the engineering estimates are calculated along with the costs.
The resolution authorizes the establishment of the SSAs.
Finance Director Traci Pleckham indicated that the Council should have received a copy
of a memo she sent to the Administration Committee dated March 3, 2003 outlining the
timetable for the SSAs. Once the resolution is passed the developers can begin
reimbursing costs.
Administrator Graff noted that there isn't any liability for the City with regards to the
debt and the SSA is used to have new growth rather than the existing residents pay for
improvements in the community. Mayor Prochaska also noted that the SSA bonds are
based on the value of the property and are not issued if the property cannot support the
amount that the developers are asking be placed in the SSA. Also, if the SSA fails the
property is sold to pay the debt.
Administrator Graff stated that even though the debt is not the City's responsibility; it has
control because the funds come to the City, payoffs have to be approved by the City and
the entire infrastructure is built to the City's standards.
Page 8 of 11
Mayor Prochaska stated that he would like to see future owners of the property addressed
in the agreement. Administrator Graff stated that there is a disclosure on the deeds to the
property owners that they are subject to the SSA. He also pointed out that the staff is
looking at an additional component where an established management company oversees
the SSA. They will have an "800" telephone number for property owners to call with
questions about the SSA and this will minimize the burden to the City's staff. He also
stated that there will be meetings scheduled with the Kendall County Treasurer, Assessor
and Clerk to work out the tax bill issue. There will also be a public hearing for the SSA.
Alderwoman Spears asked if staff members could legally sign bonds. Administrator
Graff stated that staff could sign the bonds however there may be an instance where the
City Treasurer will have to sign.
There was no further discussion so this item was placed on the March 25, 2003 City
Council meeting consent agenda.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on DCCA Land Acquisition Grant for Hydraulic Street Open Space
Mayor Prochaska gave an update on the DCCA grant. It has been submitted and the City
is waiting to hear from the Governor's office. As a backup, Executive Director of Parks
& Recreation Laura Brown has found another grant and is sending a letter of inquiry to
the Illinois Clean Energy Grant. If they accept the letter of inquiry the City will submit a
full proposal to them.
Downtown Plan Acceptance
Administrator Graff asked that this item be continued to another date. He reported that
he spoke with Rodger Dahlstrom regarding having another assessment done on the
existing building's ratings. Mr. Dahlstrom asked if either Alderwoman Burd or
Alderman Kot along with Building Inspector Bill Dettmer could join him in rating the
buildings. He would like to set up this meeting in the next 30 — 60 days. Mr. Dahlstrom
did suggest deleting this portion of the study and have the Council accept the plan
without it. The plan could be amended at a later date. Mayor Prochaska stated that he felt
that the building ratings were needed to continue the process. The Council discussed
looking for planners before the document is approved. Alderwoman Burd asked if the
Council could get the criteria Mr. Dahlstrom used to rate the downtown buildings and
Administrator Graff stated that he would get this information for the Council.
Budget Update
Finance Director Traci Pleckham reported on items that changed on the budget. Some
changes were to the garbage surcharge (incorporates the senior's rate of $.50 /month);
health insurance (increased 17% with a possible increase of another 2 -8 %); salaries were
combined so not to be job specific and line items were created for merit increases. The
budget is scheduled for a public hearing on April 8, 2003, which will be noticed after
tonight's meeting.
Page 9 of 11
Alderman Sticka asked about the decrease in the municipal utility tax. Director
Pleckham explained that the original figure was probably not correct. Administrator
Graff stated that a formula was used to estimate the figure but the number did not come
in as it was anticipated.
This item was placed on the April 8, 2003 City Council meeting agenda as a public
hearing.
NIU IMAP Grant Update
Administrator Graff reported that this is a grant used towards assessing government
services. He explained that beginning April 4, 2003 Northern Illinois University (NIU)
will begin interviewing staff and elected officials. He stated that the Council would have
the report in 120 days.
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS
Cannonball Trail Interceptor Flow Monitoring
Administrator Graff reported that Kimball Hills is coming in with an engineering plan
and annexation agreement for a development on 300 acres on Cannonball Trail and
Faxon Road. Walter E. Deuchler Associates have recommended a flow monitor be
placed in the 15" sewer near Route 34 in order to evaluate the lines present capacity. The
developer has agreed to pay the $5000.00 for the monitor. Administrator Graff asked that
this be approved contingent on the payment being received.
