Park Board Minutes 2018 07-12-18APPROVED 11/15/18
Page 1 of 4
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PARK BOARD MEETING
Thursday, July 12, 2018 6:30pm
Parks Maintenance Building, 185 Wolf St., Yorkville, IL
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by Chairman Deborah Horaz. Roll call was
taken and a quorum was established.
Roll Call:
Mark Dilday-present, Sash Dumanovic-present, Deborah Horaz-present, Dan Lane-
present, Gene Wilberg-present, Amy Cesich-present (arr. 6:34pm)
Introduction of Guests, City Officials and Staff:
Parks & Rec Director Tim Evans, Superintendent of Parks Scott Sleezer, Superintendent
of Recreation Shay Remus
Public Comment: None
Presentations: None
Approval of Minutes: June 7, 2018
The minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Dan and second by Sash.
Unanimous voice vote.
Bills Review:
Bill List – July 2018
Tim said there would be Riverfest bills for bands, alcohol, also large purchases for
athletic leagues and park maintenance. Dan asked if money is made on beer and
sponsorships for Riverfest. Money is generated unless there is rain and Riverfest is a
collaboration with the Chamber, Knights of Columbus and Chicago Whitewater
Association. The July 4th fireworks funding is part of a budget transfer and Tim feels
there are more opportunities for sponsorships for July 4th which would allow for more
money to be spent on needed equipment.
A $29,000 bill for trucking was questioned which was for the 10% holdback for the
Bristol Bay skate park. The Board members briefly discussed Bristol Bay Park
amenities. Also discussed was the process and location/road closures for the fireworks.
Tim said the location will be re-evaluated for next year or possibly moved to Beecher or
behind Yak Shack. The Fire Department is on site during the fireworks.
APPROVED 11/15/18
Page 2 of 4
A bill for $3,500 was also reviewed and was part of Summer Solstice. Radio WBGL
(104.7) is already advertising Hometown Days. Tim said the Parks Department has a
great partnership with Cross Lutheran for the bands during Hometown Days.
Budget Report – May 2018
Tim commented that the budget was off to a difficult start due to inclement weather for
the baseball tournaments. This resulted in a loss of $70,000 revenue each time especially
from concession sales. He said the budget will be assessed after Hometown Days.
There is also a new festival in the fall.
Old Business:
Riverfront Park and Bristol Bay Regional Park Grant Updates
Tim said Bristol Bay is completed except for some landscaping and paving and
Riverfront will be done soon after some paving.
New Business:
Paving Quotes
This item was already approved at City Council since the contract was about to expire.
Tim explained the areas that would be paved at Riverfront Park and the sports dome. He
feels strongly this needs to be done and would like it done by the end of August or
sooner.
Also discussed was the land cash budget which Tim and Scott have projected out for 7-8
years as to which parks to complete by 2024. It was noted that Caledonia wants a
playground in the park and there is also a shelter nearby and a walking trail.
Meeting Schedule
Tim suggested a bi-monthly schedule and special meetings as needed. Several Board
members said they were pleased that Park Board members attended the City Council
meeting to voice their opinion about the meeting schedule. Gene said he appreciated the
statements given by Alderman Joel Frieders and Board member Amy Cesich. There was
also good news coverage.
A motion was made by Dan and seconded by Gene for the Park Board to meet every
other month plus other meetings as needed, or to hold no meeting if no agenda items.
Roll call: Dilday-yes, Dumanovic-yes, Horaz-yes, Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes.
Carried 6-0.
301 E. Hydraulic Facility Proposal
Tim said the Yak Shack is no longer doing business at this facility and that there is a
proposal to demolish the building and put in a patio. Gene said the business is still a
credit to Yorkville and that the river chute is very important. Scott noted there is a
shower on the building for kayakers to use. There was a brief discussion of the plans for
the land. There is a power supply which will remain and the new lights for the
playground will run off that power.
APPROVED 11/15/18
Page 3 of 4
A motion was made by Amy and seconded by Dan to accept the current bid for
demolition.
Roll call: Dumanovic-yes, Horaz-yes, Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes, Dilday-yes.
Carried 6-0.
Parks and Recreation Monthly Report:
Tim said the Riverfest will be held this weekend and volunteers are still needed.
Shay gave her report and said work is being done on the fall catalog which should be
distributed the beginning of August. She also said the Farmer's Market is going well and
3 vendors sold out last week. The crowds have been consistent and the Market continues
through August. 'Wine'd Down Wednesday' will be held Wednesday, July 25 at town
square park with a band and wine. The whiskey tasting is this weekend. On August 2nd a
movie will be shown jointly by Oswego and Yorkville at the Park 'n Ride with a cruise
night the prior night. The Yorkville Mayor and Oswego Village President will speak in
favor of having a Metra stop. She reported the movie night at the water park was very
successful with a DJ, even though the weather was not favorable that day. Amy
suggested pictures of the event should be placed on Facebook.
Shay also reported they are preparing for Hometown Days, engaging vendors and
planning a pet parade. Deb suggested working with Pets Plus. Tim listed all the
activities that will be held at the Hometown Days. Pre-school starts in a month.
The Riverfront shelter stairs have been improved according to Scott. Windett Ridge Park
is being worked on as well with the possibility of a community buildout. He said staff,
the Mayor and others may be invited. He said he has a new staff member and will also
advertise for a maintenance worker.
Dan suggested holding a Park Board meeting at a different park every other month.
Other comments were that bugs or weather could be an issue and parks would have to be
scheduled in advance. A special meeting could be called with a caravan to different
parks.
Dan asked about bee apiaries, however, insurance was not available. He also commented
that the parade was very good. Tim said it takes many volunteers. He said that an older
group has assisted at the Chapel on the Green and they may not be able to help in the
future. Amy said she hoped the Mayor and Aldermen could step in to enlist future
volunteers. The Parks Department absorbed the cost of the bounce house since a former
church sponsor could not afford it this year. The Parks Department has tried to have only
Yorkville businesses or groups for food vendors.
The Board also addressed a situation that occurred during the July 4th celebration. A
protestor with an abortion picture and megaphone was present and allegedly disruptive
during the parade and band performance. The Board discussed what action could be
taken for future situations while not infringing on the right to free speech and it was also
noted there is a city ordinance that addresses noise levels. Tim said a protestor could be
APPROVED 11/15/18
Page 4 of 4
asked to leave festivals where there is a designated area for 'festival grounds'. The police
said they could not take action due to the 1st amendment rights, however, the Board asked
at what point others' rights are disrupted. It was noted that other communities have also
had similar occurrences. Tim said he would work with the city attorney and police
department for future situations.
Additional Business:
Adjournment:
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:34pm on a unanimous
voice vote.
Respectfully transcribed by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker