ATTENDANCE AT MEETING
Board Members Present:
President Mike Reid
Commissioner Susan Aberman
Commissioner Jerry B. Clarito
Others Present:
Director/Secretary John V. Ohrlund
Treasurer William G. Schmidt
Superintendent of Recreation Michelle Tuft
Assistant Superintendent of Parks Michael Rea
Absent:
Vice President Maureen Yanes
Commissioner Michael W. Alter
CALL TO ORDER
President Reid called the regular meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS
President Reid asked the citizens that were present at the meeting to comment when the Park Renaming Request was discussed on the agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
With no items removed from the Consent Agenda, Commissioner Clarito moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Aberman seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted aye. Vice President Yanes and Commissioner Alter were absent. Motion carried. The Consent Agenda consisted of: Minutes from the Regular Board Meeting of June 19, 2012; Bills Payable for the months of June/July 2012; Treasurer’s Report; and Staff Reports.
AUTHORIZATION TO DISPOSE OF FIXED ASSETS – ORDINANCE #12-010
Assistant Superintendent Rea requested authorization from the Board for the disposal of one fixed asset, a 2006 Dodge Charger Coup, which was previously driven by the former Director. The vehicle has served its purpose and is scheduled for an online auction. Ordinance #12-010 authorizes the disposal of this vehicle.
Commissioner Clarito moved to approve Ordinance #12-010 authorizing the disposal of one (1) fixed asset. Commissioner Aberman seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted aye. Vice President Yanes and Commissioner Alter were absent. Motion carried.
REJECTION OF SEAL COATING BID
Assistant Superintendent Rea informed the Board that fourteen bid packets were sent to vendors for the seal coating of parking lots and paths in the District. One bid was received from First Impressions for $120,961.00. The budget for the seal coating work is $81,500.00. Staff is recommending rejecting the bid and rebidding the work.
President Reid inquired why staff thought only bid was received. Assistant Superintendent Rea responded that he did not know why the response was only one bid. He had spoken to a few vendors that had indicated they would bid, but bids were not received. Commissioner Aberman inquired when staff would rebid the work. Assistant Superintendent Rea responded by the end of July. The seal coating work would be done in late summer or early fall.
Commissioner Aberman moved to reject the bids for the crack repairs and seal coating of parking lots and paths and authorize staff to rebid the work. Commissioner Clarito seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted aye. Vice President Yanes and Commissioner Alter were absent. Motion carried.
REVIEW OF PARK RENAMING REQUEST
Executive Director Ohrlund stated that the Sweetow family was present to make a request of the Park Board. A letter was included in the Board packet from Stacy Sweetow Freeman, the daughter of Herb Sweetow, requesting the renaming of Terminal Park in honor of her father.
Mr. Paul Sweetow, 675 Patton Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL addressed the Board. He thanked the Board for allowing him to speak at the meeting. His father, Herb Sweetow, was a former Park Commissioner from 1971-1983. Herb Sweetow also served on the Village of Skokie Planning Commission for 12 years and 3 years as a Trustee for Niles Township. During his time on the Park Board he was very active and involved in the Park District. Mr. Paul Sweetow stated that his father cast the deciding vote on the Board when Weber Park was being created. Mr. Herb Sweetow lived near Terminal Park for 46 years and played softball at Terminal Park until the age of 82. The family is requesting the Park Board to consider renaming Terminal Park to honor his father because of his compelling service to Skokie and his love of Terminal Park.
Commissioner Aberman asked President Reid to read the Board Policy regarding the naming of parks.
President Reid read the policy guidelines. Commissioner Aberman stated that the Board needed more information as to why this consideration should be approved.
Mr. Paul Sweetow stated that his father’s distinguished service to the Park Board, Village of Skokie Planning Commission and Niles Township trustee were some reasons for consideration. Mr. Sweetow spoke of his father’s involvement in the creation of the Weber Park and Skatium and his advocacy for recreation for children and seniors. He was an avid softball player at Terminal Park throughout the years he lived in the Skokie.
President Reid stated that this request would be tabled at this time. Vice President Yanes and Commissioner Alter were not present at the meeting to discuss this matter and no decision should be made on this matter tonight. Further information needs to be collected before the Board can make a determination on renaming Terminal Park.
Executive Director Ohrlund inquired if Herb Sweetow is aware of the family’s request to rename Terminal Park. Mr. Paul Sweetow responded that Herb was not aware of the request.
Mrs. Freeman suggested the Board members interview the softball players at Terminal Park on Sunday to find out more information on her father’s involvement in Terminal Park. Mr. Sweetow and Mrs. Freeman brought a 2006 article from the Pioneer Press that contained some information on their father and Terminal Park. Mr. Sweetow and Mrs. Freeman thanked the Board for the consideration.
AUTHORIZATION TO BID BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS AT WEBER LEISURE CENTER AND DEVONSHIRE CULTURAL CENTER
Assistant Superintendent Rea requested authorization to prepare specifications for the replacement of the building automation systems at Weber Leisure Center and Devonshire Center. The systems are outdated and not functioning properly.
Commissioner Clarito inquired as to what the automation systems control. Executive Director Ohrlund responded that the systems control the heating and air conditioning in all rooms of the two facilities. At the Weber Center the system was damaged during a storm and is being maintained manually. Both items are budgeted in the Building Improvement Fund this year.
Commissioner Clarito moved to authorize staff to prepare bid specifications and solicit proposals for Building Automation System replacements at the Weber Leisure Center and Devonshire Cultural Center. Commissioner Aberman seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted aye. Vice President Yanes and Commissioner Alter were absent. Motion carried.
AUTHORIZATION TO BID CARPET REPLACEMENT AT WEBER LEISURE CENTER
Superintendent Tuft requested authorization to bid carpet replacement at the Weber Leisure Center.