This item was placed on the March 25, 2003 City Council consent agenda.
Prairie Parkway Advisory Committee Update
Alderwoman Burd reported that she has been attending advisory committee meetings
since the previous fall. The group is currently at the point where they will be a drafting a
recommendation to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for planning along
the proposed Prairie Parkway. They are proposing that there would be legislation that
will only pertain to this particular piece of highway and that there will be a committee to
oversee it. Alderwoman Burd wanted to know if the City Council would support a
regional planning authority for the parkway and give some of its authority to the group.
She also asked for the Council's input regarding guidelines for the regional group; who
should serve on the group; how large the group should be; should decision of the group
be binding or just recommendations, etc.
Mayor Prochaska stated that the Council should be cautious of giving up authority. He
stated that the community elects its officials and those officials should work for the
citizens in their area. Alderwoman Burd pointed out that there isn't a whole lot of
municipal representation on the Advisory Committee; the only municipalities represented
are Yorkville and Morris.
Page 10 of 11
After much discussion, the Council recommended that municipalities should maintain
authority and representatives from the municipalities affected should sit on the board.
Salary Schedule
Alderwoman Spears reported that the Administration Committee reviewed the schedule
and they recommended that it be sent on to the COW. The Administration Committee
asked Finance Director Pleckham to check what the current Cost of Living Adjustment
(COLA) was which she did and it is 1.6 %. Administrator Graff stated that 5% increases
for COLA and merit were allowed for in the budget. The Committee also suggested that
contract negotiations for department heads should be discussed in executive session.
Administrator Graff stated that the salary schedule was updated for the next year's
budget. After surveying 16 communities, the proposed ranges were formulated. He
asked the Council to adopt the schedule for FY 2002/2003 and they will adjust the
schedule after the FY 2003/2004 budget is in place.
Alderman Kot was concerned that the salary schedule was not brought to individual
committees such as the Public Works Committee. He stated that he would have like to
discuss this with the Director of Public Works. Mayor Prochaska stated that the schedule
was for employee's salaries not job descriptions or functions. He also stated that the
department heads were involved in reviewing the salary schedule. In the past, the salary
schedules were also tied in with the functions of the positions so the schedule was
discussed at each Committee. Administrator Graff also noted that now the City has a
Finance Director to oversee this function so it wasn't necessary to involve the
Committees.
There was no further discussion so this item was placed on the March 25, 2003 City
Council meeting consent agenda.
MFT Resolution — Fox Industrial Bond (Obligation Retirement Resolution)
Administrator Graff reported that this was a standard IDOT resolution allocating Motor
Fuel Tax (MFT) funds to be used toward the bond for the Fox Industrial Park. The MFT
funds may not be totally applied to the bond because additional funds will be received
from the Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) itself however the amount of these funds
is not currently known.
There was no further discussion so this item was placed on the March 25, 2003 City
Council meeting consent agenda.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Internship Program
Alderwoman Spears asked if the Council was going to discuss the internship program and
it was decided to put this on the next COW agenda.
Page 11 of 11
Zoning
Alderwoman Burd brought up for discussion the fact that according to the City's zoning
offices can only be 25' high however this has been changed for commercial and multi-
family residences to 35'. The height restriction encourages flat roofs and she
recommended that this be amended to make the office height the same as the other
applications.
City Attorney Kelly Kramer stated that Building Inspector Bill Dettmer was researching
updating the City's zoning ordinance. Alderwoman Burd stated that she would like this
reviewed as soon as possible because the County was starting construction on their new
office building in April and it is planned to have a flat roof. Attorney Kramer stated that
the County could apply for a variance. Alderman Sticka agreed with Alderwoman Burd
that this should be changed quickly.
This item was placed on the April 2, 2003 COW meeting agenda for further discussion.
FOP Contract
Administrator Graff reported that the Fraternal Order of Police ratified the contract with
the City. Labor Attorney Bob Smith is preparing the documents and this will be on the
March 25, 2003 City Council meeting agenda for a vote.
Code Orange Security Level
Mayor Prochaska reported that based on President Bush's address the evening before, the
nation has resumed a Code Orange Security Level. He stated that the police and staff are
aware of this and taking appropriate precautions.
