Yesterday was the last day for candidates to file for the April 5, 2011 election. There are three seats up for reelection. Commissioners Bill Dallman and Sandy Minogue are not seeking reelection.
The candidates are:
Catherine A. Galvin
Edward P. Hess (incumbent)
Don "Stuff" Stuffelbeam
Hugh Johnson
Kathy Cornell
Gary Mayo
Richard Dunn
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
December 21 Meeting: 2011 Budget Vote
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District December 21, 2010 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting.
The Board will vote on the 2011 budget after an executive session at the beginning of the meeting.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
The Board will vote on the 2011 budget after an executive session at the beginning of the meeting.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Glen Ellyn Park Director Retires
Director Cory Atwell announced his retirement to the Board after 17 years of service. His last day with the park district is January 14, 2011. The Board hired a search firm to find a new executive director for the park district at a special meeting on Dec. 13, 2010.
Glen Ellyn parks chief resigns
Park District hires search firm to fill director seat
Glen Ellyn parks chief resigns
Park District hires search firm to fill director seat
Sunday, December 5, 2010
December 7 Meeting: Paddle and Capital Budget 2011
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District December 2, 2010 meeting are online. This is a workshop meeting.
The Board will consider installing used platform tennis courts at Maryknoll park because there were no qualified bids to construct new courts.
The Board will also continue to discuss the proposed 2011 budget, which is not available online. The Board is planning on discussing capital projects for 2011.
The Board also met on November 16, but I didn't have a chance to post a blog before the meeting. The agenda and packet for that meeting are online. We also held a special meeting on November 30 in executive session.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
The Board will consider installing used platform tennis courts at Maryknoll park because there were no qualified bids to construct new courts.
The Board will also continue to discuss the proposed 2011 budget, which is not available online. The Board is planning on discussing capital projects for 2011.
The Board also met on November 16, but I didn't have a chance to post a blog before the meeting. The agenda and packet for that meeting are online. We also held a special meeting on November 30 in executive session.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Monday, November 1, 2010
November Workshop Meeting Canceled
The Glen Ellyn Park District workshop meeting for November 2, 2010 is canceled.
The agenda for this meeting was the 2011 budget. The next Glen Ellyn Park District Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center.
The agenda for this meeting was the 2011 budget. The next Glen Ellyn Park District Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center.
Monday, October 18, 2010
October Meeting: Paddle Vote and 2011 Budget
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District October 19, 2010 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting.
The Board will most likely vote on whether to approve the $350,000 party room and court expansion for platform tennis. The current legal agreement allows the private platform tennis club to sell liquor at Maryknoll Park on the three nights a week that they have exclusive use of the party room. This project will cost the Glen Ellyn Park District $200,000 to construct.
The Board will also continue to discuss the proposed 2011 budget, which is not available online.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
The Board will most likely vote on whether to approve the $350,000 party room and court expansion for platform tennis. The current legal agreement allows the private platform tennis club to sell liquor at Maryknoll Park on the three nights a week that they have exclusive use of the party room. This project will cost the Glen Ellyn Park District $200,000 to construct.
The Board will also continue to discuss the proposed 2011 budget, which is not available online.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
UPDATE: Glen Ellyn Park District overbudget; no financial reporting reform
The Board learned at the October 5 meeting that our 2010 budget is projected to be overspent by $600,000. Staff could not fully account for the overspending or explain why this money was spent without Board approval. The figures revealing the overspending were buried in our Proposed 2011 Budget information (not available online). The Board was not aware of the problem until I questioned staff at the meeting.
The Board only receives detailed budget or projected spending information once a year- when we discuss the next year's budget. At our September 21 meeting the Board voted down my proposed financial reporting reforms in a 4-3 vote. My motion would have required quarterly detailed budget reports to the Board.
The financial reform motion would have also required that:
The Board only receives detailed budget or projected spending information once a year- when we discuss the next year's budget. At our September 21 meeting the Board voted down my proposed financial reporting reforms in a 4-3 vote. My motion would have required quarterly detailed budget reports to the Board.
The financial reform motion would have also required that:
- the vendor name be listed for all voucher requests. GEPD voucher lists for payment require Board approval each month but all payments charged to our credit card show the name of the credit card rather than the name of the vendor to which the payment was made. We typically charge over $30,000 to the credit card each month. The only way to figure the name of the vendor is to call the finance director. The Board voted not to receive this information.
