Rockford Sun

City of Carlyle Parks Master Plan Committee met Oct. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Logan Speiser at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Committee members present included Logan Speiser, Melissa Kleine, Brooke Johnson, Chris Johnson, Amber King, Heather Strader, and Brandon Johnson. Others present included Andrew Franke and Heather Brown from Planning Design Studio, Mayor Judy Smith, Andy Brackett, and Martha Reinkensmeyer.

The first item on the agenda was introductions. Andrew Franke and Heather Brown introduced themselves to the Committee and shared their credentials. The Committee members also introduced themselves.

The second item on the agenda was the working committee purpose statement. Andrew reviewed the statement with the Committee. He asked the Committee to study it to determine if any changes need to be made. The statement is listed below.

The purpose of the Working Committee is to offer the consultant planning team direction and guidance throughout the development of the Parks Master Plan. Through a consensus building process, the Working Committee will strive to develop a plan that will maximize the utilization, use, and enjoyment of the parks’ system, thus enriching the quality of life for the citizens of Carlyle.

The third item on the agenda was project goals. Andrew reviewed the list of goals with the Committee. Mayor Smith reminded the Committee that the Parks Department should be utilized by persons of all ages. The City already has something for kids, but not for young adults or older citizens. The goal is to try to reach everyone.

The fourth item on the agenda was the planning process and schedule. The schedule is listed below.

Phase One

October 8, 2020 – Kick-off Meeting with the Committee

October 12, 2020 – Start Citizen Survey

October 19 – 23, 2020 – Stakeholder Interviews

November 6, 2020 – Committee Meeting

November 10 or November 12, 2020 – Town Hall Meeting #1

November 16, 2020 – End Citizen Survey

November 30, 2020 – Phase 1 Report Due

Phase Two

December 17, 2020 – Committee Meeting

January 7, 2021– Committee Meeting

February 1, 2021– Phase 2 Report Due

February 2 – 4, 2021 – Town Hall Meeting #2

Phase Three

March 11, 2021 – Committee Meeting

March 26, 2021 – Draft Outdoor Sports FS Due

April 9, 2021 – Draft Parks Master Plan Due

April 15, 2021 – Committee Meeting

April 28, 2021 – Final Plan Due

May 6, 2021 – Final Open House

May 17, 2021 – City Council Presentation

The fourth item on the agenda was the draft recreation needs survey. The Committee reviewed the questions on the survey. It will be released on October 12, 2020.

The fifth item on the agenda was the stakeholder list and set up. The list of stakeholders is listed below. They will be asked what they think are the negative/positive aspects of the park system, what amenities should be added, and if they have any problems or concerns regarding the park system.

Stakeholders

Carlyle School District #1

Parks Staff

Senior Citizens

Athletics

City Council

COE – Carlyle Lake Project Office

Hazlet & South Shore State Parks

Carlyle Lake Chamber of Commerce

The sixth item on the agenda was additional background information. Andrew stated that he and Heather Brown toured the parks. Andrew stated that he was astounded at how well the parks were maintained. He asked the Committee to list its top three City parks. See below.

City Park

Fish Hatchery

Maple Hill

The seventh item on the agenda was scheduling the next meeting. The next Committee meeting is November 6, 2020 and the Town Hall meeting will be held on either November 10th or 12th.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/carlyle/Board.nsf/Public