McHenry Times

Spring Grove Parks Committee met Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Here are the minutes as provided by Spring Grove:

MEETING MINUTES OF THE PARKS COMMITTEE OF THE VILLAGE OF SPRING GROVE JANUARY 31, 2017

Council Chambers, Spring Grove, Illinois, January 31, 2017; a meeting of the Parks Committee was held this date at 6:00 p.m., at the Municipal Centre, 7401 Meyer Road, Chairperson McMahon presiding.

Call to Order. The following members were present: Chairperson Bob McMahon and Members Jim Anhalt, Mark Eisenberg, Pat Mazzanti, Lloyd Simonson and Jeff Letzter - 6. Absent: Member Randy Vinyard - 1. Also present for the Village were Trent Turner, Building & Zoning Officer; Judy Olson, Village Treasurer; Matt Wittum, Public Works Supervisor; Mike Ringler, Crew Leader; and Laura Frumet, Deputy Clerk.

New Business. Discuss changes to the Rental Agreement for Hatchery Park. A couple of updates to the Hatchery Park rental agreement were discussed. Renters will be required to rent their own porta potties instead of having the village renting them for them and being reimbursed for the cost. The number of units required is dependent on the number of attendees as noted on the application, but the village understands that the nature of the event can be a determination in the actual number of units rented. Also, if the renters are putting up any tent or canopy that is over 10' x 10', there will be a fee of $80 to have the utities located.

Review changes to the Field Use Agreements. Changes to the Field Use agreements were discussed:

• A new Parks Project Proposal form will be required for improvements made to any park. This form is used for other groups and it works out well, keeping the project on track and the village updated as to the progress.

• The village has always fertilized the parks once a year, but now it is stated in the agreement that it will only be once a year in the spring, and also that the baseball field mix material bin will be restocked only once a year. Chairperson McMahon noted last year $2,999 was spent by the village on Weed and Feed for all the parks but primarily for the ball fields and $366 on baseball mix. Only $2, 100 was collected in field use payments so over $1,000 comes out of the parks budget for that. The village wants to help the sports group with the maintenance of the grounds, but must also be careful with how parks funds are spent.

• The village wJl only be maintaining the three-row bleachers. Inspector Turner said he is working with the sports groups on his own time to make sure the large bleachers get up to code with all the parts ordered in time to be ready for spring. The Stateline Comets will be responsible for coordinating a yearly inspection of the large bleachers by an independent certified safety inspector and a passing certificate must be on file with the village before they can be used.

• The village can now impose charges of $50 an hour for the time it takes village personnel to clean up any garbage after games are held. This is mostly a wake-up call to get coaches to make sure everything makes it in the garbage cans because it has become a problem.

• The village will work with the Comets to find a designated area to put football sleds after practices so village personnel don't have to move them to cut the grass. Gravel will be put down in the area.

• Electronic keys for the concession stand must be obtained from the police department who keeps a list of who has keys.

Member Eisenberg commended Chairperson McMahon for his great managerial skills in keeping the parks looking great with the assistance of Inspector Turner, Supervisor Wittum and Crew Leader Ringler, as the parks have never been better maintained.

Public Comment. None.

Other Business. Chairperson McMahon said in some instances the village has been arranging for porta potty rentals or extra cleanings, and seeking reimbursement later, for various groups that rent the parks. This took extra staff time to arrange and then track down payments. He felt groups should arrange for and pay for these services on their own without the village's involvement. The village's porta potty vendor has been issued a list of authorized village personnel who can order services so services can't be ordered by someone not on the list and charged to the village. The committee was in agreement with the decision to have groups handle their own porta potty rentals and payments.

Member Eisenberg said he is very proud of what our parks and the recreation program have to offer our residents with no Park District. In speaking with people from other towns with park districts, he learned that not only do they pay thousands more in taxes for a park district, but they also pay the same fees for programs that our residents do. The village is able to accomplish this with the help of volunteers and the program director who makes sure fees cover all costs associated with the program.

There being no further business, Member Simonson moved, seconded by Membe;" Mazzanti to adjourn the meeting at 6:19 p.m. On voice vote, the motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Laura Frumet, Deputy Clerk