McHenry Times

City of Harvard Park Board met June 20.

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, Alderman Raul Meza, Scott Logan and Pep Saucedo. Committee members Alderwoman Rosa Luna and Bryce Bannwolf were absent. Also present were Mayor Kelly, Supt. Knop and Mike Bannwolf from Harvard Milk Days.

Public Comment

No Comments

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Pep Saucedo to approve the Park Board Minutes of May 23, 2022, as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Project Update/Status

• The Lion’s Club building has been transferred to the City of Harvard Parks Dept. Locks have been installed. Supt. Knop will be meeting with the security camera rep next week to have cameras installed.

• Pool sod has been completed.

• Supt. Knop updated the Park Board on plumbing issues with the HERS Concession Stand which are being addressed by Hartwig Plumbing. Cost is around $5,000, so the Park Pointe tree trimming has been put on hold until next year.

• The area for the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge has been rototilled. The soil analysis shows it is mostly silt and clay with very little potting soil; additional dirt will be brought in. In the future, the soil samples will be conducted before determining additional locations for the Monarch Pledge.

Park Land Discussion

Milky Way Park

• The preliminary location for the dog park is on the northwest side of Milky Way Park on the south side of the barn (approximately an acre). Supt. Knop obtained three quotes for 5’ high black galvanized chain link fencing, 900 linear feet, 10’ service gate with a double entry gate: Rock Valley Fencing $48,500; Peerless Fencing $64,500; Rockford Fencing $31,100. The cost includes installation (based on prevailing wage) and could be reduced by 15-20% if the Park Foundation contracts the fencing. Pep indicated he might be able to get some free fencing/posts and will keep the Board updated.

• Parking lot issue: the French drain is collapsing more each year.

• There are 8 sets of bleachers around the baseball fields, 2 on each field. Supt. Knop suggested putting in cement pads.

• Supt. Knop reviewed pictures of the park. The playground equipment is used and at some point, will need to be replaced. The workout center is in use, mostly as a secondary playground. The roof on the west shelter will be stained this year and is in decent shape with a life expectancy of 5-10 years.

• Future improvements: develop east side of the park (grant), walking paths, metal roof on west shelter, power upgrade to the south side, baseball and softball field improvements, new parking lot, update the east bathroom, update playground and fitness areas, new signage, potential park storage building and putting bleachers on cement. The Board discussed maintenance of existing fields.

• Mike Bannwolf was in attendance as a representative from Harvard Milk Days. Areas of discussion:

o The parking lot lights on the north end of the parking lot were previously installed by Milk Days. Milk Days would like to extend the lighting north about halfway across the field near the property line of Kirkpatrick’s (Alumitank) and install another light and pole with 4 LED flood lights. This area is utilized by Milk Days for parking; another light will reduce the cost for light towers. Milk Days previously approved the concept and if approved by the Park Board, Mike will bring it back to Milk Days for final approval. Milk Days also plans to continue the existing northern limestone path further east with a radius to continue along the property line back to the parking lot; said extension was previously approved by the Park Board and City Council. The light and path would be done simultaneously, probably by the end of the summer. A motion was made by Pep Saucedo, seconded by Scott Logan to approve Milk Day’s proposal. All ayes. Motion carried.

o Milk Days uses the area proposed for the dog park for the antique tractor show and dairy cattle show for tractors/parking/trailers. Milk Day would like some input on the project and will work around the proposed dog park. Supt. Knop said there will be a 10’ service gate which would allow access for the tractors/parking/trailers. Chairman Schulz related that the dog park will most likely be closed for Milk Day weekend.

o There was discussion about installing an emergency gated access path at the far northwest corner of the park where it comes off Lawrence and goes into the park which is regulated by McHenry County. It was suggested to extend the path just to the City property line with a gated access.

o The Milk Day Parking Committee has asked that the parking lot be restriped.

o Milk Day is also interested in putting up another multi-purpose building in the future.

o Reduce or eliminate the gravel parking area.

Vandalism Report

There have been several incidents at Milky Way Park, Lion’s Park and Northfield Park.

Mayor’s Report

No additional report.

Supt. Knop’s Report

Report as submitted.

There is an area along Harvard Hills Rd. where Parks and Public Works dump brush which will be scheduled to burn in the winter.

Pep inquired about the bridges at Lion’s Park. Supt. Knop indicated that the north bridge is on the list to be re-stained this year. The south bridge was an Eagle Scout Project put in during the early 2000’s and has started to deteriorate. Supt. Knop and Darrell have discussed removing the southern bridge next winter. There is a 10” lip at the southern bridge and Pep suggested putting in gravel this summer as a safety measure.

Parks Foundation Report

Scott gave an update on the RWB Food Truck Feastival which will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Milky Way Park. The Foundation is looking for volunteers for the event, in particular for parking. A golf outing is scheduled for August 31st at Beaver Creek Golf Course.

New Business

Supt. Knop stated that the pool pass rate is scheduled to increase by $20 effective June 21st and recommended extending the current rate for a week. A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderman Meza to delay the increase for another week. All ayes. Motion carried.

Chairman Schulz talked to Dr. Tafoya about the community garden. The District did not see a way to include the garden in their curriculum. Chairman Schulz had a twofold recommendation: craft a letter to post on Facebook announcing to the public that we don’t have a community garden this year and to inquire if anyone would be interested in maintaining any portion of it for next year. There are 12 apple trees at the site; Alderman Schulz suggested reaching out to Royal Oak Farm Orchard or someone else to see if they would be interested in maintaining the trees with a suggestion that the apples go to the Harvard Food Pantry. Whoever maintains the trees would be able to post a sign.

At 7:07 pm, a motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderman Meza to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parks_and_recreation_board/meeting/14556/minutesparkboard2022-06-20.pdf