Park Board Minutes 1997 11-10-97 YORKVILLE PARKS & RECREATION
PARK BOARD MINUTES
Nov. 10, 1997
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
John Bradstreet,Dave Dockstader, Steve Bridge, Kathy Curtis. Staff- Sue Swithin, Scott Sleezer.
Alderman- Larry Kot. Dave Schmelzle-resigned.
GUESTS: Joe Roberts, YMCA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Steve motioned to approve the Oct. 13, 1997 minutes. -Dave D. seconded. Motion passed
Dave SchmeWe has resigned from the Board. Dave D. will contact the School District and ask for
recommendation for replacement.
YMCA POOL
Joe Roberts,the new Director of the YMCA, was here to explain the numbers of usage by Yorkville
residence this past Summer. He stated that $18,000.00 was spent in repairs this year. All new filters, a
pump and heaters were replaced and/or repaired. Joe said that the middle pool has a leak,but is not
beyond repair. A total of$68,000.00 went towards direct operating expenses.
Steve asked how much longer the pools have as far as usage. Joe thought that the condition of the pools
was good and should last quite a few years. Steve mentioned that the unity Yorkville has with the
YMCA has been good and the Board has agreed to continue financial support for the use of the pool and
a reduce rate for city residents.
Joe Roberts also mentioned that Hoover has closed their pool due to structural problems. He also
stated that we could use the pool for community swim nights, as well as other teams or groups that We
might want to have swim nights for- also fund raisers for the Rec. Dept.
In the near future Dave D. discussed Sue working with Joe in planning programs to run together, and
to make sure same programs aren't running at the same time. This would allow the community to
participate more often and give them more scheduling opportunities.
Scott informed Joe Roberts that the area outside the pool was maintained by the Parks Dept.
LION'S CLUB
Marty Davids attended the meeting to ask questions and discuss an idea about a building by Jaycee Pond
or the Riverfront Park building. The club is looking for a place to have their meetings and would like
• to help the Park&Recreation Department create a building for use or fix up an existing structure.
Dave D. mentioned to Marty that the Jaycee Pond area doesn't belong to the city,but discussion has
taken place with the Sanitary District asking for ownership. The Parks Dept. is maintaining the area
• currently and this could be a possibility. Dave stated that he thought the Jaycee Pond area might not be
the best place due to safety reasons. It is not visible and might see a great deal of damage to the building.
The building at the Riverfront Park might be a better option if is it large enough.
Scott said that different options have been drawn out to the Parks Building, even knocking it down and
starting over,just the front of the building- the storage bays would remain.. Steve said that the rest
rooms at the Riverfront Park building could be used from the inside as well as the outside. Steve asked
Scott to contact Marty and set up a time for Marty to see the building to decide if the area is large
enough.
Marty said he will discuss the information at the next Lion's Club meeting and he will get back to us for
further discussion.
MAYOR'S VISIT
Mayor Johnson stopped by and mentioned that he had a conversation with Ron Walker, owner of Club
47, about the use of the YMCA's swimming pool and the yearly donation of$15,000.00. Dave D.
recommended to the Mayor to have Ron Walker contact the Board or the Recreation office to attend a
meeting and make a proposal for use of Club 47's pool. Dave D. will call Ron Walker and invite him to
bring a proposal to a meeting.
• APPROVAL OF BILLS:
There was a motion to approve the bills list,holding the check for$404.36 for Yorkville Premier
Phimbing. Scott is to discuss the bill with the company. John seconded. John-yes, Steve-yes, Kathy-yes,
Dave D.-yes. Motion passed.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Winter programs are starting. The budget is being adjusted to balance with the revenue to finish out the
year. Dave D. stated that a policy or schedule needs to be created for instructor salaries for programs.
Programs are run differently, standards need to be made. Steve mentioned different instructors will be
paid differently. Sue was asked to research other district programs and instructor fees.
PARKS REPORT
Scott is asking for money for Christmas garland. He said he is making steel snowman, and adding
lights and garland. Making them himself is saving money. Steve motioned to allow Scott to spend
$700.00 not to exceed,#70655-0070,for garland. Dave D. seconded. Steve-yes,Dave-yes, John-yes,
Kathy C.-yes. Motion passed.
Scott asked for permission to purchase sod for the ball diamonds at Beecher Park He said he started
one diamond last year, and it held well and improve the look of the field. The sod would be placed at the
• infield baselines. Dave D. motioned for Scott to purchase sod,not to exceed$500.00-#98501-0060,
John seconded- Kathy-yes,John-yes, Steve-yes, Dave D.-yes. Motion passed.
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Discussion of location of possible city building took place. The Mayor asked the Park Board to postpone
plans to Beecher Park. The city council is discussing possible alternatives and will be making a decision
i soon.
BEECHER BALL FIELDS
A letter was sent to the Park Board from John Schaefer, a Yorkville High School Baseball coach. He
wrote about the condition of the ball fields and how hard it is to prepare the diamond for play in the
Spring. He said the agreement was for the city to maintain the fields, except during the Spring,when the
School District is supposed to maintain them. He stated that every Spring the school drags the fields and
keeps them playable and then in the Summer and Fall they are not maintained.
Scott is to schedule a meeting with Brian DeBolt, Maintenance Director,regarding the H.S. maintenance
schedule and procedures. Scott also said that he will deep drag the fields all year long, about every two
weeks.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT:
None at this time
CITY LIAISON'S REPORT:
Larry Kot will work with Sue on the Music program for this summer. Steve mentioned a banner with
the sponsor's name on it for each night. Larry asked if TCD units were removed yet from all of the
• parks. Sue said that on Friday she called for the fifth time and asked for them to be removed
Larry asked about ice skating for this Winter. Scott said that a good plane hasn't been developed
yet,and that it is getting very expensive. The Board is apprehensive about spending more money on this
project.
OLD BUSINESS:
Riptide Volleyball Club- Dr. Engler was asked if he wanted the Park Board to sublease the facilities for
organizations through our department. He didn't want us doing that, and wanted our dept. to be running
the program. Riptide has been notified for this year,understanding that if the situation changes next year
or they are able to allow the Roo, Dept. to cover revenue and expenses,we could schedule the facility.
NEW BUSINESS:
The downtown businesses is having a Christmas Walk on Dec. 5. The town will be lit up and different
activities scheduled. The Riverfront Foundation is having a Christmas House Walk on Sat. Dec. 6 at
2:00 p.m., everyone is encouraged to attend.
Adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
Respectfidly submitted,
Sue Swithin
• Next meeting Dec. 8, 1997 - Please call if you can not attend!!
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