MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING A regular scheduled meeting of the Elk Grove Park District, Cook County, State of Illinois, was held on March 14, 2013, in the Administration Building of said Park District. called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and upon the roll being called,, being physically present at such time and place and the following Park Commissioners, also being physically present at said time and place, answered present: Thomas E. Cooke, President, and Commissioner William B. O Malley, Vice President, and Commissioner Ralph C. Souder, Treasurer, and Commissioner John R. Walz, Secretary, and Commissioner Ronald J. Nunes, Commissioner Administrative Staff: Mike Brottman, Executive Director Tom Busby, Director of Finance Tammy Miller, Director of Leisure Services Alann Petersen, Director of Parks and Planning Greg Thalmann, Fox Run Clubhouse Manager Visitors: Diane Konleczka, Resident John Konleczka, Resident Fran Jawgial, Resident Ron Jawgile, Resident Ana Kubiak, Resident Scot Kubiak, Resident Jane Gregaza, Resident Tracy Zagone, Resident Lois Zagone, Resident Jay Giallambaroa, Resident Chris Nicolella, Resident Gail Santroch, Elk Grove Historical Society Sandy Denninger, Museum Curator, and Coordinator PUBLIC MEETING CONCERNING THE DOG PARK AT HUNTINGTON CHASE The residents from the Huntington Chase in Elk Grove Village addressed the Park Board with their questions and concerns regarding the dog park to be installed in the park area.

2 Lois Zagone, who resides at 1056 Huntington Court, Elk Grove Village, addressed the Board with her concerns regarding the dog park. I am against the dog park, I am an original homeowner, and I am a dog lover. A dog park will lower the value of our homes. It may be an amenity to the Park District but not to the homeowners. It is an undesirable amenity as it will lower the housing values and it is too close to the homes. There is no fence and we do not want to look at dogs. There will be noise from barking, especially in the summer, as dogs bark at each other. There will be odor from waste. What about the safety of our visitors as dogs can get loose? Parking is a problem, the parking lot will get full, and people and dogs will run between houses. We pay homeowner fees and that keeps our value up. We like the beauty of the neighborhood and a six-foot fence will not be attractive. advised staff will talk about these issues, and Director Brottman will go over the project. The Board looked for the most desirable location. We value your input, and we want to address your concerns. Director Brottman advised this concept began six years ago when the Community Survey identified a dog park as a need of the residents. Soccer enrollment is declining in our area and the Soccer Association no longer needs this field. The dog park will have a sixfoot chain link fence with a black overlay. There will be a transitional gate where the bleachers currently are, which will have a code that users will have to register to receive. Registration for the dog park will be limited to 200. The District will maintain quality of the turf, and monitor the usage. We cannot guarantee there will be no issues with barking or parking but there are 16 parking spaces to the north and dogs do not bark the whole time. The park will be open weekdays from dawn to dusk and at 8:30 a.m. on weekends; there will be no attendant. People will need to keep up after their dogs and respect rules. We will monitor the dog park, and we have police support. The users have to follow the Village rules regarding dog tags and shots. added we could revoke the registration of the rule breakers. We will make the dog park unobtrusive and appealing. We will need your feedback for any negative impact. Diane Konleczka, who resides at 978 Huntington Chase, addressed the Board with her concerns. She questioned if we are open to nonresidents. I had a pass to the last dog park, and I do not like the one in Wood Dale, as there is no source of water, will we have a source of water? Did you do a survey on the wetlands, as we pay money to have the wetlands taken care of, so how close is the dog park to the wetlands? Are there going to be lights? The location is close to the main road, and that is a concern as dogs could shoot out to the main road. I am concerned about safety. Director Brottman advised the first dog will cost $25 and the second dog is $5. Legally, we have to let nonresidents register. Resident registration for the 200 dogs will come first and then we will open the registration to nonresidents. The dog park will not have water or lights but we will have garbage cans. 2

3 We spoke to Ken Jay from the Village and the wetlands are in a 500-year rain basin. Morton Park did not work as a site for a dog park as it was in a floodway. As far as safety, the dog owner will hook up their dog in the fenced area, but there is always a risk to dogs with traffic. commented we would look into more amenities in the future. Director Brottman commented the dog park would open the weekend after Memorial Day, as we are waiting for the field to dry. Lois Zagone questioned if we pay taxes why we were not consulted. advised that staff was instructed to send out notifications. Director Brottman advised only six of the notifications that were sent out came back as vacant properties. advised three members of the Board voted to go forward with the dog park. The Board is here to listen but we are moving forward with the project, as this is the best location we have available. We have baseball fields where people do not want them. We use the District s property to the best of our ability, and we try to find balance for the overall community. We want input as we move forward, and we do not want to depreciate your home values. We are already minimizing things that can go wrong. Lois Zagone commented this is in our backyards. There is concern for the wetlands and dogs will attract more animals. commented he is in favor of a dog park. We want to minimize the impact, and he does not want to waste taxpayer s money. We want as few nonresidents as possible, and he would charge a $100 fee for a nonresident. We will listen to Huntington Chase residents. Jane Gretto, who resides at 910 Waterford, addressed the Board with her concerns. I have the property adjacent to wetlands, and people let dogs run through wetlands. We have to keep wetlands healthy. There should be no dogs in wetlands, and it should be in the rules with a fine, as the wetlands are an expense to maintain. commented people in the apartments let their dogs go in the wetlands. Director Brottman advised we would not affect or destroy the wetlands; the gate is on opposite side of wetlands. We will look at signage that includes rules and tips. Diane Konleczka commented that they have controlled burns in the wetlands that will impact the park. 3

