Updates from the February Park Board Meetings

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.

Updates from the January Park Board Meetings

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.

Updates from the December Park Board Meetings

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.

Updates from the November Park Board Meetings

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.

Updates from the October Park Board Meetings

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.

Updates from the September Park Board Meetings

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. 

Updates from the August Park Board Meetings

August 2: Lakefront, Parks, and Natural Areas Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the donation from the Fontana-Pasquesi family and the draft agreement to rename Cloverdale Park. 

Staff reviewed the design development layout plan for the site, furniture, pergola, fencing, and boardwalk options for the Park Avenue North Project.

Staff proposed two (2) projects for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Application. Staff received consensus from the Committee to use the redevelopment of Lincoln Park for the grant application. 

Staff are developing a request for proposal for additional recreational purposes at the Highland Park Golf Learning Center. 

Moroney Park Playground is expected to reopen in late August.

August 15: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the Lincoln Park Improvements project budget with/without OSLAD grant Funds and the impacts on the five-year capital plan. 

Staff reviewed the bid openings for the 2023 Roof Improvements Project. It was the consensus of the Committee to place the bid from All American Exterior Solutions on the consent agenda at the August 23, 2023 Regular Meeting. 

Staff reviewed the construction management contract proposals from Gilbane and W.B. Olsen for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park. 

The Park District and Larry Hillman, Hilco, are hosting a neighborhood meeting on Monday, August 21, 2023, regarding the proposed north parking lot at Sunset Woods Park. 

Staff provided a five-year financial analysis report for athletics and a review of the cost centers from January 1, 2023 – July 31, 2023. 

August 23: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance #2023-06: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the OSLAD Grant Resolution of Authorization, and the 2023 Roof Improvements Project Bid.  

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Donation and Naming Rights Agreement between the Park District of Highland Park and Laurence and Maria Fontana-Pasquesi. The park name “Fontana-Pasquesi Park” will sit for a period of 60 days for public review before being formally adopted based on a 4/5 vote of the Park Board of Commissioners.

The Park District is terminating the contract with Aqua Blue Pools for breach of contract as Aqua Blue Pools has failed to provide the required Performance Bond and Labor and Material Payment Bond. Staff reviewed plans to complete the necessary repairs to the pool shell in advance of the 2024 season.

Updates from the July Park Board Meetings

July 12: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners Approved the Centennial Ice Arena Renovation and Site Improvements Change Order #39 from Stuckey Construction Company, Inc in the amount of $106,244.

Staff are exploring construction management options for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park.

The Park District Planning team will be visiting 26 park sites throughout the community, asking residents to share their opinions about District parks. This effort is intended to identify the District’s strengths and assess opportunities to better meet community needs at our parks.

Staff provided construction updates on the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, the Recreation Center of Highland Park Dehumidification System project, Moroney Park Playground Improvement project, Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvement project, and the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp project.

July 18: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the preliminary engineering blueprints for the proposed parking lot at the Northeast corner of Sunset Woods Park. A neighborhood meeting will be scheduled in mid-August.

Staff reviewed design and construction management proposals for the New Community Center at West Ridge Park. Proposals included a Design Contract from Architects, Holabird and Root, and two Construction Management proposals; one from Gilbane the other from WB Olson.

Staff provided a five-year financial analysis report of Heller Nature Center and Deer Creek Racquet Club.

Lastly, staff provided a quarterly financial update for the Recreation Center of Highland Park and reviewed annual maintenance and new enhancements occurring during the annual closure.

July 26: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Plat of Dedication for Public Right of Way.

The Park Board of Commissioners authorized the Executive Director to enter into an AIA Document B133 – 2019 standard form of Agreement for design services with Holabird and Root for the lump sum amount of $1,234,356.

The Park Board of Commissioners terminated the approved purchased order 121922-01 for a CASE 580SN 4WD backhoe in the amount of $122,478.27 and approve the purchase of a CASE 580SV 4WD backhoe from Burris Equipment Co. in the amount of $116,445.31.

Lastly, the Parks Foundation President, Rafael Labrador, provided an update on fundraising efforts.

Updates from the June Park Board Meetings

June 7: Lakefront, Parks, and Natural Areas Committee Meeting

Staff presented possible renovation concepts for Lincoln Park Playground and the Moraine Beach Stairway.

Staff also presented possible concepts to increase the number of parking spots to support Deer Creek Racquet Club and the Larry Fink Memorial Baseball Field.

