At the December 20, 2011 regular board meeting, the Board will discuss the ongoing problems with the roof at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center and a plan to permanently fix the roof.
The Board will also vote on the finalized 2012 budget. The Board 2012 budget has a balanced operating budget, per the Board's request earlier in the budget process. The 2012 budget includes additional funds for field maintenance for the many park district sports, funds to upgrade the bathrooms at Sunset pool, funds for equipment to broadcast all park district meetings, and funds to install paths in natural areas and restore the oak savannah at Maryknoll Park. The budget also includes funds to replace the playground at Glen Ellyn Manor Park and repair the roof at Ackerman.
The Board will also vote on a proposal to completely enclose the dog park at the Spring Avenue Recreation Park and install a card swipe system for member to access the park.
For more information, please see the agenda and packet online here.
To receive email notice of all park district meetings, Board news and meeting highlights, click here and enter your email address in the box at the top right of the page.
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, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Used Toy Drive for Children in Rwanda
This is a departure from my usual park-district-only posts, but it is for a good cause!
Forest Glen Brownie Troop 42107 is collecting used toys for children in Rwanda. All donations will be sent to the Aspire Rwanda NGO that runs a woman’s shelter in Kigali, Rwanda. Toys and pencils will be distributed to the children at the shelter and to a network of schools in rural Rwanda affiliated with Aspire Rwanda.
Because of the difficult conditions in Rwanda and the expense in shipping to Africa,we are collecting only these items:
Look for the Toys for Rwanda donation box:
Rwanda Toy Drive
Forest Glen Brownie Troop 42107 is collecting used toys for children in Rwanda. All donations will be sent to the Aspire Rwanda NGO that runs a woman’s shelter in Kigali, Rwanda. Toys and pencils will be distributed to the children at the shelter and to a network of schools in rural Rwanda affiliated with Aspire Rwanda.
Because of the difficult conditions in Rwanda and the expense in shipping to Africa,we are collecting only these items:
- Duplo blocks
- Small plastic animals (like Zoo Tube animals)
- Polly-Pocket size dolls (no extra accessories please!)
- Small action figures (no extra accessories please!)
- Matchbox cars
- Little People people/animals
- Tennis balls
- Pencils
- Small pencil sharpeners (no battery-operated please!)
- Matching/Memory games
Please drop off your donation by January 4, 2012.
Look for the Toys for Rwanda donation box:
- At St. Mark’s Church in the narthex or church office
- At the Creech Home, 697 Saint Charles Road, at the back door
- If you have children at Forest Glen School, they can drop off toys in the box in the library.
We would also like to purchase ultra-durable soccer balls for the children. If you are interested in sponsoring a $19 soccer ball, please contact Melissa Creech at m.creech.gepd@gmail.com. Thank you!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
NEW GEPD Official Board Blog
In a move to increase transparency at the Glen Ellyn Park District, the Board of Commissioners has created a blog with an RSS feed that allows the public to subscribe and receive regular updates on board business.
The blog will contain meeting notices, links to agendas, packets and minutes, and highlights of meetings posted soon after each meeting. Material that is distributed during the meeting that was not in the packet, and presentations that were made in the meeting will also be available at the board blog.
Visit the blog and enter your email address in the box at the top right corner to receive regular updates about the GEPD Board.
In addition to having its own unique address, the blog is also embedded on the Park District Website. People looking for it on the Park District Website can find it under the board & staff drop-down menu on the home page. The GEPD Board Blog is maintained and written by GEPD staff.
A board priority, the blog is the first step in increasing transparency. Efforts will continue in 2012 when public meetings begin streaming live and are available later on demand on the Park District Website.
The blog will contain meeting notices, links to agendas, packets and minutes, and highlights of meetings posted soon after each meeting. Material that is distributed during the meeting that was not in the packet, and presentations that were made in the meeting will also be available at the board blog.
Visit the blog and enter your email address in the box at the top right corner to receive regular updates about the GEPD Board.
In addition to having its own unique address, the blog is also embedded on the Park District Website. People looking for it on the Park District Website can find it under the board & staff drop-down menu on the home page. The GEPD Board Blog is maintained and written by GEPD staff.
