Trustees:
Frank Bradtke, President
Melissa Stefanko, Vice President
John Rainwater, Member at Large
Carl Miklusak, Member at Large
Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison
Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent
Tim Kuiper, Town Attorney
ELECTION OF PARK BOARD POSITIONS 2018
Ms. Stefanko entertained a motion to nominate a President. Mr. Rainwater nominated Frank Bradtke for President. Mr. Miklusak seconded. Motion carried.
Mr. Rainwater entertained a motion to nominate Melissa Stefanko for Vice President. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carried.
Approve Spring Programs and Fees
Ms. Stefanko entertained a motion to approve the Spring Programs and fees. Mr. Rainwater so moved. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carried.
Approve Contracts for following people
Ms. Stefanko entertained a motion to approve the contracts for Lisa Knott, Beth Ann Foster, Tracy Caracciolo, Alyssa Gallegos, and Branyas Bakery LLC. Mr. Rainwater so moved. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen A. Falaschetti
Recording Secretary
Trustees:
Frank Bradtke, President
Melissa Stefanko, Vice President
John Rainwater, Member at Large
Carl Miklusak, Member at Large
Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison
Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent
Approve Keilman Lease
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to approve the Keilman Lease. Ms. Stefanko so moved. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carried.
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to approve the contracts for Melissa Stefanko, Therese Hartz, Alexis Nicole Morales, Daniel Gustas, Sarah Ashley Dingman, Ashley Scanlon, LeAnn Stutler, Kyle Stutler, Alyssa Glinski, Danielle LaGreco and Amanda Ophoff. Mr. Rainwater so moved. Seconded by Mr. Bradtke. Motion carried.
Approve Grass Cutting Contract
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to award the grass cutting contract to Great Lakes Landscaping in the amount of $60,625. Ms. Stefanko so moved. Mr. Rainwater seconded. Motion carried.
Approve Broadleaf Spraying Contract
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to award the Broadleaf Spraying contract to Forever Green in the amount of $4,464.00. Mr. Rainwater so moved. Ms. Stefanko seconded. Motion carried.
Approve Port-A-Potty Contract
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to award the Port-a-Potty contract to Johnny on the Spot in the amount of $70.00 monthly. Mr. Rainwater so moved. Seconded by Ms. Stefanko. Motion carried.
Approve Soccer Shorts Contract
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to approve the Soccer Shorts contract. Mr. Rainwater so moved. Ms. Stefanko seconded. Motion carried.
Prairie West Park Equipment
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to declare the park equipment from Prairie West Park as having no value. Ms. Stefanko so moved. Mr. Rainwater seconded. Motion carried
5 Year Master Plan
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to approve the 5 year Master Plan. Mr. Rainwater so moved. Ms. Stefanko seconded. Motion carried
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen A. Falaschetti
Recording Secretary
Trustees:
Frank Bradtke, President
Melissa Stefanko, Vice President
John Rainwater, Member at Large
Carl Miklusak, Member at Large
Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison
Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent
Update Prairie West Project
Mr. Sobek reported that the playground equipment will be here within two weeks.
Thank you for all your help with the Easter Egg Hunt.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen A. Falaschetti
Recording Secretary
Trustees:
Frank Bradtke, President
Melissa Stefanko, Vice President
John Rainwater, Member at Large
Carl Miklusak, Member at Large
Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison
Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent
Approve Summer Programs and Fees
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to approve the summer programs and fees. Ms. Stefanko so moved. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carried.
Approve Contracts for Summer Workers
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to approve the contracts for Courtney Rhomberg, Hannah Souronis, Faith Huenecke, Steven Tulsiak, Angel Vargas and Revolt Cheerleading. Mr. Rainwater so moved. Melissa Stefanko seconded. Motion carried.
Allergy Signs
A discussion ensued about putting up allergy signs in all the parks. Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion for the Park Board to take under advisement the need for allergy signs in all parks. Mr. Miklusak so moved. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen A. Falaschetti
Recording Secretary
Frank Bradtke, President | John Rainwater, Member | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
Melissa Stefanko, Vice-President | Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison | |
Carl Miklusak, Member | Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent |
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.)
Mr. Bradtke stated there had been a discussion about having and opening but the date has not been set yet. Mr. Sobek asked if there is a specific day the board would like to do that and asked if they had any ideas of what they would like to do for a ceremonial opening.
After a brief discussion by the board, June 9th was selected as the date for the ceremonial opening of Prairie West.
The board had a brief discussion about the donation and were in favor of the same.
