WEST CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT

Minutes of the December 11, 2007 Regular Meeting

The Regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were Commissioners Gunderson, Hunter, McCormack, Voelz, Brauer and Lenertz, Director Major, Superintendents Felix, Hoffmann and DeMoss. Absent was Commissioner Lootens.

President Lenertz resided.

President Lenertz led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Participation - None

President’s Comments - None

Hitchcock Design

Bill Inman of Hitchcock Design presented the beginnings of the Master Plan to the Board.

Public Hearing

Commissioner Voelz moved to convene into Public Hearing concerning Truth in Taxation. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion which passed by voice vote. President Lenertz asked for discussion.

Consent Agenda

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve all items under the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion, roll was called, motion carried 6-0-0.

Vote: Brauer, Gunderson, Hunter, Lenertz, McCormack, Voelz – Yes; Lootens - Absent

Director’s Report

The written report from the Director was delivered to the Board prior to the meeting. Director Major reviewed the report with the Board.

Denise Scott is now Full-time.

We are looking into a new Health care package with Meridian.

We are going to have a new softball tournament through Sparks Softball Association. We would like to get more involved with softball tournaments.

Final designs for the Splash Pad at Pioneer Park will be available soon. Commissioner Voelz expressed that he was unaware that the board had voted on a Splash Pad for Pioneer Park. The remaining members of the Board expressed that it had been part of a Consent Agenda in a past meeting.

We are awaiting an appraisal for the property at Manville relevant to the Fire District. Commissioner McCormack inquired about the possibility of leasing the land needed by the Fire District as opposed to selling it. Director Major will look in to this possibility.

The West Chicago Park District is receiving an award at the IPRA conference for outstanding special event of the year. The award will be for Mud Volleyball and was submitted my Superintendent DeMoss.

Director Major would like to see a name change for the Aquatic Center and would like the Board to consider/discuss/place this issue on the agenda. Director Major’s suggestion is Turtle Cove.

Superintendent of Recreation’s Report

The written report from the Superintendent of Recreation was delivered to the Board at the start of the meeting. Superintendent DeMoss reviewed the report with the Board.

Football/Cheer Banquet went very well. Superintendent DeMoss addressed the attendees to let them know of the many changes that are taking place at the Park District.

We are looking on ways to ease the stress of the Early Bird Discount deadline due to everyone purchasing a pass needing a new picture/ID.

Dog Park Committee decided to purchase new collars for each registered dog that will make it easier to identify registered/non-registered users with in the Dog Park.

Superintendent DeMoss attended the Youth Commission and learned that they are targeting high risk kids/areas of West Chicago. Superintendent DeMoss is very interested in this due to his extensive background in this area. In an attempt to get a better understanding of the areas of West Chicago Superintendent DeMoss accompanied one of the gang units from the West Chicago Police Department on a 3 hour ride along. Superintendent DeMoss also attended open gym and talked to the kids in hopes of establishing relationships/trust. The kids were very excited to hear about the many changes coming to the parks.

Superintendent of Park’s Report

The written report from the Superintendent of Parks was delivered to the Board at the start of the meeting. Superintendent Felix reviewed the report with the Board.

Superintendent of Finance’s Report

The written report from the Superintendent of Finance was delivered to the Board prior to the meeting.

Old Business

Commissioner Voelz moved to approve the Tax Abatement Ordinance, 7-06. Commissioner Gunderson seconded the motion, roll was called, motion carried 6-0-0.

Vote: Brauer, Gunderson, Hunter, Lenertz, McCormack, Voelz – Yes; Lootens – Absent

Increase of non-resident pool prices for the 2008 season was discussed. A $5.00 early bird non-resident increase is currently in place. The Board decided to leave prices as they are for the 2008 season due to the brochure having already been printed. Non-resident price increases will take place for the 2009 season.

The Wadsworth Golf Proposal presentation to the Committee of the whole was no sufficient enough for the Board to move forward with.

New Business

Commissioner Hunter moved to approve Ordinance 7-11, authorizing the Execution of Petition for Annexation of Pioneer Park. Commissioner McCormack seconded the motion, roll was called, motion carried 6-0-0.

Vote: Brauer, Gunderson, Hunter, Lenertz, McCormack, Voelz – Yes; Lootens – Absent

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve the West Chicago Park District Environmental Policy. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion, roll was called, motion carried 6-0-0.

Vote: Brauer, Gunderson, Hunter, Lenertz, McCormack, Voelz – Yes; Lootens – Absent

Executive Session

Commissioner Hunter moved to convene into Executive Session under Section 2B1 of the Open Meetings Act for the purpose of discussion of information regarding the appointment, employment or dismissal of an employee or officer, Litigation and Land Acquisition. Commissioner Gunderson seconded the motion which carried by voice vote.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 9:17 p.m.

The Board rose from Executive Session at 9:30 p.m.

The next scheduled Committee of the Whole meeting will be rescheduled for January 8, 2008 and the next scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting will be rescheduled for January 15, 2008.

There being no further business to come before the Board, Commissioner Voelz moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion which carried by voice vote.

The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gary R. Major, Secretary