PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2015/10/20 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
October 20, 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. Scott Herman
Mr. Skoo Walker
Ms. Sondra Douglass
Ms. Shannon Maguire
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. Morgan Collins, Program Supervisor
Mr. Jason Busdeker, Program Manager
Ms. Tricia Schwall, Administrative Assistant
Special Guest: Mr. Rick Walrath, General Manager, Kemper Sports Management
II. Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes of the September, 15, 2015 Park & Recreation Board meeting were presented.
The meeting minutes of the October 6, 2015 Parks & Recreation Board Special Meeting were
presented.
Board Member Reimer moved for approval of the September 15, 2015 minutes and Board Member
Douglass seconded. Board Member Herman moved for approval of the October 6, 2015 minutes
and Board Member Douglass seconded. The Board meeting minutes of the September 15, 2015
and October 6, 2015 meeting were then unanimously approved.
III. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not listed on the Agenda
No Public Comment.
IV. Golf Advisory Update
Slides were presented showing options to convert golf course to a passive/walking park. Director
Swarthout discussed the Deed and stated the property is being conveyed to the City to be used for
park purposes and recreational activities, with the exception of trap shooting. If the land is used for
anything other than park related activities or trap shooting, the land will be reverted back to the
owners.
Director Swarthout discussed the costs of converting to a park. Currently, the golf course is
subsidized by the Parks & Recreation fund. Board Member Herman asked if the Board has any say
any the course shifting funds. Director Swarthout responded it is a decision made by City Council.
The initial capital investment for the park will be about $2.2 million, and going forward, costs would
be around $100,000-$150,000 for staff to maintain the acreage. In addition to the $150,000 there
would be an additional $100,000 annually for the next 8 years to relieve the debt already attached
to the Golf Course. There would be $200,000-$250,000 City subsidy for a park. Confirmation was
made that the park would not generate revenue. The Board felt the City is committed to
maintaining the Golf Course. Conversation followed regarding City Council approval and their
request of a Master Plan for the golf course. Board Member Walker asked who would request the
analysis to be done. Director Swarthout responded the City Council will determine this at the City
Council Budget Workshop.
Board member Maguire asked what the approach will be when presenting this to City Council. The
approach will be to move forward with the request for a Master Plan for the Golf Course. Board
member Reimer asked if there was an outline started for this. Director Swarthout stated there is a
proposal to do the Master Plan. There is a timeline laid out and per Superintendent Myers this is
about a two month process.
V. Deerpath Golf Course Fees FY2017 Fees
Mr. Walrath discussed with the Board the Fees for FY17. Mr. Walrath recommended reducing the
number of Individual Membership types to three; Single, Combo and Junior. These can be sold as a
reboot of the Membership offering.
Green fees were discussed with the dynamic pricing model to set prices based off of the proposed
rack rates. Resident and Senior residents will pay discounted rate on racks. The weekday and
weekend rental rates are down. Board member Walker inquired whether the early pay discount will
apply this year. Mr. Walrath replied this feature has been discontinued due to the reboot of the
membership offerings. He stated other incentives will be offered. Board member Maguire inquired
about the Loyalty Card Prices for the FY17. Mr. Walrath replied the Non-resident fee did increase
and the Resident fee remained the same.
Chairman Kohlmeyer motioned to advise staff to take recommended fees to City Council for
approval. Board Member Walker moved for approval and Board Member Herman seconded.
VI. LAKE FOREST FITNESS CENTER FY2017 FEES
Program Manager Busdeker gave a summary of the proposed FY2017 Fitness fee structure. He
explained the changes to the fee structure as increasing the resident and non-resident fees by 4%,
to be divisible evenly by 12 months for the automatic billing cycle. The non-resident fee will be
adjusted to a 20% increase over the resident fees. He also discussed eliminating all 3 and 6 month
membership options and replacing them with one month options. The short term memberships will
offer more flexibility for members. He did state the three month membership will continue to be
offered over the summer, primarily focused towards high school and college students. The All
Access Pass will be adjusted with a 4% increase. This will be the first increase since its inception
three years ago.
Program Manager Busdeker stated with the 4% increase and other fee adjustments; they are looking
at a projected increase of $9459.00 He is asking for approval to move forward to City Council.
A motion was made by Board Member Herman to approve the Fitness Center fee schedule
changes and the recommendation to move the changes forward to City Council. The motion was
seconded by Board Member Walker. The motion was passed.
VII. Forest Park Permit FY2017 Fees
Superintendent Mobile requested approval of the Lakefront fees. Staff recommended a fee increase
of 4% across all categories except for the following which will remain the same.
x Nanny and Caregiver parking Pass ($85)
x Resident Guest Daily Parking ($10)
x Non-resident Beach Access Fees ($10)
x Non-resident South Beach Parking Permit ($910)
The Non-resident Daily Boat Launch fee will increase $5.00 rather than the 4% for FY17, making it
easier for billing purposes.
Conversation followed regarding the participation number and the Resident/Non-resident daily fees.
Board Member Maguire brought up the concept of a daily punch pass. Board Member Herman
brought up concerns regarding the Year round compound storage numbers. Board Member Maguire
questioned the Senior resident rates still being offered and conversation followed.
Board Member Douglass moved for approval of the fees as presented upon agreeing the Senior
resident rates be changed to 20% instead of 25%. Board Member Herman seconded.
VIII. Capital Improvement Projects FY17
The following projects were presented by Superintendent Myers and Superintendent Mobile and
discussed and ranked by the Board Members in order of importance.
#1- EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) replacement, removal and treatment programs.
#2- Landscaping Replacement project to maintain a high level of landscape appearance around
the City properties
#3- West Park Tennis Court Surface Maintenance project to address cracks and color coat
surfaces
#4- Bike Path Maintenance project to mainly address McClory and Skokie Valley bike paths with
the improvements of cracks, repairs and brush clearing
#5- Fitness Center Carpet Replacement project to replace current carpet with a rubber tiled
floor. Boardmember Walker addressed his concerns with safety and puddling on the rubberized
flooring
#6- Cardio Equipment/ Video Monitors replaced in the fitness center
#7- Central Lighting Management to install a remote system at Deerpath Park. Will be more
efficient along with offering more rental opportunities
West Park Playground Replacement-Superintendent Myers presented the West Park Playground
Replacement ideas. This replacement will also reduce annual maintenance costs. This is the very
early stages and there is a price estimate of $200,000.
Golf Course Projects- Superintendent Myers discussed Kemper’s requests for capital needs. These
requests will be tied in very carefully with the Master Plan. The four areas of need were prioritized
by the Board in order of importance.
#1- Equipment Replacement
#2- Grill Remodel
#3-Patio Extension
#4-Parking Lot Resurfacing
IX. Comments by Director
Director Swarthout gave an update on upcoming activities.
A. Sustainability/Engagement Plan @ Gorton Community Center- October 21
B. Halloween Spectacular Regatta @ Forest Park Beach- October 24-25
C. Croctoberfest @ Elawa Farm- October 25
D. Halloween Tricks and Treats @ Recreation Center- October 30
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E. City Town Hall Meeting @ CROYA- November 5
F. Parks and Recreation Board Meeting @ City Hall- November 17
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X. Comments by Board Members
No Comments.
XI. Adjournment
Board Member Herman moved to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Maguire seconded. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Dani Spann
Administrative Assistant