The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting work conditions (safety and security), employee benefits programs, and time off benefits.
Staff reviewed the sponsorship program report comparing sponsorship and advertising partners and revenues over the last five years and 2025 plans.
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel Facility project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Construction projects, Sunset Valley Golf Club Cart Path project, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Improvements project, Rosewood Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project.
Staff provided a preview of the proposed process to update the GreenPrint Master Plan.
Staff provided a brief overview of the participant survey results for the ceramics program.
Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Track Aerial Lift and provided a purchase recommendation.
Staff provided a construction cost update for the Club Pickle and Padel project.
Staff reviewed the proposed 2025 Budget.
Staff reviewed the process from 2014 to develop the GreenPrint 2024 Master Plan and compared it to the proposed process to update the master plan through the next five years.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 Board Meeting Calendar, 2025 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, the 2024 Track Aerial Lift Bid Purchase, Ordinance 2024-11 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, and the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2024-02.
Staff provided an end of season lakefront report comparing attendance and revenues and expenses at Rosewood Beach from 2022 – 2024. Staff also compared actual vs. budgeted revenues and expenses for Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility Loyalty Memberships.
In 2015, Park District staff developed the District’s first Sustainability Plan to identify strategies to achieve sustainability goals and better coordinate with City-wide priorities. The 2015 plan has since been used as an internal document guiding practices leading to quantifiable achievements in District operations. Staff presented a progress report on recent sustainability efforts and shared draft goals and objectives for a new Sustainability plan.
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Construction projects, Danny Cunniff Playground Resurfacing and Fencing project, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Improvements project, Rosewood Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project.
Staff presented the updated agreement terms between the Park District and the Homeowners Association for the Rory David Deutsch Tot Lot and the proposed playground and site improvements.
Staff provided a tax levy recommendation and the impacts for an individual taxpayer.
Staff reviewed the five-year health insurance cost trends at the District and management’s strategy to address rising costs while continuing to offer employees a quality health benefits structure.
The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting military leave and bereavement leave, payroll and recording of hours worked, and employee conduct.
Staff shared images of construction progress for the new Club Pickle and Padel facility and site and presented the phased marketing approach to promote the new facility and membership since the grand opening has been delayed.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2024-10 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property.
Staff presented the end-of-season report for Hidden Creek AquaPark. The report compared attendance figures, revenues from daily admissions, memberships and rentals, and operational expenses from maintenance and staffing costs over the last three years (2022 – 2024).
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Pickle and Padel Club Bid, the 2024 Sunset Woods Improvements Bid, and Resolution #2024-01: Authorizing the sale of Real Estate Property and Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Public Library.
Staff provided a sponsorship update for Club Pickle and Padel, reviewed the marketing campaign to promote the new facility and memberships, and provided an overview of the Registration Platform, new Website, and APP.
The Park District of Highland Park received two unsolicited proposals for Community Solar. Community Solar is a recently created program that allows Illinois small businesses and organizations to participate in savings with Community Solar. Representatives from Pivot/SunCentral LLC reviewed the Solar Subscription Agreement proposal.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the OSLAD Grant Resolution Authorization, allowing the Park District of Highland Park to apply for funding assistance for the Reimagining West Ridge Park for All project.
The Park Board of Commissioners declined the 2024 Padel Court Purchase and Installation Bid so staff can update the bid specs and reissue the bid.
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel Facility project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Construction projects, the Jeff Fox Baseball Field Improvements project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements project, the Danny Cunniff Playground Resurfacing and Fencing project, the Port Clinton and Old Elm Playground Improvements project, the Lincoln Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts, and the Larry Fink Memorial Park Playground Replacement Design Concepts.
Staff reviewed the Five-Year Capital Plan going through each line item by Parks and Facilities and reviewed the Ten-Year Funding Model.
The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. To begin review of employee policies, the Human Resources Department is providing those that are most impactful to 2025 budget planning and 2025 annual employee benefits programs. Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting the employee benefits programs, general employment, and introduction.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved 2024 Sunset Woods Improvements Project Change Order #1, the Illinois Community Solar Subscription Agreement by Pivot/SunCentral LLC, and the 2024 Padel Court Purchase and Installation Re-Bid.
Holabird and Root presented a draft of the Interior Renderings and Finishes for the New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park.
Staff provided the end of season summer camp report highlighting 2024 and 2025 goals and compared the 2023 to 2024 season structure, enrollment, and revenue.
Staff provided a five-year comparison of ceramics enrollment figures. Staff will conduct a needs assessment to help guide future planning efforts.
Staff presented the first draft of the business plan summary for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility. The presentation included a facility overview, proposed programs and services, membership options, proposed fee and operational structure, and the 2025 budget summary.
Staff presented the annual report for Deer Creek Racquet Club highlighting record-breaking moments and facility improvements. The report also provided a comparison of budgeted vs. actual revenues, enrollments, court utilization figures.
Staff reviewed the Highland Park Senior Center and parking lot improvements schedule and operational impacts to the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Staff reviewed and provided bid recommendations for the Sunset Woods Improvements project and the Asphalt Improvements project.
The cost estimates from W.B. Olson, construction management/general contracting company, for the new facility and site improvements at West Ridge Park came in under budget.
Currently, there is an intergovernmental agreement between Lake County Forest Preserve District, High School Township District 113, and the Park District of Highland Park outlining the Park District’s annual maintenance responsibilities for prairie wolf slough. The current term is set to expire. It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to terminate the park district’s maintenance obligations.
Staff provided a quarterly report of budgeted vs. actual revenues and enrollment figures for Centennial Ice Arena programs, camps, daily fees, and rentals.
The Park Board of Commissioners appointed Rafael Labrador through May 2025 to fill the Commissioner vacancy. Rafael Labrador took the Oath of Office.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the approve the Zoning Amendment Exhibit E Unconditional Agreement and Consent, a special exception allowing a vote for approval of a naming ordinance for the new Pickleball and Padel Facility to “Club Pickle & Padel” five days prior to the end of the 60-day waiting period, and Ordinance 2024-08 to name the new indoor pickleball and padel facility “Club Pickle & Padel”.
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Construction projects, the Jeff Fox Baseball Field Improvements project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Parking Lot Improvements project, and the Danny Cunniff Playground Resurfacing and Fencing project.
The Park Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Closed Session Minutes and determined that the Closed Session minutes from January 31, 2024, Regular Meeting no longer require confidential treatment and be released for public inspection.
The Human Resources Department is revising the current Employee Handbook. To begin review of employee policies, the Human Resources Department is providing those that are most impactful to 2025 budget planning and 2025 annual employee benefits programs. Staff reviewed proposed revisions to policies impacting work conditions (safety and security), employee benefits programs, and time off benefits.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Asphalt Improvements Project bid and the Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidifier Unit Purchase.
Unfortunately, the Sunset Wood Improvements project is still over budget by $154,422, even with the removal of value engineering items and reducing the bid alternates. Some capital projects will have to be deferred to cover the costs. Staff are not recommending approval this evening. Instead, staff would like to review and better understand the impacts to the five-year capital plan before providing a bid recommendation and requesting approval at the September 04, 2024, Special Meeting.
The Park District is submitting an OSLAD Grant Application to support the reimagining of West Ridge Park, specifically, the development of a 90ft baseball field serving 13U, 14U+, and adults, player seating, and field drainage.
The Parks Foundation and Staff are preparing for the Smash for Charity Pickleball Tournament on September 21, 2024, from 8:00 – 2:00 p.m. The fundraising event will host up to 92 teams. Proceeds will support scholarship programs.
Staff provided an annual report for Centennial Ice Arena comparing budgeted vs. actual revenues and enrollment figures for programs, camps, daily fees, and rentals.
