PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2017/03/21 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
March 21, 2017
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. Jake Lee
Ms. Melanie Walsh
Mr. Paul “Skoo” Walker
Mr. Paul Best
Mr. Steve Reimer
Mr. Andrew Grabemann
Staff: Ms. Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Joe Mobile, Superintendent of Recreation
Mr. Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry & Cemetery
Mr. Anthony Anaszewicz, Program Manager, Athletics
Mr. Ken Pierini, Program Supervisor, Athletics
Mr. Rich Paulsen, Supervisor of Parks
Ms. Dani Spann, Administrative Assistant
II. Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes of the February 21, 2017 Park & Recreation Board meeting were presented
and approved.
Board member Best motioned for approval of the amended minutes and Board member Lee
seconded. The minutes were then unanimously approved.
III. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not listed on the Agenda
No comment
IV. Rugby Program Spotlight
Program Supervisor, Ken Pierini gave some brief information on the Rugby program and introduced
the Rugby Director, John Walker. Mr. Walker talked about the history, philosophy and the various
program divisions. This program was acquired in 2011 and has been managed by the Recreation
Staff. Mr. Walker discussed the present enrollment along with some of the future goals to expand
and offer more Rugby programs to all ages.
Team highlights and awards were mentioned. They won the state championship in 2013 and 2014,
and coming in 3rd place in 2016. He also touched on some individual highlights. Chairman
Kohlmeyer asked how many teams are in Illinois and Mr. Walker answered there are 55 high school
teams in Illinois, totaling close to 3000 athletes. They are currently leading in Illinois with single
school teams. The season starts in the first week of April. Discussion followed.
V. Deerpath Golf Course Update
Superintendent Myers introduced Vince Juarez, the new General Manager of Deerpath Golf Course.
Mr. Juarez gave a brief overview of the golf industry and touched on the following points.
1. Review of core golfers
a. Decline over last 15-20 years
2. Surrounding area competition
a. 81 golf courses within 30 miles with 15 new ones in the last 20 years
b. Drive is to remain competitive
3. 2017 year in review
a. Annual passes and green fees have declined
b. Customer experience is improving
c. True Review Survey is showing a 20 point growth with about 570 surveys
returned
4. FY18 Strategies/Budget/Marketing
a. Maximize golf revenue by delivering top course conditions and improving
customer experience
b. Hold pricing longer and encourage more people on non-peak times
c. Current rates are very competitive-currently $15,000-$20,000 ahead
Discussion followed on increasing revenue, and updates on the IDOT plan that is currently in Phase
2.
VI. South Park Playground
Superintendent Myers gave an overview of the current playground and mentioned features for the
proposed one. The new playground will have the same footprint as the current playground. The new
playground will include the Pour-in Place surfacing which is a safety best practice.
The budget impacted fees for this project will total $230,000 and will come from the Parks & Public
Land Fund in addition to the Special Recreation Fund. Discussion followed on budget and in house
labor costs along with donating the used equipment.
Requested Action: Approval of the new playground in the amounts of $200,000 from the Parks &
Public Land Fund and $35,000 from the Special Recreation Fund.
A motion was made by Board member Lee to approve the new South Park Playground. The motion
was seconded by Board member Best. The motion was passed.
VII. Annual Mow Contract
Parks Supervisor, Rich Paulson, gave a brief background on the mow plan. The contract went out to
bid with a total of 5 bids received. The lowest bid was rejected due to unfavorable reference checks
and the inexperience of the contractor with jobs of this magnitude. The contractor chosen was
Landscape Concepts Management. The City has a history with them and has been pleased in the
past with their work.
Requested Action: Approval of the Mow Contract with Landscape Concepts Management.
A motion was made by Board member Lee to approve the Mow Contract with Landscape Concepts
Management. The motion was seconded by Board member Walker. The motion was passed.
VIII. Comments by Director
Director Swarthout touched on the upcoming exciting events for April.
• Easter Eggstravaganza- Saturday, April 8th at Deerpath Middle School
• Easter Bunny Baskets- Wednesday, April 12th 3:00pm – 6:00pm
• Mother & Son Bowling Night- Friday, April 14th at Brunswick Zone, Vernon Hills
• Smelt-O-Rama- Saturday, April 22nd at Forest Park Beach
IX. Comments by Board Members
No Comment
X. Adjournment
Board member Best motioned for adjournment and Board member Lee seconded.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:32pm.
Respectfully Submitted
Dani Spann
Administrative Assistant