McHenry Times

Village of Fox River Grove Village Board met Feb. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 

Village President McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Center. Present at roll call were Trustees Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi, and Wall. Also, present were Administrator Soderholm, Assistant Administrator Bechler, Operations Manager Reese, and Village Clerk Caesar.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

PUBLIC COMMENT 

Jim Buster, 108 Crescent

Mr. Buster asked the Board to review the Villages code regarding smoke detector requirements. He stated that he would like to see the code require smoke detectors in all dwellings regardless of the number of bedrooms in each.

VILLAGE PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEE REPORTS 

President McLaughlin announced the resignation of Regina Petersdorff from the Special Events Committee, recognizing and thanking her for 10 years of service.

President McLaughlin stated that Norge was currently holding a meeting to determine the status of the upcoming Winter Ski Jump and he was waiting confirmation on whether the event will continue as planned due to anticipated warmer and wet weather conditions.

Trustee Knar acknowledged Administrator Soderholm for his presentation at the Cary-Grove Chamber of Commerce Business Roundtable meeting. Mr. Soderholm was concise and thorough, resulting in only three (3) questions from the forty-six (46) attendees.

1. APPROVAL: CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVAL VIA ONE VOTE FOR ALL 

A. Village Board Meeting Minutes - January 17, 2022

B. Accounts Payable - February 7, 2023

C. Resolution 2023-01, Zoning Map Adoption

D. Temporary Liquor License & Amplified Sound Permit Fee Waiver, Parks Fundraiser

Trustee Wall made a motion to approve consent agenda items A - D. Trustee Curtiss seconded. Roll Call: Trustee Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi, and Wall -all "yes." MOTION PASSED.

2. DISCUSSION: PARKS MASTER PLANS 

Administrator Soderholm stated that at the direction of the Board, the services of Gary R. Weber Associates were retained to create a concept master plan for both Lions Park and Picnic Grove Park, incorporating ideas and amenities previously identified by the Parks Commission and the public. The plans were reviewed in January by the Parks Commission, shared with the public at an open house and were available online and at the Village Hall for viewing.

Administrator Soderholm introduced Rich Olsen from Gary R. Weber who presented the plans to the Board. Mr. Olsen described both parks as hidden gems and presented the various proposed improvements in each plan.

A discussion was held on Lions Park. Trustee Curtiss loves the additional paths providing more walkable connectivity. Curtiss stated she did not realize there was a pond hidden on the North side of the park and recommended the path be constructed of a material that can withstand potential flooding. Trustee Curtiss is in favor of the additional parking, the enhanced playground and the pickle ball courts, however would like to see if there is a way to make them duo courts to include tennis as well. Trustee Curtiss feels the sand volleyball location is too close to the river and will create safety issues when balls end up in the water. Trustee Curtiss appreciates that the plan maintains a small town feel.

Trustee Sepeczi spoke in favor of tennis courts with walls versus the proposed athletic field for soccer and that she would like to see all the sand volleyball courts located at Picnic Grove Park for the convenience and comradery of the summer adult leagues. Trustee Sepeczi suggested a basketball court as an alternative.

Trustee Wall feels the volleyball court area should be relocated over by the pickle ball courts away from the river.

Trustee Knar would like to have a discussion on a boat ramp allowing motorized boat access to the river for Fox River Grove residents only.

President McLaughlin directed Staff to reach out to the Cary Youth Baseball and find out what their future needs look like so they can be considered in the plan since Fox River Grove youths play in the Cary leagues.

Trustee Schladt asked if an elevated boardwalk would be possible in the flooding area of the walking path. Mr. Olsen replied that boardwalks are substantially more money, but could be looked into.

Public Comment – Lions Park

Jim Buster, 108 Crescent - Mr. Buster feels that if any type of boat launch is considered, it should be an in and out only, with no trailer parking.

Karl Koenemann, 623 Ellington Ct. - Mr. Koenemann asked the Board to take into consideration long-term replacement costs on any new amenities added.

President McLaughlin began the Picnic Grove Park discussion by reminding everyone that the plan is a long-term plan 10, 15 to 20 years out. President McLaughlin stated that he is in favor of a secondary entrance to the park, but is thinking more along the lines of a pedestrian entrance versus vehicular. President McLaughlin suggested creating a walking path from Barberry to the warming shelter. Relocating the suggested parking spots near the warming shelter down along the curve by the other 13 stalls and adding a turnaround circle at the warming shelter area. President McLaughlin likes the woodland theme based playground idea.

