PUBLIC LOCKED OUT OF OPEN SESSION AT BOARD MEETING

The final Board Meeting of 2010 of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to Order at approximately 7:00 PM.

The Consent Agenda including the Finance Report, the Voucher List of Bills totaling $348,992.59, November and earlier December Meeting Minutes and the 2011 Baseball Uniform Bids were included. The Consent Agenda also included the 2011 Board Meeting Schedule, the amended Equipment Replacement Fund and the Outstanding Check Policy.

The Consent Agenda passed unanimously with a motion made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Sandra Minogue.

During Public Participation, Julie Worthen, Director of Communications for District 41 and a member of the Parent Involvement Committee thanked the Board for the successful Family Fitness Night hosted at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center recently. Ms. Worthen stated that it was great to work with the Park District and that the Staff was very accommodating in meeting their needs with approximately 100 participants.

Board President Ed Hess chose Public Participation to present retiring Park District Executive Director Cory Atwell with a Proclamation for his service – since 1995 to the community. Included in the Proclamation were some of his many accomplishments at the Glen Ellyn Park District.

The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 7:35 PM.

I waited patiently in the lobby outside the public entrance to the Board Room for Open Session to resume. At approximately 9:53 PM I looked in a window and discovered Open Session had already resumed. The public access doorway into the meeting was locked. I knocked loudly on the door, interrupting the proceedings.

Upon finally gaining entrance into what should have been Open Session under the Illinois Open Meetings Act I demanded to know when Open Session resumed, and if anyone was willing to tell me. Apparently Open Session resumed at 9:35 PM.

With 7 Board Members in attendance:

Ron Aubrey
Melissa Creech
Bill Dallman
Ed Hess
Jay Kinzler
Sandy Minogue
Julia Nephew

And with 5 Glen Ellyn Park District Staff members in attendance:

Cory Atwell, Executive Director
Dave Scarmardo. Superintendent of Parks
Kathleen Esposito, Superintendent of Recreation
Nick Cinquegrani, Superintendent of Finance
Katherine Wendland, Executive Assistant

Along with Park District Vendor:

Nicole Karas, Tressler LLP, Legal Counsel

No one checked if anyone who exited the meeting for Executive Session was in the lobby outside of the Board Room when Open Session resumed. Instead all 13 individuals opted somehow to resume Open Session behind a locked door.

A representative from Patch.com was present. However he spent the time during Executive Session in the lunch room in the employee’s wing of the building and was notified of the Board's return to Open Session.

Final Open Session meeting agenda items not available to me were:

ADA Capital Projects List,
2011 Budget Discussion and Approval,
Declaration of Intent for 2011 Board Officer Positions
Western DuPage Special Rec. Assoc. – December Executive Summary

Please check with Patch.com for meeting information as they were allowed access to the entire Open Session portion of the meeting.

The Meeting adjourned at 9:55 PM, just after I interrupted and demanded to be let back in.

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has been contacted regarding this oversight.

The next Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18, 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 but knocking loudly to be let in is strongly recommended.

BOARD PASSES PLATFORM PLAYER AGREEMENTS

The Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at approximately 7:00 PM. Several residents from Platform Tennis were among those in attendance, along with Joe Daniels, former Park District Commissioner Jeff Jourdan and a representative from Patch.com

The Consent Agenda including the Finance Report, Voucher List of Bills totaling $630,636.49, September and October (Workshop) Meeting Minutes, Ackerman Pay Request #18 for construction costs related to the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center for $75,612.71 and (2) Resolutions passed unanimously with a motion made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Melissa Creech.

Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo presented the results of a bid opening for the construction of additional Platform Tennis Courts at Maryknoll Park. Four bid packets were sent out and only one bid was received. The bid received did not include a Performance Bid Bond; which is required by law. As a result Superintendent Scarmardo recommended that the Board reject the bid. This project can go back out for bid in a few days for an additional ten business days.

Regarding the proposed Platform Tennis User Agreement, resident Joe Daniels, Lorraine Road approached the Board to state his continued opposition to this Agreement. Mr. Daniels stated that this is for an inclusive segment of the population; he demanded to know who the anonymous donor is and insisted that it is a conflict of interest for several Park District Board Members to play Platform Tennis. He further stated that the Board Members that play paddle are not just there to represent you and your friends.

Park District Legal Counsel Adams stated for the record that there is no legal conflict of interest. Daniels replied: “Oh, come on there should be”. Adams responded there is no difference if a Board Member participates in any other Park District program; it is not a conflict of interest.

Jim Nelson, Carleton Avenue approached the Board to state his continued support of Platform Tennis at Maryknoll Park. He thanked the Board and Staff for exercising their fiduciary responsibly by rejecting the construction bid.

Patrick Walker, Highview Terrace also stated his support for Platform Tennis. Mr. Walker also stated his concerns about one Commissioner’s previous email to her political supporters where she apparently referred to the Maryknoll Multi Use Facility as a frat house and a party house and where she stated her opposition to her fellow Board members who play paddle as having a conflict of interest. Mr. Walker referred to this email as disgusting and asked if we have to be like those in Washington DC. He asked if she was merely promoting a political agenda and building a power base.

Mr. Walker concluded his remarks by stating that sending out emails with that wording will make her lose credibility in a town with people who know the truth. The Commissioner who sent the email with the derogatory comments about Platform Tennis and her fellow Board members had no response.

Upon further discussion of the Platform User Agreement, lengthy discussions took place over alcohol usage, permitting and licensing; as well as the time frame for Platform Tennis securing their financing and the bid process for construction the Platform Tennis courts and the Multi Use Facility (Warming Hut/Safety Village classroom). With a motion made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Sandra Minogue, the User Agreement passed 4-3.

Regarding the Construction Agreement for Platform Tennis – the Agreement was amended “not to exceed a cost of $350,000”. Park District Executive Director Cory Atwell stated that construction for the Facility may be hampered due to weather, but not for the courts since there is no frost line issue with that portion of the construction process.

Regarding the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis Club (GEPTC), Superintendent Scarmardo stated that if the bid for the courts had not fallen through, GEPTC would have deposited their financial portion to the Park District tomorrow.

Commissioners Nephew, Creech and Kinzler all said they do not want to vote for a project that the Park District cannot pay for until 2013. In previous comments all three have stated their opposition to tying other future Boards financially into 2013. Regarding the GEPTC proposal which stated that 57.8% of the GEPD 2009 community survey responses indicated a need for a greater emphasis on adult recreation, Creech told them that’s what Ackerman is for.

Commissioner Ron Aubrey commented that 3 months ago the same Board members voted to purchase property from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. This agreement calls for the Glen Ellyn Park District to pay the Forest Preserve District $50,000 a year until a final payment of $250,000 is made in 2018. This motion to fund a project until 2018 passed unanimously.

Commissioner Nephew said this agreement is ok because it is an agreement with the government and that the Park District has never entered into an agreement with private parties before. Commissioner Aubrey corrected Nephew and stated that the 1923 acquisition of Memorial Park was due to private funding; as well as the 1920 acquisition of Lake Ellyn. Counselor Adams remarked that every bond the Park District issues is private money. It is a private exchange between the purchaser and the Park District.

Board President Ed Hess reminded the Board that it is a Multi-Use Facility and will be used for Safety Village as well. Safety Village has been in the Master Plan for Maryknoll Park for over 12 years. He reminded everyone of Commissioner Sandy Minogue’s comments last month when she remarked when we talk of future Boards our job is to have a vision and see down the road. Hess commented without that vision the Glen Ellyn Park District would not have built the Skate Parks at Newton Park and Stacy Park, as well as several other endeavors.

With a motion made by Commissioner Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Minogue the motion passed 4-3.

Since it was 9:16 PM and the Board was only just approaching 2011 Proposed Budget discussions; President Hess suggested limiting discussion to the budget discrepancies discussed at the October 5 Workshop Meeting and trying to limit the discussion to 10:00 PM since the Board still needed to adjourn into Executive Session. The Board agreed.

The discussion centered on prior accusations of a $600,000 shortfall in the 2010 Budget. Superintendent of Finance Nicholas Cinquegrani discussed the three largest funds and their shortfalls:

Corporate: - 90,534
Recreation: -209,732
Capital Programs: -275,292

Recreation: Some of these discrepancies are for $197,833; this was supposed to be paid in 2009 for equipment. The fitness equipment was bid on and budgeted in 2009 but was delivered and invoiced in January 2010 and as a result has to be placed on the books for 2010. Additional non budgeted items included $54,614 for wetlands mitigation due to the Village snowplow dipping into an area to the west cleared for chip stockpiling at Ackerman Park.

The Scholarship Program spent $30,000, which is $22,000 over budget but has seen an increase in need from the community. Credit card charges have also increased since over 70% of Park District Program Registration is done online and only credit card payments are taken. As a result the Park District budgeted 50,000 and they are now projecting to spend $63,000 by year end.

Other assorted non budgeted miscellaneous items totaling $49,449 included the engineering study of the berm at Lake Ellyn after the July and August floods, repairing of the sink holes at Maryknoll Park, gym mats and spin bikes at ASFC and pumps for Sunset Pool and the Splash Pad at Maryknoll Park and border and sidewalks for the new playground at Ackerman Park. The costs to Division Seven to investigate the roof at ASFC and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) door openers at ASFC are also included. Payroll Staff transition accounts for an additional $27,313 and the pool and Splash Pad pumps total an additional $9,306.

Capital Programs: The boiler that went out at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (SARC) last winter was $101,000.

Corporate: Some of the discrepancies from the original budget include $20,000 in Legal and $20,000 for payroll and staff crossover as they transitioned Executive Assistants with the retirement of Jeanine Sesto last year.

The Parks Department had an error with an incorrect starting budget as they transitioned the fiscal year. Fiscal year 2008 was only 8 months and somehow that number was carried over. This also reflected on the Merit Pay budgeted as well since the merit pool was never transferred to each staff line item.

President Hess stated that most of these items were either approved by the Board as recognized expenditures or an unexpected expense that could not be foreseen in a budget.

Dan Kroger, Facility Manager at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center (AFSC) presented a brief overview of the ASFC budget:

Open Gym has been a huge hit and they are $10,000 above projected revenue;
Memberships are higher than projected with $70,000 more than projected in revenue. The walking track has over 200 members. Leagues started out slow last winter (40-50% of capacity and are growing quickly.

Turf rentals are up. White Sox Academy is $13,000 above their lease agreement just in incremental turf rentals. Overall turf rentals are $30,000 above projected.

Additional opportunities such as the Girls Nike Basketball Tournament in July saw well over 2,000 in Glen Ellyn with 200 teams playing and 500 coaches scouting. The Nike event has already booked ASFC for next summer. On Sunday, during the Jack Marston Melanoma Research 5K event at Ackerman, the White Sox Academy hosted a recruiting event with several colleges in attendance.

Commissioner Jay Kinzler inquired about additional opportunities for ASFC. He asked if Ackerman could have a café so people can say “let’s go there.” Kinzler would like to see ASFC become a destination spot. Commissioner Creech asked if they could look into having a concession and sell smoothies.

Kroger further commented that daycare at ASFC is $3.00 an hour and a big draw for Fitness Center memberships but in itself is not revenue producing. The climbing wall has had over 3,000 climbs but approximately half are from Fitness Center members and that is included in the membership. Both are important to sustain membership, but do not produce a positive revenue stream.

Commissioner Nephew asked if the Board could brainstorm and think of a way to increase funding for the Scholarship Program at the Park District. The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has provided over $20,000 to the Scholarship Program over the last 4 years. The Parks Foundation holds the “Putts for Kids” miniature golf outing at Maryknoll Park every June. It is the goal of the golf outing to ensure that every child/family in need is provided the same recreational and leisure opportunities as their neighbors.

Commissioners Ron Aubrey, Bill Dallman, Ed Hess, and Sandy Minogue have all participated at Putts for Kids events over the years, along with several former Commissioners.

The meeting adjourned at 10:27 PM. The next Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, November 2, 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.

INITIAL PLATFORM PLAYER AGREEMENTS PRESENTED TO BOARD

The October 5 Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at approximately 7:00PM.

Board President Ed Hess presented Superintendent of Finance Laurie Woods a Proclamation of Achievement for her 22 years of service to the Glen Ellyn Park District. Superintendent Woods is retiring October 15.

Pay Request #18 for construction costs related to the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center was presented by Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo. The total is $75,612.71. Superintendent Scarmardo recommended that the Board not approve the recent pay request from PBS (Professional Building Services) until the roofing and back charging issues have been resolved. This Pay Request will be placed on the Consent Agenda for the October 19 Board Meeting.

The initial draft intergovernmental agreements between the Glen Ellyn Park District and the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis Club (GEPTC) were presented to the Board. There are (2) agreements: one for usage and one for construction of the multi-use facility to be shared by Platform Tennis and Safety Village.

Joe Daniels, Lorraine Road stated his opposition to GEPTC funding part of the facility at Maryknoll Park. Mr. Daniels stated that the Board is acting financially irresponsible and that the majority of the residents do not want this. Mr. Daniels presented the Board with a petition signed by (8) residents opposing GEPTC funding part of the building at Maryknoll Park. He concluded his remarks by stating that the Board has nothing to do with it but our taxes just got raised & to forget about asking people for donations, “that’s just politics as usual, that’s just the old boy’s network”.

Jim Nelson, Carleton Avenue stated that he is a resident, local business owner and a Platform Tennis player. Mr. Nelson thanked Commissioner Sandy Minogue for her comments at the September 21 Board Meeting. At that meeting Commissioner Minogue commented that when we talk of Board members it is our job to have a vision and see down the road.

Mr. Nelson also remarked that although he is losing 40% of his business to Obama healthcare since he is an insurance broker, he is willing to donate his time in lessons and financially to the Maryknoll Multi-Use Facility. And in response to one Commissioner’s email to her political supporters where this facility was repeatedly referred to as a “Party Hut”; Mr. Nelson strongly denounced her wording.

Bill Giffin, Hill Avenue stated his support for the Platform Tennis agreements with the Park District. He stated additional benefits to the community such as networking, coaching and an outdoor winter activity for those of all ages and all walks of life creating a good community base.

Tom Kane, Park Blvd. stated is opposition at the idea of non profit lending money to the Park District and that it boggles his mind and he has a fundamental opposition to it. Mr. Kane also said if the Park District had the money for the Maryknoll Multi Use Facility he would not be here. Mr. Kane concluded his remarks by stating: government should not be in the process of making money, that is not what government or the Park District is for.

John Glavin, Lambert Road supports the GEPTC Intergovernmental Agreements and wanted to clear up some misconceptions: Platform Tennis is NOT a new sport; it is over 80 years old. Platform Tennis is easy to learn; difficult to master. Mr. Glavin proceeded to review attendance in other adult programs such as 12” Softball, over 30 Basketball, and Indoor Adult Soccer. Platform Tennis Program Participants is on par with these popular adult programs.

Regarding the proposed User Agreements all of the Commissioners were in agreement that the portions relating to alcohol, advertising, Safety Village usage, etc. needed additional clarification. These portions of the Agreements will be reworked by Park District Legal Counsel and brought back to the Board for further review at the October 19 Board Meeting.

Superintendent of Finance Nicholas Cinquegrani presented the 2010 Tax Levy. Superintendent Cinquegrani explained that the Park District will be asking for a 4.9% increase from last year. What they ask for is not what they will receive. Last year the Park District received .8% and they asked for 4.0%.. The Park District will not know what they will receive until March or April from the Milton Township Assessor.

The Tax Levy needs to be placed on public display for 20 days and conduct a Public Hearing to adopt the 2010 Tax Levy. The Public Hearing will take place on Tuesday, November 2 prior to the regularly scheduled Workshop Meeting. This is the schedule of events:

October 5, 2010 Board places proposed tax levy on file.
October 20, 2010 Public Hearing notices published in newspaper.
November 2, 2010 Public Hearing and adoption of tax levy.
December 28, 2010 Tax Levy must be filed with the County Clerk before the last Tuesday in November.

Due to the retirement of Superintendent of Finance Laurie Woods, the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) designated agent will be changing to Superintendent of Finance Cinquegrani. This will be placed on the Consent Agenda for the October 19 Board Meeting.

Given the time taken during Platform Tennis discussions the 2010 Budget discussion was limited to an overview by Superintendent Woods of the Park District’s budget philosophy, an overview and summary by the larger funds: Capital, Recreation and Debt Service.

The Budget overview led to a discussion of pool pumps that went out unexpectedly at Sunset Park this year, along with those at the Splash Pad at Maryknoll Park. The Scholarship Program was budgeted at $16,000 and $31,000 was expended due to the increase in requests for assistance. Credit Card Charges are also an increased cost of doing business as online registration and credit card payments increases. Discussions of the 2010 Budget will continue throughout the fall.

The meeting adjourned at 10:32 PM. The next Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, October 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.

PLATFORM PLAYERS SUCCESSFULLY PROMOTE HUT

The September 21 Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at 7:00 PM. Several members of the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis playing community were present, as well as the Daily Herald and Glen Ellyn News.

The Consent Agenda containing the Finance Report and the Voucher List of Bills totaling $342,982.76 passed unanimously with a motion made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Sandra Minogue.

The Platform Tennis Community, led by Scott Park and Ryan Snyder presented a comprehensive proposal to add two Platform Tennis courts and a Warming Hut which would also be used as a future classroom for the Safety Village curriculum at Maryknoll Park.

Some key points from their proposal:

Chicago Area Platform Tennis has seen a 500% growth in a decade.

Comparisons of buildings, memberships and growth for similar programs in Hinsdale and Winnetka (the closest to Glen Ellyn) were referenced.

