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Friday, April 26, 2024

Peoria Park District Board met December 13.

Meeting 05

Peoria Park District Board met December 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

President Cassidy presided and called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

Roll Call:

Trustees Present: Trustees Harant, Johnson, Petty, Ryan, Snowden, Vice President Rayford and President Cassidy.

Trustees absent: None.

Staff Present: Executive Director Cahill, Deputy Director Wheeler, Attorney Streeter, Attorney Snodgrass, Jan Budzynski, Chief Bush, Becky Fredrickson, Matt Freeman, Shalesse Pie, Nick Conrad, Scott Loftus, Mike Miller, Trish Blattenberger, Mike Friberg, Rebecca Herz, J.D. Russell, Yvonne Strode, Brenda O'Russa, Joe Atkinson, Karrie Ross, Corinna Martinez, Chris Barron, Jimmy Dunne, J.P. McGreal, Sue Wheeler, Katie VanCleve, Madison Watson, Billie McKenzie, Jonelle McCloud, Steve Montez, Donna Day, Melinda Huett, Nick McDuffee, Wal Marek, Doug Silberer, Kristy Shoemaker, Emma Lawson, Meredith Deverman, Erich Zimmerman, Jacob Kuban, Bob Streitmatter, Tom Miller, Meg Boyich, Aimee McLaughlin, Earl Swanson, Willie Howe, and Taylor Moore.

Press Present: H Wayne Wilson, WCBU-FM; Steve Tarter, Peoria Journal Star; Lauren Melendez, Week-TV

Others Present: Eileen and Doug Leunig, 9115 Picture Ridge, Peoria; Lisa Fisher, 1329 E. Hillcrest Place, Peoria; Casey Schmidt, 9138 Pine Tree Drive, Peoria; Emily Cotton, Cyd and Bill Henrickson, Bethany Mader, Cyd's Gourmet Kitchen; Candy Hummel and Ryan Shafer, 1137 Cedar Ct., Chillicothe; Eric Mattson, 133 W. South Bay Drive, Chillicothe; Mark and Maggie Misselhorn, 829 E. High Point Terrace, Peoria; Dan Williamson, 1018 E. Monetta Avenue, Peoria Heights; and Steve and Linda Fairbanks, 111ONE Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria.

Pledge Of allegiance: All stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

President Cassidy announced the appointment of incoming Secretary of the Board, Carley Allensworth. Board Secretary Joyce McLemore administered the Oath of Office to Carley Allensworth.

President Cassidy presented Resolution #135-4 to Joyce McLemore in appreciation and thanks for her years of service to the Peoria Park District,

Minutes:

Trustee Snowden Mowed To Approve The Amended Minutes For Rescheduled Regular Park Board Meeting Held December 6, 2017. Motion seconded by Vice President Rayford and carried on unanimous voice wote. (Results: 7 Ayes; 0 Nays) Vice President Ray Foro Mowed To Approve The Release Of Closed Session Minutes Of June 14, 2017, June 28, 2017, And November 15, 2017 (1 OF 2). Motion seconded by Trustee Johnson and carried on unanimous voice vote. (Results: 7 Ayes; 0. Nays)

Executive Director Report: Executive Director update report was presented for December 5, 2017.

Parks Division: Superintendent Freeman presented the November 2017 report.

Finance Committee: Chairman Snowden Reported The Finance Committee Had Examined The Bills And Moved That The President And Secretary Be Authorized To Issue Orders On The Treasurer For The Several Amounts:

Peoria Park District Thursday, December 7, 2017

General 335,396.76

Recreation 123,628.70

Liability 55.25

Museum 2,351.60

Police 2,659.27

Bonded Projects 1,798,928.84

Bond Interest 5,222,759.17

Paving & Lighting 100.47

Riverfront Events 11157.37

Detweiller Marina 507.54

Golf 29,697.84

Hisra 7,071.28

Rwerplex 29,354.55

Total Payables $7,563,668.75

Motion seconded by Vice President Rayford and carried on unanimous voice vote. (Results: 7 Ayes; 0 Nays)

Riverfront Program & Policy Advisory Committee: Trustee Johnson presented minutes of the September 26, 2017. meeting.

