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, September 10, 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

            Hollis

            Grill 

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

Members of the Public present:  None  

Press present:  None  

Commissioner Collins led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Romanek noted the Communications items. He stated that we received a letter from Mayor Green thanking us for our effort, and for allowing them to use some of the Park District equipment during the Merchant Street Music Festival.  We also supported them with a sponsorship that allowed us to put a banner up to give us name recognition.  The next item Communications item in the agenda packet is an open invitation to the Board from the Community Foundation to their Legacy Society to be held Thursday, September 13.  The final Communication item is a request from the Northern Illinois Anglers Association advising of their annual river clean-up that will be held Saturday, September 15.  They requested picnic tables and open restrooms at two sites – Aroma Park and Beckman.  Our Parks maintenance staff will make sure these items are taken care of. 

In regards to Consent Agenda items, Commissioner Grill asked Chavez if she planned to be at the Civic Auditorium during Jennifer Hunt’s fundraiser.  Chavez replied she could do that. 

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

(A)   The minutes of the August 13, 2007 regular meeting and Budget Hearing were approved and were not read aloud.

(B)   Financial Statements for July.

(C)   Bills Payable General Fund check numbers 1 through 164 in the amount of $244,044.81 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

Romanek noted the old business items.  River Road water service update – neither Romanek nor Jerry Connelly from Aqua could find any documentation stating what would be owed to us for allowing an easement through our property.   They have come to a consensus that there was a handshake agreement.  Aqua has therefore agreed that we would not be charged a tap fee into the line.  They will go ahead and set the meter for us on our side and depending on the size of the meter, through the calculations of what’s there and what’s being used, the 1” meter fee would be $27.10 per month, a 2” meter fee would be $90.75 per month.  Based on our requirements they felt a 1” would be sufficient.  The rate per gallon is $2.98 per 748 gallons or $.004 per gallon.  Aqua will tie our pipe into the meter when we are ready to proceed.  This topic will be added to our next Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting agenda to determine how we want to proceed.  Additional old business, the Kankakee Valley Recreation Trail update – we received the easement from CMS with the help of Mr. Collins from Shapiro.  The deed needs to be recorded at the County office and sent back to CMS.  They are now settling the easement with Aqua.    

In regards to the trail, Commissioner Collins indicated that he spoke with Norm Strasma who advised him that there were plans to install 5 privately funded rest areas along the 10 mile trail.  He asked if one could be set aside on the Shapiro campus.  He is raising funds for this rest area.  It will be dedicated to his father, Ira Collins, for all the work that he has done for Shapiro.  A lot of the funding will come from parent’s groups who have children at Shapiro.  Mr. Strasma indicated that they plan to start the trail in June 2008. 

Romanek noted new business.  The date set for the new Administration Building open house is Thursday, October 4.  If all are in agreement it will be scheduled for that date.  Invitations will be sent out to local dignitaries and to the general public.  The next item in new business is the P Power Purchasing Card.  He was approached by IAPD in regards to this card.  We currently have a card from National City, but it doesn’t have the ability to block unlawful acts by employees.  The P Power card comes recommended by IAPD.  It is run through the Harris Bank.  It would give us power to make the card more secure and an opportunity to reduce paperwork.  Romanek recommends to the Board that we pursue acquiring this card.  Harris Bank requires 2 audits from the previous year and our financials to set the credit limit.  If we don’t like the limit set we will remain with National City. 

On motion by commissioner Grill, seconded by Commissioner Hollis to approve proceeding with switching from National City to P Power Purchasing Card: 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            Gathing                         Aye     

            Collins                          Aye

            Mullady                        Aye

            Grill                              Aye

            Hollis                            Aye 

The next item in new business was the Tour of Parks.  Romanek advised the Board that the time for going out for Bond is near.  He would like to schedule group or individual tours of the parks with the Commissioners to compile a list of capital improvement needs.  The money can then be used by priority until it is exhausted.  Romanek suggested splitting up the parks by Commissioner in order to expedite the process.  Commissioner Grill suggested that as many Commissioners visit as many parks as they can to get a clearer idea of our priorities.  The last item in the new business category is in regards to a memo from the Illinois Department of Revenue, forwarded from the Special Recreation Association, advising us that our commitment has been raised 3.4% due the current property tax extension limitation law.  Our commitment to the SRA will go up $2200. 

Bessette asked if there were any questions in regards to his staff report.  Commissioner Collins asked if Butterfield Park was ours.  He indicated it was.  There is an issue with the distance of the bathrooms to the practice field.  Romanek indicated that if the league is requesting a port-o-let, it would be at their expense.  In addition, Commissioner Collins indicated that “No Skateboarding” sign was requested for McBroom Park tennis courts via the “Speak Out” column in The Daily Journal.  Commissioner Mallady also stated there was new graffiti at Jeffers Park.  Commissioner Gathing informed Bessette that the pump out at River Road at the football complex was leaking.  Bessette also advised the Board that all 4 pieces of mowing equipment were currently down.  Two will be up and running by tomorrow morning.  The others are to be determined. 

Commissioner Mullady then presented a list of concerns directed to him from members of the community in regards to the operation of the ice arena.  Executive Director Romanek will present the list to Rob Lopez for a response.  Romanek also reminded the Board that the contract we have with Advanced Arenas allows them to control the management of the arena. 

Chavez asked if there were any questions in regards to her staff report.  Commissioner Grill asked if there were year-to-date financials for Splash Valley.  She indicated that they were not complete.  She is waiting for all the numbers to be calculated.  Commissioner Grill also asked if she had received any feedback on the Splash Pad in regards to the difference in staffing this year.  She stated that no one had noticed the change.  There was no negative feedback.  

Romanek stated that his staff report was given throughout the agenda. 

There were no Committee reports. 

There was no Executive Session. 

On motion by Commissioner Hollis, seconded by Commissioner Grill the meeting was adjourned.