On a personal note, Mayor Prochaska stated that decisions are being made that will
dramatically affect the United States and he asked everyone to keep the young men and
women who are serving our country in their thoughts. He reminded everyone that as the
City gets closer to the election, people need to keep in mind what is really important, our
families, our homes and our freedoms. He asked everyone to take this to heart as the
election season is wrapped up.
There was no other additional business.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 P.M.
Minutes submitted by Jackie Milschewski, City Clerk
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
Boy Scouts of America Chicago Council
Hoover Outdoor Education Center
GOALS
. To preserve the open land and recreation
amenities on the property.
. To develop the riverfront area with a bike
path in accordance with Kendall County Bike
Plans.
. To preserve, protect and restore the
ecological integrity of the property and assist
with the preservation of the regions
watershed.
Approach f
..............
The City and Boy Scouts form a partnership
to preserve the land as open property.
. The City establishes alliances with partners
to seek funding avenues (no City tax
dollars). Kendall County Forest Preserve, The
Trust for Public Land, The Conservation
Foundation, IDNR, Corlands, and others as
identified.
Process
• The City establishes a timetable to pursue
funding options with a projection for
acquisition.
• Partners establish funding sources, and
responsibilities.
• A conceptual land. plan is outlined with
funding sources, approvals are obtained by
respective governing councils, and /or board,'
with a commitment to proceed.
Alternate Options
If the'partners are not able to establish
the resources or decide not to proceed.
OPTION 1:
A friendly annexation is established with the Boy Scouts and the
United City of Yorkville, and the City secures the easement
along the riverfront for a Bike Path.
The Boy Scouts hirer a Land Planner and Market the Property.
A developer purchases the property and proceeds through the
City's development process:
OPTION 2
. A Private Organization purchases the
pconservation without the
City's involvement.
OPTION 3
. Public Private Partnership
For the development of an Aquatic
Center, Nature Trails, Bike P
Recreation Facility, Athletic Fields, Open
Space or Golf Course.
2002 -2003 Park and Recreation
Community Survey
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
1
Process
■Staff with the assistance from NIU Public Opinion
Laboratory, designed a 4 page 11X17" survey.
■ Each survey was accompanied by a self addressed
stamped envelop and a letter explaining the
process and need.
■ Two additional follow up mailing occurred for
residents who did not respond to the initial mailing.
■ The Public Opinion Laboratory tabulated and
summarized the responses.
2
Goals for the- Community Survey
■ To receive input on current. services and recreation
amenities.
■ To receive input on the quality of the current
services and parks.
■ To provide direction and information for the Parks
and Open Space Master Plan, for new and future
facilities and services.
■ To be responsive to the needs and desires
expressed by the residents.
3
Focus Areas- of the Survey
■GENERAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
make-up of household, gender, residency location,
and years residing in Yorkville.
MARKETING. Awareness about services, other
methods available or desired to receive information.
■ CURRENT USERS of services and facilities
■ FUTURE SERVICES AND FACILITIES DESIRED
■ REFERENDUM SUPPORT
■ COMMENTS
4
Result Highlights
■ FIFTY -THREE PRECENT (53 %) Response
Rate. Utilizing a random sample of 1
homeowners from Water Billing Mailing
lists. (54.5% W 4 men, 3.7%
cou Jes .
P )
One-third of the respondents moved into
Yorkville less than five (5) years ago.
5
MARKETING
■Ninety percent (90 %) are aware and
acknowledge receiving the the Park and
Recreation program catalog.
■ Information published in the Newspapers
is a close second for information Ep
distribution.
■ Eight percent (8 %) of respondents
.indicated a desire to have information
available on the web.
6
1 23 1
CURRENT. SERVICES
■Seventy percent (70%)- of responding
households did not take part in
recreation programs-during 2002.
(some of the reasons included: no EP
children at home, length of time living in
Yorkville, and availability of classes)
■ Sixty -two, percent (62 %) did utilize or
visit parks in 2002.
7
I NVOLVEMENT WITH OTHER
RECREATION GROUPS
Almost thirty percent (30 %) participate with the
Plano YMCA.
■ Less than twenty percent (20 %) take advantage of
Club 47, and Youth Baseball programs.
■ The remaining utilize Youth Football, Wrestling, Socc
and Oswegoland PD.
