August 2: Lakefront, Parks, and Natural Areas Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the donation from the Fontana-Pasquesi family and the draft agreement to rename Cloverdale Park. 

Staff reviewed the design development layout plan for the site, furniture, pergola, fencing, and boardwalk options for the Park Avenue North Project.

Staff proposed two (2) projects for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Application. Staff received consensus from the Committee to use the redevelopment of Lincoln Park for the grant application. 

Staff are developing a request for proposal for additional recreational purposes at the Highland Park Golf Learning Center. 

Moroney Park Playground is expected to reopen in late August.

August 15: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the Lincoln Park Improvements project budget with/without OSLAD grant Funds and the impacts on the five-year capital plan. 

Staff reviewed the bid openings for the 2023 Roof Improvements Project. It was the consensus of the Committee to place the bid from All American Exterior Solutions on the consent agenda at the August 23, 2023 Regular Meeting. 

Staff reviewed the construction management contract proposals from Gilbane and W.B. Olsen for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park. 

The Park District and Larry Hillman, Hilco, are hosting a neighborhood meeting on Monday, August 21, 2023, regarding the proposed north parking lot at Sunset Woods Park. 

Staff provided a five-year financial analysis report for athletics and a review of the cost centers from January 1, 2023 – July 31, 2023. 

August 23: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance #2023-06: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the OSLAD Grant Resolution of Authorization, and the 2023 Roof Improvements Project Bid.  

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Donation and Naming Rights Agreement between the Park District of Highland Park and Laurence and Maria Fontana-Pasquesi. The park name “Fontana-Pasquesi Park” will sit for a period of 60 days for public review before being formally adopted based on a 4/5 vote of the Park Board of Commissioners.

The Park District is terminating the contract with Aqua Blue Pools for breach of contract as Aqua Blue Pools has failed to provide the required Performance Bond and Labor and Material Payment Bond. Staff reviewed plans to complete the necessary repairs to the pool shell in advance of the 2024 season.

July 12: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners Approved the Centennial Ice Arena Renovation and Site Improvements Change Order #39 from Stuckey Construction Company, Inc in the amount of $106,244.

Staff are exploring construction management options for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park.

The Park District Planning team will be visiting 26 park sites throughout the community, asking residents to share their opinions about District parks. This effort is intended to identify the District’s strengths and assess opportunities to better meet community needs at our parks.

Staff provided construction updates on the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Dehumidification System project, Moroney Park Playground Improvement project, Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvement project, and the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp project.

July 18: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the preliminary engineering blueprints for the proposed parking lot at the Northeast corner of Sunset Woods Park. A neighborhood meeting will be scheduled in mid-August.

Staff reviewed design and construction management proposals for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park. Proposals included a Design Contract from Architects, Holabird and Root, and two Construction Management proposals; one from Gilbane the other from WB Olson.

Staff provided a five-year financial analysis report of Heller Nature Center and Deer Creek Racquet Club.

Lastly, staff provided a quarterly financial update for the Recreation Center of Highland Park and reviewed annual maintenance and new enhancements occurring during the annual closure.

July 26: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Plat of Dedication for Public Right of Way.

The Park Board of Commissioners authorized the Executive Director to enter into an AIA Document B133 – 2019 standard form of Agreement for design services with Holabird and Root for the lump sum amount of $1,234,356.

The Park Board of Commissioners terminated the approved purchased order 121922-01 for a CASE 580SN 4WD backhoe in the amount of $122,478.27 and approve the purchase of a CASE 580SV 4WD backhoe from Burris Equipment Co. in the amount of $116,445.31.

Lastly, the Parks Foundation President, Rafael Labrador, provided an update on fundraising efforts.

June 7: Lakefront, Parks, and Natural Areas Committee Meeting

Staff presented possible renovation concepts for Lincoln Park Playground and the Moraine Beach Stairway.

Staff also presented possible concepts to increase the number of parking spots to support Deer Creek Racquet Club and the Larry Fink Memorial Baseball Field.

June 7: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the design concepts to build a new community center at West Ridge Park being submitted in the Illinois Department of Natural resource (IDNR) Park and Recreation Construction (PARC) grant application.

