Park Board Minutes 2001 10-08-01 R
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Yorkville Parks& Recreation
Park Board Meeting,
October S, 2001
Call to Order-
Chris Rollins called the meeting to order at 7;05 p.m.
Roll Call-
Chris Rollins,Dave Cathey, Lisa Scherer, Bill Wedge;Ken Koch, Alderman Paul James
Absent: Sue Swithin.
Guests and/or City Officials-
Art Prochaska,"Tony Graff, Sylvia Kurtz
Chris discussed a letter received from Dana Lill, an assistant coach for the succer program, in
which she threatens legal action over a reprimand she was given by the Park Board for
inappropriate behavior displayed at a recent soccer game. Attached to the letter was a petition of
support signed by seven individuals who were also in attendance at the game. Chris asked that
beard members remain silent on this matter until legal contact has been made. Mayor Prochaska
reported that he also received a copy of the letter, and is consulting with City Attorney Dan
Kramer. He suggested that the park board also turn all information over to the city attorney for
his review and legal opinion.
Canis then reported on a meeting held with Art Prochaska and Tony Graf a week ago retarding
the Superintendent of Parks and the Director of Parks&.Rec positions. The Board expressed
their concern for any further delay in the hiring process. Tony suggested that hiring the Director
first would help guide the entire P arks focus. He also said that an assessment of current land use
would be helpful in giving direction to a Director in the first year and perhaps the first,several
years. Chris expressed his hope tlrat a Park Superintendent might be in place within six months.
Art.and Tony then suggested hiring a consultant to help with the selection process for the two
positions. Axt suggested a possible connection through the city's auditing firm.
Tony recommended hiring a landscape architect(someone who is familiar with the Yorkville
area)to consult on land use and park planning issmes, for the short term., until the other two
positions are filled. Tony them had to leave the meeting. Chris expressed his concern that,
because the master plan has not yet been updated, short term land use planning operations arc not
included in the plan. Art said he will ask Tony to contact their consultant on the city's
comprehensive plan to work with the bark Board to identify land use issues.
Approval of Minutes—
Minutes of the September 24 Planning& Development meeting were unanimously approved
following a motion by Lisa Scherer. Bill Wedge seconded the motion.
Bills Review—
Current bills were reviewed and for rayment. Bill Wedge made a motion to approve payment of
bills_ Ken Koch seconded. A roll-call vote was taken. Approval was unanimous_
Yorkville Parks &Recreation
Park Board Meeting
October 8, 2001
Page 2
Board Actions—
Kon Koch uskcd if any board members were planning to attend the Kendall County Forest
Preserve District meeting on trail development. A letter from the District explained the
fornnation of a countywide committee to develop a bike trail plan for Kendall County. Board
members expressed interest in attending the meeting. The Board also expressed their support for
Sue Swithin to serve on the committee.
Recreation Report—
No report given
Park Report-
No report given
Liaison Report—
Paul James reported that once the PUT for Prairie Gardens development has been finalized, and
the park board will be receiving notification.
Old Business—
I.isa reported that the Safety Town grant was submitted to the Association of Safety Engineers.
The application deadline was September 30,2001.
Sylvia referenced a privately-owned parcel of property adjacent to Prairie Park when azsking the
Board if they knew whether the owner may want to donate or sell the property to the City. Chris
responded, saying the Board is unaware of the owner's intent,but that he will talk with the
Mayor on this matter.
Chris then noted that the Board has not heard anything from Joe Roberts regarding the future of
the pool. He asked that the"Y"be contacted to learn the results of their decision.
New Business—
Chris referenced a letter from Russ Walter,a computer consultant hired by the City to make sure
city software licenses arc in order. Chris noted that the Parks&.Re- Dept. ahoady hus a
computer consultant, and has directed Sue to inform Russ Walter that his services are not needed
by the department.
Chris again asked that board members refrain fzom discussing the soccer issue with anyone. He
will contact board members when some word is received from Dan Kramer.
Yorkville Parks& Recreation
Park Board Meeting
October S, 2001
Page 2
Chris asked board members for suggestions on the scope of responsibilities for the consultant on
land use and park planning. He will call board member,for their suggestions.
Adjournment-
Chris asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.Bill made the motion_ Ken seconded. The
meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Judy Rice
Recording Secretary
Next meeting 7:00 p.m.October 22 in the Austin Room of the Beecher Community
Building.