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, July 9, 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: 

            Mullady

            Gathing

            Collins 

Staff attending the meeting was Jim Romanek, Renee Chavez, John Bessette, John Coghlan, Jennifer Ledden, Marlana Hunter, Dee Osenglewski. 

Members of the public present: None 

Press present: Scott Boehmer 

Commissioner Mullady led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Romanek noted the communications items.  

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

(A)   The minutes of the June 11, 2007 regular meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(B)   The minutes of the May 30, 2007 special meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(C)   Bills Payable General Fund check numbers 1 through 124 in the amount of $ 242,801.02 were approved for payment and ordered paid and a copy of the list payable attached to these minutes. 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye 

Romanek presented the consolidated budgets for the district.  He requested permission to post for 30 days as required.  After the 30 days we would hold a public hearing for formal approval of the 2007-2008 Kankakee Valley Park District budget. 

Commissioner Hollis arrived. 

Romanek noted that the estimated tax amount was received and added, totals were adjusted accordingly.  The recreation budget and expense totals will vary according to projected new programming.  Everything else stayed the same as presented to committee. 

On motion by Commissioner Gathing, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to approve the posting of the 2007-2008 budget for 30 days:   

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

Ledden explained that a couple of Commissioners requested badges.  She presented a brochure with options.  She requested all Commissioners review the brochure, submit their choices.  Ledden will then request a price quote and present at next Committee. 

Romanek presented the request by Clifton Central High School for use of the Civic Auditorium for their 2008 prom.  They are willing to pay all fees.  The request was approved through Committee but requires official Board approval. 

On motion by Commissioner Mullady, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to approve the Clifton Central High School Civic Auditorium request: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Collins                          Aye

            Gathing                         Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

Commissioner Grill arrived. 

Chavez presented a brief summary of attendance.  She noted that as the heat index goes up, so does the attendance. 

Romanek thanked Scott Boehmer from The Daily Journal for the positive Splash Valley articles. 

Bessette noted that the pavilion pad at Heil Park was poured last week.  The pavilion is mostly repaired; however a few minor improvements need to be completed.  Additional projects at Heil Park are to include the walking trails, basketball court, and playground safety surface.  Commissioner Collins noted that he has received compliments from residents stating that Heil Park was looking good. 

Romanek informed the Board that at the last SRA meeting a 4% salary increase was approved for their Executive Director.  The next SRA Board Meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. on July 23.  Romanek further noted that a thank you letter was received for passing all fire prevention standards on July 4th.  Parking brought in approximately $800 after expenses.  Romanek attended his second Foundation meeting where they discussed the upcoming golf outing on August 2^nd.  As of now, we only have five teams registered. More teams are needed.  Sponsorships for various portions of the outing are also available.  Any funds after expenses come back to the District through the Foundation.  Romanek noted that he had a meeting with the City of Kankakee Department of Public Works and Mayor Green in regards to the Cobb Park project with LRMG.  The Mayor appears to be willing to work with us in hopes of getting grant funding for next year. 

Commissioner Grill asked if we had received any information from Advanced Arenas in regards to the new rink manager.   Romanek stated that they are still interviewing and hope to have someone in place by the end of the month. 

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

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Hollis                            Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

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

All in favor – all ayes.