Dec. 21, 2006

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=120 BGCOLOR="#009999" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="424ad640.jpg" border=0 width="429" height="100" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Park District of Forest Park </B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Park District of Forest Park "><B>home</B></A></div> <div>  back to  <A HREF="2005_06_meeting_minutes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="200506 Meeting Minutes"><B>2005-06 Meeting Minutes</B></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="0c0d2013.jpg"> <div> <B>www.pdofp.org</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Oct. 13, 2005">Oct. 13, 2005</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id47.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nov. 27, 2005">Nov. 27, 2005</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id61.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jan. 19, 2006">Jan. 19, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="feb_16_2006_special_meeting.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Feb. 16, 2006 Special Meeting">Feb. 16, 2006 Special Meeting</A></div> <div> <A HREF="feb_16_2006.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Feb. 16, 2006">Feb. 16, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="march_16_2006.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="March 16, 2006">March 16, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="april_20_20068f.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="April 20, 2006">April 20, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="may_4_200693.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="May 4, 2006">May 4, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="may_18_200695.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="May 18, 2006">May 18, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="june_1_200699.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="June 1, 2006">June 1, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="june_15_20069e.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="June 15, 2006">June 15, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="july_6_2006a1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="July 6, 2006">July 6, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="july_20_2006aa.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="July 20, 2006">July 20, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="august_3_2006.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="August 3, 2006">August 3, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="august_17_2006b6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="AUGUST 17, 2006">AUGUST 17, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="august_24_2006_special_meeti.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="August 24, 2006 Special Meeting">August 24, 2006 Special Meeting</A></div> <div> <A HREF="sept_21_2006.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sept. 21, 2006">Sept. 21, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="oct_19_2006be.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Oct. 19, 2006">Oct. 19, 2006</A></div> <div> <A HREF="nov_16_2006c0.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nov. 16, 2006">Nov. 16, 2006</A></div> <div> <B>Dec. 21, 2006</B></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=360 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS of the Park District of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois was held in the Administration Building of the Park District of Forest Park, 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, Illinois at 7:00 p.m. on December 21, 2006.</div> <bR> <div> Roll Call: President Boy chaired the meeting.  Commissioners Byrnes, Espinosa, McDermott Sansone and Boy answered present.  Also present were Director Dave Novak, Assistant Director Larry Piekarz, Superintendent Larry Buckley, Treasurer Gerald Sebesta, Recreation Supervisor Lianne Ryan-Robinette  and Secretary Chris Richards.  Special Guests Scott Triphahn and Robert Juris of W-T Engineering and members of the Forest Park Little League Board: Kathy Doss, Mark Gordon, Anthony Lazzara and David Pyan were also in attendance.</div> <bR> <div> The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.</div> <bR> <div> Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Commissioner Sansone, seconded by Commissioner Espinosa to approve the agenda.  Ayes: 5.</div> <bR> <div> Approval of Minutes:</div> <div>  -Motion was made by Commissioner McDermott, seconded by Commissioner Sansone, to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2006 Regular Meeting.  Ayes:5.</div> <bR> <div> Correspondence: The Board reviewed the correspondence file which included copies of thank you letters to American Legion Post #414 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7181 for their respective $1000 donations towards the signs for Veterans Stadium and to Mr. & Mrs. Samko of River Forest for their donation of a complete umpire's outfit and a copy of IAPD's annual membership letter with a copy of the 2006 IAPD Annual Report.</div> <div> Public Comment:</div> <div> -None.</div> <bR> <div> Treasurer's Report:</div> <div> -Treasurer Sebesta reviewed the lists of computer checks totaling $54,038.25 and manual checks totaling $8,338.45 for a grand total of $62,376.70 in disbursements for November and December. Motion was made by Commissioner Byrnes, seconded by Commissioner McDermott, to approve the disbursements for November and December.  Roll Call: Ayes: Byrnes, Espinosa, McDermott, Sansone and Boy.</div> <div> -Gerry reported that balances for the close of November totaled $2,637,299.88, commenting that bond proceeds have been reflected in the Capital Projects Fund.  Investments, as of 12/19/06, total $2,545,683.70 Our Money Market account at Forest Park National Bank, yielding 4.45%, shows a balance of $570,203.14 and a US Treasury Bill, with a maturity value of $2,000,000 has been purchased in the amount of $1,975,480.56.  