Peoria Standard

Chillicothe Park District Board met April 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 am by President Williamson

Board Members Present: Gary Craig, Kyle Kinnary, Carol Masek, Jeff Nudd, Shane Placher, Ben Tiller, Wes Williamson

Staff Present: Director Yates, Treasurer Van Ostrand, Secretary Highfill, Attorney Mahoney

Guests Present: Don Connor, Mike Connor, Trish Westerman- Connor, Joyce Hughes, Michael Hughes, Steve Maurer, Jacob VanBruwaene

Review of Minutes: Minutes of March 2017 meeting were reviewed.

Motion to approve was made by Trustee Tiller and seconded by Trustee Kinnary.

Result: Ayes: 6; Nays: 0

Motion Approved

Review of Bills: Summary of bills for March and April 2017 was reviewed, including additional bills.

Motion to approve as presented was made by Trustee Masek and seconded by Trustee Placher.

Result: Ayes: 5; Nays: 1

Motion Approved

Financial Report: Sharon stated preparation of 2017/2018 budget with Director for Finance Committee review has been started. Kevin stated a new line item of Project Fund has been added and concession stand improvements and more pool activities should bring in more revenue. The Levy is 17% lower, as planned, and the security statute has been amended so the Police Fund might need to be changed to Museum Fund, allowing the budgeted line item amount to stay the same.

Motion to approve financial report as presented was made by Trustee Craig and seconded by Trustee Nudd.

Result: Ayes: 6; Nays: 0

Motion Approved

Old Business: StoneWater Park completion date requested from construction company, as tentative Grand Opening/ Earth Day event with Hickory Grove School science class to plant a butterfly garden on 4/20 might have to be postponed.

Director's Report: Summer and Maintenance staff has been hired, with a larger staff base but the same number of scheduled work hours. Discussion was held on pool closing date, with attendance numbers report requested in order to make determination. Kory is now a certified pool operator and all parks and restrooms are open. Kevin attended meeting of Peoria Enterprise Zones, being city, county and urban zones, with organizers proposing property taxes free for the 1st year and 50% for the next 2 years on new construction and no sales tax on qualified renovation materials. Each taxing body has to approve, which he recommends. IAPD stated legislative bills for term limits and proposed user fees have not been passed and other bills have been changed for background checks on volunteers, minimum wage increments and property tax freeze. The rental satisfaction survey can be completed by email and positive feedback on the Spring brochure has been received. A preliminary meeting with Mayor White for collaboration of walking/biking trails and setting up points of interest, including schools, was held. The Jack Hammer Award will be presented to Bradley SERVE at the 4/22 Coal Hollow Park volunteer day. The volunteer network, including IL Conservation Group and Audubon, which had 500 volunteer hours last year, will be completing trails this year. IDOT and Peoria County are working to take out stumps. Mike Contratto will attend the June or July Board meeting, with a Parks Committee meeting to be held this month.

Citizen Request: Steve Maurer stated the CPD is not compliant with the Open Meetings Act and requests an 8 am meeting start time; he thinks Police Fund in the Tax Levy is for protection by police officers and agrees with Museum Fund instead of Police Fund; and requests the Executive Session decision to be made after the new Board is seated. Councilman Michael Hughes requests that CPD cooperate with the City in regards to sharing Bobcat equipment and the Open Meetings Act be addressed. CPD Director Yates stated that the agenda posting procedures are in compliance. Trish Westerman- Connor, also on the City Council, understands the pool budget dilemma; gives kudos to Kevin and Kory for on-line summer jobs application; agrees that Mike Contratto and maintenance worker Myron are great assets; and stated that IVC Leadership students want to help with beautification efforts. Jacob VanBruwaene requested the lease duration of the Bobcat, which is 3 years.

Executive Session: Motion to adjourn to Executive Session was made by Trustee Nudd and seconded by Trustee Placher.

Result: Ayes: 6; Nays: 0

Motion Approved

Executive Session held and closed at 9:35, with no action taken.

Adjournment: President Williamson adjourned meeting at 9:35 am

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-5fqvaJpGgKUlFzWjFOOVltMzA