PRESERVATIONISTS PROTEST VIDEO VOTE

The Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners took place on Tuesday, September 1. Three members from Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation were in attendance and two spoke during Public Participation. Eleanor Saliamonas, Treasurer stated her concerns with the Ackerman Sports Complex. She said when it was proposed it was for the children because they needed the courts and fields. Her concerns are that it is huge and that people will need to pay fees to use or join. She further inquired as to how this will benefit the children of Glen Ellyn and asked how batting cages will benefit Glen Ellyn. Ms. Saliamonas concluded with her opposition to the Board’s vote concerning video taping Board meetings from the August 18 meeting and said she would gladly watch.

Chris Wilson, Past President of Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation stated she would like the meetings videotaped and told the Park Board that the Village does and has the meetings on the website and that she would really like to see this happen. Board President Sandra Minogue thanked them for their comments.

Dr. Nick Digrino and Dr. Dan Yoder presented the 2009 Community Survey from Western Illinois University. This entire survey will be placed on the District website: the 2005 Community survey already is: http://gepark.org/assets/PDFs/Public%20Documents/Fall2005SurveyResults.pdf

In summary, out of 7,000 households 1,164 were sampled with a 16.6% return rate. Accuracy is +/- 3%. 7 of 10 respondents were female, 43% had one or more child, 56% had a household income over $100,000 and the average years in residence were 19.1. 61% of the respondents recognized the District as a separate governmental agency while 30% realized that financial assistance is available for District programs.

The South East portion of the community had a 26% return rate for the survey, the South West 16%, North West 16%, North 16%, South 15% and the North East 11%.

In 2003 5.5% of the community used the Park District website while in 2009 that has grown to 49.7%. In response to tax dollars paid for services received 77% felt it was reasonable, 17% too high and 6% too low. 56% of the respondents felt that the parks contribute to their home value. 87% felt that the Park District contributes to their quality of life. During this economic downturn 27% said park visits will increase and 18% said their program usage will decrease. Several respondents submitted email addresses to receive Park District information.

Drs. Yoder and Digrino stated that while this survey captures the intelligence of a community in one way; it is not the only barometer. It was further recognized that the decision making process relies on a variety of tools and this is just one of them.

Regarding other Agenda items for this meeting a discussion took place regarding a proposed agreement for the temporary construction & permanent easements between the District and Glenbard Wastewater Authority regarding the reconstruction of the St. Charles Road Pumping Station Facility within Ackerman Park. Commissioner Ed Hess stated concerns with potential/possible environmental ramifications and directed Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo to clarify with Glenbard and the Village specifics with removal and disposal of soil during this project.

Also on the Agenda was a request to change the Minutes of the July 21 Meeting. Commissioner Julia Nephew had requested a change to the minutes. District Counsel Steve Adams stated that the Illinois Statute requires that the Minutes reflect a summary of what was discussed with a record of motions made and votes taken. He further remarked that the Board Secretary Jeannine Sesto has done a remarkable job. Adams also commented that he has had this discussion with various Boards at the Glen Ellyn Park District over the years and that they have debated over making the Minutes a transcript or a summary. Adams said that making the Minutes a transcript was not a good use of staff resources. He stressed that the Minutes should not be a blow by blow recital of every issue, that the Minutes should have info about issues: what was proposed, motions, votes and key points of deliberation. Adams concluded that the Village of Glen Ellyn’s Minutes are a lot less detailed and suggested that be used as a barometer.

Commissioner Creech concluded that the changes requested in the July 21 Minutes could actually be deleted and they will be presented at the September 15 Meeting for the Board vote.

During Matters from Commissioners – Bill Dallman, Ed Hess, and Sandra Minogue congratulated Ron Aubrey for all of his efforts for making Madonnari a success. Commissioner Ron Aubrey related his experiences in researching the original owners of the Churchill Park property and so far his research has gone back to 1853.

Commissioner Jay Kinzler inquired about a usage survey at the Spring Avenue Fitness Center, Executive Director Cory Atwell explained it was being conducted this week and the results will be available at the September 15 Board Meeting.

The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 P.M. The meetings are held at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (SARC) 185 Spring Avenue. As with all meetings, the public is invited and welcome to attend.