Why Should GEPD Care About Paddle in Glen Ellyn:
Need winter activities for everyone for a more vibrant, active and social community during the colder months (Sept.-May),

57.8% of the GEPD 2009 community survey responses indicated a need for a greater emphasis on adult recreation.

Lack of a viewing hut (and restroom) facility limits growth and utilization, especially for Women and Seniors.

Platform Tennis is seeking a partnership with the Park District to build the Warming Hut/Safety Village classroom. Platform Tennis is offering $150,000 which is the result of a 2 to 1 matching grant from a private foundation and a $150,000 loan to 2013. Platform Tennis would pay the interest on the loan until 2013 and at that time the Park District could either sell non referendum bonds, or use funds that are currently being used to repay the Village ($100,000.00 annually) for the purchase of Maryknoll Park in 2000. The Village will be paid in full in 2013.

The proposal seeks $50,000 from the Glen Ellyn Park District this fiscal year, with a firm commitment of $150,000 to be paid in 2013 when additional funds become available to the District.

With a building lifespan of over 40 years, the Park District is currently paying $5,000 for the trailer at Maryknoll Park: the District would incur costs of $200,000 either way. Mr. Park also remarked that the facility could be rented out for other tournaments and league play. Furthermore clinics can bring in additional revenue to the program as well as to the Park District. The Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis Committee (GEPTC) is planning two fund-raising tournaments a year; one to fund the program and another to fund the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation.

Glen Ellyn Park District Counsel Steve Adams stated that the loan would NOT be secured with Park District property, and the Park District would not have an obligation to the bank. This is a technical negotiation and would require an intergovernmental agreement between the Park District and the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis Committee.

When asked if the Park District had ever entered into an agreement like this before, Commissioner Ron Aubrey remarked YES: and during Matters From Commissioners detailed that in 1923, at the risk of a gas station being built at the corner of Park & Crescent, and at the risk of Ball Park (Memorial Field), being developed, a community association was formed to purchase the property which they later sold to the Glen Ellyn Park District for recreational use!

Mary Defiglia, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation commented that a previous proposal last winter was based on Winnetka’s facility. After further review a more modest and less expensive facility can be built and serve the same purpose for GEPTC and the Park District.

Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo said he has received calls from several companies offering in-kind donations pending Board approval and they can also seek assistance from the Technology Center of DuPage – TCD, the former DAVEA. TCD is constructing the Safety Village buildings. Currently three Safety Village buildings are complete.

Scott Park also remarked that Glen Ellyn Village Trustee Pete Ladesic has offered assistance from several of his contacts.

Commissioner Melissa Creech said she is concerned over the loan issue. She did not want to commit to something for other boards and suggested that they just go ahead and let Platform Tennis pay for added courts.

Ryan Snyder, in reviewing the Platform Tennis proposal asked Commissioner Creech if the GEPTC is paying for the additional courts than what is the Park Board willing to bring to the table?

Creech: It’s our land!

Mr. Snyder, Mr. Snyder and several taxpayer/platform tennis players in the audience responded: It’s our land too!

Commissioner Bill Dallman said that in his ten years on the Board, he has never seen a proposal presented where an organization came forward with this much “skin in the game”.

Commissioner Jay Kinzler proselytized in great length and in great detail before finally stating that his problem was philosophical said: …no argument it will be popular and possibly a revenue maker. “I know I probably won’t vote for it”. Kinzler has been a vocal opponent of Platform Tennis since his campaign and first Park Board meeting in May 2009 when he dismissed the sport a “Pet Project”.

Commissioner Sandy Minogue commented that when we talk of future Boards our job is to have a vision and see down the road.

Board President Ed Hess remarked that other organizations have contributed to enhancing Park District facilities. Over the years softball spent approximately $16,000-18,000 for the batting cages at Ackerman Park; Football $30,000 for the Press Box at Newton and Baseball most recently promising $35,000 for the lights at Village Green.

When the discussion appeared to have run its course, Park District Executive Director Cory Atwell said that the Board would have to give some direction to Platform Tennis, most likely in the form of a motion and a vote. Kinzler told Commissioner Bill Dallman to “take the moral high ground” and not vote since Dallman plays Platform Tennis.

Commissioner Ed Hess made a motion to move forward with the proposal for Platform Tennis to add two more courts and a dual use Warming Hut/Safety Village classroom building subject to Board approval a of an acceptable intergovernmental agreement and amended budget to reflect spending $50,000 this fiscal year. Commissioner Minogue seconded the motion, which passed: 4-3.

As the result of several Riford Road residents experiencing flooding during July and August, Superintendent of Parks Scarmardo updated the Board on a recent inspection of the earthen dam embankment conducted by Patrick Engineering. The berm embankment is structurally sound and the Park District will continue to work with the Village to seek a long term solution to the flooding at Lake Ellyn.

Park District Counsel Steve Adams stated that this is a regional stormwater issue NOT a Lake Ellyn issue. Commissioner Creech asked if there were other places in addition to Lake Ellyn to store stormwater. A prompt response was that they could have had it at Ackerman Park when in 2007 the Village took the lead and asked the Park District to add a stormwater detention/soccer field facility there.

Park District Naturalist Renae Frigo informed the Board that Saturday, September 25 is Natural Public Lands Day. The Park District will be celebrating at Churchill Park and the focus is public land stewardship. Of 285 Park Districts in Illinois, only 4 are participating. The Bookstore and the Library are partnering with the Park District for this event.

A motion to change financial reporting, which was recapped in great detail over the last few issues of The Glen Ellyn Park Bench failed 3-4.

Jim Rafferty, a recently retired 37 year employee of the Glen Ellyn Park District received a Proclamation of Achievement by the Board. Mr. Rafferty was instrumental in locating and preserving an artifact from Memorial Field which will be replaced at the artificial turf dedication at Memorial Park on Saturday, September 25.

During Matters from Staff and Commissioners Superintendent of Finance Laurie Woods introduced her successor, Nicholas Cinquegrani. Superintendent Woods will be retiring October 15.

Commissioner Ron Aubrey announced that the Park District will be participating in a Chamber of Commerce sponsored Harlem Globetrotters special event at Glenbard West on October 4.

The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 9:19 PM. The next Workshop Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 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.

RIFORD ROAD RESIDENTS DISCUSS LAKE ELLYN FLOODING WITH VILLAGE

The Village Board Meeting on Monday, January 13 was attended by several Riford Road residents impacted by flooding in July and August. Glen Ellyn Park District Board President Ed Hess, Ppark District Executive Director Cory Atwell and Bill Rickert from RHMG (Rezek, Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende, Inc.) were also in attendance.

The following is a summary of comments made by those in attendance during the 80 minute discussion.

Jerry Dentinger, 700 block of Riford Road:

On July when the berm at Lake Ellyn overflowed, he suffered over $50,000 in uninsurable losses. His FEMA check barely covers the loss.

There was no warning, no help. The Fire Department needs to be involved with this as well. No emergency personnel arrived on their street. The road was closed but people were still driving by and creating wakes in their houses.

Lake Ellyn is an 18 million gallon lake for stormwater. It is NOT for recreation and should NOT be managed by the Park District. Lake Ellyn should be managed by the Village.

Curt Kabat, 700 block of Riford Road:

Mr. Kabat showed a video of the flooding and stated it is dangerous, beyond dangerous. The flooding left a 20 ft wide sinkhole in his yard.

With the Village fixing roads and channeling more water into the Lake, it can no longer be managed with 20 year old plans.

No Emergency Response was present; during a similar severe flood in September 2008 the Fire Department evacuated his children with harnesses. This time no one was present to help. With every rain he feels that the levy gets weaker. “Who wants to buy my house? I live in a floodplain. I just want something to be fixed.”

PJ Sinopoli, 700 block of Riford Road:

Remarked: “It is intuitive. Clearly Lake Ellyn is taking in a lot more water than it used to”. Ms. Sinopoli requested that the Lake level be lowered and the berm raised.

Ms. Sinopoli thanked the Village and Park District Board for their genuine empathy.

Joe Sinopoli:

Requested that the inflow to the Lake be reinstated to where it was 15 years ago.

Dan Anderson, 600 Block of Essex:

Mr. Anderson pointed out that this issue is larger than Lake Ellyn and that the Village is suffering, in part from their own success. This flooding did not occur until we embarked on a campaign to improve stormwater and drainage – the process began upstream. And they have not yet finished the process downstream.

Earthen dams are vulnerable, we may need a spillway. He applauded all for talking about the problem and for being committed to seeking a resolution.

Frank Bachochin, 700 Block of Riford:

Five Step Plan to resolve this:
1) A new engineering plan that specifically addresses the levy on the north end;
2) Lower the Lake 2 feet and keep it that way until a plan is in place;
3) Develop am emergency warning plan for the affected residents;
4) Police and Village need to develop a plan to move those who are in danger;
5) Village Board and Public Works should manage the Lake, not the Park District.

