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Park Board Minutes 2022 07-21-22APPROVED 11/17/22 Page 1 of 3 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE PARK BOARD MEETING Thursday, July 21, 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. Note: All attendees were present in-person. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:05pm by Board President Amy Cesich. Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. Roll Call: Dan Lane-yes, Gene Wilberg-yes, Amy Cesich-yes, Kelly Diederich-yes, Sash Dumanovic-yes Absent: Rusty Hyett Introduction of Guests, City Officials and Staff: President Cesich recognized the following staff and guests: Director of Parks & Recreation Tim Evans, Superintendent of Recreation Shay Remus, Recreation Coordinator Michael Donovan, City Council Liaison Ken Koch, Kendall County Record Reporter Mark Foster Absent: Scott Sleezer, Superintendent of Parks Public Comment: None Presentations: None Approval of Minutes: May 19, 2022 The minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Mr. Wilberg and second by Mr. Lane. Approved unanimously by voice vote. Bills Review: Bill List – June and July 2022 Mr. Evans said most of the bills were related to summer events, park maintenance issues, new pickleball court, concession stands and sports. He said the pickleball court should be done by the end of summer. He also said there was a safety issue with some pieces for the Price Playground, which has caused a delay. Budget Report – May – June 2022 After 2 years, a summer basketball league was able to be held again at the school, also Riverfest was just held, sports leagues are going strong, pre-school is sold out for next year, staffing issues are still occurring—necessitating higher pay and approval has been given to have winter basketball at the schools. Old Business: None Page 2 of 3 New Business: City/School Preschool Partnership Update Mr. Evans said the pre-school rooms are nearly finished and furniture was obtained through a grant. It is hoped to have an open house on August 23rd. City and school staff are now working on the logistics including curriculum that aligns with what the schools teach, high school students coming to the school, parking and other aspects. Ms. Remus said it has been a great experience working with the school staff who has been very helpful. The schools also gave Parks & Rec boxes of material that can be used. She gave the start dates for upcoming programs. Mr. Evans said this experience and the recent golf outing have strengthened the relationship with the schools. Ms. Diederich suggested having a pre-school float in parades. Parks and Rec is also working with the library to teach kids how to obtain library cards. Countryside Subdivision Playground Update Staff is trying to identify areas where it is difficult to get to a playground. Countryside is one of those areas that has no park and is surrounded by major highways. Since there is no suitable location for a park, and after conversations between the Mayor and others, the Congregational Church in Countryside has reached out to the city with an offer to donate some land for a playground. The church would ask the Parks staff to maintain it and they want a solar component since the city is working on a solar project. There is a general plan in place and money in the budget. Ms. Diederich asked if the solar theme could be used in the park and Mr. Evans said the roof of a shelter there would be solar. This is informational at this time. Self Service Kayak Rental Proposal Mr. Evans received an email regarding self-service for kayak rentals and Mr. Donovan researched the rental program. He said the kayaks are housed in a cage with 4 or 8 slots in a cage. A QR code and app are used and a credit card is used to pay. Mr. Lane asked if insurance is provided. The firm, Rent.Fun, provides insurance, however, Mr. Evans will consult with the city attorney. Mr. Wilberg said there are many advantages to the rental program. He said there different kinds of kayaks, but the 'sit on' kayaks are easier to use. He volunteered to share ideas for the equipment for this program. He said paddleboards are also becoming popular. Mr. Evans said there is a $3,500 activation fee. A concrete pad and wi-fi access must be provided by the city and the profits are split 50/50 with the company. It is a 5-year license agreement. The Board liked this idea and directed staff to implement this program. Mr. Wilberg and Mr. Donovan will meet to discuss further. Mr. Wilberg said a parks-owned cart should be refurbished to return kayaks. It was noted the canoe rental business is still located by the river. Mr. Lane asked about the proposed bandshell progress. Mr. Evans said he had no further information, but a grant is being pursued and the bandshell would be located in the east alley. Mr. Evans said he will follow up on the progress and this item will be put on a future agenda. P&R/Library Shared Marketing Employee Mr. Evans has been working with Library Director Shelley Augustine and during discussions, both mentioned the need for a part-time marketing person. The 2 Directors worked on a presentation for the marketing position and the Mayor said he was appreciative that the 2 groups were working together. Director Evans said the funds to pay for the position came from the City. The marketing person will be at the library 2 days a week and 3 days at Parks & Rec with flexibility as needed. The City Council has approved hiring Katelyn Gregory from city hall. President Cesich noted that the Facebook posts and ads have been very well done and Director Evans said they have been done by the intern. Page 3 of 3 Parks and Recreation Monthly Report: Director Evans reported on baseball, softball, 4th of July and Riverfest. Ms. Diederich asked about the parking spots blocked off by Rowdy's. Mr. Evans said the city had given them permission. The golf outing went well with 144 golfers. Mr. Wilberg commented that there were many nice people of many ages that attended the Riverfest. He said the Parks & Rec did a good job providing something for all ages and it was family-oriented. Mr. Evans also credited the Police Department as well. A suggestion by Ms. Diederich was to provide wristbands for kids with the parents' name and number in case they were lost. Parks & Rec is also preparing to move into the new city hall. Mr. Dumanovic asked if there is a plan for the other Parks & Rec building. RFP's are being accepted for the Van Emmon building; however, the parking lot will stay with the city. Ms. Cesich asked about the present city hall, but it is unknown what will be done with it. Ms. Remus summarized recreation activities and said summer camps are going great and they exceeded capacity. Some of the activities were highlighted on Facebook. She said sports had heavy participation and they are excited to be back in the schools for winter basketball. They are assisting the Police with National Night Out with a Paw Patrol event. Volunteers are needed for Hometown Days. Executive Session: None Additional Business: Board member Lane asked about the bench that was placed in Town Square. He also mentioned that additional concrete, circular tables could be added to the Square. He also said it was brought to his attention that a sign (stop/slow/playground) is needed there for safety. President Cesich said this is likely her last meeting as she prepares to move out of Yorkville. She thanked Board members who volunteered for various events and her hope is that anyone serving on the Board would become involved in activities. Mr. Lane thanked her for her leadership. Director Evans reminded the Board that the Parks & Rec staff is on vacation this coming week. He also noted the events coming up in August. Mr. Wilberg asked about the event with the hay wagon and Mr. Evans said it is usually used at Yorktoberfest. He is not sure of how the park will look at that time and the location of the wagon may move elsewhere in the downtown. An update about a bike trail from Oswego to Yorkville,was given by Mr. Wilberg. He rode a 40- miles trip rode from Oswego to Batavia and back. He plans another one farther north. He said Aurora is taking full advantage of the trail by painting it green through the town and routing it past businesses. The next meeting will be held September 15th. Adjournment: There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:05pm on a motion by Mr. Lane and second by Mr. Dumanovic. Minutes transcribed by, Marlys Young, Minute Taker