- whenever any unexpected financial activity occurs, such as funds that are over budget or revenues or expenses are charged to an incorrect account, the Board will receive notification. The Board voted not to receive this information.
- our monthly budget reports show expenditures and revenues for the month, as currently provided, and also the total amount of money available in the fund. The Board voted to not receive this information.
Monday, October 4, 2010
October Meeting: Paddle and 2011 Budget
The agenda and packet for the October 5, 2010 meeting are online. This is a workshop meeting.
The Board will continue discussion on whether to approve the $350,000 party room and court expansion for platform tennis. Platform tennis is now requiring that the GEPD acquire a liquor license for the party room as part of this project. This project will cost the GEPD $200,000 to construct.
The Board will also begin discussion of the proposed 2011 budget, which is not available online.
Board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
The Board will continue discussion on whether to approve the $350,000 party room and court expansion for platform tennis. Platform tennis is now requiring that the GEPD acquire a liquor license for the party room as part of this project. This project will cost the GEPD $200,000 to construct.
The Board will also begin discussion of the proposed 2011 budget, which is not available online.
Board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
September Meeting: Platform tennis expansion for $350,000
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District September 21, 2010 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting.
At this meeting the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis Club is presenting a request that the GEPD construct two additional courts and a party room for $350,000. The paddle group is in the process of raising money for this project and is asking the Glen Ellyn Park District to contribute $200,000 to this project.
Also at this meeting, the Board will vote on the changes to financial reporting that I have proposed. These changes will allow the Board and the public to have more information about Glen Ellyn Park District expenditures and the overall financial health of the park district.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
At this meeting the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis Club is presenting a request that the GEPD construct two additional courts and a party room for $350,000. The paddle group is in the process of raising money for this project and is asking the Glen Ellyn Park District to contribute $200,000 to this project.
Also at this meeting, the Board will vote on the changes to financial reporting that I have proposed. These changes will allow the Board and the public to have more information about Glen Ellyn Park District expenditures and the overall financial health of the park district.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
GEPD starting construction on $600k Safety Village
The Glen Ellyn Park District plans to begin construction on a $600,000 Safety Village facility at Maryknoll Park. The Park District and the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation have been actively raising money and soliciting donations for this project for many years and the Foundation is donating $25,000 to start construction this fall. The remaining funds for construction have not yet been raised through donations or budgeted for by the Park District.
According to Director Atwell, the new facility will not change the safety village program curriculum, which is a long-running program that teaches children about safety. This is a cosmetic project that provides little value to the community at a high cost.
At the end of this phase of construction we will be left with underground utilities and pavement that will not yet be usable for the program. After further fund raising and construction children will be able to ride their bikes around 25 miniature replicas of GE buildings instead of the plastic houses currently used at Spring Avenue. The children will not be able to go into the new buildings.
This new phase of Safety Village construction was on the agenda at the last Board meeting but, according to President Hess, the Board will not be voting on whether to approve this project. President Hess stated that this project was approved by a previous Board. I asked President Hess to provide the Board with documentation about this previous approval, and we have not yet received this information.
The 2010 GEPD budget does not include any capital funds for any construction projects at Maryknoll Park this year. The park district cannot spend money that is not budgeted. If the park district wishes to construct this project this year, the Board must amend the 2010 budget. I have emailed President Hess and Director Atwell regarding this issue. President Hess responded by writing that "this phase will be completed, as presented, as soon as possible." Director Atwell has not responded.
According to Director Atwell, the new facility will not change the safety village program curriculum, which is a long-running program that teaches children about safety. This is a cosmetic project that provides little value to the community at a high cost.
At the end of this phase of construction we will be left with underground utilities and pavement that will not yet be usable for the program. After further fund raising and construction children will be able to ride their bikes around 25 miniature replicas of GE buildings instead of the plastic houses currently used at Spring Avenue. The children will not be able to go into the new buildings.
This new phase of Safety Village construction was on the agenda at the last Board meeting but, according to President Hess, the Board will not be voting on whether to approve this project. President Hess stated that this project was approved by a previous Board. I asked President Hess to provide the Board with documentation about this previous approval, and we have not yet received this information.