Village President Mark Pfefferman:

Promised to work together with the Park District and seek a joint solution

Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company Chief Scott Raffensparger:

Chief Raffensparger explained that the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company is prepared. They have a scuba team, boat, certified divers and they are swift water rescue certified. They are part of MABAS Illinois – Mutual Aid Box Alarm System as well as.

Steve Jones, Village Manager:

After the Park District Meeting on September 7 the Village and the Park District met to brainstorm. We are making progress. The flooding issue is not something we are proud of. This is our stormwater and we are absolute partners is seeking a solution.

We need a new engineering study; the last one is from 1991. We need answers to the following:

1) What is the condition – what is coming in and going out of the Lake:
2) Update the manual so management practices are in place:
3) Mitigation strategy to prevent flooding, minimize the damage and divert the water.

Park Board President Ed Hess:

Lake Ellyn is a passive entity for stormwater. We do not normally manage the water level but are trying to do so now to create a short term solution.

Patrick Engineering inspected the structural integrity of the dam after the September 2008 flooding and will inspect it again soon.

Joe Caracci, Director of Public Works:

This summer we had the largest recorded history of rainwater. The groundwater is high and 16% of the Village drains into Lake Ellyn. Sump pumps that were allowed to be hooked up to the storm sewers are not helping.

The July flood had 7” of rain in 5 hours and the system is not designed to handle that.

The Village of Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Park District are committed to resolving the flooding issue that is affecting these residents.

The following is a summary of improvements made to Lake Ellyn in 2005:

The low flow bypass system was installed with the funds from an anonymous donation to the Village of Glen Ellyn. The park district funded approximately $300,000 for the Vortex separators. There is an 18" pipe buried at the bottom of the lake, the reason for the piping is collect the low flow of water that drains into the lake and cause the thinning of the ice through the center of the lake. The vortex separators collect most of the debris that funnels into the lake through the storm piping within the village. The vortex separator's are cleaned out once per year by the Village of Glen Ellyn.

The piping system carries the water through the lake and then lets it flow out through the outlet on the North side of the lake as it always does. The low flow system cannot help additional water flow out during a rain event s such as the one this past July 24th. The system is to only drain the low trickle flow of water that is carried in the winter months when the snow and ice thaws throughout the village. Over 2/3 of the villages storm water flows through Lake Ellyn, and all of the central business district storm water flows into Lake Ellyn. All of that salty, garbage laden water funnels into Lake Ellyn. That's how the vortex separators and low flow piping works...

The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 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.

SAFETY VILLAGE: FACT NOT FICTION

Safety Village has been a part of the Site Plan at Maryknoll Park since the first Master Plan was developed. This is a project of the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Park District for several years

Over the last 3 years the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has also donated over $20,000 to the Glen Ellyn Park District Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund enables every child and family in need the same recreational opportunities as everyone else in the community. The Foundation holds an annual fundraiser at Maryknoll Park, Putts for Kids, every June.

The Safety Village Lake Ellyn Boathouse and Bells & Whistles Buildings debuted at the 2009 Fourth of July Parade. This year the Library building debuted at the Parade and the Stacy’s Tavern building is nearing completion. The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has donated $25,000 for the infrastructure – utilities and grading to get this project off the ground and to install the completed buildings. The Site Plan for Maryknoll Park which includes plans for Safety Village is located on the Glen Ellyn Park District website:

http://gepark.org/assets/PDFs/Maryknoll%20Park/Maryknoll%20Development%20Plan.pdf

On Saturday, September 11 Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society held an Oktoberfest at Lake Ellyn Park. This year’s event raised funds for Safety Village at Maryknoll Park.

The $600,000 cost is the architect's estimated cost opinion for the project if no fund raising is received for the project. The GEPD is very hopeful that donations will drive the remaining portion of the project. The fact is that numerous people that donated homes are ready for the project to get off the ground. If nothing is done the project will just be kept on the back shelf. The district cannot fund the entire project which is the reason that it has been put on hold for so many years. The Parks Foundation Board decided to get things moving and offered $25,000 to get the program off the ground. Once the infrastructure is completed buildings can be added to the site and use the facility without a classroom if need be.

As an example Naperville’s Safety Town project cost approximately one million and was funded by the Naperville Junior Women’s Club. Run by the Naperville Junior Woman’s Club in cooperation with the Police and Fire Departments, this miniature town includes streets, tiny buildings, a railroad car and a classroom building. Safety awareness programs are held in the summer for children entering kindergarten and first grade. Classes are also held for residents on topics including babysitting clinics, bike safety, senior citizen crime prevention, women's safety and self-defense.

The following is from the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation Page on the Park District website:

Safety Village Project:
Building a Safer Future for Our Children

The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn and Glen Ellyn Park District invite you to join with us and help make a permanent Safety Village of Glen Ellyn a reality.

Safety Village is a long-running, popular program developed and run by the Glen Ellyn Park District. Curriculum-based, it is designed to build a foundation of safety awareness in young children, age four through seven. Key lesson components include personal, pedestrian, passenger, home and play safety incorporated into a fun atmosphere that helps develop a child’s confidence, self-reliance and sound decision-making abilities.

Staff engages students through play that teaches them how to handle specific safety situations such as being approached by a stranger and how community workers help people. Classroom visitors, such as local fire fighters and police officers, games, crafts, music, stories, films and role-playing are integral program features.

Injuries are a leading cause of death and disability among school-aged children. Many of these tragedies could be prevented if children had the proper knowledge and skills to avoid them.

The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation’s goal is to help the park district’s program achieve exceptional status by providing students with an experience that more closely resembles real-world situations they encounter daily. Instead of describing situations and playing make-believe, children would be placed in settings that where they can practice the safety lessons they have learned in the classroom.

An permanent safety village in Maryknoll Park would be ADA handicap accessible. It will allow children to travel through a replica of the Village of Glen Ellyn, passing through intersections named after real streets and riding their bikes past buildings that look like the actual businesses where they shop, eat, visit and travel with their parents. A permanent Safety Village will include:

* Railroad Safety
* Stranger Danger
* Electrical Safety
* Bicycle Safety
* Animal Safety
* Basic First Aid Practices
* Home and Personal Safety
* Fire Safety
* Water Safety
* Recognizing Safety Signs
* Safe Passenger and Pedestrian Practices
* Child Restrain Safety
* Role of Police Officers/Fire Fighters/Paramedics
* Appropriate use of 911

A permanent Safety Village will help Glen Ellyn’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens grow up to become tomorrow’s happy, healthy adults. For additional information please call Cory Atwell at 630-858-2462, x 116 for a personal visit to your business or to schedule a presentation to interested organizations.

How Can You Help?
There are many ways to become involved, including financial and in-kind sponsorships and donations. We would be pleased to offer further information on the sponsorship level that best suits you and your organization. Please consider the positive affects you can make and the lasting impression to the community should you choose to participate by making a donation or by volunteering your time. Our sponsorship package offers a wide variety of involvement and provides on-site publicity, annual sponsorship days in the Village and recognition on the prestigious Safety Village "Wall of Fame."

Charitable Organization
The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. All donations made to the foundation are tax deductible. This is an excellent opportunity to show your support for education and safety. To become a part of this project, please send checks, payable to the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, to:

Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation
185 Spring Avenue
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Donations
Click here to download a Donation Form

Sponsorship Opportunities
The sponsorship levels outlined below will recognize both financial and inkind contributions. Sponsors will be appropriately recognized through onsite signage, print advertising, promotions, various media and formal or ceremonial events. Sponsors donating $50,000 or more will be provided with an opportunity to work with the foundation to develop appropriate personalized recognition that reflects their significant contributions to the community.

Sponsorship Benefits
- Unique recognition for many years to come
- Increased community profile
- Demonstrated corporate citizenship
- A chance to save lives and make a real difference in the community
Sponsorship Levels

Diamond ($50,000 and Above)
Press Release w/Photo
Appreciation Plaque
Name of “Wall of Fame”
Sculpture in Safety Village w/Commemorative Plaque
Link on Foundation Website

Platinum ($25,000 to $49,999)
Press Release w/Photo
Appreciation Plaque
Name on “Wall of Fame”
Bench in Safety Village w/Commemorative Plaque
Link on Foundation Website


Gold ($10,000 to $24,999)
Appreciation Plaque
“Name on “Wall of Fame”
Tree Planted in Maryknoll Park w/Commemorative Plaque

Silver ($1,000 to $9,999)
Appreciation Plaque
Name on “Wall of Fame”

Bronze (Up to $999)
Appreciation Certificate
Name on “Wall of Fame"
Sponsorships include, but are not limited to:

Police Station/Civic Center
This structure will carry the name of the sponsor and appropriate signage.
$8,000

Train Station
This building will be a miniature replica of the train station in downtown Glen Ellyn.
$8,000

Fire Station (Storage)
This 12' x 18' building will be a replica of either the southside or northside fire house in Glen Ellyn. The building will house storage for the bicycles and other equipment.
$30,000

Smoke House
The building will consist of three rooms, large enough for children to learn the proper way to exit a burning building.
$25,000

Building Sites
Twenty building sites will be offered for construction throughout the Village. Building sites will be offered on a first come basis and site size will vary from 6' to 10' frontage.
$8,000 to $10,000

Train Cars/Tracks/Signals

Train Car and Track $25,000

Train Signals (electric) $20,000

Train Signals (non-electric) $17,000

Pedal Cars/Bicycles (SOLD)

Pedal cars and bicycles are a key component to the traffic safety curriculum. Cars and bicycles will be marked with company/organizational name and/or logo.
$100 to $200 each

Street Lighting
Fifteen decorative street lights will be placed throughout the Village.
$500 each

Street Names
Street signs will be customized to the sponsor’s request. Signs can be a company, organization, family name or named after an individual.
$500 each (one per family/donor name)

Classroom Furniture
Tables and chairs are necessary for the classroom. A plaque will be displayed in the classroom recognizing the sponsor.

Tables - $150 each

Chairs - $40 each

Benches

Six benches will be placed throughout the Village.
$1,200 each

Fountain
A decorative fountain, incorporating the Glen Ellyn Park District logo, will be located in the center of the Safety Village. Cost includes purchase and installation of fountain.
$15,000

Fencing
6' high decorative fencing around the site (225 l.f.).
$26,000

Brick Pillar
6' High Brick Pillar (8)
$1,400 each

Landscaping

Shade Trees (12) $425 each

Shrubs (50) $45 each

Perennials (300) $12.00 each

Misc. (1) $5,000

Sod (778 sq. ft.) $3,500

Irrigation System $15,000

Site Excavation

Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$15,000

Paving
Work consists of constructing asphalt roadways, concrete sidewalks, building slabs, and permeable parking lots. Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$42,000

Lake Site Improvement
Install pond system/waterfall/faux culvert. Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$25,000

Site Utilities/Underground
Work consists of installing PVC surface drain basins, PVC piping, two concrete catch basins, and copper water line to fountain and irrigation system, and installation of electrical work. Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$30,000

The estimated Cost construction for this project is $546.652.00, with the funding being provided by donations.

The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 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.

RIFORD ROAD RESIDENTS DISCUSS SUMMER FLOODS

The September 7 Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at approximately 7:00 PM. Village President Mark Pfefferman, Bill Rickert from RHMG (Rezek, Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende, Inc). Several residents of Riford Road and Chidester Street were in attendance

Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo gave the Board an update on the Park District’s Recycling Program. So far the District has recycled 2,000 pounds more than they did at this time last year. They are placing extra recycling containers at the fields and have received a lot of support from the community and athletic groups at the facilities. This is contributing to the success of the recycling program.

Superintendent Scarmardo also discussed plans to install the infrastructure at Maryknoll Park for Safety Village. Safety Village has been a part of the Site Plan at Maryknoll Park since the first Master Plan was developed. This is a project of the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Park District for several years.

Over the last 3 years the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has also donated over $20,000 to the Glen Ellyn Park District Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund enables every child and family in need the same recreational opportunities as everyone else in the community. The Foundation holds an annual fundraiser at Maryknoll Park, Putts for Kids, every June.

The Safety Village Lake Ellyn Boathouse and Bells & Whistles Buildings debuted at the 2009 Fourth of July Parade. This year the Library building debuted at the Parade and the Stacy’s Tavern building is nearing completion. The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has donated $25,000 for the infrastructure – utilities and grading to get this project off the ground and to install the completed buildings. The Site Plan for Maryknoll Park which includes plans for Safety Village is located on the Glen Ellyn Park District website:

http://gepark.org/assets/PDFs/Maryknoll%20Park/Maryknoll%20Development%20Plan.pdf

Commissioner Melissa Creech complained that the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has no authority to build on Park District property and wanted to know when the Board was going to vote on this project.

Board President Ed Hess replied that previous Board’s voted on the Safety Village project, that it has been an ongoing project and goal for over 7 years and that the Parks Foundation is not building anything, the Parks Foundation is raising money and donating funds to build Safety Village. Furthermore, Safety Village was part of the OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisitions and Development) Grant that the Glen Ellyn Park District received from the IDNR (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) in 2006.

Commissioner Julia Nephew expressed fear that children may drown since the plan calls for a replica of Lake Ellyn at Safety Village. Superintendent of Recreation Kathleen Esposito stated that at Safety Village students who are 3-5 years old are escorted on the premises, and that it is fenced and inaccessible when classes are not in session. In any event this same fear has never been expressed regarding Lake Ellyn, Lake Foxcroft, and the ponds at Maryknoll Park, Churchill Park or any other wetland on Park District property.

Commissioner Creech stated that in lieu of Safety Village at Maryknoll Park, she wants a 9 acre Oak Savannah planted instead.

Commissioner Nephew said if Safety Village is not built all at the same time then it will deteriorate and look bad. Commissioner Sandra Minogue stated her support for this ongoing project and asked Nephew to give an example of anything that is deteriorating on Park District property. Nephew promptly replied: the home at Churchill Park. The home on Churchill has been slated for demolition for years, is finally going to be torn down and was the subject of several Glen Ellyn Park Bench articles, most recently in April: Commissioners Vow to Save 1954 Glen Ellyn Architecture. http://theglenellynparkbench.blogspot.com/2010/04/commissioners-vow-to-save-1954-glen.html

Board President Hess concluded discussion of the subject by reminding everyone that Safety Village is not a secret. This has been discussed for 15 years; it is in the Park District 2009-2013 Master Plan that all Commissioners have a copy of. This project has been at numerous Workshop and Regular Board Meetings in the past 16 months and at the Board Retreat Meeting late last summer. In fact, most of the Commissioners and some of their spouses and children rode on the Bells and Whistles Building and Lake Ellyn Boathouse Buildings as part of the 2009 Fourth of July Floats. See photo of David Creech with daughter at the 2009 4th of July Parade.

Superintendent Scarmardo gave an overview of Lake Ellyn regarding July and August flooding events. Lake Ellyn consists of 535 acres of passive storage and holds approximately 16% of the Village of Glen Ellyn’s storm water.

Bill Rickert a hydrologist from RHMG gave an overview of the low flow pipes at Lake Ellyn and how the Lake operates with the valve, restrictor and stop logs. The last engineering study of Lake Ellyn is dated 1991 and the elevation of the lake is 707.5. Rickert also remarked that the July storm event exceeded that of a 100 year event and that the August event was a 50 year event.

Board President Hess asked how long it would take to lower the Lake one foot. Rickert replied that with no flow coming into the Lake 5 ½ to 6 hours.

Joe Sinopoli of the 700 block of Riford stated that with the roadwork improvements being done by the Village over the last 20 years that too much water is being fed into Lake Ellyn and that the Lake cannot handle the additional input.

Jerry Dentinger, also of the 700 block of Riford detailed flooding incidents in July and August, as well as September 2008. Mr. Dentinger stated in July he suffered $50,000 in losses, his check from FEMA barely covered his losses, his patience is wearing thin and that it is obvious to him that the Lake is being managed with 20 year old plans. He is concerned that the plans to manage the Lake have not been updated since the Village has improved the roads. Mr. Dentinger concluded by stating: doing nothing is not an option; you (the Village and the Park District) are all responsible.

Mr. Dentinger also commented on the lack of help he received during this summers rain events. The Park District, Public Works and the Fire Department did not help him. There was no warning and no emergency personnel showed up and no one pumped the water out of his house.

PJ Sinopoli asked is raising the berm would help and stated that sandbags would have helped them if emergency help had been available.

Curt Kabat also of the 700 block of Riford said that in 2008 the Fire Department evacuated his children and they did not do that this time. Neighbors on Chidester asked if the Lake can be kept at a lower level.

Board President Hess thanked Village President Mark Pfefferman for attending. Together the Village and the Park District will work together to seek a solution. In the meantime, as a buffer, the Lake will be lowered one foot until they can find a long term solution. The Riford Road residents will also attend the Village Board Meting on Monday, September 13. Park District personnel and Board President Hess will also attend.

The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 8:59 PM. The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 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.

FINANCIAL REPORTING DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE

The August 17 Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to Order at approximately 7:00 PM. A motion was made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Sandra Minogue to approve the Consent Agenda which included the Treasurers Report and the Voucher List of Bills totaling $338,321.59. The motion to approve the Consent Agenda passed unanimously.

The current Glen Ellyn Park Board Secretary will be retiring by the end of the year. As a result, a new Board Secretary needs to be appointed. Glen Ellyn Park District employee Katherine Wendland was nominated with a motion made by Commissioner Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Melissa Creech. The motion passed unanimously.

The Board and Staff continued their discussion on how they would like to receive Park District financial reports. The Sophomore Board Members are not satisfied with anything, want something different and the Board and Staff are trying to figure out what they would like.

Superintendent of Finance Laurie Wood presented a few examples and asked: what are they are looking for? Is the Board looking to set policy or plan daily operations? Woods quoted American novelist Ellen Glasgow who said: “All change is not growth: all movement is not forward”.

The Glen Ellyn Park District surveyed 60 Park Districts from Waukegan to Urbana as to their reporting to the public. These are the results of the 44 Park Districts responding:

30% have a comprehensive or strategic plan online,
4% have their audit online,
7% (3) publish their monthly Voucher List of Bills online,
9% have their detailed budget online,
1% (4) have a Board Packet online, and
No Park District has their Policy Manual online.

The Glen Ellyn Park District has all of these documents available on the Park District website.

Superintendent Woods also explained sound fiscal management and reporting per standard Government Accounting methods. Woods has previously attempted to explain to those Board members the differences in Balance Sheet accounting and Profit and Loss reporting and how mixing these 2 methods is NOT a standard accounting practice.

Commissioner Creech said she wants a memo notifying her of significant changes in expenses. When asked to define significant, there was no answer.

Commissioner Julia Nephew informed everyone that she watches the national news almost nightly and was impressed with all of those businesses she hears about on the TV who publish quarterly reports. Nephew asked why businesses can publish quarterly reports and the Glen Ellyn Park District cannot. Superintendent Woods explained to Nephew that she receives monthly financial reports – she does not have to wait for a quarterly report. These monthly reports can also be easily accessed by the Public on the Glen Ellyn Park District website.

Commissioner Sandra Minogue stated her satisfaction with current financial reporting and asked why these Commissioners require more and more reports. Minogue stated: “What do you want to do with all of the numbers all of the time and reports, completely feels like micromanaging. We are not going to decide where the money comes from that is the job of Staff; they are supposed to be on top of that”.

Minogue: “We are supposed to be here to set policy and to look at the big picture of the Park District; I do not understand the need for all of these numbers. This whole thing about being more transparent and getting more info out to the public I am all for it.”

Minogue: “I don’t see this room full of people concerned about us doing something incorrectly so I assume we must be doing things right.” With that Minogue glanced at the room, void of anyone except for a lone blogger and 2 Park District Vendors who appeared to be awaiting their turn in Executive Session. Minogue concluded her remarks with, “Why do we need all of this, what is the benefit of all of this?”

Nephew: “One example would be Platform Tennis coming forward and want to spend something like $100,000 and $200,000 on a new facility and they would like it to start in the fall before the next annual budget year”.

Nephew: “We would have to look at the numbers and decide if we could afford it, and if the Board Members don’t have an understanding of those numbers, then we cannot make an informed decision. If someone is happy to be confused about that than they can continue, but if someone would like to know and make a decision on correct info than why not do it?”

Nephew: “Otherwise we are only relying on what Staff says, and voting how Staff would want us to vote, instead of making our own decision based on the numbers”.

Minogue: “Oh, that’s what we are looking for here, for only relying on what Staff would give us?”

Nephew: “Is that what we should do? Just rely on what Staff would give us?”

Minogue: “So you don’t believe what you are getting from Staff?”

Nephew would not respond to Minogue’s inquiry.

Board President Ed Hess commented that the Board would not make decisions such as Nephew’s Platform Tennis proposal based solely on the fund balances. Hess remarked that Staff would most likely include options regarding bonds, perhaps interest free loans or even grants. Decisions like this are never based solely on fund balances; it is Staff’s responsibility to present available options to the Board.

Commissioner Bill Dallman stated that he would like to see how other Park Districts report their financial data before determining if changes should be made. Otherwise he has been satisfied with the data provided. Board President Ed Hess reminded all that any additional information financial information should be useful, and utilize proper accounting procedures.

Nephew asked: “Now I have a question about the Consent Agenda and since these two reports come under the Consent Agenda what exactly is that we are doing when we vote yes on the Treasurers Report and Voucher List, are we saying we approve of it? Are we saying we looked through it and we see no problems, Laurie (Woods) do you know officially?”

Superintendent of Finance Laurie Woods: “You’re approving it”.

The Consent Agenda usually contains the Voucher List of Bills. Every Agenda published by the Glen Ellyn Park District states:

Consent Agenda: All items are included in the Consent Agenda by the Board and will be enacted in one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Board Member so requests, in which event the items will be removed from the Consent Agenda.

The Treasurer’s Report, Voucher List of Bills and Pay Requests are almost always placed on the Consent Agenda. The Agenda is placed in the Board Packet for the Commissioners to review in advance of Board Meetings. The Board Packet is always placed online prior to the meetings for the Public to review.

During Matters from Commissioners Board Chairman Ed Hess referred to the recent heavy rains and flooding near Lake Ellyn. Hess suggested inviting the Village to address the Board regarding their ongoing efforts at flood control at Lake Ellyn and Duchon Field.

After Matters from Staff and Commissioners the meeting adjourned into Executive Session at approximately 8:10 PM. The next Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7, 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.

SAFETY VILLAGE LIBRARY BUILDING DEBUTS AT PARADE

The Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at approximately 7:00PM on Tuesday, July 20. Commissioners Ron Aubrey, Melissa Creech, Bill Dallman, Ed Hess and Sandra Minogue were in attendance. Also present were several program participants from WDSRA (Western DuPage Special Recreation Association) and their parents.

The Consent Agenda including the Treasurers Report and the Voucher List of Bills totaling $580,632.67 passed unanimously with a motion made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Melissa Creech.

Jackie Salemi, Program Coordinator at WDSRA for the Windy City Warriors Wheelchair Basketball team introduced the team members present. The Warriors have won 3 Illinois High School championships in the wheelchair basketball division in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Their latest win this year enabled the team to receive their 5th IHSA title and with that the Warriors advanced to Nationals. The Windy City Warriors stepped up to the Varsity Level and are currently ranked 13th in the Nation. The first ever state championship for wheelchair basketball was in 2004.

Ms. Salemi from WDSRA thanked the Glen Ellyn Park District for their support, and for the use of the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center. Salemi remarked that the Ackerman facility is a huge asset enabling the team to have a home location. The Windy City Warriors received a proclamation from the Board recognizing their achievements and Board President Ed Hess acknowledged them as the “premiere wheelchair basketball team in the State”.

Dave Scarmardo. Superintendent of Parks gave an update regarding the St. Charles Road Pumping Station Project at Ackerman Park; the project came to a standstill during the Local 150 Laborers strike. Originally scheduled to be completed in December, the project was already behind schedule. The Village of Glen Ellyn is coordinating this project along with the Glenbard Wastewater Treatment Facility.

According to the Local 150 website: http://www.local150.org/Pages/Home.aspx

July 21-Approximately two thousand members came to the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont tonight and unanimously ratified the tentative agreements between Local 150 and MARBA, CAICA, and the Contractor Association of Will Grundy and Kankakee Counties. This ratification officially ended the strike, which began on July 1.

Superintendent Scarmardo also informed the Board that the project will most likely impede traffic flow during the October Fall Soccer Classic at Ackerman Park. Scarmardo will be meeting with the Village and all other parties closer to the event in order to seek the best possible traffic solutions due to the construction delays.

Scarmardo also reviewed the 2nd and final pay request for the Virginia Graeme Baker renovations at Sunset Park for $23,495.40. Budgeted at $75,000, the total amount spent for the project was $68,499. With a motion made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Sandra Minogue, the motion passed unanimously.

The Board had a preliminary discussion of Financial Reporting at the request of Commissioners Kinzler and Creech. Kinzler previously requested that the Glen Ellyn Park District financial reports be provided to him on Quicken since that is what his office staff utilizes. Kinzler previously commented that his office staff summarizes the financial reports for his convenience. Superintendent of Finance Laurie Woods stated that she is required by law to account for 13 Park District funds separately with more than 1,000 account numbers. Quicken is not a part of that reporting process; the Voucher List of bills process utilizes Excel and is downloaded from a UNIX operating system.

Commissioner Creech did not fully articulate what she wants in these reports that she is not currently receiving from Staff but she did use the word “transparency” several times and in rapid succession. Creech pronounced in the course of her “transparency” discussion that she in no way thinks that the Glen Ellyn Park District is doing anything illegal; she just wants different reporting data. This will no doubt lead to several discussions defining what the Board’s responsibility is; what is Staff’s responsibility, and is it micromanaging.

This discussion is reminiscent of a discussion on the Glen Ellyn Bulletin Board and a very eloquent response by Mr. Ted Eselgroth on August 2, 2009 when asked what the Board’s job is. Mr. Eselgroth responded:

“This is not an opinion, but a fact of Illinois and Federal law:

’A publicly elected board of a tax-supported non-profit organization has only a few basic responsibilities.

• ‘To create (and update as needed) the institution's bylaws and, if applicable, mission statement (both ideally short, simple and generic... just enough to satisfy the tax-exempt requirements for the category it is in).
• Hire the Manager (Executive Director, or whatever he or she may be called) and get out their way.
• Review, question, adjust if necessary and approve the proposed annual budget.
• Most important: Review expenditures periodically like a hawk. Keep the Manager and staff honest. Review and approve proposed changes to the budget that may be required throughout the year.
• Take the point on fund-raising efforts that fall outside of normal operations, i.e. a ten-year capital improvement plan.

‘Approving expenditures on a line-item basis that are within the budgeted amount is generally not a board's responsibility. If, for example, there is an approved category for “Communications Equipment” in the amount of $30,000, the actual under-budget purchase is the Manager's call, after usually considering staff (but rarely board) input. The board, of course, may impose an overall per-item limit, e.g. “Any individual expenditure exceeding $10,000 must have prior board approval.”

’If a majority of the board has a problem with the way the Manager is spending money and/or otherwise running things, they can always discuss it with the Manager and take whatever action they deem necessary. A wise Manager will tell the board ahead of time about plans that might cause a philosophical problem even if they're on-budget. (Although strong Managers tend to operate on the, “It is better to seek forgiveness than permission” principle).

’Most new amateur board members believe that their job will be to “run” the organization. Not really. Their primary responsibility — as representatives of the taxpaying public — is to watch the dollars. If the dollars are being spent as defined by the budget they approved, the board has little, if any. “managing” to do.

’A board can always vote itself more day-to-day responsibilities, of course... but the more it does that, the harder it becomes to attract and retain good professionals.

’Don't argue with me regarding the above; I'm just the messenger. And don't bother pointing out that's not the way it's done in Chicago, Cook County or Springfield. I know. This is simply the way it's supposed to work.

’We can all have a good laugh now and return to reality.”

During Matters from Commissioners Ron Aubrey, Bill Dallman and Sandy Minogue thanked Staff for making the Glen Ellyn Fourth of July Festivities such as the Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Freedom Four run, their assistance with the Parade and the Fireworks at Lake Ellyn Park a huge hit.

Commissioner Ed Hess commented that groundbreaking occurred at Memorial Field for artificial turf. Commissioner Ron Aubrey commented on the impressive number of Glen Ellyn Park District website hits.

Commissioner Aubrey also stated that they are moving ahead with plans for Phase I of Safety Village at Maryknoll Park. The Library Building was completed in late June and was pulled by the Library at the 4th of July Parade which a sign reading: GLEN ELLYN LIBRARY SUPPORTS THE GLEN ELLYN PARK DISTRICT SAFETY VILLAGE PROJECT.

According to Commissioner Aubrey the Civic Center and Stacey’s Tavern Buildings are nearing completion. The Park District is also seeking grant revenue for additional Safety Village funding.

During the 4th of July weekend Commissioner Bill Dallman volunteered at the Freedom Four Run while Commissioners Ed Hess and Ron Aubrey volunteered at the Cardboard Boat Regatta.

The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at approximately 8:44 PM. The next Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District is scheduled for Tuesday, August 3, 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.

HOW PARK BOARD COMMISSIONERS CELEBRATED THE 4th of JULY

The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners chose to celebrate the Fourth of July Festivities in a myriad of ways.

Park Board President Ed Hess and Commissioner Ron Aubrey volunteered at Lake Ellyn on July 3 for the Cardboard Boat Regatta. On July 4 at 6:00AM, Commissioner Bill Dallman and former Commissioner Jeff Jourdan volunteered at the Freedom Four Run around Lake Ellyn.

Commissioners Melissa Creech and Julia Nephew bypassed these traditional and time honored Glen Ellyn Park District events and instead chose to march behind the DuPage Democrat Party float, behind signage declaring the Democrat Party of DuPage County, the NEW majority party, as well as Turn DuPage Blue, while displaying signage for Erik Bergman, aka Mr. Julia Nephew and the Democrat Party Nominee for District 4 Forest Preserve Commissioner.

GLEN ELLYN PARK DISTRICT EXERCISES DUE DILIGENCE AT POOL

The June 15 Board of Directors Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was Called to Order at approximately 7:00 PM. Among those in attendance included the Daily Herald, Glen Ellyn News, Bob Cornwell, Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, and an Observer from the Glen Ellyn League of Women Voters.

The Consent Agenda which included the Finance Report, a Voucher List of Bills totaling $644,572.32 along with all April and May Meeting Minutes was passed unanimously with a motion made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Melissa Creech.

During Public Participation Bob Cornwell, newly appointed to the Village of Glen Ellyn Recreation Committee and with the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation invited everyone to the June 18 Putts for Kids Fundraiser at Maryknoll Park. Over the last 3 years the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has donated over $20,000 to the Glen Ellyn Park District Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund enables every child and family in need the same recreational opportunities as everyone else in the community.

Mr. Ron Amen of Lauterbach & Amen, LLP presented the results of the Annual Audit for fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. In his report Mr. Amen stated that due to the excellent financial reporting of the Glen Ellyn Park District, they will once again be considered for a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United Stated and Canada. This Certificated was previously awarded to the Glen Ellyn Park District on December 31, 2008.

Mr. Amen gave a detailed overview of the Audit and the Audit process. Included in Mr. Amen’s remarks were: All Government bodies are required by law to have an annual, independent audit; the process for this audit began in March, to ensure all financial paperwork for 2009 was received; and test controls are set up at that time to assess receivables, dispersibles and payroll.

During Mr. Amen’s recap he mentioned that the Glen Ellyn Park District utilizes a cash basis for accounting, which is typical. The Audit though uses an accrual method of accounting which can be somewhat confusing; Most of the questions and misconceptions during the Board discussions were as a result of the differences of those two reporting methods.

Included with the Audit was the Gross Debt for the Glen Ellyn Park District of $17,445,000. Other Governmental Unit’s debt which overlap with the Glen Ellyn Park District include:

Grade School District 41 $17,475,282
Village of Glen Ellyn $16,184,438

After further discussion a motion was made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Ron Aubrey to accept the Audit Report. The motion passed unanimously.

Park District Executive Director Cory Atwell presented the Prevailing Wage Ordinance. Every June the Glen Ellyn Park District is required by the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Labor to pass this Ordinance. Included is a schedule of labor rates, these records are kept on file for three years. A motion was made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Melissa Creech to pass this Ordinance. The motion passed unanimously.

Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo presented Pay Request #17 for construction costs related to the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center for $270,480.94. A motion was made by Commissioner Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Aubrey. The motion passed unanimously.

Superintendent Scarmardo presented Pay Request #1 for construction costs related to the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) updates at Sunset Pool in the amount of $45,003.60. The Virginia Graeme Baker Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2007 and established that all public swimming pools have anti-entrapment drains and/or devices installed. This is an American federal law.

This law is the result of the 2002 drowning death of seven year old Virginia Graeme Baker, the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker. Virginia was trapped against the bottom drain of a hot tub and held there until she drowned. The suction created by the hot tub’s motor was so great that it required the efforts of two men to free her from the pool bottom.

All Public pool operators must comply with this Act. The Virginia Graeme Baker Act goals are: to enhance the safety of public and private pools and spas, to reduce drownings, to reduce the number of suction entrapment incidents, injuries and deaths; and to educate the public on the constant supervision of children in and around water. All public pools and spas, both new and existing are to be equipped with drain covers compliant with ASME/ANSI A 112.19.8. 2001 standard.

This spring the State of Illinois had three employees reviewing VGB permit applications for every public swimming pool in Illinois. Director Atwell thanked State Representative Sandra Pihos for her assistance in expediting the Glen Ellyn Park District’s application.

During Memorial Day weekend approximately 600 Glen Ellyn residents utilized the Lombard Park District pool while approximately 75 residents used the Butterfield Park District facility. This was due to the delay in the State issuing permits and the length of time the concrete needed to cure – seven days. It became apparent that several Illinois Park Districts chose NOT to be in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act restorations at their pools this season and that the Glen Ellyn Park District exercised due diligence given the short time frame given by the State.

The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at approximately 9:10 PM. The next Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20, 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.

WDSRA’S REC & ROLL A HUGE HIT AT ACKERMAN

The May Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at approximately 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 18. Among those in attendance were the Daily Herald and Ralph Hinkle and Ethel Lynch from Milton Township CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team).

The Consent Agenda including the Finance Report, a Voucher list of Bills totaling $303.131.76, March Meeting Minutes and a Capital Fund Transfer of approximately $75,000 was approved unanimously with a motion made by Commissioner Sandy Minogue and seconded by Commissioner Melissa Creech.

Jane Hodgkinson, Executive Director of WDSRA (Western DuPage Special Recreation Association) gave a presentation to the Board with an overview and summary of the Glen Ellyn Park District’s participation. According to Ms. Hodgkinson, WDSRA was founded in 1976. The Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Naperville and West Chicago Park Districts were the founding members. WDSRA is the second largest Special Recreation Association in the State of Illinois. WDSRA is also the first to receive accreditation from the State.

Ms. Hodgkinson congratulated the Glen Ellyn Park District for being a Gold Medal nominee from the National Park & Recreation Association, WDSRA has been a Gold Medal award winner in their category twice before.

