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Park Board Minutes 2006 09-14-06 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE YORKVILLE PARKS &RECREATION DEPARTMENT BOARD MEETING Parks & Recreation Administrative Office Riverfront Building Thursday, September 14,2006 , NUNUTES CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order by Chris Rollins at 7:00 pm. ROLL CALL: Chris Rollins,Ken Koch,Van Truman, Gary Golinski, Debbie Horaz, and Kelly Sedgwick GUESTS/CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: Dave Mogle,Director of Parks and Recreation Scott Sleezer, Superintendent of Parks Laura Haake,Park Planner Dean Wolfer,Alderman Loren Underhill, Yorkville Reds Baseball Steven Hanson,Yorkville Reds Baseball ( Jacob Bledsoe, Yorkville Police Dept. Dan Pleckham, Yorkville Police Dept. Traci Pleckham PUBLIC COMMENT: The Board unanimously consented to change the order of this meeting and hear the new business first so members of the public can speak and leave if they choose. NEW BUSINESS: Park Naming Request Chris Rollins read to the Board the letter addressed to Dave Mogle requesting a park dedication. "In recognition of his dedication and service to the United City of Yorkville, I would like to formally request that, a future park,perhaps a dog park,be dedicated to the late K-9 Officer Jumbo of the Yorkville Police Department. Throughout the past 7 years,this officer has been an instrumental part of the police department in many areas. He served his community by displaying his talents at numerous demonstrations throughout the city, searching for missing persons,finding drugs, and apprehending suspects by tracking, and sometimes assisted just by his overwhelming bark. By being the first K-9 Officer, Jumbo, along with his trainer,has established a positive and effective K-9 program for all future K-9 programs to continue. A park to recognize the efforts of the United City of Yorkville's K-9 Program would be a great way to honor Jumbo, as well as any future K-9 officers. I believe a dog park has been of ongoing interest in the community, and would be a great benefit for dog owners. What a better way to honor one of Yorkville's finest, as well as recognize an outstanding program within the Yorkville Police Department! Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely,Traci Pleckham." Chris Rollins stated the request is two-fold. One request is for a dog park,which has been requested by some in the Yorkville community for at least 5 years. Chris Rollins provided each member of the Board a copy of Springfield—Greene County Citizens Dog Park Committee—By Laws as a resource for researching dog parks. He also provided information providing pros and cons of dog parks for the Board to read over later. The second request is related to the park naming policy. The above request can be considered whether a dog park is built or not. It has merit and deserves consideration. Yorkville's park policies do allow dogs on leashes to come to the parks. Dave Mogle complimented the unique request and recognized dog parks as a national trend. He said he knows of dog parks that range in size from 2 acres to 21 acres.Mr. Mogle has seen two parks in Illinois that contain retention ponds for dog use. Scott Sleezer.will research models of dog parks. Chris Rollins added that there are many considerations to factor in when planning a dog park. Some of these are providing a fence,preventing dogs attacking other dogs,health concerns such as the maintenance of the parks,how to separate small and large dogs,and providing water for dogs. Careful consideration is needed so plans can be well executed and to prevent unpleasant surprises.An investigatory committee compiled of members of the community could help plan such a park with Parks and Recreation. Gary Golinski said funding may be provided through OSLAD grants or public private partnerships for dog parks. Perhaps a new park could be a memorial for Jumbo and future K-9 officers. Dean Wolfer added that requests for dog parks are frequent. Naming a park after one dog can still honor fixture dogs. Dan Pleckham,from the Yorkville Police Department and former trainer of Jumbo, stated that the ultimate goal is to have a general area to train K-9 units. He would be happy to help plan a dog park and answer questions. The open spaces of Hoover Park,Harris Park, and Silver Springs have been used to train,but he would like the option of a park within city limits. A local general area in town would provide more citizen interaction to observe K-9 units while they are training. A motion to accept the request to name a park,in the future,pending the proper application form being filled out,was given by Van Truman and seconded by Gary Golinski. The motion was unanimously approved. A formation of a dog park will take more in depth discussion. 