Minutes & Agenda |
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WESTERN SPRINGS PARK BOARD MINUTESSeptember 12, 2006Call to Order by President Kurfirst at 7:05 P.M. Commissioners present: Len Kurfirst Michael Kane Phyllis Osborn Deborah Lyons Michael Bruck Absent: Matt Gresge John White Other preesent: Trustee Anne Marie Hickey Ken Sitkowski Robert Ekroth, Attorney Craig Himmelmann, Director Tracy Alden, Dir of Recreation Jamie Rachlin Jack Burns Approval of Minutes of August 8, 2006 MOTION: Phyllis Osborn moved, with a second by Michael Kane, that the minutes of the August 8, 2006 Park Board meeting be approved as written, which motion was approved by all on a voice vote. Acknowledgment of Visitors and Persons to be heard from the Floor Resident Jack Burns of 44—Clausen voiced his concern regarding the lack of port-a-bathrooms at Northeast Park, which he indicated would be used by children and visitors attending Saturday AYSO soccer games. President Kurfirst indicated that the Park District would consider this request. Jamie Rachlin of Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson Inc. presented information regarding the Park District’s borrowing ability through issuing Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds. He noted that the combined annual debt service for all outstanding Limited Tax Bonds is limited to the District’s Debt Service Extension Base of $118,200. This is the maximum amount the District can levy in any year for limited tax GO bonds. The Park District currently has one outstanding bond issue, Limited Tax GO Refunding Bonds, Series 1998 with debt service of approximately $83,800 through levy year 2013 (higher in 2006 at $111,265 and then reduced to $83,800). The debt levy is independent of the operating levy In order to borrow more funds now, the Park District must either restructure its outstanding bonds or sell Capital Appreciation Bonds which pay no interest prior to maturity. A restructuring adds costs but capital appreciation bonds have a higher interest rate. Under current market conditions, the most economic approach is to restructure a portion of the outstanding bonds which would generate extra funds for the District. The total borrowing capacity, staying within the DSEB is approximately $890,000. If the Park District desired to borrow this full amount or a substantial amount, then there should be one or more large capital projects the money is earmarked for. Discussion ensued regarding the option of issuing bonds on an annual basis, or for a period of perhaps 4 years, or whether a more substantial bond issuance should be done now. It takes roughly 90 days to issue bonds, depending on the amount. Higher bonds have to be underwritten, which takes longer and costs more. A Bond Issue Notification hearing, with proper notice will be necessary. This would be conducted at a Park District board meeting. Mr. Rachlin advised that the best course of action is to use all of the bonding capacity the Park District has and either issue bonds going out four years or so in order to provide funds on a yearly basis over the next four years (and then possibly repeating the process) or to restructure the bonds to fund a larger project. If we decide to move forward with issuing bonds in 2007, we need to start the process in December and the process will be completed by the end of February 2007. President Kurfirst noted that this topic will be the subject of discussion at upcoming Board meetings. In October, the Park Board will also have a specially set workshop meeting to discuss budgeting issues and the bond issues. Trustee Hickey’s Report Trustee Hickey advised as follows: The tunnel on the west side of town is a priority for the Village. The exact location will be decided after engineering studies and will be determined by the Railroad. The Village is starting its budget process. The new business survey went out and responses have been received and are under review. The south side fire station is under review and the Village is working with an architect. There will be a fire station on the south end of town, but the location is still being determined. The special assessment bonds for the Timber Trails development have been approved by the Village Board. Recreation Department Report Director Tracy Alden advised that the last Recreation Commission meeting agenda and recent meeting minutes are included in the Park District Commissioner packets. He noted that the apportioned charges for the Concert in the Parks has been submitted to the Park District. The inline rinks need some scraping and painting. Interest in In-line has decreased over the last several years. Dave Evans has proposed several maintenance items for the tennis courts and these requests will be noted in the tennis report. Update on Timber Trails Park President Kurfirst advised that the Park District had recently learned that the OSLAD grant request was declined. One reason given by OSLAD was that the Park District already has more playgrounds and ball diamonds than statistically necessary for the population. Director Himmelmann noted that previous Park District OSLAD grant requests have also been denied. At this time, the Park District must decide whether to submit the grant request again next year, or move forward with the development of Timber Trials Park with the funding from Dartmoor and the funds received for the playground and in lieu of funds for the tennis courts. If the OSLAD request is submitted again, there will need to be changes in the submission, including public input on an updated master plan and more detail regarding the age of existing playgrounds and ball diamonds and the need for these facilities in this area of town. Another option for funding may include a possible grant request to the Community Memorial Foundation. The