PARKS & RECREATION BOARD 2022/01/11 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest
Parks and Recreation Board
Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2022
Zoom Remote Meeting
I. Call to Order
The Parks and Recreation Board Meeting was called to order by Chairman Paul Best at 6:30p.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
Ms. Nancy Duffy
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. Aaron Dalzot, Lakefront Manager
Mr. John Eldridge, Program Manager
Ms. Dani Spann, Administrative Assistant
II. Approval of Minutes
Meeting minutes of the October 19, 2021 Park & Recreation Board Meeting were presented and
approved.
Board member Duffy motioned for approval of the minutes and Board member Spirito seconded.
The Board meeting minutes of October 19, 2021 were then unanimously approved by roll call with
6 yeas and 0 nays.
III. Opportunities for the Public to Address the Board on Items not listed on the Agenda
None
IV. Spotlight on Recreation Department Special Events
John Eldridge, Program Manager, along with Aaron Dalzot, Program Manager, spoke to the Board
about special events held over the last year. Staff were able to offer fun, community events while
still maintaining the safety guidelines of the CDC. All events over the last year were very successful
with great feedback from participants. Mr. Dalzot touched on the summer concerts at the beach and
noted that food trucks will now be allowed at events. A big thank you was given to the Parks and
Forestry staff for helping with everything and to the Lake Forest College volunteers that helped with
the popular Halloween Event. Staff is excited for new events coming up. Board members thanked
Staff for doing a great job over the last year in light of Covid.
V. FY2023 Forest Park Grounds Maintenance Contract Approval
Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry and Special Facilities, presented to the board a brief
background of Forest Park. On December 1, 2021, staff conducted a bid opening process to include
the mowing and extensive grounds maintenance services at Forest Park. One bid was received from
Mariani Landscape Inc. in the amount of $51,958. Staff recommends awarding the contract to
Mariani Landscape Inc. for FY2023 with a three-year option in the bid process that provides the City
the right to extend or rebid the contract after the first season. Brief discussion followed on the use
of auto mowers at Forest Park.
Requested Action: City Staff requests approval to enter into a contract with Mariani Landscape for
Grounds Maintenance Services at Forest Park in the Parks FY2023 Budget, for an amount not to
exceed $51,958.
A motion was made by Board member Silver to approve the Proposed FY23 Forest Park Grounds
Maintenance Contract, and to proceed to City Council for approval. The motion was seconded by
Board member Duffy. The motion passed with a roll call of 6 yeas and 0 nays.
VI. FY2023 City-wide Grounds Maintenance Contract Approval
Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry and Special Facilities went over the City-wide
Grounds Maintenance Contract and the areas included in the contract. Landscape Concepts
Management was awarded the bid last year with the ability to be renewed each year for a total of 3
consecutive years. Staff is satisfied with their work and recommend renewing with Landscape
Concepts Management for FY2023, for an amount not to exceed $177,846.
Requested Action: City Staff requests approval to enter into a contract with Landscape Concepts
Management for City-wide Grounds Maintenance Services for FY2023, for an amount not to exceed
$177,846.
A motion was made by Board member Duffy to authorize approval to enter into a contract with
Landscape Concepts Management for City-wide Grounds Maintenance Services for FY2023, for an
amount not to exceed $177,846. The motion was seconded by Board member Marshall. The
motion passed with a roll call of 6 yeas and 0 nays.
VII. Veteran’s Park Update
Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry and Special Facilities and Joe Mobile,
Superintendent of Recreation gave a brief update on Veteran’s Park. Superintendent Myers touched
on the work that has been done to date. Underground work with draining has been completed. The
construction plan began in September. An estimated completion date is May 2022 with a grand
opening on Memorial Day 2022.
Superintendent Joe Mobile talked about working with the American Legion to design and build a
memorial monument. The American Legion plans to have a project fundraising campaign with the
goal to raise around $300,000 to cover costs for the monument. Anticipated dedication of the
monument is Memorial Day of 2023. Board member Duffy inquired about having brick pavers as a
memorial option. Mr. Mobile replied it is difficult to maintain inscribed brick pavers. Discussion on
the flagpole and lighting followed.
VIII. Comments by Director
Director Swarthout reminded the Board about the upcoming Athletic Fields Community Workshop
on February 17th at Deerpath Middle School. Board member Duffy congratulated Director Swarthout
and staff for the new building for NSSED. Ms. Swarthout also informed the Board of the upcoming
programs and local events.
• Lake Forest Fitness Membership specials until January 31, 2022
• Merry Grinchmas 2- Silver Holiday Coin Treasure Hunt- January 15, 2022 start date
• Kinderhaven Preschool Academy Open House- January 15th from 2pm – 4pm
• Daddy & Daughter Princess Ball- February 5th at 6pm at Dickenson Hall Great Room
IX. Board Member Comments
Chairman Best thanked Director Swarthout for the reminder of the upcoming meetings.
X. Adjournment
Board member Duffy motioned for adjournment and Board member Carden seconded. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:56p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Dani Spann
Administrative Assistant