McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met Oct. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order 

Mayor Shepley called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Roll Call 

Mayor Aaron Shepley and Councilmembers Ellen Brady, Ralph Dawson, Cathy Ferguson, Brett Hopkins, and Cameron Hubbard were present. Councilmember Haig Haleblian was absent. City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas was also absent. Councilwoman Cathy Ferguson was available to attend the meeting via telephone.

Also present were Steve Konters of Hitchcock Design Group (HDG), City Manager Gary Mayerhofer, Deputy City Manager Eric Helm, Director of Public Works Mike Magnuson, and Management Analyst Nick Hammonds.

Opening Remarks 

Deputy City Manager Eric Helm introduced Steve Konters and advised that the purpose of the workshop meeting would be to review the proposals that were generated in response to the Council's feedback from the 2018 workshop. He stated that the framework and intentions of the master plan will be reviewed. The master plan framework is meant to be strategic with a long term focus, and that the costs and plan elements can be modified over time. Mr. Helm stated that the costs presented have not been budgeted in the City's adopted Capital Improvements Budget Plan. Based on the Council's input, City staff would work with the Council to identify a roadmap and funding options for the proposed plan elements.

Mr. Helm advised that another goal of the workshop is to discuss water levels at Three Oaks Recreation Area. The final goal of the workshop is to provide the Council with a roadmap and recommendations for next steps.

Presentation by Hitchcock Design Group 

Mr. Konters reviewed the priorities, preferences, and desires that the Council identified for improvements and additions. Mr. Konters stated that the meeting will include a discussion of the master plan components and costs, water level discussion, and then a priority workshop.

Mr. Konters began the presentation by reviewing the priority items identified at the 2018 workshop. Mr. Konters reviewed the plan proposals for each of the following amenities: Trail expansion, including additional fishing and lake access areas along the trail; Three season shelter; Winter activities, including tube slides, tobogganing, and plans for a ropes course; Creation of an amphitheater in the underutilized volleyball court area; Beach expansion options on the south lake; Improved traffic control at the parking gate during peak times; Addition of restrooms throughout the site, and; Screenings along Rakow Road in conjunction with the expansion of the trail.

Mr. Konters discussed the existing trail system and the expansion from the westernmost point of the current trail. Providing more access points and fishing locations. The trails would remain the same consistency as the current trails with crushed aggregate, eight feet wide. The trails may be adjusted as the topography, surveying and soil borings results require. Mr. Konters discussed the need for additional restrooms as patrons are further away from the core area. He discussed green flush and pit toilet options that could be implemented.

Councilman Hopkins inquired about the consideration of filling for the steep parts of the west and south sides of the lake trail. Mr. Konters stated that contingencies were included in the pricing to account for the needs of the trail as further surveying and engineering is completed.

Mayor Shepley asked if pilings or piers are suggested due to the grading along Pingree. Mr. Konters stated that the east side of the lake along Pingree Road would allow for a path to go along the road, which would be further away from the water. This option would be viable as the slope and vegetation would not have to be considered if the trail went along the roadway.

Mr. Konters discussed the winter options. The side of the sled hill could be used for tubing lanes and leaving a portion of the sled hill undisturbed. The toboggan run could be place east of the property. He discussed the proposed lengths of the tubing hill and toboggan run. Comparable locations that have these amenities could serve as guiding points for the master plan.

Councilman Dawson asked if Mr. Konters had considered lifts along with the tubing hill and toboggan run. He stated that kids at Veterans Acres become tired easily when they have to trek back up the hill on their own power. Mr. Konters previewed the ground lift, or "magic carpet" lift, to provide convenient access back to the top of the hill. Mr. Konters discussed the toboggan sled run and additional parking proposed near the sled hill.

He then discussed the soil reclamation that would be needed in the northeastern area of the property. Councilman Dawson advised that soil reclamation would be needed in this area due to the dumping that occurred when the property was still in use as a quarry.

Councilman Dawson asked if Mr. Konters had considered snowmaking machines. Mr. Konters stated that a snowmaking machine would need to be invested in along with the snow amenities due to the unreliable weather.

Mr. Konters discussed the ropes course and how the City could utilize a third-party vendor agreement, similar to the Quarry Cable Park and Standup Paddle Boarding vendors, to construct and operate the ropes course. The project would then be under a lease agreement and not necessarily a capital project.

Mr. Konters previewed the conceptual plan for the beach expansion. Dewatering would be required to construct the beach area, as well as a realignment of the path and fencing in the picnic area. This would not add more swimming area, but more beach and wading space.

Mr. Konters discussed the potential amphitheater area to be placed in the current area of the volleyball courts. The marina and lake would serve as the backdrop. The orientation of the outdoor music venue would cause patrons to face the sunset, which typically the view should be reversed. Expanded parking would also go along with the music venue.

Mr. Konters previewed the additional pavilion areas on top of the bluff along with outdoor baggo and boche ball games. The pavilion would be a three-season structure with more permanent structures. More than just conferences and meetings could be held there, including smaller weddings, birthdays and events. Additional restrooms would go along with the pavilion/three season structures.

Mr. Konters previewed the conceptual plans for expanded entrance lanes and booths for staff to direct traffic. Mr. Konters discussed the overview costs for the proposed additions and amenities. He stated costs could fluctuate depending on the scope and direction of each project. The goal was to line out as many known elements for each project. Design contingencies were included to try to account for the unknown elements.

Councilwoman Ferguson discussed the potential for natural playscapes along the expanded trail. She stated that the playscape pictures she included for the presentation were taken from Champaign County and the Schaumburg Park District. She stated that she thought the addition of these amenities would keep the integrity of Three Oaks as it was originally constructed. Mr. Konters stated that HDG agreed that the natural playscapes would fit with Three Oaks. He stated that HDG has created these structures and resulted in higher numbers of visitors, which shows the need to create durable play structures. Mr. Konters stated that nature-based play elements could involve running water and other materials that replicate nature.

Mr. Konters discussed the feedback received from the customer survey to match the proposed additions and amenities.

Water Level Control 

Deputy City Manager Eric Helm stated that he and Director of Public Works Mike Magnuson felt the need to present the water control options along with the cost considerations for Three Oaks. Mayor Shepley inquired about the extent of water damage to the Standup Paddle Board vendor's building. Deputy City Manager stated that staff is working with the vendor regarding moving the building and options for the future since the building is pre-fabricated.

Mr. Helm discussed the record precipitation levels that have been recorded in recent years. Since there is no natural outlet, the lake is at the mercy of precipitation and evaporation levels over time. He also displayed the data from the state climatologist showing that since 1900, precipitation levels have continued to increase. Mr. Helm discussed the original high water level determined by Hey and Associates of 861 feet above elevation has proven to be well below the current water levels from 2016 to present

Mr. Helm discussed the impact of the high water level, including the standup paddleboard vendor and trails. He stated that staff has attempted to cut additional paths to allow more access. Although the beach and marina have been impacted by the water levels, the beach and marina have still been able to operate.

Director of Public Works Mike Magnuson advised that there are options to lower the water level. He reviewed four alternative options that the City could pursue to lower the water level. The options included pumping the water under Virginia Road, an outlet pipe under Rakow Road, an outlet pipe to the property across Virginia Road, and injection wells. Mr. Magnuson stated the USGS observation is that the bottom of the lake has become impermeable. He discussed the costs involved with each alternative, and the injection well alternative is the most cost-effective option.

Mr. Magnuson stated that six injection wells can fit in the southeast corner of the lake. Councilman Dawson asked how to be assured that the wet well can take the water. Mr. Magnuson stated the test well that will be tested in the coming months will determine how effective the wet well will be. Councilman Dawson asked if additional wells can be spread out along the south and west sides of the lake. Mr. Magnuson stated that the best location for the wells is on the southeast corner near Pingree Road and Rakow Road, which has enough space to fit six wells.

