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Park Board Packet 2005 09-12-05Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department Board Meeting Park and Recreation Administrative Offices Riverfront Building 301 E. Hydraulic Street Yorkville, IL 60560 / 630.553.4341 AGENDA September I2, 2005 Call to Order: Roll Call:Chris Rollins, Ken Koch, Van Truman, Heather Fiala, Richard Korinek, Tammy Smock, Alderman Paul James Introduction of Guests and/or City Officials, Staff: Park and Recreation Director— Laura Brown Superintendent of Recreation —Sue Swithin Public Comments: Approval of Minutes: Minutes August 8, 2005 Minutes August 22, 2005 Bills Review: Cash Analysis Bill List Old Business: Castle Bank Space Status Update SRA Reimbursement Request/ Policy Draft Update on Establishing a Park District Request from Alderman Munns Update on Parks / PW Maintenance Facility New Business: Scope of Services for Design Fees— Park D Longford Lakes Request Park Naming Applications / Requests Park Board Meeting Dates (Fiala) City Council — Request of Land Cash Funds Reports: Recreation Report Quarterly Report Promenade of the Arts Additional Business: Correspondence: Miscellaneous Correspondence Adjournment Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department Board Meeting Park and Recreation Administrative Offices Riverfront Building 301 E. Hydraulic Street / Yorkville, IL 60560/ 630.553.4341 AGENDA September 12, 2005 Call to Order: Roll Call:Chris Rollins, Ken Koch, Van Truman, Heather Fiala, Richard Korinek, Tammy Smock, Alderman Paul James Introduction of Guests and/or City Officials, Staff: Park and Recreation Director— Laura Brown Superintendent of Recreation — Sue Swithin Public Comments: Approval of Minutes: Minutes August 8, 2005 Minutes August 22, 2005 Bills Review: Cash Analysis Bill List Old Business: Castle Bank space status update SRA reimbursement request/ Policy Draft Update on Establishing a Park District request from Alderman Munns Update on Parks / PW maintenance facility New Business: Scope of Services for Design Fees— Park D Longford Lakes request Park Naming Applications / Requests Park Board Meeting Dates (Fiala) City Council — request of land cash funds Reports Recreation Report Quarterly Report Promendade of the Arts Additional Business: Correspondence: Miscellaneous Correspondence Adjournment UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Policy for requesting a reimbursement for Non-resident portion of the Special Recreation Services The policy is intended to include participants/families members with a disability who are residents of the United City of Yorkville; and desire specialized assistance or services because of the disability; and it is determined that Yorkville Park and Recreation can not provide a similar type of program or the appropriate accommodations.; and requesting reimbursement for all/portion of the non-resident portion of the special recreation services. All the funds for reimbursements are allocated each year based on the fiscal budget, and the amount available may fluctuate based on the amounts received. Reimbursements are only available for residents of the United City of Yorkville. (There may be some arrangements with other community partners or special programs funded through grants, which includes participants outside the United City of Yorkville, call in advance to inquire about the arrangement of the programs you are interested in). The UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT awards reimbursements to participants/families who have a disability; and when the Yorkville Park and Recreation Department does not offer a similar type of program; or it is determined that they can not provide the appropriate accommodations. All requests for reimbursement must be obtained PRIOR to signing up for the desired services or programs. GENERAL GUIDELINES A request is made per season for a maximum of 2 programs, and for only the non-resident portion of the fees. All program fees must be paid by the resident. The following programs and services are excluded from any reimbursement (excluding preschool program, travel trips, vacation type trips, contractual camps or overnight weekend trips). For all requests, staff may require additional information to support the request before an approval is made. rORKVILLE PARKS b RECREATION Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department 908 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4357 630.553.4360 fax Administrative Office 301 E Hydraulic Street Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4341 630.553.4347 Memo To: Park Board From: Laura Brown, Executive Director Date: July 26, 2005 Re: Follow-up Non-resident reimbursement request This is the follow-up information requested from the July 25, 2005 Park Board meeting. 1.What is our obligation to pay or reimburse for any portion of the non-resident fees for the FVSRA services? NONE We have no obligation or legal requirement according to ADA. The obligation we have is to make our services available and to provide reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations may include one-on-one assistance at no charge to the resident. 2.Can we limit or restrict the amount of reimbursement we are willing to provide by a fixed dollar amount, or limit the types of programs we will reimburse for? YES, we can set a fixed dollar amount or follow the same guidelines we use to grant financial aid support for residents (l.e. no travel or vacation programs).We need to be careful in how and why we make these conditions so we are not perceived as discriminating to one user group. 3.Should we investigate membership to an SRA? What are the costs and options? I have a meeting schedule for August 15th to pursue the discussion and find out the cost associated with a membership. This will help to determine if this is a venue we want to pursue in the future. Comments Providing the reimbursement for the non-resident portion for FVSRA programs and services appears to be a reasonable request, especially for services currently not offered by the Department. I have asked FVSRA to notify of requests and verify residency before allowing residents to register so we can monitor the financial obligations and the services being provided. In addition, I have asked that 1 residents must also pay their amounts in full before the City would reimburse for the non-resident portion. Discussion items 1. Authorize staff to reimburse for the non-resident portion for the services not currently offered by the Yorkville Park and Recreation Department, (i.e. adult special Olympic programs, travel or variety programs, youth day camps, etc...) and continue to monitor the requests to avoid duplication of services. 2. Continue to provide inclusion resources for individuals wishing to take part on the Yorkville Park and Recreation Department and provide reasonable accommodations. 3. If and when should the City consider a membership to a SRA or hiring a dedicated TR staff. 4. Instruct Finance Director to create a separate line item in the budget to track allocation of non-resident reimbursement. (funds should be allocated from program expense). 5. Request from the City Council a line item amount from the Contingency fund for the reimbursement of non-resident fees for FVSRA services. Page 2 Page 1 of 1 Laura Brown From: John Wyeth [jwyeth@yorkville.il.us] Sent: Thursday,July 28, 2005 10:23 AM To:Laura Brown' Cc: tgraff@yorkville.il.us Subject: RE: ADA question Laura: Without conducting a review of ADA to confirm, I concur with the legal underpinnings of these two memos. In particular, we must accommodate. Our accommodation may simply be to provide access to the FVSRA. We are under no obligation to fund that access (i.e. pay for or reimburse). I believe that the remaining items are policy, only. Understanding that this is an important and often active/vocal part of any community, I praise you on taking a proactive approach to these needs. John Wyeth From: Laura Brown [mailto:lbrown@yorkville.il.us] Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 1:50 PM To: jwyeth@yorkville.il.us Cc: tgraff@yorkville.il.us Subject: ADA question Importance: High John, Please review the attached memo as a follow-up to an ADA question from the Park Board meeting of July 25tH Let me know if there Are changes that are needed. I am planning to give to the Park Board at the August 8th meeting. La u.ra Laura J. Brown Executive Director United City of Yorkville/Park and Recreation Department 301 E. Hydraulic Yorkville, IL 60560 Ibrown@yorkville.il.us Office Phone 630 553-4341 Cell Phone 630 327-1977 7/28/2005 rORKvtLLLE111 J1 ,l PARKS&RECREATION Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department 908 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4357 630.553.4360 fax Administrative Office 301 E Hydraulic Street Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4341 630.553.4347 Memo To: Park Board From: Laura Brown, Executive Director Date: July 12, 2005 Cc: Sue Swithin, Superintendent Art Prochaska, Mayor Tony Graff, City Administrator Re: Non-resident reimbursement request Recently,we were contacted by the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association about paying for the portion of non-residents fees for the residents of Yorkville with a disability who would like to participate in their Special Recreation Programs. The Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, as an extension of the Fox Valley, Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Oswegoland, and Sugar Grove Park Districts,provides a diverse range of year-round recreational activities to enable residents with disabilities to experience active, healthy, and playful lifestyles. Programs include opportunities which enhance skill development and socialization, encourage self-awareness and community exploration,promote independence through personal choice of least restrictive leisure environments, and provide a sense of enjoyment, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Funding for FVSRA comes from the member districts tax contribution through the property tax levy. FVSRA programs stress the development of the individual in every situation through group, included and individualized program formats. Program activities include cultural events, individual and team sports, social clubs, craft classes, travel opportunities, special events,private lessons and day camps. Eligibility for FVSRA Services Any resident of the Fox Valley, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Oswegoland, or Sugar Grove Park Districts of all ability levels is eligible to participate in FVSRA programs. Non-residents are welcome but pay a higher program registration fee. In 1990 the Americans With Disabilities Act was passed, that addressed individuals with disabilities CMI Rights. Not only were building and physical structures required to be free from bafflers, but also all services and programs needed to be accessible. In addition one could no longer tell an individual with a disability what services or programs they had to choose, rather ADA gave the individual the freedom and right to choose. Therefore,service providers needed to make the accommodations necessary so individuals could successfully participate in the services or programs. This law had large impacts to the community as a whole, because the concept that was developed in 1975,as separate services were acceptable for individuals with disabilities was changing. 1 In the 1990's there are a documented 43 million Americans with a disability,who desire a choice and a voice in their lives. Government figures show that about 11 children and youth out of every 100 attending public schools have been identified as handicapped for special education purposes, currently over 4 million students. Exceptionalities may range in severity from mild to moderate to severe and generally fall into the following broad categories: Mental Retardation—sub average intellectual functioning. Learning Disabilities - significant difficulties in acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning or mathematical abilities. Behavioral Disorders — Extreme, chronic behavior that is unacceptable because of social or cultural expectations which interferes with the child's ability to learn,maintain interpersonal relationships or function. Speech and Language Disorder—problems using speech and language for purpose of sending or receiving messages. Sensory(hearing and visual)impairments—hearing&visual impairments. Physical Disabilities—orthopedic and neurological impairments Currently the Yorkville Recreation Department proactively supports and provides Inclusion services for residents who would like to take park in Yorkville Park and Recreation Department Programs. This type of service may include; Peer companions through the use of volunteers from the community to assist the person with a disability successfully complete the activities and to stay involved in the program. Training for programs staff,including sensitivity training to ensure a successful transition. Disability awareness training for the other participants in the class/program so they understand about disabilities. Provision of physical,programmatic or behavioral modifications or support, Professional staff support or consultation when needed. Daily technical staff support such as sign language interpreters. Accessible transportation for the group when needed. Comments Providing the reimbursement for the non-resident portion for FVSRA programs and services appears to be a reasonable request, especially for services currently not offered by the Department. I have asked FVSRA to notify of requests and verify residency before allowing residents to register so we can monitor the financial obligations and the services being provided. In addition, I have asked that residents must also pay their amounts in full before the City would reimburse for the non-resident portion. Discussion items 1. Authorize staff to reimburse for the non-resident portion for the services not currently offered by the Yorkville Park and Recreation Department, (i.e.adult special Olympic programs,travel or variety programs, youth day camps,etc...)and continue to monitor the requests to avoid duplication of services. 