The Grand Opening event for Jeff Fox Field at Larry Fink Memorial Park is Monday, September 9 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The APP Chicago Open Pickleball Tournament is being hosted for the fourth year at Danny Cunniff Park. The tournament is August 28 – September 1. Come watch the nation’s top pickleball players return to Highland Park and compete for the $100,000 prize.
Staff received the audit and site reports for District facilities and parks from WT Group for the 2024 ADA Accessibility Audit and Transition Plan. WT Group and Staff hosted community engagement meetings to highlight observations and collect feedback to improve accessibility throughout the District.
Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, improvements for Sunset Woods Park, improvements for the North Beach at Park Avene Boating Facility, improvements for the Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Rooms, and The Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection.
Staff presented the semi-annual review of cost centers. Revenues and expenses are through June 30, 2024.
Staff reviewed the 2025 budget schedule and a draft of the 10-Year Funding Model.
Staff shared graphs comparing the user market participation over the last five years for programs (this excludes memberships and daily use). Programming participation has increased by 40% while the Highland Park population increased by 2.5%.
Staff submitted permits to the City of Highland Park for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility.
Staff is working with City of Highland Park Officials on an updated addendum for the intergovernmental agreement which outlines cost share and maintenance between the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park for the parking lot at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, The Preserve of Highland Park, the Highland Park County Club, and the Highland Park Senior Center.
Staff reviewed the 2024 Golf Equipment Bid results.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Golf Equipment Bid
The Parks Foundation and Staff are preparing for the Smash for Charity Pickleball Tournament on September 21, 2024, from 8:00 – 2:00 p.m. The fundraising event will host up to 92 teams. Proceeds will support scholarship programs.
The Park Board of Commissioners Approved the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Park District of Highland Park.
Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project.
Staff reviewed the 2024 Independence Day Events Schedule and Entertainment, Children’s Activities, and Food Truck secured for Fourth Fest.
Staff provided construction project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park, the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padle Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, construction for the Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection, and the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.
PMA Network and the Arbitrage Group reviewed the Park District’s arbitrage rebate payment due for the General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates, Series 2021.
Staff reviewed the actual vs. budgeted quarterly revenues and expenses, membership and program utilization for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Staff reviewed the donation agreement from the Bondy Family Foundation to generously support construction of a new indoor pickleball and padel facility.
The Park District and City of Highland Park planned to renovate the shared parking lot in 2025. The Park District received an estimated cost from the City of Highland Park for the shared project, and the estimate was significantly higher than anticipated. The Park District is meeting with City Officials to discuss shared use terms outlined in the Intergovernmental Agreement and expenses the Park District can cover to support the project.
Since the bids for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project came in over-budget. Staff worked with the low bidder, Copenhaver Construction, to significantly reduce the total project costs. Staff reviewed the reduction options.
Staff received five bids for the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project. To keep the project under budget, staff proposed purchasing some materials in house.
Staff determined a cargo van is a necessary replacement for the current needs of the District. Staff reviewed the costs for different options. A Ford Electric Transit Van was selected and is available through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) through the Northwest Municipal Conference.
Staff reviewed the costs and 3-Year Agreement Terms and Conditions to purchase Plan 2 Play Registration System for the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility. The District currently utilizes Plan 2 Play customer relationship management system (CRM) for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
The Park Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation for the designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Ford Electric Transit Van Capital Purchase, 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project Bid, the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project Bid, the Arbitrage Rebate Payment Due For the 2021 Debt Certificates, Ordinance 2024-08 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Plan 2 Play Registration System Proposal, and the Donation Agreement Between the Park District of Highland Park, Parks Foundation of Highland Park and the Bondy Family Foundation For the Paddle Facility.
Staff provided project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park and the locker rooms renovations at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended name of Club Pickle and Padel for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility to wait the sixty-day period prior to a vote.
Staff provided an annual report for grant-in-aid comparing the 2022, 2023, and year-to-date scholarship spending, participant demographics, and individual and household scholarship funds utilization to help cover the costs for memberships, programs, and camps.