The 2010 GEPD budget does not include any capital funds for any construction projects at Maryknoll Park this year. The park district cannot spend money that is not budgeted. If the park district wishes to construct this project this year, the Board must amend the 2010 budget. I have emailed President Hess and Director Atwell regarding this issue. President Hess responded by writing that "this phase will be completed, as presented, as soon as possible." Director Atwell has not responded.
Monday, September 6, 2010
September Workshop Meeting
The agenda and packet for the September 7, 2010 meeting are online. This is a workshop meeting. The proposed changes to financial reporting that we discussed at our last meeting will be voted on at our next regular meeting on September 21, 2010.
At this meeting the Board will discuss a plan to construct a permanent Safety Village at Maryknoll Park. The Board will also discuss flooding issues around Lake Ellyn.
Board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
At this meeting the Board will discuss a plan to construct a permanent Safety Village at Maryknoll Park. The Board will also discuss flooding issues around Lake Ellyn.
Board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Monday, August 16, 2010
August 17 Regular Meeting: Financial Reporting
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District August 17, 2010 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting. Our August workshop meeting was canceled because of an anticipated lack of quorum.
I've proposed several changes to the way financial information is reported to the Board. Staff adopted two of these changes in our packet this month. Monthly financial statements are now included in the official Board packet, rather than as a separate, private document. Also, the voucher list shows account information for each voucher. My suggestions and the response from staff are on page 39 in the packet from last month. The Board will continue discussing the proposed changes at this meeting.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
I've proposed several changes to the way financial information is reported to the Board. Staff adopted two of these changes in our packet this month. Monthly financial statements are now included in the official Board packet, rather than as a separate, private document. Also, the voucher list shows account information for each voucher. My suggestions and the response from staff are on page 39 in the packet from last month. The Board will continue discussing the proposed changes at this meeting.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Monday, July 19, 2010
July 20, 2010 Meeting: Financial Reporting
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District July 20, 2010 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting.
I've proposed several changes to the way financial information is reported to the Board. It is important for the Board to have accurate financial information in order to make good financial decisions for the park district and to make sure our budgets and goals are met. Commissioner Kinzler has also suggested new ways to deliver financial information to the Board. My suggestions and the response from staff are on page 39 in the packet.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
I've proposed several changes to the way financial information is reported to the Board. It is important for the Board to have accurate financial information in order to make good financial decisions for the park district and to make sure our budgets and goals are met. Commissioner Kinzler has also suggested new ways to deliver financial information to the Board. My suggestions and the response from staff are on page 39 in the packet.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June 15 Meeting Agenda: 2009 Audit
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District June 15, 2010 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting.
The 2009 Audit will be presented to the Board by staff and the auditors at this meeting. The audit is not online at the Park District website, but I've posted it here.
The 2009 budget ordinance was revised in February 2010 because several funds were over budget, including the capitals fund, which was $2.2 million dollars over budget. The audit shows that our 2009 capitals fund is an additional $1.8 million dollars over budget from our February numbers. As detailed on page 48, several other 2009 accounts are over budget from our February 2010 numbers. The Board will have an opportunity to ask the auditors about the report.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
The 2009 Audit will be presented to the Board by staff and the auditors at this meeting. The audit is not online at the Park District website, but I've posted it here.
The 2009 budget ordinance was revised in February 2010 because several funds were over budget, including the capitals fund, which was $2.2 million dollars over budget. The audit shows that our 2009 capitals fund is an additional $1.8 million dollars over budget from our February numbers. As detailed on page 48, several other 2009 accounts are over budget from our February 2010 numbers. The Board will have an opportunity to ask the auditors about the report.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
This Saturday: Panfish Park Cleanup
Join the Glen Ellyn Park District at Panfish Park from 9am-noon this Saturday for a park cleanup. We will meet at the playground on Wilson Ave. Part of this park is owned by the Village of Glen Ellyn. We will be cleaning up the Glen Ellyn Park District property.
Please bring your own gloves and safety glasses. Pruning equipment and bags will be provided. All volunteers must sign a waiver on site prior to participating in any of the scheduled restoration projects. Glen Ellyn Park District staff will be at each work day to coordinate the work.
We will focus on the natural areas of the park and will pick up garbage and remove invasive species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard weed.
