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NOVEMBER 08 MATER PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff, the Park Board of Commissioners and Representatives from The Lakota Group met to identify key Master Planning priorities related to Capital Development Projects, Capital Improvement Projects, Planning Initiatives, and Operational Goals.
NOVEMBER 11 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff outlined key considerations and assumptions guiding development of the 2026 budget.
Staff provided an update on the IDOT culvert replacement project on Sheridan Road, which includes installation of a pedestrian sidewalk from Dean Road to Roger Williams Road. At the Committee’s request, staff will gather cost estimates for a potential boardwalk or sidewalk extension leading to Rosewood Beach (Lower Rosewood).
Staff presented the proposed five-year Restaurant/Bar License Agreement with Catering by Relish, Inc. for Sunset Valley Golf Club, effective January 1, 2026–December 31, 2030.
Staff also reported ongoing collaboration with the Glencoe Park District on shared services. Due to challenges in offering outdoor winter ice, Glencoe has agreed to extend its resident rate on a Season Pass—providing access to open skate, open hockey, and open broomball—to Highland Park residents.
NOVEMBER 12 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
Staff provided a brief overview of the Five-Year Capital Plan and Ten-Year Funding Model, previously reviewed in detail at the September 10 Finance Committee Meeting.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-16 Granting a Nonexclusive Easement for Storm Water Utilities.
Staff and Commissioners reviewed proposed revisions to Policies 3.00–3.28 (Financials), 4.00–4.25 (General Policies), 5.00–5.15 (Recreation and Facilities), and 6.00–6.04 (Information Technologies). Committee liaisons presented recommended updates, which were reviewed by legal counsel for compliance.
The City of Highland Park is evaluating potential locations for the “Miss Nitro” art sculpture, including sites owned by the Park District. Staff reviewed applicable policies, procedures, and evaluation criteria for placing art on park property, with emphasis on Brown Park and Lincoln Place Park. Should both parties agree on a Park District location, an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) will be drafted and presented for approval at a future meeting.
Staff provided construction updates on the new facility and site improvements at West Ridge Park, improvements at Lincoln Park, and playground replacement at Rosewood Park.
Staff also reported ongoing collaboration with the Glencoe Park District on shared services. Due to challenges in offering outdoor winter ice, Glencoe has agreed to extend its resident rate on a Season Pass—providing access to open skate, open hockey, and open broomball—to Highland Park residents. Park Staff will attempt to make outdoor ice at Sunset Woods, if the weather conditions permit, but the hockey boards will not be constructed this season.
NOVEMBER 19 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar, 2026 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, Revisions to Policies 3.00 – 3.28, 4.00 – 4.25, 5.00 – 5.15, and 6.00 – 6.04 of the PDHP Policy Manual, Ordinance 2025-10 Establishing a Travel Reimbursement Policy, Ordinance 2025-15 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Restaurant/Bar License Agreement with Catering with Relish, Inc at Sunset Valley Golf Club, and the Truth in Taxation Resolution #2025-14, where the estimated percentage increase in the proposed 2026 aggregate levy over the amount of real estate taxes extended upon the final 2025 aggregate levy based on CPI of 2.9% tax cap and anticipated growth is 4.99%.
Staff presented the annual report for Centennial Ice Arena, summarizing operations and financial performance from August 2024 through July 2025.
OCTOBER 08 POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff reviewed the final set of proposed updates to Policy 5.02 Registration, Policy 5.03 Refunds of Recreation and Facility Services, and Policy 5.04 Grant-In-Aid. The Committee supported staff’s recommendations.
Staff also reviewed updates to the policies within Chapter 6: Information Technologies. Highlights included:
OCTOBER 08 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved Resolution 2025-12 Honoring Bill Quirk for his 50 Years of Continuing Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving the Parks Department.
Staff presented an end of season summer camp report comparing 2024 to 2025 operations and financials.
The Park District is hosting a Master Planning Retreat with the Lakota Group and the Park Board of Commissioners on November 8, 2025.
Staff provided construction project updates, the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, locker room renovations at Park Fitness, and improvements at Lincoln Park and Rosewood Park.
OCTOBER 16 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Staff presented the Truth in Taxation Resolution and Tax Levy recommendation.
At the October 8 Workshop Meeting, staff reviewed the design and pricing for the West Ridge Park Parking Lot Project. Due to utility delays with ComEd, staff recommended scheduling the repaving and curbing for spring 2026. To proceed with this work, a change order is required. It was the consensus of the Committee to place the change order on tonight’s consent agenda.