A board priority, the blog is the first step in increasing transparency. Efforts will continue in 2012 when public meetings begin streaming live and are available later on demand on the Park District Website.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Board Selects New Executive Director
The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce David Harris as the new Executive Director of the Glen Ellyn Park District. Harris is currently the director of the Butterfield Park District and is a 19-year resident of Glen Ellyn. Harris is expected to start on September 7, 2011."Dave Harris is an experienced leader who understands Glen Ellyn. I am confident that he has the skills, experience and determination to guide the Park District in improving fiscal discipline, maintenance of our parks and facilities, and customer service. I am thrilled to have Dave on board," said Melissa Creech, Glen Ellyn Park District Board President.
Harris has over twenty years of experience in park districts, much of which he spent at the Park District of Highland Park. There he launched a profitable new recreation and fitness center similar to the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center and managed a nature center, golf course, pools, water park and an indoor ice rink. Additionally, Harris has significant experience in all other areas within the Parks and Recreation industry including parks maintenance, athletics, fundraising and community relations.
"I am honored and excited to be appointed the next executive director for the Glen Ellyn Park District. As a 19 year resident of Glen Ellyn, my wife, two daughters and I have utilized and enjoyed District programs, facilities and parks over the years. Along with my professional experience, my personal insight and knowledge of the community will provide a foundation to enable me to lead and provide direction for the Park District. To be able to serve the community that has provided so many opportunities for my family and me is tremendous and I cannot wait to get started," said Harris.
The Board approved the 18-month contract with a salary of $117,000 at the July 7, 2011 board meeting. Harris replaces Cory Atwell, who retired in January after 16 years as executive director of the Glen Ellyn Park District.
"Dave Harris understands the importance of listening to the community we serve. I am convinced that he will be able to take our customer service to the next level and make our Park District even better," said Gary Mayo, Glen Ellyn Park District Commissioner.
The Glen Ellyn Park District Executive Director is responsible for the daily operations for the district, which serves 35,000 residents and has a staff of 31 full-time employees and 500 part-time employees. Harris was selected from a pool of over 50 candidates who responded to the Glen Ellyn Park District's national search for a new director through the search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
July 9 Meeting: New Director
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District July 9, 2011 meeting are online. This is a workshop meeting. We usually don't meet on Thursdays, but have a different schedule this week because of the July 4th holiday.
We're looking forward to announcing our new executive director at this meeting and approving the contract. Also on the agenda is the new Finance Committee bylaws and members and a discussion about ways to make the park district more transparent.
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!
We're looking forward to announcing our new executive director at this meeting and approving the contract. Also on the agenda is the new Finance Committee bylaws and members and a discussion about ways to make the park district more transparent.
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, June 2, 2011
GEPD Takes Action to Resolve Roof Issues at Ackerman
The Glen Ellyn Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on June 1 to discuss the ongoing problems with the leaky roof at the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center. Below is the text of the press release that was issued today:
The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners has taken special action to resolve roof issues at the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center at a special meeting Wednesday, June 1. This includes a motion directing staff to take the necessary steps to terminate the contracts of T.A. Bowman Constructors LLC, Professional Building Services and Ollmann Ernest Architects.
The board cited breach of contract as the reason for its action. Board members have directed staff to initiate a contract with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. to provide supplemental design and bid documents for roof remediation.
It is the Board’s hope that these actions will enable the park district to resolve the ongoing roof leak issues at the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center. The Glen Ellyn Park District appreciates the patience of the numerous facility participants and its constituents during this process.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Citizens' Advisory Committee Members Sought
from the Glen Ellyn Park District press release:
The Glen Ellyn Park District Board has approved the formation of a citizens' advisory committee to review all aspects of the District's finances, and develop a long-range financial plan to help guide the Board's future decision making. The Board is looking for volunteers who would be willing to serve on this committee.
Applicants must be residents of the Glen Ellyn Park District and willing to devote several hours per month for a minimum of one year.
Interested community members should submit a resume to Nick Cinquegrani, Glen Ellyn Park District, 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
Preference will be given to applicants with a background in finance and accounting. Expertise/ experience in municipal accounting is a plus.
Deadline for applications is May 31, 2011, and interviews will be scheduled in June.
Applicants must be residents of the Glen Ellyn Park District and willing to devote several hours per month for a minimum of one year.
Interested community members should submit a resume to Nick Cinquegrani, Glen Ellyn Park District, 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
Preference will be given to applicants with a background in finance and accounting. Expertise/ experience in municipal accounting is a plus.