2. Continue to provide inclusion resources for individuals wishing to take part on the Yorkville Park and Recreation Department and provide reasonable accommodations. 3. If and when should the City consider a membership to a SRA or hiring a dedicated TR staff. 4. Instruct Finance Director to create a separate line item in the budget to track allocation of non-resident reimbursement. (funds should be allocated from program expense. Page 2 FOX VALLEY SPECIAL RECREATION ASSOCIATION 1 NORTH LINCOLNWAY NORTH AURORA,IL 60542 PHONE 630/896-6066 FAX 630/896-6047 Date: July 8, 2005 Billed to: Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department ATTN: Laura Brown 301 E. Hydraulic Street Yorkville, IL 60560 For: (1) Vacation Trip To Mexico 105-7140-0 1,900.00 Non-Resident Fee 1,266.00 Resident Fee(Family Portion) 634.00 Yorkville Parks&Rec Portion 2) — CampWaubonsee Chiefs 105-0030-0 2,240.00 Non-Resident Fee 670.00 Resident Fee(Family Portion) 1,570.00 Yorkville Parks&Rec Portion Cost: $ 634.00 1,570.00 2,204.00 Total Due Amount Due: $2,204.00 Balance is due upon receipt of this statement. Fox Valley Special Recreation Association 1 North Lincolnway North Aurora,Illinois 60542 Telephone 630-896-6066 Statement of Account Yorkville IL 60560 Statement As Of: 7/7/05 Amount Form of Date Program Description Program#Due Paid Payment Paid Status Vacation Trip to Mexico 105-7140-0 1,900.00 1,266.00 183,184,18 7/6/05 Enrolled 1,900.00 1,266.00 Balance Due 634.00 A copy of this statement has been forwarded for payment of Non-Residency fees,to Laura Brown,Executive Director,Yorkville Parks and Recreation Depaitnient,in Yorkville,IL 60560. Balance is due upon receipt of this statement. Explanation of Fees: 1,900.00 Non-Resident Fee 1,266.00 Resident Fee (Family Portion) 634.00 Yorkville Park&Recreation Portion Fox Valley Special Recreation Association 1 North Lincolnway North Aurora, Illinois 60542 Telephone 630-896-6066 Statement of Account Yorkville IL 60560 Statement As Of: 7/7/05 Amount Form of Date Program Description Program#Due Paid Payment Paid Status Camp Waubonsee Chiefs 105-0030-0 2,240.00 670.00 526038 6/16/05 Enrolled 2,240.00 670.00 Balance Due 1,570.00 A copy of this statement has been forwarded for payment of Non-Residency fees,to Laura Brown,Executive Director,Yorkville Parks and Recreation Depai tment,in Yorkville,IL 60560. Balance is due upon receipt of this statement. Explanation of Fees: 2,240.00 Non-Resident Fee 670.00 Resident Fee (Family Portion) 1,570.00 Yorkville Park&Recreation Portion ro T oUnited City of Yorkville a )a:, , '` 800 Game Farm Road EST. 4 ._ {'' 1836 Yorkville, Illinois 60560e Telephone: 630-553-4350 00- - M— 0 Fax: 630-553-7575 14CE \•'\I Date: September 9, 2005 To: Park Board From: John J. Wyeth, City Attorney CC: City Council, Laura Brown, Tgraff, Tpleckham Subject: Formation of a park district The Executive Director of Parks and Recreation has requested some input into the general question of"formation of a park district" and more specific questions of how the formation would affect our community. My intention is to address as many salient points as possible, yet not bog down in detail. The formation of a new autonomous unit of local government is no small venture. I do not expect to exhaust questions here, but rather contribute to the logical thought process, which began at your August 22, 2005 meeting. Many, if not all of you have received a booklet titled"A Guide to Organizing a Park District" authored by Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), General Counsel, Peter Murphy. The IAPD is the park equivalent of the City's Illinois Municipal League IML). Peter has been the general counsel for at least 20 years, and I have come to know him quite well. I refer you to the booklet for some excellent information, and discussion that will stimulate your thoughts on this issue. Over the course of my career, two separate grass roots organizations have engaged my services as outside consulting attorney to provide counsel on the formation of park districts. In each case, the conclusion was that there was insufficient public support (or that the identified support didn't justify the work it would take) to place the matter on a ballot for referendum vote. As general counsel for the Winfield Park District, I observed its growth beginning when the district was only a few years old. At that time the "park district" consisted of a file cabinet locked in a closet in the basement of the Library Building. One phone line led to a single phone and answering machine on top of the file cabinet. The board would meet once a month to conduct business at which time they would check messages. Next, the park district rented several adjacent spaces in a strip mall to house its offices and programs. The district has now grown to include a community center, several parks and a central office. As you may know, I have acted as general counsel for approximately 15 different park districts in varying capacities over the past 20 years, and have been invited to speak at IAPD seminars and conferences. Hopefully, you will find this experience valuable as I endeavor to assist this community in the discussions on the topic of formation of a park district. Laura Brown has forwarded the minutes of the August 22, 2005 meeting, and I was very glad to see that much of the discussion was prefaced with the need to "form a committee","conduct research", "analysis benefits and impacts". The time lines discussed were in the nature of a year or more. Several years to make the transition. Since this is a big step,patience and review of as many aspects as possible is very important, and will lead to a well reasoned conclusion, be it for, or against taking the proposition of the foituation of a park district to the people for a vote. I. THRESHOLD QUESTION If either a park department or a park district was clearly a better choice—this would be easy, but the reality is that our community can function quite nicely with either. So the ultimate question to be researched may be: Should we take the time and effort to consider placing the question upon the ballot at all?" Notice that this question stops short of the question: "Will a park district be a better source of the delivery of park and recreation facilities and service?" This is a question for the voters. So your first issue should be: Is there public support for this investigation? Is there interest in making a significant change in the way park and recreation services are delivered, or is the public satisfied at this time? As suggested at the August meeting, a group of residents, non-residents, elected officials, etc., could provide great insight to these threshold questions. Some faun of community survey would also assist in providing a more broad based source of infotiiiation. The threshold question is not a matter of education; it is more like taking a pulse. Very few facts are needed to gather infolluation to form a conclusion as to "should we put the question on the ballot." This should take no more than 30 to 60 days. If the conclusion is "Yes, the community would like to make an informed decision"then it will become time to gather the pertinent information to guide them in this decision. II. INFORMING THE PUBLIC If the public is interested, and they want to know more, it is now time to infouii them of the basics. This stage is much more time and cost intensive than the first stage, but it may be terminated at any time if the committee believes that there is little likelihood of successful passage (meaning not enough interest) of the referendum. The perspective is still "We will let the people decide", but if they are making it clear that they will vote no why expend the time and money of placing the question on the ballot? The committee will begin to let the "hypothetical park district" begin to take shape. A. Territory—the only restriction is that the new park distict cannot take in territory of another park district. Neighboring park districts exist in Oswego, Sugar Grove and Sandwich. Dundee's park district has boundaries coterminous with a township. As a practical matter, there appears to be two choices. 1) Current City boundaries, or 2) School District boundaries. If the City boundaries are used, newly annexed territories could be required to annex to the park district (this is done in Oswego, and in many other communities). School boundaries take into account the reality that many county neighborhoods "come to town" for recreation. The school boundary, being larger, is more comprehensive and leaves little to be done later in way of annexation to the park district. B. General Differences—it is commonly understood and agreed that a park district provides focused and specific (pure) attention to park and rec issues. This logic assumes that a City is distracted by its other functions. Proponents of park districts over park departments will say"If the choice is between a police car and a swing set,the police car is always first." [Personally, I think this argument less valid in Yorkville than in other communities. Yorkville has a functioning park board and staff, and a budget that appears to be providing sufficient resources and programs to the public.] Stated another way, communities with park districts seem to have more in the way of facilities and programs than communities with park departments. C. Taxes—it is also commonly understood that the total cost to the taxpayer for park and recreation facilities and services are generally higher in a park district. This may be simply a function of`focus' mentioned above. It is also due to a lack of efficiencies, and creation of redundancies in a park district as compared to a park department. Our Finance and Park & Rec Departments should be able to calculate a very general "cost per household" figure. If the larger territory is chosen, then land owners outside the city will begin to contribute property taxes, which they do not do at this time. The bottom line is that increased services and facilities will cost more in taxes—this is unavoidable. If the public wants more, then it is only appropriate to make sure that they understand that it will cost more. D. Growing pains—there will be a certain amount of adjustment. The vast majority the adjustment will be borne by the staff and elected officials, as the former park department is transitioned into a park district. However, the public will feel some of the change/confusion. While other questions will come out of this stage, these four are central. Upon informing the public on these issues,the Committee should have a pretty good understanding of the public sentiment. Sufficient to decide if the question should be placed on the ballot. III. THE REFERENDUM Technical/Legal It is premature take much time on this topic now. Nine months are needed prior to the election to make sure all time lines and notices are met. Frankly, the attorney will do all of the work to get the question on the ballot. The Information Campaign It is important to realize that the campaign begins the minute the decision to 'go' is made. You may wish to review page 19 of the IAPD handout for a good list of items to attend to. You will begin to accumulate the information during stages 1 and 2. If 1 and 2 have been conducted appropriately, there should be both a ground swell and identifiable volunteers to execute this portion of the campaign. While this is informative, we wouldn't be at this stage if there wasn't some positive forward motion on the proposition. So it is appropriate to "promote"the idea. This is in stark contrast to rushing the question onto the ballot and skipping steps one and two. If that is done, the committee is relegated to a much more `neutral' position. This makes the education much more difficult because it has to be tediously objective. With that said,the `promotion' must be very fair and very accurate. While this is a campaign, it will only be won with accurate information. III . SUCCESSFUL REFERENDUM—WE HAVE A PARK DISTRICT This is only a beginning. The referendum will also elect 5 commissioners who will meet and begin to decide "what to do." While the lead up to the vote will in all likely hood identify some burning needs within the community, the board is literally free to do as much or as little as it chooses. The initial board will be saddled with an immediate problem—no money. It is a brand new entity, which has property taxes as its primary source of income. Assuming an April election, then the first tax receipt will not be until the following June. The City could assist to fund the first year of operation through an intergovernmental cooperation agreement, or the City could simply continue its programs and maintenance for an indefinite period of time (at least one or two years). Assets. The initial park board has none. The City could transfer. At one end of the spectrum the City could immediately transfer all"park"properties and assets. At the other end,the City could transfer none. The more assets transferred, the more quickly the park district will become fully functional. IV ONGOING, THE FUTURE The community will now have another unit of government. County, Township, City, School, and now Park District. The Park District is independent, and for most decisions, it is autonomous of the other entities. There are absolutely no cross reporting requirements.