PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2013/03/19 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
March 19, 2013
I. Call to Order
The Parks and Recreation Board Meeting were called to order by Chairman Volkmann at
6:30p.m. The following were present:
Board Members: Mr. Steve Hill
Mr. Dan Jasica
Mr. Scott Schappe
Ms. Lauren Turelli
Mr. Curt Volkmann, Chairman
Mr. Skoo Walker
Mr. Daniel Saffrin, Student Member
Staff: Ms. Mary Van Arsdale, Director of Parks and Recreation
Ms. Sally Swarthout, Superintendent of Recreation
Mr. Joe Mobile, Program Manager
Ms. Tricia Schwall, Administrative Assistant
Special Guest: Mr. Craig Culp, NSSRA Executive Director
II. Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes of the February 19, 2013 Park & Recreation Board meeting were
presented.
Board Member Jasica moved for approval of the minutes and Board Member Hill
seconded. The Board meeting minutes of the February 19, 2013 meeting were then
unanimously approved.
Chairman Volkmann reported that there was a social gathering for the Park Board held at
Board Member Steve Hill’s home on March 6, 2013. In attendance were Chairman Curt
Volkmann, Board Members Steve Hill, Dan Jasica, Lauren Turelli, and Skoo Walker. Staff in
attendance was Director Van Arsdale, Superintendents Chuck Myers, Sally Swarthout and
Jeff Wait. Alderman Randy Tack was also present. There was no official business discussed
at this gathering.
III. NSSRA Capital and Facility Acquisition Plan
Mr. Craig Culp, Executive Director of NSSRA presented to the board the research and
findings that will guide NSSRA to successfully achieve their goal of acquiring a suitable,
permanent facility with a partner agency by 2018. Director Van Arsdale made it clear to the
board that there was no action needed by the board at this time. That this is the first step in
the dialogue related to the City’s participation and commitment to partnering in this
planning initiative.
Mr. Culp gave an overview of NSSRA and some background of the facility that NSSRA is
currently occupying. He then shared the findings from the Capital and Facility Acquisition
Plan that was put together to help find a new permanent facility with a partner agency. He
discussed the estimated cost of a new facility, where they would be getting the down
payment for the new facility and how the 13 partner agencies would help with the funding
through their contributions. Director Van Arsdale spoke to the board regarding the Special
Recreation Tax Levy in Lake Forest and what that tax is used for each year.
Chairman Volkmann asked if the increase of 1/10 of a cent over each of the last three years
would continue to increase or remain the same as the recent year. Director Van Arsdale
answered that it could and that is what staff is looking at now. Board Member Turelli asked
for clarification that the transition plan is to upgrade the facilities to the new ADA
requirements. Director Van Arsdale replied yes. Chairman Volkmann asked about the
difference in the fund between the amount collected and the amount spent and what
happens with annual surplus. Director Van Arsdale responded that surplus funds remain in
the levy fund for future needs and may not be transferred to any other City fund. Chairman
Volkmann also asked if Director Van Arsdale research what the levy rate is for the other 12
partner agencies and their annual member contribution. Director Van Arsdale indicated she
would pull together levy rates and that contributions by agency are currently indicated in
the detail of the proposed capital and facility acquisition plan. Chairman Volkmann also
asked to have the per‐participant total cost identified.
Board Member Hill asked Mr. Culp to comment on the participation based on where they
are located. Mr. Culp responded with explaining the NSSRA’s legal obligation. A discussion
followed regarding delivery of services in the multiple partner agencies. Mr. Culp explained
how due to small populations in each community it is essential to pool needs across multiple
communities in order to have enough participants to offer services. He went on to explain
the required process of acquiring a new facility. Chairman Volkmann asked what would
happen if none of the 13 partner agencies can afford to partner or expand during the
allotted timeframe. Mr. Culp responded that they would then wait until a more supportive
environment is reached.
IV. Recreation Transportation Bid
Joe Mobile, Program Manager, reviewed the recreation bus bid process with the board.
Bussing for the Rec Center is used for daily transportation for their summer camps, swim
camps and field trips and CROYA for their special events. The Rec Center & CROYA go out to
bid together to hopefully secure the best prices. Manager Mobile explained the outcome of
the Recreation portion of the bid and the reason why the CROYA bid should be rejected. He
indicated that due to lack of enough bid specifics for the CROYA items, the proposed pricing
results were inconsistent and concerning.
Board Member Turelli asked if rejecting the bid for CROYA would put them at a
disadvantage to get a good price for bussing. Manager Mobile responded that he did not
feel so since it is such a small volume of trips. Chairman Volkmann inquired about CROYA’s
budgeted amount. Director Van Arsdale explained that CROYA is not in the Park &
Recreation budget and could not answer this question. Chairman Volkmann asked if there
would be a problem having two different companies do bussing for the summer and
whether there were any timing concerns for CROYA. Manager Mobile responded in the
negative regarding different companies fulfilling the needs. Director Van Arsdale indicated
that CROYA will now follow the City’s purchasing policies and seek price quotes, which will
not hold them up from meeting their timing needs. Board Member Jasica indicated he
wanted to make sure that the process for getting the CROYA price quotes was transparent
and reasons clear to all vendors on why the CROYA bid portion was being rejected. Board
Member Hill asked about specifications for safety from these companies. Manager Mobile
explained that the bid specifications included background checks, references and
communication expectations. A discussion followed regarding the process going forward for
CROYA.
Requested Action: Approval to award a three year agreement to Olson Transportation for
Recreation Department bus services in the total amount of $122,068.25 for FY ’14 – FY ’16
and reject all bids for CROYA Services.
A motion was made by Board Member Jasica to approve a three year agreement to Olson
Transportation for Recreation Department bus services in the total amount of $122,068.25
for FY ’14 – FY ’16 and reject all bids for CROYA Services. The motion was seconded by
Board Member Hill. The motion was passed.
V. Deerpath Golf Course Season Opening Update
Director Van Arsdale gave an overview of the golf course as the opening comes closer. She
shared memberships this year to last year, the lottery that took place the past weekend for
permanent tee times, the improvements to the clubhouse and the new restaurant contract.
Director Van Arsdale also shared some of the events/programs that will be happening at the
golf course this season. Also, the appreciation days that will be held throughout the season.
Chairman Volkmann asked if there was any update to the deep well. Director Van Arsdale
responded that there was nothing new to report.
VI. Director’s Report
Update on the Lake Bluff Skate Park: Director Van Arsdale shared with the Park
Board that the skate park is in need of immediate repairs and significant capital to
maintain for the future. She indicated that staff would be meeting with the Park
District to learn more.
EAB Update –
i. Presented to City Council – $400,000 was approved in the City’s Capital
Improvement Program
ii. Resident Workshop – June 1st @ Gorton
iii. Staff are continuing with an inventory of City parcels
iv. Blending the Park Board with the Property and Public Lands Committee to
work together on EAB
Other – Activities coming up
i. Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday, March 23rd @ Deerpath Park
ii. Hurray for Spring – Program during spring break for kids ages 3‐6
iii. Dance Academy Spring Break Workshop
iv. Special Hours for Wildlife Discovery Center
v. March Special @ Fitness Center
vi. Spring Break Sports Camp
VII. Comments by Board Members
There were no comments.
VIII. Opportunities For The Public To Address The Board On Items Not Listed On The Agenda
There were no comments.
IX. Adjournment
Board Member Hill moved to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Jasica seconded. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Tricia Schwall
Administrative Assistant