Motion was made by Commissioner McDermott, seconded by Commissioner Sansone, to accept the November 2006 Financial Statements.  Roll Call: Ayes: Byrnes, Espinosa, McDermott, Sansone and Boy.</div> <div> -Gerry presented the 2006 Tax Levy Ordinance 061221A.  He explained that the levy must be filed by the last Tuesday in December.  Motion was made to adopt Ordinance 061221A Levying Municipal Taxes for the Park District of Forest Park for the Year 2006.  Roll Call: Ayes: Byrnes, Espinosa, McDermott, Sansone and Boy.</div> <bR> <div> Maintenance Report:</div> <div> -Superintendent Buckley reported that the walking path with signage has been completely installed.  Holiday lights have been put up, but to a lesser extent than in previous years because the bucket truck is inoperable.  Some electrical repairs have been made through the Park and all lights in the Park are currently working as they should, including the walk lights.  All of the park vehicles have undergone maintenance and all are in good working order.  </div> <div> -Larry distributed literature concerning the new chlorine system that we would like to use in the pool.  He explained the benefits how it works and said that he is waiting for a quote, but anticipates that it will be around $4800.  Assistant Director Piekarz stated that the feeder would need to be replaced as well and that the total cost of the project will be around $8000.  Superintendent Buckley said that he will have more detailed price information next month, but wanted commissioners to be aware of the planned system change and see more information on chlorine systems at the state conference in January.</div> <div> -Larry reported that he has determined that he will be able to get black dirt to top dress the softball field when he is able to work on the drain tiles, however he has been unable to get to that project because the fields have been too wet.</div> <bR> <div> Special Guests:</div> <div> President Boy announced that an entirely new board has been elected for Forest Park Little League and members of the board were in attendance this evening.  President Anthony Lazzara introduced himself and all members of their Board.  He expressed their intention to work cooperatively with the Park District and shared some of their ideas.  They discussed menu changes for the DugOut Café and Assistant Director Piekarz said that they are under no restrictions except for those imposed by the county.  They indicated that there are some electrical issues in the DugOut Café building and Superintendent Buckley told them that he would meet with them to discuss any repairs needed in the building.  They also asked if it would be permissible to install shades over the dugouts.  They indicated that they were looking into removable shades so that they would not interfere with our adult leagues.  There is a business interested in contributing towards shades, so they would also like to know if advertising on the shades or on a plaque would be allowed.  Assistant Director Piekarz said that it would, provided that it is for a business or product that is not prohibited at the Park, i.e. liquor, tavern, tobacco, etc.  Director Novak commended the Little League board for getting off to a good start by attending the meeting and opening lines of communication.  He emphasized that good communication between Little League and District staff is essential for both organizations and he encouraged them to come to Assistant Director Piekarz and/or Superintendent Buckley with all ideas and concerns.  President Boy thanked them for coming. </div> <bR> <div> -Scott Triphahn of W-T Engineering addressed the Board concerning the Administration Building Renovation Project.  He requested a Special Board Meeting for January 4, 2007 for Henry Bros. Construction Management, who is now under contract, to present detailed budget and scheduling information.  Scott plans on publishing the bid announcement on January 17th.   Bids will be due on February 8th and recommendations for bid acceptance will be made at the February 15th Regular Board Meeting and construction will begin in early March.  He turned the floor over to Robert Juris of Robert Juris & Assoc. Architects, Ltd. to go over the design which are about 75% to 80% completed.  He provided copies of the most recent drawings and explained some of the alternates that they are considering, such as air conditioning for the 2nd and 3rd floor.  He also explained an issue that has arisen concerning whether or not sprinklers will be required by the fire department; sprinklers would have a significant effect on the project budget.  He said that his research has indicated that they should not be necessary.  Discussion was also held concerning plans for the installation of restrooms near the soccer field.  Although this would be a separate project, we would like to consider pursuing this as soon as possible because the outside restrooms in the Administrative Building will be eliminated and the new soccer field gets a lot of use.  Scott told the Board that he would get them copies of the plans and the budget before the Special Meeting on January 4, 2007.  Motion was made by Commissioner Sansone, seconded by Commissioner Byrnes, to schedule a Special Meeting for Thursday, January 4, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of budget and schedule for the Administration Building Renovation Project.  Ayes: 5.</div> <bR> <div> Assistant Director's Report:</div> <div> -Assistant Director Piekarz reported that the Winter/Spring Brochure was sent out to residents this week.  He said that we will also be hosting an "English as a Second Language" class sponsored by the Forest Park Community Education Council.  </div> <div> -Larry stated that he would like to investigate replacing the wooden sign on the front lawn and will be looking at signs at the IPRA conference. He would like to consider an electronic message board.  Director Novak said that Sievert Electric, who installed our soccer field scoreboard, also deals with message boards of this kind.  