PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2015/11/17 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
November 17, 2015
I. Call to Order
The Parks and Recreation Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman Charlie Kohlmeyer at
6:30p.m. The following were present:
Board Members: Mr. Charlie Kohlmeyer
Mr. Skoo Walker
Ms. Sondra Douglass Mr. Steve Reimer
Staff: Ms. Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Joe Mobile, Superintendent of Recreation
Mr. Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry & Cemetery
Mr. Peter Gordon, Supervisor of Forestry
Mr. Anthony Anaszewicz, Program Manager
Mr. Ken Pierini, Program Supervisor
II. Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes of the October 20, 2015 Park & Recreation Board meeting were presented.
Chairman Kohlmeyer moved for approval of the October 20, 2015 minutes and Board Member
Walker seconded. The Board meeting minutes of the October 20, 2015 meeting were then
unanimously approved.
III. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not listed on the Agenda
Resident Kathy McCombs, representing the Committee of Ladies League Golfers, spoke on the
history of the Deerpath Golf Course original 9 holes, and talked about the current deterioration of
the course. She stated the course needs improvement and their hope and goal is to return the
Deerpath Golf Course to the gem it was. The 5 year plan is what they were hoping for. She thanked
the Board for their commitment to the golf course and allowing her to speak. Resident Mary Lou
Breed also spoke and wanted to thank the Board for their support. Directory Swarthout replied.
IV. Football Program Spotlight
Program Supervisor Pierini presented slides with an overview on the Youth Tackle and Flag Football
programs. It started in 2003 with a competitive league. He discussed the philosophies and goals,
program formats, including the staffing of coaches and volunteer parents. He also mentioned the
Rec Department is very active with the CYFSL Board. The goal of the program is to teach discipline,
responsibility and prepare these youth for high school football. Supervisor Pierini discussed the
Heads Up football program with the NFL that they now use for the flag football program. Due to this
new program, the concussion injuries have gone down over the last few years.
Board Member Reimer asked about the use of the Lake Forest high school fields. Supervisor
Pierini stated they do use the grass fields at the high school as this allows them to have multiple
games played at the same time on the two fields.
Participation numbers were discussed and Supervisor Pierini indicated they have gone down slightly
due to the other travel sports that go on at the same time as the football program.
V. Emerald Ash Borer Update
Supervisor Gordon gave an update on the EAB and stated they are winning the battle and making
great strides in the removal of 84% of infected trees. They have been able to treat 650 trees every 2
years. Tree-age treatment will be done every 2 years while funding is still available. 247 trees were
planted this year; these numbers are down due to finances. Next year is showing $150,000 to be
used towards the planting of 600 trees. The slides presented showed an amount of $34,000
estimated this year with an amount of $14,000 next year.
Board Member Walker asked if the trees are earmarked. Supervisor Gordon stated the residential
replacements and parkway planting are about 18 months behind.
VI. West Park Ice
Supervisor Gordon gave an overview and history of the skating rink. The rink has been around for 90
years and is a well-liked and free amenity for the residents.
Construction should begin around Thanksgiving. The process for making the ice includes 550,000
gallons of water. The rink can be open to the public once it is 4” thick and must be cleaned daily. The
attendance was up from 2014.
Supervisor Gordon continued to discuss some of the challenges to keep it running. The events that
go on during the year can take its toll on the field when it comes time to prepare and manage the
rink. Board Member Douglass asked how the attendance is tracked. Supervisor Gordon answered
the count is taken by the attendant on duty at the time.
VII. Tree Lighting Ceremony Update
Supervisor Gordon talked about the tree that is displayed in Market Square and the West Train
Station. Each year the trees are donated from a resident and can be used as a tax write-off. The
trees this year are from a resident on Atteridge Rd. This generous gift helps decorate downtown. A
video was shown of the actual removal of the tree along with photos of the tree being placed in
downtown Market Square. The tree will be decorated this weekend and will have 200 strands of
lights and bows.
Superintendent Mobile talked about the tree lighting event that will be held on November 27th from
2:30 – 5:30pm. The sponsor, for many years, of the event is Lake Forest Bank & Trust. They supply
the funding, refreshments and marketing. Other vendors will be in attendance as well. It has been
decided the Friends of Lake Forest will be taking over as the tree lighting organizers.
The schedule of events was discussed along with additional activities, including the Passport of
Retailers Raffle. In order to be included in the raffle, you will receive a “passport” and must visit all
the retailers, have your passport filled and submit to be entered in the raffle. The winner of the
raffle will receive a Family VIP pack to the 4th of July event.
Board Member Douglass asked who controls the central light switch for the lighting of the tree.
Superintendent Mobile answered the Mayor will choose who gets to flip the switch.
VIII. CIP Ranking Update
Director Swarthout discussed the Capital Projects. Every project was submitted and discussed for
approval by the City Manager. The unfunded projects will go up in priority if the funds become
available.
#1- EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) replacement, removal and treatment programs - ranked #1 and
will be funded for $165,000
#1- Landscaping Replacement – will be funded for $20,000
#1- West Park Tennis Court Surface Maintenance – will be funded for $25,000
#1- Bike Path Maintenance – will be funded for $50,000
Unranked- Fitness Center Carpet Replacement – Not funded
Unranked- Cardio Equipment/ Video Monitors – Not funded
Unranked- Central Lighting Management – Not funded
West Park Playground Replacement- will be funded for $165,000 from the Park and Public Land
Fund
Golf Course Projects- The following projects were approved and will be funded from the City Golf
Fund.
#1- Master Plan Improvements
#1- Equipment Replacement
IX. Comments by Director
Director Swarthout introduced Dani Spann as the new Administrative Assistant to the Parks,
Forestry and Cemetery departments. Slides were presented listing the upcoming workshops through
the Recreation Department. A reminder was given about the Holiday Boutique held in the
Recreation Center Gym on November 21st along with registration beginning on December 8th for
programs offered in the Winter/Spring brochure.
X. Comments by Board Members
No Comments.
XI. Adjournment
Chairman Kohlmeyer moved to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Reimer seconded. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:16p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Dani Spann
Administrative Assistant