Village of Fox River Grove Parks Commission met April 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Wall called the meeting of the Parks Commission to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Kirsten Wall, Members Bill Conway, Kelly Nemec, James Brouder, Seana Barnett Other attendees: Operations Manager John Reese, Secretary Greg Schladt, Village Trustee Melissa Schladt
RESIDENT COMMENTS
None.
APPROVAL OF THE March 1, 2023 MINUTES
A MOTION was made by Chairperson Wall to approve the March 1, 2023 meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously, with one correction. Minutes should read $75 (instead of $45) per raffle ticket. Signed minutes were amended accordingly.
PUBLIC WORKS MONTHLY REPORT
Operations Manager Reese presented the Public Works Monthly Report for February 2023.
February highlights include:
There were a total of 16 snow events this year.
➤ The village consumed 470 tons of salt this season (vs. a typical consumption of 700 tons).
➤ Storm cleanup from the ice storm.
➤ "No Parking" signs were put up for the Winter Ski Jump at Norge.
Cleaned up repetitive vandalism at both parks. See Other Business below for details.
REVIEW OF MASTER PARKS PLAN - LIONS AND PICNIC GROVE PARKS
Operations Manager Reese presented revised proposals for both Picnic Grove and Lions parks. Picnic Grove Park Discussion:
Member Conway commented 196 parking spots are too many, raising concerns about how much green space would be sacrificed to achieve that number of spaces. Chairperson Wall commented that the extra parking is to accommodate larger events. Member Barnett suggested fewer spots near the sledding hill. Trustee Schladt stated that parking can be planned in phases, reassessing the need as the project progresses.
The proposed entry road off Barberry is now a bicycle path, adding to the already existing trails. The Commission felt this was a good compromise vs. the originally proposed road.
Member Nemec commented the revised plans do not include a skate park as previously discussed. Thoughts were to put it at the wooded area near the entrance to the park.
Member Brouder likes all the additional walking / bicycle paths.
Operations Manager Reese stated with the location of the Volleyball courts, they would need to be removable, to avoid any issues with the sledding hill in Winter.
Lions Park Discussion:
➤ Chairperson Wall questioned the functionality of the circular basketball court with three pie shaped courts/nets, asking why it can't be a traditional basketball court.
➤ The Kayak rack is missing from the revision. It is to be positioned near the current boat ramp.
➤ Member Barnett asked for confirmation that the boat launch is strictly for emergency vehicles, and an entry point for kayaks/non motorized boats.
➤ Member Brouder commented there appears to be less parking in the revised plan then is currently available at the park.
➤ Member Conway likes the addition of a shelter down the third base line of the baseball field.
➤ Operations Manager Reese commented that for both parks, there are several Memorial rocks, trees, and benches that would all need to be taken into consideration with any/all renovations.
PARKS FUNDRAISER 2023
➤ Member Barnett confirmed that 15 pub tables are rented, to be delivered Friday and picked up Saturday morning. Pickup on Saturday needs to be coordinated with Operations Manager Reese and his team, as tables will be locked up inside for the evening after the event.
➤ Per member Barnett, liquor license is in process.
➤ Member Barnett to check the condition of the auction paddles.
➤ Member Wall purchased a dozen 5x7 frames to use for auction item displays. In need of 8x10 frames if any commission members have any at home to donate. Also in need of baskets, bins, buckets to use for raffle prize bundles.
➤ Swag order is on hold, pending selection of a new vendor. Plan is to set Swag items up as options to order when purchasing entry tickets on line.
➤ Silent and Live auction items are coming together ahead of last year's pace. Items currently include a boat grill, Oriental Trading gift card, Cary Jr. Trojans basket, 2 entries to any PTO related event, Cubs tickets, Dining around FRG gift basket, Yeti cooler filled with alcohol, Village signs, and more. Looking for more live and silent auction item donations. Trustee Schladt suggested a free 2024 shelter reservation for each park as an auction item. Chairperson Wall to discuss with Village Administration.
➤ Tentative schedule for the evening
O 6:30 Doors open
O 8:30 Silent auctions end, Live auctions begin
O 9:30 Last call for food and beverages
O 10:00 Closing
➤ Staffing needs: Four at checkin (down to two after the initial rush), two for the 50/50 raffle, three bartenders, four for checkout.
OTHER BUSINESS
➤ Operations Manager Reese passed photos around to highlight the increased amount of vandalism throughout Fox River Grove, at the parks, the Metra station, various street signs, Porta Potties burned, garbage cans tossed in the river, the bleachers at Algonquin Road School bent. He asked that everyone keep their eyes and ears open for any information on who is behind these crimes.
➤ Annual Parks Cleanup day is scheduled for April 29, 8:30AM - Noon. Chairperson Wall will post a reminder on the Parks Social Media pages. Trustee Schladt will contact Cary Grove High School to see if there are students in need of volunteer hours to assist that day.
➤ Chairperson Wall announced this is her last meeting on the commission. She will be moving to her new role of Village Trustee in May. Member Barnett will be taking over as Chairperson. Chairperson Wall stated that she will continue to attend meetings through July, to support the fundraiser. The Village is currently interviewing candidates to fill openings on the Commission.
NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Wall at 8:12 p.m.
https://cms5.revize.com/revize/foxrivergrove/Parks%20Commission%20Minutes%204-5-2023.pdf
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