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PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2015/04/21 Minutes The City of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Minutes April 21, 2015 I. Call to Order The Parks and Recreation Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Hill at 6:30p.m. The following were present: Board Members: Mr. David Brush Ms. Sondra Douglass Mr. Steve Hill, Chairman Mr. Charlie Kohlmeyer Mr. Steve Reimer Mr. Skoo Walker Staff: Ms. Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks and Recreation Mr. Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry & Cemetery Ms. Tricia Schwall, Administrative Assistant Special Guests: Mr. Mike Adelman, Alderman Mr. Ty Kovach, Executive Director, Lake County Forest Preserve Mr. Randy Seebach, Director of Planning and Land Preservation, Lake County Forest Preserve Mr. Mike Rummel , Board Member/Treasurer, Lake County Forest Preserve II. Approval of Minutes The meeting minutes of the March 17, 2015 Park & Recreation Board meeting were presented. Board Member Brush moved for approval of the minutes and Board Member Kohlmeyer seconded. The Board meeting minutes of the March 17, 2015 meeting were then unanimously approved. III. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not listed on the Agenda No Public Comment. IV. Fort Sheridan Master Plan Mr. Randy Seebach shared with the board the planning process that the Forest Preserve has gone through for this property. Several issues and opportunities that came out of this process were; how significant bird habitat and birding is in this area, the potential to partner with the City ofLake Forest and Lake Forest Openlands on the Great Lake Fishery Eco-System program, the struggle to preserve and protect the shoreline vs. public access, the need to conform to the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act, how much participation should there be in the Lake Michigan Water Trail, there is a concern for long-term operating costs, and parking. Mr. Seebach then went over the some of the existing conditions at the forest preserve. There are two entrances with parking lots that hold 100 vehicles, asphalt trails, grass trail, aging bridge, ravine restoration, and 12 education exhibits. He then highlighted some of the changes that would be included in Concept A & B with the biggest change being the number of parking spaces would be reduced in both concepts. The biggest difference between the two concepts is the entrance to the preserve. Concept A would change the entrance to the west side of the preserve and Concept B would leave the south entrance where it is. A conversation followed regarding parking, trails, expanded shoreline and restoration. Mr. Kovach, Mr. Seebach and Mr. Rummel left the meeting. Director Swarthout opened the discussion regarding Concept A vs. Concept B. She wanted the board members to know that Lake Forest is responsible for the emergency services for the preservation. A lengthy conversation followed. Requested Action: Endorsement of a single master plan concept is sought. A motion was made by Board Member Kohlmeyer to endorse Concept A. The motion was seconded by Board Member Sandra Douglass. A roll call vote was taken. Voting Concept A: Douglass, Hill, Kohlmeyer, Volkmann (email to Director Swarthout), Reimer (5). Voting Concept B: Brush, Walker (2). Absent: None (0). Abstain: None (0). Motion carried. V. Everett Park Playground Mr. Myers shared with the board the plans for the new Everett Playground. He explained that this is a very heavily used playground as it is used by the children at Everett School. The new playground would be fully compliant with ADA standards. A conversation followed regarding the size of the playground. Chuck explained that the school was no longer going to join with the City to fund the replacement of the playground. A conversation followed. Requested Action: Approval to award a contract to NuToys not to exceed $210,000 for the purchase of playground equipment, surfacing and concrete installation. A motion was made by Board Member Brush to approve the award of a contract to NuToys as explained above. The motion was seconded by Board Member Walker. The motion passed. VI. Comments by Director Director Swarthout gave a department update. A. Rec Software replacement has started i. Soft open will be June 29th B. Annual Smelt-O-Rama is Saturday, April 25th C. Kinderhaven Art Show is Sunday, April 26th at CROYA D. Lake Forest Dance Preschool Recital is Sunday, April 27th at Gorton VII. Comments by Board Members Board Member Reimer asked about the Dance Program. A short conversation followed regarding the dance program. VIII. Adjournment Board Member Brush moved to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Walker seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted Tricia Schwall Administrative Assistant