Park Board Minutes 2019 11-14-19
APPROVED 1/16/20
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PARK BOARD MEETING
Thursday, November 14, 2019 6:30pm
Parks Maintenance Building, 185 Wolf St., Yorkville, IL
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:35pm by Board Vice-President Dane Lane. Roll
call was taken and a quorum was established. Mr. Lane asked all to recite the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Dan Lane-yes, Victor Perez-yes, Gene Wilberg-yes, Kelly Diederich-yes, Sash
Dumanovic-yes, Rusty Hyett-yes, Amy Cesich (arr. 6:40pm)
Introduction of Guests, City Officials and Staff:
Director of Parks & Recreation Tim Evans, Superintendent of Recreation Shay Remus,
Superintendent of Parks Scott Sleezer, Alderman Ken Koch, City Consultant Lynn
Dubajic (left 7:05pm), Foxy's Ice Cream Owner Robyn Sutcliff
Mr. Lane asked all Board members to introduce themselves.
Public Comment: None
Presentations: None
Approval of Minutes: September 12, 2019
The minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Mr. Wilberg and second by Mr.
Dumanovic. Roll call: Perez-yes, Wilberg-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-
yes, Lane-yes. Carried 6-0.
Bills Review:
Bill List ā October and November 2019
These bills are already paid and include expenses for Hometown Days, baseball and
parks. For the newer Board members, Mr. Evans noted that once the budget is approved,
the three managers have the authority to spend up to $25,000 on line items without
approval.
Budget Report ā August and September 2019
Concession sales doubled since taking on the baseball league. Sales are currently at
$45,000 and will increase with the spring season.
Old Business:
Riverfront Facility License Review (out of order)
Mr. Evans said he spoke with city staff, and the owners of Foxy's Ice Cream and Ginger
and Soul to draft a license extension for both. A tentative agreement was reached with a
proposal for a 4-year license extension and double the rent to $500 for Foxy's and $700
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for Ginger and Soul. Also, after the first year, there would be a $50 rent increase per year
and doubling of the repair liability amounts for each of them. Both licenses expire at the
end of December. He said if approved at this meeting, it could move forward to the
November 26th Council meeting.
Mr. Evans said Ms. Sutcliff was seeking a 7-year extension and a yearly 5% increase in
rent. She pays her entire rent for the year since she does not have income year round and
asked if she could defer the increase until April. She also asked if she could have first
right of refusal at the end of the term. This is the first time the city is proposing a rent
increase and a flat amount vs. percentage was discussed as well as seasonality of Foxy's.
Alderman Koch suggested keeping the agreements consistent for both tenants.
The Board members agreed that both businesses are great tenants, they are stable and
unique. They entice people downtown and many positive comments are received.
President Cesich entertained a motion for approval of the staff recommendation of the
license extensions for both with an amended change of 5% yearly increase of rent for
both. Mr. Lane seconded. Roll call: Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes,
Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Perez-yes. Carried 7-0. Ms. Sutcliff asked if she
could defer the rent increase until April and she was instructed to talk with City
Administrator Bart Olson. The attorney will revise the language of the agreement and this
will proceed to the November 26th Council meeting.
Grants Update
This was discussed in New Business.
Meeting Schedule for 2020
President Cesich said some of the Park Board meeting dates fall on the same day as
County meetings that she must attend. After discussion, the Board decided on a new
meeting day and time. Ms. Cesich entertained a motion for the Park Board to meet on
the third Thursday every other month at 6pm, starting in January. Seconded by Mr. Lane.
Roll call: Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Perez-yes,
Wilberg-yes. Carried 7-0.
New Business:
Autumn Creek Playground and Caledonia Playground RFP
Mr. Evans and Mr. Sleezer compiled a timeline for the use of land cash in subdivisions
without playgrounds. All grants have been received and now they can move forward
with parks. Mr. Evans said Caledonia needs a park since it is isolated. Funds have been
approved for Autumn Creek and an RFP could be done for Caledonia. They hope to do
RFP's at the same time to better use the money. Designs will be brought to the Board for
approval and the parks will be built by staff with possible volunteer help. Ms. Cesich
moved and Mr. Perez seconded, to approve the playground RFP's for Autumn Creek and
Caledonia. Roll call: Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Perez-yes,
Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes. Carried 7-0.
Raintree Park Shelter Purchase Contract
Mr. Evans reported this is part of the agreement with Lennar Homes in which they gave
$93,000 to redevelop the park. Mr. Sleezer and staff have begun the park which includes
a shelter. This was approved in a PUD agreement, so staff will adhere to the guidelines.
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The actual cost is $29,000. President Cesich made a motion to recommend to the City
Council, the approval of the purchase of a shelter for the Raintree āCā Park in the amount
of $29,002.40, seconded by Mr. Wilberg. Roll call: Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-
yes, Perez-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes. Carried 7-0.
Park Naming Request
A request was received from the Robert Coleman family to name the Windett Ridge Park
after their relative, a former Mayor and Alderman of the City, military member and
business owner. He also was a key figure in establishing the Open Door in Sandwich.
Mr. Perez asked if any ceremony would be held. There will be a ribbon-cutting
ceremony with his family as well as a plaque placement. President Cesich made a
motion to approve the naming of Windett Ridge Park to Coleman Park and it was
seconded by Mr. Hyett. Roll call: Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Perez-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-
yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes. Carried 7-0. Alderman Koch asked if there would
be recognition for the money donated. Mr. Sleezer said there is already a plaque for this.
Park/Facility Grant Discussion
Mr. Evans said Yorkville did not qualify for the Beecher grant and there were over 150
applications. He said staff will apply next year and focus on a pickle ball or dog park.
He said the Park Facility Grant opens in December.
The Park Department has $150,000 available and Grande Reserve still owes the Parks
money. Mr. Evans said Grande Reserve would want a facility to be built there with the
money they donate. Even with the available funds, President Cesich reminded the Board
that money from grants cannot be used for daily operations.
The Board also discusssed the purchase of land for a regional park. It was noted that all
subdivisions on the south side of Yorkville are already platted. Mr. Sleezer said that at
one time the Parks Department was looking at 100 acres on Ament Rd. The Board also
talked about a possible collaboration with the schools on a large facility. Mr. Perez said
building a one-court facility would be a waste since the facilities are already at capacity.
Ms. Diederich asked for a map of potential land acquisition sites for the January meeting.
Mr. Perez asked if there are local facilities that can be viewed on line for possible ideas.
It was noted by Superintendent Sleezer that many of the area facilities including the
Vaughn Center in Aurora, are losing money.
It was decided that staff could do preliminary research on possible land acquisitions for
2020 or 2021. Funding from the State for a facility was also discussed and Director
Evans said the maximum a city can get is $2.5 million with the city responsible for the
rest. Mr. Sleezer said it must be determined what the specific needs are, such as program
space, flexibility for other city sports or space to host other sports teams. It was decided
to discuss this matter at the January meeting.
Youth Baseball/Softball RFP
Since the cost of uniforms and equipment will likely exceed $25,000, Mr. Evans said this
would go out to RFP. Registration begins in January, so they want to get a head start.
President Cesich moved to approve the RFP for the Youth Baseball and Softball
purchase of uniforms and equipment. Seconded by Mr. Dumanovic. Roll call: Lane-
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yes, Perez-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes.
Carried 7-0.
Parks and Recreation Monthly Report:
Superintendent Remus gave an overview of the activities for the year which included
revamped activities, festivals, an adult kickball league, the baseball/softball leagues and
revised pre-school program for improved kindergarten readiness. She reported only one
additional staff member was added for the baseball program. Mr. Evans also thanked the
YYSB advisory board and Rusty Hyett for assisting. The revenue generated from the
program was $185,000 and the new employee was paid for by the revenue. On-line
registration has reached about 50% and has helped to streamline the process.
Mr. Sleezer said baseball fields were rehabbed and other maintenance work was done. A
25-foot Christmas tree was installed at the Riverfront and two new trucks have arrived.
Mr. Evans gave thanks publicly to Mr. Sleezer for his huge role in preparing the
ballfields and employee Tyler Nelson for setting up the league. He said both worked six
days a week and went above and beyond.
Mr. Wilberg asked about the sunken sidewalk by the river. Mr. Sleezer said the state is
trying to put repair funds into the budget and complete the work next year. Safety issues
will also be addressed. Mr. Wilberg said there is much undercutting under the sidewalk
by the bridge and former Yak Shack.
Mr. Evans discussed the upcoming holiday celebration on November 23/24th and the
various activities, including the tree-lighting and Chili Chase. The Flags of Valor to
recognize veterans increased by 30 flags. He also recognized Ms. Remus for being the
State Chairwoman of a 3-day conference at the state association.
Executive Session: None
Additional Business: None
Adjournment:
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 8:15pm on a motion by Mr.
Lane and second by Ms. Diederich. Unanimous voice vote.
Respectfully transcribed by Marlys Young, Minute Taker