Page 1 of 8 Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners DuPage and Will Counties Held on 13th day of November, 2008 400 South Eagle Street City Council Chambers Naperville, IL 60540 I. Call to Order The Regular Meeting of the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Hart. II. Pledge of Allegiance President Hart led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. III. Roll Call Present: President Suzanne Hart Vice-President Marie Todd Commissioner Gerry Heide Commissioner Kristen Jungles Commissioner Ron Ory Commissioner Andrew Schaffner Commissioner Mary Wright Absent: Executive Staff: Ray McGury, Executive Director Ed Dalton, Parks Director Mindy Munn, Business Services Director Ed Provow, Golf Services Director Eric Shutes, Planning Director Brad Wilson, Recreation Director Staff: Andrea Coates, Facility Manager Mary Gardocki, Planner Chuck Papanos, Park Operations Manager Laura Rudow, Interim Parks Director Katie Sepe, HR Manager Jacki Stern, Board Secretary Chuck Trongnetpanya, Information Technology Manager Other: Steve Adams, Attorney - Brooks, Adams and Tarulis Kathy Cichon Naperville Sun
Page 2 of 8 Melissa Jenco Daily Herald Dr. Alan Leis Superintendant, District 203 George Bennett, Naperville Resident Charles Brown, Naperville Resident Doug Dallmer, Naperville Resident Dawn Dillon, Naperville Resident Laurian Edan, Naperville Resident Elaine Fisher, Naperville Resident Dan Laughlin, Naperville Resident Judith McGowan, Naperville Resident H. Tom O Hale, Naperville Resident Eugene Parker, Naperville Resident John Polich, Naperville Resident Chuck Prock, Naperville Resident Carl Schultz, Naperville Resident Peter Shamburek, Naperville Resident Bonnie Walker, Naperville Resident IV. Agenda Additions/Deletions There were none. V. Introductions and Recognitions A. Awards and Recognitions - John Dzarnowksi from the American Institute of Architects presented a plaque to President Hart, Executive Director McGury, Recreation Director Wilson, and Facility Manager Coates to recognize Centennial Beach and the Riverwalk as one of AIA s 150 great places in Illinois. B. Employee Recognitions- Laura Rudow, Interim Parks Director said a few words about outgoing Parks Director Ed Dalton. He was then presented with a plaque to recognize his service to the Naperville Park District. VI. Matters from the Public No one spoke on non-agenda items. VII. Approval of Treasurer s Report Commissioner Jungles moved to approve the September 2008 Treasurer s Report. Second by Commissioner Wright. Yes: Jungles, Wright, Heide, Ory, Schaffner, Todd, Hart VIII. Consent Agenda
Page 3 of 8 Commissioner Jungles moved approval of Consent Agenda Items A through E as presented. Second by Commissioner Wright. A. Approval of disbursements for the month of October 2008 in the amount of $1,281,343.87. B. Approval of customer refunds for the month of October 2008 in the amount of $13,046.02. C. Approval of payment to Brooks, Adams and Tarulis for legal services for period ending October 15, 2008 in the amount of $12,666.49. D. Approve Notice of 2009 Regular Meetings Schedule Resolution No. 08-07 E. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meetings of October 9, 2008 and Special Meetings of August 7, August 14, August 19, September 25, and October 23, 2008. Yes: Jungles, Wright, Heide, Ory, Schaffner, Todd, Hart IX. Unfinished Business A. Garden Plots Discussion The following residents spoke in regard to the Garden Plots Discussion: Charles Brown, 1217 Evergreen Ave. Mr. Brown is in favor of adding plots to the South side of Naperville. He is concerned that NCHS is land locked which is not unusual for an older high school. Mr. Brown is asking the board to have an open mind and look at the good of the whole community. Doug Dallmer, 1000 Fredrichsburg Mr. Dallmer spoke in regard keeping the Garden Plots as they are now. Mr. Dallmer is concerned that the plan to add more plots on the existing site is not feasible due to a number of plots that may not be viable. There is a question as to the location of the wetlands and brush line. Judith McGowan, 132 Split Oak Road Ms. McGowan would like to keep things as they are now. She has been a gardener for 16 years. To move the plots would cause a loss of what makes the program a success. This is a program for all ages not just the seniors. Ms. McGowan would also like to consider the financial investment that has already been made in the garden plots. Ms. McGowan lives on the South side of Naperville, but would prefer to continue gardening on West Street. John Polich, 1756 E. Bailey Road Mr. Polich began gardening 18 years ago. His 90 year old mother joins him at his garden plot and it has always been a big part of his family life. Mr Polich lives South of 75 th Street, but would also want to continue gardening at the West Street Garden Plots. Laurian Edan, 993 Sylvan Circle Mr. Edan questions the safety issue of the athletes not playing closer to their school. He feels that if the alternatives were not safe, they would not be suggested. Mr Edan feels it would be safer to bus the athletes to alternate locations then have them cross West Street. He was concerned that if the plots moved away from West Street there would be security issues for the
