PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2014/05/20 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2014
I. Call to Order
The Parks and Recreation Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Hill at 6:30p.m. The
following were present:
Board Members: Mr. David Brush
Mr. Steve Hill
Mr. Dan Jasica
Mr. Skoo Walker
Staff: Ms. Mary Van Arsdale, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry & Cemetery
Ms. Sally Swarthout, Superintendent of Recreation
Mr. Jeff Wait, Superintendent of Special Facilities
Mr. Jason Busdeker, Fitness Center Manager
Ms. Tricia Schwall, Administrative Assistant
Special Guests: Mr. Mike Adelman, Alderman
Mr. Augie Zicarelli, Const. Rep., Forest Park Project Corporation Board
Mr. Peter Cherry, Treasurer, Forest Park Project Corporation Board
II. Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes of the March 18, 2014 Park & Recreation Board meeting were presented.
Board Member Jasica moved for approval of the minutes and Board Member Brush seconded. The
Board meeting minutes of the March 18, 2014 meeting were then unanimously approved.
III. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not Listed on the Agenda
There were no comments.
IV. Forest Park Project Update
Mr. Peter Cherry gave an overview of the construction timeline for the Forest Park project. He
shared the different phases of the construction so that the park can remain open during the
summer months. Mr. Augie Zicarelli than gave the board a more in-depth overview of the Project
Corporation group and their mission. He then shared in greater detail the different phases of the
project. The new plan is to start and continue the work throughout the summer and be able to keep
the park open with minimum closures. Phase I should be completed by May 30th, Phase II complete
by June 15th, Phase III complete by July 15th, Phase IV complete by August 15th, Phase V complete by
September 1st, and Phase VI will be completed after September 1st. Director Van Arsdale shared
that there will be a detailed map at various City locations for the public to look at, as well as being
on the Forest Park Project Corporation Board website. She then noted that there was a letter sent
to all of the neighbors of the park stating that the work in the park has begun again. Director Van
Arsdale then reiterated that the safety throughout the park is vital and is asking residents to watch
for the areas that are being worked on. A conversation followed regarding fundraising for the
project.
V. Spotlight: 2014 Forest Park Beach and Boating Basin
Superintendent Wait gave an overview of the beach and basin. He spoke about the hours of the
beach, the different cells at the beach and the beach closures. He also shared the hours of
operation, storage options and non-resident launching for the basin. He added that there are many
watercraft usage programs, special events, fitness classes and the Raging Kitchen at the beach.
Superintendent Wait also touched on the parking challenges for 2014 with all of the construction
happening at the park. He shared the attendance records for the past three years and the financials
of each of the past summers. Discussions followed regarding the parking at the beach and the
progress of Raging Kitchen.
VI. Approval of Contracts
A. Fitness Center Weight Equipment Contract
Fitness Center Manager Busdeker presented the Fitness Center Weight Equipment
purchase. He explained that this is for the purchase of 19 selectorized weight machines
and is part of a scheduled annual replacement plan and is budgeted in the City’s Capital
fund. There were three bidders for this purchase. Promaxima was disqualified from the
bidding process because they did not fully meet the bid specifications. The items were split
between Direct Fitness Solutions and LifeFitness based on the lowest bid for each individual
piece.
Requested Action: Award the contract to Life Fitness for $23,733.00 and Direct Fitness
Solutions for $38,812.80 for a total expenditure of $62,545.80 for the purchase of fitness
equipment as budgeted in the FY15 Capital Plan.
A motion was made by Board Member Brush to award the contract to Life Fitness for
$23,733.00 and Direct Fitness Solutions for $38,812.80 for a total expenditure of
$62,545.80 for the purchase of fitness equipment as budgeted in the FY15 Capital Plan.
The motion was seconded by Board Member Walker. The motion passed.
VII. Everett Tot Lot Playground Proposed Design Options
Superintendent Myers showed the board two different color options for the new Everett Tot Lot
Playground. He asked the board for their feedback on the playground as a whole and the color
options. He shared that the plan is to install this playground at the end of August. Board Member
Jasica asked what the life expectancy of the new playgrounds is. Superintendent Myers answered
about 20 years. Director Van Arsdale informed the board on why there are two playgrounds at
Everett and the condition of this particular playground at this point. The board agreed that the
darker green color option was best for the community.
VIII. Capital Improvement Project Update
Superintendent Myers gave a brief update on the McClory Bike Path, Northcroft & Deerpath Park’s
Tennis Courts and Deerpath Walking Path. He shared that McClory bike path is paved and looks
nice. The path remains to be closed due to the sides being cleaned up. Chairman Hill asked if the
trail would be sealed. Superintendent Myers responded no. Chairman Hill also questioned how
long the path should last. Superintendent Myers stated that it is expected to last approximately 20
years. He then shared what has been going on for the Northcroft tennis courts. The poles for the
new fencing are up and fencing should be going up soon. Then the resurfacing will take place
shortly after that. Deerpath tennis courts resurfacing will begin around July 7th. The Deerpath
walking trail was originally going to be a joint bid with the school. The school did back out. The final
amount for the walking trail was $89,000. The budgeted amount was $100,000. This contract was
approved by City Council on May 19th. Superintendent Myers also showed the Board members the
new Construction Updates page on the City’s website.
IX. Director’s Report
Director Van Arsdale gave a department update.
A. Capital Visioning Workshop – May 28th
B. Committee of the Whole – June 17th meeting will have actions for the board
C. Foundation Events
i. Golf Outing – June 6th
ii. Festival & Fireworks – July 4th
D. Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Joint Task Force Update should be coming soon
E. Asked the board to let her know of any June/July travel plans
II. Comments by Board Members
Board Member Jasica wanted to commend staff on all of their hard work at the dance recitals and
the City’s plant sale.
X. Adjournment
Board Member Brush moved to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Walker seconded. The
meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Tricia Schwall
Administrative Assistant