Mayor Shepley asked if there are any safety risks associated with the injection wells regarding Suction of the water. Mr. Magnuson stated that the drawdown of the water in the wells will be slow and the wells will have an inlet control structure where the wells can be turned on and off. Mayor Shepley inquired about the aquifer that the water would drain to, specifically, if there is information regarding anyone who draws water from the aquifer. Mr. Magnuson stated that the City is not aware of any entities that draw water from the aquifer. Mayor Shepley asked if there are maps of the aquifer. Mr. Magnuson stated that USGS has mapped a groundwater model of the area and staff will have them review the injection well alternative.

Councilman Hopkins asked if there are any special approvals needed before the City can construct the wet wells. Mr. Magnuson confirmed that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will need to provide clearance. Councilman Hopkins inquired about safety measures. Mr. Magnuson stated that the water will flow down to the groundwater aquifer, and there will be structures to control the water and open and close the wells. He also stated that during drought conditions, water from the well may be able to be pumped back into the lake to stabilize the water level.

Councilman Hubbard asked if a pump would be needed to inject water from the well back into the lake during a drought. Mr. Magnuson confirmed that installation of a pump would be needed to draw water back into the lake. Councilman Dawson stated that the injection well is the best option.

He also stated that the location on the southeast corner of the lake is the safest and easiest location. to get equipment down to the lake level.

Councilman Hubbard inquired about the rate of water drawdown and whether the amount of time needed for water to drawdown is dependent on the number of wells. Mr. Magnuson confirmed that six wells would provide the estimated water level drawdown in a specific amount of time.

Councilman Hopkins asked if the water levels impacted amenities at the park. Deputy City Manager discussed the impact on trails and the smaller beach. Mr. Magnuson discussed the weather patterns and the future outlook of weather affecting the park.

Councilman Dawson asked how often the water level is recorded. Mr. Helm stated that the water level is recorded weekly. He also stated that the water level had gone down over the summer, but recent rain has brought the water level back to its highest point.

Prioritization Discussion 

Mr. Konters distributed a worksheet for the Council members to rank each proposed project in the master plan. He asked if the Council preferred to have a general discussion and provide their feedback regarding priority items at a later date. Councilman Dawson stated that he prefers to take the worksheet home to rank the priority items.

Councilman Hopkins asked if patrons have indicated in annual surveys that they would prefer to have more beach space. Mr. Helm confirmed that guests have stated they would like more sand and grass area within the beach. Councilman Hopkins also asked if pavilion rental space is a concern. He asked if people try to rent pavilions but find out that their requested date has already been taken. Mr. Helm stated that every Saturday and Sunday is booked for pavilion rentals throughout the year.

Councilman Hopkins asked if the current area for sledding is utilized. Mr. Helm stated that the sled hill is not utilized often due to the fluctuations in the weather. Mayor Shepley asked if the grass is cut and prepared for the winter to make sledding suitable. Mr. Helm stated that the grass is cut and prepared for utilization in the winter. He also stated that the park is not staffed in the winter, and a portable toilet is placed near the sled hill for guests.

Councilman Hopkins stated that many people will attend Veteran's Acres for sledding, but that there are only about three days each year where the conditions are suitable for sledding. Councilman Hopkins stated that he agrees with Councilman Dawson that a snow machine would be needed if the City were to pursue expanded sledding features.

Councilman Hopkins asked about the possibility of "double-dipping" by having a building that could serve as both an amphitheater and a rental pavilion. Mr. Konters stated that this is possible, but the challenge is the setup may not be conducive for both functions. Additionally, he stated that scheduling could cause conflicts. Day time events could conflict with nighttime events. Mr. Konters stated that he has implemented a dual-use structure at smaller venues.

Councilman Hopkins discussed how the amphitheater may be used only a few times a year, or it could be used every weekend. Mayor Shepley stated that the amphitheater could function similar to Ravinia, but on a smaller scale. Councilwoman Brady discussed the use of the beach for weddings. Mr. Konters suggested that programming has to be considered along with the amphitheater. He stated that a music venue would require staff to pursue musical groups.

Councilman Hopkins stated that his vision is for a smaller music venue concept for the amphitheater. Councilman Dawson discussed Main Beach and the short proximity from residents' homes to get to the beach. He stated it is a very popular attraction due to the proximity. He also stated that Main Beach hosts music once per week, but he does not envision many people coming to Three Oaks for the same thing.

