WEST CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT

Minutes of the November 13, 2007 Regular Meeting

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

President Lenertz led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Participation - None

President’s Comments

President Lenertz thanked Commissioner Voelz for his participation at Spooky Trail.

Consent Agenda

Commissioner Brauer moved to approve all items under the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Gunderson seconded the motion, roll was called, motion carried 7-0-0.

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.

Spooky Trail brought us approximately 1400-1500 visitors, Friday nights rain caused early closure of the trail. Director Major noted that there were previous discussions about moving Spooky Trail to Manville but he is not sure that this would be a good idea. Everyone seems to be enthralled about where it is at and it works well. Logistics are not great at the current location but there is no better answer at this point.

Aquatic Park will begin renovation next week. We are awaiting a permit to build a shell so that work can begin. Plans have been changed from the original plan to be more productive. We feel we can come from an average of $.85 to $.90 per visitor to $2.00 to $2.50 per visitor. This projected profit margin will be due to flow, the way items are ordered, the way items are stored and new menu items. At this point both the contractor and the Architect have said that they are confident that we will be able to be open by next summer. We are not anticipating any pool rate changes for this season. Director Major recommends that we reevaluate pool rates for next season. Commissioner Voelz expressed concern that non-resident rates should have been brought up and raised $30.00 to $40.00. Commissioner Gunderson expressed that we should wait until after the changes have been made to the pool to discuss rate changes. Commissioner Voelz expressed that non-resident rates should be doubled as they are in other towns. Superintendent DeMoss wanted to know if those towns double their non-resident rates to keep non-residents out of their facilities or to make money. Commissioner Voelz stated that he did not know the reasoning. Commissioner Brauer wanted to know if we were going to be discouraging non-residents and Commissioner Voelz stated that no we were not but that they should be paying their share. Director Major asked if we should be discussing non-resident rates as a whole as he and the Superintendent of Recreation have not been a part of what the philosophy was between resident and non-resident rates. Commissioner McCormack stated that she thought that non-resident rates were usually double on anything. Superintendent DeMoss stated that the Dog Park rates were double for non-residents and we only received one non-resident registration, he believes that doubling the non-resident rate would keep them from purchasing passes to the pool. President Lenertz stated that he believes Commissioner Vole’s point is well taken and he thinks we need to take a broad approach to this matter for the 2009 season.

Press releases will be done by Merle Burleigh

High school discussions continue regarding possible usage. There may be some additional opportunities beyond the pool that may open up. A meeting with the Superintendent is planned for Friday.

Staff will be participating in a City wide effort to address the challenges in the youth community. The City, Park District, School Districts, Library, and youth commission are meeting next Wednesday to begin this process.

Evaluation forms have been given to all staff members to be completed by the end of this month. Director Major has begun meeting with each staff member individually to discuss their roles, contributions and perspectives, etc.

IPRA Legal Symposium was recently attended by Director Major and President Lenertz and staff is working with PDRMA on a normal review cycle.

Vending machine and fountain service proposal requests have been sent out to several companies.

Proposals from Architects have been requested to see what their feasibility costs are if we ever wanted to get involved in an indoor recreation process. The waters are being tested to see who’s out there, what’s available and at what cost.

The Wadsworth Foundation is headed by a gentleman who is the largest developer of golf courses through out the world is sponsoring a program called Links Across America. This is a foundation grant which funds an opportunity for agencies to develop a very family oriented golf experience for kids, families, people with disabilities and seniors to learn and play. The organization funds 75% of the project and could possibly fund 100%. We have been elevated on the list of the prospective towns to receive this grant. Prospective towns include Oswego, Joliet. The organization is looking to build 2 of these courses. Manville Oaks Park has been looked at by the organization as a possible site. The course would take up about 25% of the acreage at Manville. We would like to bring in a representative from this organization to present this opportunity at the next committee meeting.

The Forest Preserve is bringing a trail through some adjacent land to Dyer River Woods Farm. The trail could possibly go through a portion of our land as well.

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 had 1 team go to the Super Bowl. The 115# team lost 13 to 0.

Generals of the War is the company we are looking at for our Civil War family camp out. This company normally camps out where they do the reenactment but have never camped with people all night. The company is very excited about this new opportunity. Many details still need to be ironed out. The cost of this event will be approximately $800.00 for the whole day and night for the company to come out.

Roctoberfest will not conflict with the High Schools home coming in 2008.

Polar Express is completely sold out.

Dog Park meetings are going really well and many suggested improvements have already been completed.

The Web Site is moving forward. Superintendent DeMoss, Anna, Ken and Melissa attended a meeting with Woodfield Media on Friday to begin the building process.

A Skate Park meeting was attended by 15 youth from our community who had really good input on the skate park.

Commissioner Gunderson commended Superintendent DeMoss on the good words she has heard from the community in regards to Superintendent DeMoss and his staff.

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.

Park staff primarily spends the month of October preparing for Spooky Trail and tearing it down. November has been a catch up month of final cuttings, etc.

Manville Oaks has been a major project for Park staff with repairs and cleaning of the homes and storage facilities on the property. President Lenertz commended Superintendent Felix on the improvements thus far.

Superintendent of Finance’s Report

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

Committee of the Whole - None

Old Business

Commissioner Hunter moved to approve the payment of Bond Ordinance 7-06. An Ordinance providing for the issue of $650,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Park Refunding Bonds, Series 2007, and for the levy of a direct annual tax to pay principal and interest on said bonds. Commissioner Brauer seconded the motion, roll was called, motion carried 7-0-0.

Commissioner Lootens received an award from IAPD for 15 years of service to the West Chicago Park District.

New Business

Annual Tax Levy Ordinance 07-05 is up for review and will be voted on in December.

A Residential Housing Agreement has been included for review for the Duriarvich house located at Manville Oaks Park. The agreement outlines the duties, responsibilities and restrictions that security employees in residence would abide by. The Board would like to see the following items better outlined; Responsibility of major/minor maintenance and repairs and payment of utilities by those in residence. This agreement will be placed on the Committee of the Whole meeting for further review after changes have been made.

Commissioner Voelz moved to approve a Christmas Bonus to be given to permanent full time staff. Commissioner Gunderson seconded the motion which carried by voice vote. Discussion ensued that the amount of the bonus at $150 has been the same for several years and that there should be an increase. Commissioner Hunter moved to approve a Christmas Bonus in the amount of $200 to be given to permanent full time staff. Commissioner Gunderson seconded the motion, roll was called, motion carried 7-0-0.

Executive Session

Commissioner Gunderson 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. Commissioner Voelz seconded the motion which carried by voice vote.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 8:05 p.m.

The Board rose from Executive Session at 8:35 p.m.

Commissioner Brauer moved to accept a 3 year contract with a 20% salary increase for Director Major. Commissioner Voelz seconded the motion, roll was called, motion carried 7-0-0.

President Lenertz commended Director Major on his accomplishments thus far.

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gary R. Major, Secretary