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, March 19, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. at the OAK Orthopedic Sports Arena, Kankakee, Illinois.   The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Bitsky and roll call was taken. 

The following Commissioners were present and constitute a quorum:           

            Bitsky

Mullady

Grill 

Staff attending the meeting was John Bessette, Renee Chavez, Gloria Giese, Brian Zirkle, John Coghlan, Jerry Handlon and Jennifer Ledden. 

Members of the public present: Jim Rentas, Beth Riccardi 

Press present: None 

Commissioner Bitsky led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

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

(A)   The minutes of the February 20, 2007 regular meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(B)   The minutes of the February 27, 2007 special meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(C)   The minutes of the March 8, 2007 special meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(D)   Bills Payable General Fund check numbers 1 through 77 in the amount of $ 295,191.69 were approved for payment and ordered paid and a copy of the list payable attached to these minutes.

(E)    Financial Statements for February.   

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Commissioner Bitsky introduced and welcomed Jerry Handlon.  Handlon is the special consultant to the board. 

Bessette presented an updated recommendation for the LRMG project.  At committee the proposal gave details about phase one for Cobb Park, Levassuer Park and River Road Park.  Bessette explained what phase one meant for each of the parks.  Commissioner Grill asked if spraying meant to kill the unwanted plant species.  Commissioner Mullady stated that they would have to spray to kill the unwanted plants.  Commissioner Grill stated that he felt the fees were proposed too low for the amount of river bank that Cobb Park has.  Commissioner Mullady stated that the fees are just an estimate at this time and that is what phase one is for, to determine the actual amount of work needed and apply for grants to assist in the cost of the project.  Commissioner Bitsky stated that we needed to do the preliminary work to verify the fees.  Bessette stated that his recommendation was to approve the Cobb and Levassuer Parks phase one and hold off on the River Road phase one portion at this time.  Commissioner Grill stated that he saw no point in waiting for River Road, it is just a start and would give us the guidance that we need.  Commissioner Mullady stated that LRMG did not want us to undo the work we have already done to River Road.  Bessette stated that he had not made the plans to continue with the project this summer.  Commissioner Grill asked if we had or would have the staff to handle the work load.  Bessette stated that he did not and would not have the staff.  Commissioner Bitsky stated that taking on 2 parks at once would be a nice start in the right direction.  He further recommended that the River Road phase one portion be brought back to committee in one to two months for reconsideration. 

On motion by Commissioner Bitsky, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to approve the Cobb Park and Levassuer Park phase one portions of the LRMG project: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Chavez stated that the MPI contract had gone to and been approved by committee.  Commissioner Bitsky asked why the changes to the contract were not highlighted as requested. Chavez stated that she thought he meant for future agreements going to committee.  Commissioner Bitsky asked what the major changes to the contract were.  Chavez stated that the only major change was the rate increase over a 3 year period. 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to approve the MPI contract: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Chavez asked what the official name for the new addition would be called for the Lasting Impressions contract.  Commissioner Bitsky stated that it has not been determined yet.  Commissioner Grill stated that as long as Lasting Impressions was clear as to what building they were using there should be no problem. 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Bitsky to approve the Lasting Impressions Contract: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Chavez explained the day camp fees as set and discussed at committee.  Commissioner Grill asked if the extended fees would be pro-rated if they did not use the extended hours every day.  Chavez stated that they would not be pro-rated. 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to approve the day camp fees: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Bessette asked to pull the Beckman Boat Harbor Security from the agenda. 

Bessette explained the details to the Civic Rental Request.  Typically we do not allow fundraising in our buildings, but due to the circumstances and there willingness to pay the fees, it is his recommendation that we approve the request. 

On motion by Commissioner Mullady, seconded by Commissioner Bitsky to approve the Civic Rental Request: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Commissioner Bitsky asked if there were any questions about the Business Managers report.  There were no questions.  Handlon noted that he will be discussing the budget process with Marlana this week. 

Commissioner Bitsky asked if there were any questions about the Superintendent of Parks and Facilities report.  Commissioner Grill stated that he only saw 2 stakes from the survey.  Bessette stated that there is another stake by the trees.  The line goes from the West side to the East side all the way down.  Commissioner Grill asked how the acreage compared.  Bessette stated that the approximately the same, but it is most likely more in our favor.  Commissioner Grill asked about the status of the agreement.  Bessette stated that they were still working on the agreement.  Once it is received it will be forwarded to the attorney for review.  Commissioner Mullady stated that the traffic flow at River Road Park was high and he feels that speed limit signs are necessary.  He further stated that the entry way is in need of repair.  Bessette stated that we had speed limit signs at one time and will contact the City to provide some signs for us.  Commissioner Mullady recommended that we include the words strictly enforced on the signs as well.  Commissioner Grill stated that he liked the idea, but it is an empty threat.  Bessette stated that he will get signs posted with the works strictly enforced on it.  He further noted that the City will be assisting with the grating of the entry way to help with the potholes.  The weather has really taken a toll on the roads. 

Beth Riccardi presented the OAK Orthopedic Sports Arena report.  She noted that Monicals is sponsoring a curling club.  The club will start this weekend.  She further noted that this will be the furthest south curling club. 

Commissioner Grill noted that he had attended the last Aroma Park Village Board Meeting.  He wants them to feel like they have a voice in the park district and that we do care about there needs and concerns. 

Commissioner Bitsky stated that he had attended the groundbreaking for the new Wal-Mart on behalf of both the KCCVB and the KVPD.  He noted that the mayor acknowledged the KVPD and the work we have done for the community. 

Bessette stated that the SRA agreement is coming due in May.  He will be bringing the agreement to the next committee meeting.  They are looking for a few changes to the agreement. 

Chavez explained a few changes to marketing and programming that she and staff have made in an attempt to increase program participation.  Commissioner Mullady asked if staff felt that the Leisure Living was successful.  Chavez stated that she and her staff have received good feedback from it.  Chavez stated that Gloria Giese and herself have been through Ellis Lifeguard Instructor Certification and are now both certified.  Splash Valley managers will undergo Ellis leadership training as well.  She further noted the 2 PTO’s have arranged for the fundraisers and 2 park districts are looking to set up group outings.  Chavez stated that the first recruitment session was a success.  There were 33 participants and 31 have arranged or have already been interviewed.  Bessette asked about seasonal staff hiring advertising.  Chavez stated that advertising was going to be done thru the Leisure Living guide. 

Commissioner Bitsky asked where we were at with the Tap in Fees.  Bessette explained that Attorney Dennis Marek had looked into that for us and discovered that we are not eligible for the Tap in Fees.  Commissioner Grill stated that if they are not charging, then we could not collect.  Bessette stated that they were not charging, so we could not collect. 

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

On roll call the vote was as follows: 

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

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

All in favor – all ayes.