Page 4 of 8 patrons of the Garden Plots. The Garden Plots help to make Naperville unique. He sees no compelling reason to move them. Elaine Fisher, 993 Sylvan Circle Ms. Fisher mentioned the letter from the AGA that was sent to all the commissioners. She said that community garden shortens the path of food to the table. It is a forward looking green benefit for the community. Plot registration has recently increased. Ms. Fisher feels that plots in other locations would have trouble with vandals and security. The location of the Garden Plots and the soil quality are very key issues. She would like to find a location that satisfies the needs of both groups. Bonnie Walker, 468 Valley Dr. #200 Ms. Walker wanted to make sure that the NPD considered the needs of seniors and the physically challenged when making their decision. She likes the fact the plots are centrally located because people on fixed incomes would find it difficult to make multiple trips to another location. Chuck Prock, 1381 Ginger Lane Mr. Prock has had a garden plot for 18 years. He is looking for additional information to the questions that have been asked. Executive Director McGury and Recreation Director Wilson have done a great job with the public forums. He is concerned about the amount of money that it would take to move the plots Peter Shamburek, 270 Winding Creek Dr. Mr. Shamburek spoke in support of Option 1. He is concerned that the commute to another location for practice after school would add 60 minutes to the student s day. Keeping fields near the school helps to keep the whole athletic/school experience together. George Bennet, 27W711 South Lane Mr Bennett is the President of the West St. Green Space Coalition. He opposes option 1. Mr. Bennett feels there is a way to fill the needs of all involved if we combine Options 2, 3, and 4. He would also like the NPD to look at other local sites for fields. Mr. Bennett feels that six rows of plots are in the wetlands area. Mr Bennet s time expired and Attorney Adams said that the board would have to have consensus to allow him more time to speak. The Board gave him a few more seconds to conclude his thoughts. H. Tom O Hale, 620 W. Gardner Mr.O Hale attended all 3 community engagement meetings. Everything the parents/students said is reasonable along with everything the gardeners said. Mr. O Hale feels that the Park District needs to balance senior friendliness with being a kid friendly community. Carl Schultz, 2740 White Barn Rd. Mr. Schultz has been spending hours on the Park District s behalf. He is a horticulturist and feels the Garden Plots would be viable on the DuPage River Park site. Mr. Schultz would be interested in gardening there himself. He also feels that the drainage would be good. Mr. Schultz says that he is not for or against moving of the Garden Plots, but feels the other locations are good choices. Eugene Parker, 6S486 Sussex Mr. Parker has been a golfer and a Garden Plot gardener for the last six years since his retirement. He is in favor of leaving the Garden Plots as they are now. He shares most of what he grows with his neighbors Dan Laughlin, 831 Chancellor Ct. Mr. Laughlin is a commissioner with St. Raphael football and also a gardener at the Garden
Page 5 of 8 Plots. He would like to see a compromise. St. Raphael has always had a good relationship with the Naperville Park District and he is very appreciative of that. St. Raphael football has asked Mr. Laughlin to represent them and they are in favor of Option 1. Commissioner Schaffner asked about the long term needs of St. Raphael football. With the current estimates of growth in the program, how many playing fields does St. Raphael think they will need going forward for the next ten years? Mr. Laughlin estimates 8 to 10 full size fields. Dawn Dillon, 1616 Harvard Ms. Dillon lives on the South end of Naperville. Her family has been very involved in Naperville Park District programs for many years and she is very appreciative of that. She said that she has always taught her children about sharing and compromise and feels that is what people must do now. Ms. Dillon is in favor of Option 1. She feels that the community can be enhanced if the athletes are exposed to the gardens all around them. The following discussion ensued: Commissioner Ory feels that a demand statement should be part of what the board is looking at. He would like to know the demands of the plots and the athletics. Commissioner Ory is concerned that the community is pitted against each other and that is not good for all parties involved. He feels that managing change will be easier with big picture in mind. Commissioner Schaffner would like Executive Director McGury to review intergovernmental agreements with District 203 and District 204 with a focus on the dollars. President Hart thought it would be a good idea to bring this up at the next Legislative Committee Meeting and asked Commissioner Schaffner if he would like to attend. Commissioner Wright asked for this to be placed on the agenda so the board may discuss this issue as a whole instead of separately. President Hart reminded the commissioners that we are still gathering the facts and waiting for District 203 to make a recommendation. Commissioner Wright would like to know how many students attend 203 schools that do not live in the Naperville Park District boundaries. She feels that the Park District needs to provide for all the citizens of Naperville. Commissioner Wright is opposed to spending any dollars to make any kind of changes. Executive Director McGury reminded the Board that staff is following the direction of the board to gather info and the price tag of any change was in the original discussions. Commissioner Wright wants to make clear that it is not just a money issue, but also fairness. She feels that it is not fair to have the South subsidize the North. Are we meeting all the needs of the community? President Hart reminded everyone that new athletic fields would take care of all of Naperville. Recreation Director Wilson is working with youth football to look at their registrations to see where their participants come from. Commissioner Schaffner wanted to know what percentage of the survey to the Gardeners was complete. Director Wilson said they are due back by 11/17/08 and the results will be compiled. They should have some raw data by the November 30 th packet. Commissioner Ory wants to indentify the outcomes of all activities involved. Commissioner Wright would like Superintendant Leis to break down the numbers to include non-incorporated numbers. X. New Business A. Health Insurance Renewal with Humana Commissioner Wright moved to approve the renewal of the Humana PPO and HMO plans as the health insurance plan offering for 2009. Second by Commissioner Schaffner.
