AD HOC City/School Minutes 2003 11-13-03 Page 1 of 3
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE APPROVED
AD HOC CITY/SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 6/2/04
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13,2003
5:30 P.M.
In Attendance:
Citv Parks
Art Prochaska—Mayor Van Truman—Park Board
Wanda Ohare—Alderwoman Ward III Heather Fiala—Park Board
Tony Graff—City Administrator
Laura Brown- Executive Director of Parks&Recreation
Schools
Dave Dockstader—School Board
Bob Pilmer—School Board
John Evans—Athletic Director
Guests:
Tony Scott—Kendall County Record Newspaper
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
None.
INTRODUCTIONS
The members introduced themselves and stated what organization they represented.
MISSION AND EXPECTATIONS
Mayor Prochaska asked the committee what they felt they would like to accomplish
Mr. Dockstader stated that he would like to see the city and schools have a fresh start and
put the problems of the last six months behind everyone. He stated that he would like to
see city/school facilities used 24 hours/day and payment for facility use to be equitable.
Mayor Prochaska agreed that services and facilities should be used in the best way to
benefit both the city and schools. Mayor Prochaska felt that today's needs should be
reviewed as well as future needs for both schools and parks and that facilities could be
built with the maximum use for everyone in mind. Mr. Dockstader noted that the gym at
the new school on Route 126 was designed to have outside access without going into the
school so that it can be used by outside sources. Alderwoman Ohare asked if there were
any plans for a second gym at the high school and Mr. Dockstader stated that there is a
School Board Ad Hoc looking into this and the next addition could be a field house.
Ms. Brown stated that she hoped the committee could work on how to deal with current
amenities as well as fixture ones, land use,building use and the joint trade of services
such as landscaping, upkeep, etc. She hoped these things could be dealt with smoothly.
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She also stated that the Park Master Plan for new parks and trails could be tied into new
school locations.
The Committee discussed the agreement between the School District and the City. Mr.
Dockstader stated that he had questions about the agreement and would like to see a plan
created for after the term of the agreement. Mayor Prochaska state that by using the Park
Master Plan along with School District input, a draft of a better agreement for facilities
and services might be reached. It would also be good to develop a plan while funds are
available from developers. Mr. Graff stated that developer fees could be used to cost
share between the two groups. This would help to keep taxes down.
PROPOSED AND APPROVED SCHOOL/PARK SITES
Ms. Brown distributed a handout listing proposed developments that will have
School/Park sites. They are:
• Fisher Property—Kimball Hill Homes—park site 12.56 acres— school site 15
acres
• Raintree Village—Concord Hones—park site 15.044 acres— school site
15.044 acres
• Windett Ridge/Dhuse—Wiseman Hughes—park site 5.29 acres—school site
10 acres—with an additional 7 acres Windett Ridge Park and a trail system
• Westbury Village—Ocean Atlantic—park site 5 acres— school site 15 acres
• Grande Reserve—MPI—park site 12 acres and school site 12 acres
Mayor Prochaska suggested taking a look at the School District's needs to determine
what type of facilities can be worked on jointly. Mr. Dockstader stated that the exact
future needs of the district have not been determined yet however there is a School
Growth Ad Hoc Committee working on this. He stated he would get more information
and bring it to the next meeting. He also stated that it might be beneficial to present the
City's future needs to the Growth Ad Hoc Committee so this information can be used in
their planning. Mr. Graff agreed that the City needs recommendations from the School
District as to what facilities should be built near school sites. He noted that City Planner
Mike Schoppe is working with School Superintended Dr. Engler on facility sites.
Ms. Brown gave an example on how the city and schools can work together at these sites.
She suggested that when the parks are developed before the schools, the school property
be graded for athletic use until a school is built. There was discussion on who would
maintain the property until the building is built and at whose cost. Mr. Dockstader
suggested that there are different methods of compensation for these services such as an
exchange of services between the two parties. Mayor Prochaska noted that he has
complaints from citizens regarding payment between the city and the district because
resident's tax dollars pay both groups. The committee discussed the cost of services and
budgets. Mayor Prochaska suggested that each group present costs for specific uses such
as rooms, computers,police officers,janitors, etc. and bring this information to the next
meeting for discussion.
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The committee discussed the Hoover Boy Scout Camp and the possibility of using it for
educational purposes as well as recreational. Ms. Brown noted that there is a swimming
pool on the property which could possibly be used for school purposes.
The committee discussed recreational trends. Mr. Evans noted that schools now offer
athletic activities such as weight training and aerobics. Changing trends may create a
need for a pool and a swim team in the future. He also noted that field botany classes are
becoming popular so a facility such as Hoover can be used for academic studies.
Mayor Prochaska asked for suggestions for discussion at the next meeting.
Mr. Truman asked for information regarding school standards for athletic facilities such
as what facilities are typical to elementary or high schools. He also asked for input on
pool facilities so this could be used as a reference tool. He noted that other suburbs have
agreements between the city and school with regards to facility use, shared capital for
maintenance and equipment for facilities. He stated he would bring examples to the next
meeting.
Ms. Brown stated she would like to discuss immediate needs such as a swimming pool.
These needs could be identified so both groups could work together for future goals.
Mayor Prochaska suggested reviewing the current agreement between the City and
School District so that they could begin planning for a fixture agreement. Ms. Brown
distributed copies of the current agreement. Mr. Graff suggested discussing the schools
expectations from the agreement because he felt they may be different that the City's.
Ms. Brown noted that a new agreement for the use of sports field is needed. She received
a letter from Dr. Engler stating that the district doesn't want to use city fields.
It was decided to discuss the current agreement and immediate needs at the next meeting
which was tentatively scheduled for December 4, 2003 at 5:30 P.M.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 P.M.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Jackie Milschewski, City Clerk
Note: Tape malfunctioned