Golf Ad Hoc Committee: Trustee Petty presented minutes of the December 4, 2017 meeting.

New Business: Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Peoria

With staff recommendation, Trustee Snowden Moved To Approve The intergovernmental Agreement Between The City Of Peoria And The Peoria Park District Regarding The Rezoning Of The Donovan Clubhouse. Motion seconded by Trustee Johnson and carried on unanimous voice vote. (Results: 7 Ayes; 0 Nays)

Approval of Resolution #135-5 Authorizing lease of Real Property

Executive Director Cahill stated that staff is excited about the opportunity to work with Cyd's Gourmet Kitchen. She also stated that, outside of the terms of this lease, Cyd's will be required to adhere to all park ordinances and that the Board would keep the authority to handle any requests to deviate from park rules.

President Cassidy opened the floor to public comment, with no one stepping forward.

Trustee Rayford asked staff who would be responsible for making sure that the Lease was adhered to by Cyd's. Executive Director Cahill stated that it would be a group effort with superintendents of each division of the District covering their respective functions.

Trustee Harant stated that she attended the neighborhood meeting regarding the Cyd's move into the old Donovan Clubhouse and wanted to thank the members of the public who came to that meeting and spoke out about their concerns. She also wanted to make it clear that we heard those comments and took them into consideration when preparing this agreement. She added that she thinks this agreement with Cyd's will bring more people to Donovan Park and that it is a win-win for all parties involved.

Trustee Harant asked for confirmation that the District will have no responsibility regarding the debt incurred throughout the renovation process. Attorney Streeter confirmed that the District would not be responsible for any of the debt associated with the renovations.

President Cassidy stated that he believes there will be great synergy between CYD'S and the District throughout the remainder of this process and in the future.

With staff recommendation, Trustee Ryan Moved To Approve resolution #135-5 Authorizing lease Of Real Property To CYD'S Sendsational LTD. Motion seconded by Trustee Johnson and carried on unanimous voice Vote. (Results: 7 Ayes; 0 Nays)

Approval of Administrative and Operational Support Services - Peoria Park District Foundation

Trustee Petty asked if there were any changes in this agreement from the 2017 version. Staff stated the only changes were to update the dates of the agreement.

With staff recommendation, Trustee Snowden Moved To Approve The Administrative And Operational Support Services Agreement With The Peoria Park District Foundation. Motion seconded by Vice President Rayford. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. (Results: 7 Ayes; ONays)

Approval of Proposed Budget FY 2018

President Cassidy opened the floor to the public for comments. Lisa Fisher, an

East Bluff Resident addressed the Board asking them not to approve the elimination of the 3" of July fireworks at Glen Oak Park. She expressed concern because she believes this event brings people out into the neighborhood who do not otherwise socialize with their neighbors. She acknowledged that there are alternative options to view fireworks, specifically the Red, White and Boom fireworks show, but stated that some people in the East Bluff do not have a way to get downtown for that show. She also stated that this is a free event to people who cannot otherwise afford to use some of the Park District services throughout the year.

Steve Fairbanks addressed the Board asking them not to approve the elimination of the 3" of July fireworks at Glen Oak Park. He stated that he lives on Glen Oak Avenue and believes this is a great community event for people who are not able to, or do not want to, go downtown for fireworks. He added that the East Bluff neighborhood is at a tipping point and events like the 3' of July fireworks are what keep the neighborhood going.

President Cassidy stated that eliminating these fireworks is concerning to him because it is different than closing a facility because usage has declined. He asked staff what the option would be if the Board wanted to keep the fireworks in the budget. Executive Director Cahill stated that, with Board direction, staff could show the expense and corresponding revenue from the event and work with the community to raise the funds to pay for the costs of the fireworks show, She added that staff understands the value of the fireworks but that the true cost of this event is more than just the cost of the fireworks. Ms. Cahill stated that staff wants to highlight all aspects of Glen Oak Park and celebrate the East Bluff in a different way.