4 Anna Kubiak, who resides at 901 Huntington Chase, addressed the Board. I am in favor of a dog park. The cost for the Lake County Dog Park is $150 per person. People who pay the fee are responsible, there is no smell, and there is rarely baking. Wood Dale divided the dog park property then it got too small, and Du Page has a wonderful dog park. No children allowed under the age of 14 needs to be added to the rules. We were going to move until we got the letter that we are getting a dog park. Jay Giallambaroa, who resides at 929 Huntington Chase, questioned who believes this to be the most desirable location. advised there is parking at this location and it is the furthest from housing. We do not have the ideal five-acre site. This site is surrounded by wetlands, and we no longer need the soccer field. The site is split between east and west and it serves both sides. We looked at Woodland Meadows Park, which is owned by Cook County and they said no. The residents want a dog park. Jay Giallambaroa commented it is a mud hole and very wet. Dog parks are good for people with dogs. You took the path of least resistance. Our opinion did not mean anything. commented that 35,000 residents elect the Board to make decisions for the community. Jay Giallambaroa commented we did not get a say. commented he wanted to hear from them. The Brantwood neighborhood felt the same way, and FEMA said we could not do it. We built a dog park there and then took it down. He commented he would find out about the property values. Jay Giallambaroa questioned what would the Board do if it lowers property values. commented he did not think property values would go down. Jay Giallambaroa questioned who is responsible for the area, who will police it, and clean up. Director Brottman advised the Park District is responsible for the area. Wanda Rajin, who resides at Huntington Chase, addressed the Board with her concerns. In regards to property values, these used to be model homes and we pay a premium to be near wetlands. People that do not pay the premium do not care. For what I paid, I do not want to look at a fence. How much of an intrusion will it be on the wetlands? commented the association owns the wetlands. 4

5 commented we serve the community. We will improve the property and if it is not successful, we will make a change. We listen to the entire community. Wanda Rajin commented that if this were a success, I would invoice the cars for parking. advised that dog parks are not like soccer games, people do not all come at once. Ron Jawgiel, who resides at 1030 Huntington Chase, commented property values have gone down 30% already. He questioned if dog parks bring property value down. commented that dog parks are growing, and there are more each year. commented property values are down 32% in Huntington Chase, and they have stopped letting people rent. He questioned what the residents thought about not having a playground. There were playground problems with people from the south side. The owners wanted open space, which will enhance the area. advised we would do our best to minimize the impact to Huntington Chase as much as possible. I voted against the dog park, and I will make sure we will do the best we can; I will be the guardian. Our staff is very proud of our maintenance of the parks. commented it would be a positive amenity to the community, because of the feedback from the community, he would not mind a dog park near his home. commented I live near Udall Park and I wanted one there. We could not do it because of the Commonwealth Edison easement. We will do the best job to minimize impact. Diane Konleczka questioned how do we contact you. Director Brottman advised they could contact him and he would share it with the Board. commented there were a lot of people from Huntington Chase that want the dog park, but do not want their neighbors to see them here. Chris Nicolella, who resides at 1052 Huntington Chase, addressed the Board with his concerns. This is an untouched area and I work from home. The soccer field was a failure, as it was not maintained. I am in the end unit adjacent to the wetland. The concern is the entry point, and how close is the fence to my office. I am a dog owner and I am not for it. Dog owners yell at the dogs and people cut through the end unit. My concerns are the dog park will be an eyesore and there will be a sound issue. My property value is down $115,000, and the fence line is my office. 5