Mr. Kil advised a statement for the record is sufficient. Let the record reflect that the board members are in concurrence with allowing the resident to place a bench at her cost in Fairway Park.
(Mr. Bradtke adjourned the meeting at 6:09 p.m.)
Respectfully Submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Park Board
Frank Bradtke, President | John Rainwater, Member | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
Melissa Stefanko, Vice-President | Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison | |
Carl Miklusak, Member | Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent |
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.)
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to approve the contract for Cedar Creek Family Golf. Motion by Ms. Stefanko. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to approve the repairs to the Lake Hills park for the total dollar amount of $6,350. Motion to approve by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Rainwater asked where that park is. Mr. Sobek stated it is on the east side off of Blaine Avenue. Mr. Rainwater asked if they want a playground. Mr. Sobek stated there is a playground on it.
Mr. Kil advised it was originally developed through the county, which is why the park is private and owned by the HOA. Peter Bylan, who manages the HOA on behalf of the residents, was given a list of things he will need to present to the Park Board before the park could be considered for acceptance.
Mr. Miklusak asked if the meeting was publicized. Mr. Kil stated he believes it was, but he personally did not do the notices for any of the public forums. Mr. Kil advised that he just approved the survey to go out with the water bills.
Mr. Sobek advised that Mr. Arshami stated he was going to publicize it; however, Mr. Sobek has not seen anything.
Mr. Kil reported that the Impact Fee Advisory Committee held their final meeting. The Impact Fee Advisory Committee made a recommendation to the Town Council for an Impact Fee increase of approximately $132 per permit, which would take the Impact Fee up to about $1,842.01 per every new residential permit. The funds go into the Park Impact Fee account. The next step will be a public hearing in front of the Plan Commission on July 11, 2018. The Plan Commission will then make a recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council will act on July 26, 2018.
(Mr. Bradtke adjourned the meeting at 6:09 p.m.)
Respectfully Submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Park Board
Frank Bradtke, President | John Rainwater, Member | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
Melissa Stefanko, Vice-President | Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison | |
Carl Miklusak, Member | Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent |
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.)
Mr. Jay Gianotti gave all a preliminary summary of the survey findings. He stated that the survey closed on July 20th, so a more detailed finding from the survey will be forthcoming.
Mr. Gianotti stated when they were here last month, they gave an introduction to the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, at which time they had launched the online survey.
The broad topics covered were demographics, park usage and facilities, park satisfaction, recreational programs, and other.
The survey yielded 389 responses and they have prepared a first look at the findings. The responses were a good cross-section geographically, all parts of the town were well represented, and as for tenure, most of the respondents have lived in St. John for several years.
Park Usage and Facilities:
The top 5 activities are walking trails, bicycle trails, playgrounds, picnicking, and swimming. More people stated they use other communities’ parks more than St. John Parks. The top 3 focus areas requested were recreational trails, a community center, and neighborhood playgrounds. Many residents feel the Parks Department doesn’t meet their needs. Nearly 63 percent feel more family activities are needed, and those who are disabled don’t feel the parks meets their needs. Over 75 percent of all respondents rated park maintenance as adequate or better.
Park Satisfaction:
The top-rated parks in terms of satisfaction, listed from highest to lowest, are Prairie West, St. John Trails, Heartland, Civic, and Lake Hills. Homestead Acres and Heron Lake were the top-rated non-community parks.
The lowest-rated parks in terms of satisfaction are Lake Hills, Gates of St. John Soccer Fields, Schillton Hills, Patnoe, Heartland, and trails. The lowest-rated parks on a weighted scale are The Gates of St. John Soccer Fields, Lancer, and Larimer.
Recreational Programs:
The top 5 programs that participants requested, listed from highest to lowest, are family programs, exercise/yoga, adult programs, senior programs, and lastly kids’ programs. Kids’ programs have the highest participation attendance followed by league sports and sport camps. The top attended events, listed from highest to lowest, are the Festival of Lights, Saturday Sunset Concert Series, and the Easter Egg Hunt.
Other:
There are few things that were strongly indicated in the study. People felt that park maintenance, facilities, and programs are well below that of similar communities. Many folks compared it to Dyer, Schererville, Highland, and Munster. Several people felt they needed easier access to community parks and parks within their neighborhood.
Porta-potties are not looked upon favorably; folks want permanent restroom facilities. Many participants stated the Parks Department does a good job with the minimal staff they do have.
A community center with a swimming pool is a high-priority want. Again, swimming is in the top five activities that people do.