Commissioners agreed that this would be a good idea as long as the sign is in keeping with the character and compliments the Administration Building.</div> <bR> <div> Director's Report:</div> <div> -Director Novak reported that we received a request for an annual contribution from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) , a new organization formed by the merger of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC) and the Chicago Area Transportation Study.  We did contribute to NIPC twenty years ago, however the Board chose not to continue with the annual contribution over recent years.  Dave said that only three of the eleven WSSRA partners are members of the organization and there is an IAPD representative.  The consensus of the Board was that we are sufficiently represented through IAPD.</div> <div> -Dave announced that the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet will be held on February 10, 2007 at the Elmcrest.  Dave asked that anyone interested in attending let him know.</div> <div> -Dave reported that there is a balance of $380.87 in the Friends of the Park checking account that was established to support the 2003 Referendum.  The account is dormant and he asked how the Board wished to handle these funds on his retirement since he is currently the only signer.  Assistant Director Piekarz suggested setting up a "foundation" account for contributions to the District.  Another possibility discussed was a scholarship fund.  Dave said that he will close out the account and give the funds to the Business Office in the form of a cashier's check until it is decided how they will be used.</div> <div>                                                        </div> <div> Unfinished Business:</div> <div> -President Boy presented the new Ethics Ordinance drafted by Jim Wascher of Freidman & Holtz.  This ordinance is more comprehensive and will replace the Ethics Ordinance previously adopted by the Board.  Motion was made by Commissioner McDermott, seconded by Commissioner Espinosa, to adopt Ethics Ordinance 061221B as presented.    Roll Call: Ayes: Byrnes, Espinosa, McDermott, Sansone and Boy.</div> <bR> <div> New Business:</div> <div> -President Boy presented Ordinance 061221C Fixing the Length of Time a Park Commissioner May Fail to Attend Meetings of the Park Board in order for Such Commissioner's Office to be Declared Vacant and Providing a Procedure for Declaring Such Vacancy.  Director Novak explained that this Ordinance was drafted to replace a section of the old Ordinance Code Booklet that was not covered in the revised Ordinance Code.  He specified four meetings because that was what the original ordinance called for, but the number of meetings can be changed if the Board so wishes.  This ordinance does not mandate that a commissioner be removed after missing four meetings, but makes it possible to consider removal if a commissioner should fail in this duty.  Without such an ordinance, a commissioner could remain in office indefinitely without attending meetings.  Motion was made by Commissioner McDermott, seconded by Commissioner Sansone, to adopt Ordinance 061221C Fixing the Length of Time a Park Commissioner May Fail to Attend Meetings of the Park Board in order for Such Commissioner's Office to be Declared Vacant and Providing a Procedure for Declaring Such Vacancy.      Roll Call: Ayes: Byrnes, Espinosa, McDermott, Sansone and Boy.</div> <div> -Director Novak Novak reported that he has received communication from Attorney Wascher concerning 2001 and 2002 Tax Objections.  Dave explained the objection process and said that Jim Wascher met with James A Rooney  the lead attorney for the objectors to negotiate this matter and recommends that the objections for both years be settled for three mills per year.   Dave said that we always sent Tax Rate Objection notices to Attorney McGah and that used to settle them, however Friedman & Holtz's procedure is to present the settlement to the Board for approval. Motion was made by Commissioner McDermott, seconded by Commissioner Espinosa, to authorize Attorney Wascher to settle illegal tax rate objections against the Park District of Forest Park for both tax years 2001 and 2002 for three mills per year as requested by Mr. Rooney.      Roll Call: Ayes: Byrnes, Espinosa, McDermott, Sansone and Boy.</div> <div> -Director Novak told the Board that it is time to make annual appointments to the WSSRA Board of Directors.  Motion was made to appoint Larry Piekarz as Regular Representative to the WSSRA Board of Directors and to appoint Lianne Ryan-Robinette as Alternate.      Roll Call: Ayes: Byrnes, Espinosa, McDermott, Sansone and Boy.</div> <div> -Dave explained that the Park District of Forest Park Code of Conduct and the Commissioners Policy and Procedure Manual that were included in Board Packets are the final documents generated through the revision of the Ordinance Code Booklet that was begun a few months ago.   In October the Board approved a revised Ordinance Code, as well as a Commissioners Handbook.  Attorney Wascher has reviewed both documents, made recommendations for changes in some wording and separated the ordinances into those related to public conduct and those pertaining to commissioners and District government to come up with these new documents.  He asked that commissioners review them thoroughly and call him with any questions as they will be on the agenda for approval at the January 18, 2007 Board Meeting.</div> <bR> <div> Adjournment:                                         </div> <div> -Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Sansone at 8:04 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Byrnes.  Ayes: 5.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Submitted by:        Chris Richards,  Secretary</div> <bR> <div> Approved:        Roy J. Sansone, Board of Park Commissioners</div> <bR> <div>             Cathleen McDermott, Board of Park Commissioners</div> <div>                         </div> <div> Date:            January 18, 2007</div> </td> </tr></table></body>