June 12: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners Approved the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Park District of Highland Park. 

Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project.

Staff reviewed the 2024 Independence Day Events Schedule and Entertainment, Children’s Activities, and Food Truck secured for Fourth Fest.

Staff provided construction project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park, the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padle Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, construction for the Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection, and the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.

June 18: Finance Committee Meeting

PMA Network and the Arbitrage Group reviewed the Park District’s arbitrage rebate payment due for the General Obligation (Limited Tax) Debt Certificates, Series 2021.

Staff reviewed the actual vs. budgeted quarterly revenues and expenses, membership and program utilization for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

Staff reviewed the donation agreement from the Bondy Family Foundation to generously support construction of a new indoor pickleball and padel facility. 

The Park District and City of Highland Park planned to renovate the shared parking lot in 2025. The Park District received an estimated cost from the City of Highland Park for the shared project, and the estimate was significantly higher than anticipated. The Park District is meeting with City Officials to discuss shared use terms outlined in the Intergovernmental Agreement and expenses the Park District can cover to support the project.

Since the bids for the 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project came in over-budget. Staff worked with the low bidder, Copenhaver Construction, to significantly reduce the total project costs. Staff reviewed the reduction options.

Staff received five bids for the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project. To keep the project under budget, staff proposed purchasing some materials in house.

Staff determined a cargo van is a necessary replacement for the current needs of the District. Staff reviewed the costs for different options. A Ford Electric Transit Van was selected and is available through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) through the Northwest Municipal Conference. 

Staff reviewed the costs and 3-Year Agreement Terms and Conditions to purchase Plan 2 Play Registration System for the Lot 3 Pickleball and Padel Facility. The District currently utilizes Plan 2 Play customer relationship management system (CRM) for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

June 26: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation for the designation of July as Parks and Recreation Month.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Ford Electric Transit Van Capital Purchase, 2024 Park Avenue Beach Access Improvements Project Bid, the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Locker Room Improvements Project Bid, the Arbitrage Rebate Payment Due For the 2021 Debt Certificates, Ordinance 2024-08 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Plan 2 Play Registration System Proposal, and the Donation Agreement Between the Park District of Highland Park, Parks Foundation of Highland Park and the Bondy Family Foundation For the Paddle Facility.

Staff provided project updates for improvements at Sunset Woods Park and the locker rooms renovations at the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended name of Club Pickle and Padel for the new indoor pickleball and padel facility to wait the sixty-day period prior to a vote.

Staff provided an annual report for grant-in-aid comparing the 2022, 2023, and year-to-date scholarship spending, participant demographics, and individual and household scholarship funds utilization to help cover the costs for memberships, programs, and camps.

May 1: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Architects Holabird and Root presented three (3) schematic designs for the New Recreation Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park. Staff received consensus from the Committee to use Building Option F to submit an application for design and review.

May 8: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Safety Week Proclamation declaring May 18 – 24 as Highland Park Beach and Boating Safety Week.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the WJE Evaluation of Footings Change Order #1 and authorized the Executive Director to increase the professional services contract from $24,900 to $32,477. 

Staff provided construction project updates for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility, construction at the Recreation Center of Highland Park, locker room improvements at Deer Creek Racquet Club, improvements at Jeff Fox Baseball Field, improvements at Lincoln Park, renovation to the Playground at Upper Rosewood, renovation to the 2-5-Year-Old Playground at Larry Fink Park, and improvements at Sunset Woods Park.

There was Action from Closed Session. The Park Board of Commissioners approved a settlement agreement with a former employee.

May 13: Finance and Recreation Committee Meeting

Architects Holabird and Root reviewed the design and review application for the New Recreation Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park. The Facility and Recreation Committee were pleased with the rendering and schematic design which will be submitted in the application.

May 14: Finance Committee Meeting

Sikich, LLP presented a draft of the Park District’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. 

Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Recreation Center Pool Ceiling Painting project, 2024 Cunniff Park 2-5 Playground Resurfacing-Fence Improvements project, 2024 Roof Improvements projects, and the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Parking Lot Improvements project.

Staff reviewed a services proposal with L6 Technology It Support.

Staff shared a fundraising update for the Jeff Fox Baseball Field Campaign.

The City of Highland Park is currently renovating the Highland Park Senior Center. The Park District and City of Highland Park planned to renovate the shared parking lot in 2025. The Park District received an estimated cost from the City of Highland Park for the shared project, and the estimate was significantly higher than anticipated.

May 22: Annual Meeting of the Park Board

Commissioner Bernstein 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.

May 22: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2024-06 providing for the issue of not to exceed $6,445,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, Series 2024, of the Park District of  Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois, for the payment of land for parks, for the building,  maintaining, improving and protecting of the same and the existing land and facilities of said Park District and for the payment of the expenses incident thereto, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax to pay the principal and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof, the 2024 Recreation Center Pool Ceiling Painting Bid, the 2024 Roof Improvements Project Bid, the 2024 Deer Creek Racquet Club Parking Lot Improvements Bid, the 2024 Cunniff Park 2-5 Playground Resurfacing-Fence Improvements Project Bid, and the L6 Technology IT Support Services Proposal.

Staff presented a 5-year athletic trends analysis, comparing female and male participation figures.

April 10: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff recommended renaming the Recreation Center of Highland Park to Park Fitness to better promote the brand and all the amenities and programs the facility has to offer. The presentation was to gather feedback from the Board Committee liaisons.

Architects Holabird and Root reviewed the updated schematic layout for the new community center at West Ridge Park and the site changes.

April 10: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

PMA Securities, LLC, recommended the Park District sell General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds this year, and hold a public hearing on April 24, 2024, concerning the intent of the Board of Park Commissioners to sell $7,000,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds.

Staff reviewed the Park Site Plan Initiative Report, which documents the findings and possible recommendations which will inform capital and operational planning.

Staff presented the process proposal for review of the personnel policy manual.

Staff provided construction project updates for the Lat 3 Paddle Facility project, Sunset Valley Club House project, Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvement project, Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements project, Sunset Woods Park Improvements project, and Park Avenue Boating Facility South Parking Lot Restoration project.

April 16: Finance Committee Meeting

PMA Securities, LLC, provided an arbitrage overview and the Park District’s project draw schedule for 2024 bonds and the spend down requirements over a 24month period.

Staff provided a quarterly financial report for Centennial Ice Arena comparing budgeted vs actual revenues and participation figures.

Staff provided a five-year financial analysis report comparing budgeted vs operational and programming revenues and expenses.  

Staff reviewed the bid results for the 2024 Sports Courts Improvements project. It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to place the Base Bid Item 2 from US Tennis Court Construction Company for the 2024 Sport Courts Improvement Project and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $34,465.

Staff reviewed the Playground Replacement Bid and the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for Playground Equipment at Old Elm Park and Port Clinton Park.

The District is looking at purchasing one (1) John Deere 2700 E Cut Hybrid Triplex Mower and one (1) Toro Groundsmaster 3500-D. There is $108,500 budgeted for this expense. It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to place the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for Golf Maintenance Equipment on the consent agenda at the April 24, 204 Regular Meeting.

April 24: Lakefront, Parks and Natural Areas Committee

Staff reviewed the proposed parking lot improvements for Deer Creek Racquet Club and Jeff Fox Field.

The South Parking Lot Restoration project at Park Avenue Boating Facility will not commence until the winter or early spring of 2025 due to piping challenges from the North Shore Water Reclamation Center.

Lamar Johnson Collaborative reviewed community feedback for the Sunset Woods Park Improvements project. Another community meeting will be held in May to review proposed concepts for the skate and wheeled plaza and game and multi-use court area.