Staff also reviewed the bid results and provided a contract recommendation for the 2025 Gymnastics Equipment Purchase and Installation bid.
OCTOBER 22 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD
The Park Board approved 2025 Gymnastics Equipment Purchase and Installation Bid, Change Order 1 for the 2025 Gymnastics Equipment Purchase and Installation bid, and Resolution 2025-15 for a Change Order for the West Ridge Recreation Facility Construction Management Agreement with W.B. Olson.
Staff presented an end of season report for Hidden Creek AquaPark and Lakefront comparing 2024 to 2025 operations and financials.
Representatives from BerryDunn presented the findings from the Recreation Assessment. The assessment evaluated current parks and recreation programs and services to identify community needs, opportunities for growth, and alignment with performance measures. Areas analyzed included enrollment-based programs, memberships, rentals, drop-in activities, events, and services.
The Park Board approved Resolution 2025-11, authorizing a contract amendment with W.B. Olson, Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk, in an amount not to exceed $1,504,169.36 to complete the West Ridge Project.
Staff reviewed the Five-Year Capital Plan going through each line item by Parks and Facilities and reviewed the Capital Plan Ten-Year Funding Model.
Staff reported that the District has now entered the Analysis Phase of the Master Planning Process Update. Staff are working with aQity, Berry Dunn, and the Lakota Group to review existing plans, data, and community feedback to help shape the direction of the Master Plan. Findings will be shared at an upcoming community meeting.
City of Highland Park is evaluating potential locations for the “Miss Nitro” art sculpture. The City, the Cultural Arts Advisory Group, and the Park District are considering Brown Park, the East Parcel of property adjacent to the Highland Park Library, and Lincoln Place.
Staff provided construction project updates the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, aquatic center renovations at Park Fitness, improvements at Lincoln Park, Highland Park Community Nursery School Playground expansion, and the Consolidated Skokie Drainage project at Danny Cunniff Park.
This meeting was canceled.
Representatives from Holabird and Root presented drainage and design plans for possible ballfield renovations at West Ridge Park.
Staff shared images of construction progress at Club Pickel and Padel.
Representatives from W.B. Olson presented cost estimates related to the drainage and design plans developed by Holabird and Root for ballfield renovations at West Ridge Park.
Staff reported there is a community interest in converting the gymnastics space at Centennial Ice Arena into a studio ice rink. Ice Builders were engaged to prepare a cost estimate for the conversion, and staff reviewed the estimated construction costs. In addition, staff visited neighboring ice arenas to compare rink dimensions and assess utilization in order to develop a proforma. Staff also shared the rink dimensions.
Staff reviewed the bid results and provided contract recommendations for the 2025 Concrete Improvements project and the 2025 Asphalt Improvements project.
Staff presented the semi-annual review of cost centers. Revenues and expenses are through July 31, 2025.
Staff revisited Policies 4.16 (Compensation) and 4.17 (Transgender Park Patron), which had been returned to the District’s legal counsel with Board edits. Following an incident on July 3, 2025, staff also reexamined Policy 4.18 (Anti-Harassment and Behavior Management). In collaboration with the Policy Liaisons, staff further reviewed the remaining policies in Chapter 4: General Policies and Chapter 5: Recreation and Facilities.
No additional changes were recommended for Chapter 4: General Policies.
Commissioner Beck raised a concern regarding Policy 5.02 (Registration), specifically the provisions related to Double Registration, and suggested relocating them to Policy 5.03 (Refunds of Recreation and Facility Services). Commissioner Beck also requested the addition of a new guideline in Policy 5.03 to address Drop-In Fee Refunds.
Staff will review Policies 5.02 and 5.03 and present recommended revisions at the next meeting.
The Park Board approved Resolution 2025-10 Granting a Nonexclusive Easement for Storm Water Utilities, 2025 Asphalt Improvements Project Bid, the 2025 Concrete Improvements Project Bid, Ordinance 2025-12: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, Ordinance 2025-09 to name the new recreation facility at West Ridge Park “West Ridge Community Center”
Holabird and Root solicited contractors to reduce costs for the drainage and design plans for ballfield renovations at West Ridge Park. Staff presented updated cost options. The Park Board supported Option B: Suspenders – Standard Infield with Underdrains. Staff will seek approval of a Resolution for a Change Order at the upcoming Special Meeting in early September.
