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, June 11, 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

            Collins

Hollis 

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

Members of the public present: None 

Press present: None

Commissioner Collins led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Romanek noted the communications items.  

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

(A)   The minutes of the May 21, 2007 regular meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(B)   Bills Payable General Fund check numbers 1 through 233 in the amount of $ 423,968.03 were approved for payment and ordered paid and a copy of the list payable attached to these minutes.

(C)   Financial Statements for May.   

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

Newly appointed Commissioner Grill took the oath of office and was seated. 

Commissioner Gathing welcomed Commissioner Grill back to the board. 

Commissioner Gathing asked for nominations for office. 

On motion by Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to elect Commissioner Gathing as President: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Hollis                            Aye

            Grill                              Aye

On motion by Commissioner Gathing, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to elect Commissioner Mullady as Vice President: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Hollis                            Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

On motion by Commissioner Gathing, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to elect Commissioner Collins as Secretary: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Hollis                            Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

On motion by Commissioner Gathing, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to elect Commissioner Grill as Treasurer: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Hollis                            Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Commissioner Grill asked what the term length would be, it was noted that the terms would be for a year. 

Romanek shared the correspondence about the Merchant Street Musicfest.  They would like us to do a sponsorship; there are several different options for the sponsorship.  It is the opinion of staff that it would be a great way to get our name out and build some bridges between us and the city.  Commissioner Gathing feels that it is worth it. 

On motion by Commissioner Gathing, seconded by Commissioner Grill to do a $100 sponsorship package for the Merchant Street Musicfest: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Hollis                            Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Romanek presented the contract renewal for Smith, Koelling, Dykstra & Ohm.  They are the accounting firm we have used for several years.  Commissioner Grill noted that this was for the monthly financial statements and not the annual audit.  Romenak stated that the contract spells out what they provide for us.  Commissioner Grill noted that the audit fees should be less this year.  It was higher last year due to added funds and assets. 

On motion by Commissioner Gathing, seconded by Commissioner Grill to accept the contract renewal for Smith, Koelling, Dykstra & Ohm: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Hollis                            Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Chavez provided and update on Splash Valley season pass sales.  Commissioner Grill asked how the current numbers compared to last year.  Chavez stated that she did not have that comparison, but would have it for the next meeting.  Commissioner Gathing asked if we could track day to day activity and comparisons.  Chavez stated that we can do that.  She further noted that she is planning strategic hours on a month by month basis, based on usage for next year.  Commissioner Grill asked about the alcohol policy at River Road.  Chavez noted that the police monitoring Splash Valley were also monitoring River Road.  It was a slow process, but it was getting there.  Commissioner Gathing asked when we sold alcohol.  Chavez stated that we sell during league and adult tournaments only.  Commissioner Hollis asked if we were still monitoring during youth tournaments.  Chavez stated that we did, and outside alcohol was only a problem during league and adult tournaments.  Bessette noted that signs were in the process of being made to note that outside alcohol was prohibited in the park.  Chavez made note that safety was the first focus of Splash Valley staff; they are now looking to improve customer service.  Commissioner Collins stated that he has received a lot of positive feedback.  Chavez stated that she has received a lot of positive feedback in regards to the drills.  She further noted that day camp was going well.  Commissioner Grill asked if refunds were available for unused Splash Cash.  Chavez noted that we would not be issuing refunds, but the money never expired, it could be used for any KVPD program at any time.  Commissioner Grill noted that a church group had asked him about a donation.  Chavez explained the donation and group policies. 

Bessette reported that the concrete project at Pioneer Park is almost completed.  The bollards should be finished this week.  The Riverwoods project has started and should be completed this week as well.  Heil Park will be completed as soon as the materials are received.  The mowing process is being reviewed and we will be resurfacing under the playground as well.  Commissioner Grill stated that the report was great.  Commissioner Gathing noted that the surface under most of the playgrounds were low.  Bessette stated that we do 10 parks a year due to budgeting purposes.  Commissioner Grill noted that we should try to attempt all the parks in need every year.  Bessette noted that most just needed raked while others needed fill.  The safety program should be restarted next month with the assistance of PDRMA.  Commissioner Collins noted that Mayor Bailey was excited about the basketball court.  Commissioner Collins further asked about the boat dock on the KCC side of the river.  Bessette stated that it should be in by the end of the week. 

Romanek informed the commissioners about his first SRA meeting.  Chvez and himself attended the meeting and would continue to do so unless there were commissioners who would prefer to sit on that board.  Commissioner Grill stated that he had interest in the SRA board, however noon meetings are difficult for him to attend.  Romanek stated that the next meeting was scheduled for 4pm, and that the meetings rotated between noon and 4pm.  Commissioner Grill stated that he was interested and could only attend the 4pm meetings. 

On motion by Commissioner Gathing, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to appoint Commissioner Grill to the SRA Board: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Hollis                            Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Romanek reported on his tour of the Museum.  He made note to the commissioners that the museum will be making a request for a new roof on the building.  Per there contract, they have to obtain our permission and based on his understanding, the museum will be paying for the new roof.  Romanek went on to inform the commissioners of our upcoming golf outing August 2.  Commissioner Gathing asked about the cost of the outing.  Romanek stated that it was $100 per golfer.  Flyers and brochures have been sent to numerous organizations requesting sponsorships.  He went on to note that he would be meeting with PDRMA this week.  It was a meet and greet.  He has been in contact with Rep Lisa Dugan in regards to our situations with the DNR and IDPH, she wants to assist us in getting things done. 

Romanek shared a donation request that he received from the Youth fro Christ organization.  He stated that a representative from the organization who stated we had donated 200 passes in 2005 and want us to do so again.  A check of our records do not show that happening.  The organization is also asking for a season pass donation for an auction.  Commissioner Hollis asked how many kids the organization served.  Romanek stated that between there 2 centers, they serve over 200 kids.  Commissioner Grill stated that it is a good organization, but where do we draw the line on donations.  Commissioner Hollis feels that it would be good public relations if we did this.  We may still get concessions revenue and bring kids into the park that normally may not be able to come.  Bessette suggested we trade passes for community service.  Commissioner Gathing suggested a group outing verses handing them passes.  Chavez suggested we limit the time to after 4pm.  Romanek noted that after 4pm would not be accommodating to the group due to there camp times.  Commissioner Gathing like the idea of a group outing day, but not all 200 at once, maybe in groups of 50-60 at a time.  Commissioner Grill stated that we should refer back to the donation policy that was set a few months back.  If we do this for this group, all other groups will want the same thing, or to know why we did not offer them the same.  Commissioner Collins feels that a day or two days at Splash Valley as well as a community service day would be a good trade.  Romanek stated that it was smaller kids so community service would not be productive.  Commissioner Hollis feels that multiple days would be an idea to do multiple group outing days for the organization, make it a fieldtrip.  Romanek stated that he would call them and inform them of the commissioner’s decision to offer a day or two each month, for a max of 50 children to attend each day. Chavez asked if we wanted a press release about it.  All the commissioners agreed that it would be a bad idea to publicize it.  We would then have every organization asking for the same thing, or getting upset that they were not offered the same thing.  Chavez noted that if we wanted to do this again next year, she would prefer to do it pre-season as a training day for staff and guards. 

Bessette presented an LRMG project update.  It was received just prior to the meeting and he wanted to share it. 

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

All in favor – all ayes.