Deadline for applications is May 31, 2011, and interviews will be scheduled in June.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Board approves new interim director
The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on May 11 to approve a new interim director. The TribLocal story below is a nice summary of the meeting:
Retired Lombard parks director to take over in Glen Ellyn
Retired Lombard parks director to take over in Glen Ellyn
A retired parks director has temporarily taken the helm of the Glen Ellyn Park District and likely will remain in place through July when a new executive director is expected to be hired.
During a special meeting Wednesday, the Glen Ellyn Park Board agreed to bring on Mike Fugiel, the former executive director of the Lombard Park District. He will work part-time for $1,600 a week, said Park Board President Melissa Creech.
Fugiel was with the Lombard Park District for a decade before retiring in 2007.
The position of executive director has been vacant for several months following the resignation of Corey Atwell. Superintendent of Recreation Kathleen Esposito and Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo have been serving as co-interim directors.
However, with the busy season now in full-swing, Creech said the board agreed to contract out the position to a separate employee.
“It is the busy season, and they have full-time jobs with lots of responsibilities key to keeping the parks and recreation departments running,” she said.
Fugiel, who officially took over the position Thursday, has been hired through the park district’s search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates. Because he is not a direct employee of Glen Ellyn, he will not collect benefits, Creech said.
She added the park board will begin conducting interviews in June with potential candidates to permanently take over as executive director.
Commissioners would like to have a new person in place by August, although that could change depending on notice periods and availability.
“It all depends on the executive search process,” Creech said.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
New Commissioner swearing-in delayed
Commissioner Ron Aubrey refused to allow newly-elected commissioners to take the Oath of Office at the May 3, 2011 Glen Ellyn Park District Board meeting. Kathy Cornell, Gary Mayo and Richard Dunn were set to be sworn in and assume their roles as commissioners at the beginning of the meeting when Aubrey objected. Aubrey claimed that the old Board was required to certify the election results and because this had not been done the new commissioners could not be seated.
When I made a motion to certify the election results Aubrey then claimed that the Board could not certify the election results at the meeting because it was not on the agenda. Agenda item number seven, "Oath of Office- Inauguration of Commissioners" clearly showed the Board's intent to seat the duly elected commissioners. Commissioners Creech, Kinzler, Nephew and Dallman voted to certify the election; Commissioner Aubrey voted no. After further disagreement from Aubrey, I then made a motion to administer the Oath of Office to the new commissioners. Commissioners Creech, Kinzler, Nephew and Dallman voted to administer the Oath of Office; Commissioner Aubrey voted no.
After a 25-minute delay, Commissioners Cornell, Mayo and Dunn were sworn in and seated.
The DuPage Election Commission confirmed today that the park district board does not need to take any action on their canvass results or certify the election in any way. It is stated in the state statute 10ILCS 5/22-17.
When I made a motion to certify the election results Aubrey then claimed that the Board could not certify the election results at the meeting because it was not on the agenda. Agenda item number seven, "Oath of Office- Inauguration of Commissioners" clearly showed the Board's intent to seat the duly elected commissioners. Commissioners Creech, Kinzler, Nephew and Dallman voted to certify the election; Commissioner Aubrey voted no. After further disagreement from Aubrey, I then made a motion to administer the Oath of Office to the new commissioners. Commissioners Creech, Kinzler, Nephew and Dallman voted to administer the Oath of Office; Commissioner Aubrey voted no.
After a 25-minute delay, Commissioners Cornell, Mayo and Dunn were sworn in and seated.
The DuPage Election Commission confirmed today that the park district board does not need to take any action on their canvass results or certify the election in any way. It is stated in the state statute 10ILCS 5/22-17.
May 3 Meeting: Financial Changes
The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners made several changes at the May 3 , 2011 meeting with the intent to reduce costs. The Board voted to cancel the $324,000 Safety Village project, directed staff to propose additional cuts to the 2011 budget, and suspended work on the overbudget $350,000 paddle project until the project can be completely funded. For a good summary of these changes, check out the Daily Herald article, "Glen Ellyn Park District cuts costs."
The Board also elected new officers. The 2011 officers are:
President: Melissa Creech
Vice President: Jay Kinzler
Treasurer: Julia Nephew
The Board also elected new officers. The 2011 officers are:
President: Melissa Creech
Vice President: Jay Kinzler
Treasurer: Julia Nephew
Monday, May 2, 2011
May 3 Meeting: New Commisioners
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District May 3, 2011 meeting are online. This is a workshop meeting.