Staff reviewed the long-term design concepts to improve the locker rooms at Centennial Ice Arenas developed by Woodhouse Tinucci.

June 14: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the PARC Grant Resolution Authorization, allowing the Park District of Highland Park to apply for funding assistance to support the new community center at West Ridge Park project.

The Park Board of Commissioners accepted the Base Bid from Anderson Lock Company, Ltd. for the 2023 West Ridge Center Door Hardware Improvements and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $39,120.00.

Staff provided construction updates on the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, Millard Park Playground Improvement projects, and the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp project.

June 20: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the concept master plan for the new community center at West Ridge Park.

Staff provided a financial update for the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Project, noting that the project is estimated to come in under budget due community donations and the Boat Access grant funds from IDNR.

Staff reviewed the budgeted vs actual financial figures for storage, launch, and parking decal sales for the Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility.

Staff received consensus from the Finance Committee to place a sole source purchase of a new multi-use turf maintenance and ballfield groomer on the consent agenda for the June 28, 2023 Regular Meeting.

Staff presented the bid results for the Recreation Center of Highland park Gym Floor Refinish and the Hidden Creek AquaPark Shell Replacement.

June 28: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners adopted a Proclamation for the Designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2023-07 Authorizing a Sole Source Contract for Procurement of the ABI Force Z-23 with Attachments, the Rejection of 2023 Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements Bids, the Base Bid from Aqua Blue Pools, Inc. for the 2023 Hidden Creek Aqua Park Pool Shell Replacement and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $444,050, Resolution 2023-06 Ratifying the Waiving of Competitive Bidding for Procurement of an Emergency Repair and award the contract for repair of the Arena to Air Comfort in the amount of $39,862, and the First Student Transportation Services Contract Extension for Summer Camp.

May 10: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Week Safety Proclamation declaring May 20 – 29 as Highland Park Beach and Boating Safety Week.  

The Park Board of Commissioners had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Fotana-Pasquesi at tonight’s meeting to thank him for the $250,000 donation he would like to make to rename Cloverdale Park to Fotana-Pasques Park, in honor of his family and other Italian families that settled in Highland Park.

Architects, Holabird and Root, provided a summary of the recreation program assessment of West Ridge Center developed by Consultant, BerryDunn, and presented a market study reconciliation to construct a new building on the same site.

Staff also provided construction updates for the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, the Moroney Park Playground Improvements project, the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp project, and the Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements project.

May 16: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed a design proposal from Holabird and Root for the West Ridge Park and Site Project in an effort to apply for the IDNR PARC Grant. Staff received consensus from the Finance Committee to move forward with a Design Contract from Holabird and Root.

Staff provided an update on the locker rooms and gymnastics studio at Centennial Ice Arena.

Staff presented recommended improvements to the fitness floor at the Recreation Center of Highland Park to develop a multigenerational space.   

Martha Trotter, from the accounting firm Sikich LLP, presented a draft version of the Park District of Highland Park’s audited financial statements for 2023. Sikich LLP issued an unqualified or clean opinion for the report. 

May 24: Annual Meeting of the Park Board

Commissioner Grossberg 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, Sikich LLP was appointed as the District’s auditor, and Ancel Glink was appointed as the District’s attorney.

May 24: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Heller Nature Center Blue Trail Improvements Project Bid, Ordinance #2023-05: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Illinois Mutual Retirement Fund (IMRF) Authorized Agent Appointment to Laurel Hall and Supporting Resolution, the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Audit Report conditioned upon no materials changes that are required as a result of the IMRF Audit issuance, Resolution #2023-04: A Resolution Forming a Committee on Local Government Efficiency, and the Executive Director to enter into an design services agreement with Gewalt Hamilton Associates for the design of Larry Fink Memorial Baseball Field Improvements in an amount not to exceed $74,400.

April 12: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the financial and operational assessment conducted by consultants, BerryDunn, to identify priority spaces at West Ridge Center and proposed scheduling an open house so Architects, Holabird and Root, and staff could share their analysis findings, site plan, and recommendation with the community where the new community center would be constructed at West Ridge Park.

