AUDIT_2023_07_20_MINUTESThe City of Lake Forest
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Proceedings of the July 20, 2023 Meeting
5:15 p.m. – City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath
Minutes
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairman Janos called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Audit Committee Members present: Chairman
Janos, Mr. Dillon, Mr. Hirsch and Mr. Magnuson. Absent: Mayor Tack and Finance Committee Chairman
Preschlack. Quorum present.
City staff present: Elizabeth Holleb, Finance Director; Diane Hall, Assistant Finance Director; Sally
Swarthout, Director of Parks and Recreation and Joe Mobile, Superintendent of Recreation
Others present: Joe Lightcap of Baker Tilly, Andrew Trees, Michael Slover, Amy Wagliardo, Bob Skales
and Karen McCabe of Gorton Community Center, Michael Cleavenger of Ragdale, Jackie Greca, Joe Oriti,
Rick Amos and Cheryl Rohifs of Parks and Recreation Foundation, Cheryden Juergensen of Eder, Casella &
Company and Chris Casey, Lake Forest Caucus.
II. Consent Agenda
Approval of minutes from Audit Committee meeting held on April 20, 2023
Mr. Dillon made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 20, 2023 Audit Committee meeting.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Hirsch. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
The Committee discussed the vacant position on the Audit Committee.
III. FY23 Audit Status
Mr. Joe Lightcap of Baker Tilly stated the audit had started the previous week and that all documents had
been provided. The actuary reports have been received early this year and will begin working on the
report. GASB Statement No. 87 is in the processing of having the entries recorded.
The Committee discussed if the prior year financial information can be included in the report. This
information is provided in the statistical section. They asked if the prior year could be added to the
Budget to Actual schedules. Mr. Lightcap has not seen a template for this request.
Staffing changes for both Baker Tilly and the City were reviewed with the Committee.
Finance Committee Chairman Preschlack entered the meeting at 5:30.
IV. Gorton Community Center – Financial Presentation
Ms. Amy Wagliardo, Executive Director of Gorton stated they had a great year in 2022, which has
continued into 2023 and their strategic plan has been completed.
Mr. Michael Slover, Audit Chair/City Director of Gorton reviewed revenues and expenses for the year.
The Committee discussed how often the Audit Committee meets and when they meet with the regular
board. The strategic plan addresses sustaining a vibrant center, fundraising, programming and
marketing. Based on marketing, with many new families in Lake Forest, marketing is provided through
mailings, the Chamber and a block party.
The Committee discussed the financials with an increase of $400k in contributions and funds moving
from restricted to unrestricted.
The question was asked if the City can provide any assistance to Gorton. The City includes Gorton
programs in the City’s Friday e*newsletter.
The Committee discussed measurements to see how programs are doing, lessons learned and they have
been waiting on a special use permit from the City for the patio.
V. Ragdale Foundation – Financial Presentation
Ms. Cheryden Juergensen of Eder, Casella & Company stated the audit went well with no material
weaknesses and internal controls were good.
The Committee discussed including the previous year’s information to the packet.
Mr. Michael Cleavenger, Executive Director of Ragdale reviewed $2.0 million in contributions were
received this year. Ragdale is in the process of a capital campaign to raise $6.5 million. They need to
reestablish with previous doners for operating costs.
The City is loaning the Ragdale Foundation up to $2.0 million to provide cash flow while capital pledges
are received.
The Committee discussed staffing at Ragdale and if there are any programs for the community. Ragdale
does not conduct events but provides presentations at the Ragdale Ring.
VI. Parks and Recreation Foundation – Financial Presentation
Mr. Joe Oriti of the Parks and Recreation Foundation provided an overview of the Foundation’s
financials. He stated Wild Life Discovery contributions will be used to clean up the site. The Foundation
will be raising funds to assist with the boardwalk project. Timing of the project will depend on
fundraising. In anticipation of the project moving forward, the City will install the supports for the
boardwalk while completing the bluff restoration project. The Foundation is registering with the state to
be eligible for grants.
The Committee discussed how the Foundation came back from last year’s cancellation of the 4th of July
event. This year’s events have been scaled back and an emphasis has been placed on being mindful of
expenses. They are currently working on the music festival and tree lighting ceremony.
VII. Other Business
Foundation Summary – The Committee discussed developing a community fund to raise money for
organizations. Develop a dashboard for the packet to show multi-year financial information.
Foundation Financial Review – No discussion
Ongoing discussion re. Foundation Presentation Format – A draft list was prepared. The Committee
discussed how to have Foundations present the information.
The audit will be presented by Chairman Janos at the November 6th City Council meeting.
VIII. Opportunity for Public to Address the Audit Committee – No one requested to address the Audit
Committee
IX. Adjournment
There being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. Hirsch to adjourn the meeting. The motion
was seconded by Mr. Dillon. The motion was approved unanimous by voice vote. The meeting was
adjourned at 7:32 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Hall
Assistant Finance Director