PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2012/12/11 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
December 11, 2012
I. Call to Order
The Parks and Recreation Board Meeting were called to order by Chairman Volkmann at
6:32 p.m. The following were present:
Board Members: Mr. David Brush
Mr. Steve Hill
Mr. Dan Jasica
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
Mr. Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks & Forestry
Ms. Sally Swarthout, Superintendent of Recreation
Mr. Jeff Wait, Superintendent of Special Facilities
Ms. Tricia Schwall, Administrative Assistant
II. Welcome to New Board Member, David Brush
Chairman Volkmann welcomed Mr. David Brush to the board.
III. Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes of the October 9, 2012 Park & Recreation Board meeting were
presented.
Board Member Jasica moved for approval of the minutes as amended and Board Member
Hill seconded. The Board meeting minutes of the October 9, 2012 meeting were then
unanimously approved.
IV. Lakefront Revetment & Site Investigation Study – Preliminary Report
Mr. Dan Veriotti, Project Manager and Project Coastal Engineer from Baird & Associates,
Ltd. provided a preliminary status report on their site study of the revetment walls at Forest
Park Beach. Mr. Veriotti gave the board a project overview, some information regarding
previous studies at the beach and information on the current study, including data
collection, data analysis and the summary and recommendations. The report indicated that
the revetment walls were performing as designed and no immediate concerns need to be
addressed. However, the report identified some concerns with sand particle size and its
impact on performance of the beach cells. The report recommends further study of the sand
in upcoming years. A discussion followed regarding the study and future timing
considerations.
V. Revised Lakefront Boat Basin Dredging Policy
Superintendent Jeff Wait gave a presentation regarding the criteria of the Lakefront boat
basin’s second dredge. The two changes that are recommended are the date of the last
reading and expanding the area for second dredging. Chairman Volkmann asked where the
dredged sand is deposited. Superintendent Wait responded the sand is discharged into a
pipe on the south end of the lakefront area. Board Member Jasica wanted to know why the
change of the date for the last reading is important. Superintendent Wait responded that
the original date was put into place because of the time needed to get the crane to the
beach and that is not needed at this point.
Requested Action: Approval of the revised Lakefront Boat Basin Dredging Policy,
becoming effective in FY ‘14.
A motion was made by Board Member Jasica to approve the revised Lakefront Boat Basin
Dredging Policy, becoming effective in FY ‘14. The motion was seconded by Board
Member Hill. The motion was passed.
VI. Lakefront Food Concession Agreement
Superintendent Wait gave a presentation on the Lakefront food concession agreement
including a background on why a new vendor was being sought. He gave an overview of the
company, Ruprecht, which was chosen from the RFP process. He reviewed the menu and
the rent proposal from Ruprecht. Board Member Turelli asked how the pricing of the menu
was. Superintendent Wait responded that the pricing was reasonable and gave a few
examples. Board Member Brush inquired about the food allergy policy for Ruprecht. Two
representatives from Ruprecht answered that there is nutritional values available for every
food that is produced and they would be able to provide them. There is no guarantee that
the products were not produced without nuts in the area. However, if a need arose they
would be able to produce a nut free product.
Board Member Hill asked if Ruprecht is the same company that provides Steakhouses with
their meat. Ruprecht representatives responded yes. He also had some concern as to the
effect this change would have on the current concession company and asked if that was
looked at. Superintendent Wait responded that he did not know the answer. Board
Member Jasica also wanted to know if the bid from Ruprecht also included the golf course,
to which staff responded no as that they were very different business models. Chairman
Volkmann shared his concerns regarding the new venture for Ruprecht. Ruprecht assured
him that they have been in the restaurant business for a long time and with their experience
and commitment they are looking to make this and future ventures work. Student Member
Saffrin asked if the agreement with Ruprecht is not approved would they look to stay with
the current vendor or go off in another direction. Superintendent Wait answered that they
would probably work with the current vendor but make some improvements. Director Van
Arsdale added that the City has a clause in the agreement regarding performance of any
vendor.
Requested Action: Approval to pursue the development of a three‐year agreement with
Ruprecht Company DBA – Raging Kitchen to provide food and beverage service at Forest
Park Beach.
A motion was made by Board Member Turelli to approve the development of a three‐year
independent agreement with Ruprecht Company DBA – Raging Kitchen to provide food
and beverage service at Forest Park Beach. The motion was seconded by Board Member
Jasica. The motion was opposed by Student Member Saffrin. The motion was passed.
VII. Spotlight: Stirling Hall Arts Center
Joe Mobile, Recreation Manager, gave an overview of the Stirling Hall Arts Center. He
reviewed the history of Stirling along with the financials and participation of classes. He
gave the board a “tour” of the facility by letting them know about all of the different
techniques used in ceramics and the rooms located at Stirling that each of these take place
in. Manager Mobile also shared that the rooms at Stirling may be rented out. Stirling is the
only studio in the area that provides the students with five different selections of firing
methods. Manager Mobile then introduced the new Stirling Hall Arts Center Director,
Rebekah Diamantopoulos Jones who started with the Center in August. Board Member Hill
asked if the revenue from the Stirling Hall Art Show goes to the artist or the center.
Manager Mobile responded that the Center does receive a percentage of the proceeds.
Board Member Turelli asked if there was a breakdown of resident vs. non‐resident
attendance at the classes. Manager Mobile responded that the adult classes are more non‐
resident driven but the youth classes are more resident driven; he did not have the exact
numbers with him.
VIII. Director’s Report
Mary Van Arsdale, Director of Parks & Recreation announced that she would be revamping
the sub‐committee assignments for the board due to the change in members. She
mentioned that due to a conflict at City Hall, next month’s Board meeting will be held at the
Municipal Services building at 800 N. Field Drive at 6:30 p.m. on February 19, 2013 and will
not be televised. The following items were also mentioned:
The golf course is officially closed
Frost Fest is tentatively scheduled for January 12, 2013 from 1‐3 p.m.
All‐inclusive passes are now on sale at the Rec Center
The Wildlife Discover Center will have extended hours over winter break
The Polar Express will also be coming up soon.
IX. Comments by Board Members
There were no comments.
X. Opportunities For The Public To Address The Board On Items Not Listed On The Agenda
There were no comments.
XI. Adjournment
Board Member Hill moved to adjourn the meeting. Board Member Jasica seconded. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Tricia Schwall
Administrative Assistant