The trails need more connectivity within the trails themselves as well as interconnectivity throughout the town, into neighboring towns, and regional trails like the future Pennsy Greenway Trail and the existing Erie Lackwanna Trail.
Most participants felt that more programs need to be geared towards teens, young adults, adults, and senior citizens as most of the programs that are offered are geared towards younger children. Several people are wanting pickleball courts.
Mr. Gianotti stated he would be happy to answer any questions.
Mr. Bradtke asked if we will get an update after they finish going through the rest of the data. Mr. Gianotti responded that they plan on using that data to update the Master Plan and would like to present a draft Master Plan near the end of August in a public meeting setting. Mr. Gianotti asked if that could be setup. Mr. Bradtke responded that the board will discuss it and let him know.
Mr. Miklusak asked if 389 responses is the normal average. Mr. Gianotti stated it is above the response rate they’ve seen for other communities. Mr. Miklusak asked what our population is. Mr. Kil stated 19,794 by latest count. Mr. Kil stated to base the percentage on the number of households and not the population. Since we have approximately 6700 homes, it is about a 5 percent return ratio.
Mr. Gianotti stated that compared to other communities, St. John has a much higher return percentage.
Mr. Sobek stated he has some preliminary numbers, and to put in two courts would be approximately $25,000 or less. We may be able to lay the court surface right over the top of the existing surface.
Mr. Kil advised that he has Bobby Davis working on sprucing up the park. He suggests getting together with Bobby and working the pickleball court into the larger plan.
Mr. Kil stated that Redbud is going to be submitting an estimate on cleaning up the monument.
Mr. Sobek asked if we would have any issue with any baseball leagues if the field was torn out. Mr. Kil stated that the baseball field is used for practice. He suggested calling Fence Masters about putting a new backstop up. Mr. Sobek stated we have to move it if we put in the pickleball courts.
Mr. Sobek stated we can move it down and out from the current location and restrict it for probably just T-ball. Mr. Sobek stated there is some guy teaching lessons out there every day for nearly 8 hours a day. A woman called and complained about it the day before.
Mr. Bradtke stated that we could look at doing everything all together, sprucing up the park and maybe installing pickleball courts there. Mr. Kil advised Mr. Sobek to put a plan together.
Mr. Rainwater stated that last fall when they tore the clubhouse out of there, they didn’t plant grass and the water washed the dirt into Lake Hills.
Mr. Kil asked if it is all settled. Mr. Sobek responded that there have been piles dumped in there, there are some weeds, and it is rutted from the rain. Mr. Kil instructed Mr. Sobek to get a company out there and get it seeded properly.
Mr. Miklusak asked if he could make a motion that we instruct Mr. Sobek to get a couple of quotes on fixing it up. I’ll make that motion.
Mr. Bradtke asked if that is something Parks or Public Works will do. Mr. Kil advised it will be Parks.
Mr. Sobek stated he had asked about it last year. Mr. Kil stated there was a big hole out there that needed to be filled, and there will be settlement. Once everything is settled properly, we can fill, grade it properly, and seed it.
Mr. Rainwater stated the area where they took out the old house by the ice skating rink has been settling for two or three years. Mr. Kil stated we were supposed to put the volley ball courts in, but that seems to be dragging out. Mr. Kil stated that needs be done and instructed Mr. Sobek get a company out there to grade it and seed it as well.
(Mr. Bradtke adjourned the meeting at 6:26 p.m.)
Respectfully Submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Park Board
Frank Bradtke, President | John Rainwater, Member | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
Melissa Stefanko, Vice-President | Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison | |
Carl Miklusak, Member | Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent |
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.)
Motion to approve by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Ms. Stefanko. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Motion to approve the programs and fees by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Miklusak stated that it is great that the Park 5-year Plan Public Meetings is advertised in the brochure.
Mr. Sobek stated that he has a couple prices on the pickleball courts: one for $18,000 and another for $38,000; however, the courts are not comparable to one another. He is still working to get additional information for the board.
Mr. Sobek advised that Larimer Park is the park that the Town wants to upgrade in preparation for the 50th anniversary. He has provided three proposals in their packets that are designs for consideration. Colors of what is included in the designs are optional, and additions or subtractions of items can be made. However, the swing sets, which are red, will stay there as they are only a couple of years old.
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion for approval to purchase new signs for Patnoe Park and Schillton Hills Park. Motion by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Ms. Stefanko. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion for approval for seeding Lake Hills Park and Heartland Park with the cost not to exceed $6000. Motion by Ms. Stefanko. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Sobek stated that the members are not required to be there but that they are welcome to come.
Mr. Miklusak stated that he previously spoke with Chip about construction mud that was covering areas of the same trail from a new house that was being built. Mr. Sobek stated that Mr. Rick Eberly has spoken with the contractors, and it is supposed to be remedied. Mr. Miklusak thanked Mr. Sobek.
Mr. Miklusak stated that he is especially concerned about the property with the electrical outlet. Mr. Bradtke stated that it appears to run right across park land. Mr. Miklusak concurred that it does appear to run across park land. However, he is unsure if it is park land, because the association covenants states that the master association is responsible for all maintenance, care, and upkeep. Mr. Kil stated that he will look at the master map that he has and determine if it is Town property or HOA-owned property.
Mr. Miklusak stated that he is concerned about whether it was actually requested, approved, and inspected. Mr. Kil stated that he knows the homeowner wanted to put a fountain in the pond, which is essentially useless because it isn’t deep enough.
Mr. Kil further stated that he has no idea about the sump pumps; however, he will look into it. Mr. Miklusak thanked Mr. Kil for agreeing to look into the matter.
Mr. Miklusak stated that he is worried about whether or not it is a ground-fault outlet, who will pay for it, whose liability it is, who will do the upkeep, and if the outlet will be checked annual to ensure it is working properly. Mr. Kil stated he will check into that as well
(Mr. Bradtke adjourned the meeting at 6:12 p.m.)
Respectfully Submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Park Board
Frank Bradtke, President | John Rainwater, Member | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
Melissa Stefanko, Vice-President | Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison | |
Carl Miklusak, Member | Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent |
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.)
Absent: Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent
Motion to approve Option 2 at Larimer Park for installation of the playground equipment and the surface in an amount not to exceed $82,000 by Mr. Miklusak. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Motion to approve Option 5 in an amount not to exceed $120,000 by Ms. Stefanko. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
There was public comment by three individuals. We also received a letter that will be attached to the transcript of the meeting. Mr. Arshami hasn’t finished that transcript yet, but when it is done, along with the letter, we would like that to be posted on the Town Website so that is available to the public. During the Public Comment, there was discussion about posting that on our website to use as a reference.
Mr. Arshami will adjust his presentation and make another public meeting presentation at a future date. Once Mr. Arshami has all that completed, it will be another document for the board to review before moving forward with approval for the 5-year Plan, moving into 2019.
Mr. Miklusak stated that reading the letter, he agrees with Mr. DeVito about the website and the map. If that could be tied in with the 5-year Master Plan and the inventory and put the numbers on the map and possibly a link to each park with the inventory and the picture, that would be great.
Dennis DeVito (10341 Silver Maple Drive): I’m also in The Gates and appreciate the, uh, the equipment. Um, I always thought you guys had an easy job. But I was at the meeting just – the meeting; and I realize the task that you have is substantial. There’s a lot of projects with their hands out waiting for city funds. And somewhere on that list is the park district. And I’m not sure where you fit in the grand scheme of things. That’s up to our budget, where it is.
But as I mentioned earlier, I think the plan is extremely aggressive, extremely, um, requiring enough funding that I shudder when I think about what it would take to incorporate this plan. And I would hope that the final presentation offers a funding alternative or alternatives on how to achieve it. Just to throw out a wish list without a source of funding is, I – I think delinquent – in – in – in your task if you do that.
I don’t know how you go back to the city, if you go with private funding, TIF funding, or whatever you come up with, you need something. I was also surprised that there is a 5-year Master Plan that apparently was not presented to the consultant.
Now, being new in town and being new to the Park Board, I can’t confirm that. But if it was a 5-year plan, I would certainly appreciate seeing it. The work was done; it was paid for. Somewhere in the bowels of the city hall, this thing exists, if it does. And the consultant should have something to compare his work to. I’m sure the – the report was fine. The presentation at the beginning and the presentation at the end were customized for our city.
The center part was boilerplate. And you can just change the name. It would be for any town. I mean, very good analysis, but when it came down to our parks, I’m concerned about the cost. I do think you’re doing a good job. I do think the consultant was, um, thorough. I think he’s doing – doing the kinds of things that I would support you – you doing.
I would like to make a suggestion. Last night at the BZA, a piece of property in the neighborhood here was – there was a requested, um, zoning waiver that did not pass. The corner lot on 92nd and 41 is the lot in question. I certainly would encourage the park district to investigate whether that is available, whether it can be purchased.
A couple reasons: It would be a great centerpiece for the city. If you’re going to market this city, I can visualize a little tower with a bell and pictures – really nice. It would protect that corner. That corner is going to be – we are going to get petition after petition after petition for that corner. I don’t know eventually what will go there. But if you’re worried about wheel count and traffic flow, one nice way to protect that is to make it a park.
It would expand the city in a contiguous way from here to there, around – around the back. And you got room for future expansion of the city for any kind of facilities we would want to go in the future. A great meeting place, great, potentially, concerts; centrally located; and, um, it would be a shame – it would be a shame to miss any opportunity.
But this particular one has come up. I know the streets are about to be widened. There’s talk of that. You’re going to buy some of that property anyway. It would be to buy the whole thing and don’t worry about it. You can start the expansions tomorrow if you have to.
Also, I am concerned that in the part of the presentation, properties were identified for potential purchase. I wrestle between openness and confidentiality when it comes to proposing someone’s property for potential purchase by the city. You do affect the price of the property when you do that. And I don’t know how else to do it, but to openly talk about people’s property in a context of purchasing them does affect their value.
And again, you folks do a good job. Thank you.
Mr. Bradtke advised that there is a current 3-year Plan for the parks. It was not done by an outside vendor; it was done by the Park Board. It’s centered specifically on what order in which the parks would be repaired in town. This 5-year Master Plan is the first plan that was done by an outside agency that is much more encompassing than what has been done in the past.
(Mr. Bradtke adjourned the meeting at 6:11 p.m.)
Respectfully Submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Park Board
Frank Bradtke, President | John Rainwater, Member | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
Melissa Stefanko, Vice-President | Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison | |
Carl Miklusak, Member | Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent |
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.)
Absent: Carl Miklusak
Motion to approve the winter programs and fees by Ms. Stefanko. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Bradtke asked how many children are signed up. Mr. Sobek responded that approximately 125-150 children are signed up.
Mr. Sobek advised that Target, Ted’s Feed Store in Schererville, and Smoothie King will all have booths there.
(Mr. Bradtke adjourned the meeting at 6:02 p.m.)
Respectfully Submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Park Board
Frank Bradtke, President | John Rainwater, Member | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
Melissa Stefanko, Vice-President | Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison | |
Carl Miklusak, Member | Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent |
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.)
Motion to approve by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.
Motion to approve the extension of services by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.
Motion to approve by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.
Motion to approve the revised plans by Mr. Miklusak. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Sobek noted that the price includes the installation. Mr. Bradtke added that it is what was missing the last time.
Mr. Bradtke advised that we will move on with the agenda.
Motion by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Forbes advised the members that the information was sent to them at the beginning of November and directed everyone’s attention to the viewing screen in the room. He stated that the proposed bike trail will line up with the bike trail to be installed by Schilling Development in The Preserve along White Oak Avenue, turn west along 93rd Avenue, go to a natural area, and cross 93rd Avenue at Schillton Drive and connect into Schillton Hills.
Mr. Forbes stated that he would like to see the bike trail continue going north through the sidewalk system to Goldenrod in Sun Meadows. The proposed trail is in an existing road right-of-way easement, so no easements will need to be procured. Between Goldenrod and 93rd Avenue is Schillton Hills Park, and there is a curvilinear alternate route that would curve through the park and outlot drainage parcels.
Mr. Forbes stated that the original White Oak easement ran all the way up to 86th Avenue, but there is an area that is questionable that may have been replatted during a subdivision change for Cardinal Cove, which will be ironed out before making any moves on this.
Mr. Sobek asked if there are any issues with the pipeline. Mr. Forbes responded that there will be a couple of hoops to jump through, but since it is a bike trail it shouldn’t be a big deal. Mr. Sobek stated that he knows the pipeline runs under other trails.
Mr. Miklusak stated that even if they put White Oak Avenue through, there would be some curves. Mr. Forbes responded that wherever the trail goes, it would be far enough off the roadway to, technically, be the sidewalk for that side of White Oak Avenue, which may not go through.
Mr. Miklusak stated it could provide a connection to a larger area. Mr. Forbes stated that he hasn’t researched any farther than the areas discussed; however, there may be an easement where Primrose goes out to 85th Avenue or into Cardinal Cove. He added that it may not be a good easement as it may be a lot of wetland. It could be the next step if the Park Board wanted to keep the bike trail moving in that direction.
Mr. Miklusak asked if the trail that Schilling Development is putting in would connect to the others. Mr. Forbes stated that the Shillings put in the bike trail that we connected to on the south side.
