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Park Board Minutes 2023 05-18-23APPROVED 9/21/23 Page 1 of 3 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE PARK BOARD MEETING Thursday, May 18, 2023 6:00pm 651 Prairie Pointe, Yorkville, IL Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:03pm by Board member Rusty Hyett. 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, Jorge Ayala-yes Absent: Tiffany Forristall Introduction of Guests, City Officials and Staff: Mr. Hyett recognized the following staff and guests: Director of Parks & Recreation Tim Evans, Superintendent of Recreation Shay Remus, City Council Liaison Ken Koch, David Guss, Eric & Jeweline McRoberts Public Comment: None Presentations: Director Evans said residents Eric and Jeweline McRoberts were present to share their idea of a dog park. They had attended a previous City Council meeting and were directed to present this idea to the Park Board. Mr. McRoberts said there are more pets since covid and he said dogs and people can benefit from a dog park. He envisions a fenced outdoor area as well as an indoor area. In addition, he said dog training classes could be held along with other events. He said Oswego just opened a dog park with amenities. An indoor facility would have a path, vendor booths etc. He said he and his wife run a non-profit and he would like the dog park to be part of it, but operated as a profit with all funds going back into the dog park. He said the vendors would bring sales tax to the community. Mr. Wilberg asked if nearby towns do something like this, however, Mr. McRoberts has only seen outdoor-based facilities. Mr. Lane asked why they would need Parks & Rec rather than build a park themselves and Mr. McRoberts asked if there is land available for donation or for lease for a dog park. The McRoberts would provide the maintenance. It was stated by Mr. Evans that $119,000 was spent on the Oswego dog park and a yearly fee is paid by users. Mr. Ayala suggested that the McRoberts prepare an initial report of their vision for the Park Board to consider. Mr. Evans will continue conversations with them. Approval of Minutes: January 19, 2023 Mr. Ayala moved and Mr. Dumanovic seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Roll call: Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes. Carried 6-0. In relation to the minutes, Mr. Evans noted that signs with park rules have been put up in Raintree following a recent Board discussion. Page 2 of 3 Bills Review: Bill List – February - May 2023 Budget Report – January – April 2023 Mr. Evans noted that most of the bills are pertaining to basketball, other sports and equipment purchases. Also purchased in the last budget year were 4 trucks and in this budget year, one new truck and two mowers were purchased. Old Business: Mr. Ayala asked if all park-related bills could be put into an appendix at the end of the agenda packet for ease in reviewing, which Mr. Evans will request. Ms. Diederich questioned the spending of 136% of the Hometown Days budget. This year the Hometown Days made $15,000 in comparison to the expenses. Mr. Evans noted that having the marketing person, Katelyn Gregory, has helped with the growth and she obtained more sponsorships. A new softball league and resulting revenue has also been brought in. Mr. Evans said there is a $400,000 surplus at this time and he thanked the staff for watching the budget closely. New Business: Riverfront Project Update Mr. Evans said there has been previous discussion regarding a non-profit group requesting to build a stage/bandshell. They made a presentation to the county and the county has money available which could result in a partnership with the city. All groups have met and the east part of the Riverfront is being considered as a possible location. They also discussed the stage shape and design. There is no agreement yet and the non-profit group has a meeting with the county next week. Mr. Wilberg said the area is a gem and he feels that only a limited number of trees should be removed if necessary. Mr. Evans said he will pass this input to the non-profit group. The second part of the Riverfront update is that the bricks are starting to break apart and buckle and have become a hazard. As part of the FY24 budget there is money set aside to replace with concrete which could be done next year. In addition, the 9-1-1 call box installed to recognize heroes who saved people from the dam, would be removed since it is old and could malfunction when someone depends on it. A loss of parking spots was also discussed. Mr. Wilberg asked if more riverfront property could be acquired upstream. Countryside Park Update There is no playground in this area and the church reached out about a partnership. The proposal is for the church to donate land and the city would install a playground and shelter at a cost not to exceed $130,000. The city and church leaders have also met with nearby homeowners. New Playground Purchases The FY 24 budget has an allowance for two playgrounds, one at Rice Park and one at Prestwick. Money was received as a result of the developer agreement in Prestwick. There will be equipment for disabilities at Prestwick and Rice Park equipment will be a replacement. A motion to approve these single-source, new playgrounds at a cost of $143,547.70 was made by Mr. Dumanovic and seconded by Mr. Ayala. Roll call: Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes. Carried 6-0. Bristol Bay Discussion There is a park site behind the BKFD fire station which is the third site in Bristol Bay. Staff would like to keep all the soccer areas together and move the baseball field to the new site. This project won't be done immediately, but new home construction has begun and Mr. Evans would like a sign that states “park coming soon” so that buyers know a park will be nearby when they purchase a home. He said the new soccer area must have parking. Mr. Evans said there are 1,100 kids in sports and they wish to keep sports centralized for staffing purposes. Mr. Dumanovic Page 3 of 3 made a motion to move forward with approval of the Bristol Bay third park site proposal with a sign at the park site. Roll call: Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic- yes, Hyett-yes. Carried 6-0. Yorkville Youth Tackle Football 2023 Agreement Mr. Evans said this agreement has been in place for 5-6 years and the organization pays a fee to have the fields prepared. Rotary Park is used by them from July through November. Nearby residents and HOA's are notified prior to the start of the season due to past issues with parking. It was moved and seconded by Mr. Lane and Ms. Diederich, respectively, to approve this agreement. Roll call: Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane- yes. Carried 6-0. Parks and Recreation Monthly Report: Director Evans noted that the Parks & Rec offices had moved to the new city hall in May and it allows easier access to other city staff. Mr. Lane asked about the status of the old Post Office building. It is being used for storage and small programs, but with no prospects to buy it after an RFP. The pre-school agreement has been finalized and the partnership with the school has been a great asset. A new person has been hired for the Parks. Special events start next week and he listed many of them. June 13th is the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new city hall. Superintendent Shay Remus said more than 100 high school students came to the pre-school for observations and two have now come on as interns and one will come on full time next year as an unpaid intern. All but one pre-school class is full for next year. Athletics is huge this spring with 1,100 kids. Special events are starting and a new event on June 7th is a beach party in the town square. She noted that Katelyn Gregory has helped with sponsorships for many events which help keep the events free. She has already secured sponsorships for events to be held through Hometown Days. Mr. Lane asked if a pickleball court could be built on the south side as the current one is always busy. Also, Mr. Hyett asked if YMS might allow their tennis courts to be used as pickleball courts for leagues in the summer when not used by the schools. Parks staff is looking at the Raintree tennis courts for pickleball use as well. Executive Session : None Additional Business: Mr. Dumanovic commented that the program guide looks great and there is a nice blend of stock and real photos. The guide is digital only, contains interactive features and allows for registration. Katelyn Gregory designed this at a cost-savings. The amount of $45,000 was saved by not sending out printed program guides. Staff suggested a possible post card mailing containing a QR code announcing the summer catalog. On Father's Day, there will be 60 teams in Yorkville and this is a good opportunity to promote Yorkville businesses and showcase our parks, said Mr. Hyett. Liaison Ken Koch noted that the school district has purchased the former city hall and also, there will be work occurring near the football fields Adjournment: There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:33 pm on a motion by Mr. Dumanovic and second by Ms. Diederich. Minutes respectfully submitted by Marlys Young, Minute Taker