Park Board Minutes 2002 02-11-02 • L :
Yorkville Parks &Recreation Department
Park Board Meeting
February 11, 2002
Call to Order-
Rollins called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Roll Call -
Chris Rollins, Dave Cathey, Lisa Scherer,Ken Koch
Absent: Bill Wedge
Staff: Sue Swithm, Eric Dhuse
Absent: Alderman Paul James
Guests and City Officials- None in attendance
Approval of Minutes -
The Board approved minutes of the January 28, 2002 meeting following a motion by Scherer.
Koch seconded the motion Approval was tuianimous.
Rollins asked Swithin to update the Board on Beecher rental issues. Swithin explained that renting
space to outside individuals for classcs leas becuuie Inure difficult to justify, because of the
increasing demand for space to hold park programs and classes. The Board noted that park
programs must take precedence over rentals. Following discussion, it was agreed that.Swithin
would send a letter to the cunent renters offering a 3-month contract,when their current classes
end, with the understanding that it is likely that in the fall there may not be space available to them.
She will also offer them suggestions for other possible rental sites.
Payment of Bills -
The Board reviewed the bills list. Following their review, a motion to pay the bills was made by
Cathey, Koch seconded the motion. A roll-call vote was taken: Cathey, yes; Koch, yes; Scherer,
yes; Rollins, yes. Approval was unanimous.
Board Action:
Swithin asked for a transfer$2,000 from the General Fund for the purpose of paying basketball
referees.
Swithin recommended a paragraph he added to the trail standard clarifying the use of"Primary"
and "Secondary"trails. The addition of this paragraph would provide for safer more adequate
trails in areas of heavier use, and are in keeping with AASHTO standards, which stress safety and
the sound marxagement of trail systems. The Hoard miauiinuusly appruvcd amending the proposed
standard, to include the recommended paragraph,following a motion by Scherer, seconded by
Cathey.
The Board reviewed the proposed 2002/2003 budget.
Dhuse discussed the need for additional personnel in Public Works. Rollins asked Dhuse to
provide more backup information.
5 ,
The Board discussed hiring a consultant for the purpose of doing pool research and research on
issues involved in becoming a park district, .Rollins suggested adding a line item to the budget for
the;hiring. Swithin suggtsLcd S 10,000, and splitting the$15,000(formerly budgeted for the pool)
between the pool and district research.
Rollins suggested some of the money could also be used for the parks consultant. Swithin pointed
out that money needs to be budgeted for salaries for a new director and superintendent, as well.
Rollins also discussed options for the pool. Swithin suggested bringing in a couple of community
volunteers to discuss pool issues. The Board agreed, and directed Swithin to place an ad in the
newspaper for volunteers.
Also discussed during the budget review were budgeted expenditures for parks. Included in the
discussion was the repair and use of the river front building, and the River Front Foundation's
desire for a picnic shelter in the park, The Board agreed to add$10,000 to the budget for further
enhancement of River Front Park.
Koch asked about Safety Town. Cathey suggested using the$I5,000 to hire a consultant for this
pro iect. Ir.was pninted out that Swithin has been making contacts for additional sponsor;to help
firia.nee this project.
The Board then dirc.xcd Swithiii to change the proposed budget to reflect$7,500 each for a
consultant and for research. She will also add a contingency of$500 under"Other' to each park.
Rollins asked Dhuse to locate and share with the Board a map of the park in Fox Hill,
Swithin shared a list of assorted plants, available at low cost, from the Kane DnPage Soil & Water
Conservation District. She recommended considering this resource for plantings around
Grecnbriar Pond.
Dhusc will review his list for capital and equipment. Swithin will make the additions to land-cash
and give to Tracie.
Rollins asked for a motion to approve the expenses portion of the budget; as amended, and the
land-cash for equipment and park capital. Scherer made the motion. Koch seconded. A roll-call
vote was taken: Scherer, yes, Koch, yes; Cathey,yes; Rollins, ,yes. Approval was unanimous.
Swithin shared a letter the received from a local citizen, who was expressing her concern for issues
relating to new development in the city, The Board asked Swithin to write a letter explaining that
her concerns do not relate to Parks &: Roe.
Rollins asked the board to look at the entrance to Heartland, across from Jewel, before the next
meeting, when they will review the plans for Heartland 1 and 2.
Scherer asked for an update on the Lill lawsuit. Rollins said the Mayor told him that Dan Kramer
sent her a Ietter saying that unless she wok any action against the City,the matter was considered
closed.
Dhuse asked board input to the plan revision for the Highlands development. He pointed out
detention basins proposed for park space, and asked if the Board was in favor of the proposal. The
Dowd unanimously expressed their opposition to the proposed use of detention basins for park
space. He pointed out easements allowing for a 10'trail on the 6,3 acres at the southwest comer
of the development, as well as nine acres of park space next to the school. He suggested the trail
connect to the boulevard, with a bike lane extending along the east end of the boulevard to die park
on the east side of the school, The Board agreed to consider not accepting the dry detention basin,
and giving the school five acres of the part: Iand. Rollins said they will discuss diG issue wide the
school district,
Muse:3harcd the Limo study fui his department,as previously requested by the park board.
Swithin asked if he could also do a study based on acreage.
Muse was asked to attend the Feb. 15 meeting on the pool. Rollins said he would like to know who
was responsible for paying the water bill for the pool, considering the amount of water needed to
replace the water leaking out of the pool daily nhuse.will try to get-ai-answer.
Rollins asked that Old business items be tabled until the next meeting.
Scherer moved that the Board adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel
hiring procedures. Koch seconded, A roll-call vote was taken; Rollins, yes; Cathey,yes; Scherer,
ycs; Koch, yes. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Judy Rice
Recording Secretary
Next meeting 7:00 p.m. February 21 in the Austin Room of the Beecher Community Building.