Trustee Johnson stated that the elimination of the 3" of July fireworks is an issue he cannot support. He stated his constituents have approached him explaining they do not want to go downtown to watch the fireworks. He added that he believes we need to think about our neighborhoods and what events like these fireworks mean to them. Trustee Johnson asked how the Board would vote on the budget without eliminating the fireworks. Executive Director Cahill stated that there would have to be a motion to amend the budget to recognize the costs and revenue needed to cover the costs of the fireworks with the understanding that the Park District and the community will have to work together to raise funds to cover the event.

Trustee Johnson Moved To Amend The Budget. Motion seconded by Trustee Petty.

Trustee Rayford stated that he was also unsure about the elimination of the 3" of July fireworks event. He stated that this event is one way that the community directly benefits from the Park District, that it is a wonderful event, and that he wants to work with staff to keep it in the budget. He further stated that the District can work with the people of the East Bluff to keep the fireworks because the residents do a lot of things to make sure the community does not tip in the wrong direction,

Trustee Harant suggested the District expand the interaction with the Community members to think through how everyone could work together to plan the 3" of July celebration at Glen Oak Park.

Trustee Ryan Mowed To Approve The FY 2018 Budget With The Amendment That The 3' Of July Fireworks Will Stay In The Budget. Motion seconded by Trustee Petty and carried on the following roll call vote: Trustees Harant, Johnson, Petty, Ryan, Snowden, Vice President Rayford and President Cassidy. (Results: 7 Ayes; O Nays)

Approval of 2018 Golf Fees and Passes

Deputy Director Brent Wheeler stated that staff recommends two different plans to the Board for the 2018 Golf Fees and Passes. The first plan is the same as what was presented with the budget and eliminates the differential between resident and non-resident golf passes. The second plan alters the pass rates to create a $25 difference between resident and non-resident golf pass rates in order to continue to give tax paying residents a benefit to buy golfpasses.

President Cassidy stated that his recommendation to staff was to create a $50 differential between resident and non-resident passes to give a bigger benefit to tax paying residents. He requested a motion to adopt the alternative plan but with a $50 difference between non-resident and resident golfpasses instead of the staff recommendation of a $25 difference.

Trustee Petty asked what made the $25 difference better than the $50 difference. She stated that other portions of the District do not have different pricing for residents and non-residents and that she believed lowering or eliminating the non-resident pass rate would draw new golfers to Peoria.

Trustee Ryan asked staff how many passes were sold last year. Staff stated that a total of 619 adult passes were sold, with 80 being sold to non-residents. Trustee Ryan suggested trying the elimination of the non-resident pass rate for one year to see if it increased the number of sales.

Trustee Rayford expressed concern that eliminating the differential between non-resident and resident pass rates puts the District at risk for making the Peoria taxpayer feel as though they do not have any value for paying their taxes in this city. He added that by giving residents a cheaper pass rate, you are showing that you value the fact that they pay taxes here and support the District.

Trustee Harant stated that she had the opportunity to attend the last Golf Advisory Committee meeting and believes the emphasis of the committee was to do something different to attract non-residents back into the Park District's golf system. She agreed with Trustee Ryan that it seems reasonable to try the change for a year to see if it works.

Trustee Petty stated that she would agree to the one year trial of the elimination of non-resident rates for passes.

Candy Hummel, a resident of Chillicothe, addressed the Board stating that she has a low income but brings her family to golf in Peoria a couple of times a month and would be very appreciative of lower non-resident rates so that her family can continue to golf in Peoria.

President Cassidy thanked Ms. Hummel for addressing the Board. He also stated that he believes it is a false premise that lowering the non-resident golf fees will bring extra or new golfers into the Park District system.

Vice President Ray Ford Moved To Approve The Amended 2018. Golf Fees And Passes Plan Reflecting A $50 Difference Between Resident And Non-Resident Golf Passes. Motion seconded by Trustee Johnson and failed on the following roll call vote: Trustees Harant, Johnson, Petty, Ryan, Snowden, Vice President Rayford and President Cassidy. (Results: 3 Ayes; 4 Nays)

Trustee Petty Mowed To Approve A Single Pass Rate For All Adult Gofers As Presented By Staff For A. One Year Tral Period. Motion seconded by Trustee Harant and carried on the following roll call vote: Trustees Harant, Johnson, Petty, Ryan, Snowden, Vice President Rayford and President Cassidy. (Results: 4 Ayes; 3 Nays)

Approval for Adoption of 2017 Tax Levy Ordinance

With staff recommendation, Trustee Snowden Moved To Approve The Adoption Of The 2017 Tax Levy Ordinance. Motion seconded by Trustee Ryan and carried on the following roll call vote: Trustees Harant, Johnson, Petty, Ryan, Snowden, Vice President Rayford and President Cassidy. (Results: 7 Ayes; ONays)

Authorization of Preparation of FY 2018 Combined Budget & Appropriation Ordinance

Trustee Johnson Moved To Authorize The Secretary To Prepare The Fy 2018 Budget And Appropriate Ordinance. Motion seconded by Trustee Ryan and carried on unanimous voice vote.

(Results: 7 Ayes; 0 Nays)

Approval of Renewal of Bradley Park Agreement with Corn Stock Theatre

J.D. Russell advised the Board that this agreement between the Park District and Corn Stock Theatre supplements the original lease agreement specific to the 2018 season. He added that the agreement with be revisited annually.

President Cassidy asked Mr. Russell if Corn Stock Theatre was happy with this agreement. Mr. Russell advised the Corn Stock Theatre is happy with the agreement.

Trustee Petty asked staff if there was a change in the agreement regarding liquor. Staff advised that alcohol was negotiated separately from the agreement last year and that it is included in the 2018 agreement but the terms are the same as they were in 2017.

With staff recommendation, Trustee Johnson Moved To Approve The Renewal Of The Bradley Park Agreement With Corn Stock Theatre, Motion seconded by Trustee Harant and carried on unanimous voice vote. (Results: 7 Ayes; 0 Nays)

Approval of Third Amendment to Lease Agreement between the Pleasure Driveway and Park District of Peoria and Jennifer Smith, d/b/a Sport and Therapeutic Massage

With staff recommendation, Trustee Snowden Moved To Approve The Third Amendment To Lease Agreement Between The Pleasure Driveway And Park District Of Peoria And Jennifer Smith, D/B/A Sport And Therapeutic Massage. Motion seconded by Vice President Rayford and carried on unanimous voice vote.

(Results: 7 Ayes; o Nays)

Review of Proposed Revisions to the Peoria Park District's Sexual Harassment Policy Superintendent of Human Resources Shalesse Pie addressed the Board with an explanation of the proposed changes to the Peoria Park District's sexual harassment policy, Ms. Pie explained that there is a new Illinois law regarding sexual harassment policies. She stated that, in collaboration with Counsel, staff performed an entire rewrite of the District's policy because several factors of the new law applied to the District. Ms. Pie stated that the new policy will be presented to the Board at the first meeting in January and has to be approved by January 15, 2018.

Trustee Harant asked staff if the District provides sexual harassment training. Ms. Pie explained that the District does currently have sexual harassment training. She further stated that once the new policy is in place, the District will be conducting training for all staff.

Adoption of Ordinance #354 Authorizing the Disposition of Personal Property With staff recommendation, Trustee Johnson Moved To Adopt Ordinance 354 Authorizing The Disposition Of Personal Property.

Calendar Of Consent:

Motion seconded by Trustee Harant and carried on the following roll call vote: Trustees Harant, Johnson, Petty, Ryan, Snowden, Vice President Rayford and President Cassidy. (Results: 7 Ayes; O Nays)

Quote: Asbestos Abatement at Donovan Park Clubhouse

With staff recommendation, Trustee Johnson Moved To Approve The Staff Recuest For Asbestosabatementat Donowan Park Clubhouse, Staff Recommends Use Of M & O Environmental Company With A Quote Of $15,800.00. Motion seconded by Trustee Snowden and carried on unanimous voice vote.

(Results: 7 Ayes; ONays)

Communications: Communications were received as submitted.

Citizen Request To Address The Board: None.

Other Business: None.

Adjournment: At 7:15 p.m., Trustee Petty Moved To Adjourn. Motion seconded by Trustee Ryan and carried on unanimous voice vote, (Results: 7 Ayes; 0 Nays)

https://peoriaparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/12-13-17.pdf

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