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Park Board Minutes 2024 09-19-24APPROVED 11/21/24 Page 1 of 3 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE PARK BOARD MEETING Thursday, September 19, 2024 6:00pm East Conference Room, #337 651 Prairie Pointe, Yorkville, IL Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Board President Dan Lane. Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. Roll Call: Rusty Hyett-yes, Dan Lane-yes, Gene Wilberg-yes, Jorge Ayala-yes, Kelly Diederich-yes, Absent: Tiffany Forristall, Sash Dumanovic Introduction of Guests, City Officials and Staff: The following staff and guests were recognized: Director of Parks & Recreation Tim Evans, Superintendent of Parks Scott Sleezer, Superintendent of Recreation Shay Remus Public Comment: None Presentations: None Approval of Minutes: July 18, 2024 Mr. Ayala moved and Mr. Lane seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Roll call: Lane- yes, Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Hyett-yes Carried 5-0. Bills Review: Bill List – August and September 2024 Mr. Evans said most of the bills were from sports leagues, Hometown Days and Sleezer Park expenses, etc. He will report on the Hometown Days at the next meeting after all expenses have been turned in. He noted that event had the biggest crowd ever with the good weather being a big factor. He said there was $50,000 in carnival sales on Saturday and the city receives 25-30% of that. There was over $100,000 in ticket and carnival sales over 3 days. President Lane and Mr. Wilberg thanked Mr. Evans, Mr. Sleezer and Ms. Remus and their staffs for a well-run event and said many compliments were received. Mr. Hyett suggested shuttles for disabled or older attendees and said that Kohl's employees do this type of volunteer work, so they will be contacted. It was noted the various bands continue to be popular and they cost an average of $5,000-$7,000. It was noted that liquor and carnival ticket sales profits are about even. Budget Report – July and August Director Evans said many expenses are reflected in August, but revenue won't be collected until September. There was a big increase in sports and summer camp revenues are up. Last year concession sales were the highest ever, however, one employee left this year and concessions had to be minimized. Sponsorships collected were $31,000 this year compared to $10,000 last year. He also noted that this year Parks & Rec is budgeted for a large deficit since last year they had a large surplus. Page 2 of 3 Old Business: None New Business: Rice Park Playground Donation Proposal The Kids Around the World organization has asked for the equipment from Rice Park when it is replaced. Director Evans recommended donating it to them as it saves the Parks Department money not having to remove it and it is for a good cause. This is similar to the equipment being donated from Sleezer Park. It was noted the life of a playground is about 20 years. It was moved and seconded by Mr. Wilberg and Mr. Lane, respectively to approve this proposal of the donation of equipment from Rice Park.. Roll call: Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Hyett-yes. Carried 5-0. Rotary Park Inclusive Playground Equipment Grant Proposal Mr. Evans said they are working with Game Time, a company they have worked with for playground equipment. Game Time informed staff of a possible $220,000 grant opportunity for inclusive equipment. The application date is the end of October. Staff has decided Rotary Park would be a good choice due to good accessibility, a parking lot, etc. and there is room for additional equipment. This equipment would make it easier for parents and grandparents as well, and all children can use it. The present playground is 20 years old and was slated to be replaced this year with money already budgeted. Mr. Sleezer noted that all the city parks are ADA compliant and several have accessible lifts to help get children onto the equipment. If the grant is received, the playground should be ready by next spring or summer. A motion was made by Mr. Lane and seconded by Mr. Ayala to proceed with the grant process for the inclusive playground equipment. Roll call: Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes. Carried 5-0. New Parks & Recreation and Public Works Facility Update A drawing of the new shared Parks/Public Works facility was displayed. The facility will be built by Boombah and Caledonia Park. This will replace the Wolf St. facility and will have storage for equipment and office space. A Construction Manager will be hired and construction should start soon. Input was gathered from many city employees and there is a general design completed. Mr. Sleezer noted there is a railroad spur nearby. Parks & Recreation Monthly Report There are two grants for the downtown, one being a transportation grant. It would help provide curb appeal to the downtown area and improve Hydraulic St. In conjunction with these improvements, discussion turned to the concept of quiet zones for the various railroad crossings in the downtown area and other areas of the city. This concept will need support from businesses located in the downtown area and communication has been initiated with those businesses. There was also discussion of the dam on the Fox River. There will be no changes to the dam, unlike others in the suburban area, some of which will be removed. A 'step' system was done on the dam years ago to prevent drownings. In other matters, Mr. Evans said homecoming is next weekend and Parks will have a float. This weekend, Yorktober Fest will be held which is is a Kiwanis-sponsored event. He noted that Parks & Rec will be out of the old Rec office soon and the city is trying to sell the building. Training will be held at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on November 13 and one of the topics will be how to run a meeting. Parks & Rec are invited to participate. Ms. Remus noted other upcoming events such as Scarecrow Festival, Flags of Valor and the holiday celebration. Page 3 of 3 Mr. Sleezer reported 2 new employees doing inspections and fixing equipment on the playgrounds, athletic courts have been repaired and mulch is being placed in parks as well as watering being done. They will be helping with Yorktober setup—barricades, electric connections, etc. Mr. Evans noted this event sponsored by the Kiwanis is very beneficial to the city and they help kids who can't afford equipment for sports. He said it is local people coordinating the event and it is a great partnership with the city. Mr. Hyett noted that many people from other towns attend this event. Ms. Remus reported on the recreation activities. Pre-school has started and some of the kids will be in the homecoming parade. Athletics is booming and the Scarecrow Festival is this weekend. A new event will be a holiday tree walk and organizations/families can decorate a tree purchased from the Boy Scouts and provided by Parks & Rec. Decorating rights will be given to activity sponsors first and then opened to the public. Social media and marketing efforts have been tracked and a significant increase in followers and involvement has been shown. She thanked the board members for their help at Hometown Days. Executive Session : None Additional Business: Mr. Lane asked if the 23 new trees in Riverfront Park needed watering. Mr. Sleezer will check. Mr. Sleezer noted the Conservation Foundation is doing a riverfront cleanup this Saturday. Board members Lane and Wilberg will be attending an annual dinner sponsored by the Illinois Paddling Council. Yorkville was picked as the location for the dinner this year and they will be offering comments afterward. Mr. Wilberg extended thanks to the Police Department, Sheriff's Office and Parks & Rec staff for their presence at Hometown Days to keep it a safe event. The next Parks meeting is November 21st. Adjournment: Since there was no further business, it was moved by Mr. Wilberg and seconded by Mr. Ayala to adjourn the meeting at 6:56pm. Roll call Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Wilberg-yes. Carried 5-0. Minutes respectfully submitted by Marlys Young, Minute Taker