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, November 19, 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

            Grill

            Hollis 

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

Members of the public present: Gregory Mason Sr, Rob Lopez, some members of the public did not sign in. 

Press present: None 

Commissioner Collins led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Romanek noted that there was an addition to the agenda.  Rob Lopez was present from OAK Orthopedic Sports Arena to give a report.  

Romanek noted the communications items.  

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

(A)   The minutes of the October 9, 2007 regular meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(B)   The minutes of the October 9, 2007 special meeting were approved and were not read aloud.

(C)   Bills Payable General Fund check numbers 1 through 140 in the amount of $ 258,503.71 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

            Grill                              Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

Commissioner Grill asked about the pool painting project.  Romanek noted that the job was completed except for a few tiles on the pool steps.  Chavez noted that she will give a more detailed update in her report. 

Commissioner Gathing stated that a proposal had been received from Municipal Trust & Savings Bank of Bourbonnais, IL for the purchase of the District’s non-referendum general obligation limited tax park bonds to be issued by the District pursuant to section 6-4 of the Park District Code.   

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to accept the low bid of 3.98% from Municipal Trust & Savings Bank of Bourbonnais, IL for the sale of the $590,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, Series 2007: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

On motion by Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to adopt the Ordinance #07-03:  An ordinance providing for the issue of $566,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, Series 2007, of the Kankakee Valley Park District, Kankakee County, IL, and for the Levy of a direct annual tax to pay the principal and interest on said bonds: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

On motion by Commissioner Mullady, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to authorize staff to prepare Tax Levy and publish documents for Truth in Taxation Hearing: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

Commissioner Grill asked when the hearing would be scheduled for.  Romanek stated that it would be scheduled for December 10, 2007.  Commissioner Grill stated that we may need to accelerate that date due to timing.  Romanek will look into the timing issue and schedule a special meeting if needed. 

Romanek explained the request from the NIAA to sponsor a fish for the 25^th Annual Fishing Derby to take place June 27-July6, 2007.  In the past we have sponsored a fish at a value of $500.  Mullady noted that if the fish is not caught we do not pay anything.

On motion by Commissioner Hollis, seconded by Commissioner Mullady to sponsor a $500 fish for the NIAA 25^th Annual Fishing Derby: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

Romanek explained the request from Rich Olmstead for the Winterfest 5K.  He is requesting use of the Civic Auditorium for the day, 2-3 helpers, safety cones, 2 coffee makers, hot chocolate, and cups.  Romanek noted that he spoke to Mr. Olmstead and stated we can most likely only have 1 helper on hand, along with the rest of the items requested.  Mr. Olmstead stated he was fine with that, any assistance we could provide would be helpful.  Commissioner Grill noted that he liked the history in the letter with what we had done in the past. 

On motion by Commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to approve the request for the Winterfest 5K: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

Romanek introduced and welcomed Kelly Gresser to the board.  Gresser is the new Recreation Supervisor. 

Bessette noted that the unseasonably nice weather has helped in the maintenance department.  They have been able to make some big improvements in the parks.  Bessette noted that a new sign was in place in front of the office.  He anticipates 10 more parks will get new signage this year.  Bessette further noted that while we still have the good weather, the tree canopies are being raised to make the parks look better.  Commissioner Gathing noted that Old Fair Park looked good.  He would like to see a few additional improvements such as increased parking.  Commissioner Grill noticed that some of the garbage cans are being replaced with polymer cans instead of the current metal cans, he asked if we were buying those cans or if they were given to us.  Romanek stated that we are working with Aqua Illinois on this.  They get there chemicals in these barrels, once cleaned out, they make excellent garbage cans.  These cans are being given to us free of charge and are the same size as the metal cans.  It was noted that these new cans are lighter and easier on the maintenance crew to empty.  Bessette noted that they are the same type of cans that we use at Beckman Park for special events. 

Chavez re-introduced Kelly Gresser to the board.  Chavez stated that Gresser is jumping in with both feet and is ready to make some big changes to programming.  Chavez went on to note that the pool painting was completed with the exception of a few tiles on the steps.  Pecover Painting won the bid for the project and informed her that come spring, they will come back and do any necessary touchups for us.  It is getting too cold to perform and touchups now.  Landscaping has been done around Splash Valley due to the ground settling.  In some areas the dirt is pulling away from the concrete.  This has been fixed.  Chavez noted that some of the new programming that was coming up included a Dodgeball League, Corn Hole Tournament and a Corporate Amazing Race.  Commissioner Grill stated that he liked seeing the YTD comparisons.  He noted that he would like to see a report that outlines participation as well.  Chavez stated that she agreed with that and is working on creating a report that would give all that information in a usable format.  Romanek asked if he would like to see that at board meetings or committee meetings.  Commissioner Grill stated that either was fine. 

Romanek shared a letter that was received by the family of Barbara Mason.  They are requesting that a tree be planted in her name along with a plaque for the work she put into to determining the owner of Riverwoods Park.  Mr. Mason spoke about the work his mother put into the ownership of the park.  He noted that Mrs. Mason has passed.  He further noted that his understanding was that the park was to be names Mason Park in recognition of her work.  However all that they are asking for is a tree and plaque recognizing her.   

On motion by Commissioner Collins, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to plant a tree and place a plaque in honor of Barbara Mason: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

Romanek noted that the planting would take place in the Spring and the family would be notified so that they can be present if they should so desire.  Romanek provided information about the upcoming Bike Trail Public Hearing.  He also presented information about the Bradley House.  He has attended a meeting in regards to the possible uses.  It will not be used for weddings, a Bed & Breakfast, etc.  The group is looking to donate it to a not-for-profit agency for offices, or something of that nature.  Tours of the building will still be available regardless of its use.  They are still in the process of getting people on board and looking for financing.  Romanek feels that it would be a good idea to get involved somehow.  As of now the building is not on the Historic Register and is not ADA compliant.  Romanek shared a Thank You letter from Morning Star Baptist Church.  An agreement is being worked out with Garden of Prayer Youth Center for next year.  Romanek presented a plaque received by the NSA.  The plaque is for River Road Softball Complex being an outstanding facility.  Commissioner Grill asked if we could put the plaque at the complex so visitors can see we are recognized as an outstanding facility.  Romanek stated that he did not think that would be a good idea due to the weather; however he would look into other ways such as a banner or signage. 

Romanek introduced Rob Lopez from the OAK Orthopedic Sports Arena.   Mr. Lopez shared some information from a recent Profit and Loss Statement.  While revenue was up in a couple areas, revenue in general is down.  Lopez noted that there were some mechanical issues at the rink due to recent storms.  Commissioner Grill asked what type of storms.  Romanek noted that they were electrical storms and PDRMA has been notified.  Mr. Lopez shared several ideas as well as an incentive program he has implemented to increase revenues and participation. 

Commissioner Grill noted that the SRA was holding a fundraising concert next month.  Information is posted on the bulletin board in the office. 

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

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

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

All in favor – all ayes.

                                                                                    ________________________

                                                                                    Jess Gathing, President

_________________________

Roy Collins, Secretary