REGULAR MEETING OF BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS 

A regular meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of the Kankakee Valley Park District of Kankakee County, Illinois was held on Monday, April 16, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. at the Bird Park Fieldhouse, Kankakee, Illinois.   The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Gathing and roll call was taken. 

The following Commissioners were present and constitute a quorum:           

            Gathing

            Bitsky

Mullady

Grill 

Staff attending the meeting was Renee Chavez, John Coghlan, Jerry Handlon and Jennifer Ledden. 

Members of the public present: Cecile Enright, Edward Vogt, Mike Collette, Donald Hill, Carl Odeneal 

Press present: Scott Boehmer 

Commissioner Mullady led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Mike Collette reported on the trouble at the Splash Pad.  While Bird Park was undergoing renovations, the power was cut to the Splash Pad.  The power was not restored.  The lack of power caused the sump pumps to quit functioning.  The pump area filled approx 2 foot high with water. The Splash Pad motors were then underwater and have been damaged.  Commissioner Bitsky asked if the pump area was checked regularly.  Mike stated that normally it is, however with the renovations to the CWC and Bird, he was unable to check them on a regular basis.  Commissioner Mullady asked if we have had any trouble prior.  Mike reported that we have, but the trouble occurred when there was a power outage due to a storm.  The commissioners thanked Mike for his report and time. 

Edward Vogt wants to set up a biking program and repair biking trails that have become overgrown or obstructed.  He frequently takes him bike on the path by Shapiro and KCC.  He noted that last summer a fence was put in through the path.  Commissioner Mullady explained the Bike Path Plan and that trail was included in it.   Commissioner Bitsky stated that the trail would be improved through the Bike Path Plan, however it did take time to get done.  The commissioners thanked him for his time and comments. 

Don Hill is the representative for the Central IL Cardinals football league.  He submitted a proposal to use the Riverside Colts and Eastside Football fields.  Commissioner Gathing stated that he should talk to the Recreation Department in regards to this request.  Coordination would have to take place between the current football leagues and the recreation department. 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Mullady, and carried the following actions were taken: 

(A)   The minutes of the March 19, 2007 regular meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(B)   Bills Payable General Fund check numbers 1 through 113 in the amount of $ 273,175.24 were approved for payment and ordered paid and a copy of the list payable attached to these minutes.

(C)   Financial Statements for March.   

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Chavez presented the Garden of Prayer Summer Camp Rental Agreement.  She noted that this had gone to committee prior and that both options were presented to the group.  The group maintains that they want the rental of Beckman Park over Pioneer Park.  The group stated that Beckman Park has better amenities for there needs.  Commissioner Bitsky asked if the agreement had been forwarded to legal.  Chavez stated that as far as she knew it had not. 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to approve the Garden of Prayer Agreement, pending the approval of legal: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Chavez presented the plan for Splash Pad.  We will be cutting staff from 2 per shift to 1 per shift.  The session’s times will reduce however there will be increased sessions.  Chavez will be talking to Pepsi about vending services or staff would sell minor concessions items.  She asked for the right to increase staff to 2 per shift if the participation warrants it. 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to approve the Splash Pad plan: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Commissioner Gathing went back to Public Comment due to a late arrival.  Carl Odeneal indicated issues at Schuyler Park and Old Fair Park.  He stated that improvements were needed at both parks.  The board asked him to send a letter with his specific concerns so that they can be addressed.  He noted that play equipment and basketball court repairs needed done.  He further noted that the parking area needed to be stripped.  He also asked for a new sign.  The commissioners informed him that new signage was already in the works.  He stated that Old Fair Park needed updated play equipment, the basketball courts need resurfaced and there are conflicts when the soccer league plays.  The commissioners thanked Mr. Odeneal for his time and look forward to receiving his letter. 

Chavez explained that the Boy Scout Agreement is the same we used last year.  She did note that insurance requirements did need to be added to the agreement.  Commissioner Mullady asked about supervision when they are doing the archery and bb gun portions of the camp.  He requested that the attorney review the agreement prior to signing.  Commissioner Grill stated that he would hate to see the agreement pulled over the insurance issue. 

On motion by Commissioner Gathing, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to approve the Boy Scouts Agreement pending insurance requirements and attorney approval: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Ledden explained that the commissioners had approved the purchase of an electronic sign at committee, however placement was still to be determined.  Commissioner Bitsky stated that a temporary sign needed to be produced and placed prior to approval of a sign.  The Bird Park Signage was sent back to committee for further review and discussion. 

Ledden explained that we still were without a contract for the Beckman Harbor Security.  She explained the issues that REACT has had in the past with adjudication.  She further noted the REACT would like use of a camera to help at adjudication.  Coghlan explained that he had issues with the liability of using REACT.  The agreement was sent back to committee to review other options for Beckman Harbor Security. 

Ledden explained the dilemma with the 800lb Gorilla agreement and invoice.  Staff felt that since his contract was expired he was not entitled to receive a commission on monies paid now.  Coghlan stated that while it was not a well worded contract, he assisted in the acquisition of the sponsorship and therefore should get the commission.  Commissioner Bitsky asked if he should be paid.  Commissioner Grill stated that the contract should have been clearer. 

On motion by Commissioner Bitsky, seconded by Commissioner Grill to pay the commission upon receipt of payment from National City: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Ledden explained the health insurance quotes that have been received.  There is a substantial rate increase for most companies.  The commissioner asked which option staff wanted.  Ledden stated that based on the rates, Marlana Hunter and herself felt that Nippon was the best choice for the Park District.  However, other staff had not reviewed the plans and provided an opinion.  The commissioners asked that all staff met and decided on which plan to go with. 

Chavez explained the as of right now we were at 37 softball teams.  We have started doing an early registration period, and would have a late fee after that. 

The commissioners asked that it be noted we needed to make sure the buildings get checked once a week for cleanliness.  It was suggested that the buildings get checked by someone other than the person who is responsible for cleaning of the buildings. 

Commissioner Bitsky noted that he has received requests for the use of park district benches at outside agencies.  Commissioner Grill noted that our benches are fixed into position, and he did not believe we had any to provide like that.  The commissioners agreed that at this time, it was not worth the expense of new benches to be able to place them through the city. 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Mullady and carried to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel and litigation pursuant to Section 2(C)(5). 

All in favor – all ayes. 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to come out of closed session: 

On roll call the vote was as follows: 

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Gathing                         Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to adjourn the meeting: 

All in favor – all ayes.