6 Alann Petersen, Director of Parks and Planning, advised the fence would be installed on the property line. Chris Nicolella commented that allowing 200 dogs will not serve 35,000 thousand people and they will cut though our area. Lois Zagone commented the trees would block our view. advised the audience to send in their feedback, and Director Brottman and Alann Petersen would review it. We could have a meeting to look at a diagram and the cut through paths. APPROVAL OF MINUTES questioned if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the February 28, 2013 Regular meeting. There being none, moved to approve the minutes of the February 28, seconded the motion. The minutes were approved by a voice vote. RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL GUEST Sandy Denninger, Museum Curator, and Coordinator presented the Museum s Annual Report. Last year s exhibit, Scouting About was very successful. It was one of 40 scouting exhibits throughout the area, and was selected as the favorite of the Girl Scouts. The programs offered with the exhibit were successful, with the one about making Girl Scout cookies from scratch being the most popular. There have been 20 classes held on making Girl Scout cookies since August This past year they have had the opportunity to connect with Elk Grove High School and have presented programs on Elk Grove Village and the Civil War to eight different classrooms, and they have been asked to come back again this year. They have made partnerships with some new businesses and received sponsorships. Village Cycle Sports gave $1,000 to support the new exhibit, Folks with Spokes and the Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove Village have provided services. Mr. Richard O Keefe, owner of an Elk Grove McDonalds, has asked for nostalgic photos of Elk Grove Village for the restaurant. A new project this year is a multimedia project that gives a tour of the farmhouse, which is a website driven tour. You are able to click on different rooms and the artifacts in those rooms. There are more science-based programs offered in For the Girl Scouts there is a geocashing program and for the Boy Scouts there is a program that lets them achieve the Naturalist Badge. We recently held an astronomy program that was filled with 40 participants. We will continue to utilize the relationships we have made with businesses over the past several years. The Historical Society contributed $17,500 for a new HVAC system for the Museum. 6

7 As for the new exhibit, Folks with Spokes, we have noticed the exhibit is evoking much emotion in the visitors. It has been a great connection to the people of Elk Grove. Gail Santroch, member of the Elk Grove Historical Society, presented the annual report for the Historical Society. They are very grateful for the Museum staff. The Historical Society Board for 2013 includes Cliff Schultz, Darlene Greaves, Barbara Braun, Howard Florine, and herself. The 2012 accomplishments include helping fund the Civil War Day in May, Dairy Day in July, and Pioneer Day in September. On-going goals in 2013 include continuing the oral history interview project and transcription, promoting the Museum programs throughout the year, assisting with family history research requests, and continuing to collect data, documents, and photos of families who live in Elk Grove Township since complimented Sandy Denninger, the Museum staff, and Historical Society members on their accomplishments. APROVAL OF THE PAY REQUEST FROM WILLIAMS ARCHITECTS FOR SERVICES FOR THE PAVILION AQUATICS PROJECT moved to approve the pay request from Williams Architects for services for the Pavilion Aquatics Project in the amount of $98, seconded the motion. APPROVAL OF PAY REQUEST #16 FROM GOLF CREATIONS FOR SERVICES FOR THE FO RUN COURSE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT questioned if we were waiting for a balance payment. There is no advantage to the residents for us to pay this request now, as there are unforeseen circumstances and the punch list is priced too low. 7

8 questioned the amount we are holding back, as he does not want to hold back funds if we owe for work completed. Director Brottman advised we entered into a contract, and it is fair. Since the last Board meeting, Golf Creations had another request for money, as legally they can ask for full payment after 60 days. We should hold back $40,000. With the punch list, warranty items, and sand trap issues we should hold back money to replace them. The bigger issue is this is our time and not theirs. We can reevaluate the course, as we did the punch list on the coldest winter day. Greg Thalmann, Superintendent of Golf Operations, advised the staff still needs training on the irrigation system and the software is not in the computer. He advised not to pay them until it is finished. requested staff to relay our concern and responses to their pay request. Director Brottman advised he would let Greg Martin and Matt Lohmann from Golf Creations, know they would have to wait until we are done before they can request money. moved to approve Pay Request #16 from Golf Creations for Services for the Fox Run Course Improvement Project in the amount of $17,000. seconded the motion. Motion failed. APPROVAL OF THE FO RUN PURCHASE OF A TORO MULTI PRO 5800 SPRAYER questioned if we needed this equipment right now. Greg Thalmann advised yes. 8

9 moved to approve the purchase of a Toro Multi Pro 5800 Sprayer from Reinders Inc. through the National Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance in the amount of $37, seconded the motion. APPROVAL OF THE FO RUN PURCHASE OF ONE BEVERAGE CART, ONE RANGER CART AND ONE MAINTENANCE VEHICLE FROM HARRIS GOLF CARS moved to approve the purchase of one beverage cart, one ranger cart, and one maintenance vehicle from Harris Golf Cars for a total cost of $19,970. seconded the motion. ACCEPTANCE OF THE QUOTE FROM NUTOYS LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES FOR THE PURCHASE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR THE MARSHALL PARK PLAYGROUND moved to accept the quote from NuToys Landscape Structures for the purchase of playground equipment for the Marshall Park Playground not to exceed $27,200. 9