-A-park district is not subservient to any other government entities-as-to matters of delivery of its services and choices of development of its facilities [It must comply with reasonable land use and public safety laws.] A park district must function as a sister entity to all of the other entities that function for the public good. V CONCLUSION I hope that this has been helpful. I know that it is just a start. Jul .29. 2005 10:07AM No.9115 P . 1/9 Sc/ioppe Design Associates, lnc. Landscape Architecture and Land Planning 126 S.Main St.Ph. (630) 551-3355 Oswego,IL 60543 Fax(630)551-3639 July 27,2005 Ms.Laura Brown, Director of Parks &Recreation City of Yorkville 800 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville,IL. 60560 Re: Grand Reserve Park I) Dear Laura: Attached is a copy of our Draft Scope ofServices and Draft Agreement for professional design services for Grand Reserve Park D. After you have had a chance to review them,please call me to discuss. I look forward to your call. Sincerely, Schoppe Design Associates,Inc. Mike Schoppe President Attach. CC: Mark Harrison- Schoppe Design Associates,Inc.,w/attach. Jul .29. 2005 10:01AM No•9115 P. 2/9 Sckoppe Design.Associates, znc. Landscape Architecture and Land Planning 126 S. Main St.Ph_ (630) 551-3355 Oswego, IL 60543 Fax(630) 551-3639 July 27,2005 City of Yorkville(COY) Grand Reserve Park D PROPOSED SCOPE OF SERVICES AND FEES jJ DRAFTR „ FT Budget General park development 150,000 including playground,soccer fields,skateboarding facilities, covered picnic tables,turf,landscaping,park sign,drinking fountain, park lighting,benches,and litter receptacles. Seeding and sodding(around playground) 60,000 Storm drainage structures related to park development only 22,000 Grading S 27,000 Bicycle path Total Budget 300,000 PROPOSED SCOJE O)E<SERVICES Program Phase Conduct kick-off meeting with COY staff including goals,objectives,schedule,participants,design program,theme discussions and conclusion,selection of playground equipment and some furnishings,administrative matters Research and Analysis Phase Conduct site inventory and analysis Meet with Cowhey Gudirumdson Leder,Ltd,PDG,City Engineer,and Park and Recreation staff Design Devgl12 )13.2Pse Prepare concept level Estimate of Probable Construction Costs Meet with staff,review estimates,refine/adjust design Fix the design with general grades,features,and types of materials Update Estimate of Probable Construction Costs Construction Documents Phase Prepare installation details,dimensions,grades and minimal technical specifications and details. Reference Park Development Standards Prepare a final construction cost opinion Ju1 .29. 2005 10 :07AM No .9115 P . 3/9 Meet with Park and Recreation staff at 50%and 90%completion Deliver appropriate copies of plans and abbreviated specifications to you and/or PDG for their use during construction Contract Administration Phase(hourly) Answer questions,clarify the intent of the construction documents,check references Attend pre-construction meetiag(s) On-site construction observation Review Contractor shop drawings,pay requests Review Contractor's work and make recommendations Final construction review and punch list Jul .29 . 2005 10:07AM No .9115 P . 4/9 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT between SCHOPPE DESIGN ASSOCIATES,INC.(SDA) 126 S MAIN STREET OSWEGO, IL 60543 and riCityofYorkville DRAFT 800 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville,IL. 60560 July 27,2005 PART ONE—PROJECT DESCRIPTION Name: Grand Reserve Park D Location: Yorkville,IL Scope: 1. Prepare a final design, construction documents and specifications for Grand Reserve Park D(approximately 10.3 acres) 2. Perform construction phase services Estimated Budget 300,000 Client Representative: Laura Brown,Director of Parks&Recreation Project Principal: Mike Schoppe Project Manager: Mark Damson by 1 of 6 Jul .29 . 2005 10 :07AM No.9ll5 P . 5/9 Ali IJWO—BASIC SERVICES Program Phase: We will conduct a kick-off meeting with you and the Park and Recreation Department staff to identify: a. Goals and objectives b. Schedule c. Participants d. Design program e. Other administrative matters Research and Analysis: We will: I. Inventory readily available existing data including: a. Jurisdictional regulations and procedures b. Physical site information such as: 1. Existing utilities 2. Existing vegetation 3. Existing grades&drainage patterns 2. Visit and photograph the site and surrounding areas to become acquainted with: a. Patterns of use b. Existing conditions c. Surrounding land uses_ d. Apparent physical conditions 3. Meet with you,Cowhey Gudmundson Leder,Ltd(CGL),PDG,the City Engineer,and Park and Recreation Department staff to review engineering and procedural issues(2 meetings included). Design Development Phase: Following your approval oldie Research and Analysis Phase,SDA will: 1. Prepare Preliminary Opinion of Probable Construction Costs based on design program and the school/park prototype(Park and Recreation Master Plan)prepared by Schoppe Design Associates,Inc.,and based upon our database. 2. Meet with you and Park and Recreation Department staff to review estimates and refine design program as needed(1 meeting included). 3. Finalize the detailed design of the site improvements,grading,horizontal control and materials for the following items: a. Soccer fields(2)(no subsurface drainage)w/goals b. Playgrounds(2—5 years and 5—12 years) c. Bike trail along the school/park boundary and extending southward lgeZof6 Jul .29 . 2005 10 :07AM No.9115 P . 6/9 d. Site lighting e. Skateboard area and/or nodes similar to Park B and/or Cannonball Ridge Park f. Basketball arca(round—three goals) g. Seeding/sodding of site and plantings 4. Document the finalized design on AutoCAD base maps of the project area. 5. Prepare updated construction cost opinion using our database. 6. Review drawings and other supporting information with you and Park and Recreation Department staff. (1 meeting included) 7. Revise design development plans once per your comments. Construction pocuxnent Phase: Following your approval of the Design Development documents,we will: 1. Prepare installation details,final dimensioning,grade elevations and minimal technical specifications that will be used to construct the following: a. Playground • b. Skateboard area and/or nodes c. Bike trail d. Site lighting(power supply to be engineered and coordinated by PDO) e. Site grading for development area f Make recommendations for subsurface drainage structures for PAG to incorporate into their civil drawings g. Seeding h. Plantings Construction details and technical specifications will be limited in scope. General notes will refer to the Park Development Standards contained in the Park and Recreation Master Plan. 2. Document the finalized design on AutoCAD base sheets. 3. Prepare a final opinion of probable construction cost using our database. 4. Review drawings and supporting information with you,the Park and Recreation Department staff,the City Engineer and PDG(2 meetings included). 5. Revise plans once per your input. 6. Deliver appropriate copies of plans and specifications to you to be used in negotiating a construction contact with PDG,or mail them to them and/or to potential contractors. Constructin*dministration Phase: Following your approval of the construction documents and specifications,we will provide the following services as directed by you,and in order to endeavor to protect you from defects and deficiencies in the work of the Contractor. These services will be at an hourly rate: 1. Answer questions from PDG and/or subcontractors and suppliers regarding the drawings and specifications and modify the drawings and/or specifications as appropriate. 2. Review contractor prices. 1%8,001'6 Jul .29. 2005 10:08AM No .9115 P . 7/9 3. Check and document references of contractors,if necessary. 4. Conduct a pre-construction meeting with you,contractors),PDG and/or the City Engineer, 5. Observe the work as directed by you for an estimated three months of construction,to become familiarized with the progress and quality of the work,and determine if the work is generally in conformance with the contract documents. 6. Keep you informed about the progress and quality of the contractor's work by communicating our observations in writing to both parties. 7. Review the Contractor's periodic applications for payment 8. Prepare and distribute addenda and change orders as appropriate. 9. Issue recommendations regarding the general conformance of shop drawings,product data and material samples submitted by the contractor,to the design intent expressed in the Contract Documents. 10. Review Contractors request of acceptance of substantially and finally completed work, including preparation of punch list. 11. Review the work and make recommendations pertaining to maintenance,warranty and/or bonding issues as directed by you. r'`dditigaal Services We may provide additional services that are not included in the Basic Services,such as,but not limited to: 1. Revisions to previously-completed and approved phases of our services. 2. Attendance at meetings other than those listed above. 3. Detailed quantity estimates and/or construction cost opinions using data or format other than our own. 4. Detailed written summaries of our work or our recommendation(s). 5. Services required due to the discovery of concealed conditions,actions,of theirs,or other circumstances beyond our control. 6. Services rendered after Final Acceptance of Contractor's work or services rendered more than 60 days after Substantial Completion of the Contractor's work. 7. Services other than those listed above,including,but not limited to those relating to the following: All permitting,fire protection,wetlands,floodplain/floodway,vandalism,sanitary district,engineering,building departments or other review agencies,except as noted above. 8. Record drawings,permitting or"as-built"drawings which may be required by review agency(ies)and/or by you.. 9. Review shop drawings and/or make recommendations regarding materials or Contractors work. Fite 4afb Jul .29 . 