Architects Holabird and Root presented three (3) schematic designs for the New Recreation Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park. Staff received consensus from the Committee to use Building Option F to submit an application for design and review.
The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Safety Week Proclamation declaring May 18 – 24 as Highland Park Beach and Boating Safety Week.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the WJE Evaluation of Footings Change Order #1 and authorized the Executive Director to increase the professional services contract from $24,900 to $32,477.
Staff provided construction project updates for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, locker room improvements at Deer Creek Racquet Club, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, improvements at Lincoln Park, renovation to the Playground at Upper Rosewood, renovation to the 2-5-Year-Old Playground at Larry Fink Park, and improvements at Sunset Woods Park.
There was Action from Closed Session. The Park Board of Commissioners approved a settlement agreement with a former employee.
Architects Holabird and Root reviewed the design and review application for the New Recreation Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park. The Facility and Recreation Committee were pleased with the rendering and schematic design which will be submitted in the application.
Sikich, LLP presented a draft of the Park District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Recreation Center Pool Ceiling Painting project, 2024 Cunniff Park 2-5 Playground Resurfacing-Fence Improvements project, 2024 Roof Improvements projects, and the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Parking Lot Improvements project.
Staff reviewed a services proposal with L6 Technology It Support.
Staff shared a fundraising update for the Jeff Fox Baseball Field Campaign.
The City of Highland Park is currently renovating the Highland Park Senior Center. The Park District and City of Highland Park planned to renovate the shared parking lot in 2025. The Park District received an estimated cost from the City of Highland Park for the shared project, and the estimate was significantly higher than anticipated.
Commissioner Bernstein was elected for President of the Park Board and Commissioner Freeman was elected for Vice President.
Executive Director Romes was appointed as Secretary to the Park Board, Coordinator Hejnowski was appointed as Assistant Secretary acting under the general supervisor of the Secretary, Director Peters was appointed as Treasurer, Director Hall was appointed as the District’s IMRF authorized agent, Executive Director Romes, Director Hall, and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers, Executive Director Romes and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Open Meetings Act (OMA) Officers, Executive Director Romes was appointed as the American With Disabilities Act Coordinator (ADA), Sikich, LLP was appointed as the District’s auditor, and Ancel Glink was appointed as the District’s attorney.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2024-06 providing for the issue of not to exceed $6,445,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, Series 2024, of the Park District of Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois, for the payment of land for parks, for the building, maintaining, improving and protecting of the same and the existing land and facilities of said Park District and for the payment of the expenses incident thereto, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof, the 2024 Recreation Center Pool Ceiling Painting Bid, the 2024 Roof Improvements Project Bid, the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Parking Lot Improvements Bid, the 2024 Cunniff Park 2-5 Playground Resurfacing-Fence Improvements Project Bid, and the L6 Technology IT Support Services Proposal.
Staff presented a 5-year athletic trends analysis, comparing female and male participation figures.
Staff recommended renaming the Recreation Center of Highland Park to Park Fitness to better promote the brand and all the amenities and programs the facility has to offer. The presentation was to gather feedback from the Board Committee liaisons.
Architects Holabird and Root reviewed the updated schematic layout for the new community center at West Ridge Park and the site changes.
PMA Securities, LLC, recommended the Park District sell General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds this year, and hold a public hearing on April 24, 2024, concerning the intent of the Board of Park Commissioners to sell $7,000,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds.
Staff reviewed the Park Site Plan Initiative Report, which documents the findings and possible recommendations which will inform capital and operational planning.
Staff presented the process proposal for review of the personnel policy manual.
Staff provided construction project updates for the Lat 3 Paddle Facility project, Sunset Valley Club House project, Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvement project, Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility South Parking Lot Restoration project.
PMA Securities, LLC, provided an arbitrage overview and the Park District’s project draw schedule for 2024 bonds and the spend down requirements over a 24month period.
Staff provided a quarterly financial report for Centennial Ice Arena comparing budgeted vs actual revenues and participation figures.
Staff provided a five-year financial analysis report comparing budgeted vs operational and programming revenues and expenses.
Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Sports Courts Improvements project. It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to place the Base Bid Item 2 from US Tennis Court Construction Company for the 2024 Sport Courts Improvement Project and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $34,465.
Staff reviewed the Playground Replacement Bid and the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for Playground Equipment at Old Elm Park and Port Clinton Park.
The District is looking at purchasing one (1) John Deere 2700 E Cut Hybrid Triplex Mower and one (1) Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D. There is $108,500 budgeted for this expense. It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to place the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for Golf Maintenance Equipment on the consent agenda at the April 24, 204 Regular Meeting.
Staff reviewed the proposed parking lot improvements for Deer Creek Racquet Club and Jeff Fox Field.
The South Parking Lot Restoration project at Park Avenue Boating Facility will not commence until the winter or early spring of 2025 due to piping challenges from the North Shore Water Reclamation Center.
Lamar Johnson Collaborative reviewed community feedback for the Sunset Woods Park Improvements project. Another community meeting will be held in May to review proposed concepts for the skate and wheeled plaza and game and multi-use court area.
A public hearing was held concerning the intent of the board of park commissioners to sell $7,000,000 general obligation limited tax park bonds for the payment of land condemned or purchased for parks, for the building, maintain, improving and protecting of the same and the existing land and facilities of the District and for the payment of the expenses incident thereto.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved 2024 Sport Courts Improvement Project Bid, the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for Golf Maintenance Equipment, Authorization for Park District of Highland Park to Enroll in and Purchase from Cooperative Purchasing Program OMNIA Partners, Ordinance 2024-05: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the 2024 Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Replacement bid, and the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract for Playground Equipment.
Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended new name for the Recreation Center of Highland Park to wait for a sixty-day period, as required by Section 4.02.2 of the Park District of Highland Park Policy & Procedure Manual, and a vote be taken to re-name the Recreation Center of Highland Park to Park Fitness at the June 26, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Park Board.
Architects Holabird and Root presented the schematic design for the proposed new building that is based on a schematic budget prepared by WB Olson and a variety of alternate scope additions that do not fall within the Park District’s funding, however, those alternates can be contemplated by staff and the Park Board when competitive bids are received for construction, as well as considered for future construction, if and when funding becomes available.
Staff provided an annual report on athletic programming comparing budgeted vs actual revenues and expenses.
Staff are working with the Highland Lakes Property Owners Association to extend the transfer agreement for the Rory David Deutsch property.
Staff received two proposals for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility. A civil engineering design services proposal from Gewalt Hamilton Associates for exterior utility improvements and a proposal for architectural services from Woodhouse Tinucci Architects for interior construction. Staff also reviewed the project timeline and the estimated project costs, including sponsorship opportunities and fundraising opportunities.
PMA Securities, LLC Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Robert Lewis provided an overview of the Park District’s Debt and Funding scenarios, this included available financing mechanisms: Alternate Revenue Bonds, Debt Certificates, or Bonds paid from a separate property tax (referendum and non-referendum bonds).
Insurance and maintenance/landscaping items in the Recreation Fund exceeded the appropriation budget and the appropriation filed with Lake County. It was the advice of legal counsel and the auditors to file a budget transfer ordinance to amend the appropriation ordinance for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023, and ending on December 31, 2023.
Staff reviewed the Recreation Trail Grant application for the red and green trails and the Heller Nature Center.
Staff are proposing renaming the Recreation Center of Highland Park, Park Fitness. Staff reviewed the creative briefings to develop the proposed name and how the rename will better promote the brand and all the amenities and programs the facility offers.
Staff provided a five-year financial analysis of dance and theater programs.
Staff provided a five-year financial analysis of youth enrichment programs.
Staff shared images of Sunset Valley Club House renovations. Renovations include expanding the bar, installing an outdoor walk-in-fridge, installing new flooring, installing new lighting, and new dining room décor.