Mr. Miklusak stated that this would pretty much give us a north-to-south bike trail. Mr. Forbes concurred.
Mr. Forbes stated that if we connect to the bike trail at 93rd Avenue, it would be like the one we put in from 102nd Avenue to 101st Avenue and would be another significant connection.
Mr. Miklusak expressed that he likes the idea. Mr. Bradtke concurred.
Mr. Kil advised that it would take us from almost the southern boundary of town to the northern boundary of town using either a trail or sidewalk.
Mr. Bradtke asked Mr. Forbes if we need to approve the plan. Mr. Forbes responded that he wanted to present it to the board and discuss the plan.
Mr. Forbes advised that it is going to have to go through the bidding process, and the numbers are only rough numbers. Mr. Forbes advised that he can have Mr. Kenn Kraus, Town Engineer, finalize things as it will have to be surveyed; and there are a few other things that need done.
Mr. Kil stated the base bid is approximately $253,000. Mr. Bradtke stated that the first bid of $253,000 was already over the threshold. Mr. Kil stated the alternate bid is $280,000 for the curved option and advised that anything over $150,000 has to go to bid regardless of the project.
Mr. Miklusak stated that bending the trail into the park made a lot of sense. Multiple members concurred that they like the curve.
Mr. Miklusak asked if there is a shelter there. Mr. Bradtke responded that there is a shelter at Schillton Hills Park. Mr. Forbes stated that the way the path is currently laid out, it runs between the two pieces of equipment, up against the pavilion.
Mr. Kil advised that it is wise to try and connect as many parks as possible and that it would be a shame to have a trail run past a park and not connect to it. Mr. Kil stated that we are looking at approximately $280,000, and if it is something the board is agreeable to, Mr. Forbes can collaborate with Mr. Kraus and start fine-tuning everything and put a drawing and specs together,
Motion to move forward with the planning by Mr. Miklusak.
Mr. Rainwater asked how it would connect to Rainwater Park. Mr. Forbes responded that this new connection would take the trail to Primrose. He knows there is interest in taking the trail out to Patterson Street, but he hasn’t researched it yet.
Mr. Rainwater stated that whenever he mentions taking a bike path down Patterson Street, he’s always told there’s no easement; however, the people who own property on Patterson Street don’t own up to the pavement. There is some kind of an easement on each side of Patterson Street.
Mr. Rainwater further stated that Oakwood Drive to Patterson is the shortest route. If he wanted to ride his bike to downtown St. John, there’s no way to get there. Mr. Kil stated that we don’t even have a sidewalk system there.
Discussion ensued about possible connections. Mr. Forbes stated that if development keeps going the way it is now and if the Velligan farm ever sells, it is wide open and would make it easier to shoot off towards Rainwater Park and Patterson Street. Mr. Kil stated that there are 100 acres there that is still undeveloped.
Mr. Forbes clarified that no one is looking at the Velligan property at this time, but it could be a future possibility. Mr. Miklusak stated that we may not be here; but if and when it happens, whoever is here should consider it.
Mr. Forbes responded that there may still be other opportunities at the end of Goldenrod that might be able to be looked into for a possible connection to Patterson Street as well.
Mr. Kil advised that whenever there is a trail system that is adjacent to a large tract of land, it is much easier for the Plan Commission to request the connection of the bike trail. Mr. Forbes stated that it is part of the give-and-take when someone comes in with a request for R-2 or R-3 or whatever.
Mr. Bradtke advised that there is a motion on the floor to move forward. The motion was seconded. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Bradtke advised that we will move forward with pricing options and planning.
Mr. Taghi Arshami, Principal The Arsh Group, greeted the board, reviewed the process they completed for the Draft Master Plan, and summarized what will be discussed during the meeting.
Mr. Arshami stated that all the past processes have contributed to the development of a set of priorities, advised an action plan for the next five years, which were distributed to the board for review last week.
Mr. Arshami stated that he and Mr. Jay Gianotti are here to get input regarding the documents that were sent and complete the Draft Master Plan, which was anticipated to go for public meeting on December 18, 2018, at the next board meeting.
Mr. Arshami explained that the Proposed Priority Plan has three sets of priorities: Essential, those items that are a critical need; Needed, those items need to be given strong consideration; and Desired, those items are desirable but not critical and are put in a timeline for the end of the 5-year period or for future planning.
Mr. Arshami explained how they determined the prioritization of the items, which included input received from the board, the Town staff, surveys, and public response. There are six or seven criteria that were used to calculate the priorities.
1. Safety. For example, if a playground is old and unsafe, it is a high priority.
2. ADA compliance. For example, extending sidewalks or trails to make facilities ADA accessible.
3. Facility complement. For example, one facility can complement another facility, such as adding a trail or path to a park with playground equipment.
4. Facility development. For example, adding programs or activities, which includes hiring someone to be in charge of recreational programming.
Mr. Arshami noted that there is a lack of venue and that a recreation center or community center is proposed as a priority to study: Do a feasibility study; do a site selection study; and see where, how, and what the cost would be.
5. Park branding. For example, signage, landscaping, and entry-point landscaping in particular.
6. Uniform development. A set of design guidelines to establish uniformity in the development of parks and park improvements that the Town can use and ask private developers to use as well.
Mr. Arshami commented that developers don’t like to dedicate good land for the parks, they like to dedicate wetlands. In the design guidelines, it states that you should not accept any parkland that is more than 50 percent water or wetland.
7. Park foundation establishment. A park foundation can afford opportunity to obtain donations of land and funds.
Mr. Arshami advised that a “land bank” should be established, separate from the Parks Department and the Town, to be used for future grant matches.
Mr. Kil asked Mr. Arshami if he helped Schererville establish their park foundation. Mr. Arshami responded in the affirmative.
Mr. Kil asked if Mr. Arshami is wanting the Park Board to adopt or approve the Proposed Priority Plan as presented for inclusion into the Park Master Plan. Mr. Arshami responded they are here to get input; and once the Park Board approves or adopts the Park Master Plan, they are adopting everything.
Mr. Kil advised that the Proposed Priority Plan has identified attainable goals.
Mr. Bradtke stated that he likes the way the Proposed Priority Plan reflects what is essential, needed, and desired. The Proposed Action Plan is spread out over five years; however, the dollar amount is a cause for concern at $28.9 million in park improvements over five years.
Mr. Bradtke asked where the money is going to come from and stated that he is not okay with spending that amount of money in the next five years. Mr. Kil stated that expenditures of that amount isn’t feasible.
Mr. Kil informed Mr. Arshami that it is reasonable for the Park Board to spend approximately $500,000 a year, which is feasible.
Mr. Arshami asked Mr. Gianotti to address how the numbers work and how they came up with those numbers.
Mr. Miklusak stated that he always thought a 5-year plan was a direction and a goal, not that we were going to do all of these projects. Mr. Kil responded that they are not mandated to do any of them.
Mr. Arshami stated that they have planned for the Park Board to spend approximately $500,000 to $600,000, annually, over the next five years for expenditures and that Mr. Gianotti has the configuration of how the 5-year plan can work with the proposed expenditure.
Mr. Gianotti explained the breakdown of different funding sources located on the last page of the proposed Action Plan.
Mr. Miklusak requested that the various parks in The Gates of St. John be identified more clearly.
Mr. Gianotti stated that the Park Impact Fee is projected to yield approximately $500,000 a year and that first line on the last page depicts the items expected to be paid from the Park Impact Fee, which equals roughly $2.6 million.
Mr. Gianotti advised that they have identified other ways to fund some of the larger projects.
Mr. Gianotti stated that the Park Impact Fee alone cannot pay for a community center and that St. John could use a bond to pay for a community center. Mr. Gianotti added that they have listed line items for grants and that there are several grants that are available for park development or improvement. He further stated that specific grants are not identified in the current Action Plan.
Mr. Gianotti stated that there are items listed available for CDBG, Community Development Block Grant, and the Town has received and is projected to receive approximately $60,000 every two years from this fund, which are typically used to fund ADA accessibility improvements.
Mr. Gianotti explained that the Donation line item is tied to a proposed park in the southeast part of town, east of Cline Avenue for a proposed baseball sports complex where a developer is offering the land. Mr. Gianotti stated that private funds are a very small amount for any donations that may be given or the establishment of a park foundation.
Mr. Gianotti noted that Other Town Funds refers to collaborating with other departments within the Town as items that aren’t necessarily on park land may not be funded directly by the Park Board.
Mr. Gianotti stated that the subtotal for the aforementioned comes to just under $24 million.
Mr. Gianotti advised that the park plan does advocate finding new parkland opportunities, and it is recommended on the last line item that a separate fund be established solely for land acquisition. He further advised that the Action Plan covers some of the potential sites, when they could happen, and a rough valuation for the same.
Mr. Gianotti stated that some of the items in the Action Plan are long-term items to be fulfilled in, perhaps, 6 to 10 years. Mr. Gianotti further stated that the final total of the improvements is about $28 million; however, only about 10 percent of that cost would come directly from the Park Impact Fee or Park Board funds. The vast majority would come from other sources, so the number for the Park Board to focus on is $2.6 million.
