McHenry Times

City of Harvard Park Board Met June 7.

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: Chairman Schulz, Alderman Charlie Gorman, Joel Kriete and Scott Logan. Committee members absent: Alderman Matt Perkins, Pep Saucedo and Mike Vest. There was a lack of quorum until Bryce Bannwolf arrived at 6:55 pm. Also present were Mayor Kelly and Supt. Ryan Knop.

Public Comment

None

Approval of Minutes

Tabled due to lack of quorum.

Karen Sutera, Harvard Diggins Library Parking Lot

Karen initiated discussion of the library parking lot which has basically become a through street with traffic going through their parking lot as a bypass to get to Route 173. The library plans to repave the parking lot in 2-3 years but it isn’t within their budget to pave the street portion. The Park Board discussed various options to curtail or stop thru traffic: close off the road and landscape or put in a swing gate, barricades or a jersey type barrier. Another option would be to drill green stakes into the asphalt every 2’ which would allow bike access but prohibit vehicles. Chairman Schulz suggested a joint proposal from the Library Board and Park Board to close the road that could be presented to the City Council. Karen will present the Park Board’s ideas at the next Library Board Meeting. Alderwoman Haderlein can then bring it before the City Council to give staff direction on how to proceed.

Northfield Park Bathrooms

Supt. Knop related that the bathrooms at Northfield Park were never fully dismantled, just winterized. In order to be operational, they just need to be cleaned and water turned on. Staff was given direction at the last meeting to determine if the washrooms were useable, and if so, to open them up. Staff will move forward with opening up the washrooms and Mayor Kelly will talk to the Chief to have the Police Dept. lock the washrooms at night until the Park Board finds another solution with an automatic lock system.

Project Update

• Supt. Knop updated the Park Board on the HERS Bathrooms as noted in his report. There was additional discussion of including contractor end dates for future projects to ensure completion in a timely fashion.

• Northfield Park Playground: Supt. Knop will install the border with Power to mulch.

Swimming Pool

Swimming Lessons

The State of Illinois will move into Phase 5 on June 11. Supt. Knop only has three returning guards who will be capped out on normal hours and would not be able to be swimming instructors without allocating overtime. In order to provide quality instruction, newer guards need additional training. There wasn’t a quorum to make a motion but the consensus was not to offer swimming lessons this season as there isn’t sufficient staff.

Rec Center Discussion

The Park Board reviewed the results from survey monkey with 81 responses.

• Question #7 - 75% of the respondents were in favor of a tax increase referendum to exclusively build a recreation center in the City of Harvard. Mayor Kelly noted that while it is a small sample size, it was an important data point with enough to present to the City Council to consider a referendum.

Vandalism Report

No police worthy vandalism to report, but there were clean up issues at the Stingerz washrooms during Milk Day Weekend which shouldn’t even have been open. Supt. Knop said that when the washrooms are kept open, minor issues will keep happening. The Park Board was in consensus with the Mayor’s recommendation to put up the cameras from the old Police Dept. with signage “under surveillance”.

Mayor’s Report

• Mayor Kelly thanked Supt. Knop and Darrel for their work in getting the pool open.

• Mayor Kelly received a complaint from a Park Pointe resident reference the weeds which are actually the pollinator park; informational signs to be installed explaining the types of plants that are there.

• The Mayor wants to get the Parks Foundation up and running this summer. Laura Evers is very interested in getting the Events Committee involved to help coordinate with the Foundation.

Supt. Knop’s Report

Supt. Knop reviewed his monthly report.

New Business

• Joel inquired about staining the foot bridge for better preservation. Supt. Knop will discuss with Darrell.

• Joel brought up discussion from the last meeting to allocate funds for mulch and border by the playground equipment at Park Pointe. Supt. Knop is getting a quote for mulch and gravel.

• Joel suggested getting a tarp to cover the new mower.

• The board discussed allocating funds in next year’s budget to put up a shed for the Parks Dept. for storage and to find out if the Garden Club still uses their shed.

Member Bryce Bannwolf joined the meeting at 6:55 pm at which time a quorum was in attendance.

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Bryce Bannwolf to approve the Park Board Minutes of May 10, 2021, as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Swimming Lessons

Chairman Schulz summarized previous discussion relating to swimming lessons. A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Bryce Bannwolf to suspend swimming lessons this year due a lack of staff. All ayes. Motion carried.

Scott mentioned that the Red, White & Blue Feastival will be held on Saturday, July 3rd at Milky Way Park. Volunteers are needed to help primarily with the beer tent.

At 7:03 pm, a motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Joel Kriete to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parks_and_recreation_board/meeting/14322/minutesparkboard2021-06-07.pdf