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McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry, IL), 11 Apr 1979, p. 20

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t PAGE 20 - PLAINDEALER - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11. 1979 Mayor Joe Stanek points to an area of special interest as he outlines Master plan foriPetersen park. His address was made at the public forum on McHenry recreational facilities sponsored by the Woodstock-McHenry League of Women Voters last Thursday evening. STAFF PHOTO-LLOYD BURGEE REVEAL PARK PLANNING AT PUBLIC CITY FORUM (Continued from page 1) concrete building which, Stanek said, impressed him with its durability and flexibility. It could be easily insulated, to almost a limitless extent, architect John Wright said later, and could be con­ structed fast and had a low cost per square foot. Stanek said he presented his ideas to the Council at a December meeting of the parks and building committee. Later, at a Feb. 4 meeting, the Council told him to "whoa up" and get some input from citizens as to what should go in the building and what it would be used for. He noted that although the buck for spending this money stops with the elected officials he agreed with the Council and started naming a citizens' committee to work with them. Stanek listed some promises for money by developers if their subdivisions are annexed and if the building becomes a reality. This included RDG, $100,000 plus 150,000 for a pool; Falcon Bros., $100,000 if the building is realized; and others which could reach a half million, he said. Stanek described Petersen park as consisting of 28 acres with 13 acres wooded and another 4.7 acres acquired on the lake itself, which give the potential of a sandy beach. He said there is an 80-car parking lot, three tennis courts, a slide set, rest rooms, a shelter and climbing equipment, shuf- fleboard courts, horseshoe pits, and picnic tables, of which some were donated by various civic organizations. He displayed the schematics for his proposed building and suggested that further donations from banks or business could help to complete and furnish the structure or facilities. The plans were not "sacred" he admitted and were open to change. The possibilities for use of the building "are limitless as I see it." he noted. Stanek said the possibility of a park district had been discussed, but he and others had reservations about this approach, and he also didn't see including an area larger than the city although some arrangements could be worked, maybe by charging non­ residents a higher rate. He said the city shared many facilities with nearby areas now. But he believed the city would eliminate problems by keeping the authority within its own boundaries. Stanek noted, as he discussed some of the various sports that could be made available with fees charged, that they shouldn't be in the entertainment business (competing with tennis and handball clubs by charging maybe a $1 less in fees.) Stanek said he also did not see a slackening in the pace of construction and this should result in $80,000 in developers' fees and donations annually rolling into the city coffers. It could support revenue bonds he noted. He disclosed that in about 4 weeks the city should close a deal for a 34-acre park site south of the city. Stanek also outlined proposed subdivisions between the. city and Petersen park and projected some more roads that would give access through McHenry Lake Estates and Lakeland Park. He played down Freund park as a site for more facilities, saying it would have little room for a pool and some parking, contribute to congestion in the middle of town and probably require the building of another parking facility that in the winter would benefit certain other businesses in town. Stanek also related that possibly a pool comparable to that in Woodstock could be built for about $200,000 in con­ junction with the proposed building because of the savings in housing equipment and parking and other facilities already there. Later in the discussions it was suggested that the building could easily be extended to house the pool for year 'round use. And he added the building as a center of activities could easily lead to a cooperative program with the schools that might open up some of their facilities to public use. Supplementing Stanek's presentation was information about outdoor pool construction and life given by Pete Merkel, former McHenry resident who is a recreation supervisor of the Waukegan Park district. He explained that a pool under Olympic size just being com­ pleted was costing Waukegan $535,000 and a precast building comparable to that being considered by McHenry they had built for $560,000. Merkel said their experience showed that outdoor pool life was around 15 years and at aroung ten years they en­ countered serious problems with maintaining