HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark Board Minutes 2025 02-27-25 - SpecialAPPROVED 5/15/25
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
SPECIAL PARK BOARD MEETING
Thursday, February 27, 2025 6:00pm
East Conference Room, #337
651 Prairie Pointe, Yorkville, IL
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:03pm by Board President Dane Lane. Roll call was taken
and a quorum was established.
Roll Call:
Tiffany Forristall-yes, Gene Wilberg-yes, Jorge Ayala-yes, Kelly Diederich-yes, Dan Lane-yes.
Absent: Sash Dumanovic, Rusty Hyett
Others Present:
Tim Houston-Rivers Edge, Stephen Dascher-Rivers Edge, Gretchen Dascher-Rivers Edge,
Michelle Nicholson-Rivers Edge, Corinna Jones-White Oak Estates, Tammy Smock-Rivers Edge
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,
Alderman/Liaison Ken Koch, Alderman Craig Soling
President Lane welcomed everyone and said the Park Board would not be taking a vote at this
meeting.
Public Comment:
Gretchen Dascher: She was concerned that there is only one way in/out of her Rivers Edge
neighborhood and wondered if the proposed development and her neighborhood will be
connected. Mr. Sleezer said that no connections are proposed to the north.
Tim Houston: He inquired as to when City Council makes the decision and if it's usual for
proposed developments to go to the Park Board so soon. Alderman Koch stated the various
meetings it must go through prior to a decision. He also explained how a certain amount of land
must go towards parks and also the land cash. Mr. Evans said the matter was coming before the
Park Board at this time, to insure the Parks are part of the process.
New Business:
New Mixed-Density Residential Development (Christie Property) Land Cash
Donation Discussion
Mr. Evans noted it has been 15 years since there has been a land/cash opportunity and he
explained how land cash works. He said the acreage for parks is determined by the types of
houses and involves the school district which also receives land and/or cash. The parks are
eligible for 10.728 acres or $1,083,528 in cash. The City Council has set a standard of about
$101,000 per acres for the Parks. He and Mr. Sleezer decided the Parks want half land and half
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cash which would allow them to develop the park. Two park sites are shown on the drawings,
however, Mr. Sleezer said they prefer one large park site. Mr. Evans later clarified that the actual
park size is 5.53 acres.
Mr. Sleezer reviewed the proposed park plan. He said they have taken the 50/50 approach before
so there is enough space and money for the amenities. They asked for a 5-acre park site and for
the cash to be paid upfront in one lump sum. There will be road frontage for visibility and an 8-
foot wide trail in lieu of sidewalk and off street, perpendicular parking stalls. They also asked for
a paved trail along Fox Rd. from White Oak all the way to Poplar Dr. They want to link this so
that Rivers Edge residents can get into town. He also noted that Crawford Park is a link to getting
into Hoover and they would like better access to Crawford Park. Mr. Sleezer also noted that Fox
Rd. is a county road. They are requesting crosswalks at White Oak Way and Poplar. Electricity
and water are also needed at the park site.
Mr. Wilberg asked what determines the amount of land and cash. Mr. Sleezer said it depends on
density, number of bedrooms and type of home and they plug this information into a formula.
This is the reason the Parks get involved so early, so the developer knows what is expected. Mr.
Wilberg also asked if the formula has remained unchanged. Land cash started in Naperville many
years ago and Mr. Sleezer believes the formula is the same everywhere. The variable factor is the
cost of land and the city reviews that every couple years.
Ms. Diederich inquired about the usage of the park to determine adequate parking. The usage is
not known at this time. Alderman Koch questioned if 5 acres is enough for a ballfield and Mr.
Sleezer said it would be adequate.
Board Member Ayala asked that a recommendation be made to the City Council to insure that
park access for children is not affected by the age targeted/age restricted areas. It was noted by
Mr. Sleezer that parks are open space and cannot be restricted. In addition, Mr. Tim Houston
also recommended that in the planning process, it would be better to move the park further away
from the age-targeted areas. These recommendations will be forwarded to City Council.
It was noted by Mr. Sleezer that the staff builds all the parks themselves and that also includes
shelters, parking lots, concrete work and pickleball courts.
Discussion turned to Fox Rd. Ms. Smock said semi-trucks are using this road and Ms. Nicholson
asked if it could be made a non-truck route and if there are weight restrictions. She said it will be
difficult getting onto Fox.
This matter will go to Economic Development Committee next.
Adjournment:
Since there was no further business, President Lane asked to adjourn the meeting. Adjourned at
6:54pm. Roll call: Wilberg-yes, Diederich-yes, Lane-yes, Forristall-yes. Mr. Ayala left at
6:53pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker