McHenry Times

The Fox River Grove Parks Commission met Sept. 7 to discuss park improvements.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the commission:

Fox River Grove Parks Commission is located at 305 Illinois Street, Fox River Grove.

PARKS COMMISSION PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Sepeczi called the meeting of the Parks Commission to order at 7:04 p.m.

ROLL CALL Present were Chairperson Sheri Sepeczi and Members Bill Conway, Matt Figas, Cheryl Joseph, and Lisa Spiek. Also in attendance were Superintendent John Reese and Secretary Alison Dal Compo. Members Jim McNutt and Mike Richardson were absent.

RESIDENT’S COMMENTS Chairperson Sepeczi welcomed Village President Nunamaker.

APPROVAL OF THE MAY 4, 2016 MINUTES A MOTION was made by Member Joseph to approve the May 4, 2016 meeting minutes as presented. Seconded by Member Spiek. Motion Carried.

PARKS Public Works Monthly Report: Superintendent Reese covered the highlights. Captain Rod donated a pier and use of a boat for the Amvets picnic. Scout Jonathon Masterson put down wood chips along the Jeffery Clark Trail as his Eagle project. An American Legion plaque was installed. A port-a-potty was added at Picnic Grove Park.

Parks Improvements 2016: About $44,000 was spent

-shingles replaced on small shelter -Kids Care Court fence replaced -walking path -surfacing & striping parking lots -five large willow trees removed -stained underneath of shelter at Picnic Grove Park -100-amp electric service added at Lions Park shelter -new drinking fountain installed at ARS

OTHER BUSINESS: -Lions Fest will be held on September 10th from 3 pm until 10 p.m. -The annual ski jump will be held at Norge September 24th and 25th -The Fox Chase event will be held on October 2nd.

Non-resident charge for parking at Picnic Grove Park: Superintendent Reese reported that the Village Board decided to charge $5 per day for non-resident parking at the Park. This will be in effect Memorial Day through Labor Day. There will be a pay box similar to the one at the Metra Station.

Village President Robert NunamakerChairperson Sepeczi asked if a season pass or a sticker could be offered. Village President Nunamaker noted that these ideas did not work well in the past at the Metra Station. Superintendent Reese said that there will be signs posted along Birch Lane saying “resident only parking.” Chairperson Sepeczi asked who will collect and enforce the parking charge. Superintendent Reese said that the Police Department will do so. Member Joseph asked if this idea is modeled off of another community; she was told yes. Member Spiek asked if every parking spot will be included; she was told yes—all 53. Member Conway noted that there are already a lot of signs in and around the park. Member Reese explained that if the shelter is rented out the group would receive parking passes.

Ski Jump February 28th-March 5, 2017: Member Figas explained that the Junior National Ski Jumping Finals are being held at Norge. It is modeled after the Olympics with three jump events and one cross country short track event.

Village President Nunamaker said that the young people who participate in the event usually have a “cultural day”. One idea was to go to Navy Pier. Village President Nunamaker asked the members if they had any other ideas for the cultural day.

Haunted Forest Walk: Chairperson Sepeczi asked for an update about this event. Member Figas said that the event is planned for October 29th, about an hour after the fall fun fest starts. There was some opposition to the date from the Special Events Committee members since many of the adults will be attending parties that same night. Chairperson Sepeczi said that the walk used to be held on two consecutive nights. Member Figas said it seems to do better on just one night, since Algonquin Township has to provide a bus for the event.

Member Figas said that the walk starts at 6 p.m. for younger kids and 7 p.m. for the older kids. Chairperson Sepeczi stated that most adults go to parties that start later than that so there should be little conflict. She further asked if there is a sign up saying what the proceeds of the walk go towards. Member Figas said that the proceeds all go to the annual fireworks display. $1,840 was raised last year. Village President Nunamaker suggested having the proceeds go towards the parks. Member Figas said he was fine with the proceeds going towards either one, but wondered if it could go towards the ice rink this year. He explained that he has been taking care of the ice rink at Kid’s Care Court (along with Superintendent Reese) for the last two years. There is a need to put down 2’ x 4’s and a Visqueen liner because when the ice melts, it evaporates into the berm. It takes about 9,000 gallons of water to fill it. It costs about $700 for the plastic liner, which then needs to be siliconed. Member Spiek asked if the visqueen can be re-used, she was told yes. Member Conway asked if the rink could be separated into two halves. Member Figas said yes, but then the Village could not plow it.

Chairperson Sepeczi asked how people are informed about the rink. She was told that it is put on Facebook. Member Spiek suggested putting it on the Cary Grove chat page. Chairperson Sepeczi asked about installing a donation box for use of the rink. Member Figas said that was a great idea, as long as it could be made secure.

Superintendent Reese said that there has been trouble with the hydrant in front of Kids Care Court. Member Figas said that the Fire Department can bring water down there for the first fill but it can’t be done every time the weather warms up.

Village President Nunamaker commented that the rink is a great amenity for the kids. Member Figas said that he will make it happen one way or another but that it would be great to have help with the finances. Member Conway asked if it would help if the visqueen was installed up and over the berm. Member Figas said that idea had possibilities. Member Spiek noted that if the berm is built up more there might be less vandalism.

Chairperson Sepeczi suggested getting the Rec Council involved, and possibly offering ice skating lessons.

Village President Nunamaker suggested putting a blade on the John Deere tractor for snow plowing the rink.

Parks Fundraiser: Chairperson Sepeczi said that the next fundraiser is tentatively scheduled for March 11, 2017 at Brunch Café.

New Banquet Hall: Member Spiek asked for updates on the new banquet hall being built at the former 5 O’clock steakhouse location. Village President Nunamaker said that the owner has obtained his permits from MCC Stormwater Management. Member Spiek further asked if there will be other retail space there. She was told that there might also be a breakfast type restaurant. Village President Nunamaker reported that the Mayor of Barrington said a hotel will be needed after the banquet hall goes in.

Village President Nunamaker asked where the old welcome sign will be installed at Lions Park. Superintendent Reese said it will be to the right of the shelter near the river.

NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT A MOTION was made by Member Conway and seconded by Member Joseph to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m. All were in favor.

______________________________ Chairperson Sheri Sepeczi

______________________________ ___________________________ Alison Dal Compo, Secretary Date Approved