McHenry Times

City of Harvard Park Board met Oct. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Chairman Jay Schulz called the meeting to order at 6:08 pm. Committee members present: Chairman Jay Schulz, Alderman John Lavallee, Alderman Raul Meza, Scott Logan and Pep Saucedo. Committee member Alderwoman Rosa Luna was absent. Also present were Mayor Kelly, Supt. Knop and Joel Kriete.

Public Comment

No comments.

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Alderman Meza to accept the Park Board Minutes of August 15, 2022 as presented. All ayes. Motion carried.

Project Update/Status

• The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program for the pool, sledding hill, HERS Field and Boys League has been completed.

• The budgeted portion of the gravel path at Park Pointe has been completed.

• New Truck - Supt. Knop contacted the dealership and best-case scenario, the new truck could be at the dealership by the end of the month with delivery the first week in November.

• About an acre of fencing has been put up for the dog park at Milky Way Park that was constructed using the temporary fencing from the Events Comm. The wind has knocked the paneling down a couple times; Supt. Knop has put in fence posts secured with wire every six panels.

• The sidewalks around Mary D. Ayer Park have been poured. The project was funded through a grant from McHenry County as part of the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA).

• Christopher Burke Engineering donated an elm tree that was planted at Mary’s Park in honor of their 50th Anniversary and the 100th Anniversary of the Morton Arboretum.

• City Hall Gazebo – The concrete slab and side supports have been poured. The pillars for the lighting should be poured this week and the brick inlay for the sidewalk will start next week. The goal is to have the gazebo moved before winter.

Vandalism Report

• There were two incidents with graffiti at Northfield Park over several days.

• The damaged doors at the pool are part of an active juvenile case.

Mayor’s Report

The City has applied for an Illinois grant for a mobile stage. The grant was written for 50K which includes a City match of 20K. The City should receive notification next spring if awarded the grant.

Supt. Knop’s Report

Supt. Knop reviewed his report as submitted.

Parks Foundation Report

• The HFP raised about $10,000 from the RWB Food Truck Feastival and the Golf Outing.

• The HPF has held off on organizing future activities until after the Strategic Vision Workshop with Eric Dregne on October 19th.

New Business

• Alderman Meza inquired about seeding the dog park, signs with rules, trash and a dispenser with waste bags. Water could also be added in the future. Supt. Knop will do further research to be discussed at next month’s meeting. Supt. Knop is working on posting signs outlining the rules but currently there aren’t any City ordinances in place to enforce them. Chairman Schulz and Supt. Knop can draft something to be presented to the Administration Committee.

• Next year’s budget will be discussed at the November meeting and include finishing the Park Pointe path, Park Pointe trees and replacing two pool pumps. These items will take the bulk of the budget, but there may enough to include a smaller item.

• Chairman Schulz asked the board for input on the community garden and apple trees. Mayor Kelly recommended publishing the reason why it was discontinued and to see if a group would be willing to take it over. If someone local doesn’t want to maintain both the garden and the trees, Royal Oak Farm Orchard could be contacted to see if they would be interested in maintaining the trees and harvesting the apples.

The next meeting is Monday, November 21, 2022. The December meeting will be held on Monday, December 12th.

At 6:39 pm, a motion was made by Scott Logan, seconded by Pep Saucedo to adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parks_and_recreation_board/meeting/14560/minutesparkboard2022-10-17.pdf