April 24: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

A public hearing was held concerning the intent of the board of park commissioners to sell $7,000,000 general obligation limited tax park bonds for the payment of land condemned or purchased for parks, for the building, maintain, improving and protecting of the same and the existing land and facilities of the District and for the payment of the expenses incident thereto.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved 2024 Sport Courts Improvement Project Bid, the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for Golf Maintenance Equipment, Authorization for Park District of Highland Park to Enroll in and Purchase from Cooperative Purchasing Program OMNIA Partners, Ordinance 2024-05: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the 2024 Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Replacement bid, and the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract for Playground Equipment.

Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to allow the recommended new name for the Recreation Center of Highland Park to wait for a sixty-day period, as required by Section 4.02.2 of the Park District of Highland Park Policy & Procedure Manual, and a vote be taken to re-name the Recreation Center of Highland Park to Park Fitness at the June 26, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Park Board.

Architects Holabird and Root presented the schematic design for the proposed new building that is based on a schematic budget prepared by WB Olson and a variety of alternate scope additions that do not fall within the Park District’s funding, however, those alternates can be contemplated by staff and the Park Board when competitive bids are received for construction, as well as considered for future construction, if and when funding becomes available. 

Staff provided an annual report on athletic programming comparing budgeted vs actual revenues and expenses.

March 12: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff are working with the Highland Lakes Property Owners Association to extend the transfer agreement for the Rory David Deutsch property.

Staff received two proposals for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility. A civil engineering design services proposal from Gewalt Hamilton Associates for exterior utility improvements and a proposal for architectural services from Woodhouse Tinucci Architects for interior construction. Staff also reviewed the project timeline and the estimated project costs, including sponsorship opportunities and fundraising opportunities.  

PMA Securities, LLC Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Robert Lewis provided an overview of the Park District’s Debt and Funding scenarios, this included available financing mechanisms: Alternate Revenue Bonds, Debt Certificates, or Bonds paid from a separate property tax (referendum and non-referendum bonds).

Insurance and maintenance/landscaping items in the Recreation Fund exceeded the appropriation budget and the appropriation filed with Lake County. It was the advice of legal counsel and the auditors to file a budget transfer ordinance to amend the appropriation ordinance for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2023, and ending on December 31, 2023.

Staff reviewed the Recreation Trail Grant application for the red and green trails and the Heller Nature Center.

March 13: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff are proposing renaming the Recreation Center of Highland Park, Park Fitness. Staff reviewed the creative briefings to develop the proposed name and how the rename will better promote the brand and all the amenities and programs the facility offers.

Staff provided a five-year financial analysis of dance and theater programs.

Staff provided a five-year financial analysis of youth enrichment programs.

Staff shared images of Sunset Valley Club House renovations. Renovations include expanding the bar, installing an outdoor walk-in-fridge, installing new flooring, installing new lighting, and new dining room décor.

Staff are updating the current five-year Pro-Forma for the dome (Lot 3 Paddle Facility).

March 13: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Design Services Agreement from Woodhouse Tinucci Architects for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility authoring the Executive Director to enter into a Professional Services Agreement and the Design Services Agreement from Gewalt Hamilton Associates for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility authoring the Executive Director to enter into a Professional Services Agreement. 

Staff provided a construction project update for Park Avenue Boating Facility North Beach Improvements, Park Avenue Boating Facility South Parking Lot Restoration, Sunset Woods Park Improvements, Old Elm and Port Clinton Playground Replacement, and Larry Fink memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements.

March 20: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the updated Mission, Vision, and Value Statements in the Policy Manual, Ordinance #2024-03 An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2023, Ordinance 2024-04 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Recreational Trail Program Grant Application, the Renewal of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – North Route Bid, the Renewal of the 2023 Routine Grounds Maintenance – South Route Bid, the Renewal of the 2023 Weeding & Landscape Services Bid, the First Student Transportation Services Agreement Extension for Summer Camp, and the Purchase of an Air Supported Dome at 2205 Skokie Valley Road.