Staff also gave an update of the Danny Cunniff Park Pickleball project reporting that ten tennis courts will be temporarily converted into pickleball courts and available for use this summer.

April 12: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff proposed making changes to Park District Policy #5.01 – Fees and Charges so that anyone living within the geographic boundaries of the Park District of Highland Park is considered a resident. Outside of the Park District of Highland Park geographic boundaries, this privilege is also extended to Kindergarten through Grade 8 students living in the geographic boundaries of North Shore School District 112.

Staff also provided construction updates for the Fink Park Athletic Field Development project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements project, Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, and the Moraine Park Art Competition project.

April 18: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff provided an update of a proposed donation from the Fontana-Pasquasi family to rename Cloverdale Park.

Staff provided a five-year Financial Analysis Report on Hidden Creek AquaPark. Likewise, staff provided a five-year Financial Analysis Report and reviewed quarterly reports for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

The Park District is soliciting bids for the 2023 Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Filed Improvements project and presented the most recent Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Costs in preparation of the bid meeting. Lastly, staff reviewed the bid opening for the 2023 Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Replacement project.

April 26: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance #2023-04: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Changes to Policy #5.01 Fees and Charges, the 2023 Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Replacement Project, the Changes to the Full-Time Employee Personnel Policy Manual, and the Changes to the Part-Time Employee Personnel Policy Manual.

Executive Director Romes reported that the Park District of Highland Park will be forming an Efficiency Committee to comply with Public Act 102-1088 and reviewed the committee’s purpose.

Executive Director Romes reported that the Park District of Highland Park, the Art Impact Project, and the Art Center of Highland Park developed a community collaboration “Knitting Communities Together” which is an all-ages, multi-town art project aimed at bringing joy, comfort, and camaraderie to the residents of Highland Park and its neighboring communities. Over the course of six weeks, residents and neighboring communities will knit colorful yarn creations which will be installed around trees at Sunset Woods Park.

March 8: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff provided construction updates for the Fink Park Athletic Field Development project, Sunset Valley Golf Club Bridge Replacement project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvement project, and the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations and the Rink Floor Replacement projects.  

March 20: Special Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners went into closed session pursuant to the following sections of the Open Meeting Act: Section 2(c)5 – the purchase or lease of real estate including discussion on whether a certain parcel of property should be acquired.

March 21: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the bid openings for the 2023 Asphalt Improvements project, the 2023 Park Avenue Dredging project, the 2023 Weeding and Landscape Services project, and the 2023 Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Chairs Replacement project.  The asphalt bid includes two alternatives to convert 10 or 12 tennis courts into pickleball courts at Danny Cunniff Park. Staff presented permanent and temporary options for the pickleball court conversion. Based on feedback from the Finance Committee, staff will further investigate temporary solutions for additional pickleball courts at Danny Cunniff Park and bring a recommendation back to the Park Board of Commissioners. Staff will request that the Park Board of Commissioners approve the base bid and alternates, excluding the pickleball court conversions, from Troch-McNeil Paving Company, Inc at the upcoming Regular Meeting.  

While staff received approval from the Park Board of Commissioners to enter into a five-year lease agreement with EZGO for golf carts, staff explored the costs to purchase the EZGO carts and GPS through Sourcewell and found there is a significant savings. Staff received consensus from the Finance Committee to place the purchase of the EZGO golf carts and GPS on the consent agenda at the Regular Meeting.  

Staff presented the two proposals for the design of the Park Avenue Access Improvement Project. Staff are recommending that the Park Board of Commissioners approve the contract with Hitchcock Design Group for the design and engineering of the north beach at the upcoming Regular Meeting.  

Staff presented three renovation options for the Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvement project. 

April 3: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 Weeding and Landscape Services bid, the 2024 Sunset Valley Golf Club Golf Cart and GPS Purchase, the 2023 Asphalt Improvements bid, the proposal with Hitchcock Design Group for the design and engineering of the north beach at Park Avenue, the 2023 Park-Avenue Dredging Project re-bid, and the 2023 Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Chair Replacement bid.  

