City of Yorkville Park Board met Nov. 18.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Note: This meeting was held in accordance with Public Act 101-0640 and Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation issued by Governor Pritzker pursuant to the powers vested in the Governor under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. This encourages social distancing by allowing remote attendance at the meeting, due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 6:24 pm by Board President Amy Cesich. Roll call was taken and a quorum was established.
Roll Call:
Dan Lane-yes, Gene Wilberg-yes, Sash Dumanovic-yes, Rusty Hyett-yes, Amy Cesich-yes Absent: Kelly Diederich
Introduction of Guests, City Officials and Staff:
President Cesich recognized the following staff and guests: Director of Parks & Recreation Tim Evans, Superintendent of Parks Scott Sleezer, Superintendent of Recreation Shay Remus, City Council Liaison Ken Koch, Kendall County Record Reporter Mark Foster
Public Comment: None
Presentations: None
Approval of Minutes: August 5, 2021
The minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Mr. Lane and second by Mr. Wilberg. Approved unanimously on a voice vote.
Bills Review:
Bill List – August – November 2021
Mr. Evans said most of the bills were incurred from Hometown Days, fall sports and pre-school starting. The Hometown Days will realize a profit due to a good year and the weather being cooperative. The carnival operators said the ticket sales were very high and Mr. Evans noted the usual sale might be $55,000 and this year they were $75,000 for the weekend. He said working with Cross Lutheran School who sponsored a Christian band one night, has become a great partnership as Cross provides a basketball court for Parks & Rec. The kids' activities also brought huge crowds. Over the last 4-5 years the festival has become more driven by ticket sales for a new, outstanding carnival than by alcohol sales. Mr. Evans said all the festivals did very well this year.
Budget Report – June - September 2021
Overall the budget is doing well with some decreases in revenue due to covid. Some programs cannot use school gyms for basketball and numbers are down, but expenses are reduced as needed. Director Evans has informed the city that there will be some shortfalls. Pre-schools are back to nearly normal numbers, however, finding people to fill some positions is challenging.
Mr. Lane asked about the pre-school teacher vacancy. Staff is attempting to fill the part-time position, but because of no benefits and less pay, it has been difficult.
Old Business: None
New Business:
FY 22 Capital Budget
Mr. Evans referred to emails he sent to Park Board members about the difficulty of finding trucks for the department. A quote came in very late and four trucks have now been ordered following a quick turnaround with documentation for City Council agendas. The trucks were slightly higher than hoped and the budget was updated by Mr. Evans. They are also looking to purchase steel safety barricades to be used at festivals. A $3,000 grant will be used to help defray the cost. Staff is still waiting for 2 parks playground packages that were ordered mid-year. Grande Reserve Pickle Ball Court Proposal
This matter has been discussed at previous meetings and Mr. Evans said there is money in land cash for this proposal, so staff has been working on a location. Mr. Sleezer's staff resurfaced basketball courts this summer and because of that experience, staff is prepared to install the pickle ball court in-house. There will be at least 2 courts and since the funds are coming from Grande Reserve, the courts must be located there. City staff is working with the school district since the location would be near the school. Mr. Lane opined that 4 courts are really needed since there will be great demand. Mr. Sleezer said that if 2 more were added, he would rather see them in another location such as in Beecher Park or on Van Emmon for a more central location.
Staff wants to begin the process for the courts since it takes a long time to obtain materials. Mr. Dumanovic asked staff to be sure to include fencing in any proposal since it helps to corral the ball. The cost for an in-house installation is about $60,000 compared to having it outsourced at a cost over $200,000. Moved by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Hyett to approve the pickle ball court proposal at Grande Reserve. Unanimous voice vote approval.
Mr. Lane proposed a possible ice rink, saying that the community needs it for hockey, skating, etc. to help attract residents. Mr. Sleezer said the budget does not allow for that at this time and many cities are facing that same issue. Mr. Lane would like to see the city contribute additional funds for more recreational opportunities. This will move to the December 14th City Council. City/School Partnership Update
Mr. Evans said he hopes to have more information about pre-school location options at the January meeting. He added that the Parks and Rec staff assisted with a cement project at one school which he hopes will help promote a partnership.
Meeting Schedule for 2022
Motion and second by Mr. Lane and Mr. Wilberg, respectively, to approve the schedule of meetings every other month as presented. Unanimous voice vote.
Parks and Recreation Monthly Report:
Mr. Evans said the last special event of the year is coming soon and staff did a great job of putting the event together considering covid restrictions, etc. He asked for volunteer help. A new Parks maintenance employee was authorized in the budget this year and one has now been hired.
Mr. Sleezer said re-surfacing of the basketball courts was a big project this year and a good learning experience. They installed a basketball hoop and there was other maintenance on the playgrounds. Two playgrounds will be revamped over the winter. There was lighting repair at the Riverfront where a couple wires under the pavement needed repair.
Ms. Remus reported the recreation side and said pre-school is up and running with 100 kids attending. She said it was the biggest pre-school year of all and the biggest soccer year. Baseball and soccer went well with one employee taking over for another who left the city. She also discussed raising funds for the Legion, the Rudolph Run and fundraising with Knights of Columbus to benefit kids in Kendall County.
Executive Session: None
Additional Business:
Mr. Evans addressed the disrepair of the sidewalk on the island near Riverfront Park. IDNR looked at it 2 years ago and said it should be shut down and the footbridge to the island was locked for entrance. The state has gotten permits approved and they are seeking city approval and hope to go to bid next year for improvements. Mr. Evans said the repairs could affect some of the special events.
The Board also discussed the proposed bandshell though there is no update from the group and no formal proposal. Those spearheading the effort are trying to work with other organizations and the group is trying to secure a grant from the downtown development efforts discussed at a recent City Council meeting. Applications for the grant are due in January. The city is also working on some options for a more permanent music venue area in the east alley behind the businesses. Having a project such as the bandshell would generate revenue for the businesses as well. Alderman Koch said some Aldermen also spoke of obtaining a grant for a walkway under the Rt. 47 bridge.
Adjournment:
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:24pm on a motion by Mr. Lane and second by Mr. Hyett.
https://www.yorkville.il.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4408
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