pool mechanical systems because of obsolete parts and manufac­ turers. Merkel estimated that the operation of a pool with the help required would cost $40,000 yearly exclusive of mechanical maintenance. He noted also a trend away from new con­ struction of outdoor pools in this area because of their short period of use, no more than 3 months. Some areas are cooperating with schools to construct jointly used indoor pool facilities, he said. John Lampe, a YMCA official said that the McHenry area had been noted as a possibility for a cooperative "Y" program sigce it was served by a park district and was void of programs. He said there were probably 50 to 80 thousand people in the area and the "Y" program could involve them. John Wright, an architect who works for National Precast, explained the maintenance free construction, both inside and out and the good thermal barrier that could be built into walls and roof of a precast building with no real limit. He said that knock out walls permitted expansion of the building and a pool could be built alongside and enclosed later. Audis Boland, representing the McCullom Lake Con­ servation club, recalled that members had asked McHenry to assist with correcting lake problems through its revenue sharing funds, and now that the city had access to the lake through its shore property, maybe they could use this for swimming instead of the pool and use some of that money to maintain the lake. She questioned the need for a pool at a park on the beach of a lake. She noted allegations of pollution in the lake might have been true several years ago due to the low level, but last year it was cited as one of the cleanest lakes in Illinois. She urged the I E W E L C A T A L O G O U T L E T S T O R E • J E W E L C A T A L O G O U T L E T S T O R E • J E W E L C A T A L O G O U T L E T S T O R E • J E W E L JIWBL MERCHANDISE CLEARANCE CENTER A DIVISION OF JEWEL DIRECT MARKETING ( 301W. Virginia St. 1 CRYSTAL LAKE 815-455-0333 Mon.,Tu«s.-9 a.m.-5 p.m. W Wed., Thurs., Fr. ™ 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. I* Sat. 9 a.m.* 5 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sale Days Wed., April 11 thru Tues., April 17 --1While Quantities Last-- LADIES CLOTHING SALE POLKA DOTS! 100% polyester. S-M-L-XL. Brown and white. SHORT SLEEVE JACKET MCC REG. *9.99 $400 TANK MCC REG.M.99 $000 LADIES SHOES We've just received over 150 pairs of ladies shoes. Good selection. Great Savings! * SPORT OXFORDS MCC REG. '7.49 $300 WEDGE 16" BOOTS MCC REG.$17.47 $099 Medium widths on shoes ALL OTHER LADIES WEAR OFF Our Discount Price KIDS RAINCOAT SALE HALF PRICE! Boys Racing Stripe Sizes 6-16 *-i on MCC REG. '3.59 * • W Girls Zip Front Zip Jacket/Coat Sizes 4-14 MCC REG. $910 *4.19 ht Tots Raincoat Red-white-blue. . rA Sizes 2-7 $150 MCC REG. *2.99 X REMEMBER-- SUNDAY IS EASTER SPECIAL MAGIC HAT , S.. With Bunny Puppet -J" MCC.. REG. *2.39 56* MAGIC HAT SPECIAL - C.L STORE ONLY city to help in the pollution management problem. Meetings of her group she said were held on the third Thur­ sday of each month at 8 pun. Stanek conceded that the lake could be used instead of a pool. He also guaranteed to the audience that Petersen park will increase in size, noting a 3 Mr acre addition to the south from the McHenry Lakes subdivision. Stanek predicted that Maple avenue would be cut through to the park in the future. He concluded by saying they could have an imaginative and complete park system if they keep on planning. There is an outstanding seed money available, Stanek said. 1 From the audience came a question of the cost of facilities being considered for the park area east of the railroad tracks. It seemed to the questioner that it would be about $2 million. Stanek said he saw the program as transitional (long range) and conceded that they might have been premature on their publicity about the project. When the reason for schools not being open for general use was brought up, an audience member assured the group that, it was to prevent vandalism and reduce janitorial costs. Stanek also responded to a questioner that there had been no needs assessment made in McHenry, and the questioner added that although he had not necessarily favored the building project, he would favor a complete (re­ creational ) program for McHenry. When neighborhood parks were mentioned, Stanek ad­ vised that they wouldn't be cheap, but he, too, would like to see them. * Another audience member suggested that the city build a full 50 meter pool that could be divided into two 25's and said that from his experience, the demand for such facilities could bring in much off-peak period revenue from various groups. A Lakeland Park resident said that because of the in­ crease in vandalism incidents at and near Petersen park since it opened, his community wanted input into what goes into the park. He also asked why no Lakeland Park persons were included on the committee. Stanek said he had not thought it was a political issue. Stanek ended his program by noting that they had a number of options and the elected of­ ficials must do their homework. He advised the audience to talk with their own aldermen if they have ideas. Included on the committee for park faciliites were: Peter Merkel, Vicki Kopsell, Bob Mortel, Chris Bennett, Lynne Donarski, Betty Smith, Bill Hutchinson, John Lampe, Janet Conway. Kay Halvorsen, 1 Kay Huck, Bill Buhrman and Roger Kriewaldt. A meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wed- | nesday, April 11, at the city hall. Janet Conway and Sheila Aleckson, LOWV parks com mittee chairpersons, handled the arrangements for the forum and presided over the discussion. RDG DEVELOPER NEGOTIATIONS GRIND ON (Continued from page 1) Winding Creek) is a small thing. Attorney Narusis suggested that the agreement contain language that would give the city absolute discretion to say when and where the fencing would be needed. Berg said yes, RDG could do it but pointed out there would be .' final expenses for the city would have to maintain it and that's expensive. And on the fencing requirement, Berg said he could deal with this Council, but how about the future, there would be at least three elec­ tions while the development was proceding and three new Councils. Gerstad said it would be unfair if the Council makes the requirement retroactive (after a number of units were sold) that the costs would have to be recovered from the remaining units. He added that today's society may not want to be fenced in. Some aldermen pointed out that the purpose of the park land was for it to be used by people sd* why fence them out. Stanek also suggested a limit of 1,500 feet of fencing to be required by the city where it was thought to be needed. Stanek noted about RDG's concern for future city coun- All Other Easter Toys y2 PRICE LET'S GO FISHING! Family Fishing Sets 40% OFF Our Discount Price J E W E L C A T A L O G O U T L E T S T O R E • J E W E L C A T A L O G . O U T L E T S T O R E • J E W E L C A T A L O G O U T L E T S T O R E • J E W E L cils, that he has more con­ fidence in councils than in developers. The fence issue was not resolved. Narusis cautioned against a provision that the number of plats to be submitted to the city would be at the entire discretion of RDG. He suggested the item is all on the side of RDG, and added a reminder "Remember, it's been written by them for them." It's up to us to find things." Gerstad recalled that Narusis had gone over the agreement thoroughly with them and their lawyer. Narusis retorted that didn't mean that he necessarily agreed with it. He said could agree with a number of provisions but found some that does not obligate all parties equally. Attorney Einberg of KDG claimed there was nothing sinister intended in the use of different terms for the various parties to the agreement and explained that for instance RDG is synonomous with "owner" or "beneficiary" in the references tp th6 trust. Narusis protested that the agreement does not obligate anybody to develop anything anywhere anytime and there is no sequencing indicated for subdividing. Gerstad said he understood the city's concerns," If we don't live up to our agreement in­ cluding the donation of land, the zoning should revert to R-l after 10 years," The discussion went into the relationship of platting, donations and the authorization for building a planned unit development expiring after 10 years which could be 12 or 13 years with the submission of the final plat. Narusis noted that in case of some dvelopments at Cary, the developers laid out everything moneywise in advance. Gerstad reminded the Council that not>ody has an absolute answer for tomorrow, if guarantees were the concern of the city. Listing the amounts expected from RDG by the city totaling $916,000, Gerstad added, "If you are looking for all that up in front then the project.(Winding Creek) is not feasible." Gerstad also indicated that fragmented buying is not an uncommon way of acquiring property. Under such an arrangement the deal is front end loaded, with the buyer paying more for their first land and less for the later parcels. Gerstad said it would be negative on the part of RDG not to go ahead because of the tremendous front end costs, "That's our incentive". Stanek responded, "I'm tired of your complaints of big contributions and there is no park contribution." He reminded RDG that they originally said they would buy the new sewer plant, then later reduced this to an irrevocable letter of credit, a letter that their credit is good somewhere, he said. Alderman Jerry Rogers said, "We don't want RDG to go defunct and something else go in after we spent all this time on this agreement." Berg asserted, "I don't think we are too far apart," and suggested that if they could dedicate 