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
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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
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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
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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).
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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
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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).
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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
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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.