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.