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 Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. at the OAK Orthopedic Sports Arena, 1601 River Road, 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:           

            Bitsky

Mullady

Gathing

Grill, via phone 

Staff attending the meeting was John Bessette, Laurie Yoder, Renee Chavez, and Jennifer Ledden. 

Members of the public present: None 

Press present: None 

Bessette presented the following Communication items:

Thank you from Sacred Heart Church, Thank you from Kankakee Valley Montessori School and a Thank you from WMA Youth Service Club. 

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

(A)   The minutes of the December 18, 2006 regular meeting were approved as presented and were not read aloud.

(B)   The minutes of the December 18, 2006 truth in taxation meeting were approved as presented and were not read aloud.

(C)   Bills Payable General Fund check numbers 1 through 62 in the amount of $ 57,667.19 were approved for payment and ordered paid and a copy of the list payable attached to these minutes.

(D)   Financial Statements for December.   

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Gathing                         Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Bessette explained the duplicate policy numbers.  We noticed that several policies had the same numbers and to avoid confusion and to make it easier to locate a policy in the policy book. 

On motion by Commissioner Bitsky, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to approve the policy number changes:  

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Gathing                         Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Bessette asked if we could combine the 2007 Splash Valley Fees and Hours.  All agreed.  Bessette went on to explain that the hours included a brief explanation as to the reason for the hours and that staff and commissioners have reviewed these and approved them in committee.  Commissioner Grill asked what the cost difference was between staying open until 8pm verses 6pm.  Would we be making more money or just providing better customer service.  Bessette stated that it cost approx $500 an hour for Splash Valley to be open.  Chavez stated that last year we saved money by closing earlier, but we did not increase revenue.  With more structured staffing we could expand hours to increase revenue.  Last year we just saved on cost, but did not maximize revenue.  Commissioner Grill stated that expanding the hours would not necessarily be a money maker during the last 2 hours, but the whole plan makes it work.  Commissioner Gathing stated that we are going to adjust the man hours in hopes of increasing revenue.  Bring people out and stay later with increased programming.  Commissioner Mullady commented that Chavez would be jockeying day staff to offset costs as well.  Commissioner Grill stated that he understood the theory, but was not convinced it was worth it.  Commissioner Gathing stated that we would still maintain the same attendance policy.  Commissioner Grill clarified that he meant close early if not so many people in the pool.  Commissioner Mullady stated that weather would play a role in the hours as well.  Bessette stated that if there were not at least 50 people in the pool, then they would close.  Chavez stated that if approved, that is the max hours we would be open.  The hours will be tailored according to programming, attendance and weather.  This is a blanket of hours that we would like to be open; we can and will adjust the hours as necessary.  Commissioner Grill stated that if he was figuring right, we went up about $20 for a family pass.  Chavez stated that was correct.  Commissioner Grill asked if we were in a position to use the new software as it was intended as some of the data was not current.  Bessette stated that the information was available last year and working correctly, however management did not use it.  He further stated that it would not be an issue this year. 

On motion by Commissioner Mullady, seconded by Commissioner Bitsky to approve the 2007 Splash Valley Rates and Hours: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Gathing                         Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Commissioner Gathing asked if there were any questions on the Business Managers Report.  There were none. 

Commissioner Gathing asked if there were any question on the Superintendent of Recreation Report.  Commissioner Bitsky asked if Chavez has looked into the Park District Skating Club idea.  Chavez stated that she had not yet, but would this week.  Commissioner Bitsky stated that time was critical. 

Commissioner Gathing asked if there were any question on the Interim Director Report.  Commissioner Grill asked if there was anything to report on the Bird Park Project.  Bessette stated that he did not have anything new to report.  So far everything has been going well with no problems except for the door to the director’s office.  That has been resolved.  He went on to state that a first coat of paint was on all walls and a second coat was on most.  Floors are being ordered, the addition walls are all up and the roof trusses will be installed tomorrow.  Jim Brown informed Bessette that he will not be moving with us.  Since everything for that office is started and ordered, they will continue to complete that office.  All drawings were updated on RGB’s website if anyone wanted to view them.  Bessette further stated that Yoder and he had met with one of Jerry Weller’s representatives in hopes of getting some funding for Bird Park.  They did not get a good feeling, but he did give them a lot of paper for grant opportunities that they are looking thru.  Lisa Dugan and Debbie Halvorson have both turned down invitations to join our table at the Conference Luncheon. 

Bessette informed the commissioners that the only committee meeting that was held this past month was Parks and Recreation.  Everything discussed at that meeting was voted on tonight.  He further stated that they had an SRA meeting next week. 

Commissioner Bitsky stated that he had nothing to report on the KCCVB.  He has not been able to attend a meeting yet due to the time and dates of the meetings.  

Bessette stated that the only Commissioner attending Conference this year was Commissioner Bitsky.  Commissioner Grill stated that he may be able to go.  Bessette informed him that due to a conversation they had earlier in the month, we have cancelled his reservation.  Commissioner Grill stated that was fine.  He further stated that he received an email about the conference and asked if we would be marketing our Executive Director Position at Conference.  Bessette stated that we would be.   

Commissioner Bitsky asked if we could request someone from OAK to be at the meeting since we were now meeting at the rink.  He further stated that we need to start getting monthly reports from them.  Bessette stated that they were asked for a report every month, but he would see to it that we started getting it. 

Bessette asked if anyone was opposed to the next meeting being moved to the Aroma Park Building.  Renovations have been completed on that building and he would like the chance to hold a meeting there so the Commissioners and public could see the changes.  There were no objections, so the next meeting will be held at the Aroma Park Building, 300 Bridge St. Aroma Park.  Ledden will send a notice to the Journal indicating the change of location. 

Commissioner Gathing asked if there was anything for Executive Session.  Bessette stated that he did not have anything; however, John Couglin has joined Ackman, Meyer, Marek and Boyd and will be handling our litigation case.  Bessette believes that he has everything he needs to proceed. 

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

All in favor – all ayes.