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HomeMy WebLinkAbout98-103 Resolution No. 98-103 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE WALTON ISLANDS LANDSCAPE PLAN BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that it hereby accepts in the Walton Islands Landscape Plan prepared by Jerry E. Pask, Registered Landscape Architect, and dated April 22 , 1998 . s/ Kevin Kelly Kevin Kelly, Mayor Presented: April 22, 1998 Adopted: April 22, 1998 Omnibus Vote: Yeas 6 Nays 0 Attest: s/ Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk City Of Elgin Agenda Item No. eowc, ) April 1, 1998 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Joyce A. Parker, City Manager SUBJECT: Walton Islands Landscape Plan PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and members of the City Council with information to consider approving a landscape plan for Walton Islands . BACKGROUND As part of the 1998 budget, the City Council approved funding Phase 2 of the Walton Islands Renovation Project . Phase 2 consists of the landscaping of the islands with trees, shrubs and wetland plantings as well as constructing asphalt paths connecting the bridges for A.D.A. accessibility. The plan consists of plant material native to the bottomlands of northeastern Illinois based on Dick Young' s Kane County Wild Plants and Natural Areas and May Theilgaard Watts Reading the Landscape of America. Examples of some of the plant material to be used are : Bur Oak, Swamp White Oak, River Birch, Cumulus Serviceberry, Sugar Maple, Hybrid Elm, Hackber- ry, Basswood, Crab Apple, Autumn Blaze Maple (cross between Silver and Red Maple) , Cottonless Cottonwood, Black Walnut, American Hornbeam, Arborvitea, Dwarf Redtwig Dogwood, and Compact American Cranberry Viburnum. Plant material was selected that has a high survivability rate in high water conditions and with security in mind to provide adequate viewing from the main land. The total cost of the proposed landscape plan is $60, 400 . COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED Riverfront Development Committee, Heritage Commission, Elgin Police and Fire Departments, Izzak Walton League, and Dick Young, Kane County Forest Preserve. Walton Islands Landscape Plan April 1, 1998 Page 2 FINANCIAL IMPACT Funds are budgeted for this project in the amount of $1.08, 000 for landscaping and accessibility (pathways) in the Riverboat Fund Capital Account No. 275-0000-791 . 92-32, Project No. 507400 . Of the $108, 000 budgeted, $40, 000 has been earmarked for the pathway system, with $68, 000 planned for the landscaping improvements . LEGAL IMPACT None. ALTERNATIVES 1 . Accept plan as presented. 2 . Amend plan as desired. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Mayor and members of the City Council approve the Landscape Plan for Walton Islands and request staff to initiate the bidding process for the improvements . Respectfully submitted J ce AP Parker City Manager JP ELGIN CHAPTER OF THE IZAAK WALTON LEA GUE 899 JAYS TREET,P.O. Box 622 ELGIN,IL 60120 April 8, 1998 Mayor Kevin Kelly and Members of the Elgin City Council 155 Dexter Court Elgin, I160121 Dear Mayor Kelly, The Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League welcomes this opportunity to comment ori the proposed renovation and restoration of Walton Island. In fact, Walton Island takes its name from the commitment of the Elgin Chapter and other community leaders to create a network of islands below the Kimball Street dam. Although that commitment occurred decades ago,the Elgin Chapter has continually strived to increase awareness and appreciation for the Fox River river front in Elgin. Members of the Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League have served on the Fox River Task Force, participated in clean-up activities with Roy Scout Troop 10 along the bike path that extends south from the river boat, have supported efforts to promote open space along the Fox River, and have followed closely several plans that have been put forward for Walton Island. The Elgin Chapter of the I•raak Walton League was briefed recently by Mr. Jerry Pask with the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department regarding the current plan for Walton Island, We believe the plan that Mr Pask presented is an excellent one for the following reasons: 1.) The shoreline protection matting will allow for establishment of shoreline vegetation that is a better interface for fish and wildlife. Additionally, the matting is much less expensive that the steel sea walls that were once envisioned. 2.) The shoreline vegetation,together with the vegetation that will become established in the shallow water next to the island and on the island,will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the island from people along the shoreline. 3.) The focus of the plan for the north Walton Island is reestablishment of natural vegetation that might have appeared on an island in the Fox River at the time of settlement in the Fox River valley. The natural vegetation can help current generations become familiar once again with the natural plants and beauty that once grazed the Fox River valley. The Elgin Chapter believes the focus of the planning effort for the north island is much preferred to the "fairytale"theme that was once proposed. 4.) Finally, the plan includes a variety of native plants that have been reviewed by Mr. Dick Young. Mr. Young is the author of the book entitled "Wild Plants and Natural Areas of Kane County". The Elgin Chapter is pleased that the plan proposed by the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department has been endorsed by a recognized expert in using native plant species in landscape design. Mayor Kevin Kelly Page 2 - The Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League appreciates and supports the major theme for renovation and restoration of Walton Island. That theme is to utilize native plant species in a landscape design that will provide visitors to the island(s)a glimpse of the natural beauty of the Fox River valley. The theme will also provide an opportunity to promote conservation of natural resources and to tell the story of settlement in the Fox River valley by the Voyaguers that traveled the Illinois country by way of the Great bakes or the Mississippi River. If the Elgin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League can be of further support in promoting or implementing this plan, please contact either President Dick Bruneman or myself. Thank you. Sincerely, Bill Jones