Park Board Minutes - July 23, 2009
Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting Of The Commissioners And Officers Of The Winnetka Park District, Winnetka, Illinois
Thursday, July 23, 2009
President Pierce called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. and Secretary Gullen took roll call. Present were Commissioners DiCola, Harney, Kahnweiler, Snyder, McLane and Pierce. Also present were Attorney Holtz and staff members Gullen, Smith, Farmer, Volpe and Schaum. Absent: Vanden Bosch
JULY 2009 VOUCHERS
The Board was presented with the July 2009 Vouchers. Commissioner Harney met with Financial Officer Farmer on questions in regards to the July Vouchers. Harney was satisfied with the review.
Commissioner Harney moved to approve the July Vouchers for 2009 as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner DiCola and a roll call vote was taken.
Voting – Aye: DiCola, Harney, Kahnweiler, Snyder, McLane and Pierce
Voting – Nay: None
Absent: Vanden Bosch
MOTION CARRIED
JUNE 2009 FINANCIALS
Financial Officer Farmer highlighted the financials for June 2009.
After Board review, Commissioner Kahnweiler moved to approve the Financials for June 2009 as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Harney and passed by a voice vote.
NIELSEN TRIBUTE
Mr. Charlie Schaff longtime friend of Art Nielsen Jr., was present to request a Park District contribution for a plaque and trophy case in both Art Nielsen Jr. and Sr.’s honor.
Mr. Nielsen is 90 and his health is on the decline, Mr. Schaff would like to fast forward this tribute so that Mr. Nielsen can be present at the dedication. The A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center would not exist without the contributions from the Nielsen’s and Mr. Schaff feels this would be a great way in honoring the family.
Mr. Schaff and staff have been discussing numerous items; a bronzed wall plaque and a trophy case with two sections one for Art Nielsen Sr., and one for Art Nielsen Jr., the estimated expense for these items $8,000 - $10,000.
Staff feels this is an appropriate contribution and will also seek outside financial contributions.
After a brief discussion, Commissioner DiCola moved to allocate $8,000 towards this project honoring the Nielsen Family. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Snyder and a roll call vote was taken.
Voting – Aye: DiCola, Harney, Kahnweiler, Snyder, McLane and Pierce
Voting – Nay: None
Absent: Vanden Bosch
MOTION CARRIED
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TERMS AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF WINNETKA AND THE WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT
Attorney Holtz highlighted the changes that were made to the lease agreement and answered questions from the Board.
After further review, Commissioner Snyder moved to approve the Resolution #09-07-23-1 Approving the Terms and Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Lease agreement between the Village of Winnetka and the Winnetka Park District. The motion was seconded by Commissioner DiCola and a roll call vote was taken.
Voting – Aye: DiCola, Harney, Kahnweiler, Snyder, McLane and Pierce
Voting – Nay: None
Absent: Vanden Bosch
MOTION CARRIED
CONSENT AGENDA
Park Board Minutes from 07/09/09
Safety Committee Minutes from June
Tennis Court Resurfacing Bids
Commissioner Kahnweiler moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner DiCola and a roll call vote was taken.
Voting – Aye: DiCola, Harney, Kahnweiler, Snyder, McLane and Pierce
Voting – Nay: None
Absent: Vanden Bosch
MOTION CARRIED
SERVICE CENTER UPDATE
Smith reported that three price quotes were obtained for relocating the loading platform at the Village Public Works Maintenance Yard. As part of the agreement to cover relocation cost, the Village proceeded with the construction of the new retaining wall for loading yard waste into semi trailers which is now located on the upper plateau of the landfill. A formal invoice will be forthcoming.
Smith also reported that to obtain the MWRD, the Park District needs to obtain permission from the Cook County Forest Preserve. Smith will be contacting them within the next week and report back to the Board.
The Board was presented with an updated construction schedule.
IMRF
Financial Officer Farmer stated that beginning in 2010, the Winnetka Park District has the following IMRF contribution rate options:
1. Pay the new actuarial contribution rate (ARC) of 11.57% (annual cost $326,237).
2. Adopt the phase-in-plan with a 10% cap on employer increases. Our rate will
increase from 8.96% to 9.86 (annual cost $278,020).
3. Pay the new rate of 11.57% in 2010 and then electing the 10% phase in-plan in a future
year (depending upon the District's financial position).
Farmer reported that at the June 27, 2009 Regular Board Meeting, staff was instructed to estimate the cost of accepting the IMRF Phase-In rate or the ARC provided by IMRF.
Staff reported that at a meeting with Peter Koukas and Walter Stock of Mesirow Financial, staff asked for their opinion in regards to which option the District should select. Mr. Koukas indicated if the District was financially able to pay the "ARC" rate, then paying the higher rate up front would save money in the long run and -be fiscally responsible.
After further research, staff is recommending "Option # 3" to pay the new rate of 11.57% in 2010 and (if needed) to adopt the 10% phase-in-plan in a future year. The District has enough reserves to pay the estimated $48,000 increase now, therefore saving interest and reducing the obligation in future years.
After Board Discussion, Commissioner McLane moved to approve staff’s recommendation to pay the new IMRF rate of 11.57% in 2010. The motion was seconded by Commissioner DiCola and a roll call vote was taken.
Voting – Aye: DiCola, Harney, Kahnweiler, Snyder, McLane and Pierce
Voting – Nay: None
Absent: Vanden Bosch
MOTION CARRIED
MOTION RATIFYING APPOINTMENT OF DR. TERRY G. SCHWARTZ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND SECRETARY OF THE WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT
Commissioner Kahnweiler motioned to ratify the Appointment of Dr. Terry G. Schwartz Executive Director and Secretary of the Winnetka Park District. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McLane and a roll call vote was taken.
Voting – Aye: DiCola, Harney, Kahnweiler, Snyder, McLane and Pierce
Voting – Nay: None
Absent: Vanden Bosch
MOTION CARRIED
The Board welcomed Terry and his wife Michelle to Winnetka. Terry Schwartz’s first day of employment will be August 1, 2009.
REMARKS FROM VISITORS
Todd Kroll of 269 Chestnut, Winnetka, expressed his pleasure on the possibility of improvements to the Skokie Playfield. Mr. Kroll noted that current field space is limited and a reconfiguration of the playfield could increase usage to other sports other than baseball/softball. Mr. Kroll is active in lacrosse.
The Board thanked Mr. Kroll for coming and will keep him and the community informed on the Master Plan process.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
The Board would like a presentation from financial advisors Mesirow Financial.
Commissioner Harney moved to adjourn the Board meeting at 8:15 p.m. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kahnweiler and passed by a voice vote.
