A WARM WELCOME FOR THE NEW PARK BOARD MEMBERS

The May 5th Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District was emotionally charged as longtime incumbents Jeff Jourdan, Keith Schoen and Bill Taylor said their farewells. Park District Staff and members of the community thanked them for their service to the community.

New Commissioners/Political Activists Melissa Creech, Julia Nephew and Jay Kinzler were sworn in and welcomed to the Board by the incumbent Commissioners.

At the agenda item, Matters-from-the-Commissioners, incoming Commissioner Nephew stated that renovation and remodeling of the Lake Ellyn Boat House should take precedence over other Park District projects. She reported that Glen Ellyn Preservation acknowledged its historical significance as a WPA Project and as such an added reason for remodeling and renovating it.

She reiterated that renovating and remodeling the Boathouse must be a priority for the Glen Ellyn Park District.

Commissioner Melissa Creech reiterated her campaign pledge to make the Park District more transparent. She further commented on her perceived need to video the meetings for the public.

Commissioner Kinzler recommended that the board room should be remodeled in a way that would give audience members a greater sense of participation. He noted that the height of the dais and the podium facing away from the audience distanced the attendees from the Park Board. Remodeling the Bord Room is a priority for Commissioner Kinzler.

Commissioner Ed Hess welcomed the new Board members and took the opportunity to query them regarding certain statements made by them on the campaign trail. Commissioner Hess expressed his heartfelt concern that certain needs of the community may possibly be overlooked.

In particular Commissioner Hess asked Commissioner Creech to clarify her campaign statements that the District was disconnected from the public. Commissioner Kinzler responded that his 87 year old neighbor does not want the Sports Complex at Ackerman Park that was approved in the 2007 General Election Referendum and that they have forgotten the Park in Park District.

Commissioner Hess further inquired about the difference between public opinion and the referendum pertaining to the Ackerman Complex. Commissioner Kinzler noted that the referendum was too difficult for anyone to read. The vote total in support of the referendum 2007 was 7004.

Commissioner Hess further queried the newcomers in regard to their successful campaign and their criticism that funds need to be spent where needed instead of on Pet Projects. They were asked to define a Pet Project. Commissioner Nephew responded that she did not know. Commissioner Creech declined to comment and Commissioner Kinzler decried platform tennis as a pet project.

Commissioner Hess also asked for a definition of a campaign statement that the Park Board speaks in “code” at meetings. Commissioner Creech responded the Board is purposely vague and that the agendas are confusing and frustrating for those who attend the meetings.

The new Board was thanked for their input by Commissioner Hess who further stated: “We can do better.”

In other matters from the Commissioners Board President Sandra Minogue commented on the previous Saturday’s dedication of the newly remodeled Village Green Park. The remodel consists of a new driveway and parking lot, remodeled ball fields, the addition of tennis courts and state of the art playground equipment complete with a 30’ rocket ship! To which Minogue remarked: “It is a dream come true.”

The Glen Ellyn Park Bench is not affiliated with the Glen Ellyn Park District. The Glen Ellyn Park Bench is a citizen initiative to provide up to date information and insight on matters pertaining to the Glen Ellyn Park District. This is information from their Board Meetings, Workshop Meetings and events.