1 It should be noted that Jumbo died as an active duty officer. He tracked 3 days before his death. Dan Pleckham thanked the Board for honoring his K-9 partner and the program Officer Pleckham started 8 years ago. Jumbo was a very active dog. The three K-9 unit officers of the police department can be resources for dog park planning. Traci Pleckham said that Jumbo served the community well and thanked the Board for their approval to name a park after him. She is aware that a dog park is a grandeur issue,but she appreciates the consideration. Reds Baseball Facility Request The Reds Travel Baseball League has requested the use of the ball diamond at Hoover for the 2007 season. The Forest Preserve District and Boy Scouts also have some consideration and are waiting for the Park Board to have ample discussion before the recommendation is given. The Reds need to have a timely decision so they know the facilities available to them. The following letter addressed to Mr. Mogle and written by Steve Hanson, Yorkville Reds.President,was read. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with Loren Underhill and I yesterday regarding the Yorkville Reds Baseball Organization. We appreciate your willingness to listen and understand our evaluation of needs,regarding youth baseball as it currently stands in Yorkville. As we discussed yesterday,the Yorkville Reds are a Not for Profit Organization that I started in the fall of 2005. The Reds mission is to allow kids to grow and learn the game of baseball at a pace and competitive level that is suitable to the kids and their families. The Reds seek to challenge their players to improve their skills through hard work, determination,teamwork and commitment,which are all life skills we believe to be important to the future success of the individuals on and off the field. The Reds inaugural season consisted of two teams, a 12U team coached by myself, and a l0U team coached by Loren Underhill. Due to the overwhelming success of our first season, and parent and community satisfaction with the product that we have offered to the serious baseball player,the Reds have encountered tremendous growth. We recently held a tryout at the American Legion Field for our 2007 season and had over 100 kids tryout. For the 2007 season the Reds will field 6 teams that will represent Yorkville in numerous regional, state, and national level competitions. These teams will also bring teams from all over.the state and region to play against them in the event that fields are secured,giving the community of Yorkville the opportunity to benefit economically from such visitors. Age levels that will be represented in the Reds organization include: 10U, I IU, 12U, 13U American, 13U National, and 14U. Each team consists of approximately 12-13 players. Over 95%of these players are Kendall County residents and 80%are residents of Yorkville. As the county seat,it is logical for the Reds to have the best players in the Kendall County area and Yorkville represented as part of this organization. t Last year,the Reds were allowed to use Hoover fields as their home field. The field was bypassed by Yorkville Youth Baseball (YYBS)which allowed the Reds to use it. The Reds families and volunteers put in countless hours of hard work and approximately $3000 to make the field not just playable but a beautiful place to play baseball. I would like at this time to once again request the usage of Hoover field for the 2007 season. You should also know that the Reds kept Hoover Field in great shape all summer and consider it their home. We have already contacted Kendall County and the Boys Scouts for their approval on this matter and appreciate your consideration for this request as well. Additionally,the Reds would like to request the usage of at least two other Yorkville fields run by Parks and Recreation,but not for our sole use,however. We feel with approximately 60 Yorkville residents in the program we should be considered for additional field time and that this could reasonably be scheduled in cooperation with the Yorkville Park District and Yorkville Youth Baseball since theoretically these players would have played in YYBS had the Reds not been another option for families to consider. We would like to specifically request the usage of a Pony level field for our 13U and 14U teams for games and practices which would allow them to have a home night during the week and also be able to practice in Yorkville. Please understand that our goal is to try to keep this travel baseball program based in Yorkville. We feel too many kids are leaving Yorkville for other travel baseball opportunities (i.e. Greater Aurora Baseball Association, Wiers Baseball Academy- Morris,Excel Baseball- St. Charles,just to name a few). I strongly feel that two organizations that offer very different baseball experiences can co-exist within a community so that parents and players have options to consider when choosing a program suitable for their child. For the record,I did not start this organization for my own child—I started it for the City of Yorkville. My mission has always been for all children to have the opportunity to play at a level that suits their talent so that one day, they may have opportunities that they never dreamed of before, such as a high school championship, or better yet,maybe even a college scholarship. I am quite possibly the most passionate person you will ever meet when it comes to coaching, and I want what is best and what is fair for my players. I hope that you will bust in me that I have the best of intentions at heart for the Yorkville community and hope that together,we can come to an agreement in this matter that works for all involved,but especially the kids who just want to excel a the game of baseball. Once again, I would like to thank you for your time and consideration. The Reds coaches and families appreciate your willingness to listen to our thoughts and look forward to hearing from you very soon." The Reds Organization is seeking a facility request of the Hoover Field and at least two additional fields. The goal of Parks and Recreation is to foster its own programs. However for the sport of baseball, Yorkville Youth Baseball has served many kids by being cooperative with Parks and Recreation and not in competition. The existence of YYBS means that Parks and Recreation does not have to be responsible for providing a youth baseball program. YYBS has been a well managed organization and has been the only youth baseball organization with which the City has a written agreement. Within the cooperative agreement,there has been exchanging of funds, volunteer man power, and the shared maintenance of fields. YYBS has 1000 kids participating in their program. There is a natural extension of all sports going beyond the existing program to a higher level of skill and commitment in the establishment of traveling teams. The Board should talk to YYBS and find out the implications of how that organization's traveling teams could be effected with the Reds baseball travel program. In the past,Parks and Recreation was asked to host a traveling basketball program in its facilities. The response was that instead of having a separate organization for this, it was incorporated into the existing Parks and Recreation basketball program. For baseball, Parks and Recreation does not have this option. When traveling baseball programs were implemented before,the teams have not come before the Board and asked for resources. The Reds are making a unique request for fields. When asked if the agreement with YYBS is inclusive,the reply was that YYBS is given priority and is the only league sanctioned by City Council and approved by City Council. The Hoover facility was used by the Reds last year with permits from the Boy Scouts and Kendall County Forest Preserve, and Loren Underhill stated that Parks and Recreation was not involved. Ken Koch,Dave Mogle, and the Executive Director of Kendall County Forest Preserve met recently to discuss preliminary aspects of a long term lease so Parks and Recreation can have use of approximately 65 acres of the Hoover Facility. It was understood that the city uses the active recreation areas and the forest preserve uses the passive recreation areas. The City has funded half the costs to have an unpurchased Hoover parcel held by a land holding company and has the right,through an intergovernmental agreement with the Forest Preserve,to have input on how active space is used at Hoover. Ken Koch said with 3 new board members on the Board that have not seen the current agreement,the request can not be acted on yet. It was verified that the Reds players have 10 out of 12 Yorkville kids on each team roster. Steve Hanson said there are misconcep- tions about the Reds. He was on the Board of YYBS and does not want to take anything away from the organization. YYBS did not offer what they wanted to do such as clinics for catching and pitching,year round programs, and work with the White Sox organiza- tion. The Reds do not have a residency requirement for the teams at this time,but Steve Hanson said they could have one if fields were in town and it worked for both parties. Van Truman is concerned about additional leagues drawing talented players away from other organizations. Kelly Sedgwick stated the positive of higher level baseball being offered in the community.He can see the leagues co-existing. Some families don't want to travel and other families have that desire. The decision is how the Board accommodates the Reds in a neutral fashion without disrupting the agreement with YYBS. Dave Mogle asked the Reds representatives to distinguish differences between the Reds ar}d YYBS. Loren Underhill went to the YYBS Board and asked for a traveling team and he was told 10 years old was too young. Two years ago, Steve Hanson was the Vice President of YYBS Board, and wanted to take his good team to Omaha to the World Series and he was told no. He took his team to Wisconsin without getting permission and then received a letter from the YYBS President saying he can not do that,but rather he had to stay local. Steve Hanson wanted to offer clinics,but again YYBS said no. That is when Mr.Hanson decided to branch out on his own. Since then,he and his teams have gone to Omaha and Cincinnati for World Series,played in Puerto Rico,New York, California, and attended the College World Series. Yorkville is adding more fields. However,Parks and Recreation sponsored adult softball programs also use ball fields,not just baseball players. It is a challenge and concern to schedule all the teams. Historically,when an individual has requested field space,he/she is told that if the field is not being used for Parks and Recreation programs, YYBS, or another group with prior consent,then it is open for public use by others. It is recognized that the Reds would need to schedule so many teams,that this answer would not be satisfactory. Ken Koch asked the Reds coaches if they are requesting free fields or willing to pay for them. YYBS has the fees waived because of the partnership with them and the donations they give when needed. They donated the money for fields and Parks and Recreation built them. Steve Hanson said they would pay for usage of the fields. In order to arrive at some resolution,the Park Board,the Reds, and YYBS need to meet together. Dave Mogle met with YYBS Board members on September 13th. They are expanding and looking for more fields and interested in the Hoover field as well. At that meeting, YYBS couldn't provide a schedule of their needs yet. The follow-up meeting is on September 25th to list their needs. The Regional Ball Diamonds will be ready next spring,but Parks and Recreation programs will get priority. The Reds program is a not for profit program(501'-3C). Steve Hanson said that the program helps with the cost of some.kids. Last year Mr. Underhill and Mr. Hanson each coached a team and there were 4 other coaches. Steve Hanson enjoys this and plans to coach for a long time even after his son is finished with the organization. He is coaching 2 teams this year,with one team having no relatives on it. Staff wants 2 representatives from YYBS and Loren Underhill and Steve Hanson from the Reds and the Parks and Recreation Board to have a special meeting soon. Dave Mogle and the Board through email will choose a date for this meeting. The meeting with YYBS could be rearranged. YYBS and the Reds should come with specific field needs such as amount of fields,weekly needs, and time allotments. 1 Gary Golinski verified that the Reds have tryouts and choose the best players. YYBS holds tryouts for traveling teams. The YYBS in-house program does not turn kids away.. For this program,kids can try out for tournament teams as all-stars. Mr. Golinski said there is a market for the Reds program. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the special meeting of August 21St regarding Westbury Village were presented. Gary Golinski would like to accurately reflect what was said by Mr. Hughes and what was said to Mr.Hughes. Dave Mogle also felt that the minutes needed another review in order to make sure all points were covered so that the Council will know the Board met on their own time for this group. The minutes from the special meeting from August 21,2006 were not approved. Dave Mogle will amend the August 21St minutes from his notes and email the Board for confirmation on accuracy. These minutes will be given to the council members,but they need to be really accurate. This is no reflection on the minute taker,but the Board wants to be very precise for City Council. Council will be voting on this Westbury issue soon. The minutes from the August 24, 2006 Park and Recreation Board Meeting were approved on motion by Gary Golinski and seconded by Ken Koch. The motion was unanimously approved. BILLS REVIEW: Cash Analysis&Bills List Chris Rollins read the list of checks approved by City Council and the City Treasurer: General Fund transfer–Yorkville Parks and Rec for $87,177.25, check 9806;Northway Heating,.Cooling& Sheet Metal Inc. (Riverfront Building) for$6,950.00, check 9670; Kendall County Forest Preserve District(2 progress payments)for$116,637.68, check 9669; G.M.Randa Inc. for$8,500.00, check 9668; and Gambrel Construction Management, Inc. (Riverfront)for$11,993.00, check 9667. All the other checks from the bills list have been signed