2005 10:08AM No.91I5 P. 8/9 10. Compilation and/or special review or summary of manufacturer's warranty and maintenance information. If circumstances arise during our performance of the Basic Services,which we believe requires additional services,we will promptly notify you about the nature,extent and probable additional cost of the additional services and perform only such additional services following your written authorizations. PART TJJ$ E—COMPENSATION AND FAYMVNI1 F asic Services: You agree to compensate us for the services described in Part Two of the Agreement as follows: Program Phase through Construction Document Phase 26,000 Construction Administration Phase Hourly,not to exceed $6,000 Additional Services: You agree to compensate us for additional services as described in this Agreement at our standard rates. Expenses: You agree to compensate us in addition to the fees for the following out of pocket expenses: Printing Services and Courier Service Cost plus 15% Standard Rates: Project Principal 135 per hour Project Management 110 per hour Construction Phase Services 110 per hour Project Design 95 per hour Drafting 65 per hour Administrative Support 60 per hour These rates are effective through April 30,2006. Schoppe Design Associates,Inc.will provide an updated rate schedule after this date. Payment: Invoices: Each month,we will provide invoices that describe the invoice period,the services rendered,fees and expenses due. Invoices for hourly fees will describe the tasks,hours and hourly rates for the services completed. Payments will be due 30 days from the date of the invoice. We reserve the right to suspend our services if you have unpaid invoices over 60 days old. PARTADDITJONAL CONDITIONS Credit PDG agrees to give us proper credit for our professional services in your official communications, published articles,and temporary project identification signage. RiasJd6 Jul .29 . 2005 10:08AM No .9115 P . 9/9 Client Responsibilities Client shall provide the following information to SDA prior to SDA proceeding with work: 1. Customary design program requirements for the project including objectives,standards, schedule and budget 2. Site and topographic survey and boundary survey in AutoCAD format including all existing on-site features as requested by you and by us. 3. Proposed site development plans and as-built drawings prepared by others. Construction Phase Limitations SDA will not supervise,direct or control the Contractor's work. We have no authority or responsibility for the methods,techniques,or sequencing of construction,or for the safety or welfare of the Contractor's forces, Accordingly,we do not guarantee the performance of the Contractor. Certification or other opinions of the Contractor's work will be based on our periodic observations and data supplied to us by the Contractor. You acknowledge that we will not make continuous or exhaustive observations of the work and that our recommendations for preliminary acceptance of partially or substantially competed work do not assure the final acceptance of work,which may subsequently found to be defective. Cost and Qgamtity Opinion We have no control over the cost of labor,materials,and equipment or the services of others. We provide quantity summaries and construction cost opinions based on our professional judgment, familiarity with the construction industry,and recent,comparable bidding results. Consequently,we do not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of our quantity summaries of construction cost estimates. We estimate certain quantity and/or costs for your convenience. The Contractor is responsible for determining actual quantities and providing sufficient labor,services,equipment,and materials to complete the work as drawn and specified. TART FIVE—ACCEPTANCE Please indicate your acceptance of this Agreement by signing and returning both originals to us. A. countersigned agreement will be returned to you. This proposal may be modified or withdrawn unless executed within 30 days. Accepted by: Date: City of Yorkville Accepted by: Date: Schoppe,Schoppe Design Associates,Inc. bge6of6 LONGFORD LAKES CONDOMINIUM HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION YORKVILLE, IL 60560 August 23, 2005 Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department Laura J. Brown, Executive Director 301 E. Hydraulic Street Yorkville, II 60560 The Longford Lakes Condominium Association Board would like to know if the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department would like to consider receiving, at no cost, the open land along the east side of Freemont Street and just north of Walnut for use as park land and a recreational area. It would make good property for a tennis court. We did measure your present courts next to the middle school, and found only one court would fit in the area near the south end of the open ground. We would not want a court to close to the town homes that butt against this property. If the department is interested, we will have to get the permission of the homeowners since it is currently part of the common elements of the condominium association. The land is approximately 125 feet by 400 feet . It goes from Walnut Street to within about 20 feet a town home building. There is landscaping in the way of trees and bushes planted on the west and south side. There is about 100 feet clear area in width. The clear length is 330 feet. We do have a meeting of the homeowners on September 22 and will be interested in your possible interest so we may discuss it at the meeting. Sincerely, 2/ L • A W. Hartley Pier President 422 Landmark Ave. Yorkville, II 60560 Phone: 630-553-3162 Nov 24 04 0B: 49a Yorkville Recreation 630-553-4347 p, 1 1p, trriuxvtu atarc 14.WOK ATIC#14Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department 908 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville,IL 60560 630.553.4357 630.553.4360 fax e-mail:yorkrecdcp( a2Lcom Administration Office: 301 E Hydraulic Street Yorkville,IL 60560 630:553.4341 630.553.4347 lax PARK NAMING APPLICATION Person completing application - -- -,`-: -.('—k- tN ,: l ---) s/b--e-1 y{M' r On behalf of(person or organization) C A-c x C ---\---G Suggested Name Jt Gcx r c c Park, location,facility to be considered for naming: V .14- C-i , N IL- Please explain why this name should be considered (please use back of application or attach additional sheets if necessary). If naming after a person please verify that the person or his immediate surviv g family have been contacted: a c_ct_ c-\--V-,Q._ S .6 t ', `, e:,_,(-1—N-% Person Contacted Phone Number Date contacted: By whom: OFFICIAL USE Date Received: By whom: Request Verified by Staff Schedule for Park Board Review: Date: Action City Council Date: Action: Dedication Name on Signage Location of Park.Facility, Building.thoroughfare: Deborah Jean Gaffey Memorial Park DEBBY GAFFEY March 13, 1947 - December 26, 2003 Our Family is requesting that the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department consider the naming of the park in Heartland Circle after our beloved Wife,Mother and Grandmother. Debby Gaffey was not a resident of Yorkville. She was born in Clinton, Iowa and lived her life in Savanna,Illinois. However, given the opportunity she would have spent every minute possible here in Yorkville, sharing time and love with her family and her grandchildren. Debby Gaffey was the kind of person who devoted her life to those she loved, without considering her own wants and needs. She had bountiful love in her heart for all children, and celebrated and shared in their joy. She had the amazing ability to always view all of life's experiences with the innocence and excitement of a child and she never allowed life's obstacles to dampen her happiness. A few years ago,Debby worked hard to care for her Mother when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Debby left her home frequently so she could make sure she was comfortable and was receiving the best treatment. She worked endless hours to make sure that her dying Mother was able to stay in her home, as she had requested. And, when her Mother passed, she was right there by her side. In 2003 when Marty&Dana Wood were looking for a place to raise their family,they spend many months searching the Suburbs of Chicago. Debby was by their side every step of the way, taking long rides to several suburbs in one day, revisiting possible locations countless times, and pouring over brochures and articles. She was thrilled when they found their place in Yorkville. It was a community and neighborhood she felt would be the ideal setting for their future. She was so excited to see their home under construction, and took many pictures of the process. When it was time to pack everything up, she was there to help. She was instrumental in the success of the move. The move in date was December 29, 2003. On Christmas morning (December 25, 2003), this otherwise vibrant and healthy Woman suffered a massive stroke. She survived in Edward Hospital for 30 hours,before surrendering to God at 10:00 pm on December 26, 2003. She passed just 3 days before the move into the new home here in Yorkville. Both of Deborah's daughters now live in Yorkville. Dana and Marty Wood live in Heartland with their 3-year-old daughter. Chuck and Daneen Van Hyning live in Heartland Circle with their 9-month-old daughter. If our Mother were here, she would spend many hours in the parks of this neighborhood cherishing time spent with her Grandchildren. It is our wish that we can take our children to play in a park honoring the memory of their Grandmother who loved them so much. So, in honor of our Wife, Mother and Grandmother and all others who have fallen victim to the devastating effects of sudden stroke, we respectfully request that the anticipated park in Heartland Circle bear the name of Deborah Jean Gaffey Memorial Park. We thank you for your consideration. REQUESTING FAMILY CONTACT INFORMATION Nov 24 04 08: 25a Yorkville Recreation 630-553-4347 p. 1 wrixvk&r 12-1- 1),Actry;= ReCRrAllou Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department 908 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville.IL 60560 630.553.4357 630.553.4360 fax e-mail:yo krecde{ c sigT,con Administration Office: 301 E Hydraulic Street Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4341 630.553.4347 fax NAMING OF PARKS POLICY The purpose of the "Naming of Parks Policy' is to provide consistent direction for naming park property and improvements within the United City of Yorkville, Any citizen, group, city official, or staff may request or recommend a name for a park, building, structure or thoroughfare within designated park property. The proposed name is to be submitted in writing on an application form to the Executive Director of Park and Recreation or Park Board Chairperson. All applications will be consider at their next regularly schedule meeting of the Park Board. Upon Park Board approval and recommendation, subject proposal will than be presented to the City Council for acceptance. if accepted by the City Council, a dedication will take place within 90 days of approval. The following criteria will be used when considering the selection of park related names: 1) Any person living or deceased, who has made a significant contribution in support of the United City of Yorkville, the Park and Recreation Department operation, the state or national park system,conservation of natural resources or in the recreation profession. 2) Any organization that contributed significantly toward improving the quality of life for the residents of the United City of Yorkville, state or national park, conservation of natural resources or the recreation profession. 3) The proposed name for any park building, structure or thoroughfare within a park must be authorized by a sworn statement from the person whose name is being proposed, or if the person is deceased, the person's immediate surviving family members. Organizations wishing to present a proposed name for any park building, structure or thoroughfare must submit a sworn statement signed by the current President and Secretary of said organization. 4) No park or recreation facility or property can be named after any public official currently holding office or person currently employed by the United City of Yorkville_ 5) Names that would duplicate the name of another park. building or structure,or thoroughfare Within the United City of Yorkville will not be considered. Also, names that advocate or endorse religion, religious beliefs, posses obscene connotations, or demean or attempt to intimidate any individual or group based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation within the United City of Yorkville will not be considered. 6) The Park Board and staff will review and discuss the naming of park submittals during their regular monthly meeting. Upon their consideration, the Park Board will seek a majority vote in favor of naming a park, facility, structure, or thoroughfare. A recommendation, on behalf of the Park Board, will then be taken to the City Council for final approval. The Park Board may direct/suggest staff to conduct public contests for the naming of parks, buildings, structures, or thoroughfares within City park property. Exceptions to this policy may be considered upon recommendations by the Park Board with approval of the City Council. Approved by Park Board 5/12/b YDRKv1LLE C101' C° ti oJTaRFCREA,TION Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department 908 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4357 630.553.4360 fax e-mail: vorkrecdepaao .com Administration Office: 301 E Hydraulic Street Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4341 630.553.4347 fax PARK NAMING APPLICATION Person completing application od r-00C._5 On behalf of(person or organization)vcQy 12 c 11 Suggested Name n Park, location, facility to be considered for naming: k Pa-rt. Please explain why this name should be considered (please use back of application or attach additional sheets if necessary). 