Staff are updating the current five-year Pro-Forma for the dome (Lot 3 Paddle Facility).
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Design Services Agreement from Woodhouse Tinucci Architects for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility authoring the Executive Director to enter into a Professional Services Agreement and the Design Services Agreement from Gewalt Hamilton Associates for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility authoring the Executive Director to enter into a Professional Services Agreement.
Staff provided a construction project update for Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements, Park Avenue Boating Facility South Parking Lot Restoration, Sunset Woods Park Improvements, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Replacement, and Larry Fink memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the updated Mission, Vision, and Value Statements in the Policy Manual, Ordinance #2024-03 An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2023, Ordinance 2024-04 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Recreational Trail Program Grant Application, the Renewal of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – North Route Bid, the Renewal of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – South Route Bid, the Renewal of the 2023 Weeding & Landscape Services Bid, the First Student Transportation Services Agreement Extension for Summer Camp, and the Purchase of an Air Supported Dome at 2205 Skokie Valley Road.
Staff provided an annual report for the Recreation Center of Highland Park comparing budgeted vs actual programming revenues, expenses, and membership utilization.
Architects, Holabird and Root Staff reviewed the schematic designs for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park. The schematic design includes two key elements the development of the site master plan and how the new building correlates to the site.
Staff are working with architects and engineers to develop design and engineering service agreements for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility. Architects Woodhouse Tinucci would develop and engineer the interior structure and Gewalt Hamilton will develop and engineer the site and utility infrastructures.
At least every 5 years the Park Board of Commissioners formally reviews the District’s ADA Transition Plan and at least every 10 years the Park Board will formally approve a new ADA Transition Plan. The Park District’s most recently reviewed this plan with the Park Board in 2019 and an ADA audit was last completed in 2010 by Recreation Accessibility Consultants. Staff provided a project overview and reviewed the proposal from WT Group for the 2024 ADA Accessibility Audit and Transition Plan.
Staff provided a construction project update for the Sunset Woods Park Improvements.
Staff reviewed proposed revisions and new additions to the FT and PT Employee Personnel Policy Manual, new additions include a wellness policy and incorporating the adopted Park District Values.
Staff reviewed the 2023 preliminary Cost Center financial results.
Staff reviewed the 2023 fourth quarter financials for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to place the bid from US Commercial Diving on the consent agenda at the February 28, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Park Board.
Staff reviewed the Ten-Year Funding Model for the Capital Plan and the scheduled debt issuances.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Policy 7.14 Social Media Policy to the Policy Manual, Adding the Mission, Vision, Values Statements to the Full-Time/Part-Time Personnel Policy Manuals, Changes to Policy 4.3 Access to Personnel Files to the Full-Time/Part-Time Personnel Policy Manuals, Changes to Policy 8.5 Bereavement Leave Full-Time Personnel Policy Manual, Policy 8.11 Wellness Policy to the Part-Time Personnel Policy Manual, Policy 8.15 Wellness Policy to the Full-Time Personnel Policy Manual, Changes to Policy 10.3 Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) to the Full-Time/Part-Time Personnel Policy Manuals, Changes to Policy 10.7 Blood Donation Leave to the Full-Time Personnel Policy Manual, the Emergency Evacuation Agreement North Shore School District 112, the 2024 Park Avenue Dredging Project Bid, the 2024 ADA Accessibility Audit and Transition Plan.
Staff secured a dome supplier through Sourcewell, a Cooperative Purchasing Advantage, to replace the dome located at Lot 3. Staff reviewed the proposal from Air Structures American Technologies, INC (ASATI) along with the dome structure details and the conceptual floor plans.
Staff provided an annual report for Heller Nature Center and the Rosewood Interpretive Center comparing budgeted vs actual programming revenues, expenses, and participant utilization.
The Park Board of Commissioners met in Closed Session under Section 2(c)1: The employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Executive Director’s Compensation effective January 1, 2024.