and co-signed The baseball cost of$3000 was for the Bulls/Sox Academy in September. A cost of$545 was for the replacement of a stolen telescope from a playlet at a park. Supplies for Kiddie Campus from Walmart was for the Parks and Recreation preschool program, not the daycare. Van Truman motioned to approve the cash analysis and bills list. The motion was seconded by Gary Golinski. Roll call vote: Chris Rollins—Yes, Ken Koch—Yes, Van Truman–Yes, Gary Golinski—Yes,Debbie Horaz—Yes, and Kelly Sedgwick–Yes. The motion was unanimously approved. l OLD BUSMSS: Whispering Meadows Playground RFP Results and Recommendation Whispering Meadows is a large park that has a BMX Track, a baseball field, a walking trail, and naturalized plantings. Scott Sleezer and Laura Haake presented Staff recommendations for Whispering Meadows play equipment. Special features are needed for the park design to follow the OSLAD Grant. The 5-12 year old structure will be from Miracle/Park&Recreation Supply at a cost of$27,287.00. The total equipment cost of $105,033.00 is$4000 over budget. A water tank slide in the plans is not part of the OSLAD requirements, so it is proposed as an add alternate at$13,372.00. It would be put in the construction documents and if money was available,the slide would be added. If not enough funding,the feature will not be included. The 2-5 year old park structure, in a separate area, is train-themed by Let's Go Play/ Playworld Systems for$12,997.00. Display boards showed train elements and the colors can be changed (dark red,maroon). The challenge stations in the 5-12 area are by Miracle/Park&Recreation Supply and do comply with the OSLAD Grant application. This helps with physical fitness as kid's race through this element side-by-side. This is adjacent to a school site. The swings at both playground structures are standard. The problem of chains looping around the top will be solved by the design of the Little Tikes/ Parkreation swings. The park shelter will have a working clock feature,which is part of the OSLAD grant. It { looks like a train station clock. There will also be an entry arch that will match the shelter. The OSLAD Grant was applied for by Scott Sleezer and the past director last year. In January it was received. The money needs to be spent by the end of 2007 or extended. This will probably be a late winter or spring construction, depending on the vendor chosen and if construction is done in the winter. A motion to accept Staff s recommendation for Whispering Meadows Park equipment for a total,not to exceed, $101,000.00 was given by Kelly Sedgwick. Debbie Horaz seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Chris Rollins—Yes,Ken Koch—Yes,Van Truman —Yes, Gary Golinski-Yes,Debbie Horaz—Yes, Kelly Sedgwick—Yes. The motion was unanimously approved. Dave Mogle and Scott Sleezer went to Springfield this week to give a presentation on the most recent OSLAD grant application for Prairie Meadows Park. Of all the presentations, Yorkville was the only town that themes its parks. It received positive feedback. As early as next month,the results of that proposal might be known. An additional eleven million dollars was just allocated for that program—a 59%increase. Land cash went up to$102,000 per acre. Chris Rollins wanted the Board to enthusiastically thank City Council and have Dean Wolfer pass on to his colleagues how important the land cash value is to this organization and to the development of parks in the city. Mr. Rollins believes the land cash value is where it needs to be. This is a well received action for the Board. Board Retreat Agenda Facilitator Lorrie Gibson suggested spending time at the retreat on reviewing the mission statement. The vision statement would take more time, but also is important to cover. Next,the format would include goals, setting objectives, and action plans.Another big item would be to do an environmental scan and look internally at department strengths and weaknesses and externally at the opportunities and challenges.Finally,the retreat format would allow time to focus on the most critical issues. Dave Mogle gave Lorne Gibson the proposed agenda topics and a short synopsis of each along with additional resources such as the comprehensive plan,Parks and Recreation brochures, and the organization chart. The retreat is in 6 weeks. The next meeting will be with Dave Mogle, Scott Sleezer, Sue Swithin, and Ms. Gibson at the Starved Rock Conference Room to check this facility and the motel. Chris Rollins does not underestimate the need for strategic planning. He suggested the items of Future Staffing/Organizational Structure and Short/Long Term Goals be combined with the strategic planning process. He is hoping for the fullness of discussion for some of the other listed items aside from an overview of