McHenry Times

City of Harvard Park Board met April 20.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

Chairman Jay Schulz called the meeting to order and called roll at 6:00 pm. Committee members present: Alderwoman Bona Heinsohn, Alderman Charlie Gorman, Alderman Matt Perkins, Scott Logan, Jose Saucedo and Mike Vest. Member Joel Kriete was absent. Also present were Mayor Michael Kelly and Supt. Ryan Knop.

Citizen Comment

None

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderwoman Heinsohn to approve the Park Board Minutes of February 18, 2020, as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

HERS Dugouts Update

Jose Saucedo reported on the status of the HERS dugouts. The project is pretty much completed. He has the cubbies in his garage which have been painted. Once the water has been turned on, the cubbies and benches will be power washed and installed. Supt. Knop indicated that since Public Works employees are being furloughed due to COVID-19, hiring seasonal part-time employees is currently on hold. He will get the water turned on as his schedule permits.

Boys League Concession Stand

Supt. Knop reported on the status of the Boys League Concession Stand. Everything has been purchased and all construction has been completed. The new stainless-steel countertops and appliances need to be installed. The project came in approximately $1,500 under budget.

Harvard Swimming Pool

Pool Painting Quotes

Supt. Knop reviewed the final quotes submitted for painting the pool:

• Pecover Decorating Services Inc. $28,500 (includes the water slide and water features)

• Stateline $35,810

• McCahill Painting Co. $58,840

A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderman Perkins to accept the quote submitted by Pecover in the amount of $28,500. All ayes. Motion carried. Supt. Knop will set up the painting schedule with the contractor. The job will take about a week to complete and will probably start in mid-May.

Pool Discussion

Supt. Knop related that installation of the boiler and pump is set to start on May 4th with about 3 days for completion.

The Park Board discussed delaying the sale of season pool passes and opening day which was tabled to be reevaluated at the next meeting. An announcement will be forthcoming in May, pending direction from the State. The next regular meeting is May 18th which could be moved up to May 11th if needed.

Supt. Knop related he will need two full weeks at the pool to get everything up and running and to order/receive concessions.

Sponsorship Packet

The Sponsorship Packet was tabled until fall.

Community Action Day

Community Action Day was tabled until fall.

Harvard Milk Days Park Shelter Rental Application

Harvard Milk Days has tentatively rescheduled the festival to October 16, 17, & 18, 2020. A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Jose Saucedo to approve Milk Days request, pending submission of a revised park shelter rental application. Supt. Knop noted there might be some conflict with the Jr. Tackle and Harvard Jr. Hornet Soccer fall schedules. Mayor Kelly responded that Milk Days doesn’t normally use that end of the park, but there may be some issues with parents/athletes as Milk Days charges for parking. Supt. Knop still plans on meeting with league presidents in the future, at which time he will address Milk Days date change. All ayes. Motion carried.

Dog Park

Chairman Schulz related that grants are available for dog parks, but a plan/proposal needs to be in place before a grant can be submitted. Chairman Schulz and Supt. Knop will give the board some ideas at the next meeting. Possible locations are Northfield Park, Milky Way Park (at the far east side of the park, closest to Ratzlaff St.) or Shadow Creek Park.

Playground Equipment Removal

Supt. Knop reviewed the list of playground equipment in Lion’s Park and Mary’s Park that he recommends be removed and deemed surplus property or relocated to a different park. A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderman Gorman to declare the playground equipment as listed as surplus property. All ayes. Motion carried. Supt. Knop indicated that any equipment that can be salvaged will go to auction.

Member Mike Vest joined the meeting at 6:30 pm.

Parks Surplus Property

Supt. Knop related there is also a John Deere Mower (MOX304A150030) that has not been used in three years that he recommended be deemed surplus property and sold at auction. A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderman Perkins to declare said property as surplus. All ayes. Motion carried.

Supt. Knop’s Report

Supt. Knop reviewed his monthly report and updated the Park Board on activities and programs he is working on.

Supt. Knop reported on vandalism that occurred at the HERS bathrooms two days after camera installation. The vandals were identified and he has generated an invoice for repairs which is being sent through the Police Dept.

The Park Board recommended that signs be posted where security cameras are located indicating that the area is under video surveillance and vandals will be prosecuted to the full extent.

New Business

At Chairman Schulz’ inquiry, Supt. Knop noted that for the most part, the various organizations have either postponed or cancelled park activities, pending further direction from the State.

Mayor Kelly related that he instructed Supt. Knop to remove the swings and basketball hoops throughout City parks which will be reinstalled when the Governor’s Executive Order is lifted.

At 6:39 pm, a motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Jose Saucedo to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parks_and_recreation_board/meeting/12531/minutesparkboard2020-04-20.pdf