Park Board Minutes 2020 01-16-20APPROVED 7/16/20
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PARK BOARD MEETING
Thursday, January 16, 2020 6:00pm
Parks Maintenance Building, 185 Wolf St., Yorkville, IL
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:36pm by Board President Amy Cesich. Roll call
was taken and a quorum was established.
Roll Call:
Amy Cesich-yes, Sash Dumanovic-yes, Victor Perez-yes, Gene Wilberg-yes
Absent: Kelly Diederich, Rusty Hyett, Dan Lane
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, Liaison/Alderman Joel
Frieders
Public Comment: None
Presentations: None
Approval of Minutes: November 14, 2019
The minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Ms. Cesich and second by Mr.
Wilberg. Approved on a unanimous voice vote.
Bills Review:
Bill List – December 2019 and January 2020
Mr. Evans commented there are invoices for the conclusion of soccer and holiday
celebrations along with the start of basketball. Bills for large purchases are coming such
as Raintree Park, materials for Beecher Park and shelter construction materials. Mr.
Evans noted that $93,000 was received from the Raintree developer.
Budget Report – October and November 2019
Staff just conducted an 8-month review and said they should come in just below budget
for baseball. Mr. Evans said a Parks employee will be requested to replace one lost a
few years ago and equipment and a pole barn will also be requested. Mr. Sleezer said
staff would construct the building themselves. Mr. Evans also said new software is
needed for the lightning detector system so notifications can be received on staff phones.
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Ms. Cesich asked if there are grants for new software. Staff will look into signage to
explain the detectors at the parks and coaches are also given information. Some signals
also register at city hall. Park personnel will be responsible to move people out of the
parks when danger exists.
Old Business:
Request for Proposal for Playground Equipment at Autumn Creek and
Caledonia Parks Update
The RFP has closed and 8-9 companies submitted proposals which will be presented at
the March meeting. The themes will be 'nature' for Autumn Creek and 'explorer' for
Caledonia. It was noted that the boat launch and Raintree Park C must also be finished.
An RFP will be submitted next year for Beecher Park.
Request for Proposal for Youth Baseball and Softball League Equipment
Update
There were 4-5 submittals for equipment. The actual cost will depend on the number of
players who participate, but will exceed $25,000, thereby needing Council approval.
This will move directly to Council due to timing. Sponsorships were discussed and it
was noted there are links on the website for interested parties. Mr. Evans said there are
two issues with sponsorships: he feels the Parks Departments is always requesting
money and the other is a shortage of personnel. He said there are only 5.5 employees
after 15 years. A part time person has just been hired to devote to grow sponsorships.
New Business:
2020 Field Usage Agreement
Based on past history, staff has made the field assignments for the teams. One team was
moved to make room for a Parks team for access to the concessions. Teams who
maintain their own fields were not moved. Ms. Cesich entertained a motion to approve
the schedule as presented and Mr. Dumanovic seconded.
Roll call: Dumanovic-yes, Perez-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes. Carried 4-0.
A sample of a lightning detector sign was shown and placement was discussed.
Farmer's Market Update
The Parks Department will no longer be coordinating the Farmer's Market and Mr. Evans
said he reached out to an individual who will consider it. He also contacted the Junior
Women's Club and it was stated that the event needs someone dedicated for it.
Town Square Vendor Update
Grandma Rosie's has applied for a permit to park their food truck in the town square this
summer. The vendor does not have a generator so a plug-in is needed.
2019 Recreation In-House Baseball and Softball League Review
Mr. Evans said the program went very well and staff prepared fields and other details.
One person was asked to leave the program, but all else went smoothly. President Cesich
congratulated staff on doing a remarkable job with such a small number of people. Mr.
Evans said he will be looking at staff work days and days off.
Parks and Recreation Monthly Report:
Mr. Sleezer gave an update on the following: Raintree Park shelter is scheduled to be
built in March, two park benches were installed at Hiding Spot Park and baseball bins
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will be covered to stay dry. Staff has also narrowed the submissions for the two
upcoming parks. The parks maintenance position closes soon and staff will be looking
for someone with secondary skills too.
Ms. Remus reported the following: basketball season has started and the emphasis has
been placed on the kids through the wording on the shirts. There are over 550 kids in
basketball and they operate out of 4-5 schools every week. They will be joining with
YPAC for halftime cheerleading performances. Baseball and soccer will start registration
soon. She said the private holiday events sold out and the tree-lighting ceremony was
well-received. She said all bands are secured for Hometown Days this year.
The Board discussed the new shirts and wording on them. Ms. Remus said one sponsor
had contacted her with negative feedback, but all others was positive. A dispute from
earlier in the season was discussed and Mr. Perez said he had heard that some parents did
not understand the reason behind the wording. He suggested some explanation would
help diffuse the situation. They also discussed eliminating the scoring system. Mr.
Wilberg commented that the officials do a good job of teaching during the games.
Other miscellaneous info: Staff is working with Kiwanis on a Top Golf event in
Naperville on March 5th. Mr. Frieders will again be the leprechaun for the St. Patrick's
Day parade on March 14th. Mr. Evans noted Council approval of Windett Ridge Park
being named Coleman Park, Taste of Yorkville cultural event was held with schools, staff
will attend upcoming NPRA conference and 'Margarita's in May' will be held at Town
Square.
Mr. Wilberg asked about the island sidewalk repair progress. Surveying is being done
this week.
Executive Session: None
Additional Business:
President Cesich discussed the Canoe-A-Copia in Madison that had been previously
discussed. It is a convention and trade show with outdoor displays and sales. She
attended in 2012 and said it would be beneficial to have a booth there to promote the
whitewater amenity in Yorkville since it is the only such venue in Illinois. She also
suggested advertising the whitewater area at local theaters, restaurants, etc. Mr. Wilberg
volunteered to work at the booth and he also said he could speak with officials in
Wausau, Wi where there is another whitewater area. If a booth is not possible, he
suggested targeted, face-to-face presentations to groups to promote this. Mr. Evans will
also look at options.
Ms. Cesich also reminded the Board that the new meeting time is 6pm on the third
Thursday of every other month.
Adjournment:
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:40pm on a motion by Mr.
Dumanovic and second by Mr. Wilberg. Unanimous voice vote.
Respectfully transcribed by Marlys Young, Minute Taker