mission/vision information. He wants enough time for the very specific,tactical issues. Lorrie Gibson recommended l the mission/vision material be covered only on Friday night and possibly Saturday morning. The Board had talked about who to invite including the aldermen. Ms. Gibson had the opinion not to do this, so the Staff and Board can team build. The retreat results can be shared with the aldermen after the retreat. Bringing in outsiders, as valuable as the City Council is,to a group passionate about certain issues could cause hardships. Dean Wolfer agreed with this opinion on the importance of team building. He believes City Council should not be involved in the retreat. It would take too much time to educate the aldermen on all issues. Kelly Sedgwick said Liaison Paul James should be invited though. He could provide information regarding City Council and answer questions about their processes. Dave Mogle will invite Mayor Art Prochaska, Jr.,though he knows the mayor is busy. Dave.Mogle asked the park board to prioritize the given list of 12 retreat agenda topics. Some suggestions were given such as the Distinguished Agency Recognition not being on the retreat agenda or defining it so the development of the strategic plan is included. It could be an optional item if time allows. Some topics will fall under the Comprehension Plan. Land acquisition may be moved up as a priority with the new dog park just mentioned. The Board will continue to look at the list and at the next meeting discuss them and possibly add or delete items. Dave Mogle thought of two more topics: dealing with the City's growth and Special Recreation Association membership l A community survey cannot be administered and compiled before the retreat. Time at the retreat may be devoted to develop survey questions. Lorne Gibson suggested Staff meet with focus groups(such as moms and business people) and ask 3-4 questions about Parks and Recreation. The results would be discussed at the retreat. Chris Rollins said NIU's last survey consisted of structured questions and it seemed to be a dispassionate tool that lacked the Board's influence. The demographics are needed to form focus groups or weigh focus groups' responses. Dave Mogle gave out copies of the past community survey results. It was compiled from 534 return surveys out of 1000 random surveys administered. With a larger sample size in Yorkville and many being new residents, it would be interesting to see how trends change and how some of the public discourse is effecting it. The Board thinks the survey is an invaluable tool and ample time is needed so it is completed effectively. Some questions from the 2002-2003 survey should be kept and others changed. Chris Rollins liked that a phone survey will reach many people unless there was a hard refusal, and verbalization versus paper questionnaires allows the surveyors to know if the person is enthusiastic or reluctant to participate in recreation programs. Phone surveys are used now because technology can cover more ground;it is cheaper, and the results are better. Laura Haake was concerned that only landline phones will be surveyed. She and all her friends who use cell phones will not be reached in a phone survey and she guesses her age group will not be accurately represented. This point brought up the possibility of ( a combination of written and phone survey. The resident survey will be pursued,just not before the Parks and Recreation Retreat. Old Post Office Rehab Plans Dave Mogle handed out preliminary plans for the funding of the post office renovation rehab. Currently almost$30,000 is in the Municipal Building Fund. All the money has been received from the Harold Oliver funds involving the Senior's move to Beecher Center. Some of that money will be used for the renovation and the mayor agrees with this. By ending our rental relationship with the Kramer Building and with Parkview School, more funds will be added. Without dipping into reserve funds or without borrowing from other funds,the finance department has identified approximately $123,000 for the project Additional monies may be able to be used from Land Cash projects that have been delayed with the idea of replacing those funds from a future budget. This is an option of last resort. The renovation is estimated at$165,000. Scott Sleezer said the Riverfront fund's surplus of$12,000-$15,000 could possibly be used for the post office. Another option is to leave some unfinished space until more funds are available. The West Riverfront Building will be a programming room, so the Parkview commitment ended. There is a possibility that Yorkville Grade School will provide programming space. The old post office will eventually contain a room for Parks and Recreation Board Meetings -twice the size of the current room used and a