Also, our last scheduled work day is Saturday, April 17, Ellynwood Nature Preserve ( 801 Elllynwood, north side of Ellynwood Drive east of Riford Road)
Restoration work days are held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring a friend! Volunteers of all ages are welcome to attend.
Thanks!
Melissa Creech
Please bring your own gloves and safety glasses. Pruning equipment and bags will be provided. All volunteers must sign a waiver on site prior to participating in any of the scheduled restoration projects. Glen Ellyn Park District staff will be at each work day to coordinate the work.
We will focus on the natural areas of the park and will pick up garbage and remove invasive species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard weed.
Also, our last scheduled work day is Saturday, April 17, Ellynwood Nature Preserve ( 801 Elllynwood, north side of Ellynwood Drive east of Riford Road)
Restoration work days are held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring a friend! Volunteers of all ages are welcome to attend.
Thanks!
Melissa Creech
April 6 Meeting: Turf and ASFC
I missed posting about this meeting ahead of time, but here is a recap. The agenda and packet are online. The agenda changed and platform tennis was not discussed at this meeting.
There is a good summary of the Ackerman construction costs discusssion in this Daily Herald article from April 7: Glen Ellyn officials can't pin down final tally for fitness center
The GEPD Board voted 7-0 in favor of an intergovernmental agreement with District 87 for artificial turf at Memorial Field with modifications. Specifically, we approved an 8 year, $160,000 agreement rather than the 10 year, $200,000 that was proposed by District 87.
There is a good summary of the Ackerman construction costs discusssion in this Daily Herald article from April 7: Glen Ellyn officials can't pin down final tally for fitness center
The GEPD Board voted 7-0 in favor of an intergovernmental agreement with District 87 for artificial turf at Memorial Field with modifications. Specifically, we approved an 8 year, $160,000 agreement rather than the 10 year, $200,000 that was proposed by District 87.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
This Saturday: Manor Woods Cleanup
Weather for Saturday: Sunny and 55! It's a perfect day to be out in the woods.
Join the GEPD at GE Manor Park from 9am-noon for a park cleanup. We will meet at the playground on Illinois St.
Please bring your own gloves and safety glasses. Pruning equipment and bags will be provided. All volunteers must sign a waiver on site prior to participating in any of the scheduled restoration projects. GEPD staff will be at each work day to coordinate the work.
We will focus on the natural areas of these parks and will pick up garbage and remove invasive species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard weed.
Other upcoming work days:
Restoration work days are held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring a friend! Volunteers of all ages are welcome to attend.
Thanks!
Melissa Creech
Join the GEPD at GE Manor Park from 9am-noon for a park cleanup. We will meet at the playground on Illinois St.
Please bring your own gloves and safety glasses. Pruning equipment and bags will be provided. All volunteers must sign a waiver on site prior to participating in any of the scheduled restoration projects. GEPD staff will be at each work day to coordinate the work.
We will focus on the natural areas of these parks and will pick up garbage and remove invasive species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard weed.
Other upcoming work days:
- Saturday, March 27 Glen Ellyn Manor Park* (375 Illinois Street, on the south side of Illinois Street between Brandon Avenue and Hillcrest Ave)
- Saturday, April 10, Panfish Park* (620 Wilson Avenue, on the North side of Harding Avenue, east of Park Boulevard))
- Saturday, April 17, Ellynwood Nature Preserve ( 801 Elllynwood, north side of Ellynwood Drive east of Riford Road)
Restoration work days are held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring a friend! Volunteers of all ages are welcome to attend.
Thanks!
Melissa Creech
Monday, March 15, 2010
March 16 Regular Meeting
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District March 2, 2010 meeting are online . This is a regular meeting.
The Board will continue discussion on a proposed intergovernmental agreement with District 87 for synthetic turf at Memorial Field. The Board will review the Glen Ellyn Park District environmental policy and environmental goals for 2010. After executive session, the Board will discuss the ASFC construction management fee.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
The Board will continue discussion on a proposed intergovernmental agreement with District 87 for synthetic turf at Memorial Field. The Board will review the Glen Ellyn Park District environmental policy and environmental goals for 2010. After executive session, the Board will discuss the ASFC construction management fee.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Volunteers needed for park cleanups!
