McHenry Times

City of Harvard Park Board met Dec. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Chairman Jay Schulz called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Committee members present: Alderman John Lavallee, Alderwoman Rosa Luna, Alderman Raul Meza, Bryce Bannwolf, Joel Kriete, Scott Logan and Pep Saucedo. Committee member Mike Vest was absent. Also present were Mayor Kelly, Supt. Ryan Knop and Darrell Perkins.

Public Comment

None

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Pep Saucedo to approve the Park Board Minutes of October 18, 2021, as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Project Update/Status

Countrybrook Park

Supt. Knop updated the Park Board on clean up at Countrybrook Park removing and trimming trees and bushes and putting riprap around the outlets. They will continue as time allows. There are a couple dozen more trees to be removed; with 3-4 this year.

Pool Island Landscaping

Supt. Knop related that the shrubs have been removed. The balance of the project will be completed next spring.

IGA with School District

Supt. Knop has received the draft IGA from the School District’s attorney. He was directed to post it on the Google Parks Docs so the board can review the IGA.

Walking Path Discussion

One of the goals outlined in the City’s 25-year Strategic Vision is to develop a walking and bicycle path throughout the community that will connect all the parks. Supt. Knop reviewed the draft preliminary plan design which is in the Google Docs some of which uses existing residential sidewalks in the City. The Mayor noted that upon approval, the path would take 10-15 years to complete. Allocation of funds would be up to the City Council. Chairman Schulz noted that the Park Board would only be responsible for that portion of the plan within City Parks. A motion was made by Scott Logan to recommend to the City Council to approve as a preliminary plan with respect to the route without any specifications of what the materials are. Alderman Meza suggested that the path in Park Pointe turn left instead of right and scoop it which would help with the water issue and make a longer walking path. Alderman Meza seconded the motion. All ayes. Motion carried.

Park Land Discussion

Chairman Schulz continued discussion from last month’s meeting to develop realistic expectations for each park, taking one park per meeting beginning with the smaller neighborhood parks, Shadow Creek and Country Brook at next month’s meeting. Pep suggested having pictures at the meetings for a visual reference.

Parks Controlled Burn

Supt. Knop reviewed areas that the Parks and Rec Department would like to conduct controlled burns throughout the parks system, in particular at Park Pointe Park and Lion’s Park, throughout the winter, weather dependent. This is similar to what’s been done in the past. This on the City Council Agenda for December 14th.

Review List of Improvements/Needs – Budget Discussion

Supt. Knop reviewed the Parks and Rec budget analysis and his list of priorities to prepare for the FY 22/23 budget workshops in February. All the information is the Parks Google Docs. Areas of discussion:

• Supt. Knop brought up discussion of swim lessons. Lessons were not offered in 2021 and the Board discussed whether to provide the service in 2022. Lessons are not a high source of revenue and one of the reasons guards do not return is that they do not want to teach lessons. Supt. Knop was directed to research options and contact Dolphin Swim Club to see if he could arrange a resident discount or find another location that we could refer residents to for the service. A decision will need to be made next month.

• Bryce suggested contacting the Harvard Garden Club to see if they would be interested in maintaining the inside pool landscaping. Another option is to remove the pillars and get rid of all the landscaping and make it grass. Ryan will contact the Garden Club.

• Discussed purchasing a new mower trading in one of the Kubota’s.

• Goal is to hire four seasonal employees to keep up with everything.

• Consider bumping up salaries to be more competitive. Supt. Knop will contact area municipalities to see what their starting wage is for summer personnel.

• Alderman Lavallee indicated that he looked at the tennis courts and thought the cracks were still moving. He suggested that next year the court be crack filled and see what it does; maybe consider resurfacing the following year.

• At Joel’s inquiry, Mayor Kelly noted that there wasn’t any Covid money/revenue loss for the parks.

• Ryan noted that the Durango that is used as a bathroom vehicle could be declared surplus property and sold next year and replaced by the Chief’s Durango. A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Pep Saucedo to recommend to the City Council to transfer title of the Chief’s car to the Parks Dept. and to declare the Parks Dept. Durango as surplus. All ayes. Motion carried.

• The cost to relocate the gazebo to City Hall is approximately $12,000 (concrete, electric, landscaping) and is not coming out the parks budget. The other gazebo will be moved to the library at their expense.

• Joel related that the Marengo Park District still has pool equipment they are willing to give to the City. Supt. Knop will schedule a time that he, Jay and Bryce can meet with Marengo.

A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Pep Saucedo to approve the priority list as attached. Total expenditure $62,731.10. All ayes. Motion carried.

Vandalism Report

There was one incident where smoke free zone signs were removed, one each from Lions, Park Pointe and Shadow Creek Parks.

Mayor’s Report

No report. Mayor Kelly wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Supt. Knop’s Report

No report for December. The November report is in the Parks Google Drive.

New Business

None

At 7:30 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/14194/minutesparkboard2021-12-13.pdf