10 seconded the motion. LEISURE SERVICES UPDATE Tammy Miller, Director of Leisure Services, reported the Leisure Services update as follows: The Fitness Center added 2009 to the membership spreadsheet as the Board had requested. The attendance and revenue of the Carousel and Jumps N Jiggles has increased from 2012 to Pirates Cove has finished accepting applications for summer. Information about the Pavilion Aquatic Center can be found on our website and in our facilities. Letters went out to all pool users informing them of the upcoming renovation and we will be updating the website with more specific information. Preschool registration went well and our registration numbers are high once again. Camp counselor interviews are currently being conducted. The 7 th and 8 th grade girls and boys basketball championships are Friday, March 15 th. Little Mermaid Jr. begins tomorrow night and continues all weekend at the Prairie Lakes Center. The Doggy Egg Hunt is Saturday, March 16 th at 9:00 a.m., Breakfast with the Bunny is Saturday, March 23 rd at 9:00 a.m., and Swim with the Bunny is Sunday, March 24 th at 1:00 p.m. PARKS AND PLANNING UPDATE Alann Petersen reported the Parks and Planning update as follows: With the long winter, staff will start working in the parks as soon as possible for spring set up. There has been a lot of behind the scenes work in special projects and setting up for special events. Upcoming projects include the Marshall Park and Mather Park playground renovations. The Pavilion Aquatic Center renovation project went out for bid, with the bid opening on April 2, GOLF OPERATIONS UPDATE Greg Thalmann reported the Golf Operations update as follows: At the recent Golf Show, staff collected over 900 addresses and 200 people have followed up with us. We already have five participants signed up in our new Junior Golf League. We have started taking permanent tee times and we have had many bookings in the clubhouse. 10

11 questioned if the Board ever voted to take money from the Corporate Fund to cover the golf account. Tom Busby advised we would determine if it is necessary in the fall after golf season. questioned the route we are going as Golf is an Enterprise Fund. advised that if 2013 is a difficult year, we would give the Golf Fund $300,000, as a short-term cash flow. questioned what the mechanism is to get the money back into the Corporate Fund. Tom Busby advised when the Golf Fund makes money the revenue will outpace the spending and they would pay it back. We may lend up to $500,000 depending on how the course performs. Good weather can bring a profitable year, and the plan is for repayment this summer. advised he wants a formal documented plan for repayment. commented there is a resolution based on a discussion. We knew it was a deficit spending, and a one-time infusion. We held off on a formal vote. Tom Busby advised he would put together an estimated cash flow. advised we would vote on it at the next meeting on April 11, commented he wants the Board to dictate the schedule not Finance and not Golf. BUSINESS SERVICES UPDATE Tom Busby reported the Business Services update as follows: The audit is finished and the first draft will be received tomorrow with the final draft coming in April. The IRS report is final; we received a no change in the report with no penalties or fines. The District follows all the rules and we are very sound. questioned if the Board would see the transfer from the Corporate Fund to the Golf Fund in the audit. Tom Busby advised he does not influence the audit. questioned if it would be reflected in the audit. Tom Busby advised it is in the budget report. 11

12 DIRECTORS UPDATE Director Brottman reported on the upcoming invitation only Fox Run Grand Reopening Event on Sunday, April 21st. It will feature complimentary 18 holes with cart, lunch, and hole games, including a hole in one contest to win $10,000. This is done through a contracted company, for only $590, we have the insurance for the $10,000 game as well as prizes on three other holes including two vacations. There will be prizes on other holes as well as vendor sponsored holes and giveaways. The Commissioners will start the event and tee off at 9:00 a.m. PAYMENT OF BILLS moved to authorize Director Brottman to make payment of the bills in the amount of in the amount of $39, for February 28, 2013, $78, for March 1, 2013, and $67, for March 7, seconded the motion. Elk Grove Park District SUMMARY LIST OF BILLS PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL ON MARCH 14, 2013 SUMMARY BY FUND: 02/28/ /01/ /07/2013 CORPORATE FUND 18, , , AUDIT POLICE LIABILITY RECREATION FUND 13, , , PAVING & LIGHTING FUND MUSEUM FUND SPECIAL RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS 2, , CAPITAL PROJECTS 1, , A CAPITAL PROJECTS CAPITAL PROJECTS FO RUN GOLF LINKS FUND 1, , , $39, $78, $67,

13 ADJOURNMENT TO CLOSED SESSION moved to adjourn to Closed Session for the Purpose of Discussing Personnel per 2(c)(1). seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 9:35 p.m. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION After discussion regarding Personnel, moved to reconvene to Open Session at 10:01 p.m. seconded the motion. ADJOURNMENT moved to adjourn the Regular Meeting of March 14, seconded the motion. 13

14 The Regular Meeting of March 14, 2013 was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, John R. Walz, Secretary 14