Park Board Minutes 2020 11-19-20APPROVED 5/20/21
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PARK BOARD MEETING
Thursday, November 19, 2020 6:00pm
Parks Maintenance Building, 185 Wolf St., Yorkville, IL
Note: This meeting was held in accordance with Public Act 101-0640 and Gubernatorial
Disaster Proclamation issued by Governor Pritzker pursuant to the powers vested in the
Governor under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. This encourages
social distancing by allowing remote attendance at the meeting, due to the current Covid-
19 pandemic.
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:24pm by Board President Amy Cesich. Roll call
was taken and a quorum was established.
Roll Call:
Sash Dumanovic-yes, Rusty Hyett-yes, Dan Lane-yes, Victor Perez-yes, Kelly Diederich-
yes, Victor Perez-yes, Amy Cesich-yes, Gene Wilberg-yes
All attended remotely except Board President Cesich and Board Member Wilberg.
Introduction of Guests, City Officials and Staff:
Director of Parks & Recreation Tim Evans, Superintendent of Parks Scott Sleezer
Superintendent of Recreation Shay Remus, City Council Liaison Joel Frieders, Alan
Dershowitz (left 6:51pm), Paul Mulligan, Steve Redmon, Boyd Ingemunson
All the above attended remotely except Mr. Redmon.
Public Comment: None
Presentations:
Riverfront Park Proposal (out of sequence)
Yorkville resident Paul Mulligan presented the idea of a bandshell in Riverfront Park.
He has formed a non-profit group with various community members and he said the
group would seek company and private donations for this project using no taxpayer
money. The group would manage the bandshell on behalf of the city. He wants to be
involved with community, schools, parks and anyone who wants to use the bandshell.
He requested input and approval from the Park Board.
President Cesich thanked the group for this idea and thinks it is a great concept. She has
spoken with Mr. Evans who concurred and he suggested a contract to proceed in a
public/partner way. One issue he mentioned is if Riverfront Park is an appropriate
location and how it might affect people who live nearby. He noted the Mayor is also in
favor of this proposal and he requested feedback from other Board members.
Board members concurred the bandshell is a great idea to enhance the community.
Comments from all attendees included: great re-purposing of the existing slab of
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concrete, more parking will be needed, discussion of naming rights, who would own it,
railroad would need to be notified, funding has not started yet, music teachers from high
school would be great resources since they do funding, soil was contaminated in the area,
wonderful community-oriented project, local students may be able to play music there,
footprint size, possible issues due to nearby sub-station, Town Square Park as possible
location, Riverfront Park location would help local businesses, shell would be angled to
be least impactful on residents, river will absorb some of noise, group of Wisconsin
residents started music in the park and it brought other activities and businesses and was
great success, seek funds from corporate sponsors after positive press articles, city would
own bandshell.
Mr. Evans said the Mayor asked for this idea to be brought to the Park Board and then to
City Council in December. An agreement will be needed if this project proceeds.
Approval of Minutes: July 16, 2020
The minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Mr. Lane and second by Mr.
Dumanovic. Roll call vote: Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Perez-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes,
Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes. Carried 7-0.
Bills Review:
Bill List – August - November 2020
Mr. Evans said most invoices are related to installing and finishing Caledonia, Autumn
Creek and Purcell playgrounds and they are now working on Beecher. The boat launch
at Riverfront Park is done as well. There are also invoices for baseball, softball and
soccer leagues for summer and fall activities. No further comment.
Budget Report – June - September 2020
Many strategic cuts and program cuts have been made due to the ongoing pandemic,
however, summer and fall leagues did go forth. Parks and Rec continue to monitor
expenses and Mr. Evans said they should come in on-budget if spring sports can move
ahead. They also saved money by not producing a catalog and eliminating part-time
salaries. President Cesich thanked staff for their valiant efforts during this pandemic
and noted how the county in general also has less revenue.
Old Business:
Grants Update
All grants have been completed and this item will be removed from the agenda at this
time.
New Business:
Meeting Schedule for 2021
It was decided to retain the current schedule of meeting at 6pm on the third Thursday of
every other month and special meetings will be called when necessary. President Cesich
entertained a motion of approval. So moved by Mr. Wilberg and seconded by Mr. Perez.
Roll call: Lane-yes, Perez-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes,
Hyett-yes. Carried 7-0.
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Riverfront Park Proposal
Discussed earlier in meeting.
Parks and Recreation Monthly Report
Mr. Evans noted this coming weekend is the holiday celebration with tree-lighting, Santa
and fireworks. He thanked the staff for all the work they have been doing without part-
time staff. They are also assisting with Senior Services delivery of Meals on Wheels.
Mr. Sleezer said the Raintree sidewalk and shelter were also completed as well as the
boat launch with EEI's design. Most of Beecher will be done by year-end and finished in
spring. He expressed concern for the upkeep of the park with many children using it at
lunchtime.
Ms. Remus reported that baseball, soccer and pre-school programs went on while
observing many pandemic guidelines. Two different facilities were needed for the pre-
school and parents were very diligent about informing staff of any illnesses.
Also discussed by Mr. Evans was the purchase of the Prairie Pointe building for city use.
The Van Emmon building will be offered for sale and Parks and Rec offices will be
moved to the new building.
Ms. Cesich noted many compliments from community members, for the staff and
programs and she thanked them all for the many hours worked and the great programs.
Mr. Evans said the playgrounds have been very important during this pandemic and
upkeep has increased. He said Mr. Sleezer and staff did a great job with the playgrounds.
Mr. Hyett also thanked staff for going above and beyond for YYBSA.
Executive Session: None
Additional Business: None
Adjournment:
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:11pm on a motion by Mr.
Lane and second by Mr. Wilberg Roll call vote: Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes,
Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Perez-yes, Wilberg-yes. Carried 7-0.
Respectfully transcribed by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker/remote