Mr. Bradtke asked if we would use the entire work product as a guideline to identify priority projects within a year. Mr. Kil responded that the board would use this to identify projects that can be accomplished.
Mr. Kil advised that these studies typically shoot for the moon, but realistically you can expect to fund approximately $2.6 million over 5 years, which is achievable.
Mr. Bradtke asked if the other sources don’t materialize, then we just curtail what activities we do as the funding is not available. Mr. Gianotti stated that this is also a guide to say what other sources might be applicable for funding various projects.
Mr. Kil stated that a rec center or park building would likely fall under a Holding Corporation, which is a similar entity to what was used to pay for the Town Hall and Public Safety Facility.
Mr. Kil advised that the Park Board can’t do all that, and it would have to come from a separate mechanism. We would have to do a Holding Corporation and a bond issue that is outside of our current debt limit and our current lending caps. Mr. Kil added that there are a number of ways to go about those types of things.
Mr. Bradtke asked if this is a guideline, which was created based in input that The Arsh Group received, on where we should be moving and what our priorities are as we move forward and if we just deem what those priorities are as we have funding available and move through each year of the plan. Mr. Kil and Mr. Gianotti confirmed the same. Mr. Bradtke thanked them and stated that it helps to know that information.
Mr. Bradtke asked what the Park Board needs to do at this point. Mr. Kil asked Mr. Arshami if he wants the Park Board to approve the Proposed Priority Plan and schedule the Public Hearing. Mr. Arshami responded in the affirmative.
Mr. Kil asked Mr. Arshami to confirm that he was planning on having the Public Hearing on December 18, 2018. Mr. Arshami responded in the affirmative.
Mr. Kil asked the Park Board members if they are agreeable to having the Park Master Plan Public Hearing the night of the next board meeting. The members responded that holding it in conjunction with the next board meeting works for them.
Mr. Gianotti stated that the draft of the Park Master Plan is essentially completed, so they will aim to get that to Mr. Kil and Mr. Sobek for a first look soon.
Motion to approve the Draft Park Master Plan as presented along with the Proposed Priority Plan and authorize a Public Hearing for the same to be held on December 18, 2018 by Mr. Miklusak. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carries 3 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Bradtke advised that the next meeting will be a Public Hearing for final approval of the Park Master Plan. Mr. Arshami stated that it will be for adoption of the Park Master Plan.
Mr. Arshami advised that once it is adopted, it will be sent to the State for their approval; and once it is approved, St. John becomes eligible for all types of grants. Mr. Kil stated that once the Park Master Plan is approved, grant capabilities increase tremendously.
Mr. Miklusak asked if there is someone who works on grants for us. Mr. Kil responded that Mr. Gianotti may if we ask him nicely.
Mr. Rainwater stated that Mr. Sobek wants money to put a sign up at Larimer Park explaining who the park is named after, Marshal Larimer. Mr. Bradtke stated that it is included in the amount approved tonight for the Larimer Park improvements.
Mr. Sobek stated that the St. John Police Department is working on the appropriate wording for the sign, which will incorporate the name of the park and a dedication to what the park is. The playground equipment will resemble police equipment.
Mr. Miklusak asked if it would have a symbol of Marshal Larimer. Mr. Sobek responded that we have a copy of the badge that we can incorporate into the sign.
(Mr. Bradtke adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m.)
Respectfully Submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Park Board
Frank Bradtke, President | John Rainwater, Member | Stephen Kil, Town Manager |
Melissa Stefanko, Vice-President | Michael S. Forbes, Town Council Liaison | |
Carl Miklusak, Member | Chip Sobek, Parks & Recreation Superintendent |
(The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.)
Absent: None
Motion to approve by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Ms. Stefanko. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2018-12-18, a resolution regarding the Park Master Plan.
Motion to adopt Resolution No. 2018-12-18 by Mr. Miklusak. Seconded by Mr. Rainwater. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Bradtke advised that no public is present to make public comment on this matter.
Motion by Mr. Miklusak. Seconded by Ms. Stefanko. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
Mr. Bradtke entertained a motion to adjourn. Motion by Mr. Rainwater. Seconded by Mr. Miklusak. Motion carries 4 ayes to 0 nays.
(Mr. Bradtke adjourned the meeting at 6:16 p.m.)
Respectfully Submitted:
Margaret R. Abernathy, Recording Secretary
St. John Park Board