June 7: Facility and Recreation Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the design concepts to build a new community center at West Ridge Park being submitted in the Illinois Department of Natural resource (IDNR) Park and Recreation Construction (PARC) grant application.

Staff reviewed the long-term design concepts to improve the locker rooms at Centennial Ice Arenas developed by Woodhouse Tinucci.

June 14: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the PARC Grant Resolution Authorization, allowing the Park District of Highland Park to apply for funding assistance to support the new community center at West Ridge Park project.

The Park Board of Commissioners accepted the Base Bid from Anderson Lock Company, Ltd. for the 2023 West Ridge Center Door Hardware Improvements and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $39,120.00.

Staff provided construction updates on the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, Millard Park Playground Improvement projects, and the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp project.

June 20: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed the concept master plan for the new community center at West Ridge Park.

Staff provided a financial update for the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp Project, noting that the project is estimated to come in under budget due community donations and the Boat Access grant funds from IDNR.

Staff reviewed the budgeted vs actual financial figures for storage, launch, and parking decal sales for the Park Avenue Beach and Boating Facility.

Staff received consensus from the Finance Committee to place a sole source purchase of a new multi-use turf maintenance and ballfield groomer on the consent agenda for the June 28, 2023 Regular Meeting.

Staff presented the bid results for the Recreation Center of Highland park Gym Floor Refinish and the Hidden Creek AquaPark Shell Replacement.

June 28: 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 Resolution 2023-07 Authorizing a Sole Source Contract for Procurement of the ABI Force Z-23 with Attachments, the Rejection of 2023 Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements Bids, the Base Bid from Aqua Blue Pools, Inc. for the 2023 Hidden Creek Aqua Park Pool Shell Replacement and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement in the amount of $444,050, Resolution 2023-06 Ratifying the Waiving of Competitive Bidding for Procurement of an Emergency Repair and award the contract for repair of the Arena to Air Comfort in the amount of $39,862, and the First Student Transportation Services Contract Extension for Summer Camp.

Updates from the May Park Board Meetings

May 10: Workshop Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners adopted the Beach and Boating Week Safety Proclamation declaring May 20 – 29 as Highland Park Beach and Boating Safety Week.  

The Park Board of Commissioners had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Fotana-Pasquesi at tonight’s meeting to thank him for the $250,000 donation he would like to make to rename Cloverdale Park to Fotana-Pasques Park, in honor of his family and other Italian families that settled in Highland Park.

Architects, Holabird and Root, provided a summary of the recreation program assessment of West Ridge Center developed by Consultant, BerryDunn, and presented a market study reconciliation to construct a new building on the same site.

Staff also provided construction updates for the Centennial Ice Arena Facility and Site Renovations project, the Moroney Park Playground Improvements project, the Park Avenue Breakwater and Boat Ramp project, and the Larry Fink Memorial Park Baseball Field Improvements project.

May 16: Finance Committee Meeting

Staff reviewed a design proposal from Holabird and Root for the West Ridge Park and Site Project in an effort to apply for the IDNR PARC Grant. Staff received consensus from the Finance Committee to move forward with a Design Contract from Holabird and Root.

Staff provided an update on the locker rooms and gymnastics studio at Centennial Ice Arena.

Staff presented recommended improvements to the fitness floor at the Recreation Center of Highland Park to develop a multigenerational space.   

Martha Trotter, from the accounting firm Sikich LLP, presented a draft version of the Park District of Highland Park’s audited financial statements for 2023. Sikich LLP issued an unqualified or clean opinion for the report. 

May 24: Annual Meeting of the Park Board

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, Sikich LLP was appointed as the District’s auditor, and Ancel Glink was appointed as the District’s attorney.

May 24: Regular Meeting of the Park Board

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Heller Nature Center Blue Trail Improvements Project Bid, Ordinance #2023-05: Authorizing and Providing for the Conveyance or Sale of Surplus Personal Property, the Illinois Mutual Retirement Fund (IMRF) Authorized Agent Appointment to Laurel Hall and Supporting Resolution, the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Audit Report conditioned upon no materials changes that are required as a result of the IMRF Audit issuance, Resolution #2023-04: A Resolution Forming a Committee on Local Government Efficiency, and the Executive Director to enter into an design services agreement with Gewalt Hamilton Associates for the design of Larry Fink Memorial Baseball Field Improvements in an amount not to exceed $74,400.