Park Board Minutes 2010 04-22-10 Page 1 of 3 APPMO
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
Yorkville Parks & Recreation Department Board Meeting
Administration Office— Riverfront Building, 201 W. Hydraulic St.
Thursday, April 22, 2010, 7pm
Call To Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:25pm by Ken Koch.
Roll Call:
Board members present: Koch-yes, Horaz-yes Sedgwick-yes, Coveny-yes
Introduction Of Guests, City Officials And Staff:
Superintendent of Recreation-Sue Swithin
Bart Olson-Interim Parks and Rec Director
Laura Schraw-Park Designer
Mr. Koch also recognized the members of the audience.
Public Comment:
Representatives from the Riverfront Park identified themselves and Mr. Koch moved forward the
New Business agenda item on their behalf.
New Business (out of sequence)
Riverfront Park Open House— Discussion
Laura Schraw gave brief comment on a meeting 2 weeks ago regarding the canoe chute and its
design. Mr. Freeman from Freeman Sports was present and expressed a concern about the City
renting the building, stating he did not mind competition, but he wants an "even playing field". He
noted the rent would be $200 per month plus 5% of the gross income and he felt the City would be
subsidizing a private business. He questioned what would happen in the winter if the City drafted
this as a year-round lease. Mr. Olson stated 3 vendors had already expressed interest. Mr.
Freeman and Mr. Olson also addressed liability issues. Freeman also noted that most people who
would use the chute already have their own kayak and would not need rentals.
A fishing pier was also discussed. Mr. Freeman suggested a permanent pier whereby the ground
would be curved out. He said this would make more sense than a pier that would have to be pulled
out in the winter. Kayak classes were discussed and Mr. Freeman said he already conducts these.
An unidentified audience member asked that the porta-potties be positioned differently to avoid a
hazard for small children exiting them. This will be addressed.
This matter will proceed to the Administration Committee for further discussion in May.
Page 2 of 3
Park Rental Fee Waiver Request–Chamber of Commerce
Bob Pilmer of the Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber has previously sponsored "River
Nights" prior to Hometown Days. This event is a fund-raiser for the organization and Mr, Pilmer
asked for a waiver on the park rental fees. Mr. Olson said he thought the cost for rental would be
$1500. It was noted that the fee was waived last year. It was also noted that 340 businesses
belong to the Chamber and some of them make contributions for City functions.
Sue Swithin noted another event that same night"Music Under the Stars" and the possibility of
publicizing and holding the events together on August 13th was discussed. Volunteer help and
sponsorships were suggested to facilitate the rent waiver. Signage and co-promotion were also
discussed.
A motion was made by Kelly with a second by Vickie to grant the waiver request. Approved
unanimously on a voice vote.
Approval of Minutes:
Park Board, March 11, 2010: Deb Horaz moved to approve with a second by Kelly Sedgwick.
Voice vote approval.
Special Park Board meeting, April 1, 2010: Kelly moved and Deb seconded to approve, voice vote
approval.
Special Park Board meeting, April 15, 2010: Motion by (not audible on tape), second by Kelly,
voice vote approval.
Bills Review:
Items briefly discussed:
1. Sue told the Board about a motor in need of repair at the Rec Center and asked the Board to
come to a maintenance tour prior to a regular Board meeting.
2. Bart Olson noted a substantial reimbursement from Corn Ed for depreciation.
3. A recent"run"was discussed and class cancellations were also reviewed.
Kelly moved and Vickie seconded to approve the bill list for payment. Roll call vote: Koch-yes,
Horaz-yes, Sedgwick-yes, Coveny-yes. Unanimous approval.
Old Business:
FY 10111 Budget
It was noted that the budget was on the Council agenda for the coming Tuesday, but amendments
could be made to the line items. Bart said this years' budget was similar to last year meaning the
costs were controlled and he hoped a surplus could be realized. The recreation center is still in a
deficit, but the City is moving forward for legislative relief with the property taxes. Deb inquired
about a possible rent reduction—Bart will speak with the owners about this. Ken summarized that
the rent and taxes keep the center from being profitable at this time.
Page 3 of 3
It was noted the maintenance budget was reduced since less equipment was being purchased.
Other reductions are: legal budget, telephone, internet and class expenses were also down as well
as class revenue. The golf outing was also cancelled.
New Business
Feb 2010 and March 2010 budget report
IMRF was briefly discussed. Bart noted that revenues should be what was expected. A possible
new ballfield was discussed, however, it will depend on a possible surplus and whether or not
YYBSA contributes money. It was noted that in good budgeting years, any debt or surplus is
eliminated at the start of each budget year. Any surplus would go back into the Parks and
Recreation account. Electronic program catalogs were discussed, however, it was felt there were
not enough internet users to justify at this time. Alternative delivery methods were briefly
discussed.
Reports
Director's Report
Sue Swithin reported on the cost of paper from Office Works and Costco. It was noted that the
paper usage has decreased.
Discussion turned back to the Riverfront Park and the $200 rent. Kelly said perhaps it would be
better to charge a full lease price and not include a profit sharing to insure that the Parks
Department gets the same revenue each month. Bart said the RFP's have not gone out yet since
it was not approved by Council. Rock climbing and ice cream concessions were also suggested as
possibilities at the Park. Pads with electrical hookups for vendors, water features, fishing piers and
Farmers' Market expansion were also briefly discussed.
Additional Business
Ken said the menu items at the concession stand had been reduced and he wondered if the stand
could be leased with the City receiving a portion of the profits. Sue reported that a lot of food was
wasted last year so the selections were reduced. Ken suggested possibly Rosati's could bring
their truck to sell pizzas, however, Sue said the demand was too low. He also felt the concession
stand should offer grilled hamburgers, however, Director Swithin said it would cost more in
personnel and there were safety issues with using younger workers. Expanding the menu for
tournaments was also discussed. Sue said she would try some of the ideas and report back to the
Board.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Deb Horaz and second by Kelly Sedwick to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at
9:40pm.
Minutes transcribed by Marlys Young