Kathy Cornell, Richard Dunn and Gary Mayo will be sworn in as Glen Ellyn Park District Commissioners; a result of the April 6, 2011 municipal elections. The Board will hold officer elections for GEPD Board president, vice president and treasurer.
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!
Kathy Cornell, Richard Dunn and Gary Mayo will be sworn in as Glen Ellyn Park District Commissioners; a result of the April 6, 2011 municipal elections. The Board will hold officer elections for GEPD Board president, vice president and treasurer.
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!
Paddle Hut and Safety Village construction approved on 4-3 Board decisions
At the Glen Ellyn Park District April 19 meeting the Board approved bids for the first third of the first phase of the Safety Village Project at Maryknoll Park. On a 4-3 vote the Board approved $69,000 in spending for this project although only $50,000 was budgeted for in the GEPD 2011 budget. No explanation was given as to where the additional money would come from. A new cost estimate shows expenses of $324,000 for partial construction of Safety Village. This information was not presented to the Board at the time of the vote. It is included in the packet for the May 3 meeting, starting on page 25. A memo from our previous executive director last summer placed the total cost of Safety Village at over $600,000.
At our April 5 special meeting the Board approved bids for construction of the paddle warming hut. On a 4-3 vote the Board approved $236,383 for construction of the hut and sewer line although only $206,263.07 in funds is available. No explanation was given as to where the additional money would come from. Total costs for the project are $273,073, though this information was not presented to the Board at the time of this vote. It is included in the packet for the May 3 meeting, along with the paddle agreement, starting on page 31.
The Board will address the funding issues for both of these projects at the May 3 Board Meeting.
At our April 5 special meeting the Board approved bids for construction of the paddle warming hut. On a 4-3 vote the Board approved $236,383 for construction of the hut and sewer line although only $206,263.07 in funds is available. No explanation was given as to where the additional money would come from. Total costs for the project are $273,073, though this information was not presented to the Board at the time of this vote. It is included in the packet for the May 3 meeting, along with the paddle agreement, starting on page 31.
The Board will address the funding issues for both of these projects at the May 3 Board Meeting.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Paddle hut bids come in too high
At our last meeting the Board reviewed bids for the platform tennis warming hut. Our agreement with the platform tennis club specified that the two new courts and the hut would not cost more than $350,000 and if the bids came in higher than that then the contract states than the park district can to decide to either change the design to cut costs or cancel the project. The new courts are in place and cost $140,000, leaving $210,000 for the hut. The lowest qualified bidder was $220,000 but that did not include the sewer line for the hut, which is estimated to cost $30,000 to $50,000. It also did not include locks and keys for the hut, necessary safety screening around the deck, grass seed or sod, or any fixtures or furniture for the hut.
The Board was also informed that the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation now plans to donate $30,000 to the platform tennis warming hut. The mission statement of the Foundation is to raise money for scholarships and capital projects. Every year the Park District offers scholarships to needy children who would otherwise not be able to participate in our programs. The demand for scholarships has risen dramatically in the past few years. Last year the Park District spent $33,000 on scholarships, of which the Foundation donated $5,000. There is a finite pool of available donor money. If the Foundation chooses to spend funds on the platform tennis warming hut, then these funds are not available for scholarships or other projects. Without making cuts elsewhere, an expansion of the warming hut project, even with Foundation funds, increases the total spending of Park District funds.
The Foundation is an independent group and should choose how to direct their funds. Likewise, it is the purview of the Park District Board to choose how to direct their funds, to choose what projects to undertake and dictate the scope of those projects. In the case at hand, we have entered into a contract with the platform tennis club that sets the maximum cost of the project. The Foundation has every right to raise funds to put towards the project cost. However, I do not believe that it is appropriate for the Foundation to use its funds to push the Park District to expand the scope of the project beyond what we have already approved.
The estimated costs for the warming hut exceeds the maximum contract amount so I believe the Board should either:
1. Go back to the architect and change the scope of project to reduce the total project cost to no more than $210,000. This provision is specified in our existing contract with the platform tennis club.
2. Cancel plans to build the warming hut. This provision is specified in our existing contract with the platform tennis club
3. Renegotiate our contract with the platform tennis club to secure additional donations for the project.
The Park District should not spend additional dollars beyond the funds we have already committed to this project. The Park District is in a difficult financial position. Our fund reserves are being rapidly drained. We have no ability to take on additional non-referendum bonds. We have a very large liability on our hands fixing the Ackerman complex, and will have little left over for other unforeseen maintenance expenses. I am afraid that our problems at Ackerman have the potential to put the park district into a financial crisis in the very near future. This means that we do not, in my opinion, have the luxury of expanding nonessential capital projects.