February 1: Special Meeting of the Park Board

The public hearing for the proposed Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023 for the Park District of Highland Park was held. No members of the public provided comment on the proposed 2023 Budget.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Microsoft Windows Server 2022 Licenses, the Centennial Ice Arena Water Heaters Bid, the Centennial Ice Arena Landscaping Bid, the 2023 Moroney Park Improvements Poured-in-Place Safety Surfacing Bid, the 2023 Moroney Park Improvements General Playground Construction Bid, the Gewalt Hamilton Associates Proposal for Compton Avenue Trail Connection Design, Resolution 2023-01: Authorizing a Contract for Procurement of Playground Equipment, allowing the Executive Director to enter into a 5-year lease term with EZ-GO for 65 lithium-ion battery-operated golf carts and 1 gas-operated beverage cart for a 5-year total not to exceed $538,901.70 and to enter into a 5-year lease term with EZ-GO for Alternate A (GPS System) in the amount of $165,789, the 2023 Budget and 2023 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (2023-01) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.

February 7: Special Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners went into closed session pursuant to the following sections of the Open Meeting Act: Section 2(c)5 – the purchase or lease of real estate including discussion on whether a certain parcel of property should be acquired; Section 2(c)6 – the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the District.

February 8: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff provided construction project updates for Fink Park Athletic Field Development and the Centennial Ice Arena Rink Floor Replacement and the Facility and Site Renovations.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Illinois Mutual Retirement Fund (IMRF) Authorized Agent Appointment to Larry M. Carr and the Supporting Resolution.

Staff reviewed the 2022 and 2023 membership efforts to increase fitness participation at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

February 14: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the preliminary Cost Center results for 2022, Resolution 2023-03 Authorizing and Increase in the Budgeted Year-End Fund Transfer Amounts, and Ordinance 2023-02 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property.

Staff also reviewed the bid openings for the 2023 Deer Creek Racquet Club Concrete and Masonry Repairs and the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance Routes.

February 22: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution #2023-02: Authorizing an Increase in the Budgeted Year-End Fund Transfer Amounts, Ordinance #2023-02: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, 2023 Deer Creek Racquet Club Concrete and Masonry Repairs bid, the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – North Route bid, the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – South Route bid, the Rejection of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – Electric Route bid, the Changes to Personnel Policy #2.8 Definitions “Introductory Employees”, the Changes to Personnel Policy #3.2 Equal Employment Opportunity, the Changes to Personnel Policy #4.10 Performance Evaluations, the Changes to Personnel Policy #6.2 Fleet Safety, the Changes to Personnel Policy #6.14.2 / #6.15.2 Reimbursement During Business Travel, Personnel Policy #6.17 and #6.17 Nursing Mothers, the Changes to Personnel Policy #8.3 Sick Time, the Changes to Personnel Policy #8.3 / #8.5 Bereavement, and the Changes to Personnel Policy #10.3 Illinois Victims’ Economic and Safety Act (VESSA).  

January 11: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff provided construction project updates for Millard Bluff Grading and Tree Removal, Moraine Beach Pathway, Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Replacement, Moroney Park Playground Replacement, and the Centennial Ice Arena Rink Floor Replacement and the Facility and Site Renovations.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Centennial Ice Arena Renovation Project Change Order #25 from Stuckey Construction in the amount of $38,951 for materials and installation of Mondo flooring at the ice rink entry area. 

January 18: Policy Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed a proposed donation from a Highland Park resident to rename a PDHP park in honor of his family and other Italian families that have settled in Highland Park beginning in the early 1900s. Staff also reviewed the updated employee classification plan and salary ranges and proposed salary adjustments. 

January 18: Facility & Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the 2023 Lakefront user fees for Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility, Rosewood Beach, and Moraine, possible options to covert a portion of the existing tennis courts to pickleball courts at Danny Cunniff Park, and the feasibility study initiative with BerryDunn for the West Ridge Center Facility Planning Improvements.