Page 6 of 8 B. 2009 Dental Insurance Commissioner Wright moved to approve the MetLife PPO as the dental insurance plan offering for 2009. Second by Commissioner Schaffner. C. Vision Insurance Renewal with VSP Commissioner Wright moved to approve the VSP as the vision insurance plan offering for the 2009 calendar year. Second by Commissioner Schaffner. D. 2009 Basic Life & AD&D Insurance Commissioner Wright moved to approve MetLife as the group term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage provider for 2009. Second by Commissioner Schaffner. E. 2008 Tax Levy Resolution Commissioner Wright moved to approve the Resolution Determining Funds Estimated to be raised by Taxation for the 2008 Levy Year. Second by Commissioner Heide. Yes: Wright, Heide, Jungles, Ory, Schaffner, Todd, Hart
Page 7 of 8 F. Cell Tower Policy Commissioner Wright moved to approve cell tower policy for use by staff in evaluating cell tower proposals. Second by Commissioner Heide. Yes: Wright, Heide, Jungles, Ory, Schaffner, Todd, Hart G. Illinois Association of Park Districts Credentials Certificate Commissioner Wright moved to approve Ray McGury as Delegate, Suzanne Hart as First Alternate and Marie Todd as Second Alternate to serve as delegate(s) to the Annual Business Meeting of the Illinois Association of Park Districts to be held at the Hilton Chicago on Saturday, January 31, 2009. Second by Vice President Todd. Yes: Wright, Todd, Heide, Jungles, Ory, Schaffner, Hart H. Blackberry Purchase for Board of Commissioners Commissioner Ory moved to approve purchase of Blackberry Handheld Units for Board of Commissioners and provide yearly service not to exceed $7,000 per year. Second by Commissioner Schaffner. Yes: Ory No: Heide, Jungles, Schaffner, Wright, Todd, Hart (Motion Failed) Commissioner Ory inquired as to what the requirement is for receiving communication. He felt that all the Commissioners should be treated the same. Should we go back to using regular mail and/or have the Secretary make phone calls to everyone when there is information that needs to go out. President Hart is willing to give up her Blackberry if it is a problem. She reminded everyone that they are volunteers. Commissioner Heide reminded everyone that Executive Director McGury is working on the Emergency Notification System. Executive Director McGury felt it is important for the Board President to have a blackberry due to the need for quick/easy communication. Commissioner Todd does not believe that every board member needs a blackberry. Commissioner Wright mentioned that she has not desire to have one. Commissioner Ory feels that they should have a communicator and the commissioners should have the ability to contact each other. President Hart feels that it is hard to spend extra money in this climate.
Page 8 of 8 XI. Updates and Reports A. Millennium Carillon Foundation Update, Recreation Director Wilson - The Carillon Season concluded the end of October. Staff will be evaluating any changes necessary for next season. Working on programs for fall colors and New Years Eve celebrations. B. Riverwalk Update, Commissioner Wright Nothing new. Enjoying new Riverwalk. C. Executive Director Update, Executive Director McGury The District is working on Social Networking info to retool/reinvent ourselves as a district. One new idea is Blog with Ray also thinking of YouTube as a means to get our message out there. D. Board President Update President Hart wanted to thank staff for going out and educating everyone about the plots. Ed Dalton will be missed. E. Finance Committee Update - Commissioner Todd mentioned that the Treasurer s Report has been revised. The committee needs to schedule another meeting. F. Legislative Committee Update Commissioner Ory mentioned that we need to review the IGA s with the school districts. F. Community/PR Committee Update No report. XII. Future Meetings A. Naperville Park District Budget Workshop, November 17, 2008-6:00 p.m., Naperville Park District Administration Building Board Room, 320 West Jackson Avenue, Naperville B. Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, December 11, 2008 7:00 p.m., Naperville Municipal Center, Council Chambers, 400 South Eagle St., Naperville XIII. Adjournment At 10:10 p.m. Commissioner Wright moved to adjourn the November 13, 2008 Regular Meeting. Second by Commissioner Schaffner. Voice Vote on Motion: (Motion Declared Carried.) Respectfully submitted, Jacki Stern, Board Secretary