PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2015/07/21 Minutes
The City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
July 21, 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
Ms. Shannon Maguire
Mr. Steve Reimer
Mr. Skoo Walker
Mr. Colton England, Student Member
Staff: Mr. Joe Mobile, Interim Superintendent of Recreation
Mr. Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry & Cemetery
Mr. Peter Gordon, City Forester
Ms. Tricia Schwall, Administrative Assistant
Ms. Bridget Hardy, Intern, Parks & Forestry
II. Welcome to New Board Members
The board welcomes new board member Scott Herman.
III. Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes of the May 19, 2015 and June 16, 2015 Park & Recreation Board meeting were
presented.
Board Member Walker moved for approval of the minutes and Board Member Reimer seconded.
The Board meeting minutes of the May 19, 2015 and June 16, 2015 meeting were then
unanimously approved.
IV. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not listed on the Agenda
No Public Comment.
V. Holiday Lights Installation
Mr. Gordon gave a brief overview of the holiday lights for the City of Lake Forest. He explained to
the board the why there is a need for a 2 year contract. He also mentioned that the lights would
now be illuminated from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. for the commuters to see in the morning and in the
evenings from 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Board Member Reimer asked if the lights were LED. Mr.
Gorden responded no. Board Member Reimer asked if going to LED would help with the longevity
of the lights and be able to go from a 2-year to a 3-year contract. Mr. Gordon replied yes and gave a
brief overview of the process and why it may be helpful. A conversation followed regarding the bid
process. Board Member Maguire asked if there was if there was a cost impact report on LED lighting
versus traditional lights. Mr. Gordon responded that the purchase price for the traditional lights is
about 20-30% less than LED lights. She then asked what the environmental impact was. Mr. Gordon
said there is probably more of an impact with the traditional however he has no statistical
information on that. He stated that he could look into the cost comparison on traditional vs. LED
lighting. Board Member Maguire asked about recycling the dead lights and Mr. Gordon responded
that they are all recycled. A conversation followed regarding the two highest bidders.
Requested Action: Approval of a two-year contract in the amount of $35,729 to On the Green
solutions to provide the installation of holiday lights in the Central Business District (CBD) and
Waukegan and Everett Road berm.
A motion was made by Board Member Walker to approve two-year contract in the amount of
$35,729 to On the Green solutions to provide the installation of holiday lights in the Central
Business District (CBD) and Waukegan and Everett Road berm. The motion was seconded by
Board Member Herman. The motion was opposed by Board Member Maguire. The motion
passed.
VI. Lake Front Concessions
Interim Superintendent Mobile gave an overview of the current/new service provider, RCA Chicago,
of the Forest Park Beach concessions. He explained why there was a new service provider and how
they were chosen. He explained the services that would be provided by RCA Chicago. Board
Member Walker asked about the RFP process. Mr. Mobile explained that the original RFP was sent
the papers but he was unsure who it was sent to. Board Member Reimer asked how staff was
getting feedback from the residents about the concessions. Mr. Mobile responded that when he
receives feedback from the community he sends them to the vendor. He has a weekly meeting with
the vendor to make sure the items are being taken care of. Board Member Maguire asked if the
website can house the hours, menu and whether or not they are open. Mr. Mobile answered yes.
VII. Comments by Director
Superintendent Myers introduced Parks & Recreation Intern, Michael Krapf who gave an overview
of an event that he has put together for the community. It is a Fun in the Sun 2K15 event, which is a
field day for community members experiencing physical, intellectual and/or developmental
disabilities. A conversation followed regarding the event.
Mr. Myers then added the following -
A. Everett Park School playground has been installed and the pour-in-place will be added by
the contractor. Should be open the first week of August.
B. This week’s Concert in the Square will feature a Car Show benefit
C. Lake Forest Day 5K Run at 7:00 a.m. at the Recreation Center
D. Fall registration starts August 4th for residents
VIII. Comments by Board Members
Board Member Walker asked about the rain-out dates for the Concert in the Square. Mr. Mobile
responded while he is still working on some of the details he does believe that these concerts will be
held at the end of the current season. A conversation followed regarding extending the schedule of
the concerts.
Board Member Walker asked who maintains the parkways within the City. He felt that the stores
and businesses downtown look bad. Mr. Myers responded that the Parks section has been very
busy and short staffed. A conversation followed. Board Member Walker also asked about the Lake
Forest/Lake Bluff Initiative. Mr. Myers explained that he did not have any information on this and
that he would speak to Director Swarthout about it. Chairman Kohlmeyer asked that there be an
update at the next meeting.
Board Member Maguire asked if we have partnered with any of the garden clubs in Lake Forest. Mr.
Myers responded yes the City does work with the garden clubs through the Civic Beautification
Committee. Board Member Maguire asked if there would be an update on the Sustainability Survey.
Mr. Myers responded that there would be a Community Forum on October 8th to talk to the
community regarding the survey.
IX. Adjournment
Board Member Walker moved to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Herman seconded. The
meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Tricia Schwall
Administrative Assistant