JANUARY 14 MASTER PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

The Lakota Group reviewed the presentation which will be shared at the Community Open House.

JANUARY 14 WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD

Staff reviewed the purpose of establishing an ADA Committee, its structure and member responsibilities, committee operations, and the committee’s goals for 2026.

Staff provided construction updates for the New Facility and Site Improvements at West Ridge Park.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved the Executive Director’s total compensation including salary, vehicle allowance, bonus, health insurance, vacation, and sick days effective January 1, 2026.

JANUARY 20 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

PMA Financial Network provided a presentation on future financing opportunities for the Park District.

Staff reviewed the updated services for the addendum to the L6 Technology IT Support Services Agreement and the Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for the 2025 fiscal year.

JANAURY 21 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARK BOARD

A public hearing was held for the 2026 budget.

The Park Board of Commissioners approved an Addendum to the L6 Technology IT Support Services Agreement, Ordinance 2026-02: An Ordinance Amending the Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025  and Ending on December 31, 2025, the 2026 Budget and 2026 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (2026-02) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, and the Total Base Bid from YOUnyted LLC for the 2026 New West Ridge Community Center Furniture Bid in the amount of $176,314.00 and authorize the Executive Director to enter into an agreement.

Resident John Cooper, owner of 2700 Point Lane, submitted a proposal for City of Highland Park consideration to permit property tours as a special use. The proposed “Experience Greatness” program aims to inspire personal transformation through themes of mindset, action, and service, offering mentorship to youth from all economic backgrounds. The proposal seeks a partnership with Heller Nature Center as the access point, including a small trail extension, funding for improvements, shuttle service, and insurance coverage. The partnership would provide financial support, program integration, and event access for the Park District.

The Park Board of Commissioners will explore the possibility of collaborating with Champions Point.

Staff presented the 2025 marketing and advertising projects and accomplishments that support the Park District of Highland Park and the Parks Foundation of Highland Park.

The Park Board of Commissioners released the July 30, 2025 Closed Session Meeting minutes for public inspection. The Closed Session Meeting minutes from October 08, 2025, October 22, 2025, November 12, 2025, November 19, 2025, December 09, 2025, and December 17, 2025; shall not be released for public inspection since the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of those minutes.