The carpet replacement excludes Fitness First and the Administrative Office. There will be 2 alternates included in the bid. The first alternate will be for the installation of ceramic tile in the hallway between the Weber front desk and the Fitness First front desk instead of carpeting. The second alternate is for the installation of rubber flooring in the gym lobby/table tennis area. The current carpeting is in a high traffic area and does not hold up to heavy usage and wear.
Currently the replacement of Fitness First carpeting is budgeted for 2012-2013. In order to replace the carpeting at the Weber Center it will be necessary to move the Weber Center carpet replacement to this year and delay Fitness First carpeting until the 2013-2014 budget year.
Commissioner Aberman agreed that considering alternate flooring materials that would wear longer is a good idea.
Commissioner Aberman moved to authorize staff to prepare bid specifications and bid out carpet replacement at the Weber Leisure Center. Commissioner Clarito seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted aye. Vice President Yanes and Commissioner Alter were absent. Motion carried.
RECOMMENDATION FOR SKATIUM STUDIO RINK REPAIRS
Executive Director Ohrlund distributed a revised board summary and information on the recommendation for the Skatium studio rink repairs to the Board.
Executive Director Ohrlund explained that the issues with the studio rink repairs to refrigeration and piping systems are very complicated. Investigations have been conducted and until the system is operational it is not known to what extent repairs may be necessary. The system may be operational for the upcoming season as-is, or we may develop leaks to the point where shut-down and system replacement may be necessary. Staff is recommending the approval of an ice system study proposal by Stantec Consulting Services. Stantec can help with the start-up analysis and also be in position to analyze all options for replacement the following year.
Commissioner Aberman inquired if the Park District bids the consulting services. Executive Director Ohrlund responded no, this is a very technical specialized professional service.
Assistant Superintendent Rea has worked with this vendor in the past and stated that they are very professional, top notch and keep you informed every step of the way. They are a good company to work with for this project. They will assist in analyzing the system and make a recommendation on how to proceed with the studio rink.
Executive Director Ohrlund stated that some of the 5 year capital plan projects may be delayed and rescheduled to accommodate these studio rink repairs.
Commissioner Clarito moved to approve the ice system study proposal by Stantec Consulting Service for the basic service fee of $7,200.00. Commissioner Aberman seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted aye. Vice President Yanes and Commissioner Alter were absent. Motion carried.
AUTHORIZATION TO BID REFINISHING OF WEBER GYMNASIUM FLOOR
Superintendent Tuft requested authorization to bid refinishing of the Weber Gymnasium floor.
Superintendent Tuft explained that every September the polyurethane seal on the gymnasium floor is stripped and two new coats are applied to the floor. This year staff would like to do more extensive work on the floor that involves sanding the floor, restriping game lines and logos, applying new coats of polyurethane and replacing cove baseboards.
The gym floor has not been refurbished since its installation in 1995. Superintendent Tuft reported that last year a water based product was used to seal the floor. The odor was not as strong as in the past with this new product. $20,000.00 is budgeted for this project.
Commissioner Aberman moved to authorize staff to prepare bid specifications and accept bids for resurfacing of the Weber Leisure Center gymnasium floor. Commissioner Clarito seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted aye. Vice President Yanes and Commissioner Alter were absent. Motion carried.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Reid confirmed the date of the August Board Meeting with the other Commissioners. The next regular meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at 7:00 P.M.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Aberman asked President Reid if he would be able to speak to the players at Terminal Park to gain further information on Mr. Sweetow for the renaming of the park request. President Reid stated he would go to the park to discretely gather information.
Commissioner Aberman inquired as to the cost of a new sign for the park if the park were to be renamed. Executive Director Ohrlund said the cost is approximately $2,000.00 - $3,000.00.
President Reid reported that the Fourth of July Parade Committee sent the Park Board a certificate in appreciation of the Skokie Park District’s involvement in the Fourth of July Parade. President Reid stated that he received an email from Ann Tennes from the Village of Skokie thanking the Park District for the great Fourth of July events. Mayor Van Dusen sent a letter to the Park District complimenting the Park District’s efforts for the great holiday event.
Commissioner Aberman stated that she attended the Children’s Concert with the Little People last week. It was very enjoyable and entertaining. The children really liked the Little People.
Executive Director Ohrlund reported that he will be meeting with the consulting firm for the Community Assessment Survey next week to begin scheduling the survey process which will include Board input.
Executive Director Ohrlund reported that the skate park progress has slowed down. Nicor has found a 6 inch gas main in the middle of the property. Staff is looking into some options. No further design work can take place until the gas main issue is resolved. The intergovernmental agreement is still being worked on with the different governmental agencies.
Executive Director Ohrlund stated that there were some articles in the Skokie Patch this week relating to the Park District. The first article involved a drug bust at Lee Wright Park and the second article stated there was a vehicle break-in at Weber Park, which was misinformation. The break-in was near the high school.
President Reid inquired about the sewer issues in the parking lot at Oakton Park. Executive Director Ohrlund stated that one of the collapsed sewers will be repaired in about a week. The second repair near the main pool entrance will be done when the pool closes.
Executive Director Ohrlund stated that it has been a stressful season for staff, campers and equipment due to the extremely hot and brutal summer. Pool attendance has been strong this summer, but the extreme heat has affected the attendance, as patrons get tired of being out in the heat.
Executive Director Ohrlund commented that there is no new progress to report on the Skokie Sports Park East project.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Aberman to adjourn the regular meeting. Commissioner Clarito seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted aye. Vice President Yanes and Commissioner Alter were absent. Motion carried. The regular meeting ended at 7:55p.m.
________________________________ _______________________________
Michael Reid John V. Ohrlund
President Secretary