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, May 21, 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 Bessette, John Coghlan, Jerry Handlon and Jennifer Ledden. 

Members of the public present: Ira Collins, Gay Collins, Tom Breitenbucher, Donna Collins, Cody Collins, Ralph Baily, Alfred Hollis Sr, Theodis Pace, Some Members of the public did not sign in. 

Press present: Scott Boehmer 

Commissioner Mullady led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Commissioner Gathing read the communications items.  Commissioner Grill asked where the Bricks for Soldiers would be placed.  Bessette stated that they would go at the museum near the ruins.  

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

(A)   The minutes of the April 16, 2007 regular meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(B)   Bills Payable General Fund check numbers 1 through 98 in the amount of $ 258,312.07 were approved for payment and ordered paid and a copy of the list payable attached to these minutes.

(C)   Financial Statements for April.   

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Bitsky                           Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye 

Commissioner Gathing made a statement to the commissioners and public.  He thanked the Commissioner Bitsky and Commissioner Grill for there effort and time serving on the board.  He stated that he was sad to see them go.  They have done a lot for the board and public in the amount of time they have been on the board.  Commissioner Gathing further noted that the board was on there way to making significant changes and while the board is changing he has confidence that we will be able to continue the progress that has already been made. 

Commissioner Bitsky and Commissioner Grill left there seats.  Commissioner Hollis and Commissioner Collins were seated. 

All members of the newly elected board took the oath of office. 

Commissioner Gathing welcomed Commissioner Hollis and Commissioner Collins to the board. 

Tom Breitenbucher from the SRA made a brief presentation to the board.  He gave a brief overview of the SRA and how it serves special needs clients.  Approximately 45% of there participants are from the Kankakee Valley Park District.  There agreement is up for renewal on 5/31/07.  Typically they are granted a 3 year contract.  However, with the changes we are going thru, they are only asking for a one year agreement at this time.  Commissioner Mullady noted that any shoreline renovations will have handicap access. 

On motion by Commissioner Mullady, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to approve the SRA Agreement: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Hollis                            Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Collins                          Aye 

Commissioner Gathing asked if there were any questions or comments in regards to the Notice of Hearing for Re-Zoning.  There were none. 

Commissioner Gathing asked if there were any questions or comments in regards to the Election Canvassing Results.  There were none. 

Ledden explained that the board had approved the health insurance recommendation at the prior committee meeting.  However, we needed formal approval to proceed.  The new health insurance policy would take effect June 1. 2007. 

On motion by Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to approve the Health Insurance Policy: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Hollis                            Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Collins                          Aye 

Bessette explained the concrete bids.  Berghouse Concrete was the low bidder for both the Pioneer Park Project and the Riverwoods Park Project.  Bessette noted that Dow Automotive had made a donation to the park district for $8,000 towards the Pioneer Park Project.  The bid amount was just over that donation.  Staff recommends proceeding with both projects including the Pioneer Park Project alternate.  The District already has the bollards on hand for the Pioneer Park Project but would require the purchase of a basketball hoop and net for the Riverwoods Park Project.  Bessette feels staff would be able to install the basketball hoop and strip the court.  Commissioner Collins asked if we had received feedback on Berghouse Concrete’s reputation.  Commissioner Mullady stated that they are a reputable company.  Bessette noted that Berghouse had done work for us before. 

On motion by Commissioner Hollis, seconded by Commissioner Collins to approve the Pioneer Park Project, including the alternate: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

Jim Romanek introduced himself to the public and press.  He stated that he was happy to be the new Executive Director for the district and thanked the board for the opportunity.  He noted that he has an open door policy and any member of the public was more than welcome to talk to him. 

Chavez noted one change from her report to the board.  At the time the report was written, only 8 prior pass holders had renewed due to the phone campaign.  As of 4pm today, 22 had renewed. 

Bessette noted that with the assistance of the DOC and Sheriff’s Department, we were beginning the process of cleaning the brush from the quarry.  Our goal is to allow people to see the quarry and park from the roads.  Commissioner Hollis asked if the issue with the Splash Pad had been resolved yet.  Bessette stated that the pressure issues have not been located yet.  They were continuing the search and would repair the issue as soon as they could locate it.  The pressure is being lost gradually.  Splash Pad will still be able to open as scheduled, but there is a possibility that some features may not be able to be used.  He holds out hope that the trouble will be repaired prior to opening day. 

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

On roll call the vote was as follows: 

            Hollis                            Aye

Mullady                        Aye

            Gathing                         Aye

            Collins                          Aye 

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

All in favor – all ayes.