McHenry Times

City of Harvard Park Board met Oct. 19.

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, Joel Kriete, Scott Logan, and Mike Vest. Alderwoman Bona Heinsohn, Alderman Matt Perkins and Pep Saucedo were absent. Also present were Mayor Kelly, Supt. Ryan Knop and Sean Wolfert with the Harvard Boys League.

Citizen Comment

Sean Wolfert outlined the Boys League’s proposal to convert lights on both fields (total of 58 lights) to LED. They would propose that the City eliminate the League’s annual park fees for a couple of years in exchange for the cost of the boom lift and labor with the City paying for actual parts. Joel suggested that the poles be core tested to get a rating that would determine if they were healthy. After discussion, Sean was directed to work with Supt. Knop to put together a firm proposal for Park Board consideration at the next meeting.

Sean suggested that the various leagues be a part of the Park Board to get their direct input and feedback. Supt. Knop noted that he previously organized a meeting with the various leagues but it was subsequently cancelled due to COVID-19. Chairman Schulz suggested a sub-committee type of meeting that could be held twice a year. Mayor Kelly also noted that members of the individual leagues could submit an application to be on the Park Board.

Review Applications for Park Board

• To date, three applications have been submitted for the Park Board vacancy, with one more forthcoming. Chairman Schulz will reach out to Kathleen Robson who was interviewed during the previous application process to see if she is still interested. The deadline for applications was set for November 2nd. A Park Board Subcommittee was set up (Chairman Schulz, Supt. Knop and Joel Kriete) to conduct interviews on November 9th.

• Following the meeting, the dates were changed: the application deadline is October 26th and interviews will be conducted on November 2nd at 6 pm.

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Mike Vest to approve the Park Board Minutes of September 21, 2020, as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Review List of Improvements/Needs

Supt. Knop is compiling a list of quotes for improvements/general maintenance within the park system. He set up a Google Drive for the Park Board to review quotes that have been received. Items will be prioritized during the November and December Park Board Meetings to prepare for the budget workshops in February.

Park Pointe Acre Update

The Pollinate Park Pointe Project is on target and will proceed once the temperature drops. All that’s left to do is run the aerator over the prepped ground and then broadcast seed the area after the first snowfall to ensure proper coverage.

HERS Bathroom Update

Supt. Knop updated the Park Board on the status of the HERS bathroom. He is searching for all stainless steel fixtures, but that might not happen due to extreme retro fitting within the bathroom. He will come up with another option of all steel isn’t available. The most expensive part of the project will be to tear out the sidewalk in front of the bathrooms and build it up so it is flush with the door to be wheelchair accessible.

Harvard Diggins Library Walking Story Project Update

Joel updated the Park Board on the status of the project and will let Ryan know when the components are received for final assembly. Karen would like to have a story put up before the end of the season.

Supt. Knop’s Report

Supt. Knop reviewed his monthly report.

New Business

None

The next meeting will be on Monday, November 16, 2020, at 6 pm.

At 6:37 pm, a motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Mike Vest to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parks_and_recreation_board/meeting/12601/minutesparkboard2020-10-19.pdf