Staff presented a summary of changes to policies 4.00 – 4.25 (general policies). Commissioner Beck recommended changes to policies 4.16 Compensation and 4.17 Transgender Park Patron. The recommended changes from Commissioner Beck will be shared with the Park District’s legal counsel. The Park Board Policy liaisons supported staff’s recommended changes to policies 4.00 – 4.21, with the caveat that legal supports Commissioner Beck’s recommendations.
Representative from aQity Research & Insights, Inc. presented the topline results from the 2025 Statistically Valid Community Interest and Attitude Survey. The findings included community rankings on key topics such as overall opinion of the Park District, the most frequently visited parks and facilities, and the types of recreational activities most commonly used by park visitors. The survey also measured user experience, satisfaction, and perceptions of safety when visiting parks and facilities.
Staff provided an overview of the Sustainability Plan (GreenPath) goals, performance measures, and objectives. Year one is focused on launching the brand and familiarizing the community with GreenPath, which will guide sustainability efforts at the Park District through 2035.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-09 approving a Lease Agreement with Realgy, LLC for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant on the West Ridge Community Center roof.
Staff provided construction project updates the Club Pickle and Padel facility, landscaping, parking lot improvements, and replacing the monument sign at Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park), the Highland Park Senior Center, the Preserve of Highland Park, and Moraine Events, aquatic center renovations at Park Fitness, renovations at Port Clinton Playground and Larry Fink Park Tot Lot, and New facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.
Staff reviewed the terms and financial impacts to extend the First Student Transportation Services Agreement for the 2026 and 2027 camp season.
Representatives from BerryDunn provided a progress update of the Park District’s Recreation Assessment, which is an exploration of recreation programs and services through a series of analyses that identifies what the District is doing well, strengthening and growth opportunities, performance measures and alignments with community needs. The assessment informs future direction.
Representatives from the Lakota Group provided a recap of community engagement share points and the topics discussed and identified Key Themes from the initial Engagement, Survey, Assessments, and Staff SWOC Analysis.
The Park Board approved the 2025 GreenPath Sustainability Plan, the First Student Transportation Services Agreement Extension for Summer Camp, the Ordinance 2025-11- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Total Base Bid from Cahill Heating and Cooling Electric Plumbing & Sewer, Inc for the 2025 Centennial Ice Arena RTU Replacement and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $47,900, and the Resolution to Grant Temporary Construction Easement to Illinois Department of Transportation.
Staff reviewed summer 2024 – spring 2025 actual vs budgeted program participation for adult tennis, adult pickleball, and junior tennis, 2024 summer camp actual vs. budgeted participation and revenue and expenses, and the actual vs budgeted hours for tennis and pickleball court utilization and privatesbeginning June 2024 – June 2025.
The Park Board went into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c) 21: the discussion of minutes lawfully closed under the Act, whether for the purposes of approval of said minutes or for conducting the semi-annual review of the minutes as set forth in section 2.06 of the Act. The Park Board approved releasing the Closed Session minutes from January 29, 2025 for public inspection.
The Closed Session minutes from January 08, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, January 15, 2025 Workshop Meeting, March 12, 2025 Workshop Meeting, March 18, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, March 19, 2025 Regular Meeting, April 09, 2025 Workshop Meeting, April 15, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, April 23, 2025 Regular Meeting, May 02, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, May 13, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting, May 21, 2025 Regular Meeting, June 11, 2025 Workshop Meeting, and June 25, 2025 Regular Meeting shall not be released for public inspection, the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of those minutes.
Representative from Williams Architects presented the Schematic Design Final Design for the renovation of the Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park) locker room shower area.
Staff shared the process (why or why not change a name) and findings (pros vs. cons) for the proposed name for the new recreational center at West Ridge Park. Staff recommends changing the name to West Ridge Community Center. Staff received consent from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended new name to wait the sixty-day period prior to vote.
A statistically valid survey was released to community members that represents the demographic to gather feedback for the updated masterplan.
Staff reviewed and made changes to the Park District of Highland Park Policy Manual in its entirety. All draft policies have been reviewed by legal, Ancel Glink, to ensure up-to-date compliance with the Park District Code. The Park Board reviewed and approved the changes to chapters 1-2. Staff presented a review schedule for chapters 3-6.
Staff provided construction project updates for the Park Fitness (Recreation Center of Highland Park) Landscaping project, Port Clinton Playground renovation, Sunset Woods Park improvements, Larry Fink Toto Lot renovation, Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidification project, New facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, and Club Pickle and Padel Facility project.
The Park District is reviewing and updating our ordinance and working with the Highland Park Police as they review their Ordinance and regulations regarding e-bikes on park paths. Also, staff are installing signs at Park Avenue “Bicycles, Skateboard and Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks or boardwalk”.