The Board meets again on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. This topic is likely to be on the agenda.
The Board was also informed that the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation now plans to donate $30,000 to the platform tennis warming hut. The mission statement of the Foundation is to raise money for scholarships and capital projects. Every year the Park District offers scholarships to needy children who would otherwise not be able to participate in our programs. The demand for scholarships has risen dramatically in the past few years. Last year the Park District spent $33,000 on scholarships, of which the Foundation donated $5,000. There is a finite pool of available donor money. If the Foundation chooses to spend funds on the platform tennis warming hut, then these funds are not available for scholarships or other projects. Without making cuts elsewhere, an expansion of the warming hut project, even with Foundation funds, increases the total spending of Park District funds.
The Foundation is an independent group and should choose how to direct their funds. Likewise, it is the purview of the Park District Board to choose how to direct their funds, to choose what projects to undertake and dictate the scope of those projects. In the case at hand, we have entered into a contract with the platform tennis club that sets the maximum cost of the project. The Foundation has every right to raise funds to put towards the project cost. However, I do not believe that it is appropriate for the Foundation to use its funds to push the Park District to expand the scope of the project beyond what we have already approved.
The estimated costs for the warming hut exceeds the maximum contract amount so I believe the Board should either:
1. Go back to the architect and change the scope of project to reduce the total project cost to no more than $210,000. This provision is specified in our existing contract with the platform tennis club.
2. Cancel plans to build the warming hut. This provision is specified in our existing contract with the platform tennis club
3. Renegotiate our contract with the platform tennis club to secure additional donations for the project.
The Park District should not spend additional dollars beyond the funds we have already committed to this project. The Park District is in a difficult financial position. Our fund reserves are being rapidly drained. We have no ability to take on additional non-referendum bonds. We have a very large liability on our hands fixing the Ackerman complex, and will have little left over for other unforeseen maintenance expenses. I am afraid that our problems at Ackerman have the potential to put the park district into a financial crisis in the very near future. This means that we do not, in my opinion, have the luxury of expanding nonessential capital projects.
The Board meets again on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:00 p.m. This topic is likely to be on the agenda.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
March 22 Meeting: Paddle Hut Bids
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District March 22, 2011 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting.
The Board will review the bids for the paddle warming hut. It is not clear if President Hess intends for the Board is just review the bid documents or to also vote on approving the bid documents. Usually the Board reviews bids at a workshop meeting and then approves them at a regular meeting.
President Hess has not released the bid information to the Board or the public, so we will not have time to review the information prior to the meeting. At our last meeting the architect presented the warming hut plans to the Board, but President Hess did not allow the Board to see the plans or specifications before the meeting. After reviewing the documents I found that several things were missing from the plans and specifications including interior paint, card-swipe door locks, water and sewer lines and safety screening under the deck.
The Board will hold a public hearing and final vote on amending the 2010 Budget and Appropriations Ordinance. It is necessary to amend last year's budget because the 2010 budget was overspent by $500,000.
The Board will also consider changing the name of Churchill Park. Because Churchill Forest Preserve is just a few miles away from Churchill Park, there is often confusion about the two locations.
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 review the bids for the paddle warming hut. It is not clear if President Hess intends for the Board is just review the bid documents or to also vote on approving the bid documents. Usually the Board reviews bids at a workshop meeting and then approves them at a regular meeting.
President Hess has not released the bid information to the Board or the public, so we will not have time to review the information prior to the meeting. At our last meeting the architect presented the warming hut plans to the Board, but President Hess did not allow the Board to see the plans or specifications before the meeting. After reviewing the documents I found that several things were missing from the plans and specifications including interior paint, card-swipe door locks, water and sewer lines and safety screening under the deck.
The Board will hold a public hearing and final vote on amending the 2010 Budget and Appropriations Ordinance. It is necessary to amend last year's budget because the 2010 budget was overspent by $500,000.
The Board will also consider changing the name of Churchill Park. Because Churchill Forest Preserve is just a few miles away from Churchill Park, there is often confusion about the two locations.
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!
Help us search for a new executive director!
The park district is gathering public input as part of the search for a new executive director.
Please join us at one of two public forums in the Board Room at Spring Avenue Recreation Center at 7 pm on Monday, March 21 or Wednesday, March 23.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Cornell, Mayo and Dunn for Glen Ellyn Park Board
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Today we wholeheartedly endorse Kathy Cornell, Gary Mayo and Richard Dunn for the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners.
Since we were elected to the Glen Ellyn Park District Board in 2009 we have worked towards greater fiscal responsibility and increased transparency, but time and time again President Hess and the other commissioners blocked us from making progress on these issues. Our efforts to videotape board meetings, provide basic financial information to the Board, reduce waste in the budget, eliminate deficit spending, and create a facility and fields usage study were all voted down on 4-3 votes. In order to make progress on these issues the community needs to elect new Park District commissioners on April 5.
Kathy, Gary and Rich share our values and have similar goals for the Park District. They want to balance the budget and create a realistic strategic plan based on needs and analysis. They want to stop deficit spending, cut unnecessary costs and prevent wasteful spending to help our overburdened taxpayers. They want the park district to be more responsive to the community and make it easier for the public to learn about the business of the park district. They want to focus on improving playing fields, maintaining our parks, restoring the Lake Ellyn boathouse and conserving our open spaces.
We believe that Kathy, Gary and Rich are the best candidates for the Park District Board. For more information, check out their website at www.cornellmayodunn.com. Please join us in voting for them on April 5, or vote early starting March 14.
Sincerely,
Jay Kinzler,
Melissa Creech,
Julia Nephew
Monday, February 14, 2011
February Meeting: 2010 & 2011 Budgets, Park Improvement List
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District February 15, 2011 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting.
The Board will first hold a special meeting to amend the 2010 Budget and Appropriations Ordinance because the budget that was approved by the Board in 2010 was overspent by $500,000. The Board will also have a final vote on the 2011 Budget which anticipates deficit spending of over $360,000.
The Board will then continue with our regular meeting where we will discuss the Park Improvement List that I mentioned in my last post. There was an interesting article about this subject in TribLocal recently: Glen Ellyn parks official aims to shift focus to neighborhood parks
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 first hold a special meeting to amend the 2010 Budget and Appropriations Ordinance because the budget that was approved by the Board in 2010 was overspent by $500,000. The Board will also have a final vote on the 2011 Budget which anticipates deficit spending of over $360,000.
The Board will then continue with our regular meeting where we will discuss the Park Improvement List that I mentioned in my last post. There was an interesting article about this subject in TribLocal recently: Glen Ellyn parks official aims to shift focus to neighborhood parks
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, January 20, 2011
Neighborhood Park Improvements
Earlier this fall I visited every Glen Ellyn Park District neighborhood park with my children and took note of small ways we could improve the parks. I want to focus attention on our neighborhood parks, where small upgrades - benches, paths, garbage cans, play equipment- can make a big difference to the community. Recently the district has emphasized large construction projects at the expense of these parks.
My intent was for the Board to take a look at these small capital projects as part of our 2011 budget discussion. This did not happen. I sent my Park Improvements List to President Hess in October. The Board briefly discussed the list in closed session in December. I am still waiting for the list to be "cleared" by legal counsel before the Board is allowed to discuss the list in public. I will share the list on my blog as soon as I am allowed.
In the mean time, what projects would you like to see for your neighborhood park? Send me an email or comment here.
My intent was for the Board to take a look at these small capital projects as part of our 2011 budget discussion. This did not happen. I sent my Park Improvements List to President Hess in October. The Board briefly discussed the list in closed session in December. I am still waiting for the list to be "cleared" by legal counsel before the Board is allowed to discuss the list in public. I will share the list on my blog as soon as I am allowed.
In the mean time, what projects would you like to see for your neighborhood park? Send me an email or comment here.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Update: interim Director and 2011 Budget
January 18, 2011
The Board appointed Kathleen Esposito and Dave Scarmardo to be interim executive directors. Commissioners Hess, Dallman, Minogue and Aubrey voted yes, Commissioners Creech, Kinzler and Nephew voted no. I voted no because I do not think it is in the best interest of the park district to have two interim directors.
When Director Atwell announced his retirement in November I immediately suggested that the Board hire an interim director. President Hess refused to consider an interim director and said that we would have a permanent director in place by the time Atwell left on January 14. The only option that President Hess let the Board consider was the dual interim directors. I think we are much better served by one director and a clear chain of command.
The Board elected new officers for 2010 at this meeting: President- Ed Hess, Vice President- Ron Aubrey, Treasurer- Melissa Creech.
