McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Parks & Recreation Commission met Sept. 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

A. CALL TO ORDER

A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order by Chair M. McCleary at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 in the Council Chambers at Woodstock City Hall.

B. ROLL CALL: A roll call was taken, and Chair M. McCleary determined a quorum was present.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Margaret Miller, Pete Riis, and Chair Mike McCleary. 

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Bruce Farris and Chris Neuhart.

OTHERS PRESENT: Recreation Director Dave Zinnen, Parks Superintendent Chris Lynk, and Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson.

At that time, all those present left the Council Chambers to begin their annual tour of City parks. The Commission reconvened at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers and a Roll Call was taken.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Margaret Miller, Pete Riis, and Chair Mike McCleary. 

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Bruce Farris and Chris Neuhart.

STAFF PRESENT: Recreation Director Dave Zinnen, Parks Superintendent Chris Lynk and Executive Assistant / Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

C. FLOOR DISCUSSION: Anyone wishing to address the Commission on an item not on the agenda may do so at this time.

It was mentioned that the group had problems with the Recreation Bus several times during this evening’s tour of City Parks. There was some discussion pertaining to the parks visited; Emricson Park, Woodstock Water Works and the fence replacement on Fields B & C; Bates Park Field #4 renovations, and Tara Drive Park to see the condition of existing playground equipment, which is going to be replaced this fall.

D. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:

Motion by P. Riis, second by M. Miller, to accept the Minutes from the June 11, 2019 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting as presented. Ayes: M. Miller, P. Riis, and Chair M. McCleary. Absentees: B. Farris and C. Neuhart. Abstentions: none. Motion carried; Minutes accepted as presented.

E. TRANSMITTALS: The following items have been transmitted to the Commission for information and there is no discussion expected or action recommended.

1. Recreation Department Report for August 2019 –

D. Zinnen said RecTrac will prepare this report at the end of the season, at such time he’ll share the information with Commissioners. He reminded the Commission that the Recreation Center report is completed once per session. P. Riis said he noticed signs at the Rec Center that indicated members need to show ID when they arrive. D. Zinnen explained some of the recent issues the Center has experienced with non-members using the facility. M. McCleary thanked D. Zinnen for updating the City Scene with the current Commission members’ names.

2. Parks Division Report for August 2019 –

M. McCleary asked about the robotic mower in Emricson Park. In response, C. Link said the mower was being used as a demo for Field B, as a test for quality of cut and what labor time it may save. He’s in the process of installing two mowers in the Aquatic Center in the interior turf areas.

C. Lynk said their intention is to make improvements to be sure that safety is the main concern.

F. OLD BUSINESS:

1. None.

G. NEW BUSINESS:

1. None.

In response to a question from M. McCleary, D. Zinnen said there will be another user group meeting scheduled in the near future. Regarding parks policies and practices, this will be updated and reviewed by the Commission. C. Lynk said he and A. Dunker are working on this together, updating the pricing component as well.

H. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Tentative agenda items identified by Administration a. Park Master Plan –

C. Lynk said he will pick up where J. Van Landuyt left off. P. Riis said some of the projects have already been completed. C. Lynk mentioned that he’ll add the dates of completion, as well. P. Riis asked if a maintenance or renovation programs will be added. C. Lynk said they haven’t figured out how best to compile this information. He added that his staff did a lot of the maintenance this year, more than in previous years. M. McCleary asked if C. Lynk hopes to have the Master Plan completed by the end of 2019. C. Lynk said that is his hope.

P. Riis opined the Commission should consider some of the other projects that should be completed or added, other than ballfields, which the user groups are most interested in. He asked for suggestions on other ways City parks can be utilized going forward. He’d like this Commission to explore more opportunities. M. McCleary suggested a splash pad. C. Lynk said he believes a splash pad could be installed at Bates Park. He mentioned many of the benefits of this location, and why it makes sense. G. Anderson stated that surveys have documented some of the improvements that the community is interested in for parks. He added that he’d be happy to meet with C. Lynk and to assist him with future projects. In response to a question from M. McCleary, G. Anderson shared information about the new bike rental program. Mr. Anderson said some of the bike use is through memberships, some is daily use; however, the report doesn’t say where the riders are coming from. He’s unsure if there’s a GPS component included on the bikes. G. Anderson continued on to say that Woodstock is fortunate to have this county-wide system, as many communities only have one station. Woodstock has one at the County building, one in downtown Woodstock and one at McHenry County College. He opined that Woodstock is in a good position for this program, and the report from the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau shows that Woodstock is one of the top stations used. M. Miller suggested the addition of public art, such as near the Aquatic Center and in parks. G. Anderson mentioned the mural that’s on Main Street, so there is a process in place. M. Miller shared information about parks in Urbana where they have sculptures and art, perhaps something like this could be added, maybe with involvement from local students.

b. Comprehensive Review of Park Policies & Practices

Requested by Commission: Any member may suggest an item to be considered by the Commission at a future meeting, but must be approved by a majority of the Commission to be included as a future agenda item.

I. ADJOURN:

A motion by P. Riis, second by M. Miller, to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Ayes: M. Miller, P. Riis, and Chair M. McCleary. Nays: none. Absentees: B. Farris and C. Neuhart. Abstentions: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, October 8, 2019.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parks_amp_recreation_commission/meeting/27101/f_-_park_and_rec_minutes_-_part_1_of_1_-_9-10-19.pdf