December 6: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff presented the 2023 budget book and related Ordinance # 2023-1: An Ordinance for a combined budget and appropriation for the Park District of Highland Park for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023. Staff have also been working with the Park District’s legal counsel to draft a Donation and Naming Rights Agreement for the Fink Park Baseball Field. An update was provided to discuss the donation, agreement terms and schedule, and the proposed name. Staff also reviewed the bid opening for the 2022 Centennial Ice Arena Sound and Video Equipment Replacement project, the 2023 Dehumidification System Replacement Recreation Center of Highland Park Indoor Pool project, and a proposed parks vehicle capital purchase.

December 7: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Centennial Ice Arena Renovation Project Change Order #16 from Stuckey Construction in the amount of $49,868.50 for materials and installation of Mondo flooring at the ice rink entry area.

Staff presented the 2022 operational reports for Sunset Valley Golf Club and the Highland Park Golf Learning Center and provided construction project updates for the Fink Park Athletic Field Development Project, the Hidden Creek AquaPark Concrete Pool Deck Project, the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations Project, the Centennial Ice Arena Rink Floor Replacement Project, the Moraine Beach Pathway Project, the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Replacement Project, and the West Ridge Park and Site Plan Project.

December 14: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

There was a Public Hearing on the Supplemental and Tax Levy Ordinances.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 Highland Park Pops Affiliate Organization Agreement, the 2023 Highland Park Strings Affiliate Organization Agreement, the 2023 Highland Park Players Affiliate Organization Agreement, the 2023 American Youth Soccer Organization Affiliate Agreement, the 2023 Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park Affiliate Organization Agreement, the 2023 License Agreement between the Park District of Highland Park and the North Shore Yacht Club, the 2022 Centennial Ice Arena Sound & Video Equipment Replacement Bid, the 2023 Dehumidification System Replacement for the Recreation Center of Highland Park Indoor Pool Bid, the Donation and Naming Rights Agreement, Resolution #2022-08 Authorizing a Contract for Procurement of Park Vehicles, Resolution #2022-09: Authorizing the Mutual Exchange of Real Estate Property and Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Board of Education of NSSD112 and the PDHP to Mutually Exchange Real Estate, Ordinance #2022-06: Supplemental Tax Levy for Debt Service for 2022, and Ordinance #2022-07: Tax Levy for 2022.

Staff presented the proposed 2023 Budget (represents the calendar year January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023) for consideration by the Board of Park Commissioners. The proposed 2023 budget is available for public review on our website, as well as at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, West Ridge Center and Highland Park Library.  Public comments and questions can be submitted to [email protected]. A hearing for the public will be held on January 25, 2023.  Later that evening, the Budget will be presented to the Board for approval of the Budget, and the Budget and Appropriations Ordinance. Upon approval, the budget will be certified by the county.

November 4: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Architect consultants, Holabird and Root, presented renovation and new construction options for the West Ridge Parks and Site Project. Following feedback from the Committee, the team will take time to complete a proforma analysis on programs proposed for the West Ridge Center. The final report from Holabird and Root and Gilbane will return to the Park Board alongside the results of the proforma.

November 9: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The First Northeastern District of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois donated life-saving materials to the Park District as part of the “Stop the Bleed” Program.

Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to approve at the November 16 Regular Meeting the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2022-07, where the estimated percentage increase in the proposed 2023 aggregate levy over the amount of real estate taxes extended upon the final 2022 aggregate levy based on 5% tax cap and anticipated growth is 6.99%.

Staff reviewed a draft of the Five-Year Capital Plan.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Centennial Ice Arena Renovation Project Change Order #5 in the amount of $184,295 for East Facia Improvements.  

Lastly, staff provided construction updates for the Danny Cunniff Park Pond Deck Removal project, the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, the Centennial Ice Arena Rink Floor Replacement project, the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Replacement project, the Moraine Beach Pathway project, and Districtwide Asphalt projects.

November 16: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 Board Meeting Calendar, the 2023 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2022-07, the 2023 Heller Nature Center HVAC Replacement Bid, and the Ground Lease Agreement between the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park, for 1755 St. Johns Avenue.

Staff presented the 2022 summer camp report.