McHenry Times

Village of Fox River Grove Parks Commission met March 1

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Village of Fox River Grove

CALL TO ORDER 

Chairperson Wall called the meeting of the Parks Commission to order at 6:34 p.m.

ROLL CALL 

Present: Chairperson Kirsten Wall, Members Bill Conway, Kelly Nemec, James Brouder, Other attendees: Operations Manager John Reese, Kristin Enstrom (acting as secretary). Seana Barnett joined the meeting at 6:40pm.

RESIDENT COMMENTS 

None.

APPROVAL OF THE January 4th, 2023 MINUTES 

A MOTION was made by Chairperson Wall to approve the January 4th, 2023 meeting minutes with one correction. Chairperson Wall clarified that in the Board comments on the Picnic Grove enhancements, she did not mean that she approved the additional access point to Picnic Grove Park on Barberry Trail as a street, but rather a walkway. Motion passed unanimously.

Public Works Monthly Report 

Operations Manager Reese presented the Public Works monthly report for December. Highlights include:

➤ There were 5 snow events in December

➤ Public Works repaired several mailboxes in Victoria Woods due to plowing damage

➤ Public Works kept the warming shelter open for 24 hours during the extremely cold days in December

➤ A water main break was repaired on Gladys

➤ One fire hydrant was repaired

➤ The coffee vendor has moved out of the train station - the spot is available if another vendor becomes interested

➤ Decorative winter scenes were put up in the windows in the buildings on Rt 14

➤ The sign was repaired at the train station

➤ Golf cart signs were repaired

➤ A water main break was repaired on S. River.

Update on Lion's and Picnic Grove Master Parks Plan 

➤ The recent open house went well and there was a lot of feedback on the Parks Master Plan. 

➤ The Master Plan is being updated with the feedback that was given at the meeting. Once updates are finalized, the proposal will be reviewed by staff sometime in March (staff being:

➤ Village Administrator, Assistant Village Administrator, Operations Manager, Chief of Police) then will be passed to the Parks Committee for review and then to the Board for review.

PARKS FUNDRAISER 2023 

➤ The date for the 2023 Parks fundraiser is Friday June 23 at Picnic Grove Park.

➤ A "Save the Date" reminder has been posted

➤ There has been positive feedback that the event has been scheduled on a Friday night instead of Saturday.

➤ Chairperson Wall said that when she reached out the BBQ truck that was used last year, it had already been booked. She was able to secure an alternate vendor - "Fork and Fry" and paid the deposit to secure them for the event. A menu for this vendor was passed around showing the menu items that were chosen. There are several options included vegetarian, vegan and dessert items.

➤ This year the Parks Committee will be running its own bar in an effort to retain more of the profits from the event. A liquor license is in progress and "Bassett" certification is also being completed (Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training).

➤ 200 "coozies" will be ordered which is twice as many as last year. Member Brouder to order.

➤ Member Brouder to research the minimum number of T-shirts and hoodies that can be ordered. Members need to decide if merch should be ordered when tickets are purchased or at the event.

➤ Volunteers are needed behind the bar. All alcohol and mixers will need to be purchased. 

➤ Operations Manager Reese said that he has ordered the tent, tables, chairs and more signs. Tablecloths are needed.

➤ The Check-in and set up area needs to be reorganized for this year

➤ 2 4x12 banners will be displayed at the event. Member Brouder to research pricing.

➤ Tickets will be sold through the village like last year. The committee discussed changing the ticket prices to make them more affordable but it was noted that they still need to cover the cost of the event. It needs to be determined where attendees can pick up their tickets. Raffle prizes are being explored with several options including a wave runner, weber grill, kayak, paddleboard and swim mat.

➤ Raffle prices were discussed and it was suggested they be sold for $75 each or 3 for $200 

➤ Member Brouder will order tickets

Other Business 

➤ Chairperson Wall announced that she will be stepping down from the Parks Committee due to becoming a Village Trustee. She will stay involved with committee through the Parks fundraising event but can't act as a chairperson.

➤ There will be 3 seats open on the Parks Committee

➤ Need to add a meeting in April - will be scheduled for April 5th

OTHER BUSINESS 

NEXT MEETING 

Wednesday, April 5th 2023, 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

ADJOURNMENT 

Meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Wall at 7:50 p.m.

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/foxrivergrove/Parks%20Commission%20Minutes%203-1-2023.pdf