Trustee Wall loves the long-term plan, likes the idea of a secondary entrance, but not sure where the best location should be.

Trustee Sepeczi is not in favor of the band shell in Picnic Grove Park, siting noise disturbances for neighboring homeowners.

Trustee Schladt is not in favor of the Woodland Park area location, stating near the main entrance is too far from the rest of the parkland and presents risks for children playing there. Trustee Schladt suggested relocating the Woodland play area over where the prairie restoration has been designated. Trustee Schladt likes the idea of a special use structure with utilities and a boxed shell for potential movies in the park, bands, weddings or other events.

Trustee Knar likes the path idea over the proposed road. Knar is in favor of enhancing the park features for the residents and making it more walkable versus adding additional parking and attracting more non- residents, until the Village has the ability to patrol and address increased traffic and patrons visiting the parks.

Trustee Migdal likes the prairie restoration area. Trustee Migdal does not support the additional access road. Trustee Migdal would rather deter traffic congestion by establishing a one way in and a one way out of the park scenario. Trustee Migdal would like to see the playground kept where it is, close to the event space, which will be easier for parents to keep a watch on their children playing.

Mr. Olsen mentioned a suggestion from the open house feedback of putting a skate park for older kids near the entrances instead.

Trustee Curtiss supports the walking path from Barberry into the park. Trustee Curtiss asked if there was room anywhere to accommodate a splash pad. Mr. Olsen said splash pads can be expensive, but are also very popular and feels one of the Villages other parks would be a better location.

President McLaughlin stated he would like to see dedicated golf cart parking on the grass somewhere, considering the Village is a golf cart friendly community.

Picnic Grove Public comment.

Jake Fleischmann, 722 Barberry- Mr. Fleischmann would like to see the park remain as natural as possible. He is against the second entrance and feels residents may even push back on the idea of a walking path being added from Barberry into the park. Mr. Fleishmann feels the amount of additional parking is excessive, does not want any type of motorized boat launch allowed, and does not support the band shell, siting noise issues arising with neighboring homes. Mr. Fleishmann stated that Norge has the ability to host live outdoor concerts and it rarely gets used. Mr. Fleishmann would like to see tennis / pickle ball courts in PGP as well, not just in Lions Park.

Karl Koenemann, 623 Ellington Ct. Mr. Koenemann stated his same sentiment from the Lions park discussion, that being the Board considers long-term maintenance on the investments being considered. He asked that the Board prioritize by most valuable and affordable. He asked that the Board keep the community engaged during the process and that environmental studies are done.

Trustee Schladt added that it is important that the plan be communicated to residents and others as a guidance document for future planning.

Trustee Curtiss asked if there was follow-up, regarding the Villages ability to purchase the park grant back. Assistant Administrator Bechler replied that it would cost $400k to purchase and that something of that nature has never been done before.

Mr. Fleishmann asked the Board if they would have the ability to modify the plan after voting to accept it. President McLaughlin replied that modifications would be allowed, and that having a plan in place provides the Village with much greater opportunities to secure grants.

Trustee Sepeczi asked if there was any data showing shore loss.

Bill Conway, 621 Ellington Court - Mr. Conway stated he does not believe that there is any shoreline loss and does not support additional shoreline stabilization or other measures that would restrict boat access.

Rick Bisbee, 618 Ellington Court - Mr. Bisbee opposes a new egress off Barberry for security and safety reasons. Mr. Bisbee stated that currently there are 4x4's driving all over the property, and another entrance would bring more people, creating the need for more security, gates and cameras.

President McLaughlin stated the need for a potential emergency vehicle only entrance/exit.

With no more comments, the consensus of the Board was to direct staff to work with the consultant to revise the plans to incorporate the suggested changes. The Board stated the Parks Commission should view the proposed final plans prior to Village Board approval.

Trustee Knar requested the Picnic Grove Park operations plan be placed on a future agenda for Board discussion.

4. OTHER BUSINESS: 

None.

ADJOURNMENT 

Trustee Knar made a motion to adjourn the Village Board meeting at 8:09 p.m. to go into Executive Session. Seconded by Trustee Schladt. A voice vote was taken. Trustees Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi, and Wall - all "yes". MOTION PASSED.

Village President McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 8:33 p.m. in the Municipal Center. Present at roll call were Trustees Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi, and Wall.

Trustee Wall made a motion to adjourn the Village Board meeting at 8:33 p.m. Seconded by Trustee Migdal. A voice vote was taken. Trustees Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi, and Wall- all "yes". MOTION PASSED.

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