Park District also needs to determine whether the design of the building at Timber Trails, as submitted to OSLAD is necessary or whether this facility can be pared down. Commissioner Lyons noted that she will bring the designs for the pavilion at Timber Trails to the next Board meeting so that the Board can determine what amenities the facility needs to have and what amenities can be deleted to save cost. President Kurfirst noted that after further discussion with Dartmoor and counsel, certain additions and clarification of the original letter agreement between the Park District and Dartmoor have been agreed to and memorialized in a letter dated August 24, 2006. This letter also confirms the in lieu of payments to the Park District by Dartmoor for the playground and tennis courts at Timber Trails Park. Commissioners reviewed the letter and on motion of Commissioner Kane and seconded by Commissioner Osborn, Commissioners unanimously approved execution of the August 24, 2006 letter by President Kurfirst on behalf of the Park District. Update on Request by Hilds to Purchase 15 Feet of Ridge Acres Park President Kurfirst noted that there is nothing new to report. The Hilds are in discussion with the Village to determine whether their lot would be buildable at 50 feet, or whether 60 feet would be necessary. Update on Spring Rock Park Pavilion Commissioner Lyons advised the Board that this project has been delayed by numerous problems with the steel structure but the project should be moving forward now that these problems have been identified and are being corrected. Several conference calls have been necessary between the contractor, All Bry, Craig Himmelmann and Joe Brusseau. Joe Brusseau is over budget for his construction observation costs and this will be the subject of discussion at a future date. Update on W.S. Football Lighted Field and West End Multipurpose Field Commissioner Bruck noted that the lights are operational and the Football program is enjoying the lights. There is very little spillage of illumination beyond the field and the lighting evenly covers the playing area. There will be a dedication of the field lights on September 23 at 6:30 pm, weather permitting. Safety The Director advised that it had been a good month and there had been no injuries or accidents. New Business Federal Transportation Funding SAFETEA-LU High Priority Fund Commissioner Kane reported that he attended a meeting at IDOT with Commissioner White, Director Himmelmann and Jeff Gutowsky of WT Engineering to introduce our project to IDOT. The IDOT representative, Abby Wilgreen, indicated that there will be flexibility in how the Park District spends the SAFETEA-LU funds and these funds could be directed towards a parking lot, infrastructure or a variety of other items. Due to the amount of funding appropriated to the Park District and the relatively minor scope of the anticipated project, it is likely that the Park District would be considered a CE-2 project and will require approximately five months from the time the project proposal and plans are submitted to IDOT for engineering review and the time we will be allowed to begin the project. The Board will need to discuss use of the Transportation funds at future Board meetings and a workshop meeting will also be scheduled. Park District Funding As reported above, Jamie Rachlin of Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson Inc. discussed Park District Funding options. Commissioner Gresge will also provide a report regarding Park District funding issues at an upcoming workshop meeting. Treasurer’s Report -this item was deferred until the next Park Board meeting due to Commissioner Gresge’s absence. Director’s Report The Director’s Report is attached hereto and becomes a part of these minutes. Director Himmelmann requested $2300 for weed eradication, which was unanimously approved on motion of Commissioner Kane, seconded by Commissioner Osborn. Director Himmelmann was also directed to obtain an estimate for broadcast weed eradication at all parks. Director Himmelmann noted that Nazareth ran a cross country meet with numerous other teams at Spring Rock Park today, despite the extremely wet conditions and ran across several of the playing fields. Director Himmelmann notified the Nazareth coach that this was inappropriate given the conditions and advised him that any damage to the area would need to be repaired at Nazareth’s cost. Commissioners Reports Phyllis Osborn noted that she has been working with the Veterans Park group on designs for the park. Nu Toys is assisting in the design and the plans have been sent back and forth for comment and input. She is also continuing to work with the Ridgewood group regarding design and equipment needs at Ridgewood Park. Commissioner Bruck noted that Western Springs Little League has committed $95,000 towards lights at the B West field at Spring Rock Park. WSLL has requested $5500 from the park District to pay for a maintenance contract for the lights. The lights will consist of 3 light poles. WSLL would like to dig and put in the foundations for the poles now, while conditions permit. On motion of Phyllis Osborn and seconded by Mike Kane, the Board approved WSLL’s proposal to proceed with construction of the foundations for the lights. The Board deferred approval of the commitment of $5500 for the 25 year warranty and maintenance contract until after the Park District finances and budget for 2007 is discussed at a workshop meeting to be scheduled in the next few weeks. Adjournment MOTION: Michael Kane moved, with a second by Phyllis Osborn, that the Park Board meeting be adjourned at 8:50 PM, which motion was approved by all on a voice vote. Respectfully submitted, Deborah Lyons, Vice President/Commissioner |
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