Staff provided an annual report for the Recreation Center of Highland Park comparing budgeted vs actual programming revenues, expenses, and membership utilization.

February 14: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Architects, Holabird and Root Staff reviewed the schematic designs for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park. The schematic design includes two key elements the development of the site master plan and how the new building correlates to the site.

Staff are working with architects and engineers to develop design and engineering service agreements for the Lot 3 Paddle Facility. Architects Woodhouse Tinucci would develop and engineer the interior structure and Gewalt Hamilton will develop and engineer the site and utility infrastructures.

February 14: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

At least every 5 years the Park Board of Commissioners formally reviews the District’s ADA Transition Plan and at least every 10 years the Park Board will formally approve a new ADA Transition Plan. The Park District’s most recently reviewed this plan with the Park Board in 2019 and an ADA audit was last completed in 2010 by Recreation Accessibility Consultants. Staff provided a project overview and reviewed the proposal from WT Group for the 2024 ADA Accessibility Audit and Transition Plan.

Staff provided a construction project update for the Sunset Woods Park Improvements.

Staff reviewed proposed revisions and new additions to the FT and PT Employee Personnel Policy Manual, new additions include a wellness policy and incorporating the adopted Park District Values.

February 15: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the 2023 preliminary Cost Center financial results.  

Staff reviewed the 2023 fourth quarter financials for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to place the bid from US Commercial Diving on the consent agenda at the February 28, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Park Board.

Staff reviewed the Ten-Year Funding Model for the Capital Plan and the scheduled debt issuances.

February 28: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Policy 7.14 Social Media Policy to the Policy Manual, Adding the Mission, Vision, Values Statements to the Full-Time/Part-Time Personnel Policy Manuals, Changes to Policy 4.3 Access to Personnel Files to the Full-Time/Part-Time Personnel Policy Manuals, Changes to Policy 8.5 Bereavement Leave Full-Time Personnel Policy Manual, Policy 8.11 Wellness Policy to the Part-Time Personnel Policy Manual, Policy 8.15 Wellness Policy to the Full-Time Personnel Policy Manual, Changes to Policy 10.3 Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) to the Full-Time/Part-Time Personnel Policy Manuals, Changes to Policy 10.7 Blood Donation Leave to the Full-Time Personnel Policy Manual, the Emergency Evacuation Agreement North Shore School District 112, the 2024 Park Avenue Dredging Project Bid, the 2024 ADA Accessibility Audit and Transition Plan.

Staff secured a dome supplier through Sourcewell, a Cooperative Purchasing Advantage, to replace the dome located at Lot 3.  Staff reviewed the proposal from Air Structures American Technologies, INC (ASATI) along with the dome structure details and the conceptual floor plans.

Staff provided an annual report for Heller Nature Center and the Rosewood Interpretive Center comparing budgeted vs actual programming revenues, expenses, and participant utilization.

The Park Board of Commissioners met in Closed Session under 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 approved the Executive Director’s Compensation effective January 1, 2024.

January 10: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the proposed concept and financial terms for the Concessionaire License Agreement with Madden Concepts, LLC for Sunset Valley Golf Club.  

Staff reviewed the terms and funding model for Paddle Facility Reservation Agreement, which permits UPP Paddles, LLC, to sell paddles, related products, and branded attire manufactured in the Paddle Facility located at 2205 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, IL 60035.

Staff reviewed the proposed changes to the Second Amendment to the Lot Three (3) Lease Agreements by and between the City of Highland park and the Park District since the Donor Agreement includes a contingency that the Lease Agreement be amended so that the term cannot be terminated without cause during the Term of the Donor Agreement.  Staff reviewed the changes to the terms and the funding model for the dome.

January 17: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Sunset Valley Golf Club Restaurant Concessionaire License Agreement, a Paddle Facility Reservation Agreement, and the Second Amendment to Lot 3 Lease Agreement by and Between the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park.

Staff reviewed the proposed updates to the Intergovernmental Agreement between the North Shore School District 112 and the Park District which outlines mutual use and maintenance of School District and Park District Facilities.

Staff reviewed the bid openings for the Preserve of Highland Park Compton Trail Connection Project and provided a bid recommendation.

Staff provided construction updates for the Park Avenue North project, Deer Creek Racquet Club Parking Lot project, the New Community Center at West Ridge Park, and the Saslow Restricted Donation Agreement/Pickleball Dome project at 2205 Skokie Valley Road.

January 31: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

A public hearing was held for the 2024 budget.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved 2024 The Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection Bid, the Second Amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement with NSSD112, Ordinance 2024-02 Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Second Amendment to Lot 3 Lease Agreement By and Between The City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park, and Ordinance 2024-01: Combined Budget and Appropriation Beginning January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

Staff provided an end of season report for Highland Park Golf Learning Center comparing budgeted vs actual revenues, expenses, and utilization.

The Park Board of Commissioners released the Closed Session Minutes from the July 26, 2023 Regular Meeting. The Closed Session minutes from September 13, 2023 Workshop Meeting, September 27, 2023 Regular Meeting, October 25, 2023 Regular Meeting, November 8, 2023 Workshop Meeting, December 6, 2023 Workshop Meeting, December 13, 2023 Regular Meeting; shall not be released for public inspection since the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of those minutes.

December 6: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Restricted Donor Agreement with Ron Saslow for the Enterprise Property Improvement Plan at 2205 Skokie Valley Road (Lot 3) is still being negotiated.

Staff reviewed the renewal terms for the 2024 License Agreement with the North Shore Yacht Club.  

Staff provided project updates for Park Avenue North, the New Community Center at West Ridge Park, Port Clinton and Old Elm Park Playgrounds, and the Preserve of Highland Park Compton Avenue Trail Connection.

Staff reviewed the preliminary plans for the events planned July 4, 2024 based on discussions held between the City of Highland Park and the Park District.

December 7: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the 2024 Budget and Ordinance 2023-10, An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2023.

The Finance Committee recommended the Park Board of Commissioners approve the agreement with Lakes and Rivers Contracting to the Park Avenue Boating Facility South Parking Lot Restoration project, the agreement with Stuckey Construction for the Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements project, the agreement with Absolute Home Improvements for the Hidden Creek AquaPark Pool Shell Maintenance project, the Change Order for the Hidden Creek AquaPark Concrete Desk Replacement, and the agreement with Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. for the Deer Creek Racquet Club Parking Lot Engineering proposal.

Staff are meeting with the City of Highland Park to discuss extending the termination rights for the Second Amendment to the Lot 3 Lease Agreement.

December 13: Decennial Committee Meeting of the Park Board

The Decennial Committee approved the Park District of Highland Park’s Efficiency Report and authorized Executive Director Romes to submit the report to the Lake County Board.

December 13: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

A public hearing was held for the tax levy ordinance. Staff presented the 2024 proposed budget and the budget and appropriation ordinance.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2023-03 Naming the Baseball Field at Larry Fink Park the Jeff Fox Baseball Field; Ordinance #2023-09 – Tax Levy for 2023; Ordinance #2023-10 An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2023 and Ending on December 31, 2023; the Deer Creek Racquet Club Parking Lot Engineering Proposal; the Hidden Creek AquaPark Concrete Deck Replacement Change Order; the 2024 Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements Bid; the 2024 Hidden Creek Aqua Park Pool Shell Maintenance Project Bid; the 2024 Park Avenue Boating Facility South Parking Lot Restoration Bid; the 2024 Highland Park Pops Affiliate Organization Agreement; the 2024 Highland Park Players Affiliate Organization Agreement; the 2024 American Youth Soccer Organization Affiliate Agreement; the 2024 Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park Affiliate Organization Agreement; the 2024 License Agreement between the Park District of Highland Park and the North Shore Yacht Club; and the Restricted Donor Agreement with Ron Saslow at 2205 Skokie Valley Road (Lot 3) with amendments to Section 5B to include the word materially before improve and to replace the word certified with approved.

Staff presented the 2024 Proposed Budget and the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. It was the consensus of the Park Board of Commissioners to lay the budget down for a period of thirty days so that the public may review and approve. A public hearing for the 2024 budget will be held on January 31, 2024.

Staff provided an end-of-season report for Sunset Valley Golf Club comparing budgeted vs actual revenues, expenses, and utilization.

November 8: Decennial Committee Meeting of the Park Board

Staff reviewed the importance of continual improvement to promote efficient operations and savings to the taxpayers. Some of the recommendations to promote increased accountability and efficiency in government include the consideration to eliminate government fees and charges and modifications to some state and federal unfunded mandates.

November 8: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff reviewed the proposed Park District Five-Year Capital Plan for the years 2024 through 2027. 

Staff provided a brief overview of the Site Design and Engineering Services Agreement from Lamar Johnson Collaborative for the Sunset Woods Improvements project to implement Phase 1 of the Sunset Woods Master Plan which includes new multi-use basketball court, new skate park, new wheel friendly plaza, new game court, native planting and interpretation area. The scope also includes design services for related Capital Projects for replacement of athletic field and tennis lighting, assessment of existing tennis courts and associated drainage improvements.

Staff provided project updates for the Lot 3 Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Velley Road, Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Replacement and Shade Structures project, Port Clinton and Old Elm Playground projects, and the New Community Center at West Ridge Park.

November 14: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the proposed 2024 Budget and the 2023 tax levy considerations. 

The Finance Committee recommended the Park Board of Commissioners approve the Site Design and Engineering Services Agreement from Lamar Johnson Collaborative for the Sunset Woods Improvements project, the independent contractor agreement with the Golf Practice for golf programs and services at the Highland Park Golf Learning Center, and the addition of policy 5.03.07: Household Credits Left on Account.

Staff provided a 2023 financial analysis report of Centennial Ice Arena, comparing year-to-date budgeted vs. actual revenues and expenses for programs and rentals. 

November 15: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 Board Meeting Calendar, the 2024 IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certificate, Policy # 5.03.07 Household Credits Left on Account, the Site Design and Engineering Services Proposal from Lamar Johnson for the Sunset Woods Improvements project, the Independent Contractor Agreement with The Golf Practice for Golf Programs and Services, and Truth in Taxation Resolution #2023-08.

Staff provided a 2023 end of season lakefront report, comparing budgeted vs actual revenues, expenses, and utilization for Rosewood Beach and Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility. Staff also shared recommendations and what to expect for the 2024 lakefront season.

Staff are still negotiating the terms for the Restricted Donor Agreement with Ron Saslow for the Enterprise Property Improvement Plan at 2205 Skokie Valley Road (Lot 3). A draft will be shared with the Park Board of Commissioners before requesting formal approval of the agreement at a December Meeting of the Park Board of Commissioners.

October 17: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the third quarter financials for the Recreation Center of Highland Park.

PMA Securities LLC reviewed the proposed debt issuance for the 2024 fiscal year.

Staff reviewed the tax levy timeline and the key considerations for the 2023 tax levy considerations, and its impacts to the 2024 budget.

Staff reviewed the three Request for Qualifications (RFQs) for the Sunset Woods Improvements Design Service and received consensus from the Finance Committee to proceed with negotiating a fee with the top-ranked firm, Lamar Johnson.

Staff reviewed the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Recreational Services of an Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Valley Road.

October 18: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff provided construction project updates for the Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Replacement and Shades Structure project, the Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements project, and the Park Avenue North Beach project.

Staff reviewed the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Recreational Services of an Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Valley Road.

Staff reviewed the reconciliation program developed by Architects Holabird and Root for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park. 