We need your help to clean up our neighborhood parks! The Glen Ellyn Park District is hosting four restoration work days at neighborhood parks this spring. We will focus on the natural areas of these parks and will pick up garbage and remove invasive species such as buckthorn and garlic mustard weed.
Work days are from 9am-noon at the following parks:
Please bring your own gloves and safety glasses. Pruning equipment and bags will be provided. All volunteers must sign a waiver on site prior to participating in any of the scheduled restoration projects. Glen Ellyn Park District staff will be at each work day to coordinate the work.
Restoration work days are held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring a friend! Volunteers of all ages are welcome to attend.
Thanks!
Melissa Creech
Work days are from 9am-noon at the following parks:
- Saturday, March 20 Danby Park (280 Duane Street, adjacent to the Prairie Path at Duane Street and Kenilworth Avenue)
- Saturday, March 27 Glen Ellyn Manor Park* (375 Illinois Street, on the south side of Illinois Street between Brandon Avenue and Hillcrest Ave)
- Saturday, April 10, Panfish Park* (620 Wilson Avenue, on the North side of Harding Avenue, east of Park Boulevard))
- Saturday, April 17, Ellynwood Nature Preserve ( 801 Elllynwood, north side of Ellynwood Drive east of Riford Road)
Please bring your own gloves and safety glasses. Pruning equipment and bags will be provided. All volunteers must sign a waiver on site prior to participating in any of the scheduled restoration projects. Glen Ellyn Park District staff will be at each work day to coordinate the work.
Restoration work days are held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring a friend! Volunteers of all ages are welcome to attend.
Thanks!
Melissa Creech
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Workshop Meeting for March 2
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District March 2, 2010 meeting are online . This is a workshop meeting with a short agenda.
The Board will discuss a proposed intergovernmental agreement with District 87 for synthetic turf at Memorial Field.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
The Board will discuss a proposed intergovernmental agreement with District 87 for synthetic turf at Memorial Field.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Meeting February 16
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District February 16, 2010 meeting are online . I will link to them when they are available. This is a regular meeting with a short agenda.
The Board will discuss a plan to construct a $267,000 warming hut for platform tennis at Maryknoll park and vote on a plan to change Glen Ellyn Park District legal counsel. The Board will also discuss a possible Board retreat to focus on Board/Staff relations.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
The Board will discuss a plan to construct a $267,000 warming hut for platform tennis at Maryknoll park and vote on a plan to change Glen Ellyn Park District legal counsel. The Board will also discuss a possible Board retreat to focus on Board/Staff relations.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Debate aside, center a source of pride
From the Daily Herald 2-3-10:
Dear Editor,
As readers of the Daily Herald know from Marco Santana's reporting, there are significant disagreements within the Glen Ellyn Park District board about how the planning and finances for the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center were handled.
But there is one thing that we all agree about: the center is a great asset to our community, and we need to work together to make it a success. The center's grand opening was held Jan. 23, and I am thrilled about the tremendous turnout. I want to congratulate the park district staff on the superb job they did getting the center ready and welcoming the hundreds of families who came to enjoy the new facility.
With a fitness center, indoor field, three basketball courts, climbing walls, batting cages and walking track, there is something for everyone. I encourage all to stop by the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center and see what it has to offer.
Melissa Creech
Commissioner, Glen Ellyn Park District
Dear Editor,
As readers of the Daily Herald know from Marco Santana's reporting, there are significant disagreements within the Glen Ellyn Park District board about how the planning and finances for the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center were handled.
But there is one thing that we all agree about: the center is a great asset to our community, and we need to work together to make it a success. The center's grand opening was held Jan. 23, and I am thrilled about the tremendous turnout. I want to congratulate the park district staff on the superb job they did getting the center ready and welcoming the hundreds of families who came to enjoy the new facility.
With a fitness center, indoor field, three basketball courts, climbing walls, batting cages and walking track, there is something for everyone. I encourage all to stop by the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center and see what it has to offer.
Melissa Creech
Commissioner, Glen Ellyn Park District
Monday, February 1, 2010
It's a girl! And another girl!
