PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2021/09/28 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
September 28, 2021
Zoom Remote Meeting
I. Call to Order
The Parks and Recreation Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Best at 6:31p.m. The
following were present via Zoom meeting:
Board Members: Mr. Paul Best
Mr. Marc Silver
Ms. Kaci Spirito
Mr. Patrick Marshall
Mr. Kevin Carden
Staff: Ms. Sally Swarthout, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Joe Mobile, Superintendent of Recreation
Mr. Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry & Special Facilities
Mr. Jason Busdeker, Facilities Manager
Mr. Aaron Dalzot, Lakefront Manager
Mr. Patrick O’Donoghue, KemperSports Management
Ms. Dani Spann, Administrative Assistant
II. Approval of Minutes
Meeting minutes of the July 20, 2021 Park & Recreation Board Meeting were presented and
approved.
Board member Marshall motioned for approval of the minutes and Board member Silver
seconded. The Board meeting minutes of July 20, 2021 were then unanimously approved by roll
call with 5 ayes and 0 nays.
III. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not listed on the Agenda
None
IV. Fitness Center Fees Discussion
Jason Busdeker, Facility Manager, brought to the Board for discussion, the Staff recommended FY23
fees with an increase of 3%. This revenue projection increase is based on current memberships.
The numbers increased slightly over the summer, however, some members are still not comfortable
to return. Board member Marshall inquired about freezing memberships. Jason Busdeker responded
requested memberships have been placed on hold. Any members that cancelled have unused credit
placed on their account to use towards a future membership. To help cut down on labor costs,
fitness supervisors have been helping by filling in at the front desk and floor supervisor shifts.
Mr. Busdeker talked about the promotions currently running. One is Silver Sneakers, and the
renewing of senior active memberships in the insurance based program. Currently, there are about
75 members between these programs. The fitness center is continuing to offer one, two and three
month membership options. Members seem more comfortable with these short term options. Drop
in child care is still available with a limited number of children allowed due to staff/child ratio.
Discussion followed on the 3% fee increase and the factors behind it. Mr. Busdeker talked about
ideas staff will be using to promote memberships in January. A letter is scheduled to go out in
January as a membership drive to past members highlighting new pieces of equipment and changes
to the fitness center. Board member Carden asked how the fitness center rates are compared to
local competitive centers. Mr. Busdeker replied our rates are lower in most levels and compared to
private sectors our rates are quite a bit lower.
V. Lakefront Fees Discussion
Aaron Dalzot, Lakefront Manager, presented for discussion the staff recommendations of a 3%
increase in the majority of resident and non-resident permit fee categories. Staff recommends the
fees remain constant for FY23 in the following categories: Nanny and Caregiver Parking Pass,
Resident Guest Daily Parking Pass, Non-resident Beach Access Fee, and the Non-resident Daily Boat
Launch. Discussion followed on the fee increase and attendance numbers.
VI. Pavilion Rental Permit Fees Discussion
Aaron Dalzot, Lakefront Manager presented for discussion the Park and Lakefront Pavilion Permit
Fees for FY23. Staff is recommending fees remain the same for FY23 Park Pavilion Permits. Mr.
Dalzot went over the recommended fee changes for the Lakefront Pavilion Permits. Staff is
recommending two options for renting a lakefront pavilion.
Option A: Raising the pavilion rental fee to $150.00 for a 4 hour block and including 10 parking
passes.
Option B: Pavilion rental fee remains the same of $100.00, but allowing only 6 parking passes.
Because parking at the beach is in high demand, Staff hopes this will alleviate the current issue of
people renting a pavilion in order to get the 10 parking passes for $100.00, instead of paying the fee
of $15.00 for an individual guest parking pass. Option A will generate an increase in revenue by
$1350.00 while Option B would not have a fiscal impact. Discussion followed on the two options
presented.
VII. Golf Course Fees Discussion
Patrick O’Donoghue, KemperSports Management, presented to the Board the recommended FY23
fees. Mr. O’Donoghue talked briefly about the current construction at the Golf Course and the
30,000 square foot putting facility that is expected to be completed around Memorial Day next year.
Mr. O’Donoghue went over the FY23 fees and explained how staff analyzed several factors,
including utilization and surrounding course fees when determining the new fees. Staff is
recommending a 1% increase for all the classifications and memberships. A discount is offered for
adult single members to all residents of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Staff is expecting a slight
decrease in play as more people are returning back to work. Mr. O’Donoghue went over some line
items and the slight increases. A Loyalty program was started with 160 members over the last year.
Discussion followed on the increase in the range ball bucket fees.
VIII. Comments by Director
Director Swarthout informed the Board of the upcoming local events.
Haunted Trail Walk, October 9th at 7pm at Northcroft Park
Croctoberfest, October 17th from 10am – 3pm at the Wildlife Discovery Center
Go Lake Forest- Forest Park Nature Walk, October 27th at 10am at Forest Park
Halloween Tricks & Treats, October 29th from 5pm – 7pm at Lake Forest Recreation Ctr Gym
IX. Board Member Comments
Board member Silver brought up the topic of a meeting at Gorton regarding funding for the turf
fields at Deerpath Park. Board member Marshall commented it was a community sponsored event
held to generate interest and excitement for the Masterplan and what’s coming up. It was a nice
event to get the community excited and generate support. There will be a turf field update by
Superintendent Joe Mobile at the next meeting. There is a link to the Feasibility Study on the
website for anyone to access.
X. Adjournment
Board member Spirito motioned for adjournment and Board member Silver seconded. The meeting
was adjourned at 8:000p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Dani Spann
Administrative Assistant