October 25: Decennial Committee Meeting of the Park Board

Staff reviewed public transparency including readily available information and opportunities for public feedback to the Park Board of Commissioners and staff.

Staff reviewed awards and recognition that the Park District of Highland Park received over the past five years.

Staff reviewed how the District serves the entire Highland Park community by providing attractive and diversified facilities, parks, and natural areas and provides recreation seven days a week for various interest groups and people of all ages.

Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2023-08 Renaming Cloverdale Park to Fontana-Pasquesi Park.

Staff are still negotiating a fee with Lamar Johnson for design services for the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Project to implement Phase 1 of the Sunset Woods Master Plan. Staff hope to have a final recommendation and request approval of a Design Services Agreement in November.

Staff reviewed the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Recreational Services of an Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Valley Road. Staff received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to work with Park District Legal Counsel to negotiate terms and develop a donor agreement with Ron Saslow and a license agreement with The Golf Practice. Agreements are anticipated to be considered for approval by the Park Board of Commissioners at the November Regular Board Meeting.  Staff also received consensus to continue negotiations directly with Golf Development Strategies on an agreement for future consideration.

September 13: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

Staff provided construction updates for the Sunset Woods Park OSLAD grant project, Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements project, Hidden Creek AquaPark Deck Replacement and Shade Structures project, Park Avenue Break Water and Boat Ramp project, Park Avenue North Beach project, Centennial Ice Arena Facility, Locker Rooms, and Site Renovations, Recreation Center of Highland Park Dehumidification Replacement project, and the New Community Center at West Ridge Park.

Staff reviewed the construction management services agreement from W.B. Olsen for the new community center at West Ridge Park.

Staff provided an update on the request for proposals (RFP) for the 2023 Agreement for Recreational Services of an Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Valley Road.

September 19: Finance Committee Meeting

It was the consensus of the Finance Committee to place the following capital vehicle purchases and bid awards on the consent agenda at the September 27, 2023 Regular Board Meeting: two (2) capital replacement dump trucks, three (3) capital replacement pickup trucks, the 2023 District-wide sign installation project bid, the 2023 District-wide fall tree removals project bid, and the 2023 Cunniff Park maintenance building restroom improvements project bid.

Staff provided a 2023 financial analysis report of Centennial Ice Arena, comparing year-to-date budgeted vs. actual revenues and expenses for programs and rentals.  

Staff reviewed the Capital Plan Ten-Year Funding Model and the 2024 Budget Timeline.

Staff provided a five-year financial analysis report on employee salaries, insurance, Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), and Illinois Mutual Retirement Fund (IMRF) costs to the District.

September 27: Decennial Committee Meeting of the Park Board

Staff provided an overview of the committee’s purpose, requirements, and member roles.

Staff reviewed the benefits of having a park district as a distinct unit of government and separate taxing body.

Staff reviewed the community benefits of having shared services and partnership agreements with sporting groups, sponsor organizations, non-profits, and governmental agencies.

Staff reviewed examples of efficient operations and the benefits those have on the Highland Park Community.  

September 27: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of two (2) Capital Replacement Dump Trucks, the purchase of Three (3) Capital Replacement Pickup Trucks, the 2023 District-Wide Sign Installation Project bid, the 2023 District-Wide Fall Tree Removals Project bid, the 2023 Cunniff Park Maintenance Building Restroom Improvements Project bid, Ordinance #2023-07: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, and AIA Document A133-2019 Standard Form of Agreement for Construction Management Services For the New Community Center at West Ridge Park.

Staff reviewed the RFQ submittals for the Sunset Woods Improvement Design Service and received consensus from the Park Board of Commissioners to proceed with negotiating a fee with the top-ranked firm, Lamar Johnson.

Staff reviewed the RFP submittals for the Recreational Services of an Enterprise Facility at 2205 Skokie Valley Road.

Staff presented the 2024 Budget Timeline.

Staff presented the 2023 End of Season Summer Camp Report.