The WDSRA Windy City Warriors Wheelchair Basketball Team has had six of their members receive Wheelchair Basketball Scholarships. Commissioner Sandy Minogue commented that she never realized how much the Program Participants and their families value these programs until she attended a WDSRA event and met the Participants and families.

The WDSRA Day “Rec & Roll” Program serves adult developmentally delayed participants and utilizes the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Rec & Roll fills an important void since there is a shortage of programs for the developmentally delayed after High School. In referencing the WDSRA use of the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center Hodgkinson stated: “This is an incredible opportunity you’ve made available to the people of Glen Ellyn”.

During Matters from Staff Glen Ellyn Park District Executive Director Cory Atwell provided an update on the Virginia Graeme Baker Act mandated updates at Sunset Pool. After receiving the necessary permits from the State, the work started on Monday, (May 17). The piping was to be done the following day and with the concrete requiring 7 days to cure, the work is on schedule. For more information on the Virginia Graeme Baker Act renovations at Sunset Pool, please refer to The Glen Ellyn Park Bench article from March 25, 2010: “Park Passes Pool Renovations”.

Regarding the roof leak at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, Staff met with PBS (Professional Building Services), Ollmann Ernest, T.A. Bowman, ABC Manufacturing and Division 7. T.A. Bowman and ABC are currently meeting and discussing remedies that will be long term. ABC provided the steel, Bowman was the roofer and Division 7 will be coordinating with all parties on an appropriate resolution to this issue.

During Matters from Commissioners Commissioner Melissa Creech inquired if there was a cost to produce a video for submission as a Gold Medal nominee for the National Park & Recreation award. Director Atwell stated the cost would be approximately $5,000. Commissioner Creech complained about the cost associated with the video. Director Atwell responded they have been approached by members of the community to help financially sponsor the video. Commissioner Jay Kinzler wanted to know why anyone would want to sponsor the Glen Ellyn Park District. Atwell responded there are those in Glen Ellyn who recognize that the Gold Medal nomination is good public relations for the community, that the award is well known and prestigious in Illinois and that the donors would like their name associated with this endeavor.

Ralph Hinkle, from Milton Township CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) introduced himself and thanked the Board for past involvement. Hinkle will be meeting with Staff in the future to propose a youth initiative between CERT and the Glen Ellyn Park District.

The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 7:36 PM. The next Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1, 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.

BOARD THANKS DISTRICT VOLUNTEERS

The May Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at approximately 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 4. Commissioners Ron Aubrey, Bill Dallman, Jay Kinzler, Julia Nephew, Sandy Minogue and Board Chairman Ed Hess were in attendance.

Two Glen Ellyn Park District residents received Volunteer Recognition from the Board. Glen Ellyn resident Lillian Haugland also received the Glen Ellyn Senior Citizen of the Year award. Lillian has been a volunteer at the Park District over the past 23 years. In receiving her award Lillian expressed her gratitude to the Park District for the Garden Plots at Village Green Park. Mr. & Mrs. Haugland donate the produce they grow to the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry.

Glen Ellyn Park District resident, vendor and Earthwerks owner Dan Davies was recognized for his donation of a concrete block retaining wall and stairs at the Ackerman Park playground. The cost of materials and labor for this improvement to the Park are valued at $4,800. Mr. Davies has donated other materials and labor in the past to the Park District.

David Phillips, Senior Vice President of Speer Financial approached the Board with the results of an opportunity to refund the bonds at Maryknoll Park. The results of the bid process did not meet Mr. Phillips expectations and as a result he will continue to seek other opportunities to reduce the District’s Bond obligation.

Superintendent of Recreation Kathleen Esposito announced that the Glen Ellyn Park District is finalist for the Gold Medal Program for the National Recreation and Park Association. The Park District is required to submit a 12 minute video highlighting their recent accomplishments. Included will be the Cardboard Boat Regatta, the Madonnari festival, the Splash Pad Grand Opening at Maryknoll Park, the re-dedication of Village Green Park, the re-Grand Opening of Main Street Recreation Center and the Grand Opening festivities of the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center.

Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo requested a Capital Fund Transfer. Approximately $75,000 in Capital Funds were set aside in the event that the District was awarded a state grant for Churchill Park. Since the District was not awarded the Grant, Scarmardo requested that some of these funds be diverted for improvements to the playground at Ackerman Park for this fiscal year. The Board will vote on this at the May 18 General Board Meeting.

During Matters from Commissioners Bill Dallman thanked Staff for the success of the Glenbard West Post Prom Party at the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center. Commissioner Dallman stated there were 440 students in attendance, 50 volunteers and the entire facility was in use.

The Post Prom Party led to a discussion of the continued need for field space at West and the explosive growth of some sports. Commissioner Ron Aubrey used Lacrosse as an example. In 2004 Lacrosse started as a club sport. Glenbard West started a team the following year with 45 participants and by 2006 there were 90. Today there are Freshman A & B Teams, Varsity and Junior Varsity Teams. Glenbard West is renting the turfed field at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center for Lacrosse practice.

Commissioner Aubrey also announced that he and Staff met with Metra. Metra promised better communication and they presented the Park District a check for $2,500. This was due to the Holiday mix-up with the Park District sponsored Polar Express event last winter. Aubrey also thanked Staff and his fellow Board members for the time and effort with the turf proposal for Memorial Field. The District 87 Board voted to approve the Park District Intergovernmental Agreement by a 4-3 vote.

Board Chairman Ed Hess thanked Staff for their hard work in becoming a Gold Medal finalist. He further remarked that he is proud of the Glen Ellyn Park District’s accomplishments and their continued recognition by their peers.

The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 7:57 PM. The next Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18, 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.

BOARD DISCUSSES ARCHIVING DISTRICT DOCUMENTS

The April Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to Order at approximately 7:00 PM on Tuesday April 20. Among those in attendance included Mary Lou Lowry, an Observer from the Glen Ellyn League of Women Voters.

The Consent Agenda including the Voucher List of Bills totaling $660,123.39; Pay Request #16 for construction costs related to the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center totaling $153,659.84; and the demolition of a home at 920 Lenox Road passed unanimously with a motion made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Melissa Creech.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Sandra Minogue to raze the dilapidated and boarded up home at Churchill Park.

Many Commissioners support building a Nature Center at Churchill Park to be utilized by District 41, District 89 and others in order to foster a lifetime stewardship of our natural resources for future generations. Commissioner Julia Nephew said she will vote against razing this home since she is against a Nature Center and said it is silly to teach children about the outdoors inside. A vocal opponent of teaching outdoor education at a Nature Cente at Churchill Park, Nephew did not offer alternative plans to protect schoolchildren from the sometimes harsh and unpredictable Northern Illinois climate and the occasional need to shelter schoolchildren from the elements if the majority of the Board determines that they still support Nature/Outdoor Education at Churchill Park. Please refer to the June 23, 2009 article in The Glen Ellyn Park Bench: “Outdoor Education Wins Big With Majority of Park Board”.

Commissioner Melissa Creech, who previously stated it was more responsible to renovate the building, in spite of a preponderance of information presented that it was cost prohibitive, instead merely stated that she would prefer to leave this issue for future boards to decide, with no explanation given as to why.

Commissioner Ron Aubrey presented his notes indicating that previous Boards have already voted on this in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and that it was a priority at the Board Retreat Meeting in October 2009. Commissioner Dallman stated that he originally wanted to save the home but the cost analysis indicated that it is not practical and that it is a safety hazard. Board President Ed Hess stated his concerns with regards to the Park District keeping a known safety hazard.

Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo remarked that the timeline of events regarding the Village of Glen Ellyn and the demolition is somewhat lengthy. The Village permitting process requires that the well be filled & capped, the septic tank crushed & filled and all of the utilities shut off. There is a 30 day wait after all of the paperwork is approved and the neighbors are notified of the time and date of the demolition.

The Board voted 5-2 to raze the home at Churchill Park, Commissioners Dallman, Minogue, Jay Kinzler, Aubrey and Hess voted yes. Commissioners Nephew & Creech voted no.

While discussing the April Executive Summary of the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), Executive Director Cory Atwell indicated that WDSRA has been very happy with their association with the Glen Ellyn Park District and especially with the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center. Furthermore WDSRA is using their agreement with the Glen Ellyn Park District as a model for usage at other Park District member facilities within DuPage County. The WDSRA Windy Cindy Warriors wheelchair basketball team attended Nationals in April.

During Matters from Commissioners Commissioner Dallman mentioned that Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center will be the sight of the Glenbard West Post Prom Party and they are in need of additional volunteers.

Commissioner Aubrey met with the Glen Ellyn Historical Society, the Glen Ellyn Library, the Rotary Club and the Kiwanis regarding with the Glen Ellyn Park District working on a joint venture regarding the preservation of historical documents for these Glen Ellyn entities.

Regarding the roof at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, Park District Staff will be meeting with a consultant and will have a preliminary report at the next meeting. Depending on the consultant’s report, this information may need to be discussed in Executive Session.

The Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:42 PM. The next Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4, 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.