Glen Ellyn Park District Commissioner Julia Nephew gave birth to twin daughters Madeleine Diane and Sophia Julia today. Proud father Eric Bergman reports that mother and babies are all doing well. Both babies weighed 6 lb 3 oz and were born at 4:30 p.m. and 4:36 p.m on Monday, February 1. Congratulations to Julia and Eric on their beautiful new daughters!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Board Changes Minutes Format
For several months the Glen Ellyn Park District Board has discussed changes to our meeting minutes. At our last meeting Commissioner Minogue said that the minutes needed to be "shortened" and say "not what was said, but only what happened." Previously, the Board minutes have consistently showed great detail.
Our December 15, 2009 (page 29) minutes, written in the new format, show that Jay, Julia and I voted No to the 2010 budget but show none of the issues or concerns that we made during the hour-long budget discussion. These minutes also show my motion for an audit of the Ackerman project, but none of my reasons for calling for an audit or the other commissioners' reasons for opposing the audit.
These changes make the Glen Ellyn Park District Board less transparent and give the public less information about the Glen Ellyn Park District meetings.
I opposed these changes, so I made a motion that the Glen Ellyn Park District Board minutes, in addition to statuary requirements, shall include a summary of public participation comments, a thorough summaries of all discussions, including opposing viewpoints, motions and votes. This motion failed. Creech, Kinzler and Nephew voted Yes, Hess and Minogue voted No and Dallman and Aubrey abstained.
Our December 15, 2009 (page 29) minutes, written in the new format, show that Jay, Julia and I voted No to the 2010 budget but show none of the issues or concerns that we made during the hour-long budget discussion. These minutes also show my motion for an audit of the Ackerman project, but none of my reasons for calling for an audit or the other commissioners' reasons for opposing the audit.
These changes make the Glen Ellyn Park District Board less transparent and give the public less information about the Glen Ellyn Park District meetings.
I opposed these changes, so I made a motion that the Glen Ellyn Park District Board minutes, in addition to statuary requirements, shall include a summary of public participation comments, a thorough summaries of all discussions, including opposing viewpoints, motions and votes. This motion failed. Creech, Kinzler and Nephew voted Yes, Hess and Minogue voted No and Dallman and Aubrey abstained.
February 2 Meeting: St. Charles Rd. Project
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District February 2, 2010 meeting are not online yet. I will link to them when they are available. This is a workshop meeting with a short agenda.
The Board will vote on a proposal to sell a small strip of land (.127 acres) in Ackerman Park along St. Charles Road to the Village of Glen Ellyn. The Village will construct turning lanes at St. Charles Rd. and Riford Rd.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
The Board will vote on a proposal to sell a small strip of land (.127 acres) in Ackerman Park along St. Charles Road to the Village of Glen Ellyn. The Village will construct turning lanes at St. Charles Rd. and Riford Rd.
Glen Ellyn Park District board meetings are always open to the public and are held in the board room at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m. Please join us!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Ackerman Paid for by Tax Increase
In the past week I have heard several comments about how the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center was built without raising taxes. This is false.
Ackerman was paid for with funding from 3 sources: $7.4 million from the 2006 referendum bond money, $3.2 million from non-referendum bonds and the remaining from fund balances.
The park district taxpayers pay for all bonds. This is above and beyond the normal operating budget and outside of the constraints of the tax cap. Had the 2006 referendum failed, our taxes would have gone down. The Board voted this year to sell another $4 million in non-referendum bonds to finance Ackerman. Because of this new debt, we are collecting additional money from the tax payers in 2010 (2010 budget, page 65). Had the Board not borrowed this money, our taxes would have gone down.
The park district needs to sell bonds from time to time in order to finance park projects. This is necessary and appropriate. Let's not pretend though that our money doesn't come from our taxpayers.
Ackerman was paid for with funding from 3 sources: $7.4 million from the 2006 referendum bond money, $3.2 million from non-referendum bonds and the remaining from fund balances.
The park district taxpayers pay for all bonds. This is above and beyond the normal operating budget and outside of the constraints of the tax cap. Had the 2006 referendum failed, our taxes would have gone down. The Board voted this year to sell another $4 million in non-referendum bonds to finance Ackerman. Because of this new debt, we are collecting additional money from the tax payers in 2010 (2010 budget, page 65). Had the Board not borrowed this money, our taxes would have gone down.