10 acres (of park) every year for 5 years, the city would have all 50 acres, "and if we default, let the land revert back to R-l zoning." Stanek asked, "Do you own it?" Berg, "Not yet, but we could set a time table." Stanek pushed another angle. "We got to get a road out to Curran road. Most of the park land is no good." Narusis asked, "Will Back- haus sign the agreement to the dedication schedule?" Berg reminded, "If there is no development (if RDG defaults) there is no impact." Stanek took exception, "What about all that stuff along Crystal Lake road?" Berg, "You're making one assumption, that we default," and added that the schedule could be written into the document. Narusis claimed that Backhaus would have all the advantage if he acquired the developing rights in the event of default by RDG. He said the city would have no leverage against BackhaUs. Alderman George Harker said Backhaus should bear some responsibility with guarantees to the city. Berg referred the Council to Paragraph 19 of the agreement which , purportedly disclaims the intent of Backhaus and Brackmann to ever develop the parcel, although they might be signatories to parts of the agreement. Gerstad insisted, "Backhaus does not have control over the property and could not obligate himself to dedicate it (inferring that the control was with RDG through the trust.)" Discussion about a road to Curran questioned the need for it until there was development on the west side of Boone creek. Rogers disagreed, saying the moment a road has people on it, it's important to the people living there and connections should be ordered. Stanek said in disgust, "It's 10-little 40-acre subdivisions," and asked Gerstad if he could indicate generally on the large map when RDG would take out which area. He imagined that along Curran road would be among the last. Gerstad ac­ ceded, "Yes." And Stanek triumphantly, "See what I mean, folks?" Gerstad hastened to add that it wasn't entirely true, that they would get some land on Curran earlier, and also they can ac­ celerate the take-outs. After more discussion about park land dedication, well sites, and money issues, and the amount of RDG control over the Winding Creek acreage, Berg agreed to let the mayor and his attorney to read the contract between RDG and Backhaus, but not to reproduce it and to report back to the Council. Further discussion reached what Datz characterized as "nitpicking" which Stanek defended as necessary at this time. : Rogers suggested that they rewrite the agreement to in­ clude the actual owners wherever they think it is warranted, and to make the times for land dedication im­ mediately and see if Backhaus will sign it. "This would save us a lot of time. They would convey (the dedicated land) on annexation", Rogers claimed. RDG's attorney said he did not know if Backhaus would sign even the existing agreement since the owner has not seen it yet. Getting into provisions in the agreement about the water and sewer systems which the city was to provide, Narusis warned of the provision on the sewer plant covering allocation of "population equivalents" and other special language. He noted that there is no obligation by RDG to pay for the expansion unless the sewer fund reaches a zero balance. This could led to a law suit, Narusis cautioned. It's a lopside provision for the city to make capacity available for a subdivision for which it does not pay a dime. He said that at the very least they should delete the promises on capcacity. Berg reminded them that in earlier discussion about population equivalents the city had indicated plans to expand the capacity of the sewer plants. Stanek said the plans referred to were at Springfield now for approval. Gerstad said he could see no problem with the proposal. If the city uses all the available population equivalents by giving them to someone else, they would collect the required money and pay off the bonds (leaving the city free for fur­ ther expansion). Narusis warned that the language would get them into court.' Getting back to the problem of land dedication and the Backhaus involvement, Ger­ stad said his contract with the owner did not force him to do this and if the Council wants this matteer settled, they should do it now, otherwise after seeing Backhaus, RDG would be back here to talk again. After further discussion about the roles that the city and RDG should play in paying for expansion of the sewer system, which Narusis said was like the developer paying for it in ad­ vance), Gerstad told the Council they could strike the entire provision referring to this matter if it would make them happy. Stanek urged that they not eliminate everything, they should leave in the promise of RDG to pay if the water and sewer fund is exhausted, but not obliging the city for capacity to RDG. Stanek wanted that to read, "when the fund reaches $150,000 in the combined water and sewer fund, then RDG jumps in." Narusis said they should also eliminate the guarantee of water service of a certain capacity to the subdivision otherwise there could be liability to the city if a house burns down. A discussion about a site offered by RDG for a well and standpipe in Unit 1 of the new subdivision caused Stanek to object to the location next to 8 acres not included in Winding Creek and it was accessible only from the highway (Crystal Lake road). Final words were about gates and signs for the 'subdivision as the Council energy ran out and the next review meeting was set for 7:30 p.m. May 3. MUSIN' AND MEANDERIN' (Continued from page 1) all still in there to add to her frustration, but if she looks hard, some can t>e found with more flattering than the full, elasticized sleeves that may hide a buxom arm only to become part of the bigger body beautiful. Maybe the National Jogging association is the answer. Possibly President Carter has the right solution. And maybe pinching the inch around the waist might help. But dear ladies, only the full length mirrior will tell it like it is. The true disaster of Winter Blizzard is the extra flesh of Spring Exposure! K.A.F. EXTEND CHARM COURSE OPENING (Continued from page 1) acquainted with the committee, as well as each other. They will also be_ohoosirg *heir number for the line-up • of queen hopefuls. During the 10 week charm course, the girls will receive instruction in proper posture, sitting, walking, and model pivoting. There will be sessions on hair care, fashion, exercise and small group classes on skin care and make-up application. The course is designed so that each girl can achieve her full potential in all aspects of her personality, as well as en­ courage self confidence and self esteem. The pageant is open to all girls who are between the ages of 17 and 21 and who live in the McHenry or Johnsburg high school districts. Each of the entrants will receive personal contact by a committee member prior to the start of the charm course. The new Miss McHenry will reign over all of the Fiesta day activities, as well as other local events. [B.J. Crowley's [HOROSCOPE Week of April 8, 1979 ARIES -- The Arian has tremendous drive. He Is al­ most always successful. He is often an over-achiever. Seldom is he a quiet person, talking so much he has few secrets. He likes people and wants them to like him. Best color Is red, lucky numbers are 2 and 4 and lucky day is Sunday. ARIES - March 21 to April 20--You bring to com­ pletion a successful cam­ paign this week. You feel very satisfied with the results because you were doubtful at times that your goal would be met. TAURUS -- April 21 to May 20--Give careful consid­ eration before making a ma­ jor change in your life. Al­ though you feel as though you are in a rut now, you will feel differently very soon. GEMINI -- May 21 to June 20--The time has come for you to be more of a realist and less of a romanticist. You are too sharp to waste anymore time. Get down to the business of planning a good future for yourself. CANCER -- June 21 to July 22--If someone is rude to you, don't react in kind. Smile and respond with politeness. You will feel good about yourself if you are able to keep your cool. LEO -- July 23 to Aug. 22-Be careful that you don't use the dubious art of mak­ ing up stories. Basically, a very honest person, you are most unhappy with yourself when telling little white lies. VIRGO - Aug. 23 to Sept. 22-Learn to handle money better. You must have a plan, otherwise you find yourself in an uncontrolled spending pattern. Your care­ lessness can be a millstone around your neck. LIBRA -- Sept. 23 to Oct. 22--Business should come before pleasure this week. Pursuits of pleasure are mighty tempting, but you must resist the temptation to be lured away from your duties. SCORPIO « Oct. 23 to Nov. 22--Expect a very pleas­ urable week with family and friends. Learn all you can about a business in which you are interested. You have a really good future. SAGITTARIUS - Nov. 23 to Dec. 21--Act in a mature and sensible manner. Going off in an irrational rage gains nothing for you. Consider both sides of the question before giving an answer. CAPRICORN « Dec. 22 to Jan. 19--Find a way to spend some time alone. You come back refreshed if you take time to collect your thoughts in solitude. Cut back on your involvement in committee meetings. AQUARIUS » Jan. 20 to Feb. 18--Good weather en­ ables you to get outside to enjoy your natural surround­ ings. Give a small garden soihe consideration. You can find much pleasure in grow­ ing things. PISCES -- Feb. 19 to March 20--A streaky of luck causes you to feel elated. Plan some entertainment which suits your style. A good dinner in a pleasant atmosphere could be among the highlights of your week. You can't tell what a man thinks by what he says.

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