A Representative from Sikich LLP presented a draft of the Park District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
Staff reviewed and provided a contract recommendation for the 2025 Lincoln Park Renovation bid.
Staff proposed the Finance Committee move their meetings to the third Thursday of every month at 8:00 a.m.
The Park Board adopted a Proclamation for the designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month.
The Park Board approved Ordinance 2025-08- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Park District of Highland Park, the bid from Hacienda Landscaping Inc. for the 2025 Lincoln Park Improvements, including value engineering recommendations and Alternates 1 and 4, and the additional scope items proposed by Holabird and Root Authorizing Additional Architectural and Engineering Services for West Ridge Park Site Planning and Project Improvements including the proposal for Site-Based Owner Revisions Post-Bid, Permit & GMP Issuance for Programming & Scope Work Sessions in the amount not to exceed $29,000, and Site-Based Owner Revisions Post-Bid, Permit & GMP Issuance for the South Ballfield.
The statistically valid community survey is complete for the updated masterplan. A separate survey will be released this week to the entire community to further community engagement.
Staff provided a year in review for 2024 and year to date scholarship spending.
Staff provided a purchase recommendation to replace wireless access point equipment.
Staff provided a programming, and operations update for Club Pickle and Padel, highlighting the membership and permanent court time options. Staff also compared budgeted programming revenues and expenses with estimated figures for the fall of 2025.
Staff reviewed the two bids for the pickleball court divider and enclosure system purchase and installation. Staff recommended rejecting both bids and requested the Park Board allow the Executive Director to enter into a Sole Source Purchase Agreement instead.
Staff reviewed the natural gas bids and provided contract recommendations.
The Park Board approved to reject the 2025 Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System Purchase and Installation Bids, to ratify the 2024 Club Pickel and Padel Change Order No. 9, to approve Resolution 2025-07 Authorizing a Sole Source Contract for Procurement of InfinityGlass Pickleball Court Divider and Enclosure System, to approve the Interstate Gas Supply, LLC Commercial Gas Sales Agreement for Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Mansfield Power and Gas, LLC Master Commercial Gas Sales Agreement for Natural Gas bid via Alternative Utility Services, Inc. (AUS Energy), to approve the Wireless Access Point Agreement, to approve the Settlement Agreement with I.B. Storey.
The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Safety Week Proclamation declaring May 17 – 23, 2025 as Highland Park Beach and Boasting Safety Week.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-06 A Declaration Honoring Brian Kaplan for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2011 through June 2024, Resolution 2025-05 – A Declaration Honoring Barnett Ruttenberg for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2013 through May 2025, and 2025-04 – A Declaration Honoring Calvin Bernstein for his Contributions to the Park District of Highland Park While Serving as a Park Board Commissioner from May 2007 through May 2025.
During excavation for the new recreation facility at West Ridge Park, soil testing was completed, and it was recommended to install waterproofing and additional drainage to avoid pooling in the gymnastics foam pit. Staff reviewed the total change to the contract for this work.
Staff reviewed the bid results and provided contract recommendations for the 2025 Larry Fink Batting Cage and the 2025. The Recreation Center of Highland Park Landscape Installation bid was awarded a contract to Autus Group, LLC dba Property First by the Park Board on April 23, 2025. The contractor is not proceeding with the project, so staff recommended the second lowest bidder who had favorable references and the Park District has worked with in the past, Langton Group.
Commissioner Grossberg was elected for President of the Park Board and Commissioner Freeman was elected for Vice President.
Executive Director Romes was appointed as Secretary to the Park Board, Coordinator Hejnowski was appointed as Assistant Secretary acting under the general supervisor of the Secretary, Director Peters was appointed as Treasurer, Director Hall was appointed as the District’s IMRF authorized agent, Executive Director Romes, Director Hall, and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers, Executive Director Romes and Coordinator Hejnowski were appointed as Open Meetings Act (OMA) Officers, Executive Director Romes was appointed as the American With Disabilities Act Coordinator (ADA), Sikich, LLP was appointed as the District’s auditor, and Ancel Glink was appointed as the District’s attorney.
Fitness Manager, Jodi DiTomasso, received a Resolution Honoring her for performing lifesaving CPR to a patron at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.
The Park Board approved the 2025 Larry Fink Park Batting Cage, the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Parking Lot Landscape Installation, Ordinance 2025-07- Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Ratification of PCCO #8: Waterproofing/Drainage at Pits in Gymnasium, New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park and the New Restaurant License Agreement for Sunset Valley Golf Club.