3—(.2C(2.1LOcs 6.) ci 0( Y6rKuttic 03a5 unfi I 173 coal oP If naming after a person please verify that the person or his immediate surviving family have been contacted: ii ii Person Contacted 1 3c-t I Phone Number Date contacted: of Q By whom: acz. 'J oiJeS OFFICIAL USE Date Received: By whom: Request Verified by Staff Schedule for Park Board Review: Date: Action City Council Date: Action: Dedication Name on Signage Location of Park, Facility, Building,thoroughfare: APPENDIX Current Parks to be considered for naming/renaming: Parks/Locations considered for naming/renaming Fox Hill (2 park sites) Prairie Park Van Emmon Park West Hydraulic greenway Parks will be named after park development is completed County Hill Rivers Edge (three park locations) Highlands Development(trails and Park) Wyndett Ridge Development(two parks) Menards Residential Heartland Circle Sunflower Kylyns Crossing Parks will be named after park development and annexation is completed MPI (nine parks, regional park, and trails) Kimball Hill Homes Park Westbury In addition, these parks are named and comply with the proposed policy. Current Parks with names dedicated by residents/or city officials Price Park Purcell Park Emily Sleezer Park Beecher Park and Center Cobb Park Current Parks with location names Riverfront Bicentennial Park Town Square 1 Yo RKviu E PARKS& RECREATION Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department 908 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4357 630.553.4360 fax e-mail: yorkrecdepaol.com Administration Office: 301 E Hydraulic Street Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4341 630.553.4347 fax PARK NAMING APPLICATION Person completing application C f/R/_S'Top/ 2 J, 44 On behalf of(person or organization) Address of person completing application Phone Number: Home Suggested Name ReBECCA ANNA k AL k c wt 4c, Park, location, facility to be considered for naming: lox ii—L.- Care Tejo ree,-(14 Please explain why this name should be considered (please use back of application or attach additional sheets if necessary). 1,1e1 1 ,See a rCn ecl Ke_toe cc a Cvaverni l-e ei err t re_ q C 1 r LJ I e AAJ S cL m6c1J o. Class -t yOCe , ThtS 461001-C-C ulC Ca 1'VreCA- 5O btVCL -f-6 (1-er 4a s L lk Ma+n.L utou 0J7 If naminger a persn please verif that the person or his immediate surviving family have been contacted: Person Contacted -j- am k-er S - iy to ,1 Phone Number Date contacted: By whom: OFFICIAL USE Date Received: By whom: Request Verified by Staff Schedule for Park Board Review: Date: Action City Council Date: Action: Dedication Name on Signage Location of Park, Facility, Building, thoroughfare: Rebecca May YORI 'JILLE -- Rebecca Anne May, 28, of 1706 Cottonwood Court, Yorkville, formerly of Princeton, died Saturday, March 12, 2005, at Advocate _uth .__e., Hospital in Park Ridge. Born Oct. 10, 1976, in Princeton to Jim and Elaine (Elmore) Krieger, she married Chris May on May 30, 1998, in St. Louis Catholic Church in Princeton. He survives. She was a. 1994 graduate of Princeton High School and a 1998 graduate of The University of Illinois, where she received her bachelor's degree in Special education. She earned her master's degree in educational leadership in 2001 from Aurora University. She was nearing completion of a doctoral degree in special education administration at the time of her death. From 1998 to 2001, she worked for the Grundy County Special Education. Cooperative as a teacher of children with physical and mental disabilities. At the time of her death, she was on leave from her position as a special education teacher and inclusion facilitator at Alice Gustafson School in Batavia, where she had been employed since 2001. She had served on numerous district-level committees, including the district inclusion committee, the English Language Learners committee and the technology committee. In 2002 and 2003, she served as co-chair for a district wide teacher's institute to provide special education training to regular education teachers. She authored and received grants from the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence to provide additional teaching resources for children with special needs, and founded a school store to give children authentic experiences in communication and. mathematics. She was a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Council for Exceptional Children, Kappa Delta Pi, the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association. In 2004 she was awarded the prestigious William H. Ott Memorial Scholarship by the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education. Also surviving are one daughter, Kylie Charise May, at home; her parents of Princeton; one sister, Lisa (Glenn) May of Lakewood, Colo. ; her grandparents, Roberta Hall of Princeton, Norma Krieger of Ohio, Ill. , and Rollin and Ruth Elmore of Tiskilwa; her in-laws, Bob and Kathy May of Princeton; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by two grandparents, Ivan Krieger and Nobel Bud" Hall. For Rebecca Last,night when I stepped out into the parking lot as my husband and I were leaving the funeral home I looked up into the sky. It was one of those clear nights when the stars were vibrant and dazzling. Sometimes, on nights like that,if you,are lucky, you may see a brilliant star go streaking across it. Watching a shooting star can take our breath away, and we feela sense of privilege,because we know we have been witness to something rare and beautiful. The event itself may not last long, but the memory is seared into us, and we hold onto it as a precious treasure. I feel that way about my friend Rebecca; For me, knowing her for just four short years meant I only caught a glimpse of that star. But what a brilliantstar it was. I'd like to share some of the things that I saw, as Rebecca Anne Krieger May streaked across my sky. Rebecca was radiant. And I believe that radiance came not so much from her physical beauty, which was great indeed, but from her abundant capacity to love. Rebecca opened her heart to everyone,and if you were willing, she quickly pulled you in to her circle of love. Those of us who got pulled into that swirl of gravity that her love was, knew we were in special company. How she loved all of you, her family and friends and so often she talked of you all of you with such great affection and.pride. In four short years, we learned about Chris, her soulmate, whom she always spoke of so sweetly, and her parents, grandparents; and sister, nieces and nephews,:and Chris's,family and all the happy times with the Mays and the'Kriegers.- Old friends, or new friends, young friends, or not so young friends, it made no difference to Rebecca. And then last year, came that sweet gift of grace, Kylie Charise, and like all proud moms,we heard story after story about her sweet Kylie and all the wonderful things she was learning and doing. And as she walked through the difficult days of the last nine months,Rebecca opened her heart again, and found new friends in Dr Richards and Laurel whom she came to trust and depend on so much. Rebecca,sparkled. Rebecca sparkled because she loved to wear sparkly things, especially lately when she wasn't feeling so sparkly. And her colleagues and I were glad to oblige her with fake jewelry, sparkly shirts, and even socks that said Bling Bling! But Rebecca also sparkled because she was a happy person, a deep down genuinely happy person. Who could not want to he around that? And how she loved to laugh! Rebecca was notorious for sending us jokes and funny sayings to make sure we were all taking time to smile. She was all about having fun and was not afraid of laughing at herself. But true to her good heart,'her fun was sweet and playful, and was never at someone else's expense. Rebecca gave that gift of laughter and fun to her sweet Kylie_ What a joy it has been to watch Rebecca play peek-a-boo or some other game with Kylie down on the floor, and Rebecca would throw back her head and laugh and Kylie would look at her mom and laugh right back at her. And after Rebecca came back from Maryland last month with her mom, Elaine, and her dad, Jim, she told me how they had played mad-libs in the car, and how hard they had laughed. And even the last time I was with Rebecca when she was so very sick, one of the first things she said to me, was could"I tell her some funny storiesfrorri school? Rebecca's light burned so brightly because she was so passionate. Rebecca never did anything half way_ In fact for her over the top was just standard operating procedure. Everything that Rebecca did seemed to be at an accelerated pace, and it was as though she was programmed to accomplish so much in so short a time, and she did. When Rebecca recognized something that needed to be done or set her mind to something she thought needed to be accomplished, she didn't hesitate, she just did it. If there was an obstacle, she figured a way around it. I.remember when she wanted to begin community trips with her students, knowing that teaching them in a real world situation would be so . powerful for them. But as often happens in education, the cost oftransportation was a bit of a problem. It didn't stop her.; She talked me out of a little "seed money" using that great and beautiful smile she always had,got some donations from a few others, and started a school store on a cart. It wasn't'long and she and the children were taking those community trips with money they earned in the.school store they operated. Rebecca's life shone with compassion as well. Her life's work was to advocate for and elevate thosewho needed to be taught in special ways. She reminded us always, that we - are all people first and she never defined others by their abilities or disabilities. She seemed drawn to the children in our school who came to us with the most needs, and she would find a way to make them feel loved, important, and included. Many was the time she made up morning jobs in her room so that children who needed breakfast and a smiling face first thing in the morning would have a reason to come to her room to start their day.'Rebecca was always ready to lend a helping hand, to offer comfort, and to put the needs'of others before her own. And even throughout her illness, how many times did all of use hear her fret over us, and worry about our comfort, afraid that somehow her illness was making things difficult for us. One of my favorite stories about Rebecca and her natural compassion has to do with the courtyard at our school. There is a small pond in the courtyard, and each spring we have families of ducks that come to nest in the courtyard and hatch their ducklings. We have learned over the years, that the ducklings often fall prey to larger birds if they are not removed from the courtyard within a few days of hatching. So each family gets coaxed from the courtyard after the ducklings are about 4-5 days old. The first year that Rebecca was with us, she was quite enamored with the baby ducklings. She had taken her students out to see them several times. Unfortunately, no one had explained to Rebecca that the ducklings would not be permanent residents of the courtyard. Gettting a nervous mother duck out of a courtyard full of great hiding places, with as many as 12 baby ducklings following behind is no easy task, but each year our custodian and secretaries, and whoever else is available participates in the great duckling round-up, and we get the ducklings out of the courtyard to the relative safety of the woods behind our building. Once we get the mother out of the courtyard, she and the ducklings have to cross about a 10 foot hallway:. This is the final and most critical part of their journey, and everyone knows to keep out of sight so the mother duck keeps on walking and doesn't turn her i brood around and head back for the pond. That first spring that she was;with us,just'as the ducklings were crossing the hallway to the safety of outdoors, Rebecca came down the hallway; aril seeing those poor lost ducklings, she herded them right back into the safety of the courtyard. She was never able to live'dovn her reputation as rescuer of lost and abandoned ducklings. Rebecca had a sense of purpose and set of principles that she would not compromise.` When Rebecca faced a dilemma or a difficult situation,:she was guided not by what was easy or expedient, but by what was right., More than once I saw her take a stand on behalf of her students'with disabilities, or'ter kiddos" as she liked to call them. And when Rebecca knew she was right, she did not back down. Many was the time; I saw her pother chin up throw back her shoulders, stand i:ip straight,;and do what had to be done or say what had to be said on behalf of her kids, This shooting star we knew as Rebecca was wise intelligent and skilled as an educator. Many of us who were much older and more experienced in special.education found ourselves being m entored by Rebecca. Very quickly, in both Crrundy County and in our community in Batavia, Rebecca became known as a true expert in special education. When I interviewed Rebecca in July of 2001, I knew we had found`someone very special And with each passing year,I saw the growing influence that she had on our school, the children in our building, and on the district as a whole. She and I'often joked about the fact that wheneti er she came in to my office, and closed the door, and said she had. something important to talk to za e about,I panicked because I thought she was going'to tell me, she was resigning because she had accepted another job. But truly, in my heart of hearts, I knew Rebecca was going to be at my school for only a short time, because she was so brilliant at what she did.. It was easily within her grasp at some point in the future to be a leader in special education at a state or national level She was just that good:. Finally, Rebecca was'humble. She may have understood her many'gifts,but she never flaunted them or tried, or wanted, to make the rest of us feel inadequate. She was grateful for what she had, and content with who she was, and determined, always,to make the most of every gift every day. And she did. About a month ago, she sent me pages of quotes, over fifty pages of quotes; that she had been collecting. At the; very top of the page in large font was this quote, from The Purpose Drive Life. "God wants you to make a difference in.the world. He wants to work-through yau. What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived." The week before she passed away, Rebecca and I were talking about a book we had both read by Mitch Albom The Five People you Meet in Heaven. I asked her what she liked about the book, and she shared that she loved the theme that we all had a purpose, even if we didn't understand'it, and that somehow our stories are all interconnected. In closing, I would like to share these words that are paraphrased from a song by Steven Schwartz: I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn, and we areled, to those who help us most to grow, if we let them, and we help them in return Line a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun, like a stream that meets a boulder, lialfivay through the wood, We know because we knew you, .Rebecca, we've been changed for good We will never meet again in this lifetime, so let ire say before we part, So much of us is made of what we learned from you, You'll be with us always, like a handprint on our hearts." March 15 2005 YORKVILLE RECREATION DEPARTMENT Park Board Meeting Month of August- 2005 Highlights and Summary: The month of August marks the end of the summer season and preparations for the beginning of the fall session. All of our programs are going strong. Throughout the month of August residents enjoyed programs such as;Abracadabra,Music Under The Stars,Farmer's Market,Sports Classes,Adventure Camp,Kiddie Camp and Outdoor Movies. We completed our last of the three sessions of Kiddie Camp.This year's camp was a huge success,in which we averaged 20 kids per session and look forward to a bigger and better camp season next year.Parkview School worked out very well as our location for Kiddie Camp. For the older kids,we had a week of Adventure Camp. Seven grade school kids participated in numerous activities such as visiting Lincoln Park Zoo,Navy Pier and learned how to make ice cream and pizzas. This month we also offered our monthly senior party,which had a Teddy Bear theme.We had over 80 people attend the party in which they enjoyed bingo,music and each other's company. On August 20`x,we held our first Amazing Adventure Challenge.There was an overwhelming response and we had 30 teams of three registered for the event.There were 9 male teams,2 female teams,4 coed teams,5 corporate teams,and 10 family teams. The overall winners"Lost in the Woods"(male)finished the race in 1 hour and 13 minutes.The event was held at Silver Springs State Park,and the teams competed in the following events:biking,canoeing,hiking,buddy walkers,archery and scavenger hunt. Overall,the event went extremely well and we all look forward to next year. We ended our summer Music Under The Stars concert series with record-breaking crowds. We were not"rained out"this summer,but it was close on some evenings. All of the performances were very good,many of them were new to us this year and some will be asked to be back next year. The Reggae band was very exciting and the crowd expressed their desire to have them back next year! We used our new inflatable outdoor movie screen for the last two movies and it made the set up process much easier(once we learned how to set it up!). We had a very large crowd for the last movie,so the word is getting out to the public and we expect larger crowds next year. Seasonal Classes/Programs —August: Empower Training Karate - Kiddie Camp - All Star Soccer Camp Senior Parties - Teddy Bear Party - Abracadabra - Summer Crafty Kids Adventure Camp Summer Quarter—as of 8-31-05 Different Types of Activities— 38(different curriculum) Sections - 133 Enroll..-828 Sp.Event —2,674 Ran—86(65%) Cancelled—47 (35%) Last year Summer: - 116 Enroll—581 Sp.Event —1320 Ran-77 (66%) Cancelled-39 (34%) Residents- 492(59%) Non-res—336 (41%) Exit Survey Summary: We received surveys from participants in our Adventure Camp and Kiddie Camp.All of the surveys gave high marks to our staff and activities that were planned. Scholarships Awarded/Grants Received: None at this time. 1 Professional Development: Recreation Staff attended a clinic titled,First Time Supervisor,held at City Hall,on August 23,2005. Administrative Highlights: Kerstin Valencia,our summer Intern has finished her term with us at the end of August. Kerstin assisted teaching many classes for us this summer as well as assisting with the concession stand daily reporting. She also created a draft of a Recreation Standard document and a program budget spread sheet. Kerstin was given the job of organizing the Pet Parade that was held Saturday,Labor Day weekend.She secured sponsorships to cover the costs and did a very nice job of organizing the parade.We had about 70 animals enter the contest and everyone had a great tune,we received quite a few compliments that day! The agreement has been approved for us to use the Yorkville Congregational Church again for our second year of Pre School. The same teaching staff will start a new year on Sept. 12,2005. The job description has been approved for the 20 hour,part time Special Program Supervisor. It will be posted the first week in September and posted through[PRA and local universities. This position will be responsible for most of the smaller special events,one-day activities and will assist with the larger special events. Facility Rentals: Community Groups using Beecher: Lions Club,Boy Scouts,Cub Scouts, Sal.Army,Jr.Women's Club. PAID rentals in July: Perkins 0.00 Kitchen 50.00 Austin 60.00 Beecher Park $0.00 Town Square $55.00 Facility Agreements:(summer) a Yorkville School Dist. 115- Hours used current season:-none Yorkville Congregational Church;-none New Life Church classroom; - none Parkview School—1 classroom,gym,outdoors Revenue Producing Highlights Amazing Adventure Challenge budget report will be available next month. Upcoming Projects and Events: Oct.29th—Halloween Egg Hunt Respectfully submitted, Recreation Department Staff 2 CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES & INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS OFFERED 450 400 350 300 250 0 Activities 200 Sections 150 II 100 50 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 FINANCIAL 160,000 140,000 120,000 I Total Program Fees100,000 80 000 Misc. Income uF, 60,000 t r 1 `' Instructor Pay 40,000 r f 20,000 Neti 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2002 2003 2004 2005 PARTICIPATION 6000 1 5000 j 4=7 0 Residents 1 4000-1 I i Non Resident 3000' i 1 0 Special 2000-' Events i I Total 1000 TITz.'Participation I 1 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 excel.program report 8-05 Program Report - Summary and Comparisons Season Summer 01 Fall 01 Winter 01:0?„ Spring 02 TOTAL 01-02 Summer 01 Fall 02 Winter 02-0 Spring 2003 TOTAL 02-03 Activities Offered 18 15 21 19 18.5 average 21 29 21 25 24 average Ran 16 (89%) 13 (87%) 16 (76%) 13 (68%)74(80%) 14 (67%) 18 (62%) 16 (76%) 19 (76%)67 (70%) Canceled 2 (11%) 2 (13%) 5 (24%) 6 (32%) 18 (20%) 7 (33%) 11 (38%) 5 (24%) 6 (24%) _ 29 (30%)_ Sections 45 32 4.3 41 . 161 65 67 43 62 237 Ran 41 91% 28 88% 30 (70%) 30 (73%)179 (82%) 41 (63%) 44 (66%) 30 (70%) 31 50% 146 (62%) Canceled 4 9% 4 13% 13 30% 10 (24%)31 (19%) .24 (37%) 23 34% 13 30% 31 50% 91 (38%) Participation 368 416 259 219 1262 369 564 307 265 1505 Res 240 _ 304 173 164 881 259 360 205 159 -_-983 Non 128 112 86 55 I 381 110 204 102 106 522 Special Events 612 300 0 150 1062 ; 1815 600 25 221 2661 Total Fees 20,933 $16,789 $16,239 $3,637 57,598 18,592 $26,976 $18,382 $7,075 71,025 Discounts na 414 353 18 a $784 653 162 309 98 1,221 Surcharge na 5 0 0 5 65 55 89 41 250 Refunds na 2,857 908 _ $418 111 $4,183 1,449 $1,258 $1,457 $1,568 5,732 Misc. Income 1,655 $2,732 1,371 _-$16,403 4,965 5,103$22, 906 36,188 Misc. Expense 6,943 $5,746 8,348 $12,8330 161 214 25 33,870; 7,719 $11,837 $13,786 $16,276 49,618 Instructor Pay 10,359 $1,795 3,953 $2,132 11 $18,239 9,124 $5,864 $2,824 $3,919 21,731 NET 1,976 - $8,466 4,019 $4,63911 $19,100 4,612 $8,070 $5,110 $12,688 30,480 Total 01-02 Total 02-03 Total 03-04 Total 04-05 Total 05-06 Activities Offered 73 96 194 171 Ran 80% 70% 130 (67%) 124 (73%) 111ICancelled20% 30% 64 (33%) 47 (27%) II Sections 161 237 --_-426 447 Ran 82% 62% 240 (56%) 283 (63%) Cancelled 19% -__-38% 182 (43%) 164 (37%) . Participation 2324 4166 4808 5032 IIIHouseholdMembers79713941469/2946 238.4/5086 NET 19,100 $30,480 $49,044 $66,905 excel.prcgram summary 8.05 Program Report - Summary and Comparisons Season Summer 03 Fall 03 Winter 03-04 Spring 04 Total 03-04 r ".3 r 7-7iu .. 4, ,F a®. 4 Winter: •=0 S!r • 9..a.4 pr r„ Y WiActivitiesOffered495450411.94 39 48 43 _ 41 171 EtRan2959% 33 (61%) 36 (72%) 32 (78%)30 77% 30 (63%) 32 (75%) 32 (78%) Olt:Cancelled 20 (41%) 21 (39%) 14 (28%) 9 (22%) 9 (23%) 18 (37%) 11 (25%) 9 (22%)0 w 71 Sections_ 117 105 103 101 426 116 118 119 94 447 kl.1Ran72 (62%) 57 (46%) 59 (53%) 52 (53%) -1 77 (66%) 67 (57%) 79 (66%) 60 (64%) 0oCancelled45 (38%) 48 (46%) 42 (42%) 47 (47%)39 (34%) 51 (43%) 40 (34%) 34 (36%) 0 • Participation 457 476 495 386 1814 581 750 728 449 2508' :1Res33432733125512473495254753151664rNon123149 _ 164 131 567 232 225 253 134 844: ; Special Events 1864 750 200_180 2994 1320 782 205 217 2524- tip Total Fees 19,916 $26,442 27,487 $10,410 $84,255 24,618 $49,663 51,171 $31,411 156,863:,Discounts 73 126 187 92 478 115 60 479 139 7934Surcharge188755321921023873172601,066 ';Refunds 4,313 3,289 2,218 $1,709 $11,529 3,270 $6,902 3,257 $3,042 _ $16,471Misc. Income 6,815 2,496 901 $40,854 $51,066 4,905 $3,093 201 $39,355 47,554Misc. Expense 9,641 5,457 7,083 $20,646 $42,827 10,090 $18,486 5,120 $22,865 56,561InstructorPay11,010 $10,298 15,694 $5,946 $42,948 9,960 $16,355 24,430 $29,414 80,159 FS tNet6,007 $13,033 5,424 $24,580 $49,044 9,357 $17,856 _ $21,343 $18,349 66,905 1 Total 01-02 Total 02-03 Total 03-04 Total 04-05 Total 05-06 Total 06-07 Activities Offered 73 96 194 171 Ran 80% 70% 130 (67%) 124 (73%) Cancelled _ 20% _30% 64 (33%) 47 (27%) Sections 161 237 426 447 Ran 82% 62% 240 (56%) 283 (63%) Cancelled _ 19% _ 38% 182 (43%) 164 (37%) Participation 2324 4166 48081- 5032 Household Member; 797 1394 1469/2946 2384/5086 NET 19,100 $30,480 49,044 $66,905 PARTICIPATION 1 Summer 2001 Summer 2002 Summer Summer 2004 Summer 2005 SUMMARY 2003 COMPARISONS Residents 240 259 334 349 Non Residents 128 110 123 232 Special Events 612 1815 1864 2042 Total 980 2184 2321 2623 Fall 2001 Fall 2002 Fall 2003 Fall 2004 Fall 2005 Residents 304 360 327 525 Non Residents 112 204 149 225 Special Events 300 600 750 782 Total 716 1164 1226 1532 Winter 01-02 Winter 02-03 Winter 03-04 Winter 04-05 Winter 05-06 Residents 173 205 331 475 Non Residents 86 102 164 253 Special Events 0 25 200 205 Total 259 332 695 933 Spring 2002 Spring 2003 Spring 2004 Spring 2005 Spring 2006 Residents 164, 159 255 315 Non Residents 55 106 131 134 Special Events 150 221 180 217 Total 369 450 566 664 FISCAL YEAR TOTAL 01-02 TOTAL 02-03 TOTAL 03-04 TOTAL 04-05 TOTAL 05-06 SUMMARIES Residents 881 983 1247 1664 Non Residents 381 522 567 844 Special Events 1062 2661 2994 2524 Total 2324 4166 4808 5032 ACTIVATIES/SECTIONS COMPARISONS Summer 2001 Summer 2002 Summer 2003 Summer 2004 Summer 2005 Comparison Activities 18 21 49 39 Sections 45 65 117 116 Fall 2001 Fall 2002 Fall 2003 Fall 2004 Fall 2005 Activities 15 29 54 48 Sections 32 67 105 118 Winter 01-02 Winter 02-03 Winter 03-04 Winter 04-05 Winter 05-06 Activities 21 21 50 43 Sections 43 43 103 119 Spring 02 Spring 03 Spring 04 Spring 05 Spring 06 Activities 19 25 41 41 Sections 41 62 101 94 Fiscal Year TOTALS 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 Activities 73 96 194 171 Sections 161 237 426 447 wRKvtuE PARKS A RECREAT7O J Yorkville Parks & Recreation Dept. 908 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville, IL 60560 630.553.4357 630.553.4360 fax e-mail: tevans@yorkville.il.us 2005 Promenade of the Arts Questionnaire RESULTS) The Yorkville Parks and Recreation held its inaugural Fine Arts Festival on Saturday, June 25, 2005. The Fine Arts Festival was held from 10am—5pm at Riverfront Park in Yorkville, IL. Twenty-four (24) artists participated in the festival. After the festival, a survey was sent out to all of the participating artists. The survey was designed to get as much feedback from the artist as possible, since this was our first event of this kind for the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department. Eighteen (18) artists returned the survey and the following are the results from the survey. 