The Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at 7:02 PM on Tuesday, December 15. During Public Participation Superintendent of Recreation Kathleen Esposito introduced Recreation Supervisor Sarah Sandquist who explained the situation with Metra and the District sponsored Polar Express event on Saturday, December 12. Commissioner Melissa Creech appeared delighted that the train she and her kids were booked on went off without a hitch and in a surprise move, did not blame or fault the Park District for the Metra scheduling error.
The Consent Agenda passed unanimously with a Pay Request of $853,732.45 in spite of Commissioners Creech, Julia Nephew and Jay Kinzler’s constant criticism and implications of overpayments, and oversights on the part of the rest of the Board and Park District Staff.
A larger than usual crowd was present which grew to over 40, including the Daily Herald, Glen Ellyn News, The Glen Ellyn Park Bench (Glen Ellyn Life did not attend to video), Eleanor Salimonias and other Commissioner Creech devotees from Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation. Mr. Rulah Moradi from the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis organization gave a presentation to the Board. He was joined by Glen Ellyn resident and Nationally Ranked Platform Tennis player Nancy O’Sulllivan and Pat Walker.
Mr. Moradi’s presentation requested a Warming Hut for Platform Tennis at Maryknoll Park. The presentation outlined the Platform Tennis players partnering with the Glen Ellyn Park District to privately fund 1/3 of the project. Mr. Moradi’s bottom line is that: “We want to work with you, (the Glen Ellyn Park District); we want to make Platform Tennis succeed in our community”. Commissioner Ed Hess noted that the addition of Platform Tennis at Maryknoll was a key feature in obtaining an OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant) from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for Maryknoll Park.
Commissioner Ron Aubrey commended Commissioner Bill Dallman for having the vision and foresight to recognize the value of Platform Tennis. Aubrey further remarked that they are always seeking ways to add value to their resources and to offer programs for adults in the community. Commissioner Jay Kinzler, who campaigned against Platform Tennis as a “Pet Project” was forced to admit at the meeting by one of his patients, a Glen Ellyn resident and Platform Tennis player, the value of the program.
Commissioner Creech stated that she wished the Park District could fund the Warming Hut but it was a difficult time for them. This was odd since she was a vocal opponent of Platform Tennis since her campaign & it may have been highly unlikely they would or will ever get her support.
In a simple yes or no question Board President Sandra Minogue polled the Board if they would like Staff to further explore the possibility of partnering with Platform Tennis for a Warming hut. Commissioners Dallman, Hess, Aubrey and Minogue agreed to look into it – with no promises being made for funding. Creech, who campaigned against Platform Tennis said it is not a priority, Commissioner Julia Nephew said they could not go to referendum, which was odd since no one else was speaking of referendums and Commissioner Kinzler proselytized at great length and in great detail with the end result stating that if the Park District hadn’t overspent at ASC than they would probably have had the money for the Hut. After all of that the proselytizing, Kinzler never could form a yes or no answer.
Following the Board’s decision to further investigate a Warming Hut at Maryknoll Park, Commissioner Creech, in yet another seemingly carefully rehearsed and flawlessly performed Shock & Awe moment belittled her fellow Board Members and condemned Staff.
Creech & Kinzler quibbled about the Ackerman Budget. In spite of having received report after report on the Ackerman numbers, Creech continued to complain about the reports, and playing perfectly to the newspapers and audience: remarked that the funding of Ackerman has been consistently underreported and that she has lost confidence in Staff. What she seemed to forget is that since being sworn in she has done nothing but condescend and belittle Staff and her fellow Commissioners and that she has never indicated that she had any confidence, not to mention respect for either. She demanded a complete accountability be made and accused Staff of ignoring rules or bypassing directives as it suits them. This is spite of admitting that she is voting for Change Orders (and EVERY Pay Request at Ackerman since becoming a Commissioner) without having a clue of what she is being asked to vote for.
Creech said they need to know if they are paying for the same work twice, which is remarkable since at the December 1 Workshop Meeting Park District Legal Counsel Steve Adams made a futile attempt to explain to her that she had fair questions but the Court will ask what the damages are. In theory you did not receive what you asked for but these were several inches thick of documents, bids, surveys, permits and contracts. Yes, you have errors, but these are errors without real injury. You did not overpay, it is the difference between paying now and paying before. Paying now is known as betterment of the facility and the Courts will not award you for that. You cannot prove damages for the error.
This latest drama playing out at this meeting by Creech, Kinzler and Nephew made those present wonder if in fact they may have no intention to ever act as a Board. These 3 seem to publicly humiliate the 4 incumbent Board Members and to perhaps try to bully them into resigning, and to even build a campaign for their chosen candidates in the April 2011 Consolidated Election. Furthermore, it also seems that they are working to get Staff fired, or to bully them into resigning as well. More than one audience member wondered if Creech & Company have friends and family that they are making plans to hire to bring this drama into its final Act. In all of Creech’s comments against Staff and her fellow Board members she has never bothered to fully explain where she obtained her expertise as a Project Manager on a multi-million dollar facility. This is not the usual expertise of most housewives’ and ex teachers.
In any event Creech continued to complain that she hasn’t seen a Sworn Affidavit from the Contractor since May. She should review the Board Packet from the September 1 Workshop Meeting: http://www.gepark.org/assets/PDFs/Board%20Packets/BrdPkt090109.pdf, page 14. After demonstrating that she doesn’t even read her own Board’s Packets she continued to accuse Staff of hiding things from the Board, and refer to a scale of mismanagement and that there was no option other than to use an independent agent to conduct a Forensic Audit. She then made a motion for a Forensic Audit which was hastily seconded by Nephew.
Commissioner Kinzler, still perhaps smarting from the ramifications he received by those two after the October 27 Meeting where they walked out and he stated in defense of them: “Leaving a stunned majority, President Minogue lamented about the fractured Board and asked Commissioner Kinzler, their former running mate to speak with Creech and Nephew. Concerning their actions Kinzler responded “Sometimes I cringe, but you have to realize, some people have a different filter than others.” He further remarked “Because I have talked to them about their delivery, and I’ve talked to them about things that you have to find the positives and that you can’t just continually punch and punch and punch. Sometimes you have to step back and try to come to a consensus, so I understand your frustration and I understand what you’ve seen.”
In any event Kinzler went out of his way to condemn Earthwerks as well which is owned by fellow Glen Ellyn resident Dan Davies. This is the second time Kinzler has publicly attacked Earthwerks since becoming a Commissioner. The last time was at the May 19 Regular Board Meeting, please refer to The Glen Ellyn Park Bench article, Flooded Fields Reign Over Park Board Meeting.
Commissioner Ed Hess commented on the frightening allegations made by the 3. He stated that the cost of Ackerman was $125 a square foot, that other Park Districts are getting quotes from $250-300 per square foot. He stated that these were the decisions of previous Boards. He also remarked that this was accomplished without a tax increase. In an alarming display by Kinzler exhibiting that an elected official and a DOCTOR appears to have no knowledge of the taxing body he represents, interrupted and said taxes were increased. Hess wanted to know how you conduct an audit on a facility that is still under construction. No one bothered to answer him. They didn’t answer because like all other Board Meetings, Creech, Kinzler and Nephew do not appear to interact with their fellow Board members or with Staff. They instead appear to preach, condescend, proselytize and play to the audience and to whatever media outlets may be available to them.
Creech stated that Staff violated Board policy and approved Change Orders over $20,000 without Board approval. In yet another futile attempt to explain to Creech what happened, Park District Legal Counsel Nicole Karas explained that Change Orders were lumped together and that is a common occurrence during the construction process. Furthermore Counselor Karas stated that under the law you can only have a Change Order if it is; a) germane, b) necessary, and c) in the best interest of the Park District. Karas stated that the Change Orders met all 3 stipulations. Creech still wanted to have extra Board Meetings, in Executive Director Cory Atwell’s office with her 5 and 3 year old kids preset to approve. This, without any regard to how many different ways her suggested little impromptu meetings could jeopardize the Glen Ellyn Park District by flagrantly violating the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
Kinzler was especially miffed about the itemized bills for add-ons, especially the Port a Pottys at Ackerman while Nephew stated her extreme disappointment with Staff and the Change Orders. She reminded all though that the three ran on an issue of mistrust with the Director and Staff, while directly appearing to smirk at Board President Sandra Minogue, which would appear that Creech’s previous comments that she lost trust in them wholly untrue. In an incredulous moment which drew gasps of disbelief in the audience, Nephew actually claimed that they have tried to work with the Board but that Staff cannot make appropriate decisions.
Commissioner Ron Aubrey attempted to explain the construction process and the decisions previous Boards have made, but as with any other conversations with the three, it appeared to fall on deaf ears. Aubrey did comment that 11 years from now the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center will be paid for. Resident Jim Markby commented that he was not asked if he wanted the building. The Referendum did ask all voters and 60% of his fellow residents responded in the affirmative. Resident Jeff Jourdan commented that, like the schools, he appreciates the value Ackerman will bring to the community.
Hess asked Nephew to reiterate the three new Commissioners position. Nephew again responded that they distrust the Board & Staff. Hess asked her why. Nephew vaguely mentioned something about things she heard from people in the community. With that concrete and decisive response Hess asked her if these were the same people in the community who complained about “Pet Projects” to her during the campaign. Nephew failed to respond.
Board President Minogue commented on the amount of reports Creech and Nephew ask for, and that as soon as some are done or almost done, there are numerous other requests. She commented on their disrespect to Staff and that it was appalling how they speak about Staff when Staff has done everything that has been asked of them. Minogue finally asked Nephew to wipe that little smirk off her face. At this point the Creech devotees from Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation grumbled and walked out while a woman in the back yelled at Minogue that Minogue has been picking on her all night, which remarkable since Minogue commented very little all evening except to run the meeting. The devotees exited at 9:10 PM.
Minogue commented that the three never took a moment to learn about how their Board works, that they came in with all the answers. Creech changed direction and reassured her that they just have philosophical differences. Creech did not tell us which philosopher recommends saying and doing thing to give the appearance of bullying Staff to quit and your fellow Commissioners to resign. However once Creech hoped on the philosophical differences bandwagon, Nephew and Kinzler echoed her.
The three voted against the 2010 Budget, which passed 4-3. Kinzler was still miffed about the cars while Creech complained about Parks Department cuts and that it was a safety issue. She failed to define any safety issues.
Executive Director Atwell presented information about the boiler at Spring Avenue Recreation Center (SARC) which failed after 50 + years. The emergency bid requires a Super Majority vote of the Board. In a surprise move by Creech, she commented that she did not have a problem with the bid and that staff did a good job of researching all of the options. The last complement after 7 months of meetings recalled how great her daughter’s ballet recitals were. In any event the motion to replace passed unanimously.
Park District Legal Counsel Steve Adams commented that Director Atwell did a great job in negotiating with WDSRA (Western DuPage Special Recreation Association) for a long-term lease at Ackerman. This negotiation involved nine separate taxing bodies. The audience present cheered loudly in a show of support for Director Atwell.
Commissioner Aubrey commended Superintendent of Recreation Kathleen Esposito for signing a three year lease agreement with Anima (formerly the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus) which was beneficial to both parties.
Hess commented on the fractured nature of the Board, that he would like to see them all work together and talk about these newly mentioned “philosophical” differences and that wounds were starting to open & that they should all try to heal them before they get worse. Hess recommended asking Ted Flickinger from the Illinois Association of Park Districts to come in and mediate. Dallman thought it was a great idea, Minogue and Aubrey nodded in agreement while Creech, Kinzler and Nephew appeared indifferent. The meeting adjourned at 10:34 PM
So, while others have what they refer to as “philosophical” differences but others refer to as bullying and trying to get Staff to quit and Commissioners to resign, this will no doubt play out into the new year. So, as others may very well be continuing to plot and plan to carry out these “philosophical” bullying differences there are those of us who will, instead Celebrate the Season with our loved ones; family, friends and community. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 7:00 PM. 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.
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Disclaimer:
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.