* Some respondents may not be aware that Yorkville
Park and Recreation conducts the Soccer Program.
8
:QUALITY OF CURRENT
SERVICES
■ The active users of programs and special
events responded _that the quality content,
and availability were excellent or good,
ei h percent 80%) (above eighty
■Overall respondents indicated 73 % -83%
.ratings of excellent or good for the quality
of Playgrounds, sports fields, and use of
green space.
91
C2=[:
0 FUTURE SERVICES AND
FACILITIES DESIRED.
■Highest Priority
.Outdoor Aquatic Center
Indoor Pool
Multi- purpose rooms
Outdoor basic Pool
Gymnasium
Picnic Shelters
Nature Trails
10-
F UTURE SERVICES AND
- FACILITIES DESIRED
■ Mid Priority
Outdoor trails
Bike Paths
Sledding ill &Ice skating Rink-
9 9
Open Green Space
Fitness &Weight Areas
Classroom Space
More Sports Fields
11
d ACTION PLAN FOR R
WEB SITE
- 8% desired this method to receive information
■ Currently there is not an active web site for the
City of Yorkville. City staff have been pursuing
the cost and feasibility of a web site. When this
occurs staff will discuss the opportunity of linking
to the City site and including Park and
Recreation. July 2003'— September 2003
12
dD RARKETING - NEWSPAPER
■Continue to utilize the newspaper for general
announcements and information dissemination.
Concentrate on feature articles to let residents
know about new happenings in the Parks. Plan for
four (4) in -depth feature articles per year, (for n
example, new park construction, highlight a
volunteer or coach, .youth services grant, and LJ
explaining about Family programs — types,
frequency, etc.).
April 2003, July 2003, October 2003,
January 2004
13
Cl
0-----
AM AVAILABILITY,'
■ Staff will look at seasonal offerings and complete a
projected program offering for each area for increase
services, (preschoolers, youth, teens, adults, and
seniors). In addition these offerings will be classified by
days of the week, weekend, during the day hours,
evening hours and other.
June 1, 2003 (in preparation for Fall Program Guide
Preschool evenings & Saturdays, Ice Hockey — Youth Elementary, Junior High (start
with indoor hockey program and Roller hockey in summer)
Elementary Sports Program — Basketball K -4 (coed)
Elementary Classes (crafts, arts, dance, - evenings and weekends)
Adult Softball league (summer 2003), Adult Basketball (coed)
14
TUBE PROGRAMS.'& SERVICES
Within the Parks and - Open Space Master Plan,
Board and staff will look at the diversity of the
Park amenities, and how to address the resident
concerns with the specific desires. _April 2003 —
March 2004
Winter Sports (high) — outdoor facilities - sledding, ice rink, cross
country skiing /trails; Family Events — outdoor band shelter,
theatre programs; Fitness programs — recreation facility, track,
fitness and aerobic room, dance room, health and well -being
curriculum; Swim lessons, Outdoor pool .needs; Nature /Fishing —
ponds stocked, lakes, piers, hiking trails; Outdoor adventure —high
adventure course; Indoor /Outdoor sports — basketball, tennis, ball
diamonds.
15
1
FUTURE FACILITIES DESIRED
The highest priority for facility development is an
.outdoor aquatic center. The Aquatic Center
Feasibility is being conducted with final
recommendation from Park Board in May of
2003. The follow up process will include
discussion with City Council and funding
options. April 2003 — December 2003
16
The next level of priority for future facilities and
amenities include; outdoor trails, fitness and walking
trails, nature trails, indoor pool, multi - purpose room,
gymnasium, classroom space, fitness & weight room
area, outdoor basic pool, picnic shelters, sledding
hill, and open green space.
Within the Parks and Open Space Master Plan, sta
will look at the diversity of the Park amenities, and
how to address the resident concerns and desires.
Recommendations for changes will be incorporated
into the future developments & acquisitions
recommendations. April 2003 — March 2004
17
REFERENDUM
The question pertaining to referendum support,
indicates support for future referendums, however
this could change depending on the specific dollar
amount and project. The information obtained wi
help to guide the campaign focus and areas (both
geographically and resident demographic) for
awareness and public meetings.
No action at the present time until a specific project
and dollar amount is identified.
18