1.) Question: Festival Location: Answers/Suggestions: 12 replied good or great. Other responses included: changing the location to Town Square, making the areas larger and making sure that everyone was located on grass. 2.) Question: Day&Time of Festival: Answer/Suggestions: 11 replied good or great. While Saturdays seemed to work for everyone, there were a variety of other suggestions such as, starting earlier, ending later and running the festival over two (2) days. 3.) Question: Booth Location Answer/Suggestions: 10 replied good or great. Other suggestions were: space between booths. More space. Set booths on grass only. Face tents away from the sun. Booth too far from parking. 4.) Question: Set Up Time Answer/Suggestions: 10 answered good or great. Suggestions included: More time to set— up. Set—up time earlier. More staff to help with set— up. 5. ) Question: Hospitality Area/Location Answer/ Suggestions: 10 replied good or great. Other responses included: did not go to the area. Golf carts to take artist to area. More bathrooms. Closer to booths. Awesome area. Great. A little far. Clean and well stocked. Better when water was distributed. 6.) Question: Communication Answer/Suggestions: 10 answered good or great. Other responses were: Everyone was very helpful. Awesome. Literature was unprofessional. Very open. Great. Good and timely. 7.) Question: Entrance Fees Answer/Suggestions: 9 replied either good or great. Responses with: Ok. A little to high. Perfect. Fair. Reasonable. Could be less. If you do not sell anything, any fee is to high. 8.) Question: Vendors&Vendor Location Answer/Suggestions: 11 good or great. Other answers included: more vendors, vendors at both ends, closer to exhibitors, what vendors? 9. Question: Entertainment Answer/Suggestions: 11 good or great. Suggestions included: 1st act belittled us. Nice background for festival. Music too loud. Don't worry if all times are not covered. 10. Question:Signage Answer/Suggestions: 6 good or great. Answers were: More signs, signs on main roads, more advertising in local papers. 11. Question:Awards Answer/Suggestions:7 good or great. Other suggestions were: Announce judging and results, criteria of judging, more than 1 judge, more winners/awards, different categories. 12. Question:Other suggestions Answers/Suggestions: More signs throughout the community. Radio/TV advertising. Less heat next year.Very helpful staff. Color mailers and photos.You have a long way to go to make this a great event. Good first attempt. Nametags for booths, better signage for traffic, post winners, booth sitters. 13.) Question:If we run this event next year,would you sign—up again? Answer: 17 Yes/ 1 No Conclusion: With this being our first Fine Arts Fair we realized that there would be a few obstacles to overcome in getting this event up and running and look forward to improving the Fine Arts Fair year after year. For next year we are looking at the following improvements: 1.) Changing the times of the Fair.Possibly ending a little early or starting later and running the Fair later into the evening. 2.) We will look at making the spaces bigger and keeping everyone in the grass area. 3.) Allow more time to set-up next year. 4.) Have more volunteers to help with set-up. 5.) Have the hospitality area set-up closer to the artist and under a tent. 6.) Have more signage throughout the community. 7.) Develop a more professional look to information that is handed out to participating artist and media outlets. 8.) Advertise more throughout numerous media outlets. 9.) The judging criteria is clearly stated before the Art Fair. 10.)Offer different categories to be judged. 11.)Ensure that announcements of winners are announced throughout the day and are known to all of the participating artists. Thank you for you time! Tim Evans Recreation Coordinator Fine Arts Festival t I ea, ., -^,,, , .Yxs golf team opens ant Com successfully... c i1 A ,,, see Sports err w Taking noteThursday, Aug: 25, 2005. Vol. 141 No• 34, of favorite 80 pages; 3 sections Published at Yorkville IL 60560 teachers... t!F hi1,, „ r ; , _ Copyright 2005,Kendall County Record Inc.see Countywides r '' v .:'Park Department or Park District? slldermen • Park Board- members seek citizens' views on making change park district. I've heard a lot . of have more control over a park board. He Munns said the budget may go up, but L. Lyle,RRolfe 'comments over the past four to four and said they would need a larger commercial he said a benefit is that the taxpayers i•:,;•Y'''••::• half years by residents expressing that and industrial tax base to support a park would be able to vote for the members of Ther lyng.time'question of whether because of all the continued growth, district, otherwise the residents'would a district. _"They would be accountable York;y, tlle should continue to have a city maybe they should have more say on have a larger tax'bill. for their budget and if the taxpayers want Parks'and 'RecreationDepartment or a how their money ,is being spent," he Richard Kornak, park board member, more facilities they could vote for them," Park;lDtstrict, (came up at City Hall said. said thereare pluses and minuses either he said. Motdaknaght Munns said he did not have an way. continued on page 12 Tlhequestion was discussed for about opinion; so he brought it up to see what He said a park district could do what an hour'during a";combined meeting of has been discussed in the past and what the people want rather than having to the;'Pirk' oat d and Public Works might be best for the future. recommend to the City Council to make Committee .".' , Alderman Joe Besco asked that each the final decision. He also agreed with A1`derrnan_)1grty Munns brought up person give his thoughts on the issue James on the possibility of higher taxes the•topic at,the,last•.Council,meeting. without getting into a debate. with a district. ht has,beef discussed over.the years Alderman Paul James said he did not Tammy Smock, park board member, whetherwe(would'be:better off-with a care either way. He said he thought they, said she agreed with Kornak. ORD Thursday,Aug.25, 1Uub I r Possible 'park district discussed from:page onea Rollins said it could be chea er forcanobtaininformationandspeakersfromp When I first came on the board about the Illinois Association of Park Districts non-residents who are now-paying fees four years ago,we had this discussion," - •and other agencies to talk about forming for services and programs. .. i.Ken Koch,park.board member,said "At, a district and the benefits of each.. . • I hope the park:board has a better.feel that time we said..they were.better off There's no magic formula. Sugar for this than the city council and I'd like i'being with the:city. But now I think,that Grove started forming their park district to see them:snake a recommendation for { t, has changed." . years ago and did it over a period of time. • or against to the city councilfor vote," t,, "And you could match the school board For you guys, it's a policy question. Alderman Wanda Ohare,said. t boundaries. You wouldn't:have-to.stay . You have to decide if you want to pursue Prochaska said they need to have good within the city'boundariesrwhich`=rs an it,"she said. information available for the residents to. advantage, he said. `But;taxes couldgo Chris is right. It's going`to take one vote .on. Brown :said;there,are,:many up which would be a disadvantage;''he • to two years to get organized because experts who could speak to them about added.' there's a lot of questions including the' forming a district. t . Chris Rollins, .park hoard president, geographic boundaries,and tax levy. One alderman said they would need to f.,:said their board had looked in the past at She said they can .get all the have a question ready for vote by January the'possibility of'a district and said it information they need•without saying yes to get it on the March ballot, but others , would follow-the school boundaries. to the issue. said this would be too soon. If we"agreeto examine,the idea more There are very successful park districts "A non-binding referendumwould be a closely, there is more work to be done and very, successful park departments` good ,way.•to,.poll. the :people," James before we put a question to the voters," across the state. There's no right or said. he said. wrong, There are more departments Burd said the push should come from Van Truman, park board member, downstate and, in the Chicagoland area, the residents. "If they push for it,• it is noted that Sugar Grove recently voted to you have more park districts,"she said. more likely to pass,"she said. have a park district.,Brown said the council cannot form the Brown said this could be discussed by He-said it would take two years to . district. It takes a referendum by the the park board at its Sept. 12 meeting. accomplish if they started-now and said' people to establish another taxing body, Prochaska-said he would .ask the they would have to decide things such as. , she said. council members fora recommendation; transferring capital assets: Besco said he would like to see more at their next Committee of the..Whole Besco said he did not know whether facts before forming a citizens meeting. . t there is any formula based on population, committee.there geographic size that would affect Prochaska said he would like to get becoming a park district.input from the residents before the city 4;'=,Mayor Art Prochaska said he recalled staff spends a lot of time studying the he question coming up the first time in issue. He said the outlying areas will. 1993,then again four to five years ago. become part of the city before long f„;-:."There are different ways of forming a through growth, but said he still would park district. They involve either a like to hear from these people as well as eferendum or a ratifying referendum. If others in the city. you want to go outside our city limits, it Rollins said they have non-residents would require a referendum.I think we're enrolled in park programs so they could a.Iitt1e early by a couple of years," he be surveyed for their thoughts. said referring to forming a park district. Alderman Valerie Burd said she wants H e said there are many questions to be to hearfrom the other council members nswered before they do anything. "What if we Prochaska said the levy for a district poll the residents and then'we-,(council ould be substantial.But having a larger, members), decide we don't want to do geographical area to spread the;tax burden it?"she said. would be helpful,he said. There are many question§ indiuding There are a number of commercial whether following the school boundary development's corning, but if they were would he the hest thing,she-said. finished in 2007, they would not be You could go beyond the school generating taxes.until 2008. boundary if you wanted. It could_.be d :``Turning cityproperty over to a park county wide and include Plano," Brown • district also could affect the city's said. bonding power,"he said. .Prochaska said the taxing ability is I. would suggest that .we get a different for a district and city board. committee of residents, ,. we board "The rate for a park district is .01, members and city council members to which is one percent. As a city,Our levy study this,"he added. this year was..008 which included the Rollins said he agreed with the Mayor library. To get an idea where we're at, that it might be a bit early,but added that .01, on my house, would be like a $900 tdevelopments are accelerating in the area, a yearincrease on my taxes,"he said. making the idea worth looking at Brown said they would not have to Laura Brown, Parks.and Recreation levy at the maximum,but Prochaska said Department executive director, said they the people need to know what a district could levy. e_cmrd. Alderman questions city funding for countywide senior programs Council to discuss remodeling Beecher for seniors By Kathy Farren Mayor Art Prochaska argued that the Salvation Army 'can't determine who. shows up." He said the prograrns A request for a $250-sponsorship fee. provided are "very convenient to fromthe city for a.--Salvation Army Yorkville residents." Golden Diners event prompted.•an The Salvation Army Golden Diners alderman•at .Tuesday's,City Council. program serves lunch on weekdays at two meeting to question:how.much-the city;;: locations in Yorkville and provides meals should fund senior programs:that•-serve on wheels to homebound seniors.`;.: more,than.justeit residents. ; : Alderman;Rose Spears asked :'If people .. The Council:rwent_on toapprove<the,;;:; are .hun-gry,_,for. $250 should,we he. sponsorship;fee.for=the Aug.20 "Around.; concerned about feeding;only people from the World lin,,:.80,:Minutes"'.dinner and Yorkville? These people,have no place auction which-wdh:be.held.in-Elgin.At else:to;go. We should.feel fortunate to the-Council'srequest, the sponsorship host them.•'. request stated that the funds raised would James questioned the city's ,role as be used to provide meals at sites and sponsor, saying that the program uses home delivery programs in Kendall the Beecher Building, a city facility, to County. supply.a county function. "As a citizen Alderman-Paul James said that thelast of Yorkville, those are my tax dollars Golden Diners event held at the Beecher paying'services for people of Plano, Building attracted 80 people and only six Sandwich or Naperville-" of them were City of Yorkville residents.Prochaska said having the services here He-said the programreally serves the was a benefit to Yorkville, since seniors whole county and the city's ordinance on from Yorkville would otherwise have to sponsorship says there has to be a direct drive some distance to them. benefit to the city. Alderman Martin Munns said he knew people from Yorkville who used the, Golden Diners program. He suggested that residents of other towns might spend money at Yorkville businesses when they are here for the meals. Alderman Jason Leslie said he viewed the program;as"civic stewardship." James also said he would like the city to "take a hard look" at plans to remodel the Beecher Building for use by Senior Services. The agency has been located at Countryside Center but will move soon since theshopping center will he demolished. James said that the city has spent money to maintain and improve -the Beecher Building "and now we're kicking city functions out to make room for a county function." Although he asked for that matter to be discussed at the Council's Admini's'tration Committee meeting,.Prochaska said he, would put it on the agenda at next week's Committee of the Whole meeting because of the need to move Senior Services soon. d1CVill-IAAZ S a iiuicii aaiu. vire we 6ct it uu1..Ially Recreation-roomnay' be part Set up with the commission that will run it, right now their only option would be of public works, parks building th tccwould ewantS tomd[onadtewtheir development rights." By Lyle R. Rolfe I think this is a good idea. A joint The program, the ordinance states, is facility would. be the solution for strictly voluntary, stating that the county A recreation addition or programming everybody,even if we go to a referendum can obtain conservation easements or room may soon be added to a proposed for a park..district in the future. I think- other property only from willing owners joint public works and parks maintenance we should go bigger for growth," Besco and- may riot exercise its power of facility. said: eminent domain to acquire such The subject came up Monday during a Alderman Marty:Munns,said he was conservation interests." joint meeting of the Park Board and City concernedaboutthe maintenance cost of Church said the program gives Council's Public Works Committee. the facilities once built. He said these interested landowners a resource for Last November, the council hired an costs are not always included in donating their development rights via a architect to make a space needs study and estimates.conservation easement cost summary for construction of a parks • Brown said .;she will determine ' "We-spend a lot of staff time and a lot maintenance facility. operation costs with the additional space of money making,sure that everything's Alderman Joe Besco said he talked to and presentthe information to the inplace for someone who wants to City Attorney John Wyeth about this. council's Committee of the Whole develop their property, it seems like it. I want to know how we can meeting for review and recommendation. would also make sense to have the tools incorporate a large area, obviously in place to help landowners that would sensibly priced that could occupy parks and recreation and public works and.even have a community..center attached," he said. This was an option suggested by Laura Brown,executive director of the Park and Recreation Department, in a memo she sent to the Public Works Committee last month. Besco saidthe city is renting space in other facilities to cover themselves.- Even if it's an open room that can be divided,we should do it.This is the time to discuss this,"he said.. Mayor Art Prochaska agreed that they will need more room in the future. Funding would be a concern, but a' referendum could be explored for this option. The residents would be more likely to support a referendum for a recreation center,"Brown said. The study estimated space needs of more than 20,000 square feet for both departments and a cost range from $4.1 to $4.5 million for a building to meet the needs of both. 2ceYO ct. + II, (D5- Formation sof paikdistilct mentioned At city-City Cou c l By Kathy Farren committee had already scheduled a joint meeting with the,Park Board at 6:30 The suggestion'that a'park district p.m. Monday, Aug. 22 and they would should be formed in Yorkville was raised;'i discuss the idea again•.at ;Tuesday's Yorkville City Council,meetmg. Alderiian Martin Munns said he had heard from residents'who wanted more input'on park planning and activities. They want to be able to vote'for the people on the board,"Munns said. Alderman Paul James pointed out that foimina.a district would take passage of a referendum. Mayor Art Prochaska said the idea"has been brought up several_times and it goes s'o far." He-said if people are talking about it, they should be willing to work on a referendum. Munns said he was concerned that, with new parks going in every new subdivision, the city.couldbe faced with 1`.'million in annual costs for park maintenance. He ;suggested the Council's Public Works'committee discuss the idea and Prochaska said the;Park Board 'should discuss it, too. Alderman Joe Besco, chairman of the Public Works Committee, said .that. OURTOWNS The BeaconNews • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2005 • A3 OY 111 Park district a possibility for Yorkville Allecia Verrnillion Alderman Marty Munns raised the but both officials and Park Board mem- merely advises,while an elected district affect Yorkville's bond rating.The con STAFF WRITER idea, saying residents"thought they bers agreed that setting up infrastruc- board would have authority similar to stant influx of new developments would should have a little more say on how the t u re like office buildings and that of a city council.The biggest draw- also require the two groups to formulate YORKVILLE—The city will explore money is spent." mamtenance equipment,or transferring back,they agreed,was the possibility of a policy for working together on new ad- splitting the Park and Recreation De- "The budget may go up,but taxpayers it over from the city would require more higher taxes,or simply an additional tax ditions. partment into its own taxing district,a would be able to vote on the board.They money,especially at the start. ing district in a town that takes pride in A citizen committee and a non-bind- move that could give taxpayers more say would be held accountable to a budget," According to state guidelines,a Yor- warding off tax increases. ing referendum were also mentioned as over park funds and the possibility of he saidkville-based park district could levy up "There's no magic formula"for mov- future possibilities if the park district higher taxes. Less than 10percent of Illinois nninici- to$2.4 million. ing to a district,said Parks and Recre- discussions move forward. At a joint meeting,the city's Public palities have their own park departments "We all think it's a little early,"Park ation Director Laura Brown.But there The fact-finding and discussion will Works Committee and the volunteer rather than a park district.The city has Board member Chris Rollins said."But are many uncertainties, be a lengthy process. But ultimately, citizen Park Board agreed to examine retained control of park and recreation things are accelerating here."Future discussions will cover the idea residents would make the final decision the idea over a period of several months. programs largely to avoid duplicating Switching to a district would be at least of expanding a park district beyond city via referendum. Park Board members will discuss mov- costs like maintenance,office space,in- a two-year process"if we were to start it limits, to line up with school district "It shouldn't happen quickly,"Yor- ing to a district at their two September stu-ance and legal representation, today,"board member Van Truman said. boundaries.The process of transferring. kville MayorArtProchaska said."There meetings,then pass their findings on to It's too soon to estimate whether a Members allowed there were"pluses and assets and even the park land itself from should be a good thought process put the City Council for further discussion. switch would in fact hike property taxes, minuses"to the plan.Currently,the board the city could be complex and perhaps into it" 1 ; os- Yorkville mighttaptop developer ,cash for center forseniors By Allecia Vermillion must offset the impact of the STAFF WRITER specific group moving into the new developments. In Yor- YORKVILLE—The city is kville,the majority of new ar- examining an unusual means rivals are families with young of funding a much-needed se- children. nior center here. - Parks are open and usable Yorkville requires each new for people of all ages,"Wyeth development sprouting in its said.Also,"a community cen- burgeoning boundaries to pro- ter with various uses is always vide the city with either land or defensible." cash to help accommodate the Spears said the money could population influx.The land- come fromage-restricted de- cash money generally funds velopments like the Del Webb nw parks and recreation fa- neighborhood currently seek- ing approval.Alderman Valerie Ata meeting thisweek,Alder- Burd noted that seniors often man Rose Spears said she would • purchase townhomes.and other like the city to consider allocat smaller units alongside young ing land-cash"specifically for a couples. senior center."Over the nextfew City development plans call months,city staff will develop a for both a senior center`and price tag for a senior or commu- community center in Yorkville's nity building,allowing the City future,but aldermen voiced no Council to determine whether opposition to one large build- using land-cash would be practi- ing serving both groups.As the cal,and what timeline would be seat of Kendall county, Yor- possible. kville's senior programs,the It's great to say you're going Golden Diners and the Senior to do something in two years, Services Associates of Kendall but the initial thing is to find County, attract patrons from out how much money we're.. Oswego,Plano and more dis- talking about,"Mayor Art Pro- tant points. chaska said. Some difficulties would ac- He also said two private company a.land-cash-funded groups have approached him, building.Moneytrickles into the interested in a public-private city based on building permits, partnership to build a senior so obtaining:a full balance from center. a development could take six or The City Council is set to ap- eight years.The city must also prove moving several displaced use the money within 10 years. county senior programs to the Yorkville Parks and Recre- cramped Beecher Community ation Director Laura Brown Building,making aldermen and said her department crafts of- staff painfully aware the city ferings like walking trails or needs more community space. passive,non-playground parks Using land-cash for a senior- designed to appeal to older res- specific building is"a definite idents.However,"show me the gray area,"city attorney John` need and I support it 100 per- Wyeth said.Legally,the money cent,"she said.