The Park District is currently in the engagement phase of the three-phased approach to update the Masterplan. The Lakota Group has been hosting community focus groups and taking public input online and at predetermined special events. A survey was released to targeted community members this month. The same survey will be released to the entire community in June.
Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel, South Boat Storage Restoration at Park Avenue, improvements at Sunset Woods Park, renovations at Old Elm and Port Clinton Playgrounds, and the renovations to the Larry Fink Park Tot Lot.
Staff provided an annual report on Recreation Programming comparing budgeted vs actual programming, league, and camp enrollments and revenues and expenses.
Staff reviewed the master plan scope and draft timeline for the new GreenPrint Master Plan. The updated master plan will involve robust community engagement, a fresh analysis of parks and recreation assets, and a clear roadmap for future investments—ensuring that Highland Park’s facilities, parks, and programs continue to serve residents for years to come.
Staff compared budgeted vs actual expenses and revenues raised for Club Pickle and Padel. Staff reviewed cost-saving options and recommend increasing the capital budget transfer to keep the project within budget.
Staff reviewed the actual revenues and expenses for the 2024 cost centers.
WT Group completed the District’s ADA Transition Plan which identifies physical barriers at parks and facilities and a program and policy review that offers recommendations to improve accessibility to the District’s programs. Representatives from WT Group provided an overview of the ADA Transition Plan and programming recommendations.
At the April 05, 2025, Egg Hunts, staff and representatives from the Lakota Group, were taking public input regarding the master plan. Additional in-person public input opportunities will be available and a community survey will be released in May.
Staff and Park Board Policy liaisons reviewed policies 1.00 – 1.04 (chapter 1: Introduction) and 2.00 – 2.08 (chapter 2: Board and Administration) from the Park District Policy Manual.
The Park Board approved Ordinance 2025-06 to Rename the Recreation Center of Highland Park to Park Fitness.
The Park Board approved the total base bid from Element Contracting, LLC for the 2025 Centennial Ice Arena Roof Top Unit Replacement authorizing the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $45,446.68.
Staff would like to enter into a reciprocal agreement with the Glencoe Park District. Staff reviewed the proposed terms.
Staff provided construction project updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel project, Park Avenue South Boat Storage Restoration project, Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project, Old Elm Playground Renovation project, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, Larry Fink Park Tot Lot Renovation project, and Lincoln Park Improvements project.
Several maintenance vehicles and equipment have met their useful lives and need to be replaced. Staff reviewed the recommended vehicle purchases and necessary facility infrastructure upgrades to support electric vehicles.
Natural gas at all Park District facilities and additional natural gas meters is currently brokered via AUS (Alternative Utility Services, Inc.), except for the shared meter at HPCC. Approval to participate in the bidding process must take place prior to knowing the awarded supplier and associated rates. Staff reviewed the resolution authorizing the Executive Director to purchase natural gas for the District from Alternative Utility Service for a period of up to 36 months (about 3 years).
Staff reviewed the bid results and provided contract recommendations for the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Landscape Installation bid and the 2025 Rosewood Park Playground Renovation bid.
Staff reviewed a summary of proposed policy changes to policies 1.00 – 1.04 and 2.00 – 2.08. Staff reviewed Ordinance 2025-05 establishing a schedule for declaring park board vacancy based on absences to support policy 2.01 Organization and Operation of the Board of Park Commissioners.
The Park Board approved the Base Bid from D and J Landscaping, Inc. for the 2025 Rosewood Park Playground Renovation and authorized the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $232,418.50, the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Landscape Installation bid, Resolution 2025-03: Authorizing the Purchase of Natural Gas for Park District Facilities and Meters and Authorizing the Executive Director to Approve a Contract with the Lowest Cost Natural Gas Provider for a Period up to 36 Months, authorized the Executive Director to purchase three Ford F150 Lightning 4wd pickup trucks from Currie Motors in the amount of $163,887, the changes made to policies 1.00 – 1.04 and 2.00 – 2.08 to the Policy Manual, Ordinance 2025-05 an Ordinance 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 a Vacancy with the proposed amendment.
Staff provided an annual report on Athletic Programming comparing budgeted vs actual programming, league, and camp enrollments and revenues and expenses.
The Lakota Group, aQity Research and Insights, and BerryDunn held a kickoff meeting for the Greenprint Master Plan Update on February 24, 2025 with staff and the Park Board Master Planning Project liaisons. Staff provided a progress update on the Master Plan progress.
