Sangamon Sun

Elk Grove Park District Committee of the Whole met Feb. 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

President Walz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

In attendance: President Walz, Commissioner Cooke, Commissioner O’Malley

Commissioner Biedke (arrived at 6:08 pm)

Commissioner Souder (arrived at 6:20 pm)

Staff: Ben Curcio, Brad Sholes, Tim White, Kelly Carbon, Tom Klaas

FOUNDATION UPDATE

Director Kelly Carbon stated the Foundation has two new members, Brad Wessel and Irene Faciano. Brad is actually leading one of the two events planned for this year which is a Bags Glow in the Hole event at Fox run on June 26. The other event is a Duck Race that will be held on August 9 at Rainbow Falls. The 2020 budget was approved at the last meeting. $16,000-$17,000 will be given out in scholarships and two $1,000 youth scholarships will be awarded. Leigh will be taking over scholarships this year.

Commissioner O’Malley stated in the past, the Foundation was used to benefit the entire community and wanted to know when it became all about scholarships?

DISCUSSION ON FITNESS CENTER EQUIPMENT DONATION

Executive Director Curcio shared that the donor forgot he offered this donation and is no longer interested in moving forward with it. Director Curcio said that at least now we have a criteria for future requests.

DISCUSSION ON IAPD MEMBERSHIP

Director Brad Sholes provided information requested by the Board on IAPD staff’s compensation packages by sharing their 2019-2020 percentage increases. Director Sholes stated that overall, the District receives a lot of good information from IAPD, especially on the legal end. He believes our membership is very beneficial to the District. The consensus of the Board was to continue with the IAPD membership, but to review it annually.

DISCUSSION ON DOG PARK BUDGET

Executive Director Curcio shared estimates from WT Group for the design plan of a dog park at Udall Park. The 2020 budget includes a $250,000 placeholder for the dog park but the estimates came in at almost double that amount. Director Curcio offered additional funding options. The first option would be to use the fund balance out of the Recreation or Corporate Fund. The second option could be to delay some 2020 capital projects such as the roof replacement at 140 Lively.

Director Sholes added that he spoke with Brennen Investments about their long term planning for the Technology Park and they may be interested in the 140 Lively building so he recommends pushing back the roof replacement. After further discussion, the consensus of the Board was to move forward with WT Group working on the engineering for this project.

DISCUSSION ON ATHLETICS ADVISORY BOARD BENEFITS

Executive Director Curcio continued discussion from a previous meeting. A super pass can be done as a benefit for advisory board members. The pass could be used to get into facilities such as Pavilion Fitness, Pavilion Aquatics Center and Rainbow Falls. Fox Run would not be included in this super pass and it’s value could not be applied towards a program registration. Commissioner Souder stated that the people he spoke to want to go back to fee waivers but he told them that will not happen. He likes the idea of a super pass but thinks the value is too high and suggested it only be $200-250. Commissioner Biedke thinks we should give them a choice to use it to buy a Rainbow Falls membership or put towards their registration. He added that we should give them a choice rather than dictating what it can be used for. Commissioner Cooke stated prior consensus of the Board was to not give them anything to now offering something that they do not want. He added that not all the athletic programs waived fees so offering a super pass is going to cost the District even more money. After further discussion, no decision was made.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner O’Malley moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole meeting at 7:07 p.m. Commissioner Souder seconded the motion.

Ayes: Commissioners Biedke, Cooke, O’Malley, Souder and President Walz Nays: None

Motion Carried

https://elkgroveparks.org/Portals/0/adam/Content/Dl25bkj-BkKzMMqncizzzw/MeetingMinutes/COTW%2002-13-20.pdf