MINUTES OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE
CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE – CHAMBER ROOM
APRIL 27, 2011 6:30 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. Upon roll call the following were present:

John Von Drasek, Chairman
Sean McDermott, Alderman
Michael Smetana, Alderman

Members Absent: None

Also present: Mayor Robert Conrad – Ex-Officio, Karen Michalczyk, Alderman, Bob Pondelicek, Alderman, Wayne Straza, Alderman, Sharon Sweeney, City Clerk, Steve Jasinski, Treasurer, Sharon Peterson, Assistant City Administrator, Steve Drazner, Finance Director, Erik Peck, City Attorney, Edward Krzeminski, Mayor Elect, Jim Jasinski, Alderman Elect

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 6, 2011.

Upon motion made by Alderman McDermott and seconded by Chairman Von Drasek, the minutes were approved.

3. DISCUSSION ON PLEASANTDALE PARK DISTRICT.

Chairman Von Drasek opened this discussion by suggesting that the City may want to look into having the Pleasantdale Park District annex them into the entire Park District. Alderman Smetana asked the Chair why this issue was being discussed, because he has never heard any complaints about the City’s Recreation Department. Chairman Von Drasek explained that during the campaign, he had heard complaints from residents about the lack of a Park District. Alderman McDermott said that he had heard a few complaints as well. Finance Director Drazner explained to the Committee what the cost would be per household on their tax bill. Mr. Drazner gave a range from a $100,000 home to a $400,000 home.

The City Attorney explained that in order to have this question on a referendum at the next general election, the Pleasantdale Park District would need to obtain 100 signatures of residents in favor of it; it would then go to court, if passes in court, the question would be placed on the ballot. This would be a referendum that would come from the Park District however, not the City. After discussion, the Committee directed the Assistant City Administrator to work with the Park District on this and report on this at the next Recreation Committee meeting.

4. DISCUSSION ON WALKING PATH EXTENSION FROM IDEAL SCHOOL.

Assistant City Administrator Peterson updated the Committee on the extension of the walking path at Ideal School Park. The City needs to obtain an easement/dedication from the property owner at 5859 Joliet Road. Phelan Dodge is the current tenant, but they are leasing the property. The City Attorney spoke with the property owner’s Attorney, who stated that the owner is not interested in allowing an easement/dedication for the walking path. There are two other options for the Committee to consider; condemning the property, or building a pedestrian bridge over the drainage ditch and having the walking path on the south side of the ditch. There is a 40 foot Right-of-Way on the property to the south, so the City would not have to obtain an easement/dedication from the other property owner. The estimated cost to build the pedestrian bridge would be $100,000, which does not include engineering costs. The engineering costs would be approximately $15,000 to $20,000, depending on the complexity with the permitting process. After discussion, it was determined that this item would be tabled until alternate funding sources could be obtained.

5. OSLAD GRANT UPDATE.

The application period for the OSLAD grant is from May 1 to July 1, 2011. Assistant City Administrator Peterson is seeking authorization to work with Frank Novotny & Associates Inc. on the Triangle Park project, which includes applying for the OSLAD grant. Frank Novotny & Associates Inc. is also engineers for six other Park Districts in the Chicagoland area. It was the consensus of the Recreation Committee to work with Frank Novotny & Associates Inc. for the Triangle Area park project. City Engineer John Fitzgerald will prepare an Engineering Agreement for this project.

6. DISCUSSION ON SCOOTER RAFFLE AT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES.

There was discussion on the scooter raffle at the summer concerts and what charity to donate the money to. After discussion, it was determined that the raffle proceeds would go to a Breast Cancer Foundation.

7. OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS.

None.

8. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further recreation business, the meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm.