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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark Board Minutes 2025 01-29-25 - SpecialAPPROVED 5/15/25 Page 1 of 3 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE SPECIAL PARK BOARD MEETING Wednesday, January 29, 2025 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: Kelly Diederich-yes, Sash Dumanovic-yes, Rusty Hyett-yes, Dan Lane-yes, Tiffany Forristall- yes, Gene Wilberg-yes, Jorge Ayala-yes, 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, City Council Liaison Ken Koch President Lane thanked the staff for all that they do and he said the reports of staff activities were very impressive. Public Comment: None Presentations: None Approval of Minutes: November 21, 2024 Ms. Forristall moved and Mr. Dumanovic seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Roll call: Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Forristall-yes, Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich- yes. Carried 7-0. Bills Review: Bill List – December 2024 and January 2025 Mr. Evans summarized some of the bills and said that the fully inclusive playground at Rotary Park was the biggest purchase and a grant was also received. There were also many expenses for the holidays. Staff members also took an OSHA 10 training course on construction and safety. It is a 12-14 hour course with a test for certification. Other expenses were CDL training for staff and bills for recreation training, with an emphasis on training for all. The staff is also gearing up for spring sports. President Lane again thanked Mr. Evans for all the good work by Parks and Rec. Mr. Evans said he was very fortunate to have Mr. Sleezer, Ms. Remus and the staff. Mr. Ayala added that not many organizations have such great staff that effortlessly provide great service to the people. Page 2 of 3 Budget Report – November and December 2024 Mr. Evans said pre-school numbers, athletics and sponsorship numbers are all up. He said a person is needed to bring in additional sponsorships. In general, the revenue side is doing well. Mr. Evans said expenses are higher. He explained the surplus last year and the projected $30,000 deficit, but that the budget is still ahead. Special events and programs are doing very well. The Board noted that the printed recreation catalog is no longer done which saves revenue and it can be accessed anytime. Old Business: None New Business: Youth Baseball and Softball 2025 Sports Field Agreement YYBSA has their own agreement with the city and there are 2 other organizations in the city. Mr. Evans said as the YYBSA grows, more fields will be needed. He said Parks & Rec works with private schools as well. Other towns have contacted Yorkville about using fields here, however, there is no more room. Mr. Dumanovic asked if any complaints were received from residents. Residents call to question why they can't use a field and Mr. Sleezer noted that parking complaints are also received and solutions are being sought. It was noted that most of the maintenance of the fields is done by Parks & Rec and all the fields were redone this fall. Maintenance responsibilities of the teams are spelled out in their contracts. A motion was made by Mr. Lane and seconded by Mr. Hyett to approve the 2025 Sports Field Agreement as presented. Mr. Ayala asked if more fields are being planned with the expected growth. Mr. Evans said there will be communication about land or cash for new fields as businesses come into the city. Roll call: Hyett-yes, Lane-yes, Forristall-yes, Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes. Carried 7-0. Yorkville Youth Tackle Football and Cheerleading 2025 Field Usage Agreement Mr. Evans said this group uses Rotary Park and they pay a $4,500 fee which includes having the fields maintained and fertilized, etc. Ms. Forristall moved to approve the Tackle Football and Cheerleading 2025 Field Usage Agreement as presented and Ms. Diederich seconded. Roll call: Lane-yes, Forristall-yes,Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes. Carried 7-0. Combined Public Works and Parks Facility Update An illustration of the new facility was displayed and RC Wegman will be the contractor. The building layout was explained and all of the Parks & Rec equipment will be under a roof, for improved longevity of equipment. Outside there will be a salt dome and storage for mulch. The facility will have its own gas station for Parks and Rec and for the police. Mr. Sleezer discussed the available storage which includes a mezzanine area. Bids are out now and it is estimated the building will be finished August 2026 at a total cost of $36-$40 million. Aldermen toured 2 other facilities prior to deciding on a building design. Mr. Dumanovic asked if there is any renewable energy features. This was discussed, however, it will be looked at in the future. Parks & Recreation Monthly Report: President Lane said the report was outstanding and he commented about the large number of available programs—350. Page 3 of 3 Mr. Evans noted that he attended a Parks & Rec conference and that Ms. Remus had done a presentation attended by at least 200 people and generated great interest in how Yorkville handles their programs. He also commended park staff who help with the programs and events, saying it is a team effort. He said they also attended a program on festival parade safety. Drones can now be used for safety at such events. He also attended a session on how to handle protests and some of the steps to prepare for these events. He also suggested that Parks & Rec should look into joining a special recreation association for special needs persons. Superintendent Sleezer said his staff is preparing for a new playground, expanding the footprint and taking out the old mulch. They are also taking down the shelter at Rice Park to have it powder-coated due to rust. President Lane commented that doing work in-house saves the Parks & Rec money. Mr. Sleezer said savings from doing a concession stand roof in-house will be used for a garage at Bristol Bay. A new playground at Prestwick is also planned. It was also noted that new businesses coming in will help through tax benefits and in turn, shoppers and people who want to reside in Yorkville will help with tax benefits. The Christmas tree event was also discussed. It was successful with all 30 trees sold out and it will be held again. Ms. Forristall suggested also working with the Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Lane suggested working with schools on the tree event. Mr. Evans said he would like to expand the Christmas decorations in the community. Ms. Remus said the pre-school was almost full before it was opened to the public and all but 4 spots are filled. The pre-school is still in partnership with the schools. Additional Business: Ms. Forristall asked about the former Parks building on Hydraulic--it has been sold and is being revitalized as retail. Mr. Koch noted that tentatively, an area along the river has been secured for a path near that building. Alderman Koch said the city has started the process for a special census which will likely give home rule status. The price for the census is about $900,000. He also said the fireworks funding has been approved, but will be a little less as the Mayor is planning for the 250-year celebration for the country, the following year. Ms. Forristall noted that 4-wheelers have become a big problem in Raintree and Windett Ridge and Mr. Koch added they are also in Grande Reserve. Parents of the offenders have been spoken with, but without resolution. The next Park Board meeting is March 20th. Executive Session : None Adjournment: Since there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm on a motion by Ms. Forristall and second by Mr. Lane. Roll call: Lane-yes, Forristall-yes, Wilberg-yes, Ayala-yes, Diederich-yes, Dumanovic-yes, Hyett-yes. Minutes respectfully submitted by Marlys Young, Minute Taker