Park Board Minutes 2022 05-19-22APPROVED 7/21/22
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
PARK BOARD MEETING
Thursday, May 19, 2022 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 ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Board President Amy Cesich. Roll call was taken
and a quorum was established.
Roll Call:
Kelly Diederich-yes, Sash Dumanovic-yes, Rusty Hyett-yes, Dan Lane-yes, Gene Wilberg-yes,
Amy Cesich-yes
Mr. Evans proudly announced that Mr. Sleezer has completed his 30th year with the city and
commended him for being an extremely valuable employee and for his work and knowledge.
Introduction of Guests, City Officials and Staff:
President Cesich recognized the following staff and guests: Director of Parks & Recreation Tim
Evans, Superintendent of Parks Scott Sleezer, Superintendent of Recreation Shay Remus,
Recreation Coordinator Micheal Donovan, City Council Liaison Ken Koch, Kendall County
Record Reporter Mark Foster
Mr. Evans introduced the new Parks and Rec Recreation Coordinator Michael Donovan who
came from the Sandwich Park District. He introduced himself and related his job experience
before coming to Yorkville.
Public Comment: None
Presentations: None
Approval of Minutes: January 20, 2022
The minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Mr. Lane and second by Mr. Wilberg.
Roll call vote: Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes.
Carried 6-0.
Bills Review:
Bill List – February through May 2022
Budget Report – January through April 2022
Director Evans highlighted the bills and said there are many expenses for pre-school items,
special event purchases and park maintenance purchases for Price Park and Fox Hill playgrounds.
Price Park was a refurbishment. An SUV and lawn mower were also recently purchased. Mr.
Lane questioned why some of the purchases made were designated as items of a personal nature.
He also asked about the purchase price of the vehicle (Escape). Mr. Evans said Parks needed
another vehicle and the Escape was the only one available. Only one of the two requested, was
able to be purchased. Mr. Evans also noted that the mower was slightly higher, but availability is
an issue at this time.
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Old Business: None
New Business:
2022 Yorkville Youth Tackle Football Agreement
Mr. Evans said the football league uses the field at Rotary Park after baseball is finished in July.
Prior to football, Mr. Sleezer and his crew redo the fields. They have raised prices slightly due to
increased costs, but the youth tackle group is OK with that. A motion was made by Ms.
Diederich and seconded by Mr. Dumanovic to approve this agreement. Roll call: Hyett-yes,
Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes. Carried 6-0.
Junior Women's Heartland Circle Park Story Walk and Sledding Hill Proposal
Yorkville Education Association had proposed a 'storywalk' which was explained in a memo Mr.
Evans provided. Parks and Rec staff met with the schools and mapped a location for the
storyboards associated with this project. Also, the Parks and Rec will be building a pickleball
court and the dirt from that project will be used to make sledding hill which has also been
requested by residents in Heartland Circle. Mr. Evans spoke with the Junior Women's group,
HOA and YEA to inform them of the plans and all have approved. Mr. Sleezer's staff will install
the storywalk and YEA will be responsible for maintenance, changeout of boards/stories, etc.
Mr. Evans noted Heartland is an excellent location due to the many existing trails. Ms. Diederich
asked about parking availability. There are about 80 spaces located around the designated area.
The overall project will allow YEA more community involvement, though they are a separate
entity from the schools. Mr. Lane moved and Mr. Wilberg seconded to approve the storywalk
project and sledding hill at Junior Women's Heartland Circle Park. Roll call: Lane-yes, Wilberg-
yes, Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes. Carried 6-0.
City/School Preschool Partnership Update
An agreement is being negotiated for this partnership and the facility is being remodeled to be
ready by August 1st. Ms. Remus said there are fewer than 5 of 72 spots left for the pre-school
sessions. When it is completed, there will be a tour in September-October. In this partnership,
high school students will be involved with the younger kids in the program and a background
check will be done on the high school students. Mr. Evans said many good relationships are being
forged between the Parks and Rec and the school system, citing the storywalk, an upcoming golf
outing and athletics. Mr. Evans also noted that Parks and Rec was recognized by the YEA as a
partner of the year. Ms. Cesich asked about staffing and Mr. Evans said shortages were a
challenge this year, but administrative staff has assisted with teaching as well. New staffing has
been secured going into the next year.
P&R Capital Budget
Director Evans wanted to make the Board aware there is significant money to spend from FY22
and they are waiting on orders to come in. He gave a breakdown of where the money will be
spent. There is approximately $662,000 for trucks, lawn mowers, SUV, etc.
2022 Recreation Office Closure Schedule
This is information for the Board that the offices will be closed on designated days since staff
works on holidays, weekends, nights, etc. for special events. Mr. Evans noted that when they
move to the new city hall, it will not be an issue since other personnel will be in the offices. Most
likely the Board meetings will still be held at the Wolf St. location. Mr. Dumanovic moved to
approve the closure schedule and Mr. Lane seconded. Roll call: Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes,
Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes. Carried 6-0.
Future Foxes Preschool Teacher Incentive Program
Mr. Evans said this year, short staffing was constantly an issue. He said childcare is a hardship
for prospective teachers, so it is being proposed to allow their children to participate in the Ready,
Set, Go program for free so that the parent can teach. Ms. Remus said there are two openings to
fill and staff would be able to fill the positions using this program. A motion was made by Mr.
Dumanovic to approve the Incentive Program and Mr. Wilberg seconded. Roll call: Diederich-
yes, Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes. Carried 6-0.
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Parks Amenities Naming Proposal
In the past year, two city employees tragically passed away—City Clerk Lisa Pickering and
Rachel Wright. As a result, city staff has made proposals to recognize them. A virtual trail is
proposed for Ms. Pickering who was an avid bicyclist. The virtual trail would be modeled after
her favorite path, and would include a plaque and QR code to explain the significance of the
route. Mr. Lane asked if something even more tangible could be done to honor her memory, but
it was noted that Ms. Pickering's husband was very much in favor of the virtual trail. Staff is
working with Ms. Wright's sister to possibly name a shelter after her and a plaque will also be
placed in her honor. Director Evans asked for approval from the Board for both proposals. Mr.
Wilberg made a motion to approve both naming proposals and Mr. Dumanovic seconded. Roll
call: Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Cesich-yes, Diederich-yes. Carried 6-0.
Parks and Recreation Monthly Report:
Mr. Evans made note of the the upcoming events--Margaritas en Mayo, Memorial Day Ceremony
and the city/school district golf outing. Spring soccer is nearly done and baseball/softball is
starting. The new city hall renovations are also underway.
Mr. Sleezer said soccer is concluding and new staff is doing well with baseball. Refurbishment
is underway on Price Park. Fox Hill Park will be re-done in the fall so that the park is not under
construction during the summer. Staff will be working to resolve ADA issues at the Future Foxes
preschool, after which work will begin on the pickleball court.
Ms. Remus said registration for summer programs started on May 1 with a huge response and
almost all summer programs are sold out. Sports are booming with over 1,000 kids in the spring
sports—the highest ever. Pre-school is also looking great. She said a pre-school graduation was
held this year, the first time in 2 years due to Covid. Hometown Days has many activities
scheduled this year and Mr. Evans noted that it will be less focused on drinking and more on kids'
activities. Last year's carnival sales were $75,000, an all-time high.
Executive Session: None
Additional Business:
Mr. Lane asked about the proposed bandshell. The organizers are looking for a location for a
moveable stage, perhaps in the east alley. They hope to use it for benefits, businesses, etc. Space
limitations were discussed if it were located along the riverfront. A pergola-type structure is
being considered. Town Square Park was also suggested as a location since events are already
held there. Board Member Lane also asked about the pickleball courts construction and how long
it will take. Mr. Sleezer replied it would likely not be done until the end of August-September.
Mr. Evans said he will be asking Recreation Coordinator Donovan to look at self-service kayak
rentals or pickleball equipment using QR codes. This would allow access to those without gear.
Mr. Wilberg asked about the island reconstruction progress. There is a meeting scheduled later
this week and Mr. Evans hopes to have more information on the necessary repairs. Mr. Wilberg
suggested a grand re-opening when it is done. The canoe chute should not be affected during
renovations, but some of the riverfront parking area will be used for construction materials.
There was a brief discussion regarding the actual construction of the island.
Mr. Lane also asked about the park on Van Emmon and if there is a better use for it. Staff has
done some plans for a possible dog park or pickleball court. Mr. Sleezer noted development has
begun across the street to the south and there is no park site, perhaps necessitating the use of the
park on Van Emmon. It was noted there are other developments that do not have parks either.
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Mr. Wilberg said he recently read about funding being given to Yorkville to make the city a
destination for shopping and restaurants. He said he also thinks the city can be a destination for
bicyclists because of the river. He asked about a bike trail along the river from Oswego to
Yorkville. It was noted there is an existing trail that runs through subdivisions. President Cesich
said there is also a state-proposed trail along Rt. 34 with an agreement that the county and
Yorkville will maintain it. Mr. Wilberg said Yorkville is the only town not taking advantage of
the river with a trail. He said once the trail would reach Yorkville, it could extend to Hoover and
beyond to Crawford Park for a spectacular trail system. Mr. Sleezer said when property goes up
for sale, the city needs to make it a priority to buy. Mr. Wilberg said he is going to collect
information, take pictures and talk with business people for input on the northern part of the Fox
River trail. Mr. Sleezer noted that the Darlene McCue trail began with an idea and money was
raised.
In a final matter, Board President Cesich announced that she will be leaving the Park Board since
she is putting her house up for sale and will be relocating outside the city limits. Later this year,
she will be moving to Arizona. Ms. Cesich has enjoyed her time on the Board and her hope is
for Board members to become even more involved in activities with a commitment to assist in at
least 2 events per year to demonstrate a sense of community. Mr. Wilberg said the Board has
appreciated her leadership.
Adjournment:
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:12pm on a motion by Mr. Lane
and second by Mr. Hyett. Approved on a voice vote.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker