Parks & Recreation Commission

MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION February 13, 2024 City Council Chambers A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL: A roll call was taken and Vice-Chair Pete Riis determined a quorum was present. COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Donna Fischer, Shannon Jackson and Vice-Chair Pete Riis. COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Jason Cohen and Chairman Mike McCleary. OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Powers and Jean Hervert Niemann. STAFF PRESENT: Recreation Director Dave Zinnen, Public Works Director Brent Aymond, Interim Streets & Parks Superintendent John Mecklenburg, Executive Director Danielle Gulli, and Clerk Nicole Lewakowski. C. FLOOR DISCUSSION: 1. Public Comments: Woodstock resident, Jean Hervert Niemann, inquired about the Parks Master Plan developments and requested information as to how she can keep informed about the Park in the Square plans, the structural stability of the Bandstand and Spring House, and for minutes from the December 7th focus group discussion hosted by Design Workshop. D. Gulli addressed Ms. Niemann and explained focus groups will meet again in the future and invited her to provide her email for future invites and involvement. D. Gulli suggested we send her the video recording from Design Workshop’s Park in the Square focus group presentation, and stated that the Parks Master Plan is expected to be completed by Summer 2024. D. Gulli further explained the Park in the Square focus group met first because of the time limitations that the acceptance of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant. Vice-Chair P. Riis added that the Commission will revisit the topic at a future meeting and asked that interested residents attend, as well as frequent the website for further information. 2. Commission Comments: Vice-Chair P. Riis asked J. Mecklenburg if Park in the Square will be reseeded following Groundhog Day’s festivities; noting turf damage. J. Mecklenburg confirmed restoration will take place when the weather is conducive. Vice-Chair P. Riis inquired as to the status of acquiring a new facility to serve as a fitness center. D. Gulli stated that there are ongoing negotiations and continued discussions and that elaborations could not be provided at this time.  Parks & Rec Commission 2/13/2024 Page 2 of 4 D. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Motion by D. Fischer, second by S. Jackson, to accept the minutes of the October 10, 2023 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Ayes: D. Fischer, S. Jackson and Vice- Chair P. Riis. Nays: None. Abstentions: None. Absentees: Chairman McCleary and J. Cohen. Motion carried. E. TRANSMITTALS: The following items have been transmitted to the Commission for information and there is no discussion expected or action recommended. 1. Recreation Department Report for September 2023 D. Zinnen announced a correction to the agenda; stating that the Recreation Department Report is for January 2024; not September 2023 as printed on the agenda. D. Zinnen explained the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and budgets have been submitted to the City Manager for acceptance. D. Gulli added that CIP budgets will go before City Council for final approval in March. Vice-Chair P. Riis requested that the Commission be presented with and review the budget for recommendations before Council approves. D. Zinnen mentioned that his impending retirement will take effect in May and a new liaison will be appointed to the Commission. Vice-Chair P. Riis inquired about increasing parking accommodations in the former gas station site/adjacent lot at the Recreation Center. D. Zinnen explained that Public Works will be asked to provide additional aggregate to the lot to add parking accommodations. Specifically, prior to the Daddy-Daughter Dance held at the Recreation Center on Saturday, February 24, 2024. Lastly, D. Zinnen expressed that the Park and Recreational Facilities Construction (PARC) grant was confirmed for the City of Woodstock in the amount of $2.7 Million. D. Gulli added that the City will additionally contribute $900,000 to complete improvements at the Recreation Center. 2. Parks Division Report for September 2023 B. Aymond announced a correction to the agenda; stating that the Parks Department Report is for February 2024, not September 2023. J. Mecklenburg mentioned the Park Shop Rebuild is delayed, but demolition is anticipated soon, Castle Park at Emricson was removed due to deterioration, staff and The Land Conservancy coordinated to erect a new Monarch butterfly garden at Raintree Park, the tennis courts at Emricson are progressing nicely, Merryman Park walking-path improvements are secured, and there are plans to protect the Oak trees in Emricson Park by changing mowing and implementing best practices. 3. Fitness Court Grant Update B. Aymond and D. Gulli discussed a resolution accepting grant funding and financial support for an outdoor fitness court with an art component. D. Fischer asked about the  Parks & Rec Commission 2/13/2024 Page 3 of 4 accompanying mobile app; “coach in your pocket.” D. Gulli confirmed it is an app to demonstrate equipment use and designed to enhance the workout experience for users. 4. Melissa O’Leary Splashpad Update D. Gulli advised the Commission that she has a meeting this Friday, February 16, 2024 that will provide more details about the timeline for the Splashpad design and installation. Vice-Chair P. Riis asked about the status of fundraising for the project. D. Gulli explained a planned push for fundraising at future community events where staff can potentially unveil renderings of the concept design to strum up excitement and encourage donations. D. Zinnen referenced a staff report that contains further details about the Fitness Court and Splashpad projects and advised the same is available online. B. Aymond and D. Gulli discussed plans for the protentional layout/footprint and desired location being where the sand playground currently sits at Woodstock Water Works, and about hopes that the Splashpad will be free to use and open beyond Woodstock Water Works current operational hours. F. OLD BUSINESS: None. G. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Discuss Woodstock Little League Proposal to Honor Tom Brink Brian Powers, a representative from Woodstock Little League, was present and spoke about the League’s plans to honor longtime Little League supporter, Tom Brink. The League plans to install at Merryman Park on Field #6, a rock monument and replace an expired sponsorship panel on the scoreboard with one honoring Tom Brink. The associated costs will be paid by Woodstock Little League. J. Mecklenburg will advise on the project to avoid maintenance conflicts and verify placement. Vice-Chair P. Riis expressed that the Commission supports the League’s efforts and recognized Tom Brink’s dedication and tenure to the organization and community. Motion by D. Fischer, second by S. Jackson to recommend acceptance to City Council for approval. Ayes: D. Fischer, S. Jackson and Vice-Chair P. Riis. Nays: None. Abstentions: None. Absentees: Chairman McCleary and J. Cohen. Motion carried. H. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: 1. Tentative agenda items identified by Administration a. Discuss Melissa O’Leary Splashpad Project b. Comprehensive Review of Park Policies & Practices Vice-Chair P. Riis requested a status update beyond the changes in approval process. D. Gulli explained that the plan will come back to the Commission for discussion in August to evaluate fees for 2025. D. Gulli added that the policy is close to finalization, hopefully April, and announced the revised policy is a condensed and streamlined version that eliminated a lot of redundancy. 2. Requested by Commission: a. Any member may suggest an item to be considered by the Commission at a future meeting but must be approved by a majority of the Commission to be included as a future agenda item.  Parks & Rec Commission 2/13/2024 Page 4 of 4 I. ADJOURN: Motion by D. Fischer, second by S. Jackson to adjourn the regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission to the next regular meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Ayes: D. Fischer, S. Jackson and Vice-Chair P. Riis. Nays: None. Abstentions: None. Absentees: Chairman McCleary and J. Cohen. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM. Respectfully submitted, Nicole Lewakowski Clerk