The park district needs to sell bonds from time to time in order to finance park projects. This is necessary and appropriate. Let's not pretend though that our money doesn't come from our taxpayers.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Ackerman Open House 1-23
Come check out the Glen Ellyn Park District's new Ackerman Sports Complex at the Grand Opening Celebration this Saturday, January 23 from 10-3. The ribbon cutting is at 10:30.
During the open house there will be tours of the facility, free access to the walking track and climbing wall and other activities. There will be refreshments, prizes and giveaways too.
The Daily Herald has several stories on the new facility:
During the open house there will be tours of the facility, free access to the walking track and climbing wall and other activities. There will be refreshments, prizes and giveaways too.
The Daily Herald has several stories on the new facility:
Monday, January 18, 2010
Jan. 19 Meeting: ASC, Minutes, Budget
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District January 19, 2010 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting where the Board will discuss the Ackerman Sports Complex Cost Analysis, approve the 2010 budget and amend the 2009 budget.
A few things to note in the packet:
A few things to note in the packet:
- At the last meeting Commissioner Hess recommended that our meeting minutes be stripped down to just motions, votes and brief summaries of discussions, a departure from past Glen Ellyn Park District practice. The Dec. 15 minutes that are up for Board approval at this meeting show the new format. I have argued against these changes in the past and believe that the Glen Ellyn Park District should operate as transparently as possible.
- I intend to ask questions about the roof leak at Ackerman that is detailed on page 52 of the packet. The flooring contractor says that there is a 50% chance that the new gym floor will not have permanent damage.
- The Board will vote on final approval of the 2010 budget.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Ackerman Audit Resolution Fails
Our last meeting on Dec. 15 was covered in several newspaper articles because of revelations that the cost of the Ackerman Sports Complex is higher than staff had previously told the Board and that numerous change orders were approved by staff without the required board approval. We also learned that much of the work done in the change orders was for items that were supposed to be in the original bid documents.
In response to these admissions, I called for a forensic audit of the ASC project. This motion was voted down 4-3, with Commissioners Minogue, Hess, Dallman and Aubrey voting against.
There are two reasons that I believe an audit is necessary. The first is to get a complete reporting of ASC costs so that the Board can properly budget for the upcoming year. Staff repeatedly under-reported the total facility cost by at least $740,000 and at the same time told the Board that the project was within budget. The Board approved $220,000 in fitness equipment in September with the understanding that funding was coming from unspent contingency fund money- when in fact the contingency fund had already been wiped out. The Board voted to purchase that equipment based on faulty financial information.
The second reason is to determine whether we can recoup costs for errors and omissions. The Glen Ellyn Park District hired an architect and construction management company to prepare the ASC bid documents for us. If the mistakes in the bid documents were due to negligence we should make every attempt to recover the costs of these change orders.
The anticipated total expenditure for ASC is now $11.2 million. This included $800,000 in change orders that were largely unreported to the Board and $130,000 on interior furnishings that were not bid, budgeted for or approved by the Board.
I will continue to ask questions about this project until we have a complete accounting of the project. In order to move forward we need to complete ASC and ensure its profitability, learn where we stand financially, and recover any costs that we can.
In response to these admissions, I called for a forensic audit of the ASC project. This motion was voted down 4-3, with Commissioners Minogue, Hess, Dallman and Aubrey voting against.
There are two reasons that I believe an audit is necessary. The first is to get a complete reporting of ASC costs so that the Board can properly budget for the upcoming year. Staff repeatedly under-reported the total facility cost by at least $740,000 and at the same time told the Board that the project was within budget. The Board approved $220,000 in fitness equipment in September with the understanding that funding was coming from unspent contingency fund money- when in fact the contingency fund had already been wiped out. The Board voted to purchase that equipment based on faulty financial information.
The second reason is to determine whether we can recoup costs for errors and omissions. The Glen Ellyn Park District hired an architect and construction management company to prepare the ASC bid documents for us. If the mistakes in the bid documents were due to negligence we should make every attempt to recover the costs of these change orders.
The anticipated total expenditure for ASC is now $11.2 million. This included $800,000 in change orders that were largely unreported to the Board and $130,000 on interior furnishings that were not bid, budgeted for or approved by the Board.
I will continue to ask questions about this project until we have a complete accounting of the project. In order to move forward we need to complete ASC and ensure its profitability, learn where we stand financially, and recover any costs that we can.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