Mayor Shepley stated that the success of the music venue depends on how aggressively the programming is pursued. He stated that coordinating popular music attractions will result in more guests attending the park. Mayor Shepley referenced Ravinia and the success of their music attractions.

Councilman Dawson stated that the Quarry Cable Park has music and the City should check with them on their attendance for music events. He stated that people enjoy the music on the lake at sunset. Councilwoman Ferguson stated that the County is also developing many outdoor music venues.

Mayor Shepley stated that the original scoring system proposed by Mr. Konters for the priority items may not be feasible. He stated that scoring the nine items by a score of one to nine would be more effective. The scores for each item could then be averaged to ascertain the highest priority items. Mr. Konters stated that scoring the items in this fashion would work best if each Council member brought the list home to score the items. Councilwoman Brady agreed that scoring the items one through nine personally would be the best route.

Councilman Hopkins stated that the lake loop project is not an "all or nothing" proposition. He discussed how the project can be done in stages over multiple years. Councilman Hubbard if there is a specific reason for the trail dimensions, or if there is a way to scale it down to reduce the overall cost. Mr. Konters stated that there are areas that can be adjusted or scaled-down after the engineering is performed. He stated that there are areas that may need adjustments due to the grading and density of forestry, but this may or may not result in cost savings. Mayor Shepley stated that once the equipment is on-site to construct the trail, then the cost difference is marginal when considering a larger or smaller sized path.

Mayor Shepley asked if any ADA requirements need to be considered with the construction of the trail. Mr. Magnuson stated that if grants are used to construct the trail, then it will be subject to ADA requirements.

Councilman Hubbard asked about the possibility of making the path more natural, similar to Veteran's Acres where the paths are cut down grass. Mr. Konters stated that this may be feasible in certain areas, but the steeper areas with heavy vegetation will require more work. Councilman Hubbard referred to the paths that are currently functioning as a naturally beaten down path at Three Oaks. Mayor Shepley agreed that natural paths could be utilized, similar to other large parks, just to provide access around the lake. Mr. Konters stated walking around the lake would help to determine areas where the natural path could be feasible. He also stated that the natural path may be favorable for some guests, whereas a crushed limestone path similar to the current paths would be preferable for other guests. Mayor Shepley stated that having something of a path around the lake is better than nothing. Mr. Helm stated that a site survey would help to determine the areas where a natural path versus a crushed limestone path is suitable.

Mayor Shepley asked if the Council was ready to number the priority items. Councilwoman Brady clarified that nine would be the highest priority, and one the lowest priority. Councilman Dawson stated that it is a matter of defining priorities within a certain timeframe. Mayor Shepley asked if the Council would like to take the worksheet home. Councilman Dawson stated that he would like to take the worksheet home. Councilwoman Brady stated that Councilwoman Ferguson proposed her natural play area elements, which would make the number of reviewable items ten in total. Mayor Shepley agreed and also mentioned the dog park proposal. Councilman Dawson stated that the list will be at eleven with the inclusion of the dog park proposal. Mayor Shepley advised that the Council should start with priority items in the next two years. Councilman Dawson stated that it is ok to have projects done in sections.

Councilman Hubbard asked if the City has determined projected impacts and additional revenue analysis. City Manager Gary Mayerhofer stated that staff could review the potential generation of revenue from proposed amenities once the City Council has determined the priority order. Councilman Hopkins asked about what grants are available for certain projects. Mr. Helm referred to two grants identified in the presentation.

Councilman Dawson stated that the Council approached the Three Oaks Recreation Area overall project slowly and that the Council can take the same approach with the proposed master plan projects. He stated that right now the highest concern is the high water level. Mayor Shepley agreed and stated that the Council may need to review the water level discussion at another City Council regular meeting. Councilman Dawson asked if the City will have the results of the test well within the next three months. Mr. Magnuson stated that the City will have budget figures in time to be included in the planned budget schedule.

Adjourn

There being no further business, the workshop adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/516898087.pdf