Staff provided construction updates for the development of Club Pickle and Padel, the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements, and Sunset Woods Park Improvements.
Staff reviewed the request for proposals for the 2025 Hidden Creek AquaPark and Rosewood Beach Concessions License.
Staff reviewed the bids via NIMEC (Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative) and Satori Energy for electricity rates for the entire District.
Staff would like to enter into a reciprocal agreement with the Glencoe Park District. Staff reviewed the proposed terms.
Staff reviewed and provided contractor recommendations for the Centennial Ice Arena Roof Top Unit Bid, the Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidification Unit Installation Bid, the Hidden Creek AquaPark Fence Improvements Project Bid, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Pool Filter Change, Pool Deck Renovation, and Pool Grate Replacement Bids.
Several maintenance vehicles and equipment have met their useful lives and need to be replaced. Staff reviewed the recommended vehicle and equipment purchases.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Rejection of the 2025 Centennial Ice Arena Roof Top Unit Replacement Bids, the Purchase of 2025 Capital Replacement Tractor, the 2025 Centennial Ice Arena Dehumidification Unit Installation, the 2025 Renewal of the 2023 Weeding & Landscape Services Bid, the 2025 Hidden Creek AquaPark Fence Improvements Project Bid, the 2025 Renewal of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – South Route Bid, the 2025 Renewal of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – North Route Bid, the 2025 Recreation Center of Highland Park Pool Filter Change, Pool Deck Renovation, and Pool Grate Replacement, the Dynegy Energy Services, LLC Electric Service Agreement bid via Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC), the 2025 Hidden Creek AquaPark and Rosewood Beach Concessions License Agreement with Judy’s Pizzeria, the Purchase of an Electric Transit Van, and Ordinance 2025-04: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property.
Staff evaluated the 2025 capital plan vehicle replacement list and determined that three 4×4 pick-up trucks have met their useful life and need to be replaced. Staff recommended purchasing three gas-powered trucks through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative. While the purchases were under budget, the Park Board of Commissioners requested staff explore electric vehicle options.
Staff provided an annual report for the Recreation Center of Highland Park comparing budgeted vs actual programming revenues, expenses, and membership utilization.
The Park Board of Commissioners went into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c)1: The employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body. The Park Board of Commissioners reconvened into open session and approved a six-month contract extension to the Employment Agreement for the Executive Director and a new Employment Agreement for the Executive Director.
Canceled due to the weather.
Staff reviewed Ordinance #2025-02, An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024 that will transfer a total of $145,000 from Recreation Fund Item Type 610, Salaries and Wages to Recreation Fund Item Types 680, Cost of Goods Sold, 650, Maintenance & Landscaping, and 720, Capital Outlay, in the amounts of $36,000, $100,000, and $10,000, respectively; plus a transfer of $20,000 from General Fund Item Type 610, Salaries and Wages to General Fund Item Type 660, Utilities; lastly, a transfer of $18,459.28 from Special Recreation Fund Item Type 620, Contractual Services to Special Recreation Fund Item Type 720, Capital Outlay.
Staff reviewed Resolution 2025-02 to allow the bidding of electricity for the District from Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative and Satori Energy.
Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park, Club Pickle and Padel, and the Recreation Center of Highland Park (landscaping plan for shared parking lot located at 1207 Park Avenue West, emergency repairs due to flooding, and the proposal from Williams Architects to provide architectural and engineering services for Phase Two of the locker room renovation).
Staff reviewed and provided contractor recommendations for the Park Avenue Dredging bid results and the Larry Fink Tot Lot Renovation bid results.
The Lakota Group (designers, planners, and communication experts), aQity Research and Insights (survey consultant), and BerryDunn (Recreation Services Assessment consultant) held a kickoff meeting for the Greenprint Master Plan Update.
The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 Park Avenue Dredging Project Bid, the 2025 Larry Fink Tot Lot Renovation Bid, the New Recreation Facility at West Ridge Park Construction Material Testing Proposal, the Williams Architects Recreation Center of Highland Park Locker Room Shower Area Remodeling Proposal, Ordinance 2025-02 An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2024, Ordinance 2025-03: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, and Resolution 2025-02 Authorizing the Purchase of Electricity for Park District Facilities and Meters and Authorizing the Director to Approve a Contract with the Lowest Cost Electricity Provider for a period up to 3 years.
Staff provided an annual report for Heller Nature Center and the Rosewood Interpretive Center comparing budgeted vs actual programming revenues, expenses, and participant utilization.