HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-2014M Parks & Rec David J. Kaptain
to' C;ty Councii
9
Richard Dunne
ELGII N Terry L. Gavin
Anna C. Moeller
T° �t _..!He RRS Tish S. Powell
John Prigge
Carol 1, Rauschenberger
Toby Shaw
F.John Steffen
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes Oty PLFz»naq,,,er
January 28, 2014 Sean R. Stegall
6:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Department
Staff Conference Room, Administration Office, Second Level
The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
Present: Tom Armstrong, Carl Ferron, Karyn Garcia, Carl Missele, Elise Rich
Absent: Bill Neylon, Kristen Rowe
Staff: Randy Reopelle, Maria Cumpata, Verdelle Corn
Guest: Joseph Young, Intern
f. Call to Order: Chairman Tom Armstrong called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
Randy Reopelle introduced Joseph (Joe) Young, Parks and Recreation's intern. Joe
provided some background on himself. Joe told the board that he grew up in California
and went to a junior college for two years, transferring to Judson University to play
baseball and further his education. He is set to graduate in May upon completion of his
internship. Joe noted his internship with Elgin Parks and Recreation has allowed him to
gain experience in many areas. He has worked with supervisors a week at a time and is
currently working with Liz Langton, Membership Coordinator. Joe noted he has enjoyed
the experience and everyone has been friendly and knowledgeable.
Ii. Minutes of the October 29, 2013 meeting: Carl Missele motioned to approve the
October minutes. Karyn Garcia seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
III. Citizens Forum (items not on the agenda): None.
IV. Renaming of Kiwanis Park: Staff followed up with petitioners regarding a suggestion to
rename the park to Willow Creek Park. Petitioners noted that Willow Creek is closer to
the park. Randy also noted that Willow Creek starts and ends in Elgin whereas Poplar
Creek flows through four communities.
150 Dexter Court,Elgin, IL 60120 847-931-6100 www.cityofelgin.org
MOTION: Carl Missele motioned that the board recommend to City Council to rename
old Kiwanis Park, located at 600 Ramona, to Willow Creek Park. Elise Rich seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
V. Renaming of Kirk & Kramer Park: The park name will remain Kirk & Kramer Park.
Carl Missele inquired if the city has surveys of the parks, in particular a survey of Kirk &
Kramer Park. A brief discussion followed. Craig Hayward, vice president of Isaak Walton
League (Ikes) noted that Hanover Township did a survey of the area when purchasing
the Isaak Walton property. Randy Reopelle will contact Hanover Township to find out
what company did the survey. Possibly the same survey company could survey the park
area at a reduced cost.
V1. 2014 Meeting Schedule: No concerns were raised with the schedule of meetings for
2014. The March and November meetings are scheduled for the Tuesday prior to the
last Tuesday of the month.
V11. Miscellaneous:
a. Foundation Update: Randy Reopelle noted the Elgin Parks and Recreation
Foundation was launched one year ago. Mark Spehr, First Community Bank
President, joined the Foundation Board of Directors after the holidays. Some of the
things accomplished included completing all the paperwork to start a foundation (by
laws, etc.). Other activity included work to help increase donations to the Youth
Scholarship Rand; created a lo;:o. a website. and a video. The F'oualdatiOn funded
three progrants that were free to children of low income families. We found
Corporate and individual sponsors so we were able to offer the pro-rams to children
for free. A couple oi'tlie Foundation Board mealbers grew tap in the Lords Perk area
and have a real interest in doing things at the park.. Long-term we talked about an
endowment prograrn for People who have an emotional connection with Lards Park.
We naet with the friends of Lords Park Zoo. Pear4�,y Strombero at the musetun. and the
Lords Park Association (the homeowners around the park) to let them know the
l'oundatfoat has an interest in the park and are interested in hearing what they are
doinw, so the FoLlndation doesn't ideratIl' the same projects or could possibl\ Join in
011.
_bile Foundation had a planning meeting last week at Bowes Creek and we considered
a number of projects to do in the future at Lords Park. The one that seemed to
generate the most interest is Putting in a walking path at the park. "there is a path at
the south end around the lagoons, but not at the other end. We talked about
Connecting it with some other elements that may help us with some of the AIM
related issues and maybe prat in some exercise stations that have become popular. A
basic trail could be the start of the project and over time elements could be added.
-file foundation is also very interested in doing something big for the Youth
Scholarship 1I"und. as it benefits Vouth across the entire CitV. We talked about
program:; as well. drop-in at Cords Park and a pol.fprogranl at the HiLghlands IOr kids
at Iluena Vista _Apartments,
b. 2014 Parks Projects:
Elgin Sports Complex ADA project: We are repaving and re-irrigating the softball
fields, and improving grounds for better drainage - things that should help the fields
for washouts. The $600,000 project was started last year and should be completed
this year.
Jack E. Cook Regional Park project: We have about 30 percent of the earthwork
done and should finish it up this year. The project is about $940,000 that includes
two full-sized soccer fields, one basketball court, one tennis court, and a shelter.
The soccer fields won't be ready for a couple years. Turf has to grow in.
Douglas Park: The old wood play structure will be replaced.
Wing Park Pool: This is a major project, about $800,000, that good weather is
needed to complete the work in time for the summer pool season.
Carl Missele inquired if the Grohlich Park shelter will be added to the list of rental
shelters. Maria Cumpata noted the electric has been redone as have the picnic
tables. Randy stated that based on comments from the registration staff, the five
remaining shelters met the demand. However, to be certain of this staff will pull
together a report detailing the amount used last year compared to the past few
years.
c. March into Health: Activate Elgin's March into Health kicks off on March 7 with
Elgin's Largest Family Fitness Class at The Centre of Elgin. There are 21 events this
year. March 15 is the Health and Wellness Expo to be held in the Heritage Ballroorn.
d. Other: Maria Cumpata noted that the youth sports organizations will be at the
February meeting. Both she and Randy met with each organization and shared the
ADA audit on their facility.
Vill. Adjournment: Carl Missele motioned to adjourn the meeting. Carl Ferron seconded.
Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.rn.
Respectf Ily submi d,
Verdelle Corn, Recording Secretary
a 1 /
Approved: �
150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120 847-931-6100 www.cityofelgin.org