McHenry Times

City of Harvard Park Board met Sept. 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

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

Citizen Comment

None

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderman Gorman to approve the Park Board Minutes of August 17, 2020, as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Harvard Milk Days

Mike Vest presented Milk Days’ request to hold the fireworks display on September 26th (rain date September 27th) with a waiver of fees in the amount of $225. Mike related that Milk Days is paying for the fireworks and is not accepting any sponsorship for the event which is just a give back to the community. A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderwoman Heinsohn to approve the request as presented, with a waiver of fees. All ayes. Member Mike Vest abstained. Motion carried.

Mike Vest presented Milk Day’s request to bird-proof the overhang on the dairy barn this fall. Milk Days plans to block between the roof rafters and roll insulation, as well as block any other openings where birds nest. This will also create a much more sanitary area as bird droppings are eliminated from the many birds that nest on the rafters. All work would be done in accordance with City codes and ordinances. Milk Days may also like to install shelving inside the dairy barn but Mike related that he saw an email that they wanted to hold off on the shelving. Supt. Knop did not have any concerns with either the bird proofing or shelving provided standard shelving is used. He will check with Community Development Director Santeler to see if a building permit is needed. At Joel’s inquiry, Mike related that Milk Days did not intend to use bird netting. A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderwoman Heinsohn to approve the plans and to waive permit fees, if any. All ayes. Member Mike Vest abstained. Motion carried.

Harvard Diggins Library Walking Story Project Update

Chairman Schulz thanked Joel and Pep for helping out with the Walking Story Project. Joel updated the Park Board on the status of the project which should be completed by mid-October. The posts and frames were ordered on September 14th and will take 2-3 weeks to arrive. Additional volunteers are welcome to help with final assembly. Pep suggested bringing in dirt next spring to crown around the posts/concrete; that could be a project for next spring.

Park Swings

Supt. Knop related that he hasn’t received any direction to put the park swings back up. After discussion, the consensus was to wait and put them up next spring.

Lot Purchase (at entrance to Lions Park)

The Park Board discussed purchasing the lot at the entrance to Lions Park. Subsequent to the Park Board’s previous discussion, the purchase price was reduced from $39,900 to $25,000. The Land, Water and Conservation grant application that was submitted was for FY21/22 so any award probably wouldn’t be received until next fall. Supt. Knop related that simply mowing the lot wouldn’t be any more of an undertaking than what is currently here. Purchasing the lot could be a potential asset, but the consensus was not to purchase the property and to focus on improvements in our current parks.

Park Board Vacancy

Chairman Schulz noted that Kathleen Robson who was previously interviewed for the Park Board is still interested in the position. A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Gorman to appoint Kathleen Robson to the Park Board. Joel indicated he knows two other individuals that are interested: Jason Flores and Adam Krone. Alderman Perkins dropped his motion and Alderman Gorman rescinded his second. Supt. Knop was directed to prepare a Facebook post advertising the vacancy. Candidates to be interviewed at the next meeting. Chairman Schulz will let Kathleen know.

Supt. Knop’s Report

Supt. Knop reviewed his monthly report. He is working on evaluating current and future needs within the park system and has reached out to multiple companies for quotes on these projects and general maintenance. Ryan was directed to send out the list and any quotes that have been received prior to the next meeting.

New Business

None

The next meeting will be on Monday, October 19, 2020, at 6 pm. The plan is to hold the meeting at City Hall in the foyer area where chairs can be spread out.

At 6:42 pm, a motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderwoman Heinsohn to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parks_and_recreation_board/meeting/12591/minutesparkboard2020-09-21.pdf