programming room. The Riverfront building that is now used for Parks and Recreation meetings will then be used by the City Building Dept. Dave Mogle gives lots of credit to Vem Henne, a local contractor who is acting as the Construction Manager for the West Riverfront Building, and he is planning to help with the post office. The boat ramp near the post office needs to be renovated and if the city could acquire the whole parking lot,then the boat ramp could be renovated. That may work into the city's TIF Plan and there are State fund's for boat access grants that would be reimbursed at 100%. In the future, Parks and Recreation would like a new,modern recreation center so the renovated buildings may be temporary. The temporary buildings could then be used for other purposes,like a teen center. The Board will meet at the old post office prior to the next scheduled meeting on September 28n`so members can visualize the space. REPORTS The recreation report was included in the Board members'packet. The Grande Reserve Park D was cited as not being complete in the local paper. There was a delay in the Spring when the mulch was delivered 10 days late and delivering it caused huge ruts after lots of rain. It is so close to being done that it is almost a non-issue ADDITIONAL BUSINESS Hoover Agreement Meetings Dave Mogle met with the Executive Director of Kendall County Forest Preserve twice and they will meet again on September 18a'. A sample lease agreement will be used from sample agreements collected from other forest preserves in similar situations. There was a meeting this week with the two above parties and the Boy Scouts. The Boys Scouts asked for the meeting and want some continued presence at Hoover,but will not effect Parks and Recreation who will have a higher usage priority. The Boy Scouts current agreement ends at the end of 2007. Leasing the dining hall building or the.Rice Building could benefit Parks and Recreation with the location near the land it will operate. The Forest Preserve wants to keep the maintenance garage. FYBS Ken Koch provided a page on facts about YYBS fees for fields and then listed his concerns about the current agreement/policy. Portable pitching mounds are not provided by Parks and Recreation for other organizations. They are expensive. Five years ago the YYBS and Parks and Recreation relationship was strained. Over the past 3 years,the relationship has improved. Kendall Outdoor Education Association This association operates a building at Silver Springs State Park. There have been some concerns voiced on whether the building would be used next year for the outdoor education program. There are examples of the state working with park districts or city park and rec department directly. An example of this is at the Region 2 Headquarters. The visitor center was operated by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District and now operated by the Bartlett Park District. It was speculated that there may be an opportunity for the city to do some programming involving outdoor education and activities with the natural environment. The Board could perhaps craft a proposal for Silver Springs. Jeff Webrick, the Superintendent, is the contact person and also he is Superintendent of Des Plaines Conservation. Silver Springs has a Yorkville address, is part of the Yorkville School District, but not in city limits. A Yorkville Alderman believes the City Council would be receptive to an outdoor center. The center is a ranch house that had a teepee in front and a back lake trail and has its own gate. It was renovated recently. Chris Rollins said-the State is limited to expanding its park presence with the growth in population and anything it can do in conjunction with the community would be favorable. The State would be seeking a stable and dependable partner like Parks and Recreation. Silver Springs is well used. The Hunting and Fishing Days will be the last week of September. Last year about 20,000 people attended this event. There is lots of opportunity for this if the approach is proactive. This needs to be done quickly. Dave Mogle will contact the superintendent about this. Additional Funding Ideas Van Truman mentioned advertisements for Community Benefit by Hamburger Helper. Hamburger Helper grants $15,000 per worthy community project. Chris Rollins mentioned that Crystal Light makes money available for walking and fitness trails. Hometown Days Scott Sleezer publicly thanked the Board for helping out at Hometown Days on behalf of himself, Sue Swithin and Dave Mogle. Board members recognized the hard work done and stated it was a well-run operation. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. following motion by Van Truman and seconded by Debbie Horaz. The motion was unanimously approved. Minute Taker—Eileen Lesak i