During Matters from Commissioners I urged staff to focus on a few high-priority projects. We need to have the Lake Ellyn flooding project in place and operational before spring rains come. We also need to put in paths at Spalding and Surrey parks as soon as the weather breaks for greater access at those parks.
December 21, 2010
The Board approved the 2011 budget on a 4-3 vote with Commissioners Hess, Dallman, Minogue and Aubrey voting yes, and Commissioners Creech, Kinzler and Nephew voting no.
I voted no because I am very concerned about how rapidly we are drawing down our fund reserves. The budget calls for deficit spending of over $360,000 for 2011. This $360,000 deficit spending is the best case scenario for 2011- this assumes that we stick to the budget. In 2010 we planned on $920,000 in deficit spending but staff overspent the budget by $697,690, leaving us $1.6 million down for 2010. President Hess refused to address the deficit spending and the budget overruns when Commissioners Kinzler, Nephew and I expressed our concerns.
We anticipate that the GEPD will have $2.6 million in fund reserves at the end of 2011. However, the reason we have a positive balance is because the previous board approved borrowing $4 million in bonds ten minutes before Commissioners Kinzler, Nephew and I were seated last May. Without borrowing those funds, we would be $1.4 million in debt. Taking out those bonds maxed out our legal debt limit and the GEPD cannot borrow more money until 2013 without a referendum. This leaves us a thin margin for emergencies.
The Board appointed Kathleen Esposito and Dave Scarmardo to be interim executive directors. Commissioners Hess, Dallman, Minogue and Aubrey voted yes, Commissioners Creech, Kinzler and Nephew voted no. I voted no because I do not think it is in the best interest of the park district to have two interim directors.
When Director Atwell announced his retirement in November I immediately suggested that the Board hire an interim director. President Hess refused to consider an interim director and said that we would have a permanent director in place by the time Atwell left on January 14. The only option that President Hess let the Board consider was the dual interim directors. I think we are much better served by one director and a clear chain of command.
The Board elected new officers for 2010 at this meeting: President- Ed Hess, Vice President- Ron Aubrey, Treasurer- Melissa Creech.
During Matters from Commissioners I urged staff to focus on a few high-priority projects. We need to have the Lake Ellyn flooding project in place and operational before spring rains come. We also need to put in paths at Spalding and Surrey parks as soon as the weather breaks for greater access at those parks.
December 21, 2010
The Board approved the 2011 budget on a 4-3 vote with Commissioners Hess, Dallman, Minogue and Aubrey voting yes, and Commissioners Creech, Kinzler and Nephew voting no.
I voted no because I am very concerned about how rapidly we are drawing down our fund reserves. The budget calls for deficit spending of over $360,000 for 2011. This $360,000 deficit spending is the best case scenario for 2011- this assumes that we stick to the budget. In 2010 we planned on $920,000 in deficit spending but staff overspent the budget by $697,690, leaving us $1.6 million down for 2010. President Hess refused to address the deficit spending and the budget overruns when Commissioners Kinzler, Nephew and I expressed our concerns.
We anticipate that the GEPD will have $2.6 million in fund reserves at the end of 2011. However, the reason we have a positive balance is because the previous board approved borrowing $4 million in bonds ten minutes before Commissioners Kinzler, Nephew and I were seated last May. Without borrowing those funds, we would be $1.4 million in debt. Taking out those bonds maxed out our legal debt limit and the GEPD cannot borrow more money until 2013 without a referendum. This leaves us a thin margin for emergencies.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Meeting Tonight: Interim Director Appointed
The agenda and packet for the Glen Ellyn Park District January 18, 2011 meeting are online. This is a regular meeting.
The Board will hear end-of-the-year reports for the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, Sunset Pool and Maryknoll Park.
After meeting in executive session, the Board plans to appoint an interim executive director and hold officer elections for the Board.
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 hear end-of-the-year reports for the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center, Sunset Pool and Maryknoll Park.
After meeting in executive session, the Board plans to appoint an interim executive director and hold officer elections for the Board.
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, January 3, 2011
Special Meeting called for January 4
The Glen Ellyn Park District Board is holding a special meeting to discuss the executive director search on January 4, 2011. The agenda for this meeting is online.
The Board will be meeting in closed session for the majority of the meeting. There are no agenda items for open 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 be meeting in closed session for the majority of the meeting. There are no agenda items for open 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!
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